UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
(Mark
One)
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2023
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period from _____ to _____
001-38875
(Commission
file number)
Greenlane
Holdings, Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
83-0806637
State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
No.)
1095
Broken Sound Parkway , Suite 100
Boca
Raton , FL
33487
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
(877)
292-7660
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of each exchange on which registered
Class
A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
GNLN
Nasdaq
Capital Market
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15 (d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No
☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to submit such files). Yes
☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company,
or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller
reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated
filer
☐
Non-accelerated
filer
☒
Smaller
reporting company
☒
Emerging
growth company
☒
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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The
aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2024, the last business day of the
registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $ 1.0 million based upon the closing price reported
for such date on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
As
of July 18, 2024, Greenlane Holdings, Inc. had 5,819,335
shares of Class A common stock outstanding.
Greenlane
Holdings, Inc.
Form
10-K
For
the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
Note About Forward-Looking Statements
1
PART I
Item
1.
Business
3
Item
1A.
Risk Factors
12
Item
1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
44
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity
44
Item
2.
Properties
44
Item
3.
Legal Proceedings
44
Item
4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
44
PART II
Item
5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
45
Item
6.
[Reserved]
45
Item
7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
45
Item
7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
56
Item
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
56
Item
9.
Changes in Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
58
Item
9A.
Controls and Procedures
58
Item
9B.
Other Information
60
Item
9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
60
PART III
Item
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
61
Item
11.
Executive Compensation
62
Item
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Related Stockholder Matters
65
Item
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
65
Item
14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
69
PART IV
Item
15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
70
Item
16.
Form 10-K Summary
72
Signatures
73
NOTE
ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT S
This
Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties. Many of the forward-looking statements are located in Part, Item
7 of this Form 10-K under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that
does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology
such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,”
“expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could”
and similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, without limitation:
●
statements
regarding our growth and other strategies, results of operations or liquidity;
●
statements
concerning projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results and
future economic performance;
●
statements
regarding our industry;
●
statements
of management’s goals and objectives;
●
statements
regarding laws, regulations, and policies relevant to our business;
●
projections
of revenue, earnings, capital structure and other financial items;
●
assumptions
underlying statements regarding us or our business; and
●
other
similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking
statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the
times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at
the time those statements are made or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject
to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by
the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed
in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors” and in other documents that we file from time to time
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Forward-looking
statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from any future results, performances, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These
risks include, but are not limited to, those listed below and those discussed in greater detail in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K
under the heading “Risk Factors.”
●
our
strategy, outlook, and growth prospects;
●
general
economic trends, trends in the industry, and the competitive markets in which we operate;
●
our
ability to generate adequate cash from our existing business to support our growth;
●
our
ability to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all, to support the continued growth of the business, including high inflation
and increasing interest rates;
●
our
dependence on, and our ability to establish and maintain business relationships with third-party suppliers and service suppliers,
including vulnerability to third-party transportation risks;
●
our
ability to accurately estimate demand for our products and maintain appropriate levels of inventory;
●
our
ability to maintain or improve our operating margins and meet sales expectations;
●
our
ability to adapt to changes in consumer spending and general economic conditions;
●
our
ability to maintain consumer brand recognition and loyalty of our products;
●
our
ability to protect our intellectual property rights and use or license certain trademarks;
●
our
ability to successfully identify and complete strategic acquisitions and/or dispositions;
●
our
ability to address product defects and contamination of, or damage to, our products;
our
exposure to potential various claims, lawsuits, and administrative proceedings;
●
our
and our customers’ ability to establish or maintain banking relationships;
●
the
impact of governmental laws and regulations and the outcomes of regulatory or agency proceedings;
●
fluctuations
in U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign tax obligations and changes in tariffs;
●
any
unfavorable scientific studies on the long-term health risks of vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, or cannabis and hemp-derived products,
including cannabidiol (“CBD”);
●
failure
of our information technology systems to support our current and growing business;
●
our
ability to prevent and recover from Internet security breaches;
●
our
sensitivity to global economic conditions and international trade issues;
1
●
the
onset of an economic recession in the United States or other countries, including the impact of the ongoing wars, and their
impact on the economy generally;
●
natural
disasters, adverse weather conditions, operating hazards, environmental incidents and labor disputes;
●
public
heath crises;
●
the
potential delisting of our Class A common stock from Nasdaq;
●
increased
costs as a result of being a public company; and
●
our
failure to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting.
Additional
risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our
business, financial condition or operating results.
The
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation
to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect
the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which
any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
Consequently, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Summary
Risk Factors
Our
business is subject to a number of risks, including risks that may prevent us from achieving our business objectives or may materially
and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. These risks are discussed more
fully in Item 1A. Risk Factors herein. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
●
Global
economic conditions, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, could materially and adversely our business, prospects, results
of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
●
A
significant percentage of our revenue is dependent on sales of products from a relatively small number of key suppliers, and a decline
in sales of products from these suppliers could materially harm our business.
●
We
do not have long-term agreements or guaranteed price or delivery arrangements with most of our suppliers. The loss of a significant
supplier would require us to rely more heavily on our other existing suppliers or to develop relationships with new suppliers. Such
a loss may have an adverse effect on our product offerings and our business.
●
We
are vulnerable to third-party transportation risks, including governmental laws and common carriers’ policies that prevent
the shipment of the types of products we sell.
●
If
we are unable to successfully execute our on our liquidity and strategic initiatives, we may have significant cash constraints, which
would have a material and adverse impact on our business and results of operations and ability to pay our debts as they come due.
●
Complications and disruptions associated with the design and implementation of our new ERP system have occurred and could adversely impact
our business and operations in the future.
●
We
may be required to seek additional financing sources, which may not be available to us on attractive terms if at all and could restrict
our ability to engage in important business activities.
●
While
we believe that our business and sales do not violate the Federal Paraphernalia Law, legal proceedings alleging violations of such
law or changes in such law or interpretations thereof could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or
results of operations.
●
Officials
of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (“CBP”) have broad discretion regarding products imported into the United
States, and the CBP has on occasion seized imported products, and seizures of the products we sell could have a material adverse
effect on our business operations or our results of operations.
●
Our
business depends partly on continued purchases by businesses and individuals selling or using cannabis and cannabis ancillary products
pursuant to federal and state laws in the United States and laws in Canada, the European Union, United Kingdom, Mexico, and Latin
America. Because our business is dependent, in part, upon continued market acceptance of cannabis by consumers, any negative trends
could materially and adversely affect our business, financial conditions or results of operations. Additionally, we are subject to
legislative uncertainty that could slow or halt the legalization and use of cannabis, which could negatively affect our business.
●
The
market for vaporizer products and related items is a niche market, subject to a great deal of uncertainty and is still evolving,
including uncertainty related to the regulation of vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories. Increased regulatory
compliance burdens, no matter how they arise, could have a material adverse impact on our business development efforts and our operations.
●
Recently
adopted laws prohibit the mailing of certain vaporizer products through the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) and
place certain regulatory requirements on shipment of those products through other carriers. Additionally, carriers including UPS
and FedEx have imposed policies restricting the shipment of vaporizers. If a significant volume of the products we carry cannot be
shipped by the USPS or private carriers, or we must comply with burdensome policies and regulations, our shipping costs could increase
materially and we could lose our ability to deliver products to customers in a timely and economical matter.
2
●
The
FDA has expressed growing concern about the popularity among youth of certain vaporization products, including electronic nicotine
delivery systems (“ENDS”) and has imposed significant regulation on ENDS products. Additional regulatory actions may
further impact our ability to sell these products, as well as other vaporization products, in the United States or online.
●
Our
narrow margins may magnify the impact of variations in operating costs and of adverse or unforeseen events on operating results.
●
Management
and employee turnover creates uncertainties and could harm our business.
●
We
and our customers may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for us and for them to sell our
products.
●
We
have failed, and may continue to fail, to meet the listing standards of Nasdaq, and as a result our Class A common stock may become
delisted, which could have a material adverse effect on the liquidity of our Class A common stock.
●
The
market price of our Class A common stock has been volatile and has declined significantly since our initial public offering and may
face more volatility and price declines in the future. As a result, you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price
at which you have acquired or will acquire shares of our Class A common stock.
●
Substantial
sales and issuances of our Class A common stock have occurred and may continue to occur, or may be anticipated, which have caused
and could continue to cause our stock price to decline and your percentage ownership may be diluted in the future.
PART
I
ITEM
1. BUSINESS
General
Founded
in 2005, Greenlane is a premier global platform for the development and distribution of premium cannabis accessories, vape devices, and
lifestyle products. With three different mergers in 2021, Greenlane was able to strengthen its leading position as a consumer ancillary
products house-of-brands business, significantly expanding its customer network, bringing strategic relationships with leading cannabis
multi-state operators (“MSOs”), cannabis single-state operators (“SSOs”), and Canadian licensed producers (“LPs”).
Greenlane provides a wide array of consumer ancillary products and industrial ancillary products to thousands of cannabis producers,
processors, brands, and retailers (“Cannabis Operators”). In addition, it serves specialty retailers, smoke shops, head shops,
convenience stores, and consumers directly through its own proprietary web stores and large online marketplaces such as Amazon.
We
have been developing a world-class portfolio of both our own proprietary brands (the “Greenlane Brands”) along with close
partner brands that we believe will, over time, deliver higher margins and create long-term value for our customers and shareholders.
Our Greenlane Brands include our more affordable product line – Groove, our premium smoke shop and ancillary product brand –
Higher Standards, and our child-resistant packaging brand - Pollen Gear. In collaboration with our partner brands, including the innovative
silicone pipes and accessories line, Eyce, and the premium vaporizer brand, DaVinci, Greenlane is strategically positioned to serve as
a comprehensive one-stop shop for all buyers. We also have category exclusive licenses for the premium Marley Natural branded products,
as well as the Keith Haring branded products.
The
Greenlane Brands, along with a curated set of third-party products, are offered to customers through our proprietary, owned and operated
e-commerce platforms which include Wholesale.Greenlane.com, Vapor.com, PuffItUp.com, HigherStandards.com, and MarleyNaturalShop.com.
Additionally, our presence on popular e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay enables us to reach customers directly, providing
them with valuable resources and a seamless purchasing experience.
We
merchandise vaporizers, packaging, and other ancillary products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. We
distribute products to retailers through wholesale operations and distribute products to consumers through constantly evolving
e-commerce activities. We operate our own distribution centers in the United States, while also utilizing third-party logistics
(“3PL”) locations in the United States, Europe, and Canada. We have made tremendous progress consolidating and
streamlining our warehouse and distribution in 2023, including the consolidations of our warehouse in Worcester, MA and 3PL location
in Hebron, KY to our owned facility in Moreno Valley, California in 2023.
Greenlane
offers a full-spectrum of Consumer and Industrial Goods, positioning us to meet all our customers’ growing demands. Our Consumer
Goods segment focuses on serving consumers across wholesale, retail, and e-commerce operations—offering all of our Greenlane Brands,
as well as ancillary products and accessories from select leading third-party brands such as Storz and Bickel, Grenco Science, PAX, Cookies,
and more. The Consumer Goods segment forms a central part of our growth strategy, especially as it relates to scaling our own portfolio
of higher-margin proprietary owned brands. In addition to our Consumer Goods segment, we have our Industrial Goods segment, which focuses
on serving Cannabis Operators by providing ancillary products essential to their daily operations and growth, such as packaging and vaporization
solutions, including our Greenlane Brand Pollen Gear. Refer to Note 11 — Segment Reporting within Item 8 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K for additional information on our reportable segments
We
have historically experienced only moderate seasonality in the Consumer Goods side of our business, particularly during the fourth quarter.
This coincides with Cyber Monday (the first Monday after Thanksgiving, when online retailers typically offer holiday discounts), and
as our customers build up their inventories in anticipation of the holiday season. We also have related promotional marketing campaigns
during this period. Our Industrial Goods business is generally not affected by seasonality, which provides an important advantage to
our overall business model. The stability of the Industrial Goods segment helps to offset the moderate seasonality in Consumer Goods,
providing a more consistent revenue stream throughout the year. This diversification in our business segments contributes to greater
overall financial stability and resilience against market fluctuations.
3
Organization
Greenlane
Holdings, Inc. (“Greenlane” and, collectively with the Operating Company (as defined below) and its consolidated subsidiaries,
the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our”) was formed as a Delaware corporation on May 2, 2018.
We are a holding company that was formed for the purpose of completing an underwritten initial public offering (“IPO”) of
shares of our Class A common stock on April 23, 2019 and other related transactions in order to carry on the business of Greenlane Holdings,
LLC (the “Operating Company”). The Operating Company was organized under the laws of the state of Delaware on September 1,
2015, and is based in Boca Raton, Florida. Refer to “Note 1—Business Operations and Organization” within Item 8 for
further information on the Company’s organization and the IPO and related transactions. We are the sole manager of the Operating
Company and, as of December 31, 2023, owned a 100% interest in the Operating Company.
Our
Business Relating to the Cannabis Industry
While
we do not cultivate, distribute or dispense marijuana as that term is defined by the Controlled Substances Act, several of the products
we distribute, such as vaporizers, pipes, rolling papers, and packaging solutions, can be used with marijuana or marijuana derivatives,
as well as several other legal substances.
We
believe the global cannabis industry is experiencing a transformation from a state of prohibition toward a state of legalization. We
expect the number of states, countries, and other jurisdictions legalizing cannabis for medical and adult use will continue to increase,
which will create numerous opportunities for market participants, including us.
The
North American Cannabis Landscape
United
States and Territories.
Twenty-four
states, and the District of Columbia, have legalized cannabis for non-medical adult use with additional states, such as New
Hampshire , actively considering the legalization of cannabis for non-medical adult use. An additional seventeen states have
legalized medical cannabis in some form, with certain of those states permitting only low tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”)
oils for a limited class of patients. Notwithstanding the continued trend toward further state legalization, cannabis continues to
be categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (the “CSA”) and,
accordingly, the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis violate federal law in the United States as
discussed further in Item 1A under the heading “Risk Factors.” However, after President Biden first directed federal
agencies in October 2022 to review how cannabis is scheduled, the Department of Health and Human Services reviewed and made
recommendations in August 2023 to reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III controlled substance. On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (the “DEA”) issued a proposed rule to reclassify
marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. Schedule III classification represents a moderate
to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug
would thereby loosen DEA restrictions. Nonetheless, the DEA has made clear that if reclassification were to take place, the “regulatory
controls applicable to Schedule III controlled substances would apply” which includes controls related to the manufacture, distribution,
dispensing, and possession of marijuana. Our business depends partly on continued purchases by businesses and individuals selling or using
cannabis and cannabis ancillary products pursuant to state laws in the United States.
In
the United States, the legal cannabis market generated $26.5 billion in 2022, which increased to $31.4 billion in 2023, reflecting an
18.5% growth (XYZ Cannabis Market Report 2023). The number of U.S. states with legalized cannabis increased from 18 in 2022 to 23 in
2023, a 27.8% rise in state participation (National Cannabis Industry Association Reports). The cannabis consumers base for legal cannabis has expanded
notably across all regions. In the United States, the number of users grew from 42 million in 2022 to 47 million in 2023, an 11.9% increase
(Cannabis Consumer Trends Study 2023.
Canada.
Legal
access to dried cannabis for medical purposes was first allowed in Canada in 1999. The Cannabis Act (the “Cannabis Act”)
currently governs the production, sale and distribution of medical cannabis and related oil extracts in Canada.
4
On
April 13, 2017, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-45, which proposed the enactment of the Cannabis Act to legalize and regulate
access to cannabis. The Cannabis Act proposed a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession
of medical and recreational adult-use cannabis in Canada. On June 21, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that Bill C-45 received
Royal Assent. On July 11, 2018, the Government of Canada published the Cannabis Regulations under the Cannabis Act, which has been subsequently
amended. The Cannabis Regulations provide more detail on the medical and recreational regulatory regimes for cannabis, including regarding
licensing, security clearances and physical security requirements, product practices, outdoor growing, packaging and labelling, cannabis-containing
drugs, document retention requirements, reporting and disclosure requirements, the new access to cannabis for medical purposes regime
and industrial hemp. The majority of the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations came into force on October 17, 2018, with additional
Cannabis regulations coming into effect on October 17, 2019.
While
the Cannabis Act provides for the regulation by the federal government of, among other things, the commercial cultivation and processing
of cannabis for recreational purposes, it provides the provinces and territories of Canada with the authority to regulate in respect
of the other aspects of recreational cannabis, such as distribution, sale, minimum age requirements, places where cannabis can be consumed,
and a range of other matters.
The
governments of every Canadian province and territory have implemented regulatory regimes for the distribution and sale of cannabis for
recreational purposes. Most provinces and territories have announced a minimum age of 19 years old, except for Alberta, where the minimum
age will be 18. Certain provinces, such as Ontario, have legislation in place that restricts the packaging of vapor products and the
manner in which vapor products are displayed or promoted in stores.
The
Canadian market grew from CAD 4.8 billion in 2022 to CAD 5.6 billion in 2023, marking a 16.7% increase (Government of Canada, Cannabis
Market Reports). In Canada, all ten provinces and three territories have legalized cannabis, with significant improvements in regulatory
frameworks and retail infrastructure between 2022 and 2023, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia (Health Canada Reports). In
Canada, cannabis consumers increased from 7.6 million in 2022 to 8.3 million in 2023, a 9.2% rise (Canadian Cannabis Consumer Survey 2023).
The
European Cannabis Landscape
Europe’s
population is larger than that of the U.S. and Canadian markets combined, suggesting the potential of a very significant market. The
changes in regulations for cannabis products across Europe are expected to result in a market growth of approximately $6.2 billion
in annual sales in 2024, a significant growth from approximately $3.7 billion in 2023.
Many
European Union countries allow limited cannabis use for medicinal purposes, with some of those countries operating pilot programs. It
has been widely reported that other countries are considering following suit. Additionally, certain countries in Europe, including Germany,
which approved a plan to legalize some recreational cannabis use in August 2023, are considering the adoption of laws that would legalize
cannabis for adult use.
Europe’s
legal cannabis market also saw significant growth, with revenues rising from €2.1 billion in 2022 to €2.5 billion in 2023,
a 19% increase (Prohibition Partners Europe Cannabis Report 2023). In Europe, the number of countries with legalized medical cannabis
grew from seven in 2022 (Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Greece, Denmark, and Poland) to nine in 2023, with Luxembourg and
Malta joining the list, representing a 28.6% increase (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, EMCDDA). Europe also
saw a significant rise in cannabis consumers, from 1.2 million in 2022 to 1.5 million in 2023, a 25% increase (Prohibition Partners Europe Cannabis
Report 2023).
Other
Drivers for the Legal Cannabis Industry
Several
factors have driven the growth of the legal cannabis industry. Legislative changes have been pivotal, with ongoing legalization efforts
in various regions contributing to market expansion. For instance, recent legislation in Germany is set to make it the largest cannabis
market in Europe. Medical advancements have also played a crucial role, with increasing acceptance of cannabis for medical purposes driven
by research and positive patient outcomes, particularly in Europe where medical cannabis programs are rapidly expanding. Consumer trends
towards wellness and natural products have boosted demand for cannabis-based products such as CBD oils, edibles, and topicals. Economic
benefits have been significant, with governments recognizing the potential for job creation, tax revenues, and reduced law enforcement
and incarceration costs related to cannabis offenses. Additionally, technological innovations in cultivation techniques, product development,
and delivery methods have enhanced product quality and consumer experience, further driving market growth.
5
Product
Information
Consumers
of cannabis, herbs, flavored compounds, aromatherapy oils, and nicotine require the types of products we distribute, including vaporizers,
pipes, rolling papers and packaging. Producers of cannabis products are able to source compliant packaging, vape hardware, and other
products needed in the manufacturing and distribution stages of the supply chain. We believe we distribute the “picks & shovels”
for these rapidly-growing industries and producers. As the world of cannabis and its respective aesthetic continues to expand, we strive
to keep our product mix relevant, popular, and innovative; offering an array of products from vaporizers, grinders, pipes and other inhalation
devices to storage solutions, to rolling papers and even apparel lines. As our product offerings continue to develop, we expect our revenue
by categories to increase accordingly.
Inhalation
Delivery Methods
There
are two prevalent types of inhalation methods for cannabis and nicotine: combustion and vaporization. Vaporizers are devices that heat
materials to temperatures below the point of combustion, extracting the flavors, aromas and effects of dry herbs and concentrates in
the form of vapor. Measured by revenue, vaporizers are our largest product category.
The
Science and Popularity of Vaporization
Vaporizers
continue to increase in popularity and as a preferred method of consumption among a variety of demographics of consumers. They have elements
that are designed to quickly heat material, causing vaporization to occur without the carbon dioxide that
is typically generated through combustion. The vapor byproduct is then immediately inhaled through the mouthpiece on the device
itself, or through a hose or an inflatable bag. Vaporizers can heat a variety of dry materials, viscous liquids and waxes, and provide
a convenient way for users to consume the active ingredient such as tobacco, nicotine extracts, legal herbs, hemp-derived CBD, aromatherapy
oils, cannabis, and propylene glycol and glycerin blends.
Vaporization
Technology. Consumers have a wide array of vaporization devices at their disposal, which can be broadly categorized into two primary
categories: desktop and portable vaporizers. Our vaporizer portfolio spans just shy of 200 distinct products across 12 brands.
Desktop
Vaporizers. Vaporizers were first developed as desktop models that were powered through traditional electric power sources. Desktop
vaporizers are capable of heating the material to a more precise temperature choice determined by the consumer or as advised by a health
practitioner.
Portable
Vaporizers. With the development of lithium batteries, vaporizers have now become portable. Technological advances are resulting
in lighter, sleeker, and more visually-appealing units that are capable of quickly heating material to the user’s desired temperature
setting. Portable vaporizers, of which vape pens are a sub-set, are differentiated by many features, including output, battery life,
recharge time, material, capacity, and design.
Other
Methods of Consumption. In addition to vaporizers, consumers have a wide array of methods of consumption at their disposal, including,
hand pipes, water pipes, rolling papers, and oral and topical delivery methods.
Hand
and Water Pipes. We offer a diverse portfolio of over 200 hand and water pipes across five brands, including products within our
Greenlane Brands. Many display iconic, licensed logos and artwork, as pipes have grown into an artistic expression and are available
in countless creative forms and functionality. Hand pipes are small, portable and simple to use, and function by trapping the smoke produced
from burning materials. Water pipes include large table-top models, bubblers and rigs, and incorporate the cooling effects of water to
the burning materials before inhalation.
Rolling
Papers. Rolling papers are a traditional consumption method used to smoke dried plant material in a “roll-your-own” application.
These include papers, cones and wraps. Our rolling papers category is comprised of over 100 products across two unique brands, not including
accessories such as rolling trays or tips.
6
Our
Competitive Strengths
We
attribute our success to the following competitive strengths:
A
Clear Market Leader in an Attractive Industry.
We
are a global platform for the development and distribution of premium cannabis accessories, packaging, vape solutions, and lifestyle
products, reaching thousands of retail locations, including, licensed cannabis dispensaries, smoke shops, head shops, and specialty retailers.
We also own and operate one of the industry’s most visited North American direct-to-consumer e-commerce websites, Vapor.com, as
well as PuffItUp.com, and Vaposhop which serves the European market. We also sell our proprietary products direct to consumers via Higherstandards.com, and MarleyNaturalShop.com. We operate storefronts on Amazon, Ebay, Etsy, and other online high traffic marketplaces.
Market
Knowledge and Understanding.
Because
of our experience and our extensive, long-term industry relationships, we believe we have a deep understanding of customer needs and
desires in our Consumer Goods and Industrial Goods business segments. This allows us to influence customer demand and the pipeline between
product manufacturers, suppliers, advertisers and the marketplace. We have also established strong relationships with a wide array of
industry participants including leading MSOs, SSOs, retailers, and third party ancillary product producers.
Comprehensive
and Best-in-Class Product Offering.
We
offer a curated portfolio of products and accessories across many major categories with diverse, best-in-class offerings that cater to
our customers’ needs. This comprehensive and best-in-class product offering creates a “one-stop shop” for many of our
customers and positively distinguishes us from our competitors. In addition, we have carefully cultivated a portfolio of well-known brands
and premium products and have helped many of the brands we distribute to become established names in the industry.
Entrepreneurial
Culture.
We
believe our entrepreneurial, results-driven culture fosters highly-dedicated employees who provide our customers with superior service.
We invest in our talent by providing ongoing training and have successfully developed programs that provide comprehensive product knowledge
and tools needed to have a unique understanding of our customers’ goals and decision-making processes.
Customers.
We believe we offer superior services and solutions due to our comprehensive product offering, proprietary industry data and analytics,
product expertise and quality of service. We deliver products to our customers in a precise, safe and timely manner with complementary
support from our dedicated sales and service teams. In 2022, we launched our new business to business (“B2B”) customer portal
at Wholesale.Greenlane.com which provides our business customers seamless access to our catalog of products for purchase 24-hours a day,
365 days a year. Consumers can access our products easily by purchasing from our e-commerce properties or access many of our products
via large marketplaces such Amazon.
Suppliers .
Our industry knowledge, market reach, and resources allow us to establish trusted relationships with many industry suppliers. Our senior
management team makes tremendous efforts to establish and build these key relationships to help ensure Greenlane has a strong supply
chain established for in-demand products at favorable pricing. Our suppliers can be categorized into two buckets, factories that produce
our Greenlane Brand’s products, as well as some generic products, and other third party branded products (who either manufacture
themselves or outsource production) that Greenlane will, in essence, resell. While we purchase our products from over 150 suppliers,
a significant percentage of our net sales is dependent on sales of products from a small number of key suppliers, which is why strong
relationships are essential to our future success. An important reason we have elected to focus on our Greenlane Brands is, since we
own the brand itself (or license it), we can control which factory produces our products. Generally, there are a variety of capable factory
partners and we are able to leverage our Greenlane Brands to negotiate better pricing and service. When reselling an established third-party
brand’s products, we are somewhat beholden to the one supplier who owns or distributes that brand. However, we do believe there
is a trend of third-party branded suppliers in our industry to consolidate their relationships to do more business with fewer distribution
partners. We believe our established track record, historical relationships, ability to be value-added, and overall size and scale position
us to benefit from this trend.
Employees.
We aim to recruit best-in-class talent to join our Greenlane team. We provide our employees with an entrepreneurial culture, a safe,
fun and fast-paced work environment, financial incentives and career development opportunities.
Experienced
and Proven Management Team Driving Organic and Acquisition Growth.
We recently revamped our management team
to directly align with our strategic goals and initiatives. Our management team features vast relevant experience in consumer-packaged
goods, brand building, and e-commerce. In addition, our management team has expertise in accounting and finance, mergers and acquisitions,
supply chain, information technology, and operations .
7
Our
Operating Strategies
We
intend to leverage our competitive strengths to increase shareholder value through the following core strategies:
Plan
to Accelerate Path to Profitability and Capitalize the Business
In
today’s economic landscape, particularly within the cannabis industry, achieving profitability and preserving working capital are
paramount. At Greenlane, we are intensely focused on making our business profitable and well-capitalized for long-term sustainability.
Our key initiatives include:
1.
Technology
Enhancements: We remain fully committed to improving our technology, particularly our B2B and e-commerce platforms, to provide a
seamless shopping experience for our wholesale and retail customers.
2.
Facility
Footprint Rationalization: In 2023, we optimized our facilities footprint by reducing warehouse and office space while increasing
operational efficiency and improving fulfillment practices. The full benefit of those efforts are expected to be realized in 2024.
3.
Headcount
Reduction: We have significantly reduced our headcount and associated salary expenses, focusing on maintaining a core group of key
employees as we collectively right-size the business.
4.
Cost
Structure Optimization: We continue to reduce our overall cost structure while improving margins. In April 2023, we formed two strategic
partnerships (described below in greater detail) to increase margins and significantly reduce working capital requirements in our
Industrial Goods segment. Similarly, our Consumer Goods segment restructured arrangements with several third-party brands in 2022
and 2023 to reduce our working capital needs.
