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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32-2 - Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.s103254_ex32-2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32-1 - Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.s103254_ex32-1.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31-1 - Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.s103254_ex31-1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31-2 - Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.s103254_ex31-2.htm

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

  

 

(Mark One)

 

x Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

 

or

¨ Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

For the transition period from ___________________ to _______________________

 

Commission File Number 000-52745

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada 98-0534859
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

1707 Cole Boulevard, Suite 350, Golden, Colorado 80401
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(720) 575-4222

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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. x Yes ¨ No

 

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

 

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

 

                                        Large accelerated filer ¨   Accelerated filer ¨
                                        Non-accelerated filer ¨   Smaller reporting company x

 

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

 

As of May 11, 2016, the Registrant had 75,311,764 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 

 

 

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

 

Table of Contents

 

  Page
Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
   
Item 1 - Financial Statements  
Unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 1
Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 2
Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ deficit for the three months ended March 31, 2016 3
Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 4
   Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 6
   
Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 24
   
Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 38
   
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures 38
   
Part II - OTHER INFORMATION  
   
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings 40
   
Item 1A – Risk Factors 40
   
Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 41
   
Item 3 - Defaults upon Senior Securities 41
   
Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures 41
   
Item 5 - Other Information 41
   
Item 6 – Exhibits 41
   
Signatures 42

 

 

 

 

Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1 - Financial Statements

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

   March 31,
2016
   December 31,
2015
 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and equivalents  $950   $690 
Accounts receivable, net   2,041    2,957 
Inventories   4,787    5,118 
Prepaid expenses and other   2,362    2,271 
Total current assets   10,140    11,036 
           
Other assets:          
Goodwill   47,046    47,723 
Identifiable intangible assets, net   31,550    34,173 
Property and equipment, net   2,000    2,099 
Debt issuance costs and other   141    283 
Total assets  $90,877   $95,314 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT          
Current liabilities:          
Current maturities of debt financing  $28,611   $22,942 
Accounts payable   4,668    4,463 
Accrued interest and other   7,440    11,674 
Current portion of warrant and derivative liabilities   67,354    54,908 
Total current liabilities   108,073    93,987 
           
Long-term liabilities:          
Debt financing, net of current maturities   70,679    67,971 
Deferred income taxes   4,505    4,318 
Total liabilities   183,257    166,276 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)          
           
Stockholders' deficit:          
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 75,311,764 and 74,552,006 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively   75    75 
Additional paid-in capital   388,543    387,793 
Accumulated deficit   (474,783)   (454,352)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (6,215)   (4,478)
           
Total stockholders' deficit   (92,380)   (70,962)
           
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit  $90,877   $95,314 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 1 

 

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

   2016   2015 (Note 1) 
         
Net sales  $11,718   $11,630 
Cost of goods sold   5,069    5,273 
           
Gross profit   6,649    6,357 
           
Operating expenses:          
Selling, general and administrative:          
Compensation and benefits:          
Salaries, wages and benefits   2,503    2,482 
Stock-based compensation   750    9,878 
Professional fees and administrative   2,757    4,007 
Marketing and selling   2,883    4,024 
Depreciation and amortization   2,333    2,296 
Severance   28    - 
           
Total operating expenses   11,254    22,687 
           
Loss from operations   (4,605)   (16,330)
           
Other income (expense):          
Warrant fair value adjustment   (4,216)   (6,989)
Derivative fair value adjustment   255    29,928 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   (8,571)   (128)
Gain on extinguishment of warrants   86    32,401 
Interest expense   (3,248)   (39,162)
Debt financing inducement expense   -    (66,434)
Gain on troubled debt restructuring   59    - 
           
Total other income (expense), net   (15,635)   (50,384)
           
Loss before income taxes   (20,240)   (66,714)
           
Income tax expense   (191)   (252)
           
Net income (loss)   (20,431)   (66,966)
           
Other comprehensive loss:          
Foreign currency translation loss   (1,737)   (3,292)
           
Comprehensive loss  $(22,168)  $(70,258)
           
Net loss per common share (basic and diluted)  $(0.27)  $(3.46)
           
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (basic and diluted)   75,113,000    19,367,000 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 2 

 

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

                   Accumulated     
           Additional       Other     
   Common Stock   Paid-in   Accumulated   Comprehensive     
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit (Note 1)   Loss   Total 
                         
Balances, December 31, 2015   74,552,006   $75   $387,793   $(454,352)  $(4,478)  $(70,962)
                               
Issuance of common stock for:                              
Vesting of restricted stock   182,832    -    -    -    -    - 
Board of director fees   461,541    -    120    -    -    120 
Officer bonus   115,385    -    30    -    -    30 
Other stock-based compensation   -    -    600    -    -    600 
Foreign currency translation loss   -    -    -    -    (1,737)   (1,737)
Net loss   -    -    -    (20,431)   -    (20,431)
                               
Balances, March 31, 2016   75,311,764   $75   $388,543   $(474,783)  $(6,215)  $(92,380)

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 3 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Dollars in Thousands)

  

   2016   2015 (Note 1) 
         
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:          
Net loss  $(20,431)  $(66,966)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   2,333    2,296 
Deferred income tax benefit   187    (226)
Stock-based compensation   750    9,878 
Issuance of common stock for services and cancellation of derivatives   -    5 
Debt financing inducement expense   -    66,434 
Warrant fair value adjustment   4,216    6,989 
Derivative fair value adjustment   (255)   (29,928)
Loss on extinguishment and conversion of debt   8,571    128 
Gain on extinguishment of warrants   (86)   (32,401)
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs   546    10,480 
Warrants issued for interest   -    24,445 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Decrease (increase) in:          
Accounts receivable, net   916    323 
Inventories   330    1,598 
Prepaid expenses and other   (58)   2,919 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses   (2,294)   70 
Net cash used in operating activities   (5,275)   (3,956)
           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Payments for property and equipment   (255)   (30)
           
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
Proceeds from debt financings   6,926    6,886 
Principal payments under debt financings   (719)   (3,533)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options   -    12 
Net cash provided by financing activities   6,207    3,365 
Impact of changes in foreign exchange rates   (417)   (457)
Net increase in cash and equivalents   260    (1,078)
           
Cash and Equivalents:          
Beginning of period   690    2,099 
End of period  $950   $1,021 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 4 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

   2016   2015 (Note 1) 
         
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:          
Cash paid for interest  $346   $28 
Cash paid for income taxes  $-   $- 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:          
Fair value of derivatives issued in debt and equity financings  $-   $85,250 
Settlement and rollover of debt financings, accrued interest and prepayment penalties in new borrowings  $2,117   $- 

  

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 5 

 

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

1.           BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Basis of Presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements have been included.

 

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our financial condition as of March 31, 2016, and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition and results of operations that may be expected for any future interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2016.

 

Change in Estimate. The Company periodically reviews the depreciation and amortization periods for long-lived assets to ensure that the service lives coincide with the periods over which the assets are expected to provide service benefits. During the first quarter of 2016, management determined that the amortization periods for identifiable intangible assets associated with the FIN reporting unit should be reduced. Accordingly, the amortization period for customer relationships was reduced from 10 years to 4 years, and the amortization period for trade names was reduced from 13 years to 10 years. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the aggregate effect of this change in estimate resulted in an increase in the Company’s net loss by $348 (less than $0.01 per share).

 

Revision of 2015 Statement of Operations. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, during the fourth quarter of 2015 management discovered two errors, one of which affects the previously issued financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2015. This reporting error relates to the issuance of a credit to a large customer of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, FIN Electronic Cigarette Corporation, Inc., in June 2014 and resulted from the Company’s agreement to provide retroactive price concessions. In the previously issued balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, the Company failed to account for the unsettled portion of this price concession through the recognition of a liability of $2,269 as of December 31, 2014. The impact of this error on the Company’s previously reported results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015, was an understatement of net sales by $538. 

 

Management has evaluated the effect of this error on the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and determined that the impact is quantitatively and qualitatively immaterial to the Company’s previously reported results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Therefore, the Company determined that an amendment of the previously filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for three months ended March 31, 2015 was not necessary. Accordingly, under SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 the Company has revised the previously issued financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included herein to correct this error.

 

Additionally, in the previously issued statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company incorrectly classified certain expenses which have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. These reclassifications have been corrected in the statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and explained in the footnotes to the table below.

 

The following table sets forth the previously reported results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 along with the adjustments discussed above to reconcile previously reported amounts to the revised amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements:

 

 6 

 

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

   Previously         
   Reported   Adjustments   Revised 
             
Net sales  $11,092   $538(1)  $11,630 
Cost of goods sold   (5,830)   557(2)   (5,273)
Gross profit   5,262    1,095    6,357 
                
         (557)(2)     
Operating expenses   (22,945)   815(3)   (22,687)
Loss from operations   (17,683)   1,353    (16,330)
Other income (expense), net   (49,569)   (815)(3)   (50,384)
Income before income taxes   (67,252)   538    (66,714)
Income tax expense   (252)   -    (252)
                
Net loss  $(67,504)  $538   $(66,966)
                
Loss per common share- basic and diluted  $(3.49)  $0.03   $(3.46)

 

 

(1)Revision of previously reported net sales related to the correction of an error for $538 in the accounting for a retroactive price concession, as discussed above.
(2)Reclassification of $557 of kiosk rental costs from cost of goods sold to selling and marketing expenses.
(3)Reclassification of $810 loss on conversion of notes from professional fees and other to derivative fair value adjustment and reclassification of $5 of interest expense from professional fees and other to interest expense.

 

2.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements include assumptions used to determine the fair value of (i) debt with conversion features and embedded derivatives, (ii) warrant liabilities, (iii) stock-based compensation, and (iv) the initial valuation of acquisition intangibles and other net assets acquired or assumed. Other significant estimates include assumptions related to the periodic evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill, the selection of estimated useful lives of identifiable intangible assets, revenue recognition and the provision for sales returns, the allowance for doubtful accounts, the provision for excess and obsolete inventory, and the recoverability of net deferred income tax assets.

 

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries Victory Electronic Cigarettes, Inc. (“VEC”), Must Have Limited (“VIP”), FIN Electronic Cigarette Corporation, Inc. (“FIN”), Vapestick Holdings Limited (“Vapestick”), and Hardwire Interactive Acquisition Company (“GEC”). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries beginning on the date of formation or acquisition. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

 

Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts and balances in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on working capital, net income (loss), stockholders’ deficit or cash flows as previously reported.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements. The following recently issued accounting standards are not yet effective; the Company is assessing the impact these standards will have on its consolidated financial statements as well as the period in which adoption is expected to occur:

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This comprehensive guidance will replace all existing revenue recognition guidance and, as amended, is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein.

 

 7 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This ASU is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. Among other things, this ASU requires certain equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”, which will supersede the existing guidance for lease accounting. This ASU will require lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06, “Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments”, which clarifies the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The core change with this ASU is the simplification of several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted.

 

The following recently issued accounting standards were adopted effective January 1, 2016; the impact of adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

 

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging: Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity”. This ASU does not change the current criteria in GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required, but clarifies how current GAAP should be interpreted in the evaluation of the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share, reducing existing diversity in practice.

 

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, “Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items”, that will simplify income statement classification by removing the concept of extraordinary items from GAAP. The separate disclosure of extraordinary items after income from continuing operations in the income statement is longer permitted.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”. The new standard is intended to improve targeted areas of consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. 

 

During 2015, the FASB issued ASUs No. 2015-03 and No. 2015-15 titled “Interest-Imputation of Interest”, which generally requires the presentation of debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liabilities. However, for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the Company may continue presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. The Company elected to continue to present debt issuance costs related to its line of credit as an asset in its consolidated balance sheets.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value.  ASU No. 2015-11 defines net realizable value as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. 

