Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned
issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to
file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
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. (Note: The registrant is a voluntary filer and not subject to the filing requirements of Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although not subject to these filing requirements, the registrant has filed all reports
that would have been required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12
months had the registrant been subject to such requirements.)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted
electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant
to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit
and post such files)
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant
to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge,
in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.
x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated
filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or emerging growth company. See the definitions
of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging
growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the
registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards
provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
¨
No
x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common
equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and
asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal
quarter (June 30, 2017)
was $12,062,580.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s
Common Stock, $0.00001 par value per share, was 1,274,603 as of March 9, 2018.
ITEM 1 - BUSINESS
Regional Brands Inc. (formerly 4net Software, Inc.) (“Regional
Brands”, the “Company”, “we” “our” and “us”) was incorporated under the laws
of the State of Delaware in 1986 and subsequently became a holding company. In April 2016, in connection with a change in control
of the Company, we changed our name to Regional Brands Inc. Our corporate office is located at 6060 Parkland Boulevard, Cleveland,
Ohio 44124 and our telephone number is (216) 825-4000. Our corporate website address is
http://www.regionalbrandsinc.com.
Information
contained on our website is not a part of this annual report.
Regional Brands Inc. is a holding company formed to acquire
substantial ownership in regional companies with strong brand recognition, stable revenues and profitability. Regional Brands has
been pursuing a business strategy whereby it seeks to engage in an acquisition, merger or other business combination transaction
with undervalued businesses (each, a “Target Company”) with a history of operating revenues in markets that provide
opportunities for growth. After the acquisition of the business of B.R. Johnson, Inc. (“BRJ Inc.”) by our majority-owned
subsidiary, B.R. Johnson, LLC (“BRJ LLC”), we are currently focused on considering opportunities for growth of BRJ
LLC through utilizing its balance sheet to provide capital for additional acquisitions of companies that would be complementary
to BRJ LLC. Additionally, we may seek to acquire Target Companies that satisfy the following criteria: (1) established businesses
with viable services or products; (2) an experienced and qualified management team; (3) opportunities for growth and/or expansion
into other markets; (4) are accretive to earnings; (5) offer the opportunity to achieve and/or enhance profitability; and (6) increase
shareholder value.
Forward Looking Information
This report contains statements about future
events and expectations that are characterized as “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements
are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions, and expectations. Forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance, and financial condition to be materially different from the expectations
of future results, performance, and financial condition we express or imply in such forward-looking statements. You
are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Change in fiscal year end.
On December 20, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company
approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year-end, moving from September 30 to December 31 of each year. This Form 10-K
includes financial information from October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (the "Transition Period 2016").
Description of Acquisition
On November 1, 2016, our majority-owned subsidiary, BRJ LLC,
acquired substantially all of the assets (the “Acquisition”) of BRJ Inc., a seller and distributor of windows, doors
and related hardware as well as specialty products for use in commercial and residential buildings (the “Business”).
The Acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase
Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2016 (the “APA”). Total consideration for the Acquisition was approximately $16.5
million, including delivery by BRJ LLC of a promissory note for $2,500,000 to BRJ Inc. (the “Note”), which is subordinate
to the Debt Agreements (as defined below) and working capital adjustments of approximately $1.1 million. We provided $10.95 million
in debt and equity financing to complete the Acquisition, including $7.14 million of the Subordinated Loan (as defined below) and
$3.81 million in preferred equity of BRJ LLC.
Concurrently with the closing of the Acquisition, BRJ LLC entered
into a senior secured revolving credit facility to borrow up to $6,000,000 (the “Credit Facility”) pursuant to that
certain Credit and Security Agreement, dated November 1, 2016 (the “Credit Agreement”), with the lenders named therein
and KeyBank, N.A. as agent for such lenders. BRJ LLC also entered into that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated November
1, 2016 (the “Loan Agreement and, together with the Credit Facility, the “Debt Agreements”), pursuant to which
it received a $7,500,000 loan that is subordinate to the Credit Facility (the “Subordinated Loan”). To finance the
Acquisition and potential future acquisitions, we issued 894,393 shares of our common stock for aggregate proceeds to us of $12,074,311
in a private placement (the “Private Placement”) with 93 accredited investors, pursuant to the terms of a Subscription
Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2016 (the “Subscription Agreement”). The foregoing transactions are collectively
hereinafter referred to as the “Transactions”.
Following the Acquisition, all of operations of the Business
are conducted through our majority-owned subsidiary BRJ LLC. We hold 76.17% of the common membership interests and 95.22% of
the preferred membership interests of BRJ LLC pursuant to the B.R. Johnson, LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC
Agreement”) entered into by and among Lorraine Capital, LLC (which owns 20% of the common membership interests), Regional
Brands Inc. and BRJ Acquisition Partners, LLC (which owns the remaining 3.83% of the common membership interests and 4.78% of the
preferred membership interests). Lorraine Capital, LLC and BRJ Acquisition Partners, LLC are collectively referred to as the “Lorraine
Parties”.
Business Overview
B.R. Johnson, Inc. was founded by Benjamin “Ben”
R. Johnson in 1928. Some of the original products sold by BRJ Inc. were steel windows, rolling self-storing screens, kitchen
cabinets, and Modernfold operable wall partitions, a product it still distributes principally in Upstate New York State market.
Over the course of the following decades, BRJ Inc. added commercial steel doors, hardware, and residential and commercial windows.
We believe BRJ Inc. has built a reputation of only distributing products that are the best in their respective category. Product
categories include:
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Commercial doors and hardware;
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Specialty division; consisting of operable partitions, movable glass walls, fire and smoke containment systems and gymnasium equipment
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Residential hardware; and
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Aftermarket door sales.
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Industry Overview
According to an industry study published by the international
business research company, The Freedonia Group, the total United States window and door market (measured by sales at the manufacturers’
level) was estimated to be valued at
approximately $34.3 billion in sales in 2021.
One key factor driving growth will be continued strength in new housing and renovation activity, including
investment in new and replacement windows and doors. Expanding construction spending in window and door intensive commercial segments,
specifically office, retail, and lodging structures, will also fuel sales.
Regional variations in economic activity influence the level
of demand for windows and door products across the United States. Of particular importance are regional differences in the level
of construction and renovation activity. Demographic trends, including population growth and migration, contribute to the regional
variations through their influence on regional new construction activity.
Our Growth Strategy
We target customer groups and emphasize product categories where
we believe we are well positioned in comparison to our competitors. These include aftermarket door service and installation; commercial
window customers with demanding installation requirements; and products requiring proprietary know-how and installation skills.
Commercial door and hardware remains a highly competitive product
category. Our strategy is to defend our market share so that our volume remains at sufficient levels to achieve the best pricing
from our suppliers, thus enabling us to maintain acceptable profit margins in this segment.
Currently, we are in principally in
the Upstate New York State market and we plan to expand our geographic reach through ongoing business development efforts by
our Rochester, NY and newly opened Buffalo, NY sales offices.
Our Products and Services
Commercial Windows:
We have a long history of building
restoration and new construction experience in a wide range of commercial window applications. We utilize multiple approaches that
take advantage of the wide range of product offerings we have available to us from our extensive roster of suppliers and we draw
on the experience gained from the diverse types of projects we have successfully performed.
We operate as a multi-line commercial
window distributor and installer of high-performance architectural aluminum, clad wood, fiberglass, vinyl and steel replica
windows, as well as curtainwall, storefront and entrance products.
While we specialize in creating commercial window solutions
for existing buildings and historical renovations, we are also experienced in the requirements of new construction, navigating
the technical, administrative and schedule demands of that industry segment.
Our team of salesmen, project managers, technical services and
installation personnel work closely with our customers to provide an integrated project delivery approach that is most appropriate
to balance performance, aesthetics, budgetary and schedule needs.
We offer our commercial window customers:
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Replacement and historical renovation;
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New construction - windows, curtainwall, storefront and entrances;
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Budgets, detailing and mock-ups;
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Service across New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Ithaca and Binghamton.
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Commercial Doors and Hardware:
We are a value added distributor
and installer of commercial doors, frames and hardware characterized by a dedicated group of professionals with specialized knowledge
to respond quickly to customer needs. We have provided the Upstate New York building industry with hollow metal steel doors and
frames for over 40 years and commercial hardware since the mid-1980’s.
We provide commercial door and hardware customers:
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Custom hollow metal door and frame welding and fabrication;
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The largest commercial solid core wood door inventory in Central New York;
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A large available selection of commercial and institutional hardware;
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Specialty overhead and rolling doors;
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Field service and installed sales;
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Budgets and specification consulting; and
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New construction, installation, replacement and service.
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Commercial Specialty Products
: We distribute, install
and service products that require a strong emphasis on architectural promotion. Our sales personnel have been trained to know all
aspects of each product from layout and design to providing classroom training to architects and building and fire code officials
to maintain their license in New York State. As a result we are a trusted resource to the entire Upstate New York community of
architects and building and fire code officials. The products we represent are nationally and internationally recognized as industry
leaders and sold across the entire Upstate New York region where we have salesmen active in each major market from Buffalo to Albany.
Our seasoned tradesmen round out our ability to provide installation services, inspections and preventative maintenance.