5.
Inventory
Management: In 2023, we implemented a new inventory management and lifecycle strategy that is focused on a quarterly turn and a regular
review of inventory to avoid future write-offs.
6.
Sales
Force Upgrade: We have upgraded and will continue to upgrade our sales force from a solely account management centric team to a skilled
and driven sales team to acquire new customers while maintaining excellent service with our existing customers
7.
Product
Innovation: In 2023, we launched Groove, an innovative new product line with a value-based price point and in 2024 we have begun
to expand our product offering to further enhance our assortment available to our customers.
8.
Capital
Investment: We continue to seek opportunities for securing investment capital to leverage our platform, increase availability and
reduce stockouts of our high demand third-party brands, invest in marketing and sales, and improve our product offerings.
Management
believes that these initiatives will significantly reduce costs, help accelerate the Company’s path to profitability, support business
growth, and allow the Company to reinvest capital into its highest demand and highest potential product lines.
During
2022 and 2023, the Company received capital from various sources permitting it to right-size the business and position the company for
growth. Such sources are described in greater detail in the Liquidity and Capital Resources Section of this report. During 2022, the
Company also monetized several non-core assets to provide necessary working capital including the sale and lease-back of its headquarters
building and the sale of its interest in the Vibes brand.
During
2023 and 2024, the Company also entered into certain arrangements to reduce working capital requirements and improve its balance sheet.
In
April 2023, we entered into two strategic partnerships. First, we entered into a strategic partnership (the “MJ Packaging Partnership”) with A&A Global Imports
d/b/a MarijuanaPackaging.com (“MJ Pack”), a provider of packaging solutions to the cannabis industry. Second, we entered into a strategic partnership with an affiliate of one of our existing
vape suppliers (“Vape Partner”) to service certain key customers with vaporizer goods and services (the “Vape Partnership”).
As part of the Vape Partnership, we will introduce our Vape Partner to certain key customers, assist with the promotion and the sale
of certain vaporizer goods and services, and help coordinate the logistics, storage and distribution of such vaporizer products. If our
Vape Partner and key customer(s) enter into a direct relationship, the customers would directly purchase vaporizer goods and services,
which we currently sell them, directly from our Vape Partner and we would no longer need to purchase such vape inventory on behalf of
such key customer(s). In exchange we would earn quarterly and annual commission payments from our strategic partners. While the strategic
partnerships may result in a decrease in top line revenue for these packaging and vape products, these partnerships combined with some
of our other restructuring initiatives should allow us to reduce our overall cost-structure and enhance our margins, thereby improving our balance sheet.
On
May 6, 2024, the Company, Warehouse Goods and Synergy Imports LLC (“Synergy”) entered into an asset purchase agreement, dated
May 1, 2024 (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which Synergy purchased all of the intellectual property, a specified
amount of inventory, and other assets related to the Eyce and DaVinci brands. In consideration for the acquisition, all parties entered
into a loan modification agreement, effective May 1, 2024 (the “Loan Modification Agreement”) and an amended and restated
secured promissory note, effective May 1, 2024 (the Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note”), an amendment to the original
Eyce and Davinci Asset Purchase Agreements, a distribution agreement, the termination of a license granted by Eyce, and the termination
of certain consulting and employment agreements.
Developing
A World-Class Portfolio of Products.
We
intend to continue to develop a portfolio of brands that includes our Greenlane Brands, exclusively licensed brands and third party
brand products, which over time will help to increase our blended margins and create increased long-term value. Our brand
development is based upon our proprietary industry intelligence that allows us to identify market opportunities for new brands and
products. We leverage our distribution infrastructure and customer relationships to penetrate the market quickly with our
proprietary brands and to gain placement in thousands of retail stores. Currently, we sell such products directly to consumers
through our brand websites and our e-commerce properties. Over time, we expect an increasing percentage of our overall sales to be
from our Greenlane Brands, which in turn should allow our gross margin to trend upwards and should allow for lasting brand value to
be built in the marketplace.
8
USPS
PACT Act Exemption
On
January 11, 2022, we announced via press release that the United States Postal Service (the “USPS”) had approved our application
for a business and regulatory exemption to the PACT Act (with respect to the business and regulatory exemption granted by the USPS, the
“PACT Act Exemption”), allowing us to ship vaporizers and accessories classified as electronic nicotine delivery systems
(“ENDS”) products to other compliant businesses. With this approval, over 97% of our total annual sales became eligible for
shipment by freight, USPS and other major parcel carriers. The PACT Act Exemption also enables us to partner with other businesses that
ship ENDS products and had their supply chains disrupted by PACT Act compliance.
On
June 24, 2022, we provided via press release an update on the progress of the PACT Act Exemption, following our successful implementation
of the controls, processes and systems required by the USPS in connection with the shipment of ENDS products. We expect the ability to
fulfill ENDS orders with the USPS to allow us to reduce shipping costs, decrease fulfillment times and enhance the overall customer experience
for approved wholesale customers.
Enhance
Our Operating Margins.
We expect to enhance our
operating margins as our business expands through a combination of additional product purchasing discounts, reduced inbound and
outbound shipping and handling rates, reduced transaction processing fees, increased operating efficiencies, and realization of
benefits through leveraging our existing assets and consolidated distribution facilities.. We are focused on converting more of our
overall sales to be completed through technology platforms such as our e-commerce consumer sites, large marketplace sites like
Amazon, and our proprietary B2B ordering portal at Wholesale.Greenlane.com. Transacting a higher percentage of our sales through
automated technological platforms, versus the manual phone and email efforts in play today, should improve our overall operating
margins.
Build
Upon Strong Customer and Supplier Relationships to Expand Organically.
Our
North American footprint and broad supplier relationships, combined with our regular interaction with our large and diverse customer
base, provides us key insights and positions us to be a critical link in the supply chain for premium vaporization products and consumption
accessories. Our suppliers benefit from access to thousands of brick and mortar retail locations as we are a single point of contact
for improved production, planning and efficiency. Our customers, in turn, benefit from our market leadership, talented sales force, broad
product offerings, high inventory availability, timely delivery and exceptional customer service. We believe our strong customer and
supplier relationships will enable us to expand and broaden our market share in the premium vaporization products and consumption accessories
marketplace and expand into new categories.
Be
the Employer of Choice.
When
it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, Greenlane strives to be the employer of choice. At Greenlane we are committed to creating
valuable career opportunities for our employees, supporting them and fostering a culture that invites and encourages diverse opinions
and ideas. This work is grounded in the belief that we are at our best when we create inclusive, supportive and welcoming environments,
where we uplift one another with dignity, respect and kindness. We are focused on ensuring our employees see Greenlane as a home of possibility
with good jobs, a sense of belonging, and a bright future.
9
Business
Seasonality
We
have historically experienced only moderate seasonality in our Consumer Goods business, particularly during the fourth quarter, which
coincides with Cyber Monday (the first Monday after Thanksgiving, when online retailers typically offer holiday discounts), and as our
customers build up their inventories in anticipation of the holiday season and for which we have related promotional marketing campaigns.
Our Industrial Goods business is generally not affected by seasonality.
Human
Capital Resources
As
of July 18, 2024, we had 66 full-time employees. Approximately 54 were employed in the U.S., and 12 were employed in Europe. None of
our employees are represented by a labor union. We have never experienced a labor-related work stoppage.
During
2022 and 2023, we completed a series of reductions in force, which we expect to result in approximately $10.0 million in annualized cash
compensation cost savings. We believe our current headcount and resources are sufficient to execute our plan of achieving profitability
in the near-term, while remaining flexible to scale our hiring as industry demand and our sales grow.
As
we mention in our core operating strategies, we aim to be the employer of choice, as our employees are the key drivers of our success.
We aim to recruit, train, promote and retain the most talented and success-driven personnel in the industry. Our industry knowledge and
scale provide opportunities for our employees to obtain structured training and career path opportunities across all departments and
positions. We are a company that operates with three core values: never settle, never follow, and never disrespect.
Culture
and Engagement
We
exist to elevate all elements of the consumption experience. We are the driving force behind broadening accessibility to best-in-class
ancillary products. We cultivate a passionate culture that empowers our team to thrive within our rapidly evolving industry. Our values
are to: never settle, never follow, and never disrespect. We envision a world where humanity is free to enjoy mother nature’s magic,
and we pledge that each of our employees will play an integral role in helping us make our vision a reality.
Everything
we do is powered by our vision and core values and our culture reflects that. As a result, we enjoy a highly motivated and skilled workforce
committed to our company. We send out regular employee engagement surveys, and in consultation with our employees we have addressed several
opportunities to further improve our culture. By being open, honest, and transparent, our employees feel more actively engaged in our
success.
Total
Rewards, Pay Equity and Retention
We
strive to attract and retain diverse, high caliber employees who raise the talent bar by offering competitive compensation and benefit
packages, regardless of their gender, race, or other personal characteristics. We regularly review and survey our compensation and benefit
programs against the market to ensure we remain competitive in our hiring practices. We provide employee salaries that are competitive
and consider factors such as an employee’s role and experience, the location of their job and their performance. We also encourage,
support, and compensate our employees based on our philosophy of recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance. We believe that performance
and development is an ongoing process in which all employees should be active participants. Individual and company key performance goals
are linked to employee compensation, and we have begun work on a Greenlane Learning and Development curriculum that will include a blended
approach to both in person and virtual learning.
Competition
Business-to-Business .
We operate in an evolving industry in which the market and its participants remain highly fragmented. Although it is difficult to find
reliable independent research, we believe there is a vast number of potential B2B customers in North America comprised of licensed cannabis
dispensaries, smoke shops, and specialty retailers. Our B2B customers compete primarily on the basis of the breadth, style, quality,
pricing and availability of merchandise, the level of customer service, brand recognition and loyalty. We successfully reach our B2B
customers through our direct sales force and other marketing initiatives, and provide them with our strategically-curated mix of brands
and products, merchandise planning strategies and exceptional customer service. Among vaporizer product distributors, we compete against
both suppliers and other distributors. A number of suppliers choose to distribute directly in some sales channels and may also operate
their own e-commerce platforms. We face competition from many small privately-owned regional distributors that carry a narrow range of
products. We believe there are only a select few wholesale distributors carrying a complete line of premium vaporization products and
consumption accessories. This has led to our emphasis on our wholesale business through our business-to-business (B2B) customer portal
at Greenlane.Wholesale.com. This platform provides our business customers seamless access to our catalog of products for purchase 24
hours a day, 365 days a year. The wholesale website offers customers an improved user experience with an easy-to-use layout that streamlines
processes and allows customers to interact with us at their convenience.
Business-to-Consumer.
A number of suppliers of vaporizers and specialized consumption products and accessories operate their own e-commerce websites through
which they sell their items directly to end consumers. Additionally, there are hundreds of websites that sell products similar to those
we offer in North America, Europe, Australia and other parts of the world. We believe we compete effectively with other e-commerce websites.
Further, we provide fulfillment services to the owners of some of these websites as they do not carry their own inventory, are not able
to ship as efficiently as we do and are unable to meet certain regulatory requirements, such as sales tax collection. Our primary e-commerce
website, Vapor.com, ranks above many of our competitors’ websites in various search engine categories. We believe our market knowledge,
large product selection, relationships with vaporizer brands, in-house search engine optimization teams, social media focus and distribution
facilities will enable us to remain a market leader in e-commerce.
10
Trademarks
We own a number of registered trademarks and service marks, including without
limitation, trademarks in the relevant classes of goods for Greenlane, Higher Standards, Aerospaced, Groove, and Pollen Gear. We also
license certain trademarks and other intellectual property, most notably those associated with our Marley Natural and Keith Haring brands.
Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this Form 10-K may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such
references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or
the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. In addition, this Form 10-K contains trade names, trademarks
and service marks of other companies that we do not own. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names, trademarks
or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other companies. We believe our largest trademarks
are widely recognized throughout the world and have considerable value. The duration of trademark registrations varies from country to
country. However, trademarks are generally valid and may be renewed indefinitely as long as they are in use and/or their registrations
are properly maintained.
Regulatory
Developments
Our operating results and prospects will be impacted, directly and indirectly, by regulatory developments at the
local, state, and federal levels. Certain changes in local, state, national, and international laws and regulations, such as increased
legalization of cannabis, create significant opportunities for our business. However, other changes to laws and regulations result in
restrictions on which products we are permitted to sell and the manner in which we market our products, increased taxation of our products,
and negative changes to the public perceptions of our products, among other effects.
We believe the ongoing trend of states legalizing medicinal and adult-use cannabis will likely drive increased demand
for many of our products. In the 2020 election, voters approved initiatives for adult-use cannabis in New Jersey, Arizona, Montana, and
South Dakota, as well as medical marijuana in Mississippi and South Dakota. Subsequent years saw Connecticut and Virginia (2021), Maryland
and Missouri (2022), and Delaware, Minnesota, and Ohio (2023) legalizing adult-use cannabis. Although we cannot guarantee that state-level
legalization will continue, the Department of Justice’s proposal to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled
Substances Act is a significant indicator of potential regulatory changes. This reclassification could have a profound impact on nationwide
regulation, boosting market confidence.
In
addition, 30 states and the District of Columbia have recently adopted laws imposing taxes on vaping products. Additionally, as of 2022,
at least 31 states have adopted laws imposing taxes on vaporizers. These taxes will result in increased prices to end consumers, which
may adversely impact the demand for our products. We expect these taxes would impact our competitors similarly, assuming their compliance
with applicable laws.
11
The
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was signed into law on December 27, 2020, contains provisions that prohibit the mailing
of electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) through the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) and place
certain regulatory requirements on shipment of ENDS through other carriers. Certain private carriers, including UPS and FedEx, also have
policies restricting or prohibiting the shipment of many vaporization products we sell. On December 30, 2021, the USPS granted us an
exception that permits Greenlane to continue shipping ENDS business to business via the USPS. This exception, combined with our use of
alternative carriers, permits us to continue shipping almost all of our products to the vast majority of our customers, provided that
we continue to meet all regulatory requirements. While we currently retain our ability to ship products to customers, additional legal
or policy changes concerning the shipment of vaporizers could increase our costs materially and deprive us of our ability to timely deliver
certain products to certain types of customers.
Corporate
Information
Our
executive offices are located at 1095 Broken Sound Parkway, Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487. Our telephone number at our executive
offices is (877) 292-7660.
Available
Information
The
Company’s Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections
13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are filed with the SEC. We are subject
to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and file or furnish reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.
Such reports and other information filed by us with the SEC are available free of charge at
investor.gnln.com/financial-information/sec-filings when such reports are available on the SEC’s website. The SEC maintains an
Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically
with the SEC at www.sec.gov. We periodically provide other information for investors on our corporate website, www.gnln.com, and our
investor relations website, investor.gnln.com. This includes press releases and other information
about financial performance, information on corporate governance and details related to our annual meeting of shareholders. The information
contained on the websites referenced in this Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference into this filing. Further, our references to
website URLs are intended to be inactive textual references only.
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
Our
operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described below,
which could harm our business, reputation, financial condition, and operating results. The following is a description of what we consider
the key challenges and material risks to our business and an investment in our Class A common stock.
Risks
Related to Our Business and Industry
Global
economic conditions, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, could materially and adversely our business, prospects, results
of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
Our
business and operations are sensitive to global economic conditions. General global economic downturns and macroeconomic trends, including
heightened inflation, volatility in the capital markets, interest rate and currency rate fluctuations, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and
economic slowdown or recession, may result in unfavorable conditions that could negatively affect demand for our products and exacerbate
some of the other risks that affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Both domestic and international markets
experienced significant inflationary pressures in 2022 and inflation rates in the U.S. are currently expected to continue at elevated
levels for the near-term. In addition, the Federal Reserve has raised, and is expected to continue to raise, interest rates in response
to concerns about inflation, which, coupled with reduced government spending and volatility in financial markets, may have the effect
of further increasing economic uncertainty and heightening these risks. Interest rate increases or other government actions taken to
reduce inflation could also result in an economic recession.
A
material decline in the economic conditions affecting consumers, which results in a reduction in disposable income for the average consumer,
may change consumption patterns, and may result in a reduction in spending on vaporization products and consumption accessories or a
switch to cheaper products or products obtained through illicit channels. Many of our products are relatively new to the market and may
be regarded by consumers as a novelty item and expendable. As such, demand for our vaporizer products may be particularly sensitive to
economic conditions such as inflation, recession, high energy costs, unemployment, changes in interest rates and money supply, changes
in the political environment and other factors beyond our control, any combination of which could result in a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
12
Our
ability to fund our capital requirements will depend on many factors, and if we are unsuccessful in increasing sales and generating positive
cash flows we may have to further reduce our costs by curtailing future operations to continue as a business.
Our
ability to fund our capital requirements out of our available cash and cash generated from our operations in the future will depend on
many factors, but largely on our ability to (i) increase sales of our products, (ii) raise capital on favorable terms, and (iii) generate
positive cash flow and/or profits from our operations. If we are not successful in generating needed funds from operations or in equity
or debt capital raising transactions, we may need to further reduce our costs, which measures could include selling or consolidating
certain operations or assets, and delaying, canceling or scaling back product development and marketing programs.
In addition, our low cash balance and negative cash flow may cause an inability
to pay our vendors on time, purchase all the inventory we need, and meet various other obligations going forward. Also, if we are not
successful in generating funds from operations or from capital-raising transactions, substantial doubt may be raised about our status
as a going concern.
If
we are required to seek additional financing sources, they may not be available to us on attractive terms if at all and could restrict
our ability to engage in certain business activities .
Due
to limited access to the debt markets, we have been required to issue equity at prices that are dilutive to stockholders. We may be forced to continue to seek equity capital at dilutive prices through other means if other financing is not available to us to fund our working capital needs. In the past, because of the nature of our industry,
we have had difficulties establishing relationships with certain financial institutions and may continue to face such difficulties. As
a result, indebtedness or other forms of financing may not be available to us on attractive terms or at all. Furthermore, we may have
to seek financing from non-traditional sources such as private equity and hedge funds, which may require us to give up significant governance
or other rights or agree to economic and other terms that are not favorable.
In
addition, future financing agreements we may enter into in the future may contain customary negative covenants and other financial and
operating covenants that, among other things:
●
restrict
our ability to incur additional indebtedness;
●
restrict
our ability to incur additional liens;
●
restrict
our ability to make certain investments (including capital expenditures);
●
restrict
our ability to merge with another company;
●
restrict
our ability to sell or dispose of assets;
●
restrict
our ability to make distributions to stockholders; and
●
require
us to satisfy minimum financial coverage ratios, minimum net worth requirements, maximum leverage ratios, or other financial covenants.
We had cash available
as of December 31, 2023 of $0.5 million. In addition, our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 was down from prior years and
has declined in recent quarters. If we are unable to access additional liquidity through successful execution of our cost cutting strategic
initiatives and revenue goals, we may have significant cash constraints, which would have a material adverse impact on our business,
results of operations and ability to pay our debts as they come due.
We
have failed, and may continue to fail, to meet the listing standards of Nasdaq, and as a result our Class A common stock may become delisted,
which could have a material adverse effect on the liquidity of our Class A common stock.
If
we fail to continue to satisfy the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, such as the corporate governance or public float requirements,
or the minimum closing bid price requirement, Nasdaq will take steps to de-list our Class A common stock. As a result of several factors,
including but not limited to our financial performance, market sentiment about the cannabis industry, volatility in the financial markets
generally due to the tightening of monetary policy by the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve Bank (the “Federal
Reserve”) and other geopolitical events, events such as the ongoing wars around the world, the per share price of our Class A common stock
has declined below the minimum bid price threshold required for continued listing. Such a de-listing would likely have a negative effect
on the price of our Class A common stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our Class A common stock when you wish to
do so, as well as adversely affect our ability to issue additional securities and obtain additional financing in the future.
13
On
August 21, 2023, we received a letter from the staff of Nasdaq indicating that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1)
because the closing bid price per share for our Class A common stock had closed below $1.00 for the previous 30 consecutive business
days (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). We were given 180 days, or until February 20, 2024 to regain compliance with
the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. We also filed an application to transfer the listing of our Class A common stock from the Nasdaq Global
Market to the Nasdaq Capital Market, which transfer was approved and occurred on February 9, 2024. As a result of the transfer, we became
eligible to request an additional an additional 180-day compliance period.
On
February 21, 2024, Nasdaq notified us in writing that while we had not regained compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, we
were eligible for an additional 180-day compliance period, or until August 19, 2024, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price
Requirement. Nasdaq’s determination was based on us having met the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held
shares and all other applicable requirements for initial listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the Minimum Bid
Price Requirement, and on our written notice to Nasdaq of our intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period by
effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.
If
we do not regain compliance during the second 180-day period, then Nasdaq will notify us of its determination to delist our Class A common
stock, at which point we would have an opportunity to appeal the delisting determination to a hearings panel. We would remain listed
on Nasdaq pending the hearings panel’s decision. There can be no assurance that, if we do appeal the delisting determination by
Nasdaq to the hearings panel, that such appeal would be successful.
On
January 24, 2024, Gina Collins gave notice of her resignation from our Board of Directors and from each committee of the Board, effective
immediately. Ms. Collins was an independent director, and as a result of her resignation, we no longer comply with the majority independent
board requirement of Nasdaq as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1) because independent directors do not comprise a majority of
the Board of Directors, and Nasdaq’s audit committee requirements as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) because the
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is not comprised of at least three independent directors.
On
January 29, 2024, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rules, we notified Nasdaq of Ms. Collins’ resignation and the resulting non-compliance.
On January 30, 2024, we received a notice from Nasdaq acknowledging the fact that we do not meet the requirements of such rules. In accordance
with Nasdaq Listing Rules 5605(b)(1)(A) and 5605(c)(4), to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules, we have until the earlier
of our next annual stockholders meeting or January 24, 2025.
On
April 18, 2024, we received a notice from Nasdaq stating that because we had not yet filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2023, we were no longer in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1). Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) requires
listed companies to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
On
May 21, 2024, we received a notice from Nasdaq stating that because we had not yet filed our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended March 31, 2024, we were no longer in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1).
The
Company had 60 calendar days from April 18, 2024, or until June 17, 2024, to regain compliance
by filing the Form 10-K and the Form 10-Q or to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules.
We timely submitted the plan to regain compliance to Nasdaq and Nasdaq granted us additional time to file the Form 10K and 10Q.
14
Our
narrow margins may magnify the impact of variations in operating costs and of adverse or unforeseen events on operating results.
We
are subject to intense price competition. As a result of this and other factors, our gross and operating margins have historically been
narrow. Narrow margins magnify the impact of variations in operating costs and of gross margin and of unforeseen adverse events on operating
results. Continued increases in costs, such as the cost of merchandise, wage levels, shipping rates, import duties and fuel costs, may
negatively impact our margins and profitability. We are not always able to raise the sales price to offset cost increases or to effect
increased operating efficiencies in response to increasing costs. If we are unable to maintain our margins in the future, it could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we become subject to increased price competition
in the future, we cannot assure you that we will not lose market share, that we will not be forced to reduce our prices and further reduce
our margins, or that we will be able to compete effectively.
Additionally,
promotional activities can significantly increase net sales in the periods in which they are initiated and net sales can be adversely
impacted in the periods after a promotion. Accordingly, based upon the timing of our marketing and promotional initiatives, we have and
may continue to experience significant variability in our month-to-month results, which could affect our ability to formulate strategies
that allow us to maintain our market presence across volatile months. If our monthly sales fluctuations obscure our ability to track
important trends in our key markets, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If
we fail to manage our business and growth effectively, we may be unable to execute our business plan, maintain high levels of service
or address competitive challenges adequately.
Our
success will depend, in part, on our ability to manage our business and its growth, both domestically and internationally. Any growth
in, expansion of, or shift in the focus of our business, is likely to continue to place a strain on our management and administrative
resources, infrastructure and systems. As with other businesses, we expect that we will need to further refine and expand our business
development capabilities, our systems and processes and our access to financing sources. We will also need to hire, train, supervise,
and manage new employees. These processes are time consuming and expensive and will increase management responsibilities and divert management
attention. We cannot assure that we will be able to:
●
optimize
our product offerings effectively or efficiently or in a timely manner, if at all;
●
achieve
expected synergies or other anticipated benefits;
●
allocate
our human resources optimally;
●
meet
our capital needs;
●
identify
and hire qualified employees or retain valued employees;
●
effectively
incorporate the components of any business or product line that we may acquire in our effort to achieve growth; or
●
continue
to grow our business.
Our
inability or failure to manage our business and its growth effectively could harm our business and materially adversely affect our operating
results and financial condition. In addition, we believe that an important contributor to our success has been and will continue to be
our corporate culture, which we believe fosters innovation, teamwork and a passion for our products and customers. As a result of our
rapid growth, we may find it difficult to build and maintain our strong corporate culture, which could limit our ability to innovate
and operate effectively. Any failure to preserve our culture could also negatively affect our ability to retain current and recruit new
personnel, continue to perform at current levels or execute on our business strategy.
Management
and employee turnover creates uncertainties and could harm our business.
We
have experienced significant turnover in our executive leadership in recent years. Changes to strategic or operating goals, which oftentimes
occur with the appointment of new executives and board members, can create uncertainty, may negatively impact our ability to execute
quickly and effectively, and may ultimately be unsuccessful. In addition, executive leadership transition periods are often difficult
as the new executives gain detailed knowledge of our operations, and friction can result from changes in strategy and management style.
Management turnover inherently causes some loss of institutional knowledge, which can negatively affect strategy and execution. Until
we integrate new personnel, and unless they are able to succeed in their positions, we may be unable to successfully manage and grow
our business, and our financial condition and profitability may suffer.
Further,
to the extent we experience additional management turnover, competition for top management is high and it may take months to find a candidate
that meets our requirements. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified management personnel, our business could suffer. Our future
success will also depend on our ability to identify, recruit and retain additional qualified technical and managerial personnel. We operate
in several geographic locations where labor markets are particularly competitive, where demand for personnel with these skills is extremely
high and is likely to remain high. As a result, competition for qualified personnel is intense, particularly in the areas of general
management, finance, engineering and science, and the process of hiring suitably qualified personnel is often lengthy and expensive and
may become more expensive in the future. If we are unable to hire and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, our ability
to conduct and expand our business could be seriously reduced.
15
The
market for vaporizer products and related items is a niche market, subject to a great deal of uncertainty and is still evolving.
Vaporizer
products comprise a significant portion of our product portfolio. Many of these products have only recently been introduced to the
market and are at an early stage of development. These products represent core components of a niche market that is evolving
rapidly, is characterized by a number of market participants and is subject to regulatory oversight and a potentially fluctuating
regulatory framework. Rapid growth in the use of, and interest in, vaporizer products is recent, and may not continue on a lasting
basis. The demand and market acceptance for these products is subject to a high level of uncertainty, including, but not limited to,
changes in governmental regulation, developments in product technology, perceived safety and efficacy of our products, perceived
advantages of competing products and sale and use of materials that can be vaporized, including in the expanding legal state
cannabis markets. Therefore, we are subject to many of the business risks associated with a new enterprise in a niche market.
Continued technical evolution, market uncertainty, evolving regulation and the resulting risk of failure of our new and existing
product offerings in this market could have a material adverse effect on our ability to build and maintain market share and on our
business, results of operations and financial condition. Further, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to
compete effectively in this marketplace.
We
depend on third-party suppliers for our products and may experience supply shortages which could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
We
depend on third-party suppliers for our vaporization products and consumption accessories product offerings. Our customers associate
certain characteristics of our products, including the weight, feel, draw, flavor, packaging and other unique attributes, to the brands
we market, distribute and sell. In the future, we may have difficulty obtaining the products we need from our suppliers as a result of
unexpected demand or production difficulties that might extended lead times, as well as due to constraints relating to our low cash position.
Also, products may not be available to us in quantities sufficient to meet our customer demand. Any interruption in supply and/or consistency
of these products may adversely impact our ability to deliver products to our customers, may harm our relationships and reputation with
our customers, and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Interruptions in
supply or consistency of products could arise for a number of reasons, including but not limited to economic and civil unrest, public
health crises, embargoes, and sanctions.