 

3.           LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN

 

The Company is continuing its efforts to recover from unanticipated difficulties in fully integrating four business combinations completed over a period of seven months in 2014, and an aborted public offering of the Company’s common stock during the fourth quarter of 2014. The Company incurred net losses of $20,431 and $66,966 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company used cash in its operating activities of $5,275 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a working capital deficit of $97,933 and an accumulated deficit of $474,783.

 

 8 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

Over the past two fiscal years, the Company has relied on debt and equity financings to fund its acquisitions and negative operating cash flows. As of March 31, 2016, convertible debt in the aggregate principal balance of $19,457 matures during the third quarter of 2016. If the market price of the Company’s common stock does not increase above the conversion prices that range between $0.45 and $0.75 per share, the conversion options will not be exercised by the holders and the Company will be required to seek additional financing to retire the debt or renegotiate an extended due date, of which there can be no assurance that either tactic will be successful. Even if the market price of the Company’s common stock is higher than the conversion price, there is no assurance that holders will convert which would require the Company to pay cash. On September 30, 2015, the Company entered into a Forbearance Agreement with a major term loan lender since the Company did not have adequate capital resources to satisfy the payment of $1,251 of accrued interest. As of April 1, 2016, the Company was delinquent in making an aggregate of $2,373 of interest payments on its outstanding debt. As a result of these and other factors, the Company’s capital resources may be insufficient to enable the execution of its global business plan in the near term. These and other conditions create ongoing substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations and to continue operating as a going concern in the normal course of business.

 

During 2015, the Company faced obstacles that required major restructuring and financing activities and, in response to those challenges, the Company successfully completed the following actions to improve liquidity and operating results:

 

·Management negotiated and settled 15 outstanding legal disputes.
·The Company relocated its corporate headquarters to Denver, Colorado and key employees were hired to address needs in the accounting and information technology functions.
·Obtained credit terms from six major contract manufacturers.
·Negotiated outstanding liabilities from over 23 major customers and law firms, reducing liabilities from $6,400 to $3,800.
·Reduced public company costs from an annual run rate of $3,000 to $700 .
·Reduced landed cost of AVS refills by 22%.
·Launched vaping system in GEC division, and turnaround revenue reaching approximately $7,300 in 2015 after reaching approximately $2,500 in the first six months of 2015.
·Established a new returns policy eliminating liability associated with unlimited returns.
·Initiated international growth discussions in Europe and Africa.
·Term Debt financing in the aggregate original principal amount of $47,214 was obtained in the second quarter of 2015. This financing enabled the repayment or restructuring of debt that had been in default as of December 31, 2014, and the renegotiation with lenders to eliminate some of the highly dilutive features contained in previous debt instruments and warrants.
·On October 30, 2015, the Company obtained Term Debt Financing for $18,000. The proceeds from this financing were primarily used to repay outstanding debt and delinquent trade payables.
·On January 11, 2016, the Company obtained Term Debt Financing for $9,043. The proceeds from this financing were used for (i) payment of $5,300 to settle patent infringement litigation and other legal settlements, (ii) repayment of convertible debt and delinquent accrued interest for $2,086, (iii) settlement of delinquent trade payables and costs of the financings for $650, (iv) repayment of $257 of principal on the VIP Promissory Notes, and (v) the remaining $750 was available for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
·As discussed in Note 6(c), during the first and second quarters of 2015, 15% Notes for $19,457 in principal were restructured to reduce the interest rate from 15.0% to 8.0% and the maturity date was extended for 18 months until July and August of 2016. Additionally, 15% Notes for $1,858 of principal converted to shares of common stock and 15% Notes for $4,140 of principal agreed to exchange their notes for 10% exchange convertible notes.

 

 9 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

·As of December 31, 2014, the Company owed an aggregate of $11,000 for the VIP Promissory Notes and $5,000 for a related earnout payment. The Term Debt financing obtained in the second quarter of 2015 enabled the repayment of $8,600 of the VIP Promissory Notes and extension of the maturity date for the $5,000 compensatory earnout until December 2017.

 

Management’s plans are now keenly focused on profitable growth and improving cash flows from operating activities through the following key initiatives designed to improve efficiency and lower costs:

 

·Establish VIP as the #1 premium global brand in the segment, measured by net revenue;
·Utilize the FIN and Vapestick brands as the traditional retail brands;
·Expand profitably into non-traditional channels and new markets through distribution partnerships;
·Strengthen the organizational talent base;
·Become a low-cost provider; and
·Improve working capital.

 

Despite the substantial actions taken to date, substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern remains. In addition to seeking additional financing, management believes that a crucial near term step will involve negotiations with the Company’s lenders to restructure the terms under existing debt agreements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to restructure existing debt agreements or generate sufficient operating cash flows to continue operations in the normal course of business. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments for the recoverability and valuation of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

4.           GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill consists of the following by reporting unit as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

Reporting Unit  2016   2015 
         
FIN  $16,586   $16,586 
VIP   10,295    10,606 
Vapestick   12,094    12,460 
GEC   8,071    8,071 
           
Total  $47,046   $47,723 

 

Goodwill decreased by $677 between December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2016 due to foreign exchange translation adjustments associated with the VIP and Vapestick acquisitions.

 

Identifiable Intangible Assets.

 

Identifiable intangible assets consist of the following:

 

   March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
       Accumulated   Net Book       Accumulated   Net Book 
   Cost   Amortization   Value   Cost   Amortization   Value 
                         
Customer relationships  $30,201   $(14,205)  $15,996   $30,623   $(12,744)  $17,879 
Trade names   19,494    (4,975)   14,519    19,808    (4,637)   15,171 
Internet domains and websites   1,059    (205)   854    1,091    (184)   907 
Non-compete agreements   420    (239)   181    420    (204)   216 
                               
Total  $51,174   $(19,624)  $31,550   $51,942   $(17,769)  $34,173 

 

 10 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

Amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets amounted to $2,025 and $2,087 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

5.           PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment consists of the following as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

Description  2016   2015 
         
Office furniture and equipment  $2,558   $2,376 
Retail inventory displays   1,026    1,026 
Leasehold improvements   178    183 
Other   65    67 
Total property and equipment   3,827    3,652 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization   (1,827)   (1,553)
           
Property and equipment, net  $2,000   $2,099 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment amounted to $308 and $209 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

6.           DEBT FINANCING

 

(a) Debt Summary

 

The Company’s debt financing arrangements consist of the following as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

   Original  Stated  As of March 31, 2016   Net Balance 
   Date of  Maturity  Interest       Unamortized   Net   December 31, 
Description  Financing  Date  Rate (1)   Principal (2)   Discount (3)   Balance   2015 
                           
Credit Agreements:                               
April 2015 Term Loans  April 2015  April 2018   12.0%  $41,214(4)  $(2,805)  $38,409   $38,027 
June 2015 Term Loan  June 2015  April 2018   12.0%   6,000(4)   -    6,000    6,000 
October 2015 Term Loan  October 2015  April 2018   12.0%   18,000(4)   -    18,000    18,000 
January 2016 Term Loan  October 2015  April 2018   12.0%   9,043(4)   -    9,043    - 
Forbearance Agreement  September 2015  March 2017   14.0%   1,251(4)   -    1,251    1,251 
Convertible Debt  Various  Various   Various    19,457(5)   -    19,457    19,785 
VIP Promissory Notes  April 2014  December 2017   5.4%   7,130(6)   -    7,130    7,400 
Unsecured Note  March 2015  March 2016   0.4%   -(7)   -    -    450 
                                
Total debt financing             $102,095   $(2,805)   99,290    90,913 
Less current maturities                        (28,611)   (22,942)
                                
Long-term debt, less current maturities                       $70,679   $67,971 

 

 

(1)Interest Rate. The stated interest rate is the contractual rate of interest specified in the debt agreement. For variable rate debt and amended debt agreements, the rate in effect as of March 31, 2016 is shown. For debt paid off during the three months ended March 31, 2016, the rate in effect on December 31, 2015 is shown. See also Note 7 for accounting for the fair value of compound embedded derivatives and detachable common stock purchase warrants that are bifurcated from the host debt agreement and accounted for at fair value.

 

(2)Prepayment Penalties. In addition to the principal balance shown, certain debt agreements provide for prepayment penalties up to 20% if the debt is repaid prior to the maturity date.

 

 11 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

  

(3)Unamortized Discounts. Original issue discounts (“OID”) are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. The unamortized discount represents the portion of OID that will be charged to interest expense over the remaining term of the respective debt agreements. 

 

(4)Credit Agreements. In April 2015, the Company entered into credit agreements with (i) Calm Waters Partnership (“Calm Waters”), an institutional investor and (ii) a group of 15 investors (the “Additional Lenders”), on substantially identical terms, pursuant to which Calm Waters made term loans to the Company of $35,000 and the Additional Lenders made term loans of $6,214 (collectively referred to as the “April Term Loans”). In June 2015, the Company and Calm Waters entered into an amendment that provided for an additional term loan (the “June Term Loan”) for $6,000. In October 2015, the Company and Calm Waters entered into an amendment that provided for an additional term loan (the “October Term Loan”) for $18,000. In January 2016, the Company and Calm Waters entered into an amendment that provided for an additional term loan of $9,043 (the “January Term Loan”). The April, June, October and January Term Loans mature in April 2018 and bear interest at the rate of 12.0% per annum.

 

The January Term Loan proceeds were used for (i) payment of $5,300 to settle patent infringement litigation and other legal settlements, (ii) repayment of convertible debt and delinquent accrued interest for $2,086, (iii) settlement of delinquent trade payables and costs of the financings for $650, (iv) repayment of $270 of principal on the VIP Promissory Notes, and (v) the remaining $737 was available for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

 

For the period from October 2016 through March 2018, the Company is required to make monthly principal payments of $1,267 under the April, June, October and January Term Loans. Borrowings under the credit agreements are collateralized by security interests in all of the present and future assets of the Company (except as otherwise provided herein). In addition, the Company pledged all of its equity interests in its subsidiaries as collateral for its obligations under these credit agreements. The credit agreements contain customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, among others, covenants that limit or restrict the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, merge or consolidate, dispose of property or assets, make investments or loans, make acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, pay dividends or make distributions, engage in any business other than its current business, undergo a change of control, or issue equity interests, in each case subject to customary exceptions. In addition, the credit agreements contain customary events of default that entitle the lenders to cause any or all of the Company’s indebtedness under the credit agreements to become immediately due and payable. The events of default include, among others, non-payment, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, and commencement or filing of a petition for relief under any federal or state bankruptcy laws. Upon the occurrence of an event of default and following any applicable cure periods, a default interest rate of an additional 2% may be applied to the outstanding loan balances, and the Lenders may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable.

 

On September 30, 2015, the Company and Calm Waters entered into a Forbearance Agreement pursuant to which the Company and Calm Waters agreed, among other things, to provide for a forbearance period up to 18 months until March 31, 2017 (the “Forbearance Period”) with respect to the collection of $1,251 of accrued interest payable to Calm Waters through September 30, 2015. During the Forbearance Period, the $1,251 forbearance amount accrues interest at 14.0% per annum.