Specialty products and services include:
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Modernfold - Operable partitions, movable glass walls and accordion doors;
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Skyfold - vertically folding operable walls;
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Renlita Doors - custom designed vertical and horizontal doors;
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Smoke containment alternatives to elevator vestibules;
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Smoke Guard - fire and smoke containment systems;
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Safe-Path (safety device for gym partitions);
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Inspections and preventative maintenance.
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Residential Windows and Door
: We specialize in new construction,
installation and replacement windows and doors for homes in Upstate New York. We have been providing builders and homeowners in
Upstate New York with quality building products since 1928.
We offer our customers a wide selection of products to best
meet their requirements from the following manufacturers:
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Integrity from Marvin manufactures windows and doors made from a revolutionary fiberglass material called
Ultrex that outlasts and outperforms the competition.
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Marvin Windows & Doors offer made to order products with craftsman quality construction and customizable
options.
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Halfway between Utica and Albany, Kasson & Keller has been manufacturing windows and doors in nearby Fonda, NY since 1954, including EcoShield high-efficiency, low-maintenance windows.
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Norwood, a division of West-Wood Industries, is a family-owned manufacturer of some of the finest wood windows and doors in North America. In addition, Norwood’s Permaglass window line is manufactured from protruded fiberglass for when wood is not the most suitable material for a customer’s application.
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Therma-Tru Doors, which first created the fiberglass entry door category 25 years ago with the introduction of the Fiber-Classic® wood-grained door. Today, Therma-Tru is the nation’s leading manufacturer of fiberglass and steel exterior door systems, and a preferred brand of entry doors by builders and remodelers.
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Sales and Marketing
As a result of our longstanding and leading position in the
Upstate New York market, we have developed relationships with owners, architects, and developers and a reputation for providing
products and services that best suit the customers’ needs, positioning us well in comparison to our competitors.
Our customer service team responds to opportunities with our
customers at an early stage and responds to quote opportunities quickly with the best solution for our customers based on access
to multiple suppliers. We prioritize opportunities based on the competitive advantages we identify, often where customers’
needs involve a level of complexity.
We remain one of the few in our business that maintains an extensive
inventory of commercial door and hardware items. This allows us to react to the smaller negotiated and non-bid opportunities quickly
with product in stock. With larger projects, we seek to utilize manufacturer service centers to provide fabrication when possible
to minimize pass-through in our facility.
Other sales and marketing activities include attending industry
related trade shows, targeted engagement with social media, and search engine optimization for our website.
Customers
Our customers are varied and encompass building owners, building
tenants (with long term property rights) and contractors who serve them. We have customers who place orders that we book and ship,
such as in the commercial door and hardware category. These same customers may have large projects from time to time such as commercial
window projects that take several months (occasionally over a year ) to complete. Commercial customers include: owners of educational
buildings, K-12 school districts, private schools and public and private colleges and universities; owners of multi-family housing,
including senior housing, both private and public; other building owners, including retail health care and institutional buildings,
casinos and hotels; and energy performance contractors. Our residential windows, doors and door hardware customers are generally
contractors or developers serving this market.
Strategic Alliances
We view Lorraine Capital, LLC, and Ancora Advisors, LLC (“Ancora”),
as strategic sources for identifying opportunities for new business in Western New York and Northeast Ohio. We also believe that
Lorraine Capital, LLC and Ancora can assist us with sourcing capital to meet our expansion requirements or take advantage of consolidation
opportunities with competitors through acquisitions. In addition, we have a relationship with a union qualified commercial window
subcontractor, Airways Door Service, Inc. (“ADSI”), which is advantageous to us in situations that require union installation
labor. Individuals affiliated with Lorraine Capital, LLC acquired 57% of ADSI’s common stock in connection with the Acquisition.
Competition
Our products are sold under highly competitive conditions. Currently,
we are principally in the Upstate New York State market and we compete with a number of companies, some of which have greater financial
resources than us. The principal competitive factors in the markets we serve include price, product quality, delivery and the ability
to customize to customer specifications. We encounter different competitive environments in each of our product categories. In
some of the product categories, there is a reduction in the number of competitors, in part due to the reduction of new entrants
to the market. In addition, many of our suppliers find it economical to have a limited number of vendors in any geographic area.
In the residential market segment, we face intense competition from big-box stores, large independent chains and online retailers
where we differentiate our products and services with high-end quality products that meet the specialized installation requirements
of our customers. In addition, certain product manufacturers sell and distribute their products directly to customers or enter
into exclusive supply arrangements with other distributors.
Suppliers
We operate as a multi-line product distributor and installer
across the entire Upstate New York region for nationally and internationally recognized industry leading brands. Our ability to
offer a wide variety of products to our customers is dependent upon our ability to continue to identify and develop relationships
with qualified suppliers who can satisfy our high standards for quality and responsible sourcing, as well as our need to access
products in a timely and efficient manner. Generally, our products are obtainable from various sources and in sufficient quantities.
Employees
BRJ LLC employed 84 people full-time and 1 person part-time
as of March 9, 2018. Regional Brands has no employees other than its CEO.
ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree
of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this report,
before making an investment decision. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results
of operations could suffer. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of
your investment. You should read the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of what types of
statements are forward-looking statements, as well as the significance of such statements in the context of this report.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry
There can be no assurance that our future operations will
result in net income.
There can be no assurance that our future operations will result
in net income. Our failure to increase our revenues or maintain or improve our gross margins will harm our business. We may not
be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. If our revenues grow more slowly than
we anticipate, our gross margins decline or our operating expenses exceed our expectations, our operating results will suffer.
The prices we charge for products and services may decrease, which would reduce our revenues and harm our business. If we are unable
to sell products at acceptable prices relative to our costs, or if we fail to supply on a timely basis new products and services
from which we can derive additional revenues, our financial results will suffer.
Uncertain economic conditions may adversely affect demand
for our products.
Our revenue and gross margin depend significantly on general
economic conditions and the demand for building products in the markets in which we operate. Economic weakness and constrained
construction and renovation spending has resulted, and may result in the future, in decreased revenue, gross margin, earnings and
growth rates. All of our revenues and profitability are derived from our clients in New York State, which makes us highly susceptible
to disruptions or downturns in local economic conditions. Ongoing economic volatility and uncertainty affect our business in a
number of other ways, including making it more difficult to accurately forecast client demand beyond the short term and effectively
build our revenue. Uncertainty about future economic conditions makes it difficult for us to forecast operating results and to
make decisions about future investments. Delays or reductions in building products spending could have a material adverse effect
on demand for our products and services, and consequently our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and stock
price.
We may not timely identify or effectively respond to consumer
needs, expectations or trends, which could adversely affect our relationship with customers, our reputation and the demand for
our products and services.
The success of our business depends in part on our ability to
identify and respond promptly to evolving trends in demographics; consumer preferences, expectations and needs; and unexpected
weather conditions, while also managing appropriate inventory levels and maintaining an excellent customer experience. It is difficult
to successfully predict the products and services our customers will demand. As the housing and home improvement market continues
to recover, resulting changes in demand will put further pressure on our ability to meet customer needs and expectations and maintain
high service levels. Our failure to meet the individual needs and expectations of our customers may result in the erosion of our
customer base.
Our industry is highly cyclical, and prolonged periods
of weak demand or excess supply may reduce our net sales and/or margins, which may cause us to incur losses or reduce our net income.
The building products distribution industry is subject to cyclical
market pressures. Prices of building products are determined by overall supply and demand in the market. Market prices of building
products historically have been volatile and cyclical, and we have limited ability to control the timing and amount of pricing
changes. Demand for building products is driven mainly by factors outside of our control, such as general economic and political
conditions, interest rates, availability of financing, the state of the credit markets, high levels of unemployment and foreclosures,
the construction, repair and remodeling markets, industrial markets, weather, and population growth. The supply of building products
fluctuates based on available manufacturing capacity, and excess capacity in the industry can result in significant declines in
market prices for those products. To the extent that prices and volumes experience a sustained or sharp decline, our net sales
and margins likely would decline as well.
Additionally, many of the building products which we distribute
are widely available from other distributors or manufacturers, including big-box stores and online retailers. At times, the purchase
price for any one or more of the products we distribute may fall below our purchase costs, requiring us to incur short-term losses
on product sales.
All of these factors could adversely affect demand for our products
and services, our costs of doing business and our financial performance.
Product shortages, loss of key suppliers, and our dependence
on third-party suppliers and manufacturers could affect our financial health.
Our ability to offer a wide variety of products to our customers
is dependent upon our ability to continue to identify and develop relationships with qualified suppliers who can satisfy our high
standards for quality and responsible sourcing, as well as our need to access products in a timely and efficient manner. Generally,
our products are obtainable from various sources and in sufficient quantities. However, the loss of, or a substantial decrease
in the availability of, products from our suppliers or the loss of key supplier arrangements could adversely impact our financial
condition, operating results, and cash flows.
Disruptions in our supply chain and other factors affecting
the distribution of our products could adversely impact our business.
A disruption within our supply chain network could adversely
affect our ability to deliver inventory in a timely manner, which could impair our ability to meet customer demand for products
and result in lost sales, increased costs or damage to our reputation. Such disruptions may result from damage or destruction to
our warehouse facility; weather-related events; natural disasters; third-party strikes, lock-outs, work stoppages or slowdowns;
supply or shipping interruptions or costs; or other factors beyond our control. Any such disruption could negatively impact our
financial performance or financial condition.