We
may enter into new markets or lines of business that offer new products and services, or may expand existing lines of business, which
may subject us to additional risks.
From
time to time, we may enter into new markets or lines of business that entail offering new products and services, or may expand existing
lines of business. For example, our merger with KushCo significantly expanded our exposure to the leading MSOs and LPs, as well as a
presence on the west coast. Our historical experience in these markets does not ensure that we will be able to successfully operate expended
lines of business or will be successful in launching new products or entering new markets. In addition, external factors, such as competitive
alternatives, potential conflicts of interest, either real or perceived, and shifting market preferences, in addition to our lack of
experience with or knowledge of new lines of business or markets may impact our implementation, expansion and operation of new and existing
lines of business. Other related risks include:
●
the
potential diversion of management’s attention, available cash, and other resources from our existing businesses;
●
unanticipated
liabilities or contingencies;
●
compliance
with additional regulatory burdens;
●
potential
damage to existing customer relationships, lack of customer acceptance or an inability to attract new customers; and
●
the
inability to compete effectively in the new line or expanded line of business or in a new market.
Failure
to successfully manage these risks in the implementation, expansion or operation of new and existing lines of business and markets or
the offering of new products or services could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations and
financial condition.
16
A
significant percentage of our revenue is dependent on sales of products from a relatively small number of key suppliers, and a decline
in sales of products from these suppliers could materially harm our business.
A significant percentage of our revenue is dependent on sales of products, primarily vaporizers and related components,
that we purchase from a small number of key suppliers, including CCELL, Storz & Bickel, Grenco Science and Davinci. For example, products
manufactured by CCELL represented approximately 41.5% and 39.1% of our net sales in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively,
and products manufactured by Storz & Bickel represented approximately 5.5% of our net sales in both years ended December 31, 2023
and 2022. Products manufactured by PAX represented approximately 3.6% and 3.3% of our net sales in the years ended December 31, 2023 and
2022, respectively, and products manufactured by Davinci represented approximately 7.5% and 4.0% of our net sales in the years ended December
31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. A decline in sales of any of our key suppliers’ products, whether due to decreases in supply of,
or demand for, their products, termination of our agreements with them, regulatory actions or otherwise, could have a material adverse
impact on our sales and earnings and adversely affect our business.
There
is uncertainty related to the regulation of vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories. Increased regulatory compliance
burdens, no matter how they arise, could have a material adverse impact on our business development efforts and our operations.
United
States
There
is uncertainty regarding whether, in what circumstances, how and when the FDA will seek to enforce the tobacco-related provisions of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FFDCA”) relative to vaporizer hardware and accessories that can be used to vaporize
cannabis and other material, including electronic cigarettes, rolling papers and glassware, in light of the potential for dual use with
tobacco.
Through amendments to the FFDCA, the Tobacco Control Act established, by statute, that the FDA has oversight over
specific types of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own (“RYO”) tobacco, and smokeless tobacco) and
granted the FDA the authority to “deem” other types of tobacco products as subject to the statutory requirements. In addition
to establishing authority, defining key terminology, and setting adulteration and misbranding standards, the Tobacco Control Act established
FDA’s authority over tobacco products in a number of areas such as: submission of health information to the FDA; registration with
the FDA; premarket authorization requirements; good manufacturing practice requirements; tobacco product standards; notification, recall,
corrections, and removals; records and reports; marketing considerations and restrictions; post-market surveillance and studies; labeling
and warnings; and recordkeeping and tracking. Although the vast majority of our vaporizer products are not subject to these regulations
because they are not intended for use with tobacco or nicotine, changes in law, regulation, or policy that subject a greater portion of
our products to these regulations could occur.
In
a final rule effective August 8, 2016 (“Deeming Rule”), the FDA deemed all products that meet the Tobacco Control Act’s
definition of “tobacco product,” including components and parts but excluding accessories, to be subject to the tobacco control
requirements of the FFDCA and the FDA’s implementing regulations. Accordingly, as of the Deeming Rule’s effective date, deemed
tobacco products that are “new” (i.e., those that were not commercially marketed in the United States as of February 15,
2007) are subject to the premarket authorization requirements. Deemed new tobacco products that remain on the market without authorization
are marketed unlawfully.
Deemed new tobacco products include, among other things: products such as electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars,
electronic hookahs, vape pens, certain vaporizers and e-liquids and their components or parts (such as tanks, coils and batteries) (“ENDS”).
The FDA’s interpretation of components and parts of a tobacco product includes any assembly of materials intended or reasonably
expected to be used with or for the human consumption of a tobacco product. In a 2017 decision of the D.C. Circuit court, the court upheld
the FDA’s authority to regulate ENDS even though they do not actually contain tobacco, and even if the products could be used with
nicotine-free e-liquids.
The Tobacco Control Act and FDA’s implementation of regulations require regulatory approvals before certain
products may be sold and restrict the way tobacco product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors can advertise and promote tobacco
products, including a prohibition against free samples or the use of vending machines, requirements for presentation of warning information,
and age verification of purchasers.
Newly-deemed
tobacco products are also subject to the other requirements of the Tobacco Control Act, such as that they not be adulterated or misbranded.
The FDA has been directed under the Tobacco Control Act to establish specific good manufacturing practice (“GMP”) regulations
for tobacco products, and could do so in the future, which could have a material adverse impact on the ability of some of our suppliers
to manufacture, and the cost to manufacture, certain of our products. Even in the absence of specific GMP regulations, a facility’s
failure to maintain sanitary conditions or to prevent contamination of products could result in the FDA deeming the products produced
there adulterated.
The
FDA has announced its intention to take enforcement measures related to ENDS products offered for
sale after September 9, 2020, for which the manufacturers had not submitted a PMTA. Following that date, the FDA did in fact take actions
against certain manufacturers of ENDS products for which a PMTA had not been submitted. Accordingly, and in light of the laws
noted above, premarket authorizations will be necessary for us to continue our distribution of any vaporizer hardware and accessories
that meet the FDA’s definition of ENDS. While we do not believe vaporizers intended for use with non-tobacco substances meet the
FDA’s definition of ENDS, it is possible that the FDA could require premarket authorization for such products.
17
Our
suppliers who make vaporizers that are currently, or in the future become, subject to FDA regulation must timely file applications for
the appropriate authorizations so that we may continue selling their products in the United States. We have no control over the content
of those applications, and we have no assurances that the outcome of the FDA’s review will result in authorization of the marketing
of these products. If the FDA establishes or applies review standards or processes that our suppliers are unable or unwilling to comply
with, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects would be adversely affected.
The
anticipated costs to our suppliers of complying with future FDA regulations will be dependent on the rules issued by the FDA, the timing
and clarity of any new rules or guidance documents accompanying these rules, the reliability and simplicity (or complexity) of the electronic
systems utilized by the FDA for information and reports to be submitted, and the details required by the FDA for such information and
reports with respect to each regulated product. Any failure to comply with existing or new FDA regulatory requirements could result in
significant financial penalties to us or our suppliers, which could ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations, financial condition and ability to market and sell our products. Compliance and related costs could be substantial and
could significantly increase the costs of operating in the vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories markets.
In
addition, failure to comply with the Tobacco Control Act and with FDA regulatory requirements could result in litigation, criminal convictions
or significant financial penalties and could impair our ability to market and sell some of our vaporizer products. At present, we are
not able to predict whether the Tobacco Control Act will impact our business to a greater degree than competitors in the industry, thus
affecting our competitive position.
As
discussed elsewhere in these Risk Factors and under the heading Regulatory Developments, a number of states and cities have implemented
bans or restrictions on the sale of vaporizers and accessories, as well as flavored tobacco products, including vaping liquids and menthol
cigarettes. There may, in the future, also be increased regulation of additives in smokeless products and internet sales of vaporization
products and certain other consumption accessories. The application of either or both of current federal, state, and local, laws, and
of any new laws or regulations which may be adopted in the future at the federal, state, or local level, to vaporization products, consumption
accessories or such additives could result in additional expenses and require us to change our advertising and labeling, and methods
of marketing and distribution of our products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and financial condition.
Canada
On
May 23, 2018, the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (“TVPA”) became effective, and now governs the manufacture, sale, labeling
and promotion of vaping products sold in Canada. The TVPA replaced the former Tobacco Act (Canada) and established a legislative framework
that applies to vaping products, whether or not they contain nicotine. The TVPA prescribes high-level requirements in relation to vaping
products, with regulations governing specific topics such as nicotine concentration and the promotion of vaping products. Other regulations
remain forthcoming and there remains a high degree of uncertainty with respect to the compliance landscape for vaping products. As such,
there can be no assurance that we will initially be in total compliance, remain competitive, or financially able to meet future requirements
administered pursuant to the TVPA. Prior to the TVPA becoming effective, Health Canada had taken the position that electronic smoking
products (i.e., electronic products for the vaporization and administration of inhaled doses of nicotine, including electronic cigarettes,
cigars, cigarillos and pipes, as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products) fell within the scope of the Food and
Drugs Act (Canada) (“Food and Drugs Act”). Vaping products with therapeutic or health-related claims are subject to the Food
and Drugs Act and related regulations. Finally, the TVPA provides the authority to make regulations to collect information from industry
about vaping products, their emissions and any research and development (e.g., sales data and information on market research, product
composition, ingredients, materials, health effects, hazardous properties and brand elements). Health Canada is currently developing
proposed regulations in this area.
On
December 21, 2019, Health Canada issued a Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement titled “Vaping Products Promotion Regulations.”
The Impact Analysis addressed two proposed new regulations that would place stricter limits on the advertising and promotion of nicotine
vaping products and make health warnings on nicotine vaping products mandatory (the “Proposed Regulations”). The Proposed
Regulations would: (1) prohibit the promotion of nicotine vaping products and nicotine vaping product-related brand elements by means
of advertising that is done in a manner that can be seen or heard by youth, including the display of nicotine vaping products a points
of sale where can be seen by youth; and (2) require that all nicotine vaping advertising convey a health warning about the health hazards
of nicotine vaping product use.
On
July 1, 2020, Health Canada’s “Vaping Products Labeling and Packaging Regulations” (the “VPLPR”) came into
effect; requiring (1) all vaping products containing nicotine to display a standardized nicotine concentration statement and health warning
about the addictiveness of nicotine; (2) products containing nicotine to be packaged in child-resistant containers and display a toxicity
warning and first aid treatment statement; and (3) the display of a list of ingredients contained in the vaping substances, regardless
of nicotine content. On July 14, 2020, Health Canada issued a guidance document on vaping products titled, “Industry Guide to vaping
products subject to the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act” (the “CCPA Guidance”). The CCPA Guidance provided clarity
on requirements under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (“CCPSA”) for vaping products that are manufactured, imported,
advertised, or sold in Canada. The CCPA Guidance provided clarity on the requirements of the VPLPR and the authority of the CCPSA to
address safety issues posed by a vaping product not marketed for therapeutic use or by a cannabis accessory (such as a vaporizer represented
to be used in the consumption of cannabis) not marketed for a therapeutic use.
18
In
addition to federal regulations, several provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island (“PEI”),
Quebec, and Saskatchewan, have passed regulations fully restricting or limiting the advertising and sales of certain types of nicotine
vaping products. Many provinces have focused their tobacco and vaping control efforts on retail access and have taken action to go beyond
the minimum requirements in the TVPA. For example, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories, have increased
the minimum age of sale to 19. Notably, in Prince Edward Island, as of March 1, 2020, the minimum age for purchasing nicotine products
increased to age 21. In 2019. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario limited the sales of flavored vaping products with exceptions
for some flavors to specialty stores, whereas some provinces have banned flavored vaping products, with the exception of tobacco flavor
(Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island). By way of example, on August 11, 2020, PEI adopted a regulation to ban the sale of all flavored
vaping products, effective March 1, 2021. Quebec is currently considering a ban on flavored products and effective as of March 25, 2022,
the sale of flavored vapor products was banned in the Northwest Territories.
Moreover,
certain provinces (British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Nova Scotia) have implemented an e-cigarette retail
licensing system or have guidelines for retailers in order to prevent sales to minors (Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador,
Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan).
Finally,
with respect to the taxation of vaping products, the Canadian government introduced amendments to the Excise Act, 2001 to implement a
new excise duty framework on vaping products. These amendments became law on June 23, 2022. The new framework applies to vaping products
that are manufactured in Canada or imported, and that are intended for use in a vaping device in Canada. Manufacturers of vaping products
are required to get a vaping product license from the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”). Importers are required to apply for
registration from the CRA. Manufacturers and importers are also required to register for the vaping stamping regime. All vaping products
entering the Canadian duty-paid market are required to be packaged with an excise stamp affixed to the product. The excise stamps shows
that duties have been paid.
These
developments, together with the passed and proposed federal and provincial regulations may have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Europe
Throughout
Europe, several countries’ laws implementing the European Union Tobacco Products Directive (“TPD”) impose strict regulations
on the approval, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes. While we do not sell or market any material amount of products that we believe
fall within the definition of e-cigarettes in Europe, if vaporization products we sell are found to fall
within the scope of laws implementing the TPD, we would be unable to continue selling those products
in certain countries, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We
may be unable to identify or contract with new suppliers in the event of a disruption to our supply.
In
the event of a disruption to our supply of products, we would have to identify new suppliers that can meet our needs. Only a limited
number of suppliers may have the ability to produce certain products we sell at the volumes we need, and it could be costly or time-consuming
to locate and approve such alternative sources. Moreover, it may be difficult or costly to find suppliers to produce small volumes of
products in the event we are looking only to supplement our current supply as suppliers may impose minimum order requirements. In addition,
we may be unable to negotiate pricing or other terms with our existing or new suppliers as favorable as those we currently enjoy. We
cannot guarantee that a failure to adequately replace or supplement our existing suppliers would not have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Demand
for the products we distribute could decrease if the trend of our suppliers selling products directly to consumers or retailers continues
or accelerates.
Retailers
and consumers of vaporization products and consumption accessories have historically purchased certain amounts of these products directly
from suppliers. Recently, direct to consumer sales of vaporization products and consumption accessories have accelerated, consistent
with broader sales trends. If our customers were to increase their purchases of products directly from suppliers, or if suppliers further
increase their efforts to sell such products directly to consumers or retailers, we could experience a significant decrease in our business,
results of operations and financial condition. These, or other developments that remove us from, or limit our role in, the distribution
chain, may harm our competitive position in the marketplace and reduce our sales and earnings and adversely affect our business.
19
We
are vulnerable to third-party transportation risks, including governmental laws and common carriers’ policies that prevent the
shipment of the types of products we sell.
We
depend on fast and efficient shipping services to distribute our products. Any prolonged disruption of these services may have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Rising costs associated with transportation services used
by us to receive or deliver our products, including tariffs, as well as delays as a results of factors outside of our control have had
and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was signed into law on December 27, 2020, contains provisions that prohibit the mailing
of ENDS through the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) and place certain regulatory requirements on shipment of ENDS through
other carriers. Certain private carriers, including UPS and FedEx, also have policies restricting or prohibiting the shipment of certain
vaporization products we sell, requiring us to occasionally rely upon smaller carriers that are more expensive and serve fewer geographic
areas. Although we received USPS approval in December 2021 for a business and regulatory exception to the PACT Act (the “PACT Act
Exception”) permitting us to ship ENDS to other PACT Act compliant businesses, there can be no assurances that we will be able
to maintain the PACT Act Exception or that the USPS will not elect to rescind the PACT Act Exception. Additional legal or policy changes
concerning the shipment of vaporizers could increase our costs materially and deprive us of our ability to timely deliver certain products
to certain types of customers. Additionally, rising costs associated with transportation services used by us to receive or deliver our
products (including tariffs) and prohibitions on the use of certain shipping services for specified products, may have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
do not have long-term agreements or guaranteed price or delivery arrangements with most of our suppliers. The loss of a significant supplier
would require us to rely more heavily on our other existing suppliers or to develop relationships with new suppliers. Such a loss may
have an adverse effect on our product offerings and our business.
While
we have long-term distribution agreements with certain of our suppliers, consistent with industry practice, we do not have guaranteed
price or delivery arrangements with most of our suppliers. We generally make our purchases through purchase orders. As a result, we have
experienced and may in the future experience inventory shortages or price increases on certain products. Furthermore, our industry occasionally
experiences significant product supply shortages, and we sometimes experience customer order backlogs due to the inability of certain
suppliers to make available to us certain products as needed. We cannot provide assurances that suppliers will maintain an adequate inventory
of products to fulfill our orders on a timely basis, or at all, or that we will be able to obtain particular products on favorable terms,
or at all. Additionally, we cannot provide assurances that product lines currently offered by suppliers will continue to be available
to us. A decline in the supply or continued availability of the products of our suppliers, or a significant increase in the price of
those products, could reduce our sales and negatively affect our operating results.
In
addition, some of our suppliers have the ability to terminate their relationships with us at any time, or to decide to sell, or increase
their sales of, their products through other resellers or channels. Although we believe there are numerous suppliers with the capacity
to supply the products we distribute, the loss of one or more of our major suppliers could have an adverse effect on our product offerings
and our business. Such a loss would require us to rely more heavily on our other existing suppliers, develop relationships with new suppliers
or undertake our own manufacturing, which may cause us to pay higher prices for products due to, among other things, a loss of volume
discount benefits currently obtained from our major suppliers. Any termination, interruption or adverse modification of our relationship
with a key supplier or a significant number of other suppliers would likely adversely affect our operating income, cash flow and future
prospects.
If
we fail to maintain proper inventory levels, our business could be harmed.
We
often purchase key products from suppliers prior to the time we receive purchase orders from customers. We do this to minimize purchasing
costs, the time necessary to fill customer orders, and the risk of non-delivery. However, we may be unable to sell the products we have
purchased in advance. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand have previously and may in the future, result in inventory write-downs,
and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices could significantly impair our brand image and have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition. Conversely, if we underestimate demand for our products or if we fail to
acquire the products that we require at the time we need them, we may experience inventory shortages. Inventory shortages might delay
shipments to customers, reduce revenue, negatively impact customer relationships and diminish brand loyalty, which in turn could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
20
Our
success is dependent in part upon our ability to distribute popular products from new suppliers, as well as the ability of our existing
suppliers to develop and market products that meet changes in market demand or regulatory requirements.
Many
of the products we sell are generally subject to rapid changes in marketplace demand and regulatory requirements. For example, recent
laws and regulations have prohibited the sale of certain types of ENDS products that we previously sold. Our success is dependent, in
part, upon the ability of our suppliers to develop and market products that meet these changes. Our success is also dependent on our
ability to develop relationships with and sell products from new suppliers that address these changes in market demand or regulatory
requirements. To the extent products that address recent changes are not available to us, or are not available to us in sufficient quantities
or on acceptable terms, we could encounter increased competition, which would likely adversely affect our business, results of operations
and financial condition.
We
do not have long-term contracts with many of our customers. The agreements that we do have generally do not commit our customers to any
minimum purchase volume. The loss of a significant customer may have a material adverse effect on us.
Our
customers generally place orders on an as-needed basis. Consistent with industry practice, we do not have long-term contracts with most
of our customers, other than certain retail chains or distributors in Canada and abroad and certain state-licensed cannabis businesses
in the United States. In addition, our agreements generally do not commit our customers to any minimum purchase volume. Accordingly,
we are exposed to risks from potential adverse financial conditions in the vaporization products and consumption accessories industry,
a potentially shifting legal landscape, the general economy, a competitive landscape, a changing technological landscape or changing
customer needs or any other change that may affect the demand for our products. We cannot assure you that our customers will continue
to place orders with us in similar volumes, on the same terms, or at all. Our customers may terminate their relationships with us or
reduce their purchasing volume at any time. Our ten largest customers, in the aggregate, represented approximately 39.0% and 40.7% of
our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The loss of a significant number of customers, or a substantial
decrease in a significant customer’s orders, may have an adverse effect on our revenue.
Changes
in our customer, product or competition mix could cause our product margin and results of operations to fluctuate.
From
time to time, we may experience changes in our customer mix, our product mix or our competition mix. Changes in our customer mix may
result from geographic expansion or contractions, mergers and acquisitions among our customer base, legislative, regulatory or
enforcement priority changes affecting the products we distribute, selling activities within current geographic markets and targeted
selling activities to new customer sectors. For example, our merger with Kushco has shifted our customer mix to include a greater
concentration of customers who engage in the cultivation, processing, and/or sale of cannabis. Changes in our product mix may result
from marketing activities to existing customers, the needs of existing and prospective customers and from regulatory and legislative
changes. Changes in our competition mix may result from new competitors entering into our business segment or existing
competitors growing their operations. If customer demand for lower-margin products increases and demand for higher-margin products
decreases, our business, results of operations and financial condition may suffer.
21
Because
a material portion of our revenues are derived from sales to consumers indirectly through third-party retailers who operate traditional
brick-and-mortar locations, the shift of sales to more online retail business could harm our market share and our revenues in certain
sectors.
Our
current model for consumer goods includes selling our products through third-party retailers. These third-party retailers operate physical
brick-and-mortar locations to sell our product to consumers. The current shift in purchasing demographics due to many factors and the
changing preferences of consumers who are moving from in-store purchases to online purchases creates the additional risks of our current
revenue streams being impacted negatively and an overall decrease of market share.
We
have experienced and may continue to experience difficulty collecting receivables.
If
our customers begin or continue to experience financial challenges, they may not have sufficient funds to pay all amounts owed to us.
Additionally, laws in some jurisdictions in which we operate make collection of receivables difficult, time consuming or expensive. We
generally do not require collateral in support of our trade receivables. While we maintain reserves for expected credit losses, we cannot
assure these reserves will be sufficient to meet write-offs of uncollectible receivables or that our losses from such receivables will
be consistent with our historical performance. Significant write-offs may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
As we begin selling our products indirectly through large retailers, customer credit risks will expand.
Our
ability to distribute certain licensed brands and to use or license certain trademarks may be terminated or not renewed.
We
are reliant upon brand recognition in the markets in which we compete, as the industry is characterized by a high degree of brand loyalty
and a reluctance of consumers to switch to substitute or unrecognizable brands. Some of the brands we distribute and the trademarks under
which products are sold are licensed for a fixed period of time with regard to specified markets.
In
the event that the licenses to use the brand names and trademarks for the products we distribute are terminated or are not renewed after
the end of the term, there is no guarantee we or our suppliers will be able to find suitable replacement brands or trademarks, or that
if a replacement is found, that it will be on favorable terms. Any loss in brand-name appeal to our existing customers as a result of
the lapse or termination of our licenses or the licenses of our suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition.
We
may not be successful in maintaining the consumer brand recognition and loyalty of our products.
We
compete in a market that relies on innovation and the ability to react to evolving consumer preferences. The vaporization products and
consumption accessories industry is subject to changing consumer trends, demands and preferences. Therefore, products once favored may,
over time, become disfavored by consumers or no longer perceived as the best option. Consumers in the vaporizer market have demonstrated
a degree of brand loyalty, but suppliers must continue to adapt their products in order to maintain their status among customers as the
market evolves. Our continued success depends in part on our ability and our supplier’s ability to continue to differentiate the
brand names we represent, own or license and maintain similarly high levels of recognition with target consumers. Trends within the vaporization
products and consumption accessories industry change often and our failure to anticipate, identify or react to changes in these trends
could, among other things, lead to reduced demand for our products. Factors that have previously and may continue to affect consumer
perception of our products include health trends and attention to health concerns associated with herbs, oils, cannabis or other materials
used with vaporizers, price-sensitivity in the presence of competitors’ products or substitute products and trends in favor of
new vaporization products or technology consumption accessories products that are currently being researched and produced by participants
in our industry. For example, in recent years, we have witnessed a shift in consumer purchases from vaporizers designed for dry herbs
to those designed for liquids or wax type concentrates. A failure to react to similar trends in the future could enable our competitors
to grow or establish their brands’ market share in these categories before we have a chance to respond.
Regulations
have recently been and are likely to continue to be enacted in the future that would make it more difficult to appeal to consumers or
to leverage the brands that we distribute, own or license. Furthermore, even if we are able to continue to distinguish our products,
there can be no assurance that the sales, marketing and distribution efforts of our competitors will not be successful in persuading
consumers of our products to switch to their products. Some of our competitors have greater access to resources than we do, which better
positions them to conduct market research in relation to branding strategies or costly marketing campaigns. Any loss of consumer brand
loyalty to our products or in our ability to effectively brand our products in a recognizable way will have a material effect on our
ability to continue to sell our products and maintain our market share, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition.
22
We
may not be able to establish sustainable relationships with large retailers or regional or national chains.
In
connection with efforts to enter new sales channels, including large retailers and chains, we may not be able to develop these
relationships or continue to maintain relationships with these large retailers or national chains. Our inability to develop and
sustain relationships with large retailers and chains may impede our ability to develop brand and product recognition and increase
sales volume and, ultimately, require us to continue to rely on local and more fragmented sales channels, which may have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if we are unable to develop or maintain
relationships with large retailers and national chains and such large retailers or chains take market share from the smaller local
and more fragmented sales channels, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely
impacted.
New
products face intense media attention and public pressure.
Many
of our vaporizers and other products are new to the marketplace. Since their introduction, certain members of the media, politicians,
government regulators and advocacy groups, including independent doctors, have called for and driven the adoption of stringent regulation
of the sale of certain products and in some cases, an outright ban of such products pending increased regulatory review and a further
demonstration of safety. For example, local and state governments have banned certain types of vaporization products, such as those containing
flavored liquid nicotine and flavored hemp-derived CBD. Additional bans of this type would likely have the effect of terminating our
sales and marketing efforts of certain products in jurisdictions in which we may currently market or have plans to market such products.
Such bans would also likely cause public confusion as to which products are the subject of bans, which confusion could also have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our
success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of our products, as well as the perception of quality and safety in the vaporization
products and consumption accessories industry generally.
Our
success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of the products we sell, including manufacturing issues, health concerns about the
substances consumed using the products we sell, and unforeseen product misuse. Even a single incident of product defect or misuse, whether
relating to products sold by us or just to our industry generally, could result in significant harm to our reputation. For example, incidents
of EVALI have, by some metrics, negatively impacted demand for vaporizers. If any of our products are found to be, or are perceived to
be, defective or unsafe, or if they otherwise fail to meet our customers’ standards, our relationship with our customers could
suffer, our reputation or the appeal of our brands could be diminished, and we could lose market share and/or become subject to liability
claims, any of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Damage
to our reputation, or that of any of our key suppliers or their brands, could affect our business performance.
The
success of our business depends in part upon the positive image that consumers have of the third-party brands we distribute. Incidents,
publicity or events arising accidentally or through deliberate third-party action that harm the integrity or consumer support of the
products we sell could affect the demand for those products. Unfavorable media, whether accurate or not, related to our industry, to
us, to our customers, or to the products we sell could negatively affect our corporate reputation, stock price, ability to attract high-quality
talent, or the performance of our business. Additional negative publicity or commentary on social media outlets also could cause consumers
to react rapidly by avoiding our products and brands or by choosing brands offered by our competitors, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We
are subject to substantial and increasing regulation regarding the vaporization industry.
In
addition to the FDA regulations concerning vaporizer products discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are subject
to regulation by numerous other federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau,
the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health. There have also been adverse
legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry, which have
received widespread public attention. There can be no assurance as to the ultimate content, timing or effect of any regulation of vaporizer
products by governmental bodies, nor can there be any assurance that potential corresponding declines in demand resulting from negative
media attention would not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
23
Significant
increases in state and local regulation of our vaporizer products have been proposed and enacted, and are likely to continue to be proposed
and enacted in numerous jurisdictions.
As discussed under the heading “Regulatory Developments” above, there has been increasing activity on the
state, provincial and local levels with respect to scrutiny of vaporizer products. State and local governmental bodies across the United
States have indicated that vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories may become subject to new laws and regulations
at the state and local levels. For example, in January 2015, the California Department of Health declared electronic cigarettes and certain
other vaporizer products a health threat that should be strictly regulated like tobacco products. Further, many states and cities have
enacted regulations that require retailers to obtain a tobacco retail license in order to sell electronic cigarettes and vaporizer products.