 

As additional consideration to induce Calm Waters to enter into the January Term Loan, the Company issued warrants to purchase 45,214,775 shares of the Company’s common stock, which are exercisable for a period of seven years from the original issue date, and have an exercise price of $0.25 per share. In connection with the credit agreements, as amended, during 2015 the Company granted Calm Waters and the Additional Lenders warrants to purchase an aggregate of 252,194,035 shares of the Company’s common stock. See Note 7 for further information on the Company’s warrants and see Note 7 for a discussion of all warrants held by Calm Waters. The Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the lenders, pursuant to which the Company agreed to register all of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants on a registration statement on Form S-1 to be filed with the SEC within 45 calendar days following request to do so by Calm Waters, and to cause the registration statement to be declared effective within 90 days following the initial filing date. If the registration statement is not filed or declared effective in a timely manner, the Company is required to pay partial liquidated damages up to 3% of the aggregate principal of each lender’s Term Loan.

 

The obligations of the Company under the credit agreements are guaranteed by FIN, GEC, VCIG LLC (“VCIG”), Victory Electronic Cigarettes, Inc. (“Victory”), Vapestick, VIP and E-Cigs UK Holding Company Limited (“UK Holding), each of which is a direct or indirect 100% owned subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the “Loan Parties”), pursuant to (i) a Guarantee and Collateral Agreement entered into on April 27, 2015, among the Loan Parties and the Lead Lender (the “Lead Lender Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”) and (ii) a Guarantee and Collateral Agreement entered into in April 2015, among the Loan Parties and the agent (the “Agent”) for the Additional Lenders (the “Additional Lenders Guarantee and Collateral Agreement” and together with the Lead Lender Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the “Guarantee and Collateral Agreements”). The Term Loan Agreements are collateralized against substantially all of the Company’s assets, except as otherwise noted herein. The Company has also entered into Intercreditor Agreements that govern the relative priorities (and certain other rights) of the Lead Lender, the Additional Lenders, the former shareholders of VIP, and the holders of the Company’s 15% Notes pursuant to the respective security agreements that each have entered into with the Loan Parties.

 

 12 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

As of April 1, 2016, the Company was delinquent in making an aggregate of $1,984 of interest payments due to Calm Waters under the term loans.

 

(5)Convertible to Common Stock. The outstanding principal balance and accrued interest of the Convertible Debt is convertible to shares of the Company’s common stock. Additional details about outstanding convertible debt agreements are summarized in Note 6(c).

 

(6)VIP Promissory Notes. In April 2014, the Company issued $11,000 of promissory notes (the “VIP Promissory Notes”) in connection with the acquisition of VIP. The VIP Promissory Notes provided for interest at 10.0% and matured in December 2014. During 2014, additional consideration of $5,000 was also due under an earnout provision in the acquisition agreement. In April 2015, the VIP Promissory Notes were amended whereby the Company agreed to combine the $5,000 earnout (which provides for interest at 3.5% per annum) into the VIP Promissory Notes. Under the amended terms, the Company agreed to make principal payments of (i) $8,000 in April 2015, (ii) $300 per month from October 2016 through November 2017, and (iii) accrued interest and any remaining principal balance is payable in December 2017. In addition, the Company made a principal payment of $100 in January 2015, $500 in October 2015 and $270 in January 2016 as a concession to obtain the January Term Loan discussed above, resulting in an outstanding principal balance of $7,130 as of March 31, 2016.

 

(7)Unsecured Note. In March 2015, the Company exchanged the remaining principal amount of $9,149 related to the Senior Secured 6% Notes with an accredited investor for (i) a cash payment of $13,000, (ii) an unsecured note in the principal amount of $1,800 (the “Unsecured Note”) and (iii) the issuance of warrants to purchase 8,333,333 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.45 per share (the “Prepaid Warrants”) for which the holders prepaid the exercise fee in the aggregate amount of $3,750. During 2015 all of the Prepaid Warrants were exercised.

 

The Unsecured Note was due March 1, 2016 and bears interest at a rate of 0.40% per annum. The principal amount of the Unsecured Note is payable in twelve equal monthly installments of $150 on the first business day of each month from April 2015 through March 2016. The Unsecured Note was paid off at maturity.

 

(b) Future Maturities Under Debt Financing Agreements

 

Based on debt agreements in effect as of March 31, 2016, the future principal payment requirements are shown below:

 

Year Ending March 31,    
     
2017  $30,110 
2018   20,535 
2019   51,450 
      
Total  $102,095 

 

(c) Terms of Convertible Debt Agreements 

 

Presented below is a summary of the terms of outstanding convertible debt agreements as of March 31, 2016, with comparable net balances as of December 31, 2015:

 

                 Principal Balance 
   Date of  Maturity  Interest   Conversion   March 31,   December 31, 
Description  Financing  Date  Rate (1)   Price (2)   2016 (3)   2015 
                       
Senior Secured Notes:                          
Former 15% Notes  January 2014  July 2016   8.0%  $0.75   $6,857   $6,857 
Former 15% Notes  February 2014  August 2016   8.0%  $0.75    12,100    12,100 
Former 15% Notes  February 2014  August 2016   8.0%  $0.45    500    500 
Total                   19,457    19,457 
5% OID Notes  January 2015  January 2016   12.0%  $0.21    -(4)   328 
                           
Total convertible debt                  $19,457   $19,785 

 

 13 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

(1)Interest Rate. The stated interest rate is the contractual rate of interest specified in the debt agreement. For amended debt agreements, the rate in effect as of the earlier of payoff or March 31, 2016 is shown. See also Note 7 for accounting for the fair value of compound embedded derivatives and detachable common stock purchase warrants that are bifurcated from the host debt agreement and accounted for at fair value.

 

(2)Convertible to Common Stock. The outstanding principal balance and accrued interest are convertible to shares of the Company’s common stock. The stated conversion price gives effect to amendments to the respective debt agreements and represents the conversion prices in effect on March 31, 2016. For debt repaid or extinguished during the three months ended March 31, 2016, the conversion price in effect on December 31, 2015 is shown. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon certain events, such as stock splits, combinations, dividends, distributions, reclassifications, mergers or other corporate change and dilutive issuances.

 

(3)Prepayment Penalties. In addition to the principal balance shown, certain debt agreements provide for prepayment penalties up to 20% if the debt is repaid prior to the maturity date.

 

(4)5% OID Notes. As discussed in Note 6(a), in January 2016 the Company obtained an additional Term Loan for $9,043 from Calm Waters and used a portion of the proceeds to repay outstanding principal of $351 under this convertible debt agreement, which was also owed to Calm Waters.

 

As of April 1, 2016, the Company was delinquent in making an aggregate of $389 of interest payments due under the convertible debt agreements.

 

(d) Interest Expense 

 

Interest expense consists of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

   2016   2015 
         
Interest at stated rate of debt agreement  $2,703   $1,719 
Amortization of discount on debt issuances (1)   404    10,699 
Interest related to warrant issuance and other   -    26,744 
Amortization of debt issuance costs   141    - 
           
Totals  $3,248   $39,162 

 

 

(1)Except for the debt financing inducements discussed below, at the date of a financing the fair value of Common Stock purchase warrants and compound embedded derivatives associated with debt conversion features are calculated and recorded as a debt discount. Such debt discounts are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the remaining terms. If the holder of a convertible note elects to convert prior to the maturity date, the unamortized discount on the conversion date is charged to interest expense.

 

(e) Debt Financing Inducement Expense 

  

Debt financing inducement expense is recognized when the fair value of conversion features, original issue discount and warrants issued in connection with debt financings exceeds the proceeds from the loans. Presented below are the components of debt financing inducement expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

   2016   2015 
         
Gross proceeds loaned to the Company  $-   $19,159 
Less fair value of lenders' embedded conversion feature   -    (36,295)
Less fair value of original issue discount   -    (684)
Less fair value of warrants received by lenders   -    (48,614)
           
Totals  $-   $(66,434)

 

 14 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

During the first quarter of 2015, the Company had immediate requirements for funding for past due payments that were due to lender, suppliers and service providers. In order to satisfy the need for liquidity, the Company entered into arrangements that resulted the issuance of warrants and the modification of embedded conversion features. The aggregate impact of these transactions resulted in debt financing inducement expense of $66,434. All of these transactions were entered into with the intent of obtaining long-term financing which subsequently occurred in April 2015.

 

7.           WARRANTS AND EMBEDDED DERIVATIVES

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s liability under warrant and compound embedded derivative agreements as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

   March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   Number of       Number of     
Description  Shares (2)   Liability (2)   Shares   Liability 
                 
Warrants   350,283,333   $67,199    305,068,558   $54,412 
Embedded derivatives in convertible debt (1)   26,386,904    155    28,068,159    496 
                     
Total   376,670,237    67,354    333,136,717    54,908 
Less current portion        (67,354)        (54,908)
                     
Long-term portion       $-        $- 

 

 

(1)The debt instruments summarized in Note 6(c) contain features that permit the holders to elect conversion of the debt to shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company bifurcates the conversion features from the related debt instruments and accounts for each component at its estimated fair value with updated valuations performed at the end of each calendar quarter. 
(2)As of March 31, 2016, the Company has 300,000,000 common shares authorized. As of March 31, 2016, there were 75,311,764 common shares issued and outstanding and the Company would need an additional 405,431,803 common shares to accommodate the exercise and conversion of all of the common stock options, warrants, convertible debt, and unvested restricted stock presently outstanding. Accordingly, the Company has an authorized share deficiency of 180,743,567 shares to accommodate all such exercise and conversion requests through the remaining unissued common shares. In order to increase the number of shares available to cover the authorized share deficiency, the Company would need either to (i) amend its articles of incorporation to increase the amount of its authorized common shares or (ii) effect a reverse stock split which would decrease the current number of shares issued and outstanding as well as the number of shares issuable upon exercise or conversion of its outstanding stock options, warrants and convertible debt. Either of these corporate actions would require shareholder approval. If the Company is not able to cure the authorized share deficiency by the point when holders of such options, warrants and convertible debt attempt to exercise or convert such securities and the Company no longer has common shares available to fill such exercise or conversion, the Company would be required to settle a portion of its warrant and derivative liabilities in cash which requires that these instruments continue to be classified as liabilities rather than equity instruments. However, as discussed in Note 9, 294,294,399 of the Company’s outstanding warrants are held by Calm Waters which is currently restricted by contractual agreement from owning more than 4.99% of the Company’s common stock through exercise of the warrants, convertible debentures and ownership of the Company’s common stock.

 

Fair Value of Warrant Liability

 

The following table summarizes the terms and fair value of the Company’s liability related to warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

 15 

 

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

          March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
Year of  Year of  Exercise   Number of   Fair Value   Number of   Fair Value 
Issuance  Expiration  Price   Shares   of Liability(2)   Shares   of Liability(2) 
                        
2015  2022  $0.45    246,198,582   $48,272    246,198,582   $45,718 
2016  2023   0.25    45,214,775    10,080    -    - 
2015  2020   1.01    14,860,382    1,464    14,860,382    1,491 
2014  2019   0.45    10,969,265    1,931    10,969,265    1,887 
2014  2019   1.01    13,185,185    1,806    13,185,185    1,859 
2015  2020   0.21    5,995,453    1,354    5,995,453    1,270 
2014  2019   0.37    6,666,669    1,266    6,666,669    1,171 
2015  2020   0.45    3,842,653    566    3,842,653    552 
2013  2018   0.75    2,006,667    294    2,006,667    299 
2013  2019   0.75    1,000,000    114    1,000,000    114 
2014  2019   0.21    248,236    52    248,236    50 
2015  2016   0.75    66,667    -    66,667    1 
2014  2016   1.49(1)   28,799    -    28,799    - 
Totals     $0.43(1)   350,283,333   $67,199    305,068,558   $54,412 

 

 

(1)Represents the weighted average exercise price for this group of warrants. 
 (2)Please refer to note 14 for additional information about methodologies used to determine the fair value of warrants.