The inflation or deflation of commodity prices could affect
our prices, demand for our products, our sales and our profit margins.
Prices of certain commodity products, including lumber and other
raw materials, are historically volatile and are subject to fluctuations arising from changes in supply and demand, labor costs,
competition, market speculation, government regulations, periodic delays in delivery and other factors. Rapid and significant changes
in commodity prices may affect the demand for our products, our sales and our profit margins.
Our industry is highly competitive. If we are unable to
compete effectively, our net sales and operating results will be reduced.
The building products distribution industry is highly competitive,
particularly in the residential sector. Competitive factors in our industry include pricing, availability of product, level of
service, delivery capabilities, customer relationships, geographic coverage, and breadth of product offerings. Also, financial
stability is important to suppliers and customers in choosing distributors for their products, and affects the favorability of
the terms on which we are able to obtain our products from our suppliers and sell our products to our customers.
Some of our competitors are part of larger companies, and therefore
have access to greater financial and other resources than those to which we have access. In addition, certain product manufacturers
sell and distribute their products directly to customers. We also face growing competition from online and multichannel retailers.
Additional manufacturers of products distributed by us may elect to sell and distribute directly to end-users in the future or
enter into exclusive supply arrangements with other distributors. Competitive pressures from one or more of our competitors or
our inability to adapt effectively and quickly to a changing competitive landscape could affect our prices, our margins or demand
for our products and services. If we are unable to timely and appropriately respond to these competitive pressures, our net sales
and net income will be reduced.
Our business operations could suffer significant losses
from natural disasters, catastrophes, fire or other unexpected events.
We operate our business primarily out of a single facility.
While we maintain insurance, including business interruption insurance, our warehouse facility could be materially damaged by natural
disasters, fire, adverse weather conditions, or other unexpected events, which could materially disrupt our business. We could
incur uninsured losses and liabilities arising from such events, including damage to our reputation, and/or suffer material losses
in operational capacity, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Increased IT security threats and more sophisticated and
targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our information technology and cybersecurity systems.
Increased global IT security threats and more sophisticated
and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of our systems and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our
data. While we attempt to mitigate these risks through employee training, monitoring of our networks and systems, and maintenance
of backup and protective systems, our systems remain potentially vulnerable to advanced persistent threats. Depending on their
nature and scope, such threats could potentially lead to the compromising of confidential information, improper use of our systems,
manipulation and destruction of data, and operational disruptions, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness
and results of operations.
Our cash flows and capital resources may be insufficient
to make required payments on our substantial indebtedness or to maintain acceptable liquidity.
We have a substantial amount of debt which could have important
consequences to you. For example, it could:
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make it difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations;
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make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
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limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate requirements;
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expose us to interest rate fluctuations because the interest rate on the debt under our revolving credit facility is variable;
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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flows for operations and other purposes;
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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, and the industry in which we operate; and
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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt, and therefore may be in a better position to obtain favorable credit terms.
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In addition, our ability to make scheduled payments or refinance
our obligations depends on our successful financial and operating performance, cash flows, and capital resources, which in turn
depend upon prevailing economic conditions and certain financial, business, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
These factors include, among others:
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economic and demand factors affecting the building products distribution industry;
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external factors affecting availability of credit;
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pricing pressures;
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increased operating costs;
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competitive conditions; and
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other operating difficulties.
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If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to
fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations,
obtain additional capital, or restructure our debt. Obtaining additional capital or restructuring our debt could be accomplished
in part through new or additional borrowings or placements of debt or equity securities. There is no assurance that we could obtain
additional capital or refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In the event that we are required to dispose of
material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations, the value realized on the disposition of such assets
or operations will depend on market conditions and the availability of buyers. Accordingly, any such sale may not, among other
things, be for a sufficient dollar amount. We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Our incurring additional
indebtedness would intensify the risks described above.
The instruments governing our indebtedness restrict our
ability to dispose of assets and the use of proceeds from any such disposition.
Our obligations under the Debt Agreements are secured by security
interests in all of the assets of our operating subsidiary, BRJ LLC, including its inventories, accounts receivable, and proceeds
from those items. The foregoing encumbrances, as well as covenants in the Debt Agreements, limit our ability to dispose of material
assets or operations. Accordingly, we may not be able to consummate any disposition of assets or obtain the net proceeds which
we could realize from such disposition, and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet the debt service obligations when due. In
the event of our breach of the Debt Agreements, we may be required to repay any outstanding amounts earlier than anticipated, and
the lenders may foreclose on their security interests in our assets or otherwise exercise their remedies with respect to such interests.
The instruments governing our indebtedness contain various
covenants limiting the discretion of our management in operating our business, including requiring us to maintain a maximum fixed
charge coverage ratio.
Our Debt Agreements contain various restrictive covenants and
restrictions, including financial covenants that limit management’s discretion in operating our business. In particular,
these instruments limit our ability to, among other things:
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incur additional debt;
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grant liens on assets;
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make investments, including capital expenditures;
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sell or acquire assets outside the ordinary course of business;
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engage in transactions with affiliates; and
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make fundamental business changes.
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The Credit Facility also requires us to maintain a fixed charge
coverage ratio of 1.15 to 1.00. If we fail to comply with the restrictions in the Debt Agreements or any other current or future
financing agreements, a default may allow the creditors under the relevant instruments to accelerate the related debts and to exercise
their remedies under these agreements, which typically will include the right to declare the principal amount of that debt, together
with accrued and unpaid interest, and other related amounts, immediately due and payable, to exercise any remedies the creditors
may have to foreclose on assets that are subject to liens securing that debt, and to terminate any commitments they had made to
supply further funds. The exercise of any default remedies by our creditors would have a material adverse effect on our ability
to finance working capital needs and capital expenditures.
Affiliates of Ancora control a significant portion of
our outstanding common stock and may have conflicts of interest with other stockholders.
Ancora, a private investment firm, and investment partnerships
and individuals affiliated with Ancora beneficially owned approximately 34.8% of our outstanding common stock as of March 9, 2018.
As a result, Ancora is able to exert significant influence on the election of our directors, our corporate and management policies,
and the outcome of most corporate transactions or other matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including potential
mergers or acquisitions, asset sales, and other significant corporate transactions. This concentrated ownership position limits
other stockholders’ ability to influence corporate matters and, as a result, we may take actions that some of our stockholders
may not view as beneficial.
Three of our four directors and our Chief Executive Officer
are affiliated with Ancora. The interests of Ancora may not coincide with the interests of other holders of our common stock. Additionally,
Ancora is in the business of making investments in companies, and may, from time to time, acquire and hold interests in businesses
that compete directly or indirectly with us. Ancora may also pursue, for its own account, acquisition opportunities that may be
complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. So long as Ancora continues
to own a significant amount of the outstanding shares of our common stock, it will continue to be able to strongly influence our
decisions, including potential mergers or acquisitions, asset sales, and other significant corporate transactions.
We may not have sufficient working capital in the long
term.
It is likely we may require additional funds in the long term
depending upon the growth of our revenues and our business strategy. We can give no assurance that we will be able to obtain sufficient
debt or equity capital now or in the future to support our operations. Should we be unable to raise sufficient debt or equity capital,
we could be forced to cease operations.
These and other factors could affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. Also, it is possible that our financial results may be below the expectations of public market
analysts.
Additional tax expense or additional tax exposures could
affect the company's future profitability and cash flow.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) was enacted
on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act significantly revamped U.S. taxation of corporations, including a reduction of the federal income
tax rate from 35% to 21%, a limitation on interest deductibility, and a new tax regime for foreign earnings. The limitation on
interest deductibility, or other adverse changes resulting from the Tax Act, might offset the benefit from the reduced tax rate,
and our future effective tax rates and/or cash taxes may increase, even significantly, or not decrease much, compared to recent
or historical trends. Many of the provisions of the Tax Act are highly complex and may be subject to further interpretive guidance
from the IRS or others. Some of the provisions of the Tax Act may be changed by a future Congress. Although we cannot predict the
nature or outcome of such future interpretive guidance, or actions by a future Congress, they could adversely impact our financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
We have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect
to pay dividends in the future. Any return on investment may be limited to the value of our common stock.
We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not
anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock would depend on our earnings,
financial condition and other business and economic factors affecting us at such time as our board of directors may consider relevant.
If we do not pay dividends, our common stock may be less valuable because a return on your investment will only occur if its stock
price appreciates.
There is a limited market for our common stock which may
make it more difficult to dispose of your stock.
Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTC marketplace.
There is a limited trading market for our common stock. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of any markets
that may develop for our common stock, the ability of holders of our common stock to sell shares of our common stock, or the prices
at which holders may be able to sell their common stock. Because of its limited trading volume, the price of our common stock may
experience significant volatility for reasons that may be unrelated to our business or financial performance.
A sale of a substantial number of shares of our common
stock may cause the price of the common stock to decline.
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock
in the public market, the market price of our common stock could fall. These sales also may make it more difficult for us to sell
equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.
Failure to maintain effective internal controls in accordance
with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act could result in material misstatements in our financial statements, and cause stockholders to lose confidence in our financial
reporting
.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires the Company
to evaluate the effectiveness of its internal controls, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires the Company
to evaluate its disclosure controls and procedures, in each case as of the end of each fiscal year, and to include a management
report assessing the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in each Annual Report on Form
10-K.