Many states, provinces and some cities have passed laws restricting the sale of electronic cigarettes and certain other vaporizer products.
In March 2023, new federal legislation granted the FDA regulatory authority over synthetic nicotine, making all synthetic nicotine products
without a marketing order from the FDA illegal as of July 13th, 2022. If one or more states or provinces from which we generate or anticipate
generating significant sales of vaporizer products bring actions that prevent us from selling certain or all of our vaporizer products,
we would be required to cease sales and distribution of certain products to those states, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, if one or more states or provinces from which we generate or
anticipate generating significant sales of vaporizer products bring actions that require us to obtain certain licenses, approvals or permits,
and if we are not able to obtain the necessary licenses, approvals or permits for financial reasons or otherwise and/or any such license,
approval or permit is determined to be overly burdensome to us, then we may be required to cease sales and distribution of our products
to those states, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Certain
states, provinces and cities have already restricted the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporizer products in smoke free venues. Additional
city, state, provincial or federal regulators, municipalities, local governments and private industry may enact rules and regulations
restricting the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporizer products in those same places where cigarettes cannot be smoked. Because of
these restrictions, our customers may reduce or otherwise cease using our vaporization products or certain other consumption accessories,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The
Canadian federal government, as well as certain provincial governments have passed or propose to pass legislation which will restrict
the extent to which e-cigarettes, e-liquid and other vaping products may be displayed or sold. Additionally, Canadian laws require health
warnings to be placed on certain vaporizer products, which could reduce the appeal of these products. These regulations and future regulations
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Based
on regulations surrounding health-related concerns related to the use of some of our vaporizer products, possible new or increased taxes
by government entities intended to reduce use of our products or to raise revenue, additional governmental regulations concerning the
marketing, labeling, packaging or sale of some of our products, negative publicity resulting from actual or threatened legal actions
against us or other companies in our industry, all may reduce demand for, or increase the cost of, certain of our products, which could
adversely affect our profitability and ultimate success.
Our
business depends partly on continued purchases by businesses and individuals selling or using cannabis pursuant to state laws in the
United States or Canadian and provincial laws.
Because
some of our B2C customers use some of the items that we sell to consume cannabis and some of our B2B customers operate in the legal national
and state cannabis industry, our business depends partly on federal, state, provincial and local laws, regulations, guidelines and enforcement
pertaining to cannabis. In both the United States and Canada, those factors are in flux.
United
States
Currently,
in the United States, 47 states and the District of Columbia permit some form of cannabis cultivation, sales, and use for certain medical
purposes (“medical states”). Twenty-four of those states and the District of Columbia have also legalized cannabis for adults
for non-medical purposes (sometime referred to as recreational use). Several medical states may extend legalization to adult use.
States’
cannabis programs have proliferated and grown even though the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis is considered illegal under
U.S. federal law. Under the CSA, cannabis is a Schedule I drug, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration recognizes no accepted
medical use for cannabis, and the substance is considered illegal under federal law.
In
an effort to provide guidance to U.S. Attorneys’ offices regarding the enforcement priorities associated with cannabis in the United
States, the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) has issued a series of memoranda detailing its suggested enforcement approach.
During the administration of former President Obama, each memorandum acknowledged the DOJ’s authority to enforce the CSA in the
face of state laws, but noted that the DOJ was more committed to using its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources to address
the most significant threats associated with cannabis in the most effective, consistent, and rational way.
24
On
August 29, 2013, the DOJ issued what came to be called the “Cole Memorandum,” which gave U.S. Attorneys the discretion not
to prosecute federal cannabis cases that were otherwise compliant with applicable state law that had legalized medical or adult-use cannabis
and that have implemented strong regulatory systems to control the cultivation, production, and distribution of cannabis. The eight federal
priorities were preventing:
●
The
distribution of cannabis to minors;
●
Revenue
from the sale of cannabis from going to criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels;
●
The
diversion of cannabis from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states;
●
State-authorized
cannabis activities from being used as a cover or pretext for the trafficking of other illegal drugs or other illegal activity;
●
Violence
and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis;
●
Drugged
driving and exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences associated with cannabis use;
●
Growing
cannabis on public lands and the attendant public safety and environmental dangers posed by cannabis production on public lands;
and
●
Cannabis
possession or use on federal property.
Accordingly,
the Cole Memorandum provided lawful cannabis-related enterprises a tacit federal go-ahead in states with legal cannabis programs, provided
that the state had adopted and was enforcing strict regulations and oversight of the medical or adult-use cannabis program in accordance
with the specific directives of the Cole Memorandum.
On
January 4, 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum that rescinded previous DOJ guidance on the state legal cannabis
industry, including the Cole Memorandum. Attorney General Sessions wrote that the previous guidance on cannabis law enforcement was unnecessary,
given the well-established principles governing federal prosecution that are already in place. As a result, federal prosecutors could
and still can use their prosecutorial discretion to decide whether to prosecute even state-legal cannabis activities.
Since
the Cole Memorandum was rescinded, however, U.S. Attorneys have generally refrained from prosecuting state law compliant marijuana businesses.
Current Attorney General Merrick Garland during his confirmation hearings expressed that “It does not seem to me useful the use
of limited resources that we have to be pursuing prosecutions in states that have legalized and are regulating the use of marijuana,
either medically or otherwise.”
Since
December 2014, companies that are strictly complying with state medical cannabis laws have been protected against enforcement for that
activity by an amendment (originally called the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment, now called the Joyce Amendment) to the Omnibus Spending
Bill, which prevents federal prosecutors from using federal funds to impede the implementation of medical cannabis laws enacted at the
state level. Federal courts have interpreted the provision to bar the DOJ from prosecuting any person or entity in strict compliance
with state medical cannabis laws.
While
the protection of the Joyce Amendment prevents prosecutions of state law compliant medical cannabis activities, it does not make cannabis
legal. The protection of the Joyce Amendment depends on its continued inclusion in the federal omnibus spending bill, or in some other
legislation, and entities’ strict compliance with the state medical cannabis laws. While industry observers expect Congress to
extend the protection in future Omnibus Spending Bills, there can be no assurance that it will do so.
Although
several cannabis law reform bills are pending in the U.S. Congress, passage of any of them and ultimately the Biden Administration’s
support and approval remain uncertain. Unless and until the U.S. Government changes the law with respect to cannabis, and particularly
if Congress does not extend the protection of state medical cannabis programs, there is a risk that federal authorities could enforce
current federal cannabis law. An increase in federal enforcement against companies licensed under state cannabis laws would negatively
impact the state cannabis industries and, in turn, our revenues, profits, financial condition, and business model.
Canada
On
April 13, 2017, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-45, which proposed the enactment of the Cannabis Act to legalize and regulate
access to cannabis. The Cannabis Act proposed a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession
of medical and recreational adult-use cannabis in Canada. On June 21, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that Bill C-45, received
Royal Assent. On July 11, 2018, the Government of Canada published the Cannabis Regulations under the Cannabis Act. The Cannabis Regulations
provide more detail on the medical and recreational regulatory regimes for cannabis, including regarding licensing, physical security
requirements, product practices, outdoor growing, security, packaging and labelling (including for cannabis accessories), cannabis-containing
drugs, document retention requirements, reporting and disclosure requirements, the new access to cannabis for medical purposes regime
and industrial hemp. The majority of the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations came into force on October 17, 2018; additional Cannabis
Regulations took effect on October 17, 2019.
25
As
of December 2022, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions has launched the legislative review of the
Cannabis Act. The review is being conducted by a five-member independent, expert panel, who will report their final conclusions and advice
to the Ministers by Spring 2024. In addition, Health Canada announced that amendments to the Cannabis Act and its regulations concerning
cannabis research and testing. Notably, these amendments increase the public possession limit for cannabis beverages to a level that
is similar to other forms of cannabis, such as solid edible cannabis products (i.e. gummies or chocolate) and the amendments change how
Health Canada regulates non-therapeutic cannabis research with human participants. As for proposed amendments, Health Canada is proposing
amendments to the Cannabis Regulations to protect public health and safety, in particular by protecting young persons and others from
inducements to use inhaled cannabis extracts. The proposed amendments would restrict the production, sale, promotion, packaging, or labelling
of inhaled cannabis extracts with certain flavors, other than the flavor of cannabis.
While
the Cannabis Act provides for the regulation by the federal government of, among other things, the commercial cultivation and processing
of cannabis for recreational purposes, it provides the provinces and territories of Canada with the authority to regulate with respect
to the other aspects of recreational cannabis, such as distribution, sale, minimum age requirements, places where cannabis can be consumed,
and a range of other matters.
The
governments of every Canadian province and territory have implemented regulatory regimes for the distribution and sale of cannabis for
recreational purposes. In most provinces and territories, the minimum age is 19 years old, except for Québec, where the minimum
age is 18. Certain provinces, such as Ontario, have legislation in place that restricts the packaging of vapor products and the manner
in which vapor products are displayed or promoted in stores.
The
Cannabis Act is a relatively new regime that has no close precedent in Canadian law. The effect of relevant governmental authorities’
administration, application and enforcement of their respective regulatory regimes and delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain, applicable
regulatory approvals which may be required may significantly delay or impact the development of markets, products and sales initiatives
and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
federal and state regulatory landscape regarding products containing hemp-derived CBD and other cannabinoids is uncertain and evolving,
and new or changing laws or regulations relating to hemp and hemp-derived products could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
In
December 2018, the U.S. government changed the legal status of hemp and its derivatives, including hemp-derived CBD and other cannabinoids.
The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law by former President Trump on December 20, 2018 (Pub.L. 115-334), established a new framework
for the regulation of hemp production (defined in the Farm Bill as Cannabis sativa L. with a THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent
on a dry weight basis) and extracts of hemp, including CBD. The law also removed hemp and extracts of hemp from the federal controlled
substances schedules. The section of the Farm Bill establishing a framework for hemp production, however, makes clear explicitly that
it does not affect or modify the United States Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the “FDCA”), section 351 of the Public
Health Service Act (addressing the regulation of biological products), the authority of the Commissioner of the FDA under those laws,
or the Commissioner’s authority to regulate hemp production and sale under those laws.
Since
passage of the Farm Bill, the FDA has expressed multiple times its position that any cannabis product, whether derived from hemp or otherwise,
marketed with a disease claim (e.g., a claim of therapeutic benefit or disease prevention) must be approved by the FDA for its intended
use through one of the drug approval pathways prior to it being introduced into interstate commerce. The FDA has also repeatedly stated
its position that introducing food or dietary supplements with added CBD (or THC), regardless of source, into interstate commerce is
illegal under the FDCA. Although enforcement under the FDCA may be civil or criminal in nature, the FDA has thus far limited its recent
enforcement against companies selling CBD products to warning letters alleging various violations of the FDCA, including that the products
bear claims that render the products unapproved and misbranded new drugs, that CBD is excluded from the FDCA’s definition of “dietary
supplement,” and that the FDCA prohibits the addition of CBD to food. The FDA also tested some of the products, and found that
many did not contain the levels of CBD they claimed to contain, which could be the basis for a separate violation of the FDCA. In addition,
some states have taken actions to restrict or prohibit the sale of CBD products under state law. On January 26, 2023, the FDA issued
a statement that after careful review, the FDA concluded that a new regulatory pathway for CBD is needed that balances individuals’
desire for access to CBD products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks. The agency is prepared to work with Congress
on this matter.
26
We
currently distribute very limited products containing hemp-derived CBD and other cannabinoids. Although the Farm Bill removed hemp and
its derivatives from the definition of “marijuana” under the CSA, uncertainties remain regarding the cultivation, sourcing,
production and distribution of hemp and products containing hemp derivatives. Certain states prohibit the sale of all or certain types
of products containing hemp. The laws and regulations of states that permit the sale of products containing hemp derivatives, such as
CBD, impose various requirements, including requirements to obtain certain permits or licenses, related to the marketing, packaging,
safety, and sale of products containing hemp derivatives. These laws and regulations are rapidly developing. We may have to quickly adapt
our operations to comply with forthcoming and rapidly-shifting federal and state regulations. These regulations could require significant
changes to our business, plans or operations concerning hemp-derived products, and could adversely affect our business, financial condition
or results of operations. Additionally, while we believe our current operations with respect to hemp derived products such as CBD comply
with existing federal and state laws relating to hemp and hemp-derived products in all material respects, legal proceedings alleging
violations of such laws could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
are subject to legislative uncertainty that could slow or halt the legalization and use of cannabis, which could materially and adversely
affect our business.
Continued
development of the cannabis industry is dependent upon continued legislative authorization of cannabis at the state level, as well as
the U.S. government’s continued non-enforcement of federal cannabis laws against state-law-compliant cannabis businesses. Any number
of factors could slow or halt progress in this area. Further, progress, while generally expected, is not assured. Well-funded interests,
including businesses in the tobacco, alcohol beverage and the pharmaceutical industries, may have a strong economic opposition to the
continued legalization of cannabis. The pharmaceutical industry, for example, is well funded with a strong and experienced lobby that
eclipses the funding of the cannabis movement. Any inroads legalization opponents could make in halting the impending cannabis industry
could have a detrimental impact on our business. While there may be ample public support for legislative action, numerous factors impact
the legislative process. Any one of those factors could slow or halt the continued legalization and use of cannabis, which would negatively
impact our business.
While
we believe that our business and sales do not violate the Federal Paraphernalia Law, legal proceedings alleging violations of such law
or changes in such law or interpretations thereof could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results
of operations.
Under
U.S. Code Title 21 Section 863 (the “Federal Paraphernalia Law”), the term “drug paraphernalia” means “any
equipment, product or material of any kind which is primarily intended or designed for use in manufacturing, compounding, converting,
concealing, producing, processing, preparing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled
substance.” That law exempts “(1) any person authorized by local, State, or Federal law to manufacture, possess, or distribute
such items” and “(2) any item that, in the normal lawful course of business, is imported, exported, transported, or sold
through the mail or by any other means, and traditionally intended for use with tobacco products, including any pipe, paper, or accessory.”
Any nonexempt drug paraphernalia offered or sold by any person in violation of the Federal Paraphernalia Law can be subject to seizure
and forfeiture upon the conviction of such person for such violation, and a convicted person can be subject to fines under the Federal
Paraphernalia Law and even imprisonment.
We
believe our sales do not violate the Federal Paraphernalia Law in any material respect. First, we understand that a substantial majority
of the products we offer and sell were and are not primarily intended or designed for any purpose not permitted by the Federal Paraphernalia
Law. Indeed, many of the manufacturers whose products we sell disclaim that the products are for use with cannabis. Second, we restrict
the sale of certain products — those that may have been primarily intended or designed for use with cannabis — to comply
with the Federal Paraphernalia Law’s exemption for sales authorized by state law. In particular, we (a) do not sell those products
at all into the states that have maintained complete or near complete cannabis prohibition and (b) limit the sale of those products to
licensed cannabis businesses, such as dispensaries, cultivators, and manufacturers, in the states that authorize sales of cannabis paraphernalia
only through state-licensed cannabis businesses. Third, we have been in business for many years without facing even threatened legal
action under the Federal Paraphernalia Law.
While
we believe that our business and sales are legally compliant with the Federal Paraphernalia Law in all material respects, any legal action
commenced against us under such law could result in substantial costs and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition
or results of operations. In addition, changes in cannabis laws or interpretations of such laws are difficult to predict, and could materially
and adversely affect our business.
27
Officials
of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (“CBP”) have broad discretion regarding products imported into the United
States, and the CBP has on occasion seized imported products on the basis that such products violate the Federal Paraphernalia Law. While
we believe the products that we import do not violate such law, any such seizure of the products we sell could have a material adverse
effect on our business operations or our results of operations.
Officials
of the CBP have broad discretion regarding products imported into the United States. Individual shipments of imported products we distribute,
as well as similar products, have been detained or seized by the CBP for a variety of reasons, including because the CBP officials inspecting
the goods believed such goods were marketed as drug paraphernalia and therefore violated the Federal Paraphernalia Law. Although we and
other suppliers or distributors of such products have at times successfully contested such actions of the CBP, such challenges are costly
and time consuming. While we would disagree with any conclusion of the CBP that our product sales violate the Federal Paraphernalia Law,
we cannot give any assurance that the CBP will not make additional seizures of our imports, or that if the CBP seizes any of our goods
that the CBP would not seek to impose penalties related to such imports. Should we elect to contest any such seizure, the costs of doing
so could be substantial and there are no assurances we would prevail in a contested proceeding. Additionally, the cost and/or results
of any such contest could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, if the CBP fails
to release seized products, we may no longer be able to ensure a sellable supply of some of our products, which could have a material
adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because
our business is dependent, in part, upon continued market acceptance of cannabis by consumers, any negative trends could materially and
adversely affect our business, financial conditions or results of operations.
We
are dependent on public support, continued market acceptance and the proliferation of consumers in the legal cannabis markets. While
we believe that the market and opportunity in the space continue to grow, we cannot predict the future growth rate or size of the market.
Any downturns in, or negative outlooks on, the cannabis industry may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
We
and our customers may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for us and for them to sell our products.
Financial
transactions involving proceeds generated by cannabis-related activities can form the basis for prosecution under the U.S. federal money
laundering statutes, unlicensed money transmitter statutes and the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act. Guidance issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement
Network (“FinCEN”) clarifies how financial institutions can provide services to cannabis-related businesses consistent with
their obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act. Furthermore, since the rescission by former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on January
4, 2018 of the Cole Memorandum, U.S. federal prosecutors have had greater discretion when determining whether to charge institutions
or individuals with any of the financial crimes described above based upon cannabis-related activity. As a result, given these risks
and their own related disclosure requirements, many banks remain hesitant to offer banking services to cannabis-related businesses. Consequently,
those businesses involved in the cannabis industry continue to encounter difficulty establishing banking relationships. Indeed, we have
been asked to close bank accounts due to our activity in the cannabis industry. We may become unable maintain stable banking relationships,
which would create significant challenges in operating our business, increase our operating costs, pose additional operational, logistical
and security challenges, and result in our inability to implement our business plan. Additionally, if our more significant customers
to are unable maintain their current banking relationships, we might not be able to continue transacting with such customers.
Our
payments system and the payment systems of our customers depend on third-party providers and are subject to evolving laws and regulations.
We
and our retail customers have engaged third-party service providers to perform underlying credit and debit card processing, currency
exchange, identity verification and fraud analysis services. If these service providers do not perform adequately or if our relationships,
or the relationships of our retail customers with these service providers, were to terminate, our ability or the ability of such retail
customers to process payments could be adversely affected and our business would be harmed.
The
laws and regulations related to payments are complex and are potentially impacted by tensions between federal and state treatment of
the vaporization, tobacco, nicotine and cannabis industries. These laws and regulations also vary across different jurisdictions in the
United States, Canada and globally. As a result, we are required to spend significant time and effort to comply with those laws and regulations.
Any failure or claim of our failure to comply, or any failure by our third-party service providers to comply, could cost us substantial
resources, could result in liabilities, or could force us to stop offering our customers the ability to pay with credit cards, debit
cards and bank transfers. As we expand the availability of these payment methods or offer new payment methods to our customers in the
future, we may become subject to additional regulations and compliance requirements.
Further,
through our agreement with our third-party credit card processors, we are indirectly subject to payment card association operating rule s
and certification requirements, including restrictions on product mix and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, 02 PCIDSS.
We also are subject to rules governing electronic funds transfers. Any change in these rules and requirements could make it difficult
or impossible for us to comply.
Due
to our acceptance of credit cards in our e-commerce business, we are subject to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, designed
to protect the information of credit card users. We have had a security incident in the past, which we do not believe reached the level
of a breach, that would be reportable under state laws or our other obligations; however there can be no assurance that our determination
was correct. In the event our determination is challenged and found to have been incorrect, we may be subject to claims by one or more
state attorney generals, federal regulators, or private plaintiffs and we may additionally be subject to claims or fines from credit
associations.
28
We
are subject to certain U.S. federal regulations relating to cash reporting.
The
U.S. Bank Secrecy Act, enforced by FinCEN, a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, requires a party in trade or business to
file with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) a Form 8300 report within 15 days of receiving a cash payment of
over $10,000. While we receive very few cash payments for the products we sell, if we fail to comply with these laws and regulations,
the imposition of a substantial penalty could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If
countries, states, and provinces continue the trend of imposing, expanding, and increasing taxes on vaporizer products, it could materially
and adversely affect our business.
Supply
to our customers is sensitive to increased sales taxes and economic conditions affecting their disposable income. Discretionary consumer
purchases, such as of vaporization products and consumption accessories, may decline during recessionary periods or at other times when
disposable income is lower and taxes may be higher.
As
discussed under “Regulatory Developments” above, the sale of vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories
is, in certain jurisdictions, subject to federal, state, provincial and local excise taxes like the sale of conventional cigarettes or
other tobacco products, all of which generally have high tax rates and have faced significant increases in the amount of taxes collected
on their sales. Other jurisdictions are contemplating similar legislation and other restrictions on electronic cigarettes and certain
other vaporizer products. Should federal, state, provincial and local governments and/or other taxing authorities continue to impose
excise taxes similar to those levied against conventional cigarettes and tobacco products on vaporization products or consumption accessories,
it may have a material adverse effect on the demand for those products, as consumers may be unwilling to pay the increased costs, which
in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We
could be required to collect additional sales taxes or be subject to other tax liabilities that may increase the costs our B2C customers
would have to pay for our product offering, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.
An
increasing number of states have considered or adopted laws that attempt to impose tax collection obligations on out-of-state companies.
Additionally, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. et al , or Wayfair, that online
sellers can be required to collect sales and use tax despite not having a physical presence in the buyer’s state. In response to
Wayfair, or otherwise, states or local governments may adopt, or begin to enforce, laws requiring us to calculate, collect, and remit
taxes on sales in their jurisdictions. A successful assertion by one or more states requiring us to collect taxes where we presently
do not do so, or to collect more taxes in a jurisdiction in which we currently do collect some taxes, could result in substantial tax
liabilities, including taxes on past sales, as well as penalties and interest. The imposition by state governments or local governments
of sales tax collection obligations on out-of-state sellers could also create additional administrative burdens for us, put us at a competitive
disadvantage if they do not impose similar obligations on our competitors and decrease our future sales, which could have a material
adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
may become involved in regulatory or agency proceedings, investigations, prosecutions, and audits.
Our
business, and the businesses of the suppliers from which we acquire products we sell, requires compliance with many laws and regulations
in many jurisdictions globally across multiple product categories and regulatory regimes. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations
could subject us or such suppliers to regulatory or agency proceedings, investigations, or prosecutions, and could also lead to damage
awards, fines and penalties. We or such suppliers may become involved in a number of government proceedings, investigations and audits.
The outcome of any government proceedings, investigations, prosecutions, audits, and other contingencies could harm our reputation or
the reputations of the brands that we sell, require us to take, or refrain from taking, actions that could harm our operations or require
us to pay substantial amounts of money, harming our financial condition. There can be no assurance that any pending or future regulatory
or agency proceedings, investigations and audits will not result in substantial costs or a diversion of management’s attention
and resources or have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
are subject to increasing international control and regulation.
The
World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (“FCTC”) is the first international public health
treaty that establishes a global agenda to reduce initiation of tobacco use and regulate tobacco in an effort to encourage tobacco cessation.
Over 180 governments worldwide have ratified the FCTC, including Canada. The FCTC has led to increased efforts to reduce the supply of
and demand for tobacco products and to encourage governments to further regulate the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry and others
expect significant regulatory developments to take place over the next few years, driven principally by the FCTC.
29
If
the United States ratifies the FCTC and/or national laws are enacted in the United States that reflect the major elements of the FCTC,
our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if any of our vaporization
products or consumption accessories become subject to one or more of the significant regulatory initiatives proposed under the FCTC or
any other international treaty, our business, results of operations and financial condition may also be materially adversely affected.
Countries’
laws implementing the European Union Tobacco Products Directive (“TPD”) impose strict regulations on the approval, sale,
and advertising of e-cigarettes. Although we do not sell or market any material quantities of products classified as e-cigarettes in
Europe, countries could enact new laws implementing the TPD or other laws or regulations that re-classify and/or restrict the products
we may sell or market in Europe. Any future measures that limit our ability to market or sell vaporization products or other consumption
accessories in Europe may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
To
the extent our existing or future products become subject to international regulatory regimes that we are unable to comply with or fail
to comply with, they may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes
in our credit profile may affect our relationship with our suppliers, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.
Changes
in our credit profile may affect the way our suppliers view our ability to make payments and may induce them to shorten the payment terms
of their invoices. Given the large dollar amounts and volume of our purchases from suppliers, a change in payment terms may have a material
adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to make payments to our suppliers and, consequently, may have a material adverse effect
on us.
We
face intense competition and may fail to compete effectively.
The
vaporization products and consumption accessories industry is characterized by brand recognition and loyalty, with product quality features,
price, marketing and packaging constituting the primary methods of competition. Substantial marketing support, merchandising display,
competitive pricing and other financial incentives generally are required to introduce a new brand or to improve or maintain a brand’s
market position. Our principal competitors may be significantly larger than us and aggressively seek to limit the distribution or sale
of our products.
Competition
in the vaporization products and consumption accessories industry is particularly intense, and the market is highly fragmented.
We
experience variability in our net sales and net income on a quarterly basis as a result of many factors.
We
experience variability in our net sales and net income on a quarterly basis as a result of many factors. These factors include:
●
the
relative mix of vaporization products and consumption accessories sold during the period;
●
the
general economic environment and competitive conditions, such as pricing;
●
the
timing of procurement cycles by our customers;
●
seasonality
in customer spending and demand for products we provide;
30
●
variability
in supplier programs;
●
the
introduction of new and upgraded products;
●
changes
in prices from our suppliers;
●
changes
to our strategy;
●
trade
show attendance;
●
promotions;
●
the
loss or consolidation of significant suppliers or customers;
●
our
ability to control costs;
●
the
timing of our capital expenditures;
●
the
condition of our industry in general and our customers specifically;
●
regulatory
developments that limit or expand the products we may sell, or the manner in which those products may be transported;
●
any
inability on our part to obtain adequate quantities of products;
●
delays
in the release by suppliers of new products and inventory adjustments;
●
delays
in the release of imported products by customs authorities;
●
our
expenditures on new business ventures and acquisitions;
●
performance
of acquired businesses;
●
adverse
weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or other events that affect supply or customer response;
●
distribution
or shipping to our customers; and
●
geopolitical
events.
Our
planned operating expenditures each quarter are based on sales forecasts for the quarter. If our sales do not meet expectations in
any given quarter, our operating results for that quarter may be materially adversely affected. We believe that period-to-period
comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily a good indication of our future performance. In addition, our results in
any quarterly period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full fiscal year. In future quarters, our
operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts or investors and, as a result, the market price of our
Class A common stock could be materially adversely affected.
Product
defects could increase our expenses, damage our reputation or expose us to liability.
We
may not be able to adequately address product defects. Product defects in vaporizers and other accessories may harm the health or safety
of our end-consumers. In addition, remedial efforts could be particularly time-consuming and expensive if product defects are only found
after we have sold the defective product in volume. Any actual or perceived defects in our products could result in unsold inventory,
product recalls, repairs or replacements, damage to our reputation, increased customer service costs and other expenses, as well as divert
management attention and expose us to liabilities. Furthermore, a product liability claim brought against us by our customers or end-consumers
could be time-consuming and costly to defend and, if successful, could require us to make significant payments.
Contamination
of, or damage to, our products could adversely impact sales volume, market share and profitability.
Our
market position may be affected through the contamination of our products, as well as the material used during the manufacturing processes
of the products we sell, or at different points in the entire supply chain. For example, we have previously detected low levels of contaminants
in certain extraction gasses sold by us. We keep significant amounts of inventory of our products in warehouses and it is possible that
this inventory could become contaminated prior to arrival at our premises or during the storage period. If contamination of our inventory
or packaged products occurs, whether as a result of a failure in quality control by us or by one of our suppliers, we may incur significant
costs in replacing the inventory and recalling products. We may be unable to meet customer demand and may lose customers who purchase
alternative brands or products. In addition, consumers may lose confidence in the affected product.