 

The following table summarizes changes in the Company’s outstanding warrants and the related liability for the three months ended March 31, 2016:

 

   Number of   Warrant 
   Warrants   Liability 
         
Balances, beginning of period   305,068,558   $54,412 
Issuance of warrants with January Term Loan   45,214,775    8,571 
Periodic fair value adjustments   -    4,216 
    -      
Balances, end of period   350,283,333   $67,199 

 

Fair Value of Embedded Derivatives for Convertible Debt

 

As of March 31, 2016, the following table presents the conversion prices, number of shares issuable, and the fair value of the Company’s liability under compound embedded derivative agreements:

 

   Date of  Principal   Conversion   Shares   Derivative 
   Financing  Balance   Price   Issuable   Liability 
                    
Senior Secured Notes:                       
Former 15% Notes  January 2014  $6,857   $0.75    9,142,460   $- 
Former 15% Notes  February 2014   12,100    0.75    16,133,333    125 
Former 15% Notes  February 2014   500    0.45    1,111,111    30 
                        
Total convertible debt     $19,457         26,386,904   $155 

 

8.           OTHER INFORMATION

 

Foreign Sales

 

The Company generated approximately $8,000 and $9,100 of foreign sales during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

 16 

 

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

Concentration of Suppliers

 

The Company purchases the majority of its inventories from two suppliers that are located in foreign countries. If the Company no longer had access to these suppliers, management believes the Company could locate alternative suppliers. However, there could be temporary shortages of inventories during a transition to new suppliers.

 

Dependence on a Single Lender

 

As discussed in Note 6, the Company has engaged in significant financing activities during 2015 and 2016 whereby over 76% of the Company’s debt financing as of March 31, 2016, has been obtained from Calm Waters. Presented below is a summary of amounts owed to Calm Waters as of March 31, 2016:

 

   Interest   Maturity    
Description of Financing  Rate   Date  Principal 
            
April 2015 Term Loan   12.0%  April 2018  $35,000 
June 2015 Term Loan   12.0%  April 2018   6,000 
October 2015 Term Loan   12.0%  April 2018   18,000 
January 2016 Term Loan   12.0%  April 2018   9,043 
Forbearance Agreement   14.0%  March 2017   1,251 
Former 15% Notes   8.0%  August 2016   8,249 
              
Total          $77,543 

 

In addition to the concentration of debt held by Calm Waters, the Company has issued warrants to Calm Waters for an aggregate of approximately 294,294,399 shares of common stock which are exercisable for 5,995,453 shares at $0.21 per share, 45,214,775 shares exercisable at $0.25 per share, 226,252,838 shares at $0.45 per share, and 16,831,333 shares at $1.01 per share. As a condition of the warrant agreements, Calm Waters is not permitted to own more than 4.99% of the Company’s common stock (the “Beneficial Ownership Threshold”) upon exercise of outstanding warrants. Upon 61 days’ notice, Calm Waters is permitted to decrease or increase the Beneficial Ownership Threshold but may never increase the Beneficial Ownership Threshold in excess of 9.99%.

 

Accounts Receivable  

 

Accounts receivable is presented net of allowances for bad debts and estimated sales returns. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, such allowances amounted to $1,297 and $1,565, respectively.

 

Disclosures Related to Statements of Operations

  

Presented below are certain expenses included in the accompanying statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

Description of Expense  2016   2015 
         
Professional fees and administrative expenses:          
Bad debt expense  $6   $50 
Repairs and maintenance   10    24 
Rent expense   60    50 
Marketing and selling expenses:          
Advertising   1,744    2,021 
Rent expense   1,034    564 

 

 17 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

9.           RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Certain marketing and logistics support services are provided by entities controlled by a key employee of the Company’s GEC division that was acquired from Hardwire Interactive, Inc. These services were provided prior to the Company’s 2014 acquisition of GEC and have continued under the Company’s ownership. These arrangements may be discontinued by either party at any time, and the total services provided amounted to $293 and $431 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, accounts payable to this related party amounted to $78 and $49, respectively.

 

In January 2015, warrant terms with two warrant holders were amended whereby the number of warrants would be 1,000,000 each at an exercise price of $0.75 per share and certain adjustment provisions were removed. These transactions were entered into with affiliates of a former member of the Company’s board of directors. Management determined that the affiliates surrendered rights that were significantly greater in value than the consideration exchanged by $44,230 and, accordingly, this amount was treated as a capital contribution since it was entered into with related parties. Additionally, in March 2015, a consultant surrendered a warrant to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.75. The fair value of the warrant on the date of surrender resulted in a gain on extinguishment of warrants of $2,233.

 

In January 2015, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer purchased $195 principal amount of January 2014 15% Convertible Notes, which were purchased from another note holder, as well as warrants to purchase 260,608 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.01, which were issued in conjunction with the note purchase.

 

10.           STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock Options

 

In addition to options granted under shareholder approved stock option plans, the Company has granted options outside of these plans for a total of 24,475,556 shares as of March 31, 2016. Since these options were not issued pursuant to a shareholder approved stock option plan, they are non-qualified stock options for income tax purposes. Total stock-based compensation related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $440 and $9,878, respectively. The following table summarizes share activity and the weighted average exercise prices related to stock options outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2016:

 

   2016   2015 
   Shares   Price (1)   Shares   Price (1) 
                 
Outstanding, beginning of period   26,547,399   $1.09    540,000   $26.10 
Granted   200,000    0.31    19,180,569    0.75 
Forfeited   (400,000)   0.37    (1,340,000)   0.80 
                     
Outstanding, end of period   26,347,399   $1.10    18,380,569   $1.49 
                     
Exercisable, end of period   21,241,536   $1.26    15,868,437   $1.61 

 

 

(1)Represents the weighted average price.

 

The weighted average fair value for stock options granted for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $0.19 and $0.67 per share, respectively. In estimating the fair value of options, the Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based upon the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and the following weighted average assumptions for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

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Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

   2016   2015 
         
Expected lives (in years)   5.8    10.0 
Risk-free interest rate   1.5%   1.5%
Expected volatility   92%   140%
Expected forfeiture rate   8.0%   8.0%
Expected dividend yield   0.0%   0.0%

 

We estimate expected volatility based on historical daily price changes of our common stock for a period equal to the current expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States treasury yields in effect at the time of grant corresponding with the expected term of the options. The expected option term is the number of years we estimate that options will be outstanding prior to exercise considering vesting schedules and our historical exercise patterns.

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of stock options and restricted stock awards. For a single award with a graded vesting schedule and only service conditions, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was in substance multiple awards. For stock options granted through March 31, 2016, unrecognized stock compensation expense amounted to $503 which will be charged to expense over the remaining vesting periods of the options, which is a weighted average period of 1.4 years as of March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding stock options amounted to $2 based on the closing stock price of $0.28 per share on March 31, 2016.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2016:

 

Stock Options Outstanding   Vested Options 
Exercise Prices   Remaining   Number   Weighted   Number 
Range   Weighted   Contractual   of   Average   of 
Low   High   Average   Term   Shares   Price   Shares 
                          
$0.26   $0.40   $0.38    9.0    11,472,198   $0.38    7,285,531 
 0.71    0.79    0.75    9.0    14,375,200    0.74    13,456,004 
 3.75    3.75    3.75    2.3    346,667    3.75    346,667 
 77.25    135.75    82.34    3.2    153,334    82.34    153,334 
                                 
$0.26   $135.75   $1.10    8.9    26,347,399   $1.26    21,241,536 

 

Restricted Stock

 

The fair value of the restricted stock grants is based upon the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The following table summarizes share activity, the weighted average fair value per share, and the change in unrecognized compensation related to restricted stock grants outstanding as of March 31, 2016:

 

   2016   2015 
   Number   Fair Value   Unrecognized   Number   Fair Value   Unrecognized 
   of Shares   Per Share (1)   Compensation   of Shares   Per Share (1)   Compensation 
                         
Unvested shares, beginning of period   2,596,999   $0.64   $1,177    66,667   $87.75   $1,445 
Shares granted   -    -    -    2,194,998    0.75    1,646 
Compensation recognized   -    -    (155)   -    -    (379)
Shares vested   (182,832)   0.75    -    -    -    - 
                               
Unvested shares, end of period   2,414,167   $0.63   $1,022    2,261,665   $0.64   $2,712 

 

 

(1)Represents the weighted average price.

 

Unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock will be recognized over vesting period set forth in the restricted stock agreements which extends through June 2019.  The aggregate intrinsic value of unvested restricted stock was $676 based on the closing price of $0.28 for the Company’s common stock on March 31, 2016.

 

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Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

11.          INCOME TAXES

 

The Company is subject to federal and state income taxes in the United States. Additionally, as a result of business combinations completed in 2014 the Company has been subject to foreign income taxes in the United Kingdom since the date of the acquisitions. At December 31, 2015, the Company had net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for Federal income tax purposes of approximately $123,000. These NOL carryforwards can be utilized to offset future taxable income that may be generated in the Company’s continuing business activities. If not previously utilized, the NOL carryforwards will expire primarily in 2033 through 2035. Additionally, as of December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $3,000 of foreign tax credits that may be applied to reduce future U.S. Federal income tax liabilities. These foreign tax credits expire in 2024 if not utilized.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not recognize any income tax benefit or expense for operations in the U.S. A valuation allowance has been provided for all U.S. based net deferred tax assets, including the Federal NOL and foreign tax credits discussed above, since the “more likely than not” realization criteria was not met as of March 31, 2016 and 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized U.K. based income tax expense of $191 and $252, respectively. Accordingly, all of the Company’s income tax expense is associated with foreign income taxes on U.K. earnings. The Company’s effective income tax rate on U.K. earnings was 23% for the three months ended March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, gross unrecognized tax benefits are immaterial and there was no change in such benefits during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The Company does not expect a significant increase or decrease to the uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months.

 

12.           EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

During periods when there is a net loss, all potentially dilutive shares are anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share. Based on the Company’s application of the as-converted and treasury stock methods, all common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to net losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Common stock equivalents that were excluded for these periods are as follows:

 

Common Stock Equivalent  2016   2015 
         
Warrants   350,283,333    305,068,558 
Converible debt   26,386,904    28,068,159 
Stock options   26,347,399    26,547,399 
Unvested restricted common stock   2,414,167    2,596,999 
           
Total   405,431,803    362,281,115 

 

13.           COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Operating Leases

 

As of March 31, 2016, future minimum lease payments are as follows:  

 

Year Ending March 31:    
     
2017  $1,064 
2018   581 
2019   383 
2020   240 
2021   26 
      
   $2,294 

 

 20 

 

  

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

For leases that provide for an abated rent period, the value of this inducement is being reflected as a reduction to rent expense over the term of the lease.

 

Royalties

 

On January 5, 2016, the Company reached a settlement to resolve a lawsuit that was filed in June 2012. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recognized a charge for damages incurred under the settlement. Under the terms of the settlement, the Company was granted a non-exclusive global license under the patents asserted in the litigation and certain other e-vapor technology related patents in exchange for an ongoing royalty based on net sales of certain products. Total royalties of $439 were incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying statement of operations.

 

Other Contingencies

 

From time to time we may be involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. When the Company becomes aware of potential litigation, it evaluates the merits of the case in accordance with the applicable accounting literature. The Company evaluates its exposure to the matter, possible legal or settlement strategies and the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. If the Company determines that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated, it establishes the necessary accruals. Certain insurance policies held by the Company may reduce the cash outflows with respect to an adverse outcome on certain of these litigation matters. The Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

14.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, because of the relatively short maturities of these instruments. The estimated fair values for financial instruments presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair values. The carrying values of certain borrowings approximate fair value because the underlying instruments are fixed-rate notes based on current market rates and current maturities.