Management evaluated the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 as required by paragraph (b) of
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, and determined that our internal controls were not effective due to material weaknesses.
The identified material weaknesses related to an insufficient complement of qualified accounting personnel and ineffective
controls associated with segregation of duties. Based on our Management’s evaluation of our disclosure controls and
procedures and the continued existence of the material weaknesses as of December 31, 2017, our Management concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2017.
In response to the material weaknesses identified above, our
Management, with assistance of an outside consultant and oversight from the Company’s audit committee, has continued to monitor
and review our control environment and evaluate potential solutions intended to remedy the identified material weaknesses. If the material weaknesses are not effectively remediated,
or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal controls, or in our disclosure controls and procedures,
are discovered or occur in the future, our financial statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to
restate our financial results. This could result in stockholders losing confidence in our reported financial information or disclosure,
which could negatively impact our stock price, or in securities litigation, and the diversion of significant management and financial
resources.
We do not expect that our internal control over financial reporting
will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable,
not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be 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. Controls
can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the
controls. Over time, controls may become inadequate because changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance
with policies or procedures may occur. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due
to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES
Our principal offices are at 6060 Parkland Boulevard, Cleveland,
OH 44124. We do not pay for the use of the offices, which are located at the corporate headquarters of Ancora.
BRJ LLC operates out of a 42,000 square foot facility in East
Syracuse, NY pursuant to a lease through 2020 with rent payments totaling $276,000 a year. It also has a 2,200 square foot sales
office in Rochester, NY.
ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are currently no pending or threatened material legal
proceedings against us.
ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
The accompanying notes
are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
The accompanying notes
are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
The accompanying notes
are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
The accompanying notes
are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Regional Brands Inc. (formerly 4net Software, Inc.) (the "Company')
was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1986. Regional Brands Inc. is a holding company formed to acquire
substantial ownership in regional companies with strong brand recognition, stable revenues and profitability. Regional Brands
has been pursuing a business strategy whereby it was seeking to engage in an acquisition, merger or other business combination
transaction with undervalued businesses (each, a “Target Company”) with a history of operating revenues in markets
that provide opportunities for growth. On November 1, 2016 (Note 2) the Company's majority-owned subsidiary acquired substantially
all the assets (the “Acquisition”) of B.R. Johnson, Inc. (“BRJ Inc.”), a seller and distributor of windows,
doors and related hardware as well as specialty products for use in commercial and residential buildings.
Change in fiscal
year end.-
On December 20, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a change in the Company’s
fiscal year-end, moving from September 30 to December 31 of each year. This Form 10-K includes financial information for the
year ended December 31, 2017, the period from October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (the "Transition Period 2016")
and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.
Principles of Consolidation
-
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Regional Brands Inc and its majority-owned subsidiary, B.R. Johnson,
LLC (“BRJ LLC”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
- The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in
the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and be based on events
different from those assumptions. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty; estimating, therefore,
requires the exercise of judgment. Thus, accounting estimates change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired or
as additional information is obtained. We believe the most significant estimates and judgments are associated with revenue
recognition for our contracts, including estimating costs and the recognition of unapproved change orders and claims.
Common Shares Issued and Earnings (Loss) Per Share
- Common shares issued are recorded based on the value of the shares issued or consideration received, including cash, services
rendered or other non-monetary assets, whichever is more readily determinable. The Company presents basic and diluted earnings
(loss) per share. Basic earnings (loss) per share reflect the actual weighted average number of shares issued and outstanding
during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed including the number of additional shares that would have been
outstanding if dilutive potential shares had been issued. In a loss period, the calculation for basic and diluted earnings (loss)
per share is considered to be the same, as the impact of potential common shares issued is anti-dilutive.
Fair Value of
Financial Instruments
- Financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses,
and line of credit. Fair values were assumed to approximate carrying values for these financial instruments because of their
immediate or short term maturity and the fair value of the line of credit approximates the carrying value as the
stated interest rate approximates market rates currently available to the Company.
Fair value is defined as 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. The
Fair Value Measurement Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification
(“ASC”) establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The
hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level
1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:
|
●
|
Level
1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Level
2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as
quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that
are not active; and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Level
3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own
assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value
drivers are unobservable.
|
The Company’s valuation techniques used to measure the
fair value of money market funds, certificate of deposits, and certain marketable equity securities were derived from quoted prices
in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
In accordance with the fair value accounting requirements,
companies may choose to measure eligible financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company has not elected
the fair value option for any eligible financial instruments.
The table below presents the Company's assets and liabilities
measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within
which those measurements fall.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on
a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2017:
Assets
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|
Balance at December
31, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable Equity Securities
|
|
$
|
1,967,145
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,967,145
|
|
Money Market Funds
|
|
$
|
4,353,567
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
4,353,567
|
|
The Company did not have
any fair value measurements within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017.
The table below presents the Company's
assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016, aggregated by the level in the fair
value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.
Assets and Liabilities Measured
at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2016:
Assets
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|
Balance at December
31, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable Equity Securities
|
|
$
|
952,208
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
952,208
|
|
Money Market Funds
|
|
$
|
3,492,895
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3,492,895
|
|
Certificates of Deposit
|
|
$
|
1,256,216
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,256,216
|
|
The Company did not have any fair value measurements
within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016.
Cash Equivalents
–
All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash
equivalents. Amounts included in cash equivalents on the accompanying balance sheet are money market funds and a certificate
of deposit whose adjusted costs approximate fair value.
Short-Term
Investments
–
The Company’s investments are classified as available for sale. Management
determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates the classifications at
each balance sheet date. The investments are classified as either short-term or long-term based on the nature of each
security and its availability for use in current operations. The investments are carried at
fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported separately in other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and
losses are calculated using the original cost of those investments. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company
purchased common stock for $109,387 and preferred shares for $901,590 and had an unrealized gain of $3,960. During the transition period
ended December 31, 2016, the Company purchased preferred shares for $25,557
and had an unrealized loss of $6,227. During the year ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased preferred shares for $932,115 and had an unrealized gain of $763.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
- Comprehensive income
(loss) is defined as the change in equity of the Company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances
from non-owner sources. It consists of net income (loss) and other income and losses affecting stockholders’ equity that,
under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income (loss). The change in fair value of investments was the only item impacting accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2017, transition period ended December 31, 2016 and for the
year ended September 30, 2016.
1 for 1,000 stock split
-
On July 22, 2016, the
Company filed a certificate of amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation with
the Delaware Secretary of State to effect a 1 for 1,000 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Split”) of the Company’s
issued and outstanding Common Stock and to reduce the number of shares of Common Stock the Company was authorized to issue from
750,000,000 to 50,000,000 shares. The Reverse Split became effective on July 26, 2016 (the “Effective Time”).
The Amendment, including the Reverse Split, was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and the holders of a majority
of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
As a result of the Reverse Split, at the Effective Time, every
1,000 shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock were automatically combined and reclassified into one
(1) share of Common Stock. The Company rounded up any fractional shares, on account of the Reverse Split, to the nearest
whole share of Common Stock. The Company has prepared the financial, share and per share information included in this annual report
on a post-split basis.
Reduction of Authorized Shares
-
On March 2, 2017, the Company filed a certificate of
amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State to reduce the number of shares
of Common Stock the Company is authorized to issue from 50,000,000 to 3,000,000 shares and reduce the number of shares of Preferred
Stock the Company is authorized to issue from 5,000,000 to 50,000 shares. The amendment became effective on March 2, 2017. The
amendment was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares
of Common Stock by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
Revenue Recognition
- A portion
of our revenue is derived from long-term contracts and is recognized using the percentage of completion (“POC”) method,
primarily based on the percentage that actual costs-to-date bear to total estimated costs to complete each contract. We follow
the guidance of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)
Revenue Recognition Topic 605-35 for accounting policies relating to our use of the POC method, estimating costs, and revenue
recognition, including the recognition of incentive fees, unapproved change orders and claims, and combining and segmenting contracts.
We utilize the cost-to-cost approach to estimate POC as we believe this method is less subjective than relying on assessments
of physical progress. Under the cost-to-cost approach, the use of estimated costs to complete each contract is a significant variable
in the process of determining recognized revenue and is a significant factor in the accounting for contracts. Significant estimates
that impact the cost to complete each contract are costs of materials, components, equipment, labor and subcontracts; labor productivity;
schedule durations, including subcontractor or supplier progress; liquidated damages; contract disputes, including claims; achievement
of contractual performance requirements; and contingency, among others. The cumulative impact of revisions in total cost estimates
during the progress of work is reflected in the period in which these changes become known, including, to the extent required,
the reversal of profit recognized in prior periods and the recognition of losses expected to be incurred on contracts in progress.
Due to the various estimates inherent in our contract accounting, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Costs incurred on jobs in process include
all direct material and labor costs and certain indirect costs. General and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred.
The balance of our revenue is related
to fulfilling orders for the products we distribute which do not meet the criteria for revenue recognition under the POC method;
revenue for these orders is recognized at the time of shipment.