Under
the terms of our contracts, we generally impose requirements on our suppliers to maintain quality and comply with product specifications
and requirements, and with all federal, state and local laws. Our suppliers, however, may not continue to produce products that are consistent
with our standards or that are in compliance with applicable laws, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to identify instances
in which our suppliers fail to comply with our standards or applicable laws. A loss of sales volume from a contamination event may occur,
and such a loss may affect our ability to supply our current customers and to recapture their business in the event they are forced to
switch products or brands, even if on a temporary basis. We may also be subject to legal action as a result of a contamination, which
could result in negative publicity and affect our sales. During this time, our competitors may benefit from an increased market share
that could be difficult and costly to regain. Such a contamination event could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition.
31
We
may not have adequate insurance for potential liabilities, including liabilities arising from litigation.
In
the ordinary course of business, we have and in the future may become the subject of various claims, lawsuits and governmental proceedings
seeking damages or other remedies concerning our commercial operations, the products we distribute, our employees and other matters,
including potential claims by individuals alleging injury or other harm caused by the products we distribute. Some of these claims may
relate to the activities of businesses that we have acquired, even though these activities may have occurred prior to our acquisition
of the businesses. The products we distribute may contain lithium ion or similar type batteries that can explode or release hazardous
substances. In addition, defects in the products we distribute could result in death, personal injury, property damage, pollution, release
of hazardous substances or damage to equipment and facilities. Actual or claimed defects in the products we distribute may give rise
to claims against us for losses and expose us to claims for damages.
We
maintain insurance to cover certain of our potential losses, and we are subject to various self-retentions, deductibles and caps under
our insurance. We face the following risks with respect to our insurance coverage:
●
we
may not be able to continue to obtain insurance on commercially reasonable terms;
●
we
may incur losses from interruption of our business that exceed our insurance coverage;
●
we
may be faced with types of liabilities that will not be covered adequately or at all by our insurance;
●
our
insurance carriers may not be able to meet their obligations under the policies; or
●
the
dollar amount of any liabilities may exceed our policy limits.
Even
a partially uninsured claim, if successful and of significant size, could have a material adverse effect on us. Finally, even in cases
where we maintain insurance coverage, our insurers may raise various objections and exceptions to coverage that could make uncertain
the timing and amount of any possible insurance recovery.
Due
to our position in the supply chain of vaporization products and consumption accessories, we are subject to personal injury, product
liability and environmental claims involving allegedly defective products.
Our
customers use certain products we distribute in potentially hazardous applications that can result in personal injury, product liability
and environmental claims. A catastrophic occurrence at a location at which consumers use the products we distribute may result in our
company being named as a defendant in lawsuits asserting potentially large claims, even though we did not manufacture such products or
even if such products were not used in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. Applicable law may render us liable for damages without
regard to negligence or fault. Certain of these risks are reduced by the fact that we are, in many instances, a distributor of products
that third-party manufacturers produce, and, thus, in certain circumstances, we may have third-party warranty or other claims against
the manufacturer of products alleged to have been defective. However, there is no assurance that these claims could fully protect us
or that the manufacturer would be financially able to provide protection. There is no assurance that our insurance coverage will be adequate
to cover the underlying claims. Our insurance does not provide coverage for all liabilities (including liability for certain events involving
pollution or other environmental claims).
We
may become subject to significant product liability litigation.
The
tobacco and e-cigarette industries have experienced and continue to experience significant product liability litigation and other claims,
such as those related to marketing of tobacco and e-cigarettes to minors. As a result of their relative novelty, electronic cigarette,
vaporizer product and other consumption product manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and sellers have only recently become subject
to litigation. While we have not been a party to any product liability litigation, several lawsuits have been brought against other manufacturers
and sellers of smokeless products for injuries to health allegedly caused by use of smokeless products. We may be subject to similar
claims in the future relating to our vaporizer products. We may also be named as a defendant in product liability litigation against
one of our suppliers by association, including in class action lawsuits. In addition, we may see increasing litigation over our vaporizer
products or the regulation of our products as the regulatory regimes surrounding these products develop. For example, California’s
Proposition 65 (“Prop 65”) requires the State of California to identify chemicals that could cause cancer, birth defects,
or reproductive harm, and businesses selling products in California are then required to warn consumers of any possible exposure to the
chemicals on the list. The State of California and private plaintiffs have been active in enforcing Prop 65 against companies in the
tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and vaporization industries. We may face substantial costs due to increased product liability litigation
relating to new regulations or other potential defects associated with our vaporizer and other consumption products, including litigation
arising out of faulty devices or improper usage, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
There
can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage
against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The
inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims
could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of products.
32
The
scientific community has not yet extensively studied the long-term health effects of the use of vaporizers, electronic cigarettes or
e-liquids products.
Vaporizers,
electronic cigarettes and related products were recently developed and therefore the scientific community has not had a sufficient period
of time to study the long-term health effects of their use. Currently, there is no way of knowing whether these products are safe for
their intended use. If the scientific community were to determine conclusively that use of any or all of these products poses long-term
health risks, market demand for these products and their use could materially decline. Such a determination could also lead to litigation
and significant regulation. Loss of demand for our product, product liability claims and increased regulation stemming from unfavorable
scientific studies on these products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Reliance
on information technology means a significant disruption could affect our communications and operations.
We
increasingly rely on information technology systems for our internal communications, controls, reporting and relations with
customers, vendors and suppliers, and information technology is becoming a significantly important tool for our sales staff. Our
marketing and distribution strategy is dependent upon our ability to closely monitor consumer and market trends on a highly
specified level, for which we are reliant on our sophisticated data tracking systems, which are susceptible to disruption or
failure. In addition, our reliance on information technology exposes us to cyber-security risks, which could have a material adverse
effect on our ability to compete. Security and privacy breaches may expose us to liability and cause us to lose customers, or may
disrupt our relationships and ongoing transactions with other entities with whom we contract throughout our supply chain. The
failure of our information systems to function as intended, or the penetration by outside parties intent on disrupting business
processes, could result in significant costs, loss of revenue, assets or personal or other sensitive data and reputational
harm.
Internet
security poses a risk to our e-commerce sales.
At
present, we generate a portion of our sales through e-commerce sales on our own websites. We manage our websites and e-commerce platform internally and, as a result, any compromise of our security or misappropriation
of proprietary information could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We rely
on encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties to provide the security and authentication necessary to effect
secure Internet transmission of confidential information, such as credit and other proprietary information. Advances in computer capabilities,
new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments may result in a compromise or breach of the technology used
by us to protect client transaction data. Anyone who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information
or cause material interruptions in our operations. We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against
security breaches or to minimize problems caused by security breaches. To the extent that our activities or the activities of others
involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information, security breaches could damage our reputation and expose us to a risk
of loss and/or litigation. Our security measures may not prevent security breaches. Our failure to prevent these security breaches may
result in consumer distrust and may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Security
and privacy breaches may expose us to liability and cause us to lose customers.
Federal,
provincial and state laws require us to safeguard our customers’ financial information, including credit information, as well as
our employees’ information. Although we have established security procedures to protect against identity theft and the theft of
information of our customers, distributors, consumers, and employees, our security and testing measures may not prevent security breaches
and breaches of privacy may occur, which would harm our business. Typically, we rely on encryption and authentication technology licensed
from third parties to enhance transmission security of confidential information in relation to financial and other sensitive information
that we have on file. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, inadequate facility security or
other developments may result in a compromise or breach of the technology used by us to protect customer data. Any compromise of our
security could harm our reputation or financial condition and therefore, our business. In addition, a party who is able to circumvent
our security measures or exploit inadequacies in our security measures, could, among other effects, misappropriate proprietary information,
cause interruptions in our operations or expose customers and other entities with which we interact to computer viruses or other disruptions.
Actual or perceived vulnerabilities may lead to claims against us. To the extent the measures we have taken prove to be insufficient
or inadequate, we may become subject to litigation or administrative sanctions, which could result in significant fines, penalties or
damages and harm to our reputation.
33
If
the methodologies of internet search engines are modified, traffic to our websites and corresponding consumer origination volumes could
decline.
We
depend in part on various internet search engines, including Google ® and others to direct a significant amount of traffic
to our websites. Our ability to maintain the number of visitors directed to our websites by search engines through which we distribute
our content is not entirely within our control. Our competitors’ search engine optimization (“SEO”) efforts may result
in their websites receiving a higher search result page ranking than ours, or Internet search engines could revise their methodologies,
which could adversely affect the placement of our search result page ranking. If search engine companies modify their search algorithms
in ways that are detrimental to our consumer growth or in ways that make it harder for our customers to access or use our websites, or
if our competitors’ SEO efforts are more successful than ours, our consumer engagement and number of consumers could decline. Any
reduction in the number of consumers directed to our websites could negatively affect our ability to earn revenue. If traffic on our
websites declines, we may need to employ more costly resources to replace lost traffic, and such increased expense could adversely affect
our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We
are a holding company and depend upon our subsidiaries for our cash flow.
We
are a holding company. Our subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and own substantially all of our tangible assets. Consequently,
our cash flow and our ability to meet our obligations or to make other distributions in the future will depend upon the cash flow of
our subsidiaries and our subsidiaries’ payment of funds to us in the form of distributions, dividends, tax sharing payments or
otherwise.
The
ability of our subsidiaries to make any payments to us will depend on their earnings and cash flow, the terms of their current and future
indebtedness, tax considerations and legal and contractual restrictions on their ability to make distributions.
Our
subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities. Any right that we have to receive any assets of or distributions from any of our
subsidiaries upon the bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization, or to realize proceeds from the sale of their assets, will
be junior to the claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, including trade creditors and holders of debt that the subsidiary issued.
Our
intellectual property may be infringed and we may be unable to secure or maintain all the intellectual property required to sell all
of our offerings.
We
currently rely on trademark and other intellectual property rights to establish and protect the brand names and logos we own or license
on the products we distribute. Third parties have in the past infringed, and may in the future infringe, on these trademarks and our
other intellectual property rights. Our ability to maintain and further build brand recognition is dependent on the continued use of
these trademarks, service marks and other proprietary intellectual property, including the names and logos we own or license. Despite
our attempts to ensure these intellectual property rights are protected, third parties may take actions that could materially and adversely
affect our rights or the value of this intellectual property. Any litigation concerning our intellectual property rights or the intellectual
property rights of our suppliers, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs to us and diversions of our resources.
Expenses related to protecting our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of our suppliers, the loss or compromise
of any of these rights or the loss of revenues as a result of infringement could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition, and may prevent the brands we own or license, or are owned or licensed by our suppliers, from
growing or maintaining market share. There can be no assurance that any trademarks or common marks that we own or license, or are owned
or licensed by our suppliers, will not be challenged in the future, invalidated or circumvented or that the rights granted thereunder
or under licensing agreements will provide us or our suppliers competitive advantages. We are dependent on the validity, integrity and
intellectual property of our suppliers and their efforts to appropriately register, maintain and enforce intellectual property in all
jurisdictions in which their products are sold.
We
devote significant resources to the registration and protection of our trademarks and to anti-counterfeiting efforts. Despite these efforts,
we regularly discover products that infringe on our proprietary rights or that otherwise seek to mimic or leverage our intellectual property
or the intellectual property of our suppliers. Counterfeiting and other infringing activities typically increase as brand recognition
increases, especially in markets outside the United States and Canada. Counterfeiting and other infringement of our intellectual property
could divert away sales, and association of our brands with inferior counterfeit reproductions or third party labels could adversely
affect the integrity and reputation of our brands.
Although
we currently hold a number of patents on our products, we generally rely on patents on the products of our suppliers as well as their
efforts in successfully defending third-party challenges to such products. Third parties have in the past infringed, and may in the future
infringe, on our patents and our suppliers’ patents. Our ability to maintain and enforce our patent rights, and the ability of
our suppliers, licensors, collaborators and manufacturers to maintain and enforce their patent rights, against third-party challenges
to their validity, scope or enforceability plays an important role in determining our future. There can be no assurances that we will
ever successfully file or receive any patents in the future, and changes in either the patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws
in the United States or other countries may diminish the value of the intellectual property rights of the products we distribute, license
or own. Accordingly, we cannot predict with any certainty the range of claims that may be allowed or enforced concerning the products
that we sell.
34
In
addition, there can be no assurance that standard intellectual property confidentiality and assignment agreements with employees, consultants
and other advisors will not be breached, that we will have adequate remedies for any breach, or that our trade secrets will not otherwise
become known to or independently developed by competitors. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that our efforts to protect our intellectual
property will prevent others from unlawfully using our trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and other intellectual property. Our success
depends in part, on our continued ability to maintain our intellectual property and those of our suppliers, and to protect our trade
secrets. An inability to continue to preserve and protect our intellectual property would likely have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
We
are subject to the risks of exchange rate fluctuations.
Currency
movements and suppliers’ price increases relating to currency exchange rates are significant factors affecting our cost of sales.
Many of our products are purchased from suppliers located in foreign countries and we make payments for our products in numerous currencies.
Thus, we bear certain foreign exchange rate risk for certain of our inventory purchases. In addition, we recently expanded our footprint
in Canada and Europe, and as part of our strategy, we may undertake further international expansion. As a result, in the future, we may
be more sensitive to the risks of exchange rate fluctuations, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and financial condition.
There
are conflicts of interest among certain of our executive officers and our stockholders.
Certain
of our executive officers are engaged in other activities and have interests in other entities on their own behalf or on behalf of other
persons. Neither we, nor our stockholders will have any rights in these ventures or their income or profits. Specifically, we sold $0.0
million and $0.4 million in products and supplies to Blum Holdings, Inc. (“Blum”) in the years ended December 31,
2023 and 2022, respectively. Total gross accounts receivable due from Blum were approximately $0.4 million and $0.4 million as of
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Nicholas Kovacevich, our former Chief Corporate Development Officer, and a member of our Board
until January 6, 2023 is an investor in Blum and a member of its board of directors.
While
we are not aware of any conflict that has arisen or any transaction that has not been conducted on an arm’s length basis to
date, during the year, Mr. Kovacevich may have had conflicting fiduciary duties between us, Blum and his own personal financial
interests, for which he must recuse himself from certain of our decision-making processes.
We
do not allow a conflicted shareholder, director or executive officer to vote on matters wherein a conflict may be perceived. The conflicted
person or entity is not allowed to nominate an alternate person to vote for them either. Other than this safeguard, we do not current
have any policy in place, should such a conflict arise.
In
particular:
●
our
executive officers or directors or their affiliates may have an economic interest in, or other business relationship with, entities
that compete in the same businesses as us; and
●
our
executive officers or directors or their affiliates have interests in entities that we sell products or services to.
In
any of these cases:
●
our
executive officers or directors may have a conflict between our current interests and their personal financial and other interests
in another business venture;
●
our
executive officers or directors may have conflicting fiduciary duties to us and the other entity; and
●
the
terms of transactions with the other entity may not be subject to arm’s length negotiations and therefore may be on terms less
favorable to us than those that could be procured through arm’s length negotiations.
We
are required to comply with laws and regulations in other countries and are exposed to business risks associated with our international
operations.
For
the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we derived 7.1% and 7.8%, respectively, of our net sales from outside the United States,
primarily in Canada and certain European countries. As a result, we are subject to numerous evolving and complex laws and regulations
which apply, among other things, to financial reporting standards, corporate governance, data privacy, tax, trade regulations, export
controls, competitive practices, labor, health and safety laws, laws regarding controlled substances, laws regarding drug paraphernalia,
and regulations in each jurisdiction in which we operate. We are also required to obtain permits and other authorizations or licenses
from governmental authorities for certain of our operations and we or our suppliers’ must protect our intellectual property worldwide.
In the jurisdictions in which we operate, we need to comply with various standards and practices of different regulatory, tax, judicial
and administrative bodies.
35
There
are a number of risks associated with international business operations, including political instability (e.g., the threat of war, terrorist
attacks or civil unrest), inconsistent regulations across jurisdictions, unanticipated changes in the regulatory environment, and import
and export restrictions. Any of these events may affect our employees, reputation, business or financial results as well as our ability
to meet our objectives, including the following international business risks:
●
negative
economic developments in economies around the world and the instability of governments, or the downgrades in the debt ratings of
certain major economies;
●
social
and political instability;
●
complex
regulations governing certain of our products;
●
potential
terrorist attacks;
●
adverse
changes in governmental policies, especially those affecting trade, tariffs and investment;
●
foreign
currency exchange, particularly with respect to the Canadian Dollar, Euro, British Pound Sterling and Australian Dollar; and
●
threats
that our operations or property could be subject to nationalization and expropriation.
We
may not be in full compliance at all times with the laws and regulations to which we are subject. Likewise, we may not have obtained
or may not be able to obtain the permits and other authorizations or licenses that we need. If we violate or fail to comply with laws,
regulations, permits, labor, health and safety regulations or other authorizations or licenses, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned
by regulators. In such a case, or if any of these international business risks were to materialize, our business, results of operations
and financial condition could be adversely affected.
New
tariffs and the evolving trade policy dispute between the United States and China may adversely affect our business.
In
2018, the United States imposed significant tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from a number of countries, including China. These
tariffs and the evolving trade policy dispute between the United States and China may have a significant impact on the industries in
which we participate. Many of the products we sell, including without limitation, certain vaporizer products, aluminum grinders,
paper products and plastic products, are subject to the 25 percent tariff and such tariff, along with resultant price increases, may
negatively impact our pricing and customer demand for these products. A “trade war” between the United States and China
or other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact
demand for our products, our costs, customers, suppliers and/or the United States economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, to
adversely impact our businesses and results of operations.
Our
failure to comply with certain environmental, health and safety regulations could materially and adversely affect our business.
The
storage, distribution and transportation of some of the products that we sell are subject to a variety of federal, state, provincial
and local environmental regulations. We are also subject to operational, health and safety laws and regulations. Our failure to comply
with these laws and regulations could cause a disruption in our business, an inability to maintain our warehousing resources, additional
and potentially significant remedial costs and damages, fines, sanctions or other legal consequences that could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, changes in environmental, employee health and safety
or other laws, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to our operations or give
rise to material liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
36
We
are transitioning our business and have engaged, and may continue in engage in, dispositions via sales of our assets or other exit activities
and other strategic initiatives and we may face risks related to such transactions.
We
have engaged in, and expect to continue to pursue, strategic dispositions and initiatives, as we transition our business. Dispositions
present significant challenges and risks relating the separation of disposed businesses. Such risks include: (i) we may incur unanticipated
costs or expenses, (ii) we may not be able to successfully separate divested businesses and related obligations from our operations as
planned, and (iii) we may not be able to realize anticipated reductions in costs attributable to divested businesses or assets. Divestitures
may also involve continued financial involvement in, or liability with respect to, the divested businesses. As a result of divestiture
transactions, we could incur severance charges for personnel and payments for lease and other commitments, charges from the impairment
or write-off of assets, and other financial loss due to the transaction. Furthermore, there is the risk that we might lose customers.
In addition, we may not realize the degree or timing of benefits we anticipate when we first enter into a transaction. There can be no
assurances that we will manage dispositions or other strategic initiatives successfully, that strategic opportunities will be available
to us on acceptable terms or at all, or that we will be able to consummate desired transactions. Any of the foregoing could materially
adversely affect our competitive position, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. For more information on the disposition
activities we have undertaken to date, please see “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations”.
Our
operations are subject to natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, operating hazards, environmental incidents and labor disputes.
We
may experience earthquakes, floods, typhoons, power outages, labor and trade disputes or similar events beyond our control that would
affect our warehousing and distribution operations. The occurrences of such events could result in shutdowns or periods of reduced operations,
which could significantly disrupt our business operations, cause us to incur additional costs and affect our ability to deliver our products
to our customers as scheduled, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, such
events could result in severe damage to property, personal injuries, fatalities, regulatory enforcement proceedings or in us being named
as a defendant in lawsuits asserting claims for large amounts of damages, which in turn could lead to significant liabilities.
37
We are subject to risks associated with public
health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics, , which may have a material adverse effect on our business. The nature and extent of future
impacts are highly uncertain and unpredictable.
We are subject to risks associated
with public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics and the emergence of new viruses may result in new governmental lockdowns,
quarantine requirements or other restrictions to slow the spread of the virus. In addition, any such measures could also impact the global
economy more broadly, for example by leading to further economic slowdowns. If we or any of the third parties with whom we engage, including
the suppliers, manufacturers and other third parties in our global supply chain, were to experience shutdowns or other significant business
disruptions, our ability to conduct our business in the manner presently planned could be materially and negatively impacted.
The scope and duration of any
future public health crisis, the pace at which government restrictions are imposed and lifted, the scope of additional actions taken to
mitigate the spread of disease, global vaccination and booster rates, the speed and extent to which global markets and utilization rates
for our products fully recover from the disruptions caused by such a public health crisis, and the impact of these factors on our business,
financial condition and results of operations, will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with
confidence.
To the extent a new
pandemic or other public health crises adversely affect our operations and global economic conditions more generally, it may also have
the effect of heightening many of the other risks described herein.
Risks
Related to Our Organizational Structure
Our
principal asset is our interest in the Operating Company, and, accordingly, we depend on distributions from the Operating Company to
pay our taxes and expenses. The Operating Company’s ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and
restrictions.
We
are a holding company and have no material assets other than our ownership of all of the Common Units of the Operating Company. As such,
we have no independent means of generating revenue or cash flow. Our ability to pay our operating expenses or declare and pay dividends
in the future, if any, will be dependent upon the financial results and cash flows of the Operating Company and its subsidiaries and
distributions we receive from the Operating Company. There can be no assurance that the Operating Company and its subsidiaries will generate
sufficient cash flow to distribute funds to us or that applicable state law and contractual restrictions, including negative covenants,
in any future debt instruments, will permit such distributions. In addition, because we are a holding company, our stockholders’
claims as a stockholder will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations of the Operating Company.
Therefore, in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, our assets and those of the Operating Company and its subsidiaries
will be available to satisfy the claims of our stockholders only after all of our and Greenlane Holdings, LLC’s and its subsidiaries’
liabilities and obligations have been paid in full.
The
Operating Company is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is not subject to any entity-level
U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income is allocated to holders of Common Units. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we hold
all of the outstanding Common Units. Accordingly, we will incur income taxes on any net taxable income of the Operating Company.
Under the terms of the Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of the Operating Company (the “Operating Agreement”), the
Operating Company is obligated to make tax distributions to holders of Common Units. In addition to tax expenses, we will also incur
expenses related to our operations which we expect could be significant. We intend, as its manager and sole member, to cause the
Operating Company to make cash distributions to us in an amount sufficient to (i) fund our tax obligations in respect of taxable
income allocated to us and (ii) cover our operating expenses. However, the Operating Company’s ability to make such
distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions, such as restrictions on distributions that would either
violate any contract or agreement to which the Operating Company is then a party, including debt agreements, or any applicable law,
or that would have the effect of rendering the Operating Company insolvent. If we do not have sufficient funds to pay tax or other
liabilities or to fund our operations, we may have to borrow funds, which could materially adversely affect our liquidity and
financial condition and subject us to various restrictions imposed by any such lenders.
38
The
Tax Receivable Agreement (the “TRA”) may require us to make cash payments to the members of the Operating Company in respect
of certain tax benefits to which we may become entitled.
Under
the TRA we entered into with the Operating Company and its members, we are required to make cash payments to the members of the
Operating Partnership equal to 85% of the tax benefits, if any, that we actually realize, or in certain circumstances are deemed to
realize, as a result of (i) the increases in the tax basis of assets of the Operating Company resulting from any redemptions or
exchanges of Common Units from the members and (ii) certain other tax benefits related to our making payments under the TRA.
Although we held all of the outstanding Common Units as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, payments under the TRA are not conditioned on
any member’s continued ownership of Common Units or our Class A common stock.
The
actual amount and timing of any payments under the TRA will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the amount of gain recognized
by prior holders of Common Units, the amount and timing of the taxable income we generate in the future, and the federal tax rates then
applicable.
Fluctuations
in our tax obligations and effective tax rate and realization of our deferred tax assets may result in volatility of our operating results.
We
are subject to taxes by the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities, and our tax liabilities will be affected by the allocation
of expenses to differing jurisdictions. We record tax expense based on our estimates of future earnings, which may include reserves for
uncertain tax positions in multiple tax jurisdictions, and valuation allowances related to certain net deferred tax assets. At any one
time, many tax years may be subject to audit by various taxing jurisdictions. The results of these audits and negotiations with taxing
authorities may affect the ultimate settlement of these matters. We expect that throughout the year there could be ongoing variability
in our quarterly tax rates as events occur and exposures are evaluated. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility
or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:
●
changes
in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
●
expected
timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;
●
tax
effects of stock-based compensation;
●
changes
in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof; or
●
future
earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated earnings in
countries where we have higher statutory tax rates.
In
addition, our effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted by a variety of factors including but
not limited to changes in the mix and level of earnings, varying tax rates in the different jurisdictions in which we operate, fluctuations
in valuation allowances, deductibility of certain items, or by changes to existing accounting rules or regulations. Further, tax legislation
may be enacted in the future which could negatively impact our current or future tax structure and effective tax rates. We may be subject
to audits of our income, sales, and other transaction taxes by U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign taxing authorities. Outcomes from
these audits could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
If
we were deemed to be an investment company under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as
a result of our ownership of the Operating Company, applicable restrictions could make it impractical for us to continue our business
as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Under
Sections 3(a)(1)(A) and (C) of the 1940 Act, a company generally will be deemed to be an “investment company” for purposes
of the 1940 Act if (i) it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing,
reinvesting or trading in securities or (ii) it engages, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding
or trading in securities and it owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total
assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We do not believe that we are an “investment
company,” as such term is defined in either of those sections of the 1940 Act.
As
the sole manager of the Operating Company, we control and operate the Operating Company. On that basis, we believe that our interest
in the Operating Company is not an “investment security” as that term is used in the 1940 Act. However, if we were to cease
participation in the management of the Operating Company, our interest in The Operating Company could be deemed an “investment
security” for purposes of the 1940 Act.
39
We
and the Operating Company intend to continue to conduct our operations so that we will not be deemed an investment company. However,
if we were to be deemed an investment company, restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on our capital structure and
our ability to transact with affiliates, could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could have a material
adverse effect on our business.
Risks
Related to Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock
The
market price of our Class A common stock has been volatile and has declined significantly since our initial public offering and may face
more volatility and price declines in the future. As a result, you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price at which
you have acquired or will acquire shares of our Class A common stock.
The
market price of our Class A common stock has been volatile and has declined significantly since our initial public offering and could
face more volatility and price declines in the future as a result of a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Furthermore,
volatility in our stock price may occur regardless of our operating performance. As a result, you may not be able to sell your shares
at or above the price you paid and you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our Class A common stock. The following
factors could affect our stock price:
●
general
market conditions, including conditions that are outside of our control, such as actions or proposed actions of the current U.S.
Presidential administration and the Federal Reserve to curb inflation or the impact of future public health crises; novel and unforeseen
market volatility and trading strategies, such as the short squeeze rallies caused by retail investors on retail trading platforms;
●
our
financing activities, including the issuance of additional securities;
●
our
operating and financial performance and the performance of other similar companies;
●
the
market perception of our industry;
●
management
turnover;
●
the
impact, or perceived impact, of new regulations applicable to us, our suppliers or our customers;
●
quarterly
variations in the rate of growth of our financial indicators, such as net income, net income per share, net sales and adjusted EBITDA;
●
our
ability to successfully execute our merger and acquisition strategy;
●
significant
acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors;
●
strategic
actions by our competitors or our suppliers;
●
product
recalls or product liability claims;
●
changes
in revenue or earnings estimates, or changes in recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage, by equity research analysts;
●
liquidity
and activity in the market for our Class A common stock;
●
speculation
in the press or investment community;
●
sales
of our Class A common stock by us or other stockholders, or the perception that such sales may occur;
●
the
future incurrence of debt;
●
changes
in accounting principles;
●
additions
or departures of key management personnel;
●
the
de-listing of our Class A common stock from the Nasdaq Capital Market;
●
news
reports relating to trends, concerns or competitive developments, regulatory changes and other related issues in our industry or
target markets;
●
investors’
general perception of us and the public’s reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with
the SEC;
●
actions
by our stockholders; and
●
domestic
and international economic, legal and regulatory factors.