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches. Based on these approaches, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs.  The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques the Company is required to provide the following information according to the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in less active markets, or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data.  Level 2 also includes derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with observable market inputs or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation; also includes observable inputs for nonbinding single dealer quotes not corroborated by observable market data.

 

 21 

 

 

Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

The Company has various processes and controls in place to attempt to ensure that fair value is reasonably estimated. A model validation policy governs the use and control of valuation models used to estimate fair value. The Company performs due diligence procedures over third-party pricing service providers in order to support their use in the valuation process. Where market information is not available to support internal valuations, independent reviews of the valuations are performed and any material exposures are evaluated through a management review process.

 

While the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for complex financial instruments measured at fair value:

 

Warrant Valuation Methodologies

 

The Black Scholes model was used to compute the fair value of outstanding warrants as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Key inputs into the valuation models include expected stock price volatility and a risk-free interest rate. As of March 31, 2016, significant assumptions include the risk-free interest rate ranging from 0.87% to 1.54% and historical volatility of the Company’s common stock price ranging from 87.2% to 121.9%. As of December 31, 2015, significant assumptions include the risk-free interest rate ranging from 0.01% to 1.75% and historical volatility of the Company’s common stock price ranging from 90.4% to 129.7%. As these assumptions are revised in the future, it can cause significant adjustments to future valuation results. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of U.S. treasury bonds over the expected term. The expected share price volatility is based on historical common stock prices for the Company and comparable publicly traded companies over a period commensurate with the expected term of the warrant. Changes to these assumptions could cause significant adjustments to the valuation results.

 

Derivative Valuation Methodologies

 

Derivatives consisting of complex embedded conversion features pursuant to certain of our debt financings, are valued using a binomial option pricing model. Key inputs into the model include a discount for lack of marketability on the stock price, expected share price volatility, and a risk-free interest rate. Any significant changes to these inputs or other assumptions would have a significant impact on estimated fair value.

 

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company does not have any recurring measurements of the fair value of assets. Recurring measurements of the fair value of liabilities as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:

 

   As of March 31, 2016   As of December 31, 2015 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
                                 
Warrant liability  $-   $-   $67,199   $67,199   $-   $-   $54,412   $54,412 
Derivative liability   -    -    155    155    -    -    496    496 
                                         
Total  $-   $-   $67,354   $67,354   $-   $-   $54,908   $54,908 

 

The Company did not make any transfers in or out of level 3 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The following table presents a reconciliation of changes in liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2016:

 

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Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

   Warrants   Derivatives   Total 
             
Fair value of liability, beginning of period  $54,412   $496   $54,908 
Issuances of new instruments   8,571    -    8,571 
Total net losses (gains) included in:               
Fair value adjustments included in net loss   4,216    (255)   3,961 
Extinguishments through cancellations   -    (86)   (86)
                
Fair value of liability, end of period  $67,199   $155   $67,354 

 

15.           SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On May 5, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) issued a final rule deeming certain products to be subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and regulations thereunder, which includes regulation of electronic cigarettes (“E-cigarettes”).  The effective date of the FDA rules is August 8, 2016. The Company’s contract manufacturers have 3 years to comply with the regulations. Pertinent sections to the Company of the final rule include:

 

·Sale to minors are prohibited.

·Starting in 2 years E-cigarettes packaging must display a warning that the product contains nicotine.

·Manufacturers of E-cigarettes have 3 years to obtain approval for their products from the FDA.
·Producers of liquids will need to obtain FDA approval for the mix of ingredients in their liquid. Several manufacturers of liquid nicotine and other ingredients which are used to produce the liquids are already FDA compliant.

 

The FDA approval process will be phased in, whereby the Company will have up to two years to submit applications to obtain approval to continue to sell its existing products. The Company may continue to sell existing products during this two-year period, and can continue to sell existing products for an additional year while the FDA reviews the Company’s applications. Failure to obtain approval for any of the Company’s existing products would prevent the marketing and sale of such products in the United States beginning in August 2019, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations at that time.

 

In addition, the regulations require the Company to obtain pre-market approval before introducing new products in the United States. The pre-market approval could take any of the following three pathways: (i) submission of a substantial equivalence (“SE”) report and receipt of an SE order; (ii) submission of a request for an exemption from SE requirements and receipt of an SE exemption determination, or (iii) submission of a premarket tobacco product application (“PMTA”) and receipt of a marketing authorization order which is essentially equivalent to obtaining FDA approval to market a new drug. The Company intends to pursue the SE assertion related to our products, which would result in the least onerous pathway to FDA approval. However, no assurance can be provided that the Company will be successful in obtaining FDA approval under any of the three pathways.

 

The Company cannot predict the impact these new regulations will have on its business and what additional restrictions the FDA may subsequently impose. In this regard, total compliance and related costs are not possible to predict. The costs of compliance by the Company and its suppliers will likely result in higher costs to purchase the Company’s products. To the extent it is not possible to pass increased costs on to customers, the Company’s financial results will likely deteriorate. Additionally, if the Company is unable to secure FDA approval to continue selling its existing products and any new products targeted for introduction, the Company’s net sales will be adversely impacted beginning in 2019. The ultimate outcome of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

 23 

 

 

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis of the results of our operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1. Certain figures, such as interest rates and other percentages, included in this section have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this section have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, percentage amounts in this section may vary slightly from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or in the associated text. Certain other amounts that appear in this section may similarly not sum due to rounding.

  

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

The information contained in Item 2 contains 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”). Actual results may materially differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties set forth in this report. Although we believe that the assumptions made and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that the underlying assumptions will, in fact, prove to be correct or that actual results will not be different from expectations expressed in this report.

 

This filing contains a number of forward-looking statements which reflect our current views and expectations with respect to our business, strategies, products, future results and events, and financial performance. All statements made in this filing other than statements of historical fact, including statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments which we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including statements related to distributor channels, volume growth, net sales, profitability, new products, adequacy of funds from operations, statements expressing general optimism about future operating results, and non-historical information, are forward looking statements. In particular, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “may,” variations of such words, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements, and their absence does not mean that the statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from historical results as well as those expressed in, anticipated, or implied by these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to revise these forward-looking statements to reflect any future events or circumstances.

 

Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on our current expectations and projections about future events, are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions (including those described below), and apply only as of the date of this filing. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the risks discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, press releases and other communications to shareholders issued by us from time to time. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Overview

 

We are an independent marketer and distributor of vaping products and E-cigarettes. Our objective is to become a leader in the rapidly growing, global E-cigarette segment of the broader nicotine related products industry which include traditional tobacco. E-cigarettes are battery-powered products that simulate tobacco smoking through inhalation of nicotine vapor without the fire, flame, tobacco, tar, carbon monoxide, ash, stub, smell and other chemicals found in traditional combustible cigarettes. The global E-cigarette market is expected to grow to $51 billion, or a 4% share of the worldwide tobacco market, by 2030. The growth is forecast to come at the expense of traditional tobacco, not from new smokers entering the category. Numerous research studies and publications have recognized that E-cigarettes are a preferred method for smokers to quit, and the most effective.

 

We accommodate the various product preferences of E-cigarette users by offering a comprehensive set of products, including disposables, rechargeables, tanks, starter kits, E-liquids, open and closed-end vaping systems and accessories. Our products consist of durable components and nicotine liquids that undergo rigorous quality testing during production. Our global brand portfolio includes the FIN, VIP, VAPESTICK, E-CIG, PRO VAPOR and VICTORIA brands. We believe that this combination of product breadth and quality, combined with our effective brand strategy, resonates strongly with adult consumers who associate our products with ease of use, quality, reliability and great taste.

 

 24 

 

  

The previous focus of “striving to offer our product to every point of distribution where traditional cigarettes are available” has been altered over the last year. In fact, ECIG has been paring back retail distribution and focusing on accounts where profitable long-term, strategic partnerships can be developed. Our goal is to become the most profitable independent E-cigarette company in the world, delivering profitable growth to enhance shareholder value. We expect to achieve this goal by focusing on six primary strategic drivers:

 

  · Establish VIP as the # 1 premium global brand in the segment, measured by net revenue;

  · Utilize the FIN and Vapestick brands as the traditional retail brands;

  · Expand profitably into non-traditional channels and new markets through distribution partnerships;

  · Strengthen the organizational talent base;

  · Become a low-cost provider; and

  · Improve working capital.

 

Components of Net Sales and Costs and Expenses

 

Net sales

 

Our sales are derived from the sale of E-cigarette, vaping and related products directly to consumers over the internet and to various retailer and wholesaler customers. Our sales are reported net of returns and allowances, which represent that portion of gross sales not expected to be realized. We offer sales incentives and discounts to our customers and consumers including rebates, shelf-price reductions and other trade promotional activities.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold primarily consist of the costs of products which are manufactured by our suppliers, plus freight-in and packaging. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, cost of goods sold also includes royalties under a patent license agreement entered into in January 2016.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Our marketing and selling expenses are primarily attributable to our GEC membership programs as well as other brand-specific E-Commerce activity. Our general and administrative costs consist primarily of compensation and benefit expenses, including stock-based compensation; legal, auditing and other professional fees associated with our status as a public company; travel expenses, facility-related costs, such as rent, depreciation and amortization, and information technology and communications costs.

 

Non-Operating income and Expenses

 

Non-operating income and expenses include interest expense on our debt financing obligations, gains and losses related to the issuance and subsequent accounting for changes in the fair value of warrants and derivative financial instruments, debt financing inducement expenses, and losses from the extinguishment of debt.

 

Foreign Exchange Movements

 

Due to the international aspect of our business, our net sales and expenses are affected by foreign currency exchange movements. Our primary exposures to foreign exchange rates are the British Pound and Euro against the U.S. dollar. The financial results of our foreign operations are translated to U.S. dollars for consolidation purposes. The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is generally the local currency of the country of domicile. Accordingly, income and expense items are translated at the average rates prevailing during each reporting period and initially reported as a component of other comprehensive loss. Changes in exchange rates that affect cash flows and the related receivables or payables are recognized in our operating results as transaction gains and losses. The average British Pound to U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate decreased from 1.49 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 to 1.44 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $11.7 million compared to $11.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $0.1 million.  Approximately 69% of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 78% of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015, were transacted in the British Pound currency and translated into our U.S. dollar functional currency. Due to our concentration of business in the United Kingdom, lower foreign exchange rates accounted for an overall reduction of $0.4 million in our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

The increase in net sales is primarily attributable to (i) an increase of $1.5 million related to the GEC reporting unit. This increase was partially offset by (i) a decrease in net sales for the Vapestick reporting unit of $0.7 million, (ii) a decrease in net sales of $0.4 million for the VIP reporting unit, and (iii) a decrease in net sales for the FIN reporting unit of $0.3 million.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold was $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 4%. This decrease in cost of goods sold is primarily attributable to (i) a decrease of $0.2 million primarily associated with lower net sales for the Vapestick reporting unit, and (ii) a reduction of $0.3 million for the FIN reporting unit. These decreases which total $0.5 million were partially offset by an increase of $0.3 million associated with higher net sales for the GEC reporting unit.

 

The estimated impact of lower foreign exchange rates in 2016 was a contributing factor in the changes discussed above for our VIP and Vapestick reporting units. This reduction in foreign exchange rates accounted for an overall reduction of $0.2 million in our 2016 cost of goods sold due to our concentration of business in the United Kingdom.