Accounts Receivable
and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
- Accounts receivable are recorded at their invoiced amount, net of any allowance for
doubtful accounts, and do not bear interest. Our billed and unbilled revenue may be exposed to potential credit risk if our customers
should encounter financial difficulties. The Company records its allowance for doubtful accounts based upon its assessment of
various factors, including historical experience, age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality of our customers, current
economic conditions and other factors that may affect the customers’ ability to pay. The Company records its allowance for
doubtful accounts based upon its assessment of various factors, including historical experience, age of the accounts receivable
balances, credit quality of our customers, current economic conditions and other factors that may affect the customers’
ability to pay. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our allowance was doubtful accounts was $100,000 and $150,000,
respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had retainage receivable of $769,000 and $367,081, respectively, included in
accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Precontract Costs
-
Precontract costs are charged to operations as incurred.
Inventories
-
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. Inventory is comprised of purchased
materials and other materials that have been assigned to a job deemed to be work-in-process. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
the work-in-process inventory was $676,153 and $942,340, respectively, included in inventories in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets. We maintain an inventory allowance for slow-moving and unused inventories based on the historical trend and estimates.
The allowance was approximately $66,000 and $60,000 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Equipment
-
Equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using straight-line methods at rates adequate to amortize
the cost of the various classes of assets over their estimated service lives, ranging from two to fifteen years. Depreciation
and amortization the year ended December 31, 2017 was $122,503. Depreciation and amortization expense for the transition period
ended December 31, 2016 was $16,689. There was no depreciation or amortization expense for the year ended September 30, 2016.
Long lived assets,
Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill
- Long lived assets, identifiable intangibles assets and goodwill are reviewed
periodically for impairment or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that full recoverability of net asset balances
through future cash flows is in question. With respect to goodwill, the Company tests for impairment on an annual basis
or in interim periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that may indicate the fair value is below its carrying amount.
Factors that could trigger an impairment review, include the following: (a) significant underperformance relative to expected
historical or projected future operating results; (b) significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or
the strategy for our overall business; and (c) significant negative industry or economic trends.
Impairments of long-lived assets are recognized if future undiscounted cash flows from operations are
not expected to be sufficient to recover the carrying value of the long-lived assets. The carrying amounts are then reduced to
fair value, which is typically determined by using a discounted cash flow model.
When performing
its evaluation of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets for impairment, the Company may elect to perform a qualitative
assessment that considers economic, industry and company-specific factors. If, after completing the assessment, it is
determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company
proceeds to a quantitative test. The Company may also elect to perform a quantitative test instead of a qualitative test.
Quantitative testing requires a
comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company uses the discounted cash flow method to
estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. The discounted cash flow method incorporates various assumptions, the most
significant being projected revenue growth rates, operating margins and cash flows, the terminal growth rate and the weighted
average cost of capital. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired
and any loss must be measured.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04,
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), which simplifies the evaluation of goodwill for impairment. The new standard does
not change how goodwill impairment is identified rather, how goodwill impairment is measured. Under the new standard, goodwill
impairment is calculated as the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value and it eliminates
the need to calculate the implied value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and
liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and subtracting that implied fair value from
the actual goodwill balance. The Company elected to adopt the new standard for future goodwill impairment tests during the year
ended December 31, 2017.
There were no impairment charges in any of the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated statements
of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Business Combinations
- We
account for our acquisitions under ASC Topic 805,
Business Combinations and Reorganizations
(“ASC Topic 805”).
ASC Topic 805 provides guidance on how the acquirer recognizes and measures the consideration transferred, identifiable assets
acquired, liabilities assumed, non-controlling interests, and goodwill acquired in a business combination. ASC Topic 805 also
expands required disclosures surrounding the nature and financial effects of business combinations.
When we acquire a business, we allocate
the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction at their respective estimated fair values.
We record any premium over the fair value of net assets acquired as goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price involves judgments
and estimates both in characterizing the assets and in determining their fair value. The way we characterize the assets has important
implications, as long-lived assets with definitive lives, for example, are depreciated or amortized, whereas goodwill is tested
annually for impairment. With respect to determining the fair value of assets, the most subjective estimates involve valuations
of long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment as well as identified intangible assets. We use all available information
to make these fair value determinations and may engage independent valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination
of the acquired long-lived assets. The fair values of long-lived assets are determined using valuation techniques that use discounted
cash flow methods, independent market appraisals and other acceptable valuation techniques.
Concentration of Credit
Risk
- The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which at times may exceed federally insured limits.
The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk as a result of any non-performance by the financial
institutions. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, two customers accounted for 33% and 24% of the accounts
receivable, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation Expense
– The
Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC 718 “Stock Compensation.” This
statement requires the Company to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments
based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period in which the employee is required
to provide service in exchange for the award, which is usually the vesting period. The Company accounts for stock options issued
and vesting to non-employees in accordance with ASC Topic 505-50 “Equity - Based Payment to Non-Employees” and accordingly
the value of the stock compensation to non-employees is based upon the measurement date as determined at either a) the date
at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments
is complete. Accordingly the fair value of these options is being “marked to market” quarterly until the measurement
date is determined.
Income Taxes
- The Company accounts for income
taxes with the recognition of estimated income taxes payable or refundable on income tax returns for the current year and for
the estimated future tax effect attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. Measurement of deferred income items
is based on enacted tax laws including tax rates, with the measurement of deferred income tax assets being reduced by available
tax benefits not expected to be realized in the immediate future.
The Company reviews tax positions taken to determine if it
is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination resulting in an uncertain tax position. The Company
did not have any material unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company recognizes interest
accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2017, transition
period ended December 31, 2016 and year ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized no interest and penalties.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
-
In May 2014, the FASB issued
ASU 2014-9 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The new guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount
of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. Subsequently,
the FASB has issued the following standards related to ASU 2014-09: ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts
with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations” (“ASU 2016-08”); ASU No.
2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and
Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”); and ASU No. 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606):
Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”). The Company must adopt ASU 2016-08,
ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 with ASU 2014-09 (collectively, the “new revenue standards”). The revenue
standards will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use
of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim
periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018 will
not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued
ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which requires that
most equity investments be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. Entities
will no longer be able to use the cost method of accounting for equity securities. However, for equity investments without
readily determinable fair values, entities may elect a measurement alternative that will allow those investments to be
recorded at cost, less impairment, and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes. The pronouncement also impacts
financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments.
This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017,
and early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the
consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update
ASU 2016-02, “Leases” to replace existing lease accounting guidance. This pronouncement is intended to provide enhanced
transparency and comparability by requiring lessees to record right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance
sheet for most leases. Expenses associated with leases will continue to be recognized in a manner similar to current accounting
guidance. This pronouncement is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption
permitted. The adoption is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis for each prior reporting period presented.
The Company has not yet determined the effect that the adoption of this pronouncement may have on its financial position and/or
results of operations.
Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements-
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which simplifies the
subsequent measurement of inventory by using only the lower of cost and net realizable value. This standard is effective for fiscal
years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016, and must be applied on a retrospective basis.
We adopted the new accounting standard in the first quarter of 2017. There was no material impact to the Company’s financial
statements as a result of adopting this new accounting standard.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU
2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, which simplifies the presentation of deferred income
taxes by requiring that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The guidance
becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption
of this ASU required the classification of deferred tax assets as long term on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
for the year ended December 31, 2017.
In March 2016, the
FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation — Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment
Accounting.” The standard is intended to simplify several areas of accounting for share-based compensation
arrangements, including the income tax impact, classification on the statement of cash flows and forfeitures. ASU 2016-09 was
effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017. There was no material impact to the Company’s financial statements as a result of adopting this new accounting standard.
NOTE
2- ACQUISITION OF B.R. JOHNSON, INC.
On November 1, 2016, the Company's majority-owned subsidiary,
B.R. Johnson, LLC (“BRJ LLC”) acquired substantially all of the assets (the “Acquisition”) of B.R. Johnson,
Inc. (“BRJ Inc.”), a seller and distributor of windows, doors and related hardware as well as specialty products for
use in commercial and residential buildings (the “Business”). Following the Acquisition, BRJ LLC carried on the business
and operations of BRJ Inc.
The Acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase
Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2016 (the “APA”). Total consideration for the Acquisition was approximately $15.4
million (subject to customary working capital adjustments), including delivery by BRJ LLC of a promissory note for $2,500,000
to BRJ Inc. (the “Subordinated term note”), which is subordinate to the debt agreements, as described below. The Note
accrues interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum, payable quarterly, with the principal amount of the Note payable in equal quarterly
installments of $62,500 commencing on November 1, 2018 and maturing on November 30, 2021.
The Company provided $10.95 million in debt and equity financing
to complete the Acquisition, including $7.14 million of the subordinated loan (the " Senior subordinated note") and
$3.81 million in preferred equity of BRJ LLC with the remainder from bank financing, the Subordinated term note and entities affiliated
with Lorraine Capital, LLC. The Company holds 76.17% of the common membership interests and 95.22% of the preferred membership
interests of BRJ LLC, pursuant to the B.R. Johnson, LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”)
entered into by and among Lorraine Capital, LLC (which owns 20% of the common membership interests), Regional Brands Inc. and
BRJ Acquisition Partners, LLC (which owns the remaining 3.83% of the common membership interests and 4.78% of the preferred membership
interests).