The
stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility, particularly recently, that has often been unrelated to the operating performance
of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock.
Your
percentage ownership will be diluted in the future.
Your
percentage ownership will be diluted in the future as a result of equity awards that we expect will be granted to our directors, officers
and employees, as well as any shares of our Class A common stock, or securities convertible into shares of our Class A common stock,
we issue in connection with future capital raising or strategic transactions at prices that are dilutive to shareholders. Our Second
Amended and Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of equity-based awards to our directors, officers and employees.
The issuance of any shares of Class A common stock will dilute the proportionate ownership and voting power of existing security holders.
40
Substantial
sales and issuances of our Class A common stock have and may continue to occur, or may be anticipated, which have and could continue
to cause our stock price to decline.
The market price of shares of our Class A common stock could decline further
as a result of substantial sales of our Class A common stock, issuances of Class A common stock at prices that are dilutive to stockholders,
a large number of shares of our Class A common stock becoming available for sale or the perception in the market that holders of a large
number of shares intend to sell their shares. Additionally, we expect that we will seek to raise additional capital from time to time
in the future, which may involve the issuance of additional shares of our Class A common stock, or securities convertible into shares
of our Class A common stock in subsequent public or private offerings at dilutive prices if debt is not available to us to fund our working
capital needs.
We
cannot predict the effect, if any, that these sales, or anticipation of such sales, will have on the market price of our common stock
or the timing of any redemption of Common Units. Sales or issuances of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock (including shares
issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market price
of our Class A common stock.
The
requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and distract our management, which could make it difficult to manage
our business, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.”
As
a public company, we are required to comply with various regulatory and reporting requirements, including those required by the SEC.
Complying with these reporting and other regulatory requirements is time-consuming and expensive and could have a negative effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition. As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(“SOX”). The cost of complying with these requirements may place a strain on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act
requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. SOX requires that we
maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. To maintain and improve the effectiveness
of our disclosure controls and procedures, we must commit significant resources, may be required to hire additional staff and need to
continue to provide effective management oversight. Sustaining our growth also will require us to commit additional management, operational
and financial resources to identify new professionals to join our company and to maintain appropriate operational and financial systems
to adequately support expansion. These activities may divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
In
connection with becoming a public company, we obtained Side A directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage, which increased
our annual insurance costs. In the future, it may be more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we
may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more
difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members to our Board in the future, particularly to serve on our audit committee, and
qualified executive officers.
As
an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of certain temporary exemptions from various
reporting requirements, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section
404(b) of SOX and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements.
When
these exemptions cease to apply, we expect to incur additional expenses and devote increased management effort toward ensuring compliance
with them. We will remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, although we may cease to be an “emerging
growth company” earlier under certain circumstances. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur
as a result of becoming a public company or the timing of such costs.
41
As
a public reporting company, we are subject to rules and regulations established from time to time by the SEC regarding our internal control
over financial reporting. In connection with our assessment of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, we identified
certain material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which caused our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer to determine that our internal control over financial reporting, as well as our disclosure controls and procedures, were not
effective as of December 31, 2020 and these material weaknesses have not yet been fully remediated as of December 31, 2023.
As
a public reporting company, we are subject to the rules and regulations established from time to time by the SEC. These rules and regulations
require that, among other things, we establish and periodically evaluate procedures with respect to our internal control over financial
reporting. Reporting obligations as a public company are likely to place a considerable strain on our financial and management systems,
processes and controls, as well as on our personnel.
Our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Legal Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Internal control
over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary
to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only
in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Under
the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted
an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. Based on this evaluation,
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2020, the Company had not maintained effective
internal control over financial reporting as a result of the existence of material weaknesses. Consequently, management, with the participation
of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective
as of December 31, 2020 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed
or submitted by it under the Exchange Act were recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the
SEC’s rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports
was accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer,
as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
A
“material weakness” is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that
there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely
basis. Although we are implementing measures to remediate the material weaknesses, we cannot give any assurances that the identified
material weaknesses will be remediated on a timely basis or at all or that additional material weaknesses will not be identified in the
future in connection with our compliance with the provisions of Section 404 of SOX. Our management may be required to devote significant
time and expense to remediate these material weaknesses and any other material weaknesses that may be discovered in the future and may
not be able to remediate such material weaknesses in a timely manner. The existence of any future material weakness in our internal control
over financial reporting could also result in errors in our financial statements that could require us to restate our financial statements,
cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, and cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, any
of which could lead to a decline in the per share trading price of our common stock.
As
described in Item 9A of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are continuing to implement our remediation plan to address the
identified material weaknesses, and our management continues to be actively engaged in the remediation efforts. The material weaknesses
will not be considered remediated until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded,
through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
As previously disclosed, in 2020, we began a multi-year implementation
of a new ERP system, which we completed in 2023. The ERP system serves as our existing core financial system. Concurrently, in 2023, the
re-design of the user access roles and permissions in the new ERP system were completed, and new controls were put into place. Therefore
we expect that the previously reported material weaknesses related to ineffective user access controls will be considered remediated in
2024.
Because
we are an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm is not be required
to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for so long as we are an emerging growth company. Our
independent registered public accounting firm will be engaged to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting at such time as we cease to be an ‘‘emerging growth company,’’ as defined in the JOBS
Act.
42
We
have not paid dividends in the past and have no current plans to pay dividends in the future, and any return on investment may be limited
to the value of our common stock.
We
do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends will depend on our earnings, capital requirements,
financial condition, prospects and other factors our Board may deem relevant. If we do not pay dividends, our stock may be less valuable
because a return on your investment will only occur if you sell our Class A common stock after our stock price appreciates above the
price at which you acquired such shares.
If
securities analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading
volume could decline.
The
trading market for our stock depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our
industry. While there are currently securities analysts covering us, we can provide no assurances that the analysts will continue to
publish report or that other securities analysts will initiate coverage. If no securities analysts cover our company, the trading price
for our stock could be negatively impacted. In addition, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock or publish inaccurate
or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price could decline as a result. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage
of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our Class A stock could decrease, which might cause the market
price and trading volume of our Class A common stock to decline.
We
have a large number of authorized but unissued shares of stock, which could negatively impact a potential investor if they purchase our
Class A common stock.
On
August 9, 2022 and June 5, 2023, we effected reverse stock splits. The reverse stock splits did not change the par value of our Class
A common stock or the number of shares of Class A common stock or preferred shares authorized by our amended and restated certificate
of incorporation. Because the number of authorized shares of our Class A common stock was not reduced proportionally, the reverse stock
splits increased our Board’s ability to issue authorized and unissued shares without further stockholder action. As of December
31, 2023, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides for 600,000,000 shares of authorized Class A common stock, 30,000,000
shares of authorized Class B common stock and 10,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock and we have approximately 3,726,926 shares
of Class A common stock outstanding, 11,860,201 shares reserved for exercise or vesting
of outstanding warrants and options to purchase shares of Class A common stock and 203,022 shares of Class A common stock reserved for
future grant under the Company’s equity incentive plan. No shares of Class B common stock or preferred stock are outstanding.
With
respect to authorized but unissued and unreserved shares, we could also use such shares to oppose a hostile takeover attempt or delay
or prevent changes in control or changes in or removal of management. The issuance of additional shares of Class A common stock or securities
convertible into Class A common stock may have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and relative voting power and may cause a decline
in the trading price of our Class A common stock. We could use the shares that are available for future issuance in dilutive equity financing
transactions, or to oppose a hostile takeover attempt or delay or prevent changes in control or changes in or removal of management,
including transactions that are favored by a majority of the stockholders or in which the stockholders might otherwise receive a premium
for their shares over then-current market prices or benefit in some other manner.
Anti-takeover
provisions in our certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law could discourage a takeover.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that might enable our management
to resist a takeover. These provisions include:
●
authorizing
the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our Board to increase the number of outstanding
shares and thwart a takeover attempt;
●
advance
notice requirements applicable to stockholders for matters to be brought before a meeting of stockholders and requirements as to
the form and content of a stockholder’s notice;
●
restrictions
on the transfer of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock;
●
a
supermajority stockholder vote requirement for amending certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
and amended and restated bylaws;
●
the
inability of our stockholders to act by written consent;
●
a
requirement that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the Board;
●
allowing
all vacancies, including newly created directorships, to be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office,
even if less than a quorum, except as otherwise required by law;
●
limiting
the forum for certain litigation against us to Delaware; and
●
limiting
the persons that can call special meetings of our stockholders to our Board or the chairperson of our Board.
These
provisions might discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or a change in our Board. The existence of these provisions
could adversely affect the voting power of holders of Class A common stock and limit the price that investors might be willing to pay
in the future for shares of our Class A common stock. In addition, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions
of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad
range of business combinations with any “interested” stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which
the stockholder became an “interested” stockholder.
We
may issue shares of preferred stock in the future, which could make it difficult for another company to acquire us or could otherwise
adversely affect holders of our Class A common stock, which could depress the market price of our Class A common stock.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue one or more series of preferred stock. Our Board has the authority
to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of the shares of preferred stock and to fix the number of shares constituting
any series and the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our preferred stock can be issued
with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to the rights of our Class A common stock. The potential issuance of preferred
stock may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discourage bids for our Class A common stock at a premium to the market price,
and materially and adversely affect the market price and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Class A common stock.
43
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole
and exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability
to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that, unless we consent to the selection
of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action
or proceeding brought on our behalf, other than any action or proceeding that, under applicable law, may only be commenced or prosecuted
in another forum, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees
to us or to our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law or our amended
and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws (iv) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our amended
and restated certificate of incorporation.
We
are a “smaller reporting company” under federal securities laws and we cannot be certain whether the reduced reporting requirements
applicable to such companies will make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.
We
are a “smaller reporting company” under federal securities laws. For as long as we continue to be a smaller reporting company,
we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including reduced
disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. Generally, we will remain a smaller
reporting company so long as our public float remains less than $250 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed
second fiscal quarter. We cannot predict if investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive because we may rely on these
exemptions. If some investors find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for
our Class A common stock and our stock price may decline or be more volatile.
ITEM
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
Greenlane
is committed to ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity to protect our systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. We recognize
the critical importance of safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the trust of our customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Our
cybersecurity strategy is built on a foundation of proactive risk management, continuous monitoring, and adherence to industry best practices.
We employ a multi-layered approach which leverages cutting-edge technologies to defend against evolving cyber threats.
We
have made significant investments in modernizing, streamlining, and simplifying our technology footprint to both enhance customer experience
and strengthen our internal security controls.
From
time-to-time, we may engage third-party consultants, legal advisors, and audit firms to evaluate and test the Company’s risk management
systems and assess and remediate certain potential cybersecurity incidents, as appropriate. We prioritize the integrity of our data access
controls to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and malicious activities. We regularly assess and enhance our cybersecurity posture
through comprehensive risk assessments, security audits, and vulnerability assessments.
Governance
Cybersecurity
is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration and cooperation across all levels of our organization.
Greenlane
recognizes that cybersecurity is not solely a technology issue but also a people and process issue. We invest in ongoing employee training
and awareness programs to empower our staff to recognize and respond to potential security threats effectively.
Cybersecurity
threats are monitored and acted upon by the Company’s information technology security group within the Information Technology team.
The Vice President of Information Technology has over 25 years of IT experience including Fortune 100 public companies. The Vice President
of Information Technology meets regularly with senior management to inform and advise them of the status on all cybersecurity initiatives
as well as all cybersecurity incidents, if any.
In
the event of a cybersecurity incident, we have established incident response plans and protocols to minimize the impact and facilitate
swift recovery. The Company’s Audit Committee oversees cybersecurity risk. The Audit Committee is promptly notified by Information
Technology leadership of any potentially serious incidents including details and recommendations on the detection, mitigation, and remediation
of the same. During the calendar year 2023, there have been no known reported cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected our
operations or financial results.
We
believe in transparency and open communication, promptly informing affected parties and relevant authorities as required by law. Together,
we remain vigilant, adaptive, and resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats, safeguarding the trust and confidence of those we
serve.
ITEM
2. PROPERTIES
We lease our headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida with approximately 1,600
square feet of office space. We have also entered into a lease for our distribution center in the United States, and an administrative
office location in Europe. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current global operational needs and we are capable of
acquiring or leasing additional space as necessary.
ITEM
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For
information regarding legal proceedings as of December 31, 2023, see “ Note
7—Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of
this Form 10-K.
ITEM
4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not
applicable.
44
PART
II
ITEM
5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market
Information
Our
Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Captial Market under the symbol “GNLN”.
Holders
As
of July 18, 2024 , there were approximately 78 stockholders of record of our Class A common stock. Since certain of our shares of
Class A common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number
of stockholders represented by these record holders.
Dividends
We
have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our Class A common stock. We intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect
to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities
There
were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2023.
On
June 29, 2023, we entered into securities purchase agreements with certain investors, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell an
aggregate of 560,476 shares of our Class A common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 3,487,143 shares of our Class A common
stock (the “July 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants”) and warrants to purchase up to 8,095,238 shares of our Class A common stock (the
“July 2023 Standard Warrants”). The July 2023 units each consisted of one share of Class A common stock or a July 2023 Pre-Funded
Warrant and two July 2023 Standard Warrants to purchase one share of our Class A common stock. The July 2023 units were offered pursuant
to an effective Registration Statement on Form S-1. The July 2023 Standard Warrants are exercisable immediately at an exercise price
equal to $1.05 per share of Class A common stock for a period of five years. Each July 2023 Pre-Funded Warrant is exercisable immediately
with no expiration date for one share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $0.0001. The July 2023 Offering generated gross
proceeds of approximately $4.3 million and net proceeds to the Company of approximately $3.9 million.
As
of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, all July 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants have been exercised, based upon which we issued
an additional 1,911,000 shares of our Class A common stock subsequent to year end, for de minimis net proceeds.
In
connection with the July 2023 Offering, we entered into privately negotiated agreements with holders participating in the offering
to amend existing outstanding warrants to purchase up to 1,344,367 shares of Class A common stock that were previously issued in connection
with the June 2022 and October 2022 Offerings at exercise prices per share of $50.00 and $9.00, respectively, and expire on December
29, 2027 and November 1, 2029, respectively (collectively, the “Prior Warrants”), effective upon the closing of the July
2023 Offering to reduce the exercise price of the Prior Warrants to $1.05, the exercise price of the warrants to purchase shares of Class
A common stock offered in the July 2023 Offering. All other terms of the Prior Warrants remained unchanged.
ITEM
6. [Reserved]
ITEM
7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Founded
in 2005, Greenlane is the premier global platform for the development and distribution of premium cannabis accessories, vape
devices, and lifestyle products. In 2021, we completed several acquisitions along with a transformative merger with KushCo Holdings,
adding a significant industrial line of business to the Greenlane platform. These acquisitions strengthened our leading position as
a consumer ancillary products business and significantly expanded our customer network, bringing strategic relationships with
leading cannabis multi-state-operators (“MSOs”), cannabis single-state operators (“SSOs”), and Canadian
licensed-producers (“LPs”). Greenlane is a leading ancillary cannabis company, providing a wide array of consumer
ancillary products and industrial ancillary products to thousands of cannabis producers, processors, brands, and retailers
(“Cannabis Operators”), in addition to specialty retailers, smoke shops and head shops, convenience stores, and
consumers directly through our own proprietary web stores and large online marketplaces such as Amazon.
45
We
have been developing a world-class portfolio of our own proprietary brands (the “Greenlane Brands”) and carefully
curated third-party products that we believe will, over time, deliver higher margins and create long-term value for our customers
and shareholders. Our wholly-owned Greenlane Brands includes our recently launched more affordable product line – Groove,
innovative silicone pipes and accessories and premium ancillary product brand – Higher Standards. We also have category exclusive licenses for the premium Marley Natural branded products, as well as the
K.Haring Glass Collection.
Since the end of 2021, the Company has invested significantly in technology,
including its e-commerce platforms, internal ERP systems, and B2B capabilities. Our world-class product portfolio is offered to customers
through our proprietary, owned and operated e-commerce platforms which include Vapor.com, PuffItUp.com, HigherStandards.com, MarleyNaturalShop.com
and Wholesale.Greenlane.com. These platforms allow us to reach customers directly with helpful resources and a seamless purchasing experience.
We
merchandise vaporizers, packaging, and other ancillary products in the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America. We distribute
products to retailers through wholesale operations and distribute products to consumers through our e-commerce platforms We operate
our own distribution centers in the United States, while also utilizing third-party logistics (“3PL”) locations in Canada.
We have made tremendous progress consolidating and streamlining our warehouse and distribution operations over the last two years.
We
manage our business in two different, but complementary, business segments. The first is the Consumer Goods segment, which focuses on
serving consumers across wholesale, retail, and e-commerce operations—offering both our Greenlane Brands as well as ancillary products
and accessories from select leading third-party brands, such as Storz and Bickel, Grenco Science, PAX, Arizer and more. The Consumer
Goods segment forms a central part of our growth strategy, especially as it relates to scaling our own portfolio of higher-margin proprietary
owned brands. In addition to our Consumer Goods segment, we have our Industrial Goods segment, which focuses on serving Cannabis Operators
by providing ancillary products essential to their daily operations and growth, such as packaging and vaporization solutions, including
our Greenlane Brand Pollen Gear. Refer to “Note 12— Segment Reporting” within Item 8 to this Annual Report on Form
10-K for additional information on our reportable segments.
Plan
to Accelerate Path to Profitability and Capitalize the Business
In
today’s economic landscape, particularly within the cannabis industry, achieving profitability and preserving
working capital are paramount. At Greenlane, we are intensely focused on making our
business profitable and well-capitalized for long-term sustainability. Our key initiatives include:
1. Technology
Enhancements: We remain fully committed to improving our technology, particularly our B2B and e-commerce
platforms, to provide a seamless shopping experience for our wholesale and retail customers.
2. Facility
Footprint Rationalization: In 2023, we optimized our facilities footprint by reducing warehouse and office space while increasing operational
efficiency and improving fulfillment practices. The full benefit of those efforts are expected to be realized in 2024.
3. Headcount
Reduction: We have significantly reduced our headcount and associated salary expenses, focusing on maintaining
a core group of key employees as we collectively right-size the business.
4. Cost
Structure Optimization: We continue to reduce our overall cost structure while improving margins. In April 2023, we formed two strategic
partnerships (described below in greater detail) to increase margins and significantly reduce working capital requirements in our Industrial
Goods segment. Similarly, our Consumer Goods segment restructured arrangements with several third-party brands in 2022 and 2023
to reduce our working capital needs.
5. Inventory
Management: In 2023, we implemented a new inventory management and lifecycle strategy
that is focused on a quarterly turn and a regular review of inventory to avoid future write-offs.
6. Sales Force Upgrade: We have upgraded and will continue to upgrade our
sales force from a solely account management centric team to a skilled and driven sales team to acquire new customers while maintaining
excellent service with our existing customers
7. Product Innovation: In 2023, we launched Groove, an innovative new product
line with a value-based price point and in 2024 we have begun to expand our product offering to further enhance our assortment available
to our customers.
8. Capital
Investment: We continue to seek opportunities for securing investment capital to leverage our platform, increase availability and
reduce stockouts of our high demand third-party brands, invest in marketing and sales, and improve our product
offerings.
Management
believes that these initiatives will significantly reduce costs, help accelerate the Company’s path to profitability, support business
growth, and allow the Company to reinvest capital into its highest demand and highest potential product lines.
During
2022 and 2023, the Company received capital from various sources permitting it to right-size the business and position the company for
growth. Such sources are described in greater detail in the Liquidity and Capital Resources Section of this report. During 2022, the
Company also monetized several non-core assets to provide necessary working capital including the sale and lease-back of its headquarters
building and the sale of its interest in the Vibes brand.
46
During 2023 and 2024, the Company also entered into certain arrangements to reduce working capital requirements and
improve its balance sheet.
In
April 2023, we successfully entered into two strategic partnerships which management believes will help significantly reduce our overall
cost structure, enhance our margins and further support our facilities consolidation initiatives while also servicing and providing solutions
to our customers. First, we entered into a strategic partnership (the “MJ Packaging Partnership”) with A&A Global Imports
d/b/a MarijuanaPackaging.com (“MJ Pack”), a leading provider of packaging solutions to the cannabis industry. As part of
the MJ Packaging Partnership, we will no longer purchase additional packaging inventory and MJ Pack will become our strategic partner
to continue providing and enhancing packaging solutions for our customers. As a result of the MJ Packaging Partnership, we are no longer
seeking a purchaser for our packaging division. Second, we entered into a strategic partnership with an affiliate of one of our existing
vape suppliers (“Vape Partner”) to service certain key customers with vaporizer goods and services (the “Vape Partnership”).
As part of the Vape Partnership, we will introduce our Vape Partner to certain key customers, assist with the promotion and the sale
of certain vaporizer goods and services, and help coordinate the logistics, storage and distribution of such vaporizer products. If our
Vape Partner and key customer(s) enter into a direct relationship, the customers would directly purchase vaporizer goods and services,
which we currently sell them, directly from our Vape Partner and we would no longer need to purchase such vape inventory on behalf of
such key customer(s). In exchange we would earn quarterly and annual commission payments from our strategic partners. While the strategic
partnerships may result in a decrease in top line revenue for these packaging and vape products, these partnerships combined with some
of our other restructuring initiatives should allow us to reduce our overall cost-structure and enhance our margins and convert millions
of dollars of existing inventory back into cash, thereby improving our balance sheet.
On May 6, 2024, the Company, Warehouse Goods and Synergy Imports LLC (“Synergy”) entered into an asset
purchase agreement, dated May 1, 2024 (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which Synergy purchased all of the intellectual
property, a specified amount of inventory, and other assets related to the Eyce and DaVinci brands. In consideration for the acquisition,
all parties entered into a loan modification agreement, effective May 1, 2024 (the “Loan Modification Agreement”) and an amended
and restated secured promissory note, effective May 1, 2024 (the Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note”), an amendment to
the original Eyce and Davinci Asset Purchase Agreements, a distribution agreement, the termination of a license granted by Eyce, and the
termination of certain consulting and employment agreements.
USPS
PACT Act Exemption
On
January 11, 2022, we announced via press release that the United States Postal Service (the “USPS”) had approved our application
for a business and regulatory exemption to the PACT Act (with respect to the business and regulatory exemption granted by the USPS, the
“PACT Act Exemption”), allowing us to ship vaporizers and accessories classified as electronic nicotine delivery systems
(“ENDS”) products to other compliant businesses. With this approval, over 97% of our total annual sales became eligible for
shipment by freight, USPS and other major parcel carriers. The PACT Act Exemption also enables us to partner with other businesses that
ship ENDS products and had their supply chains disrupted by PACT Act compliance.
On
June 24, 2022, we provided via press release an update on the progress of the PACT Act Exemption, following our successful implementation
of the controls, processes and systems required by the USPS in connection with the shipment of ENDS products. We expect the ability to
fulfill ENDS orders with the USPS to allow us to reduce shipping costs, decrease fulfillment times and enhance the overall customer experience
for approved wholesale customers.
Reverse
Stock Split
On
June 2, 2023, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to the A&R Charter with the SSSD, which effected a one-for-10 reverse stock split
(the “2023 Reverse Stock Split” and together with the 2022 Reverse Stock Split, the “Reverse Stock Splits”) of
our issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock at 5:01 PM Eastern Time on June 5, 2023. As a result of the 2023 Reverse Stock Split,
every 10 shares of common stock issued and outstanding were converted into one share of common stock. We paid cash in lieu of fractional
shares, and accordingly, no fractional shares were issued in connection with the 2023 Reverse Stock Split.
The
Reverse Stock Split did not change the par value of the Common Stock or the authorized number of shares of Common Stock. All outstanding
options, restricted stock awards, warrants and other securities entitling their holders to purchase or otherwise receive shares of our
Common Stock have been adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, as required by the terms of each security. The number of shares
available to be awarded under our Second Amended and Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan have also been appropriately adjusted. See “Note
10 — Compensation Plans” for more information.
47
All
share and per share amounts in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 have been retroactively adjusted
for all periods presented to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
Critical
Accounting Estimates
We
prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
(“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements,
and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing
basis. We base our estimates on historical experience, outside advice from parties believed to be experts in such matters, and on various
other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments
about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Judgments and uncertainties affecting
the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different
assumptions. See “Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a description the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation
of our consolidated financial statements.
Inventories
Inventories,
consisting of finished products, are primarily accounted for using the weighted-average method, and are valued at the lower of cost and
net realizable value. This valuation requires us to make judgments, based on currently available information, about the likely method
of disposition, such as through sales to customers or liquidations. Assumptions about the future disposition of inventory are inherently
uncertain and changes in our estimates and assumptions may cause us to realize material write-downs in the future.
Income
Taxes and TRA Liability
We
are a corporation subject to income taxes in the United States. Certain subsidiaries of the Operating Company are taxable separately
from us. Our proportional share of the Operating Company’s subsidiaries’ provisions are included in our consolidated financial
statements.
As
of December 31, 2022, we held all the outstanding Common Units in the Operating Company and are the sole member. As a result, in
2023, 100% of the Operating Company’s US and state income and expenses are now included in our US and state tax
returns.
Our
deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the tax basis and financial statement amounts that will
result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. We compute deferred balances based on enacted tax laws and applicable rates for
the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized for deferred tax assets
if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making such a determination,
we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected
future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine we would be able to realize our deferred
tax assets for which a valuation allowance had been recorded, then we would adjust the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which
would reduce our provision for income taxes.
We
evaluate the tax positions taken on income tax returns that remain open and positions expected to be taken on the current year tax returns
to identify uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions are recorded on the basis of a two-step process
in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits
of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit
that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized is recognized. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded
in income tax benefit. We have no uncertain tax positions that qualify for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements.
48
In
addition to tax expenses, we may incur expenses related to our operations and may be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable
Agreement (the “TRA”), which could be significant. Pursuant to the Greenlane Operating Agreement, Greenlane Holdings, LLC
will generally make pro rata tax distributions to its members in an amount sufficient to fund all or part of their tax obligations with
respect to the taxable income of Greenlane Holdings, LLC that is allocated to them and possibly in excess of such amount.
Legal
Contingencies
In
the ordinary course of business, we are involved in legal proceedings involving a variety of matters. Certain of these matters include
speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts of damages. We evaluate the associated developments on a regular basis and
accrue a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
If we determine there is a reasonable possibility that we may incur a loss and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, we disclose
the possible loss in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements to the extent material.
We
review the developments in our contingencies that could affect the amount of the provisions that have been previously recorded, and the
matters and related reasonably possible losses disclosed. We make adjustments to our provisions and changes to our disclosures accordingly
to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and updated information. Significant judgment is
required to determine both the probability of loss and the estimated amount of loss.