 

In January 2016, we settled ongoing patent infringement litigation. In connection with the settlement, we were granted a non-exclusive global license under the patents asserted in the litigation and certain other e-vapor technology related patents in exchange for an ongoing royalty based on net sales of certain products. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, our cost of goods sold includes royalties based on the sale of products that are subject to the license agreement.

 

As discussed in Note 15 to the financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 hereof, the FDA recently issued final rules, some of which will become effective on August 6, 2016 and others that will be phased in during future periods. We cannot predict the impact that these new regulations will have on our company and what additional restrictions the FDA may subsequently impose. In this regard, total compliance and related costs are not possible to predict. The costs of compliance by us and our suppliers will likely result in higher costs to purchase the products we sell. To the extent it is not possible to pass increased costs on to customers, our financial results will likely deteriorate. Additionally, if we are unable to secure FDA approval to continue selling our existing products and any new products we would like to introduce, our net sales will be adversely impacted. The ultimate outcome of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. However, with approximately 70% of our net sales derived from products sold in the United Kingdom, we will likely be impacted by the new regulations to a lesser extent than our competitors with a higher concentration of sales in the United States.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $6.6 million or 57% of net sales, compared to gross profit of $6.4 million or 55% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The change in gross profit percentage was impacted by the items discussed under Net Sales and Cost of Goods Sold above.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses  

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

In addition to salaries, wages and benefits, we also incur non-cash stock-based compensation expenses. Salaries, wages and benefits expense for each of the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $2.5 million. While our mix of personnel has changed dramatically over the past year, the total cost incurred for compensation and benefits remained flat.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $0.8 million compared to $9.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $9.1 million. This decrease in stock-based compensation is primarily due to expense related to the grant of options for approximately 19.2 million shares in the first quarter of 2015 and the vast majority of those options were vested on the grant date. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, options for only 200,000 shares were granted and all of those options vest over three years. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of stock options and restricted stock awards. For a single award with a graded vesting schedule and only service conditions, we recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was in substance multiple awards. Under this method, the recognition of stock-based compensation is accelerated in comparison to the alternative method that treats graded vesting schedules as a single award. As of March 31, 2016, stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options and restricted stock of $1.5 million is expected to be recognized in future periods as the options and restricted stock continue to vest.

 

Professional Fees and Administrative Expenses

 

Professional fees and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $2.8 million compared to $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 31%. Presented below are the major components of professional fees and other administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):

 

           Change 
   2016   2015   Amount   Percent 
                 
Professional fees:                    
Auditing, accounting and tax  $647   $1,409   $(762)   -54%
Litigation, financings and contracts   327    987    (660)   -67%
Administrative expenses   1,783    1,611    172    11%
                     
Total  $2,757   $4,007   $(1,250)   -31%

 

Professional fees related to auditing, accounting and tax services were $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $0.8 million. During the first quarter of 2015, we experienced inefficiencies with changes in personnel and independent auditors combined with a significant increase in the complexity of technical accounting and financial reporting services, which were the primary factors that resulted in $1.4 million of fees incurred. Beginning in June 2015, we began to revise our personnel structure and we changed professional services providers, which was primarily responsible for the $0.8 million reduction in professional fees related to auditing, accounting and tax services for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Professional fees related to litigation, financings and contracts were $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $0.7 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we incurred substantial costs related to restructuring of numerous debt agreements; employment agreements with new executive officers; legal defense costs under patent infringement litigation that was not settled until January 2016, and legal fees related to our SEC filings and execution of a reverse stock split. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we incurred costs related to the settlement of our patent infringement case and other legal disputes, and legal fees associated with new term debt financing.

 

Administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

 

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Marketing and Selling Expenses

 

Marketing and selling expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $2.9 million compared to $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 28%.  During 2015, we made significant modifications to our mix of spending to focus more resources on kiosk rentals which we believed would be more effective at increasing net sales. Accordingly, we had an increase of $0.5 million from kiosk rentals due to an increase in the number of kiosks for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the comparable period in 2015. This increase was offset by the effects of (i) a reduction in advertising expense of $0.3 million, and (ii) a $1.3 million reduction in other marketing and selling expenses as we eliminated less effective strategies.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization relates to our identifiable intangible assets, and property and equipment. Depreciation and amortization for each of the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $2.3 million. 

 

Warrant and Derivative Fair Value Adjustments

 

Our warrant and derivative liabilities are adjusted to fair market value using appropriate valuation models at the end of each calendar quarter. If the fair market value of these liabilities increases we recognize a loss in the statement of operations, and if the fair market value of the liabilities decreases a gain is recognized in the statement of operations. While numerous factors affect the changes in valuation, gains generally result as the market price for our common stock decreases and losses typically results as the market price increases.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized a loss from changes in the fair value of warrants of $4.2 million as compared to a loss of $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, our stock price increased from $0.26 per share to $0.28 per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, our stock price decreased from $1.31 per share to $0.90 per share and the number of warrants subject to valuation increased by approximately 44 million shares.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized a gain from changes in the fair value of derivatives of $0.3 million as compared to a gain of $29.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Our derivative liabilities are associated with convertible debt that matures during the third quarter of 2016. Since our stock price is substantially lower than the conversion prices, as we approach the maturity date the value of the derivative liability decreases which resulted in the gain of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

 

When debt is modified, restructured, refinanced or repaid with the same lender before the scheduled maturity date, gains and losses may result if the cash and other consideration exchanged by us is less than or greater than the carrying value of the debt. Careful consideration is required to determine whether each transaction is a modification or an extinguishment since the accounting recognition requirements are substantially different depending on this determination. Additionally, certain of our debt financing agreements provide for penalties if the loans are paid off before maturity and such penalties would also be a factor in determining any gain or loss on extinguishment. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $8.6 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.1 million. The losses on extinguishment of debt for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 resulted because the cash and other consideration exchanged to retire debt was greater than the related carrying value of the debt.

 

Gain on Extinguishment of Warrants

 

We may enter into negotiations with warrant holders to extinguish warrant agreements whereby gains and losses may result if the cash and other consideration exchanged is less than or greater than the fair value of the warrants on the date of the extinguishment. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we recognized gains on extinguishment of warrants of $0.1 million and $32.4 million, respectively.

 

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Interest Expense

 

The primary components of interest expense consist of (i) interest expense based on the stated rate in the debt financing agreement, (ii) amortization of debt discounts, (iii) amortization of debt issuance costs, (iv) prepayment fees, and (v) other charges. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized interest expense of $3.2 million as compared to $39.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $36.0 million. This decrease in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to (i) a reduction in debt discount amortization of $10.3 million, and (ii) the elimination of interest related to warrant issuances of $26.7 million. These decreases which total $37.0 million were partially offset by higher interest expense at the stated rate of the debt instruments of $1.0 million, due to an increase in borrowings from $54.3 million as of March 31, 2015 to $102.1 million as of March 31, 2016.

 

Debt Financing Inducement Expense

 

The inclusion of conversion features and stock purchase warrants represent inducements to obtain certain debt financings. Debt financing inducement expense is recognized when the fair value of inducements issued in connection with debt financings exceeds the proceeds from the loan. Under generally accepted accounting principles, these financial instruments are bifurcated and accounted for by first determining the fair value of the warrants and conversion features with any residual value assigned to the debt instrument.

 

Debt financing inducement expenses are generally incurred when we require funding to address immediate needs for cash. The market terms to obtain such financings have required us to issue inducements valued for accounting purposes at amounts that exceed the amounts borrowed. We did not incur any debt financing inducement expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we incurred debt financing inducement expense of $66.4 million because the fair value of warrants and embedded conversion features issued to the lenders were valued at $85.6 million compared to the proceeds received from the lenders of $19.2 million.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized income tax expense of $0.2 million compared to income tax expense of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Income tax expense recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was comprised of a deferred income tax expense of $0.2 million and current income tax expense of $0.1 million related to profits for our businesses in the United Kingdom. Income tax expense recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was comprised of a $0.2 million deferred tax benefit, offset by current income tax expense related to our businesses to the United Kingdom of $0.5 million.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures- EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

 

We define EBITDA as net income (loss), as determined under U.S. GAAP, plus interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus expenses incurred under a related party advisory agreement, stock-based compensation expense, severance and retention costs, professional fees related to the restructuring of debt agreements, offering expenses, acquisition expense, losses on sale of assets, impairment of long-lived assets and debt financing inducement expense; and by subtracting gains from warrant and derivative fair value adjustments, gains from extinguishment of warrants and debt, and gains on sale of assets. These further adjustments eliminate the impact of items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance. In evaluating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we expect to incur expenses that are the same as or similar to many of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

 

We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because we believe they assist investors 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. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as an analytical tool. Some of these limitations are:

 

·EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures, contractual commitments or working capital needs;
·EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debts;

 

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·Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;
·Similarly, while impairment of long-lived assets is a non-cash expense, recognition of the impairment charge may have a significant impact on the value of our common stock;
·Adjusted EBITDA excludes expenses under our related party advisory agreement, stock-based compensation arrangements, excess embedded derivative inducements, changes in the fair value of warrant and derivative instruments, and gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt. While these are noncash gains and losses, their exclusion ignores the significant dilutive impact to our common stockholders as represented by the underlying transactions that gave rise to these excluded gains and losses;
·EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; and
·Other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

 

We compensate for these limitations by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with our analysis of net income (loss). EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, any measure of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, such as total revenues, income from operations, and net income (loss). The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):

 

Calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

 

   2016   2015 
         
Net income (loss)  $(20,431)  $(66,966)
Interest expense   3,248    39,162 
Depreciation and amortization   2,333    2,296 
Income tax expense (benefit)   191    252 
           
EBITDA   (14,659)   (25,256)
Stock-based compensation   750    9,878 
Severance expense   28    - 
Debt financing inducement expense   -    66,434 
Warrant fair value adjustment   4,216    6,989 
Derivative fair value adjustment   (255)   (29,928)
Loss on extinguisment of debt   8,571    128 
Gain on restructuring   (59)   - 
Gain on extinguishment of warrants   (86)   (32,401)
           
Adjusted EBITDA  $(1,494)  $(4,156)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of March 31, 2016, we have a working capital deficit of $97.9 million and an accumulated deficit of $474.8 million. We incurred a loss from operations of $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $16.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. While these operating losses include significant noncash charges for items such as stock-based compensation, we also incurred significant cash-based expenses. The pace of our acquisitions in 2014 resulted in unanticipated difficulties in fully integrating the newly acquired business units, resulting in inefficiencies that contributed to operating losses.

 

On September 30, 2015, we entered into a Forbearance Agreement with a major term loan lender since we did not have adequate capital resources to satisfy the payment of $1.3 million of accrued interest. As of April 1, 2016, the Company was delinquent in making an aggregate of $2.4 million of interest payments.

 

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We have relied on debt and equity financings to fund our acquisitions and negative operating cash flows. As a result, we currently have approximately $102 million of outstanding debt that matures through April 2018. Convertible debt in the aggregate principal balance of $19.5 million matures during the third quarter of 2016 and principal amortization of $1.2 million per month on outstanding Term Debt will commence during the fourth quarter of 2016. Additionally, we have an ongoing requirement to make quarterly interest payments of approximately $2.5 million under outstanding Term Debt agreements. Accordingly, these future debt maturities are a significant factor that contributes to our $97.9 million working capital deficit and that impairs our liquidity.

 

With respect to the $19.5 million of convertible debt that matures in the third quarter of 2016, if the market price of our common stock does not increase above the conversion prices that range between $0.45 and $0.75 per share, the conversion options will not be exercised and we will be required to seek additional financing to retire this debt or renegotiate an extended due date, of which there can be no assurance that either tactic will be successful. Even if the market price of our common stock is higher than the conversion price, there is no assurance that holders will convert, which would also then require us to pay cash to retire the debt at maturity. As a result of these and other factors, our capital resources are currently insufficient to enable the execution of our global business plan in the near term. These conditions create substantial doubt about our ability to meet our financial obligations and to continue as a going concern.