Purchase price
|
|
|
|
|
Amount paid as cash consideration
|
|
$
|
12,900,000
|
|
Subordinated term note
|
|
|
2,500,000
|
|
Working capital payment
|
|
|
1,099,585
|
|
Total purchase price
|
|
$
|
16,499,585
|
|
Allocation of Purchase
Price
-
The purchase price was determined in accordance with the accounting treatment of the acquisition as a
business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805. Under the guidance, the fair value of the consideration was determined
and the assets and liabilities of the acquired business, BRJ Inc., have been recorded at their fair values at the date of the
acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values has been recorded as goodwill.
The allocation of purchase
price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition is presented in the table below. This
allocation is based upon valuations using management’s estimates and assumptions. The Company allocated $6,000,000
of the purchase price to intangible assets relating to the covenants not to compete, which management estimates has a life of
five years. Amortization expense amounted to $1,200,000 for year ended December 31, 2017 and $200,000 during the transition period
ended December 31, 2016 and is estimated to be $1,200,000 in each of the succeeding years until fully amortized in November 2021.
In addition, the Company allocated $775,000 to unbilled backlog, which the management estimated had a life of six months. During
the transition period ended December, 31, 2016, $258,834 was amortized and the balance $516,166 was amortized during year ended
December 31, 2017. After allocation of fair values to identifiable assets and liabilities, the excess of purchase price amounting
to $3,013,287 was allocated to goodwill. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition
of BRJ, Inc.
Accounts receivable
|
|
$
|
5,362,428
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
1,376,120
|
|
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
|
|
|
|
|
on uncompleted contracts
|
|
|
563,255
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
115,518
|
|
Equipment
|
|
|
447,712
|
|
Covenants not to compete
|
|
|
6,000,000
|
|
Unbilled backlog
|
|
|
775,000
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
3,013,287
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
96,667
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(648,875
|
)
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
|
|
|
(406,881
|
)
|
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
|
|
|
(194,647
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
16,499,585
|
|
BRJ LLC's operating
results are included from the date of acquisition, November 1, 2016, and portions of the subordinated debt and equity are eliminated
in consolidation.
NOTE
3- CONTRACTS IN PROCESS
Cost of revenue for our long-term contracts
includes direct contract costs, such as materials and labor, and indirect costs that are attributable to contract activity. The
timing of when we bill our customers is generally dependent upon advance billing terms, milestone billings based on the completion
of certain phases of the work, or when services are provided. Projects with costs and estimated earnings recognized to date in
excess of cumulative billings is reported on the accompanying balance sheet as an asset as costs and estimated earnings in excess
of billings. Projects with cumulative billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings recognized to date is reported on the
accompanying balance sheet as a liability as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. The following is information
with respect to uncompleted contracts:
|
|
December 31
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts
|
|
$
|
8,404,168
|
|
|
$
|
8,246,796
|
|
Estimated Earnings
|
|
|
3,695,967
|
|
|
|
2,273,388
|
|
|
|
|
12,100,135
|
|
|
|
10,520,184
|
|
Less billings to date
|
|
|
(11,205,627
|
)
|
|
|
(10,064,806
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
894,508
|
|
|
$
|
455,378
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Included on balance sheet as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
|
|
$
|
1,087,218
|
|
|
$
|
894,261
|
|
Under current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
|
|
$
|
(192,710
|
)
|
|
$
|
(438,883
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
894,508
|
|
|
$
|
455,378
|
|
Prior to acquisition of BRJ Inc. on November 1, 2016 (Note
2), the Company did not have any contracts in process.
NOTE
4- EQUIPMENT
Equipment is summarized as follows:
|
|
Estimated
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
Useful Life
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
3 years
|
|
$
|
377,024
|
|
|
$
|
188,019
|
|
Warehouse and shop tools and equipment
|
|
2 – 15 years
|
|
|
175,547
|
|
|
|
170,510
|
|
Office and showroom furniture and computer equipment
|
|
2 – 7 years
|
|
|
113,803
|
|
|
|
95,145
|
|
Computer software
|
|
2 – 5 years
|
|
|
41,664
|
|
|
|
24,843
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
708,038
|
|
|
|
478,517
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
(135,470
|
)
|
|
|
(16,689
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
572,568
|
|
|
$
|
461,828
|
|
Prior to acquisition of BRJ Inc. on November 1, 2016 (Note
2), the Company did not have any equipment.
NOTE 5- INTANGIBLE
ASSETS
Intangible
assets arose from BRJ Inc. acquisition. (Note 2) and consist of the following:
|
|
Estimated
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
life
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
Covenants not to compete
|
|
5 years
|
|
$
|
6,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
6,000,000
|
|
Unbilled backlog
|
|
6 Months
|
|
|
775,000
|
|
|
|
775,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,775,000
|
|
|
|
6,775,000
|
|
Less : accumulated amortization
|
|
|
|
|
(2,175,000
|
)
|
|
|
(458,334
|
)
|
Net
|
|
|
|
$
|
4,600,000
|
|
|
$
|
6,316,666
|
|
Amortization expense related to these intangible assets amounted
to $1,716,667 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $458,334 during the transition period ended December 31, 2016.
Future amortization expense for the years ending December 31,
|
2018
|
|
|
1,200,000
|
|
2019
|
|
|
1,200,000
|
|
2020
|
|
|
1,200,000
|
|
2021
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
4,600,000
|
|
NOTE
6-DEBT
Credit Facility
In November 2016, BRJ
LLC entered into a credit agreement with KeyBank, N.A. Under the credit agreement, BRJ LLC may borrow up to an aggregate amount
of $6,000,000 (the “Credit Facility”) under revolving loans and letters of credit, with a sublimit of $500,000 for
letters of credit. The Credit Facility is payable upon demand of KeyBank, N.A., or the lenders, or upon acceleration as a result
of an event of default. At the closing of the Acquisition, approximately $1,900,000 was drawn under the Credit Facility to pay
a portion of the purchase price and costs associated with the Acquisition, with the balance being available for general working
capital of BRJ LLC.
Interest under the Credit
Facility is payable monthly, starting on November 30, 2016, and accrues pursuant to the “base rate” of interest, which
is equal to the highest of (a) KeyBank, N.A.’s prime rate, (b) one-half of one percent (0.50%) in excess of the Federal
Funds Effective Rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and (c) one hundred (100) basis points in excess of the London Interbank
Offered Rate for loans in Eurodollars with an interest period of one month, plus any applicable margin. The credit agreement also
requires the payment of certain fees, including, but not limited to, letter of credit fees.
The Credit Facility
is secured by substantially all of BRJ LLC’s assets. The Credit Facility contains customary financial and other covenant
requirements, including, but not limited to, a covenant to not permit BRJ LLC’s consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio
to exceed 1.15 to 1.00. The Credit Facility also contains customary events of default. For the year December 31, 2017, the Company
was in compliance with these covenants.
The effective rate at
December 31, 2017 was 3.94% (3.19% at December 31, 2016). The aggregate borrowing outstanding under the Credit Facility at December
31, 2017 was $1,812,454 ($2,272,710 at December 31, 2016) and, in addition, the bank has issued a letter of credit on behalf of
the Company in the amount of $250,000 that expires on December 1, 2018. In connection with Credit Facility, the Company incurred
expenses of approximately $100,000 that was charged to operations as interest expenses during the transition period ended December
31, 2016.
Senior Subordinated
Debt
BRJ LLC borrowed an
aggregate of $7,500,000 (the “Subordinated Loan”) pursuant to a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement")
with the Company. The Company provided $7,141,304 of the funding and $358,696 was participated. The Subordinated Loan accrues
interest at a rate of 6% per annum, payable quarterly on the first day of each calendar quarter. BRJ LLC is required to repay
a portion of the principal amount of the Subordinated Loan on each anniversary of the execution of the Loan Agreement. The Subordinated
Loan matures on November 1, 2021 and is secured by substantially all of BRJ LLC’s assets. The Subordinated Loan and the
security interest created under the Loan Agreement are subordinated to the Credit Facility and the security interest of the lenders
under the Credit Facility. All of the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement are incorporated by reference in the Loan Agreement.
The Loan Agreement contains customary events of default, including in the case of an event of default under the Credit Facility.
BRJ LLC incurred
expenses of $125,730 in connection with the borrowings. This amount is treated as debt discount and adjusted with the
carrying value of debt. The debt discount is being amortized over the life of the debt. Amortization expense was $25,146
during the year ended December 31, 2017 and $4,191 during the transition period ended December 31, 2016, and the unamortized
debt discount balance at December 31, 2017 was $96,197 ($121,343 at December 31, 2016).
During the year ended
December 31, 2017, BRJ LLC repaid $300,000 of the borrowings including $285,660 to the Company.
The
amount of the debt that was participated, net of the unamortized debt discount, is shown in the accompanying balance sheet as
Senior Subordinated Debt and had a balance outstanding of $247,963 at December 31, 2017 ($237,157 at December 31, 2016)
.
Subordinated term
note
On November 1, 2016,
BRJ LLC issued a $2,500,000 subordinated promissory note to BRJ Inc. as part of the purchase price for the Acquisition (the “Note”).
The Note is payable to BRJ Inc. and accrues interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum, payable quarterly, with the principal amount
of the Note payable in equal quarterly installments of $62,500 commencing on November 1, 2018 and maturing on November 30, 2021.
The Note is subordinated to the Credit Facility and the Loan Agreement.