The
outcome of these matters is inherently uncertain. Therefore, if one or more legal proceedings were resolved against us for amounts in
excess of management’s expectations, our results of operations and financial condition, including in a particular reporting period
in which any such outcome becomes probable and estimable, could be materially adversely affected. See “Note 7—Commitments
and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional
information regarding these contingencies.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
See
“Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part
II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
49
Results
of Operations
The
following table presents operating results for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
For the Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
% of Net sales
Change
2023
2022
2023
2022
$
%
Net sales
$ 65,373
$ 137,085
100.0 %
100.0 %
(71.6 )
(52.3 )%
Cost of sales
47,547
112,102
72.7 %
81.8 %
(64.6 )
(57.6 )%
Gross profit
17,826
24,983
27.3 %
22.3 %
(7.2 )
(28.6 )%
Operating expenses:
Salaries, benefits and payroll taxes
17,454
31,290
26.7 %
22.8 %
(13.8 )
(44.2 )%
General and administrative
24,213
41,000
37.0 %
29.9 %
(16.8 )
(40.9 )%
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles impairment charge
—
71,360
— %
52.1 %
(71.4 )
(100.0 )%
Definite-lived intangibles impairment charge
—
50,694
— %
37.0 %
(50.7 )
(100.0 )%
PP&E impairment charge
—
7,336
— %
5.4 %
(7.3 )
(100.0 )%
Depreciation and amortization
2,243
7,405
3.4 %
5.4 %
(5.2 )
(69.7 )%
Total operating expenses
43,910
209,085
67.2 %
152.5 %
(165.2 )
(79.0 )%
Loss from operations
(26,084 )
(184,102 )
(39.9 )%
(134.3 )%
158.0
(85.8 )%
Other income(expense), net:
Interest expense
(5,450 )
(2,450 )
(8.3 )%
(1.8 )%
(3.0 )
122.4 %
Employee retention credits
—
4,854
— %
3.5 %
(4.9 )
(100.0 )%
Other expense, net
(791 )
(541 )
(1.2 )%
(0.4 )%
0.3
(46.3 )%
Total other (expense) income, net
(6,241 )
1,863
(9.5 )%
1.4 %
(8.1 )
(435.0 )%
Loss before income taxes
(32,325 )
(182,239 )
(49.4 )%
(132.9 )%
149.9
(82.3 )%
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
—
(13 )
— %
— %
—
(100.0 )%
Net loss
(32,325 )
(182,226 )
(49.4 )%
(132.9 )%
149.9
(81.8 )%
Net (loss) income attributable to non-control interest
(150 )
(12,717 )
(0.2 )%
(9.3 )%
12.6
(98.8 )%
Net loss attributable to Greenlane Holdings, Inc.
$ (32,175 )
$ (169,509 )
(49.2 )%
(123.7 )%
137.3
(81.0 )%
Consolidated
Results of Operations
Net
Sales
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, total net sales were approximately $65.4 million, compared to approximately $137.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 2022, representing a decrease of $71.7 million, or 52.3%. The year-over-year decrease was a result of the Industrial
segment transitioning to a commission revenue model versus gross revenue previously recorded for the largest vaporizer product customers
and discontinuing the packaging products business. The Consumer segment sales decreased due to declining business globally, reduction
in sales staff and marketing spend and the company was out of stock for high demand inventory items due to capital restrictions to invest
in inventory purchases.
50
Cost
of Sales and Gross Margin
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, cost of sales decreased by $64.6 million, or 57.6%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
The decrease in cost of sales is aligned with the decrease in revenue of 52.3%.
Gross
margin increased by 5% to 27.3% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to gross margin of 22.3% for the same period in 2022.
The increase in gross margins is related to transitioning to a commission revenue model for the majority of the vaporizer sales with
100% margin versus gross revenue with lower margins. Also contributing to the increase in margin is the Company’s continued focus
on consumer in-house brands with higher margins and moving away from third-party brands with lower margins.
Salaries,
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
Salaries,
benefits and payroll taxes expenses decreased by approximately $13.8 million, or 44.2% , to $17.4 million for the year ended December
31, 2023, compared to $31.3 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease is related to a major restructuring effort by the company
to reduce headcount and cost to align with revenue.
General
and Administrative Expenses
General
and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $16.8 million, or 40.9 %, for the year ended December
31, 2023 , compared to the same period in 2022 . The
decrease is related to a major reduction in expenses across to align with revenue
Goodwill
and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles Impairment Charge
We
incurred a goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles impairment charge of approximately $71.4 million and a definite-lived
intangibles impairment charge of approximately $50.7 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, compared to no such
impairment charge for the comparable period in 2023. We incurred a impairment charge of approximately $7.3 million to fixed assets
related to the ERP system during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to no such impairment charge fore the comparable year in
2023. This impairment charges were due to declining business and declining enterprise value.
Depreciation
and Amortization Expense
Depreciation
and amortization expense decreased $5.2 million ,
or 69.7% , for the year ended December 31, 2023 ,
compared to the same period in 2022 . The decrease is primarily related to the intangible
and fixed asset impairments recorded as of December 31, 2023, reducing amortization expense.
Other
Income (Expense), Net
Interest
expense.
Interest
expense increased approximately $3.0 million during the fiscal year 2023 versus fiscal year 2022. The increase is primarily related to
the exiting ABL facility which accelerated deferred interest expense as well as the promissory notes for the Eyce and DaVinci acquisition.
Other
expense, net.
Other
expense, net, increased by approximately $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 , for slight changes to non-recurring costs during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Segment
Operating Performance
Following
the completion of the KushCo merger in late August 2021, we reassessed our operating segments based on our new organizational structure.
Based on this assessment, we determined we had two operating segments as of December 31, 2021, which are the same as our reportable segments:
(1) Consumer Goods, which largely comprises Greenlane’s legacy operations across the United States, Canada, and Europe, and (2)
Industrial Goods, which largely comprises KushCo’s legacy operations. These changes in operating segments align with how we manage
our business as of the fourth quarter of 2023.
The
Consumer Goods segment focuses on serving consumers across wholesale, retail and e-commerce operations—through both our proprietary
brands, including Eyce, DaVinci, Marley Natural, Keith Haring, and Higher Standards, as well as lifestyle products and accessories from
leading brands, like Storz and Bickel, Grenco Science, and many more. The Consumer Goods segment forms a central part of our growth strategy,
especially as it relates to scaling our own portfolio of higher-margin proprietary owned brands.
51
The
Industrial Goods segment focuses on serving the premier cannabis brands, operators, and retailers through our wholesale operations by
providing ancillary products essential to their growth, such as customizable packaging and supply products, which includes our Greenlane
Brand Pollen Gear and vaporization solutions offering which includes CCELL branded products.
Our
“Chief Operations Decision Marker (“CODM”) allocates resources to and assesses the performance of our two operating segments based on the operating segments’ net sales
and gross profit. The following table sets forth information by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
% of Total Net sales
Change
2023
2022
2023
2022
$
%
Net sales:
Consumer Goods
$ 28,737
$ 48,134
43.9 %
35.1 %
$ (19,397 )
(40.3 )%
Industrial Goods
36,636
88,951
56.0 %
64.9 %
(52,315 )
(58.8 )%
Total net sales
$ 65,373
$ 137,085
% of Segment Net sales
Change
Cost of sales:
2023
2022
2023
2022
$
%
Consumer Goods
$ 18,754
$ 38,531
65.3 %
80.0 %
$ (19,777 )
(51.3 )%
Industrial Goods
28,793
73,571
78.6 %
82.7 %
(44,778 )
(60.9 )%
Total cost of sales
$ 47,547
$ 112,102
Gross profit:
Consumer Goods
$ 9,983
$ 9,603
34.7 %
20.0 %
$ 380
13.2 %
Industrial Goods
7,843
15,380
21.4 %
17.3 %
(7,537 )
(20.6 )%
Total gross profit
$ 17,826
$ 24,983
Consumer
Goods
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, our Consumer Goods operating segment reported net sales of approximately $28.7 million compared to
approximately $48.1 million for the same period in 2022 ,
representing a decrease of $19.4 million or 40.3%. The 2023 decline in the Consumer Goods segment is due to a major
restructuring effort by the Company during fiscal year 2023 to reduce sales and marketing cost to align with revenue, sale of the
Company’s minority interest in Vibes brand and a shift in strategy to focus on in-house brands that have a higher margin
profile and rationalized third-party brand offering generating top line revenue with lower margins.
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, cost of sales decreased by $19.8 million, or 51.3%, as compared to the same period in 2022 .
The decrease in cost of sales was primarily due to the 40.3% decrease in Consumer Goods net sales.
Gross
margin increased to approximately 34.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to gross margin of approximately
20.0% for the same period in 2022, as the Company has
shifted focus on margins versus overall topline revenues in an effort to move to a net positive operating cash flow.
Industrial
Goods
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, our Industrial Goods operating segment reported net sales of approximately $36.6 million compared to
approximately $89.0 million for the same period in 2022 ,
representing an decrease of $52.3 million or (58.8%). The year-over-year decrease was a result of the Industrial segment transitioning
to a commission revenue model versus gross revenue previously recorded for the largest vaporizer product customers and discontinuing
the packaging products business.
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, cost of sales decreased by $44.8 million, or 60.9%, as compared to the same period in 2022 .
The decrease is consistent with our overall decrease in revenues.
Gross
margin was approximately 21.4% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to gross margin of approximately 17.3% for the same period
in 2022 , representing
4.1% year over year increase.
52
Net
Sales by Geographic Regions
Year Ended December 31,
% of Net sales
Change
2023
2022
2023
2022
$
%
Net sales:
United States
$ 58,539
$ 126,333
89.5 %
92.2 %
$ (67,794 )
(53.7 )%
Canada
1,291
5,810
1.9 %
4.2 %
(4,519 )
(77.8 )%
Europe
5,072
4,942
7.8 %
3.6 %
130
2.6 %
Total net sales
$ 65,373
$ 137,085
100.0 %
100.0 %
$ (71,712 )
(52.3 )%
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, our United States net sales to customers in the United States were approximately $58.5 million, compared
to approximately $126.3 million for the same period in 2022 ,
representing a decrease of $67.8 million, or 53.7%. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to an overall business decline in the
Industrial and Consumer Goods segments as described above.
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, our Canadian net sales were approximately $1.3 million, compared to approximately $5.8 million for
the same period in 2022 ,
representing a decrease of $4.5 million, or 77.8%. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to an overall business decline in the
Industrial and Consumer Goods segments as described above.
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, our European net sales were approximately $5.1 million, compared to approximately $4.9 million for
the same period in 2022 ,
representing an increase of $0.11 million, or 2.6%.
Liquidity,
Capital Resources and Going Concern
Our
primary requirements for liquidity and capital are working capital, debt service related to recent acquisitions and general
corporate needs. Our primary sources of liquidity are our cash on hand and the cash flow that we generate from our operations, as
well as proceeds other equity issuances. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $0.5 million of cash, of which none
was restricted and $0.1 million was held in foreign bank accounts, and approximately $3.7 million of working capital, which is
calculated as total current assets minus total current liabilities, as compared to approximately $6.5 million of cash, of which $0.8
million was held in foreign bank accounts, and approximately $41.0 million of working capital as of December 31, 2022. The
repatriation of cash balances from our foreign subsidiaries could have adverse tax impacts or be subject to capital controls;
however, these balances are generally available to fund the ordinary business operations of our foreign subsidiaries without legal
or other restrictions.
We
believe that our cash on hand and the cash flow that we generate from our operations will not be sufficient to fund our working
capital and capital expenditure requirements, as well as our debt repayments and other liquidity requirements associated with our
existing operations, for the next 12 months. Based on our cash on hand and working capital at
December 31, 2023, we may have insufficient cash to fund planned operations into the third quarter of 2024. This is evident
from our continued efforts to raise capital and leverage external funding to fulfill our capital needs as highlighted below.
Our
primary requirements for liquidity and capital are working capital, debt service related to recent acquisitions and general corporate
needs. Our primary sources of liquidity are our cash on hand and the cash flow that we generate from our operations, as well as proceeds
from equity issuances, such as our June 2022, October 2022 and July 2023 Offerings, each as described and defined
below.
ATM
Program and Shelf Registration Statement
We
formerly used a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) to conduct securities offerings.
In August 2021, we filed a prospectus supplement and established an “at-the-market” equity offering program (the “ATM
Program”) that provided for the sale of shares of our Class A common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $50 million,
from time to time. H
Since
the launch of the ATM program in August 2021 and through December 31, 2022, we sold shares of our Class A common stock which generated
gross proceeds of approximately $12.7 million and we paid fees to the sales agent of approximately $0.4 million. Due to the untimely filing
of certain of our Quarterly and Annual Reports, we are unable to issue additional shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the ATM Program
or otherwise use the Shelf Registration Statement.
53
Common
Stock and Warrant Offerings
On
June 27, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an accredited investor, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and
sell an aggregate of 58,500 shares of our Class A common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 49,500 shares of our Class A common
stock (the “June 2022 Pre-Funded Warrants”) and warrants to purchase up to 108,000 shares of our Class A common stock (the
“June 2022 Standard Warrants” and, together with the June 2022 Pre-Funded Warrants, the “June 2022 Warrants”),
in a registered direct offering (the “June 2022 Offering”). The June 2022 Offering generated gross proceeds of approximately
$5.4 million and net proceeds to the Company of approximately $5.0 million. All June 2022 Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised in July
2022, for de minimis net proceeds.
On
October 27, 2022, we entered into securities purchase agreements with certain investors, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell
an aggregate of 695,555 shares of our Class A common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 137,778 shares of our Class A Common
Stock (the “October 2022 Pre-Funded Warrants”) and warrants to purchase up to 1,666,667 shares of our Class A common stock
(the “October 2022 Standard Warrants”). The October 2022 units were offered pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (the “October 2022 Offering”). The October 2022 Offering generated gross proceeds of approximately $7.5 million and net
proceeds to the Company of approximately $6.8 million.
On
June 29, 2023, we entered into securities purchase agreements with certain investors, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell an
aggregate of 560,476 shares of our Class A common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 3,487,143 shares of our Class A Common
Stock (the “July 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants”) and warrants to purchase up to 8,095,238 shares of our Class A common stock (the
“July 2023 Standard Warrants”). The July 2023 units were offered pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “July
2023 Offering”). The July 2023 Offering generated gross proceeds of approximately $4.3 million and net proceeds to the Company
of approximately $3.8 million and closed on July 3, 2023.
Asset-Based
Loan
On
August 9, 2022, we entered into an asset-based loan agreement dated as of August 8, 2022 (the “Loan Agreement”), which made
available to the Company a term loan of up to $15.0 million. On February 9, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Loan Agreement,
in which we agreed to, among other things, voluntarily prepay approximately $6.6 million (inclusive of early termination fees and expenses)
under the terms provided for under the Loan Agreement and the lenders under the Loan Agreement agreed to release $5.7 million in funds
held in a blocked account pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement.
On
August 7, 2023, we repaid the approximately $4.3 million in aggregate principal amount (the “Loan Repayment”) which remained
outstanding under the terms of the Loan Agreement. As a result of the Loan Repayment, the Company has been released from its obligations
under the Loan Agreement, in accordance with the terms of the Loan Agreement. See “Note 6 - Long Term Debt” for more information.
ERC
Sale
On
February 16, 2023, two of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Warehouse Goods LLC and KIM International LLC, entered into an agreement with
a third-party institutional investor pursuant to which the investor purchased, for approximately $4.85 million in cash, an economic participation
interest, at a discount, in our rights to payment from the United States Internal Revenue Service for certain periods with respect to
the employee retention credits filed by us under the Employee Retention Credit program.
Future
Receivables Financings
In July, August, October , and November
2023, the Company received an aggregate of approximately $3.9 million in cash pursuant to the terms of future receivables financings (collectively,
the “Future Receivables Financings”) entered into with two private lenders. See “Note 6 - Long Term Debt” for
more information.
54
Management
Initiatives
We
have completed several initiatives to optimize our working capital requirements. We launched Groove, a new, innovative Greenlane Brands
product line, and we also rationalized our third-party brands product offering, which enables us
to reduce inventory carrying costs and working capital requirements.
In
April 2023, we entered into two strategic. First, we entered into a strategic partnership (the “MJ Packaging Partnership”) with A&A Global Imports
d/b/a MarijuanaPackaging.com (“MJ Pack”), a provider of packaging solutions to the cannabis industry. Second, we entered into a strategic partnership with an affiliate of one of our existing
vape suppliers (“Vape Partner”) to service certain key customers with vaporizer goods and services (the “Vape Partnership”).
As part of the Vape Partnership, we will introduce our Vape Partner to certain key customers, assist with the promotion and the sale
of certain vaporizer goods and services, and help coordinate the logistics, storage and distribution of such vaporizer products. If our
Vape Partner and key customer(s) enter into a direct relationship, the customers would directly purchase vaporizer goods and services,
which we currently sell them, directly from our Vape Partner and we would no longer need to purchase such vape inventory on behalf of
such key customer(s). In exchange we would earn quarterly and annual commission payments from our strategic partners. While the strategic
partnerships may result in a decrease in top line revenue for these packaging and vape products, these partnerships combined with some
of our other restructuring initiatives should allow us to reduce our overall cost-structure and enhance our margins, thereby improving our balance sheet.
We
have successfully renegotiated supplier partnership terms and are continuing to improve working capital arrangements with suppliers.
We have made progress consolidating and streamlining our office, warehouse, and distribution operations footprint. We have reduced our
workforce by approximately 49% throughout fiscal year 2023 to reduce costs and align with our revenue projections.
We have incurred
net losses of $32.3 million and $182.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the year ended December
31, 2023, cash used in operating activities was $ 1.8
million and cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $26.4 million. The recent macroeconomic
environment has caused weaker demand than contemplated under our business plan, resulting in a reduction in projected revenue and cash
flows for the twelve-month period included in the going concern evaluation.
As
a result of our losses and our projected cash needs, combined with our current liquidity level, substantial doubt exists about the Company’s
ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is contingent upon successful execution
of management’s intended plan over the next twelve months to improve the Company’s liquidity and profitability, which includes,
without limitation:
■
Further reducing operating costs expense by taking additional restructuring actions to align cost with revenue to achieve
profitability.
■
Increasing revenue by introducing new products and acquiring new customers.
■
Execute on strategic partnerships accretive to margins and operating cash
■
Seeking additional capital through the issuance of debt or equity securities.
Our
opinions concerning liquidity are based on currently available information. To the extent this information proves to be inaccurate, or
if circumstances change, future availability of trade credit or other sources of financing may be reduced and our liquidity could be
adversely affected. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including those
described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2023 . Depending on the severity and direct impact of these factors on us, we may be unable
to secure additional financing to meet our operating requirements on terms favorable to us, or at all.
As
of December 31, 2023 ,
we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial
condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.
55
Cash
Flows
The
following summary of cash flows for the periods indicated has been derived from our consolidated financial statements included in Part
II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2023
2022
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$ (1,793 )
$ (26,426 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
30
12,025
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(10,140 )
13,930
Net
Cash Used in Operating Activities
During
2023, net cash used in operating activities of approximately $1.8 million was a result of a net loss of $32.3 million offset by non-cash
adjustments to net loss of $6.5 million, including a $24.0 million increase in cash provided by working capital primarily driven by decreases
in our accrued expenses and accounts payable, and decreases in inventories offset by higher other current assets.
During
2022, net cash used in operating activities of approximately $26.4 million was a result of a net loss of $182.2 million offset by non-cash
adjustments to net loss of $140.6 million, including an impairment charge related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles of $71.4
million, and a $15.2 million increase in cash provided by working capital primarily driven by decreases in our accrued expenses and accounts
payable, and decreases in inventories offset by higher other current assets..
Net
Cash Provided by Investing Activities
During
2023, net cash provided by investing activities of (i) approximately $0.1 million from $1.1 million of cash proceeds from the sale of
certain equity securities investments, offset by approximately $1.0 million of cash used for capital expenditures, including development
costs for our new enterprise resource planning system.
During
2022, net cash provided by investing activities of (i) approximately $12.0 million of cash proceeds from the sale of our assets held
for sale, (ii) approximately $4.6 million of cash proceeds from the disposition of our interests in VIBES, and (iii) approximately $0.6
million of cash proceeds from the sale of certain equity securities investments, offset by approximately $2.8 million of cash used for
capital expenditures, including development costs for our new enterprise resource planning system.
Net
Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
During
2023, net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of (i) approximately $3.9 million of cash proceeds from the issuance
of Class A common stock related to our July 2023 Offering, (ii) approximately $3.9 million of cash proceeds from our future receivables
financing, (iii) $2.1 million of cash proceeds from a secured bridge loan, offset by (iv) approximately $0.3 million of cash used for
contingent consideration payments, (v) and approximately $2.1 million of cash used for repayments related to the Eyce and DaVinci promissory
notes, and (vi) the $15.0 million payoff of asset based lending loans.
During
2022, net cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of (i) approximately $21.1 million of cash proceeds from the issuance
of Class A common stock related to our ATM Program, the June 2022 Offering and the October 2022 Offering, (2) approximately $14.6 million
of cash proceeds from our Asset-Based Loan, offset by debt issuance costs of $1.5 million, and (iii) approximately $0.9 million of cash
used for contingent consideration payments, (iv) and approximately $19.4 million of cash used for repayments related to the Eyce and
DaVinci promissory notes, the payoff of the Real Estate Note, and repayment of our bridge loan.
ITEM
7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not
required.
56
ITEM
8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index
to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Marcum LLP PCAOB ID: 688
F-1
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
F-2
Consolidated
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
F-3
Consolidated
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
F-4
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
F-5
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-6
57
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Greenlane
Holdings, Inc.
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Greenlane Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31,
2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial
statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America .
Going
Concern
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more
fully described in Note 1, the Company has incurred significant losses and needs to raise additional funds to meet its obligations and
sustain its operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s
plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that
might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis
for Opinion
These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s
financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company
is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits
we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our
audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error
or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/
Marcum LLP
Marcum
LLP
We
have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.
Costa
Mesa, CA
July
18, 2024
F- 1
GREENLANE
HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(in
thousands, except par value per share amounts)
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash
$ 463
$ 6,458
Restricted cash
—
5,718
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $ 2,209 and $ 4,826 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively
1,693
6,468
Inventories, net
20,529
40,643
Vendor deposits
3,765
6,296
Other current assets (Note 8)
3,319
11,120
Total current assets
29,769
76,703
Property and equipment, net
2,476
3,962
Operating lease right-of-use assets
1,936
3,442
Other assets
3,912
5,578
Total assets
$ 38,093
$ 89,685
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$ 12,103
$ 14,953
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 8)
3,056
11,882
Customer deposits
2,775
3,983
Current portion of notes payable
7,283
3,185
Current portion of operating leases
866
1,528
Current portion of finance leases
7
128
Total current liabilities
26,090
35,659
Notes payable, less current portion and debt issuance costs, net
—
13,040
Operating leases, less current portion
1,010
1,887
Finance leases, less current portion
—
29
Other liabilities
1
79
Total long-term liabilities
1,011
15,035
Total liabilities
27,101
50,694
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
-
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY*
Preferred stock, $ 0.0001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
—
—
Class A common stock, $ 0.01 par value per share, 600,000 shares authorized, 3,726 shares issued and outstanding as of December
31, 2023; 600,000 shares authorized, and 1,599 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 *
36
15
Class B common stock, $ 0.0001 par value per share, 30,000 shares authorized, and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December
31, 2023; 30,000 shares authorized, and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 *
—
—
Common stock, value
—
—
Additional paid-in capital *
268,132
264,017
Accumulated deficit
( 257,289 )
( 225,114 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
245
55
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Greenlane Holdings, Inc.
11,124
38,973
Non-controlling interest
( 132 )
18
Total stockholders’ equity
10,992
38,991
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 38,093
$ 89,685
* After giving effect
to the Reverse Stock Splits - See Note 9 - Stockholders’ Equity.
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 2
GREENLANE
HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(in
thousands, except per share amounts)
For the for the year ended
December 31,
2023
2022
Net sales
$ 65,373
$ 137,085
Cost of sales
47,547
112,102
Gross profit
17,826
24,983
Operating expenses:
Salaries, benefits and payroll taxes
17,454
31,290
General and administrative
24,213
41,000
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles impairment charge
—
71,360
Definite-lived intangibles impairment charge
—
50,694
Property and equipment impairment charge
—
7,336
Depreciation and amortization
2,243
7,405
Total operating expenses
43,910
209,085
Loss from operations
( 26,084 )
( 184,102 )
Other (expense) income, net:
Interest expense
( 5,450 )
( 2,450 )
Employee retention credits
—
4,854
Other expense, net
( 791 )
( 541 )
Total other (expense) income, net
( 6,241 )
1,863
Loss before income taxes
( 32,325 )
( 182,239 )
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
—
( 13 )
Net loss
( 32,325 )
( 182,226 )
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
( 150 )
( 12,717 )
Net loss attributable to Greenlane Holdings, Inc.
$ ( 32,175 )
$ ( 169,509 )
Net loss attributable to Class A common stock per share - basic and diluted (Note 9)*
$ ( 8.16 )
$ ( 22.51 )
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic and diluted (Note 9)*
3,993
753
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
190
( 211 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instrument
—
26
Comprehensive loss
( 32,135 )
( 182,411 )
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest
( 150 )
( 12,633 )
Comprehensive loss attributable to Greenlane Holdings, Inc.
$ ( 31,985 )
$ ( 169,778 )
* After giving effect
to the Reverse Stock Splits - See Note 9 - Stockholders’ Equity.
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 3
GREENLANE
HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in
thousands)
*
*
*
Class A
Common Stock
Class B
Common Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Accumulated
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Non-
Controlling
Total
Stockholders’
Shares*
Amount*
Shares*
Amount*
Capital*
Deficit
Income (Loss)
Interest
Equity
Balance December 31, 2021
426
$ 4
109
$ —
$ 229,744
$ ( 55,544 )
$ 324
$ 21,836
$ 196,364
Net loss
—
—
—
—
—
( 169,509 )
—
( 12,717 )
( 182,226 )
Equity-based compensation
11
—
—
—
1,411
—
—
259
1,670
Issuance of Class A shares, net of costs - ATM Program
85
1
—
—
9,024
—
—
—
9,025
Issuance of Class A shares - contingent consideration
19
—
—
—
3,486
—
—
—
3,486
Issuance of Class A shares, net of costs - June 2022 Offering
59
1
—
—
5,039
—
—
—
5,040
Issuance of Class A shares, net of costs - October 2022 Offering
833
8
—
—
7,002
—
—
—
7,010
Issuance of Class A shares - Amended Eyce APA (Note 3)
7
—
—
—
657
—
—
—
657
Issuance of Class A common stock and pre-funded warrants, net of costs
50
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Reclassification adjustment for gain included in net loss (Note 4)
—
—
—
—
—
—
( 332 )
—
( 332 )
VIBES disposition / deconsolidation (Note 3)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
( 1,789 )
( 1,789 )
Exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock
109
1
( 109 )
—
7,654
—
—
( 7,655 )
—
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
—
—
63
84
147
Other
—
—
—
—
—
( 61 )
—
—
( 61 )
Balance December 31, 2022
1,599
$ 15
—
$ —
$ 264,017
$ ( 225,114 )
$ 55
$ 18
$ 38,991
Balance
1,599
$ 15
—
$ —
$ 264,017
$ ( 225,114 )
$ 55
$ 18
$ 38,991
Net loss
—
—
—
—
—
( 32,175 )
—
( 150 )
( 32,325 )
Equity-based compensation
( 1 )
—
—
—
60
—
—
—
60
Issuance of Class A shares - Amended Eyce APA (Note 3)
—
—
—
—
225
—
—
—
225
Issuance of Class A shares (Note 9)
2,128
22
—
—
3,831
—
—
—
3,852
Issuance of Class A shares, net of costs
2,128
22
-
-
3,831
-
-
-
3,852
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
—
—
190
—
190
Balance December 31, 2023
3,726
$ 36
—
$ —
$ 268,132
$ ( 257,289 )
$ 245
$ ( 132 )
$ 10,992
Balance
3,726
$ 36
—
$ —
$ 268,132
$ ( 257,289 )
$ 245
$ ( 132 )
$ 10,992
* After giving effect
to the Reverse Stock Splits - See Note 9 - Stockholders’ Equity.