 

Since the beginning of 2015, we faced similar obstacles that required major restructuring and financing activities. In response to those challenges, we have successfully completed the following actions to improve liquidity and operating results:

 

·Negotiated and settled 15 outstanding legal disputes.
·The Company relocated its corporate headquarters to Denver, Colorado and key employees were hired to address needs in the accounting and information technology functions.
·Obtained credit terms from six major contract manufacturers.
·Negotiated outstanding liabilities from over 23 major customers and law firms, reducing liabilities from $6.4 million to $3.8 million.
·Reduced public company costs from an annual run rate of $3.0 million to $0.7 million.
·Reduced landed cost of AVS refills by 22%.
·Launched vaping system in GEC division, and turnaround revenue reaching approximately $7.3 million in 2015 after reaching approximately $2.5 million in the first six months of 2015.
·Established a new returns policy eliminating liability associated with unlimited returns.
·Initiated international growth discussions in Europe and Africa.
·Term Debt financing in the aggregate original principal amount of $47.2 million was obtained in the second quarter of 2015. This financing enabled the repayment or restructuring of debt that had been in default as of December 31, 2014, and the renegotiation with lenders to eliminate some of the highly dilutive features contained in previous debt instruments and warrants.
·On October 30, 2015, we obtained Term Debt financing for $18.0 million. The loan proceeds were used for (i) repayment of debt (including accrued interest and prepayment penalties) for $5.3 million, (ii) repayment of all amounts outstanding under the ExWorks Revolving Loan Agreement for $4.6 million, (iii) settlement of delinquent trade payables and costs of the financing for $4.1 million, and (iv) repayment of $0.5 million on the VIP Promissory Notes. The remaining $3.6 million was available for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
·On January 11, 2016, we obtained additional Term Debt financing for $9.0 million. The loan proceeds were used for (i) payment of $5.3 million to settle patent infringement litigation and other legal settlements, (ii) repayment of convertible debt and delinquent accrued interest for $2.1 million, (iii) settlement of delinquent trade payables and costs of the financings for $0.7 million, (iv) repayment of $0.3 million of principal on the VIP Promissory Notes, and (v) the remaining $0.8 million was available for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

 

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·During the first and second quarters of 2015, 15% Notes for $19.5 million in principal were restructured to reduce the interest rate from 15.0% to 8.0% and the maturity date was extended for 18 months until July and August of 2016. Additionally, 15% Notes for $1.9 million of principal converted to shares of common stock, and 15% Notes for $4.1 million of principal agreed to exchange their notes for 10% convertible notes.
·As of December 31, 2014, we owed an aggregate of $11.0 million for the VIP Promissory Notes and $5.0 million for a related compensatory earnout payment. The Term Debt financing enabled the repayment in 2015 of $8.6 million of the VIP Promissory Notes and extension of the maturity date for the $5.0 million compensatory earnout until December 2017.

 

We believe the actions outlined above represent significant progress to improve liquidity and position us for profitable growth. However, despite the substantial actions taken to date, uncertainty about our ability to continue as a going concern remains. In addition to seeking additional financing, we believe that a crucial near term step will involve negotiations with our lenders to restructure the terms under existing debt agreements. There can be no assurance that we will be able to restructure existing debt agreements or generate sufficient operating cash flows to continue operations in the normal course of business.

 

Our strategic plans are now keenly focused on profitable growth and improving cash flows from operating activities through initiatives that are designed to improve efficiency and lower costs. Specifically, our strategic plans include (i) establish VIP as an international premium brand, (ii) utilize FIN and Vapestick as traditional retail brands, (iii) expand profitably into non-traditional channels, (iv) to strengthen the organizational talent base, (v) become a low-cost provider, and (vi) improve working capital.

 

Comparison of Cash Flows for the Three Months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

 

   2016   2015   Change 
             
Net cash provided by (used in):               
Operating activities  $(5,275)  $(3,956)  $(1,319)
Investing activities   (255)   (30)   (225)
Financing activities   6,207    3,365    2,842 

 

Operating Cash Flows

 

We used cash in our operating activities of $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $1.3 million. A contributing factor to the decrease in operating cash flows was a net reduction in accounts payable and accrued expenses $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Investing Cash Flows

 

We used cash in our investing activities of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to less than $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The primary use of investing cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was for retail kiosks and computer equipment associated with an expansion of our business in the United Kingdom.

 

Financing Cash Flows

 

Net cash provided by our financing activities was $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $2.8 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, our primary source of financing cash flows consisted of the aggregate net proceeds from borrowings of $6.9 million. The primary use of financing cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 consisted of principal payments on debt obligations of $0.7 million. We also had noncash financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2016, whereby $2.1 million of new borrowings were utilized to repay accrued interest.

 

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For the three months ended March 31, 2015, our primary source of financing cash flows was the aggregate net proceeds from debt financings of $6.9 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, our primary use of financing cash flows was $3.5 million for principal payments to repay debt obligations. We also had noncash financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015, whereby the fair value of derivatives issued in debt financings amounted to $85.3 million.

 

Outstanding Debt and Equity Securities   

 

For a discussion of our outstanding debt and equity securities, please see the tables and related discussions in Note 6. Debt Financing and Note 7. Warrants and Embedded Derivatives to our Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report. Key financings that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2016 are discussed below.

 

On April 27, 2015, we entered into credit agreements (the “Credit Agreements”) with (i) Calm Waters Partnership (“Calm Waters”), an institutional investor and (ii) a group of 15 investors (the “Additional Lenders”), on substantially identical terms, pursuant to which Calm Waters made term loans to us of $35.0 million and the Additional Lenders made term loans of $6.2 million (collectively referred to as the “April Term Loans”). On June 26, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the Calm Waters Credit Agreement (the “June Term Loan”) pursuant to which Calm Waters provided an additional Term Loan to us in the principal amount of $6.0 million. On October 30, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the Calm Waters Credit Agreement (the “October Term Loan”) pursuant to which Calm Waters provided an additional Term Loan to us in the principal amount of $18.0 million. On January 11, 2016, we entered into an amendment to the Calm Waters Credit Agreement (the “January Term Loan”) pursuant to which Calm Waters provided an additional Term Loan to us in the principal amount of approximately $9.0 million, resulting in an aggregate outstanding principal balance outstanding under the Calm Waters Credit Agreement of $68.0 million and $6.2 million under the Additional Lenders Credit Agreement. The entire $74.2 million outstanding under the Credit Agreements bear interests on the outstanding principal balance at the rate of 12.0% per annum, payable on a quarterly basis. For the period commencing October 2016 through March 2018, we are required to make aggregate monthly principal payments under Credit Agreements of approximately $1.3 million and the remaining principal balance and accrued interest under such Credit Agreements is payable in full in April 2018.

 

On September 30, 2015, we entered into a Forbearance Agreement pursuant to which Calm Waters agreed, among other things, to provide for a forbearance period up to 18 months until March 31, 2017 (the “Forbearance Period”) with respect to the collection of approximately $1.3 million of accrued interest payable to the Calm Waters through September 30, 2015. During the Forbearance Period, the $1.3 million forbearance amount accrues interest at 14.0% per annum.

 

In connection with the April, June and October Term Loans, we granted common stock purchase warrants for an aggregate of 246,198,582 shares of common stock exercisable for seven years at an exercise price of $0.45 per share. In connection with the Forbearance Agreement, we granted common stock purchase warrants for an aggregate of 5,995,453 shares of common stock exercisable for seven years at an exercise price of approximately $0.21 per share. In connection with the January Term Loan, we granted common stock purchase warrants for an aggregate of 45,214,775 shares of common stock exercisable for seven years at an exercise price of $0.25 per share.

 

Borrowings under the Credit Agreements are collateralized by security interests in all of our present and future assets. In addition, we pledged all of its equity interests in its subsidiaries as collateral for its obligations under the Credit Agreements. The Credit Agreements contain customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, among others, covenants that limit or restrict our ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, merge or consolidate, dispose of property or assets, make investments or loans, make acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, pay dividends or make distributions, engage in any business other than its current business, undergo a change of control, or issue equity interests, in each case subject to customary exceptions. In addition, the Credit Agreements contain customary events of default that entitle the lenders to cause any or all of our indebtedness under the Credit Agreements to become immediately due and payable. The events of default include, among others, non-payment, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, and commencement or filing of a petition for relief under any federal or state bankruptcy laws. Upon the occurrence of an event of default and following any applicable cure periods, a default interest rate of an additional 2% may be applied to the outstanding loan balances, and the Lenders may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

There were no off-balance sheet arrangements for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Net sales are recognized upon shipment to the customer, when title and risk of loss has passed and collection is reasonably assured. Payments received by us in advance are recorded as customer deposits until the merchandise has shipped to the customer.

 

A significant area of judgment affecting reported net sales and net income is estimating sales returns and allowances, which represent that portion of gross net sales not expected to be realized. A customer can contractually return products during a certain period of time. In determining estimates of returns, we analyze historical trends, seasonal results and current economic or market conditions. The actual amount of sales returns subsequently realized may fluctuate from estimates due to several factors, including, merchandise mix, actual or perceived quality, differences between the actual product and its presentation in the website, timeliness of delivery and competitive offerings. We track sales return experience, compile customer feedback to identify any pervasive issues, reassess the marketplace, compare our findings to previous estimates and adjust the sales return provision accordingly.

 

Valuation of Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations. We review goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually as of November 1 or, when events or circumstances dictate, more frequently. For purposes of goodwill impairment reasons our reporting units are Vapestick, FIN, VIP and GEC. The impairment review for goodwill consists of a qualitative assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, and if necessary, a two-step goodwill impairment test. Factors to consider when performing the qualitative assessment include general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, changes in forecasted operating results and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If the qualitative assessment demonstrates that it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, it is not necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to step one, for any reporting unit, in any period. We can resume the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any subsequent period. When performing the two-step goodwill impairment test, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined and compared to the carrying value of the net assets allocated to the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis or write-down of goodwill is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its net assets, the implied fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all its underlying assets and liabilities, including both recognized and unrecognized tangible and intangible assets, based on their fair value. If necessary, goodwill is then written down to its implied fair value.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that there may be impairment. When events or changes in circumstances indicate that our long-lived assets may not be recoverable, the carrying value of these long lived assets is compared to the undiscounted future net operating cash flows, plus a terminal value attributable to the assets. If an asset’s carrying value is not considered recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent the net carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We award stock-based compensation as an incentive for employees to contribute to our long-term success. Compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued on the date of grant. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards requires the input of certain highly complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock compensation awards and our expected common stock price volatility. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment.

 

We account for stock-based compensation awards issued to non-employees for services at either the fair value of the services or the fair value of the instruments issued in exchange for such services, whichever is more readily determinable.

 

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Income Taxes

 

We file income tax returns in the United States, which are subject to examination by the tax authorities in that jurisdiction, generally for three years after the filing date. We are also subject to state and local income taxes, and U.K. income taxes that are reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Deferred income taxes are provided under the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

During 2014 we completed the acquisitions of FIN, Vapestick, VIP and GEC. Certain measurement-period adjustments were made with respect to certain deferred tax liabilities that were identified to exist on the acquisition date for each of these acquisitions. As a result, deferred tax liabilities have been recorded for the identifiable intangibles acquired in these acquisitions as the amounts are non-deductible for income tax purposes.