Scheduled maturities
of long-term debt at December 31, 2017 are as follows:
2018
|
|
$
|
86,400
|
|
2019
|
|
|
278,680
|
|
2020
|
|
|
283,460
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2,195,620
|
|
|
|
|
2,844,160
|
|
Less: Debt financing costs, net
|
|
|
(96,197
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
2,747,963
|
|
NOTE 7. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On July 22, 2016, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation
with the Delaware Secretary of State, which became effective on July 26, 2016, to reduce the number of shares of the Company’s
common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, the Company is authorized to issue from 750,000,000 to 50,000,000 shares. The amendment
was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common
Stock by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
On March 2, 2017,
the Company filed another certificate of amendment to the Company’s Certificate of
Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State to reduce the number of shares of the Company’s common stock, par
value $0.00001 per share, the Company is authorized to issue from 50,000,000 to 3,000,000 shares and to reduce the number of
shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, the Company is authorized to issue from 5,000,000 to 50,000 shares. The
amendment was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding
shares of Common Stock by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
On April 8, 2016, the Company entered into and closed a Securities
Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) among the Company and Merlin Partners LP, Ancora Catalyst Fund LP, and Steven N. Bronson
(collectively the “Purchasers”), whereby the Company sold to the Purchasers the aggregate amount of 370,441 shares
of Common Stock for the aggregate purchase price of approximately $5,000,000 (including the cancellation of all indebtedness that
had been loaned to the Company by Mr. Bronson to fund operating expenses). In connection with the SPA, the Company changed its
name from 4Net Software, Inc. to Regional Brands Inc. The transactions contemplated by the SPA resulted in a change of control
of the Company from Steven N. Bronson to Merlin Partners LP, which purchased 240,786 shares of Common Stock of the Company for
the aggregate purchase price of $3,250,000.00, and Ancora Catalyst Fund LP, which purchased 92,610 shares of Common Stock of the
Company for the aggregate purchase price of $1,250,000.00. Merlin Partners LP and Ancora Catalyst Fund LP are affiliates of Ancora
Advisors, LLC a registered investment advisor and a related party.
On April 8, 2016, the Company entered into a Registration Rights
Agreement (the “RRA”) among the Company and the Purchasers, pursuant to the terms of the SPA. Under the RRA, the Company
granted to the Purchasers certain registration rights related to the aggregate 370,441 shares of the Company's common stock issued
pursuant to the SPA and agreed to certain customary obligations regarding the registration of such shares, including indemnification.
On November 1, 2016, the Company completed a private placement
in which it issued 894,393 shares of its common stock and received aggregate gross proceeds of $12,074,311.
On November 1, 2016,
BRJ LLC sold 4.78% of its preferred membership interests for aggregate net proceeds of $128,534. This amount is included in noncontrolling
interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. BRJ LLC’s Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for
distributions of available cash to be made to the preferred members until they receive a cumulative preferred return of five percent
per annum, compounded annually, on their unreturned preferred capital. During the year ended December 31, 2017, BRJ LLC distributed
$1,218,234 including $245,895 to noncontrolling interests.
NOTE 8. EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
On April 8, 2016, the Company
adopted the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), which was amended and restated as of June
15, 2017. The maximum number of shares of the Company's common stock available for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan
through the grant of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards is 130,000.
Awards may be granted to employees, officers, directors, consultants, agents, advisors and independent contractors of the
Company and its related companies. Stock based compensation includes expense charges related to all stock-based awards. Such
awards include options, warrants and stock grants. The Company did not grant any options during the year ended December 31,
2017 or during the transition period ended December 31, 2016. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Company
issued stock options that vest in 60 equal monthly installments and expire in 15 years.
The Company records share based payments under the provisions
of FASB ASC 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation." Stock based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite
service period based on the grant date fair value of the awards. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date
of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The Company estimated the expected volatility based on data
used by its peer group of public companies. The expected term was estimated using the simplified method. The risk-free interest
rate assumption was determined using the equivalent U.S. Treasury bonds yield over the expected term. The Company has never paid
any cash dividends and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the Company assumed
an expected dividend yield of zero.
The following shows the significant assumptions used to compute
the share-based compensation expense for stock options granted during the year ended September 30, 2016:
Volatility
|
|
|
52.1
|
%
|
Expected term
|
|
|
7 years
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
1.47
|
%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
A summary of all stock option activity at December 31, 2017 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Average
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
|
Contractual
|
|
Intrinsic
|
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Price
|
|
|
Life
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2016
|
|
|
42,596
|
|
|
$
|
16.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options granted
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercises
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options cancelled/forfeited
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2017
|
|
|
42,596
|
|
|
$
|
16.00
|
|
|
13.3 years
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable, December 31, 2017
|
|
|
14,302
|
|
|
$
|
16.00
|
|
|
13.3 years
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected to vest, December 31, 2017
|
|
|
28,294
|
|
|
$
|
16.00
|
|
|
13.3 years
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
The Company granted 51,791 options during
the year ended September 30, 2016. No options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2017, transition period ended
December 31, 2016 or year ended September 30, 2016. The fair value of options that vested during the year ended September 30,
2016 amounted to approximately $23,212 and the Company recorded stock compensation expense for options vesting during the year
ended September 30, 2016 of $23,212. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and transition period ended December 31, 2016, the
Company did not grant any options and the fair value of options that vested amounted to approximately $61,612 and $15,787, respectively,
and the Company recorded compensation expense for options vested of $61,612 and $15,787, respectively.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted
and vested during the year ended September 30, 2016 was $6.29. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options vested during
the year ended December 31, 2017 and transition period ended December 31, 2016 was $7.08 and $7.41, respectively.
At December 31, 2017, there was approximately $201,000 of unrecognized
compensation cost related to non-vested options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately
3.2 years.
NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On April 8, 2016, the Company
entered into a Management Services Agreement (the “MSA”), between the Company and Ancora Advisors, LLC, whereby
Ancora Advisors, LLC agreed to provide specified services to the Company in exchange for a quarterly management fee in an
amount equal to 0.14323% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity (excluding cash and cash equivalents) as shown on
the Company’s balance sheet as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company. The management fee with respect to
each fiscal quarter of the Company is paid no later than 10 days following the issuance of the Company’s
financial statements for such fiscal quarter, and in any event no later than 60 days following the end of each fiscal
quarter. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the transition period ended December 31, 2016 and the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2016, Ancora agreed to waive payment of the management fees.
The Company’s former president and principal executive
officer had loaned the Company money to fund working capital needs to pay operating expenses. The loans were repayable upon demand
and accrued interest at the rate of 10% per annum. As of March 31, 2016, the aggregate principal loan balance amounted to $186,196
and such loans had accrued interest of $63,804 through March 31, 2016. On April 8, 2016, pursuant to the SPA, the Company issued
to its former president and principal executive officer 18,522 shares of the Company’s Common Stock in full satisfaction
his loans to the Company.
Prior to May 12, 2016, the Company occupied a portion of the
offices occupied by BKF Capital Group, Inc., 31248 Oak Crest Drive, Suite 110, Westlake Village, California 91361 on a month to
month basis for a fee of $50 per month paid to BKF Capital Group, Inc. The Company’s former president and principal executive
officer is also the Chairman, CEO and controlling shareholder of BKF Capital Group, Inc.
Effective May 12, 2016, the Company relocated its principal
offices to 6060 Parkland Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44124. The Company pays no rent for the use of the offices, which are located
at the corporate headquarters of Ancora Advisors, LLC.
On November 1, 2016,
in connection with the Acquisition, BRJ LLC entered into a Management Services Agreement (the “BRJ MSA”) with Lorraine
Capital, LLC, a member of BRJ LLC, whereby Lorraine Capital, LLC agreed to provide specified management, financial and reporting
services to us in exchange for an annual management fee in an amount equal to the greater of (i) $75,000 or (ii) five percent
(5%) of the annual EBITDA (as defined in the BRJ MSA) of BRJ LLC, payable quarterly in arrears and subject to certain adjustments
and offsets set forth in the BRJ MSA. The BRJ MSA may be terminated by BRJ LLC, Lorraine Capital, LLC or Regional Brands at any
time upon 60 days’ prior written notice and also terminates upon the consummation of a sale of BRJ LLC. During the year
ended December 31, 2017 BRJ LLC paid $118,000 in management fees to Lorraine Capital, LLC. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $36,000
has been accrued as payable to Lorraine Capital, LLC under the BRJ MSA.
BRJ LLC has a relationship
with a union qualified commercial window subcontractor, Airways Door Service, Inc. (“ADSI”), which is advantageous
to us in situations that require union installation and repair services. In connection with the Acquisition, individuals affiliated
with Lorraine Capital, LLC acquired 57% of ADSI’s common stock; the remaining common stock is owned by three of BRJ Inc.’s
employees. BRJ LLC paid ADSI for its services approximately $1,707,770 during the year ended December 31, 2017 and $277,500 during
the transition period ended December 31, 2016. In addition, BRJ LLC provides ADSI services utilizing an agreed-upon fee schedule.
These services include accounting, warehousing, equipment use, employee benefit administration, risk management coordination and
clerical functions. The fee for these services was $49,950 during the year ended December 31, 2017 and $7,500 during the transition
period ended December 31, 2016.
NOTE
10- COMMITMENTS
The Company leases its primary
facility in East Syracuse, NY under a five year agreement that expires on October 31, 2021 with an option to extend the term
for an additional five years. The Company also leases a facility in Rochester, NY that expires on July 31, 2019. Rent expense
for these facilities amounted to $306,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $51,000 during the transition month period
ended December 31, 2016. The minimum lease payments under the agreements are as follows:
2018
|
|
|
306,000
|
|
2019
|
|
|
293,500
|
|
2020
|
|
|
276,000
|
|
2021
|
|
|
230,000
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,105,500
|
|
The Company also leases automobiles and
delivery vehicles under noncancellable operating leases that expire in 2018. The minimum lease payments for the year ending December
31, 2018 is $36,113.
The Company is a member of a captive insurance
entity, to provide for the potential liabilities for certain risks including workers’ compensation, general liability, and
automotive. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are not discounted and are estimated, in part,
by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and severity factors. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 no liability
has been recorded because a material liability for additional costs is considered remote. As a member of the captive insurance
entity, the Company was required to provide an equity contribution of $30,000 and a dividend pool contributions of $114,728, which
are included in other assets on the accompanying balance sheets as of December 31, 2017.
NOTE 11- INCOME TAXES
The income tax provision (benefit) for the year ended
December 31, 2017, transition period ended December 31, 2016 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 is summarized in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
Transition Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal
|
|
|
For the period
|
|
|
Fiscal
|
|
|
|
Year ended
|
|
|
From October 1, 2016
|
|
|
Year ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
to
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
104,781
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
State
|
|
|
548,082
|
|
|
|
800
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current
|
|
|
652,863
|
|
|
|
800
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
(37,338
|
)
|
|
|
(145,397
|
)
|
|
|
(3,894
|
)
|
State
|
|
|
(38,625
|
)
|
|
|
(23,759
|
)
|
|
|
55,288
|
|
Total deferred
|
|
|
(75,963
|
)
|
|
|
(169,156
|
)
|
|
|
51,394
|
|
Less increase (decrease) in allowance
|
|
|
(212,828
|
)
|
|
|
169,156
|
|
|
|
(51,394
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred
|
|
|
(288,791
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total income tax provision
|
|
$
|
364,072
|
|
|
$
|
800
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
The significant components of the deferred
tax assets and liabilities are summarized below.
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) :
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforwards
|
|
$
|
281,796
|
|
|
$
|
452,780
|
|
Investment in subsidiary
|
|
|
303,801
|
|
|
|
189,030
|
|
Total
|
|
|
585,597
|
|
|
|
641,810
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less valuation allowance
|
|
|
(281,796
|
)
|
|
|
(623,047
|
)
|
Total deferred tax assets
|
|
|
303,801
|
|
|
|
18,763
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
(15,010
|
)
|
|
|
(18,763
|
)
|
Total deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(15,010
|
)
|
|
|
(18,763
|
)
|
Net deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
288,791
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
On December 22,
2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the
“Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, (1)
reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; (2) elimination of the corporate alternative
minimum tax (AMT) and changing how existing AMT credits can be realized; and (3) changing rules related to usage
and limitation of net operating loss carryforwards created in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The effect of the
rate change attributable to the Tax Act on the Company’s effective tax rate was a 10.3% (or $131,000) decrease in the
net deferred tax asset.
The Company has approximately $1,290,000 in federal net operating
loss carryforwards (“NOL’s”) available to reduce future taxable income. These carryforwards begin to expire
in various years between 2018 and 2037.
Internal Revenue Code Section 382
("Section 382") imposes limitations on the availability of a company's net operating losses and other corporate tax
attributes as certain significant ownership changes occur. As a result of the historical equity instrument issuances by
the Company, a Section 382 ownership change may have occurred and a study will be required to determine the date of the
ownership change, if any. The amount of the Company's net operating losses and other tax attributes incurred prior to
any ownership change may be limited based on the Company's value. With recent consistency in earnings, a strong earnings
history of B.R. Johnson, Inc., a recent acquisition, and favorable projections, the Company has reversed its valuation
allowance, during the quarter ended September 30, 2017, on deferred tax assets associated with activity beginning with the
acquisition of B.R. Johnson, Inc., but exclusive of pre-acquisition losses that are subject to limitations under Section
382.
During the fiscal year ended December
31, 2017, transition period ended December 31, 2016 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 the Company had no
unrecognized tax benefits. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest accrued and penalties related to
unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense.
The Company files income tax returns in
the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in the states of California and Florida. The tax years 2014-2016 generally remain open to examination
by these taxing authorities.
A reconciliation of the income tax provision
using the statutory U.S. income tax rate compared with the actual income tax provision reported on the consolidated statements
of operations is summarized in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
Transition Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal
|
|
|
For the period
|
|
|
Fiscal
|
|
|
|
Year ended
|
|
|
From October 1, 2016
|
|
|
Year ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
to
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory United States Federal rate
|
|
|
34.0
|
%
|
|
|
34.0
|
%
|
|
|
34.0
|
%
|
State income taxes net of federal benefit
|
|
|
3.2
|
%
|
|
|
4.4
|
%
|
|
|
3.6
|
%
|
Permanent differences and other adjustments
|
|
|
(1.0
|
%)
|
|
|
(6.0
|
%)
|
|
|
(8.9
|
%)
|
Correct NOL Asset
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(96.0
|
%)
|
Changes in valuation reserves
|
|
|
(16.7
|
%)
|
|
|
(32.4
|
%)
|
|
|
67.3
|
%
|
Change in tax rate
|
|
|
10.3
|
%
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Effective tax rate
|
|
|
29.8
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
B.R. Johnson, Inc.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTENTS
Costs incurred on jobs in process include all direct material and labor costs and certain indirect costs.
General and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred.
The balance of our revenue is related to
fulfilling orders for the products we distribute which do not meet the criteria for revenue recognition under the POC method; revenue
for these orders is recognized at the time of shipment.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11,
“Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” The guidance requires that certain inventory, including
inventory measured using the first-in-first-out method, be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable
value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal,
and transportation. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within
those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our financial statements and
related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting
standard update ASU 2016-02, “Leases”, which requires that lease arrangements longer than 12 months result in an entity
recognizing an asset and liability. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018,
and early adoption is permitted. We have not yet evaluated or determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
Cost of revenue for our long-term contracts
includes direct contract costs, such as materials and labor, and indirect costs that are attributable to contract activity. The
timing of when we bill our customers is generally dependent upon advance billing terms, milestone billings based on the completion
of certain phases of the work, or when services are provided. Projects with costs and estimated earnings recognized to date in
excess of cumulative billings are reported on the accompanying balance sheet as an asset as costs and estimated earnings in excess
of billings. Projects with cumulative billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings recognized to date are reported on the
accompanying balance sheet as a liability as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. The following is information with
respect to uncompleted contracts:
As of October 31, 2016 and December 31,
2015, we had a $4,000,000 demand line of credit with a bank. The line was secured by the Company’s assets and interest was
charged at the bank’s prime rate. The bank’s prime rate was 3.5% at October 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The line
was terminated upon sale of our assets and operations on November 1, 2016. As of October 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company
did not have any borrowings under the line.
We maintain a defined contribution retirement
plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All full-time employees are eligible to participate. The total plan expense
was $115,542 for the ten-month period ended October 31, 2016 and $124,340 for the year ended December 31, 2015. During 2015, we
increased the employer 401(k) match from 1.5% to 3.0%.
Our shareholders are owners of approximately
57% of the common stock of an affiliated company named Airways Door Service, Inc. (ADSI). The remaining common stock is owned by
three of our employees. ADSI provides us installation and repair services. The Company paid ADSI approximately $1,197,000 during
the ten months ended October 31, 2016 and $1,395,520 for these services during the year ended December 31, 2015. We provide ADSI
services utilizing an agreed-upon fee schedule. These services include accounting, warehousing, equipment use, employee benefit
administration, risk management coordination and clerical functions. The fee for these services was approximately $37,000 for the
ten months ended October 31, 2016 and $47,350 during the year ended December 31, 2015. As of October 31, 2016, $3,725 was included
within accounts receivable on the accompanying balance sheet.
We lease our primary
facility in East Syracuse, NY from an entity that is owned by our shareholders. Rent expense for the facility amounted to $230,000
during the ten-month period ended October 31, 2016, and $356,400 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The rental payments were
pursuant to a lease agreement with this related entity that provides for monthly rent payments totaling $356,400 per year through
2015. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company has executed a five year lease extension through 2020 with monthly rent payments totaling
$276,000 per year. We also lease a facility in Rochester, NY that calls for monthly rental expense of $2,500 under a lease agreement
that expires on July 31, 2019. Total rent expense for the ten-month period ended October 31, 2016 was approximately $20,000 and
was approximately $24,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. We lease automobiles and delivery vehicles under noncancellable
operating leases that expire in 2018. The minimum lease payments under the vehicle leases are as follows:
During the ten months
ended October 31, 2016, we entered into a captive insurance entity, to provide for the potential liabilities for certain risks
including workers’ compensation, general liability, and automotive. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained
by the Company are not discounted and are estimated, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors
and severity factors. As of October 31, 2016 no liability has been recorded because a material liability for additional costs
is considered remote. As a member of the captive insurance entity, the Company was required to provide an equity contribution of
$30,000 and a dividend pool contribution of $66,667, which are included in other assets on the accompanying balance sheets as of
October 31, 2016.