 

We account for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Such amounts are subjective, as a determination must be made on the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition and measurement could result in recognition of a tax benefit or an additional tax provision.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, we use various methods including market, income and cost approaches. Based on these approaches, we often utilize certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, we are required to provide the following information according to the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in less active markets, or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 2 also includes derivative contracts, the values of which are determined using a pricing model with observable market inputs or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation; also includes observable inputs for nonbinding single dealer quotes not corroborated by observable market data.

 

We have various processes and controls in place to ensure that fair value is reasonably estimated. A model validation policy governs the use and control of valuation models used to estimate fair value. We perform due diligence procedures over third-party pricing service providers in order to support their use in the valuation process. Where market information is not available to support internal valuations, independent reviews of the valuations are performed and any material exposures are evaluated through a management review process.

 

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Many of our financial instruments are issued in conjunction with the issuance of debt. At the time of issuance, we allocate the proceeds received to the various financial instruments and this involves the determination of fair value. From time to time, the fair value of these financial instruments, primarily embedded derivatives and warrants exceeds the proceeds received. When this occurs, we critically evaluate the validity of the fair value computation, most specifically of the derivatives. We engage a third party valuation specialist who applies accepted valuation methodology as well as assumptions that are appropriate in the circumstances.

 

With regards to valuing embedded derivatives, there are a variety of methods to be used. We utilize a binomial model to value our derivatives, as the features of our derivatives, including the down round provisions within the agreements, require a more complex valuation model than the standard Black-Scholes model to analyze the derivatives’ features appropriately. The binomial model allows multi period views of the underlying asset price and the price of the option for multiple periods as well as the range of possible results for each period, offering a more detailed view. The binomial model takes into account multiple scenarios to better reflect the complexity of the derivatives. Probabilities for each of the scenarios are estimated based on extensive discussions with management and outside advisors on the expected likelihood as of the valuation date of a financing transaction that could trigger an additional reset to the exercise price.

 

The key sensitivities of the binomial model include: the exercise price, the stock price in which we utilize our trading price; the expected volatility, which is determined through the analysis of publicly traded peer companies’ historic volatilities; the risk free interest rate, which is based on current market rates and the expected term.

 

When the fair value is determined to be reasonable and the fair value of the consideration we issue exceeds the proceeds, greater value has been given by us than received in the associated transactions. This dynamic occurred in certain of our financings in both 2015 and 2014. From a purely financial perspective, the theoretical value of a security does not take into account the speed of execution that is necessary to accomplish the goal of financing a specific acquisition. When we identify specific strategic targets where the identification of the target and the consummation of the transaction encompass a very compressed timeline the mechanics of an “orderly market” are not always present. We accepted reduced consideration in certain financings due to the need to execute quickly and the accompanying need to be more aggressive in accepting terms. It is our view that the strategic advantage of acquiring our identified targets in this quickly developing market outweighed the discount on the proceeds we received.

 

Embedded Derivatives

 

From time to time we issue financial instruments such as debt in which a derivative instrument is “embedded.” Upon issuing the financial instrument, we assess whether the economic characteristics of the embedded derivative are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the financial instrument (i.e., the host contract) and whether a separate, non-embedded instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When it is determined that (1) the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract and (2) a separate, stand-alone instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is separated from the host contract and carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in the income statement.

 

Several embedded features that required bifurcation and separate accounting were identified in connection with certain of the convertible notes issued in 2014 and we determined these should be bundled together as a single, compound embedded derivative, bifurcated from the host contract, and accounted for at fair value, with changes in fair value being recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The embedded derivatives included the conversion options, the mandatory default amounts, the prepayment clauses found in some or all of those notes, and other features such as put rights and optimal redemptions. The three embedded features were evaluated together as a single compound derivative to determine the fair value of the derivative using a binomial pricing model. The binomial pricing model takes into account probability-weighted scenarios with regard to the likelihood of changes to the conversion price. The inputs to the model require us to make certain significant assumptions and represent our best estimate at the valuation date. The probabilities were determined based on a management review, and input from external advisors, on the expected likelihood as of the valuation date of a financing transaction that could trigger an additional reset.

 

The key sensitivities of the binomial model include: the fair value of the common stock, in which we utilized the actual trading price less a discount for lack of marketability due to the thinly traded nature of the stock; the expected volatility of the common stock, which was determined through the analysis of publicly traded peer companies’ historic volatilities; and the risk free interest rate, which is based on current market rates and the expected term. Any change in one of the above would have an impact on the concluded value for the embedded derivatives.

 

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Warrant Liability

 

We currently utilize the Black-Scholes model to derive the estimated fair value of warrants that are considered to be liabilities. Key inputs into the model include the fair value of the common stock, in which we utilized the actual trading price, the expected volatility of the stock price, and a risk-free interest rate. Any significant changes to these inputs would have a significant impact to the fair value.

 

The changes in fair value of the warrants are measured at each reporting date and recognized in earnings and classified commensurate with the purpose of issuance. Changes in the fair value of warrants issued a) for services performed are considered an operating expense and b) in connection with debt are classified as other (income) expense.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation in the United States has been relatively low in recent years and did not have a material impact on our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Although the impact of inflation has been relatively insignificant in recent years, it remains a factor in the United States economy and may increase our costs, including inventory acquisition and distribution costs, compensation and benefits, professional fees, and most other operating expenses.  

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The following recently issued accounting standards are not yet effective; we are assessing the impact these standards will have on our consolidated financial statements as well as the period in which adoption is expected to occur:

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This comprehensive guidance will replace all existing revenue recognition guidance and, as amended, is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. This ASU is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. Among other things, this ASU requires certain equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”, which will supersede the existing guidance for lease accounting. This ASU will require lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06, “Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments”, which clarifies the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The core change with this ASU is the simplification of several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. 

 

The following recently issued accounting standards were adopted effective January 1, 2016; the impact of adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements:

 

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging: Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity”. This ASU does not change the current criteria in GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required, but clarifies how current GAAP should be interpreted in the evaluation of the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share, reducing existing diversity in practice.

 

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, “Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items”, that will simplify income statement classification by removing the concept of extraordinary items from GAAP. Upon adoption, the separate disclosure of extraordinary items after income from continuing operations in the income statement will no longer be permitted.

 

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In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”. The new standard is intended to improve targeted areas of consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. 

 

During 2015, the FASB issued ASUs No. 2015-03 and No. 2015-15 titled “Interest-Imputation of Interest”, which generally requires the presentation of debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liabilities. However, for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the Company may continue presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. We elected to continue to present debt issuance costs related to our line of credit as an asset in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value.  ASU No. 2015-11 defines net realizable value as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under this Item.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to reasonably ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) (“Disclosure Controls”) will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. We monitor our Disclosure Controls and make modifications as necessary; our intent in this regard is that the Disclosure Controls will be modified as systems change and conditions warrant.

 

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our Disclosure Controls was performed as of the end of the period covered by this Report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on this evaluation, because of the identification of multiple and significant control deficiencies that, in aggregate, constitute material weaknesses in our internal control described below, the Company concluded that as of March 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. The material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting identified at the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2016, are set forth below:

 

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·Inadequate and ineffective controls over the timeliness and accuracy of the financial reporting process. The Company did not have adequate design or operational controls and procedures that provided reasonable assurance that financial statements could be accurately prepared in accordance with GAAP. Several factors contributed to this material weakness including (i) the rapid growth that the Company experienced as a result of multiple significant domestic and international acquisitions in 2014, (ii) the relocation of the Company’s corporate headquarters and information technology assets to Colorado during the third quarter of 2015, and (iii) hiring of new personnel to provide corporate accounting and financial reporting services. While management believes significant improvements were achieved through the first quarter of 2016, additional time is required to evaluate the effectiveness of these changes and to fully develop the Company’s entity level and process level control environment. For many controls that were in place, the Company did not have adequate documentation of the operating effectiveness or have an adequate sample size to validate the operating effectiveness of the controls.
   
·Inadequate and ineffective Information Technology controls.  The Company did not have an adequate design or operational controls and procedures that provided reasonable assurance of the financial integrity of the Company’s accounting system and that supporting electronic files were free of material misstatement. The Company was not able to validate the design or operational effectiveness of several information technology controls. Management believes the Company will need to migrate from its current information technology system to implement an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) software solution across all reporting units, in order to mitigate this material weakness.

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2016, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings, lawsuits, claims and regulations in the ordinary course of our business. We are not currently involved in any litigation that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to our knowledge, threatened against or affecting us, our common stock, any of our subsidiaries or of our officers or directors in their capacities as such, in which an adverse decision could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 1A.   Risk Factors.

 

Except as set forth below, there have been no changes that constitute a material change from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 28, 2016, as amended:

 

Risks Related to Government Regulation

 

The FDA has recently adopted rules to further regulate E-cigarettes.

 

On May 5, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) issued a final rule deeming certain products to be subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and regulations thereunder, which includes regulation of electronic cigarettes (“E-cigarettes”).  The effective date of the final rule is August 8, 2016. The contract manufacturers have 3 years to comply with the regulations. Pertinent sections of the final rule that apply to us include:

 

·Sale to minors are prohibited.
·Starting in 2 years, E-cigarettes packaging must display a warning that the product contains nicotine.
·Manufacturers of E-cigarettes have 3 years to obtain approval for their products from the FDA.
·Producers of liquids will need to obtain FDA approval for the mix of ingredients in their liquid. Several manufacturers of liquid nicotine and other ingredients which are used to produce the liquids are already FDA compliant.

 

The FDA approval process will be phased in, whereby we will have up to two years to submit applications to obtain approval to continue to sell our existing products. We may continue to sell existing products during this two-year period, and we can continue to sell existing products for an additional year while the FDA reviews our applications. Failure to obtain approval for any of our existing products would prevent us from marketing and selling such products in the United States beginning in August 2019, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations at that time.

 

In addition, the regulations require us to obtain pre-market approval before we can market new products in the United States. The pre-market approval could take any of the following three pathways: (i) submission of a substantial equivalence (“SE”) report and receipt of an SE order; (ii) submission of a request for an exemption from SE requirements and receipt of an SE exemption determination, or (iii) submission of a premarket tobacco product application (“PMTA”) and receipt of a marketing authorization order which is essentially equivalent to obtaining FDA approval to market a new drug. We intend to pursue the SE assertion related to our products, which would result in the least onerous pathway to FDA approval. However, no assurance can be provided that we will be successful in obtaining FDA approval under any of the three pathways.

 

We cannot predict the impact these new regulations will have on our business and what additional restrictions the FDA may subsequently impose. In this regard, total compliance and related costs are not possible to predict. The costs of compliance by us and our suppliers will likely result in higher costs to purchase our products. To the extent it is not possible to pass increased costs on to customers, our financial results will likely deteriorate. Additionally, if we are unable to secure FDA approval to continue selling our existing products and any new products targeted for introduction, our net sales will be adversely impacted. The ultimate outcome of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2016, we issued an aggregate of 461,541 shares of our common stock for services rendered by our board of directors and 115,385 shares issued to an executive officer as part of his 2015 bonus consideration. The shares were issued in reliance upon exemptions from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act.

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.  Other Information.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit    
Number   Description
     
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Schema
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase

 

In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished and not filed.

 

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Signatures

 

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

 

  ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES
INTERNATIONAL GROUP, LTD
 
       
Date: May 16, 2016 By: /s/ Daniel J. O’Neill  
    Daniel J. O’Neill  
    Chief Executive Officer  
    (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)  
       
Date: May 16, 2016   /s/ Philip Anderson  
    Philip Anderson  
    Chief Financial Officer  
    (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)  

   

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