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 4
GREENLANE
HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in
thousands)
For the year ended December 31,
2023
2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss (including amounts attributable to non-controlling interest)
$ ( 32,325 )
$ ( 182,226 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
2,243
7,405
Equity-based compensation expense
284
2,298
Goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles impairment charge
—
71,360
Definite-lived intangibles impairment charge
—
50,694
Property and equipment impairment charge
—
7,336
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
262
509
Write-off of Eyce 2022 Contingent Payment in conjunction with the Amended Eyce APA
—
( 267 )
Change in provision for credit losses
188
3,311
Gain related to indemnification asset
—
( 2,018 )
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
118
1,398
Gain on disposal of held-for-sale assets
—
( 705 )
Gain related to VIBES disposition / deconsolidation (Note 3)
—
( 2,062 )
Unrealized loss on equity investments
629
1,214
Realized gain on interest rate swap contract
—
( 408 )
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount
2,820
644
Other
—
( 124 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:
Decrease in accounts receivable
4,586
4,910
Decrease in inventories
20,113
26,345
Decrease in vendor deposits
2,531
7,899
Decrease (increase) in other current assets
7,769
( 2,595 )
Decrease in accounts payable
( 2,770 )
( 6,459 )
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities
( 7,032 )
( 10,944 )
Decrease in customer deposits
( 1,208 )
( 3,941 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 1,793 )
( 26,426 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from VIBES disposition (Note 3)
—
4,567
Purchase of property and equipment, net
( 1,007 )
( 2,784 )
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale
—
9,593
Proceeds from sale of equity investments
1,037
649
Net cash provided by investing activities
30
12,025
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock, net of issuance costs
3,852
21,075
Proceeds from (repayment of) Asset-Based Loan
( 15,000 )
14,550
Proceeds from Secured Bridge Loan, net of costs
2,090
—
Debt issuance costs
( 751 )
( 1,472 )
Repayment of loan against future accounts receivable
( 1,721 )
—
Proceeds from future receivables financing
3,894
—
Payments on Eyce and DaVinci promissory notes
( 2,133 )
( 3,407 )
Payments on Real Estate Note
—
( 7,958 )
Repayment of Bridge Loan
—
( 8,000 )
Proceeds from termination of interest rate swap
—
145
Purchase consideration paid for Eyce and DaVinci acquisition
( 350 )
( 875 )
Other
( 21 )
( 128 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
( 10,140 )
13,930
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash
190
( 210 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
( 11,713 )
( 681 )
Cash and cash equivalents, as of beginning of the year
12,176
12,857
Cash and cash equivalents, as of end of year
$ 463
$ 12,176
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 5
GREENLANE
HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(in
thousands)
Reconciliation
of cash and restricted cash to condensed consolidated balance sheets:
For the year ended December 31,
2023
2022
Beginning of the period
Cash
$ 6,458
$ 12,857
Restricted cash
5,718
—
Total cash and restricted cash, beginning of period
$ 12,176
$ 12,857
End of the period
Cash
$ 463
$ 6,458
Restricted cash
—
5,718
Total cash and restricted cash, end of period
$ 463
$ 12,176
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest
$ 4,495
$ 2,251
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
$ —
$ 76
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
$ 1,353
$ 2,659
Non-cash investing activities and financing activities:
Issuance of Class A common stock, warrants, and stock options for business acquisitions
$ —
$ 3,486
Non-cash purchases of property and equipment
$ 133
$ 909
Decrease in non-controlling interest as a result of exchanges for Class A common stock
$ —
$ ( 7,655 )
Decrease in non-controlling interest as a result of VIBES disposition
$ —
$ ( 1,789 )
Transfer from contingent consideration to notes payable
$ 1,650
$ —
Transfer from accrued expenses to notes payable
$ 437
$ —
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 6
GREENLANE
HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE
1. BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND ORGANIZATION
Organization
Greenlane
Holdings, Inc. (“Greenlane” and, collectively with the Operating Company (as defined below) and its consolidated subsidiaries,
the “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our”) was formed as a Delaware corporation on May 2,
2018. We are a holding company that was formed for the purpose of completing an underwritten initial public offering (“IPO”)
of shares of our Class A common stock, $ 0.01 par value per share (“Class A common stock”), in order to carry on the business
of Greenlane Holdings, LLC (the “Operating Company”). The Operating Company was organized under the laws of the state of
Delaware on September 1, 2015, and is based in Boca Raton, Florida. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to the “Company”
refer to us, and our consolidated subsidiaries, including the Operating Company.
We
merchandise premium cannabis accessories, child-resistant packaging, specialty vaporization solutions and lifestyle products in the United
States, Canada, Europe and Latin America, serving a diverse and expansive customer base with thousands of retail locations, licensed
cannabis dispensaries, smoke shops, multi-state operators (“MSOs”), specialty retailers, and retail consumers through both
our e-commerce platforms and our flagship Higher Standards store in New York City’s famed Chelsea Market.
We have been developing a portfolio of our own proprietary brands (the
“Greenlane Brands”) that we believe will, over time, deliver higher margins and create long-term value for our customers and
shareholders. Our wholly-owned Greenlane Brands includes Groove – our recently launched more affordable product line and Higher
Standards – our premium smoke shop and ancillary product brand, and our award winning Vapor.com website and brand. We also have
category exclusive licenses for the premium Marley Natural branded products, as well as the K.Haring branded products.
We
are the sole manager of the Operating Company and our principal asset is Common Units of the Operating Company (“Common Units”).
As the sole manager of the Operating Company, we operate and control all of the business and affairs of the Operating Company, and we
conduct our business through the Operating Company and its subsidiaries. We have a board of directors and executive officers, but no
employees. All of our assets are held and all of the employees are employed by wholly owned subsidiaries of the Operating Company.
We
have the sole voting interest in, and control the management of, the Operating Company, and we have the obligation to absorb losses of,
and receive benefits from, the Operating Company, that could be significant. We determined that the Operating Company is a variable interest
entity (“VIE”) and that we are the primary beneficiary of the Operating Company. Accordingly, pursuant to the VIE accounting
model, beginning in the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2019, we consolidated the Operating Company in our consolidated financial statements
and reported a non-controlling interest related to the Common Units held by the members of the Operating Company (other than the Common
Units held by us) on our consolidated financial statements.
On
August 31, 2021, we completed our previously announced merger with KushCo Holdings, Inc. (“KushCo”) and have included the
results of operations of KushCo in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss from that date forward. In connection
with the merger with KushCo, the Greenlane Certificate of Incorporation was amended and restated (the “A&R Charter”)
in order to (i) increase the number of authorized shares of Greenlane Class B common stock, $ 0.0001 par value per share (the “Class
B Common stock”), from 10 million shares to 30 million shares in order to effect the conversion of each outstanding share of Class
C common stock, $ 0.0001 par value per share (the “Class C common stock”), into one-third of one share of Class B common stock,
(ii) increase the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock from 125 million shares to 600 million shares, and (iii) eliminate
references to the Class C common stock. Pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 31, 2021 (the “Merger
Agreement”) with KushCo, immediately prior to the consummation of the business combination, holders of Class C common stock received
one-third of one share of Class B common stock for each share of Class C common stock held immediately prior to the closing of the merger.
Our
corporate structure is commonly referred to as an “Up-C” structure. The Up-C structure allows the Operating Company to continue
to realize tax benefits associated with owning interests in an entity that is treated as a partnership, or “pass-through”
entity. One of these benefits is that future taxable income of the Operating Company that is allocated to its members will be taxed on
a flow-through basis and therefore will not be subject to corporate taxes at the Operating Company entity level. Additionally, because
a member may redeem their Common Units for shares of Class A common stock on a one -for-one basis or, at our option, for cash, the Up-C
structure also provides the member with potential liquidity that holders of non-publicly traded limited liability companies are not typically
afforded.
F- 7
In
connection with the IPO, we entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement (the “TRA”) with the Operating Company and the Operating
Company’s members and a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the Operating Company’s
members. The TRA provides for the payment by us to the Operating Company’s member(s) of 85.0 % of the amount of tax benefits, if
any, that we may actually realize (or in some cases, are deemed to realize) as a result of (i) the step-up in tax basis in our share
of the Operating Company’s assets resulting from the redemption of Common Units under the mechanism described above and (ii) certain
other tax benefits attributable to payments made under the TRA. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we have agreed to register
the resale of shares of Class A common stock that are issuable to the Operating Company’s members upon redemption or exchange of
their Common Units.
The
A&R Charter and the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the Operating Company (the “Operating Agreement”)
require that (a) we at all times maintain a ratio of one Common Unit owned by us for each share of our Class A common stock issued by
us (subject to certain exceptions), and (b) the Operating Company at all times maintains (i) a one -to-one ratio between the number of
shares of our Class A common stock issued by us and the number of Common Units owned by us, and (ii) a one -to-one ratio between the number
of shares of our Class B common stock owned by the non-founder members of the Operating Company and the number of Common Units owned
by the non-founder members of the Operating Company.
As
of December 31, 2022, all Common Units of the Operating Company and Class B common stock had been exchanged for Class A common stock,
and we owned 100 % of the voting and economic interests in Greenlane through the holders’ ownership of Class A common stock. See
“Note 9 - Stockholder’s Equity.”
Reverse
Stock Splits
On
August 4, 2022, we filed a Certificate of Amendment (the
“Certificate of Amendment”) to the A&R Charter with the Secretary of State of the
State for Delaware (the “SSSD”), which effected a one-for-twenty reverse stock split (the “2022 Reverse Stock Split”)
of our issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock (collectively, the “Common Stock”)
at 5:01 PM Eastern Time on August 9, 2022. As a result of the 2022 Reverse Stock Split, every 20 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding
were converted into one share of Common Stock. We paid cash in lieu of fractional shares, and accordingly, no fractional shares were
issued in connection with the 2022 Reverse Stock Split.
On
June 2, 2023, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to the A&R Charter with the SSSD, which effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split
(the “2023 Reverse Stock Split” and together with the 2022 Reverse Stock Split, the “Reverse Stock Splits”) of
our issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock at 5:01 PM Eastern Time on June 5, 2023. As a result of the 2023 Reverse Stock Split,
every ten shares of common stock issued and outstanding were converted into one share of common stock. We paid cash in lieu of fractional
shares, and accordingly, no fractional shares were issued in connection with the 2023 Reverse Stock Split.
The
Reverse Stock Splits did not change the par value of the Common Stock or the authorized number of shares of Common Stock. All outstanding
options, restricted stock awards, warrants and other securities entitling their holders to purchase or otherwise receive shares of our
Common Stock have been adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Splits, as required by the terms of each security. The number of shares
available to be awarded under our Amended and Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan have also been appropriately adjusted. See “Note
10 — Compensation Plans” for more information.
All
share and per share amounts in these consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted for all periods
presented to give effect to the Reverse Stock Splits, including reclassifying an amount equal to the reduction in par value of Common
Stock to additional paid-in capital.
Liquidity
and Going Concern
Pursuant
to ASC 205-40, Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (“ASC 205-40”), management must evaluate whether
there are conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue
as a going concern for one year after the date that these condensed consolidated financial statements are issued. In accordance with
ASC 205-40, management’s analysis can only include the potential mitigating impact of management’s plans that have not been
fully implemented as of the issuance date if (a) it is probable that management’s plans will be effectively implemented on a timely
basis, and (b) it is probable that the plans, when implemented, will alleviate the relevant conditions or events that raise substantial
doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Our
primary requirements for liquidity and capital are working capital, debt service related to recent acquisitions and general corporate
needs. Our primary sources of liquidity are our cash on hand and the cash flow that we generate from our operations, as well as proceeds
from equity issuances, such as our June 2022, October 2022, and July 2023 offerings, each as described and defined
below.
F- 8
ATM
Program and Shelf Registration Statement
We formerly
used a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Shelf Registr ation Statement”) to conduct securities offerings
from time to time in order to meet our liquidity needs. In August 2021, we filed a prospectus supplement and established an “at-the-market”
equity offering program (the “ATM Program”) that provided for the sale of shares of our Class A common stock having an aggregate
offering price of up to $50 million, from time to time.
Since the launch of the ATM program in August 2021
and through December 31, 2022, we sold shares of our Class A common stock which generated gross proceeds of approximately $ 12.7 million
and we paid fees to the sales agent of approximately $ 0.4 million. Due to the untimely filing of certain of our Quarterly and Annual Reports
3, we are unable to issue additional shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the ATM Program or otherwise use the Shelf Registration
Statement, which will limit our liquidity options in the capital markets
Common
Stock and Warrant Offerings.
On
June 27, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an accredited investor, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and
sell an aggregate of 585,000 shares of our Class A common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 495,000 shares of our Class A
common stock (the “June 2022 Pre-Funded Warrants”) and warrants to purchase up to 1,080,000 shares of our Class A common
stock (the “June 2022 Standard Warrants” and, together with the June 2022 Pre-Funded Warrants, the “June 2022 Warrants”),
in a registered direct offering (the “June 2022 Offering”). The June 2022 Offering generated gross proceeds of approximately
$ 5.4 million and net proceeds to the Company of approximately $ 5.0 million. All June 2022 Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised in July
2022, for de minimis net proceeds.
On
October 27, 2022, we entered into securities purchase agreements with certain investors, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell
an aggregate of 695,555 shares of our Class A common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 137,778 shares of our Class A Common
Stock (the “October 2022 Pre-Funded Warrants”) and warrants to purchase up to 1,666,667 shares of our Class A common stock
(the “October 2022 Standard Warrants”). The October 2022 units were offered pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (the “October 2022 Offering”). The October 2022 Offering generated gross proceeds of approximately $ 7.5 million and net
proceeds to the Company of approximately $ 6.8 million.
On
June 29, 2023, we entered into securities purchase agreements with certain investors, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell an
aggregate of 560,476 shares of our Class A common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 3,487,143 shares of our Class A Common
Stock (the “July 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants”) and warrants to purchase up to 8,095,238 shares of our Class A common stock (the
“July 2023 Standard Warrants”). The July 2023 units were offered pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “July
2023 Offering”). The July 2023 Offering generated gross proceeds of approximately $ 4.3 million and net proceeds to the Company
of approximately $ 3.8 million and closed on July 3, 2023.
Asset-Based
Loan
On
August 9, 2022, we entered into an asset-based loan agreement dated as of August 8, 2022 (the “Loan Agreement”), which made
available to the Company a term loan of up to $ 15.0 million. On February 9, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Loan Agreement,
in which we agreed to, among other things, voluntarily prepay approximately $ 6.6 million (inclusive of early termination fees and expenses)
under the terms provided for under the Loan Agreement and the lenders under the Loan Agreement agreed to release $ 5.7 million in funds
held in a blocked account pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement.
On
August 7, 2023, we repaid the approximately $ 4.3 million in aggregate principal amount (the “Loan Repayment”) which remained
outstanding under the terms of the Loan Agreement. As a result of the Loan Repayment, the Company has been released from its obligations
under the Loan Agreement, in accordance with the terms of the Loan Agreement. See “Note 6 - Long Term Debt” for more information.
F- 9
ERC
Sale
On
February 16, 2023, two of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Warehouse Goods LLC and Kim International LLC, entered into an agreement with
a third-party institutional investor pursuant to which the investor purchased, for approximately $ 4.9 million in cash, an economic participation
interest, at a discount, in our rights to payment from the United States Internal Revenue Service for certain periods with respect to
the employee retention credits filed by us under the Employee Retention Credit program.
Future Receivables
Financing
In July, August, October, and
November 2023, the Company received an aggregate of approximately $ 3.9 million in cash pursuant to the terms of future receivables
financings (collectively, the “Future Receivables Financings”) entered into with two private lenders. See “Note 6
- Long Term Debt” for more information.
Management
Initiatives
We have completed several initiatives to optimize our working capital
requirements. We launched Groove, a new, innovative Greenlane Brands product line, and we also rationalized and improved our third-party
brands product offering, which enabled us to reduce inventory carrying costs and working capital requirements while increasing our offerings.
In April 2023, we entered into two
strategic partnership. First, we entered into a strategic partnership (the “MJ Packaging Partnership”) with A&A Global Imports
d/b/a MarijuanaPackaging.com (“MJ Pack”), a leading provider of packaging solutions to the cannabis industry. Second, we
entered into a strategic partnership with an affiliate of one of our existing vape suppliers (“Vape Partner”) to service
certain key customers with vaporizer goods and services (the “Vape Partnership”). As part of the Vape Partnership, we
will introduce our Vape Partner to certain key customers, assist with the promotion and the sale of certain vaporizer goods and
services, and help coordinate the logistics, storage and distribution of such vaporizer products. If our Vape Partner and key
customer(s) enter into a direct relationship, the customers would directly purchase vaporizer goods and services, which we currently
sell them, directly from our Vape Partner and we would no longer need to purchase such vape inventory on behalf of such key
customer(s). In exchange we would earn quarterly and annual commission payments from our strategic partners. While the strategic
partnerships may result in a decrease in top line revenue for these packaging and vape products, these partnerships combined with
some of our other restructuring initiatives should allow us to reduce our overall cost-structure and enhance our margins, thereby
improving our balance sheet.
We
have successfully renegotiated supplier partnership terms and are continuing to improve working capital arrangements with suppliers.
We have made progress consolidating and streamlining our office, warehouse, and distribution operations footprint. We have reduced our
workforce significantly to reduce costs and align with our revenue projections.
The
Company has incurred net losses of $ 32.3
million and $ 182.2
million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, cash used in
operating activities were $ 1.8
million and $ 26.4
million, respectively. The recent macroeconomic environment has caused weaker demand than contemplated under the Company’s business plan,
resulting in a reduction in projected revenue and cash flows for the twelve-month period included in the going concern
evaluation.
As
a result of our losses and our projected cash needs, combined with our current liquidity level, substantial doubt exists about the Company’s
ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is contingent upon successful execution
of management’s intended plan over the next twelve months to improve the Company’s liquidity and profitability, which includes,
without limitation:
■Further reducing operating costs expense by taking additional restructuring actions to align cost with revenue to achieve
profitability.
■Increasing revenue by introducing new products and acquiring new customers.
■Execute on strategic partnerships accretive to margins and operating cash
■Seeking additional capital through the issuance of debt or equity securities.
The
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of this going concern uncertainty.
F- 10
NOTE
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis
of Presentation
Our
audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-K and Article 8 of Regulation S-X.
Principles
of Consolidation
Our
consolidated financial statements include our accounts, the accounts of the Operating Company, and the accounts of the Operating Company’s
consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use
of Estimates
Conformity
with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements
and accompanying notes. These estimates form the basis for judgments we make about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities,
which are not readily apparent from other sources. We base our estimates and judgments on historical information and on various other
assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments in several
areas. Such areas include, but are not limited to the following: the collectability of accounts receivable; the allowance f or
slow-moving or obsolete inventory; the realizability of deferred tax assets; the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements;
the useful lives property and equipment; the calculation of our VAT taxes receivable and VAT taxes, fines, and penalties payable; our
loss contingencies, including our TRA liability; and the valuation and assumptions underlying equity-based compensation. These estimates
are based on management’s knowledge about current events and expectations about actions we may undertake in the future. The actual
results could differ materially from those estimates.
Segment
Reporting
We
manage our global business operations through our operating and reportable business segments. As of December 31, 2023, we had two reportable
operating business segments: Industrial Goods and Consumer Goods. Our reportable segments have been identified based on how our chief
operating decision maker (“CODM”), which is a committee comprised of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and
our Chief Financial and Legal Officer (“CFO”), manages our business, makes resource allocation and evaluates operating decisions,
and evaluate operating performance. See “Note 12—Segment Reporting.”
Business
Combinations
Our
business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations
(“ASC 805”). Under the acquisition method, we recognize 100% of the assets we acquire and liabilities we assume, regardless
of the percentage we own, at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair
value of the net assets and other identifiable intangible assets we acquire is recorded as goodwill. To the extent the fair value of
the net assets we acquire, including other identifiable assets, exceeds the purchase price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. The
assets we acquire, and liabilities we assume from contingencies, are recognized at fair value if we can readily determine the fair value
during the measurement period. The operating results of businesses we acquire are included in our consolidated statement of operations
from the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. See “Note 3— Business Acquisitions.”
Equity-Based
Compensation
We
account for equity-based compensation grants of equity awards to employees in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock
Compensation. This standard requires us to measure compensation expense based on the estimated fair value of share-based awards on the
grant date and recognize as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. We estimate the fair value
of stock options using the Black-Scholes model on the grant date. The Black-Scholes model requires us to use several variables to estimate
the grant-date fair value of our equity-based compensation awards including expected term, expected volatility and risk-free interest
rates. Our equity-based compensation costs are recognized using a graded vesting schedule. For liability-classified awards, we record
fair value adjustments up to and including the settlement date. Changes in the fair value of our equity-based compensation liability
that occur during the requisite service period are recognized as compensation cost over the vesting period. Changes in the fair value
of the equity-based compensation liability that occur after the end of the requisite service period but before settlement, are recognized
as compensation cost of the period in which the change occurs. We account for forfeitures as they occur. See “Note 10—Compensation
Plans.”
F- 11
Loss
Contingencies
Certain
conditions may exist which may result in a loss to us, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to
occur. Management assesses such contingent liabilities and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing
loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against us, or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings,
we evaluate the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief
sought or expected to be sought therein.
If
the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability
is estimable, the liability would be accrued in our consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially
material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, the nature of the contingent
liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss, if determinable and material, would be disclosed.
Loss
contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed. Unasserted claims that are not considered probable of being asserted and
those for which an unfavorable outcome is not reasonably possible have not been disclosed.
Fair
Value Measurements
We
apply the provisions of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements , which defines fair value, establishes a framework for its measurement
and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price we would receive for an asset or an
exit price we would pay to transfer a liability in the principal, or most advantageous, market for our asset or liability in an orderly
transaction with a market participant on the measurement date. We determine the fair market values of our financial instruments based
on the fair value hierarchy, which requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when
measuring fair value. The following three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:
Level
1 — Observable inputs such as unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement
date.
Level
2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets
that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full
term of the assets or liabilities.
Level
3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets
or liabilities.
The
carrying amounts of our financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and short-term
debt, are carried at historical cost basis, which approximates their fair values because of their short-term nature. The fair value of
our long-term debt is the estimated amount we would have to pay to repurchase the debt, inclusive of any premium or discount attributable
to the difference between the stated interest rate and market rate of interest at each balance sheet date. On a recurring basis, we measure and record contingent consideration
using fair value measurements in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. See “Note 4—Fair Value of Financial
Instruments.”
We
also own equity securities of private entities, which do not have readily determinable fair values. We elected to measure these equity
securities at cost minus impairment, if any. At each reporting period, we make a qualitative assessment considering impairment indicators
to evaluate whether our investment is impaired. The equity securities are adjusted to fair value when an observable price change can
be identified. See “Note 4—Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”
Cash
For
purposes of reporting cash flows, we consider cash on hand, checking accounts, and savings accounts to be cash. We also consider all
highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. We place
our cash with high credit quality financial institutions, which provide insurance through the Federal Deposit Insurance Company. At times,
the balance in our accounts may exceed federally insured limits. We perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these
institutions and do not expect any losses related to such concentrations. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, approximately $ 0.1 million
and $ 0.8 million, respectively, of our cash balances were in foreign bank accounts and uninsured. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022,
we had no cash equivalents.
Restricted
Cash
Restricted
cash represents principally cash reserves that are maintained pursuant to the governing agreement of the Asset-Based Loan discussed in
“Note 6 - Debt.”
F- 12
Accounts
Receivable, net
Accounts
receivable represent amounts due from customers for merchandise sales and are recorded when revenue is earned and are carried at the
original invoiced amount less an allowance for any expected credit loss. An account is considered past due when payment has not been
rendered by its due date based upon the terms of the sale. Generally, accounts receivable are due thirty days after the billing date.
We maintain an allowance for credit losses to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivable amounts. In evaluating our ability to
collect outstanding receivable balances, we consider various factors including the age of the balance, the creditworthiness of the customer,
the customer’s current financial condition, current economic conditions, and other factors that may affect our ability to collect
from customers. We write off accounts as uncollectible on a case-by-case basis. We pledge accounts receivable as collateral for our long-term
debt, see “Note 6—Debt.”
Inventories,
net
Inventories
consist of finished goods that we value at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a weighted average cost basis for the majority
of the inventory. We established an allowance for slow-moving or obsolete inventory based upon assumptions about future demands and market
conditions. At December 31, 2023, and 2022, the reserve for obsolescence was approximately $ 9.5 million and $ 21.4 million, respectively.
We pledge inventory as collateral for our long-term debt, see “Note 6— Debt.”
Vendor
Deposits
Vendor
deposits represent prepayments we make to vendors for inventory purchases. A significant number of vendors require us to prepay for inventory
purchases.
Customs
Bonds
The
Company is required to obtain customs bonds to import goods into the United States to provide security for payment of duties, taxes and
other fees incurred as a result of importing goods. Customs bonds are included in “Other current assets” in our consolidated
balance sheets, see “Note 8 - Supplemental Financial Statement Information.”
Assets
Held for Sale
We
generally consider assets to be held for sale when (i) we commit to a plan to sell the assets, (ii) the assets are available for immediate
sale in their present condition, (iii) we have initiated an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the
plan to sell the assets, (iv) consummation of the planned sale transaction is probable, (v) the assets are being actively marketed for
sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to their current fair value, (vi) the transaction is expected to qualify for recognition
as a completed sale, within one year, and (vii) significant changes to or withdrawal of the plan is unlikely. Following the classification
of any depreciable assets within a disposal group as held for sale, we discontinue depreciating the asset and write down the asset to
the lower of carrying value or fair market value less cost to sell, if needed.
Property
and Equipment, net
We
state property and equipment at cost or, if acquired through a business combination, fair value at the date of acquisition. We calculate
depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, except for our leasehold
improvements, which are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or their related lease term. Upon the sale or retirement
of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts and the resulting gain or loss is credited or
charged to income. We expense costs for repairs and maintenance when incurred. Property and equipment includes assets recorded under
finance leases, see “Note 5—Leases.” We pledge property and equipment as collateral for our long-term debt, see “Note
6—Long Term Debt.”
Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets
We
assess the recoverability of the carrying amount of our long lived-assets, including property and equipment and finite-lived intangibles,
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. An impairment
loss would be assessed when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the operation and disposition of the asset group are less than
the carrying amount of the asset group. Asset groups have identifiable cash flows and are largely independent of other asset groups.
Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value.
Changes
in our future operations and business lines could affect the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the operation of certain long-lived
assets, such as customer relationships, and may give rise to impairment losses in future periods.
Investments
in Equity Securities
Our
investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair value consist of ownership interests in Airgraft Inc., Sun Grown Packaging,
LLC (“Sun Grown”) and Vapor Dosing Technologies, Inc. (“VIVA”). We determined that our ownership interests do
not provide us with significant influence over the operations of these investments. Accordingly, we account for our investments in these
entities as equity securities. Airgraft Inc., Sun Grown, and VIVA are private entities and their equity securities do not have a readily
determinable fair value. We elected to measure these securities under the measurement alternative election at cost minus impairment,
if any, with adjustments through earnings for observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment
of the same issuer. Investments in equity securities are included within “Other assets” in our consolidated balance sheets.
See “Note 4—Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”
F- 13
Vendor
Incentives and Rebates
Sales
incentives we receive in the form of payments from vendors solely to reimburse us for acting as the vendors’ agent in redeeming
a sales incentive that is between our vendor and our customers and end consumers are included in net sales in the consolidated statements
of operations and comprehensive loss.
We
also have agreements with certain vendors to receive volume rebates which are dependent upon reaching minimum purchase thresholds. When
volume rebates can be reasonably estimated and it is probable that minimum purchase thresholds will be met, we record a portion of the
rebate when or as we make progress towards the purchase threshold. Amounts received from vendors relating to volume rebates are considered
a reduction of the carrying value of our inventory and, therefore, such amounts are ultimately recorded as a reduction of cost of goods
sold in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Foreign
Currency Translation
Our
consolidated financial statements are presented in United States (U.S.) dollars. The functional currency of one of the Operating Company’s
wholly-owned, Canada-based, subsidiaries is the Canadian dollar. The functional currency of the Operating Company’s wholly-owned,
Netherlands-based subsidiary is the Euro. The assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at current
exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and an appropriate average exchange rate for each applicable period
within our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange
rates when the capital transactions occurred. The foreign currency translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive
loss, a separate component of stockholders’ deficit in our consolidated balance sheets. Other exchange gains and losses are reported
within our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
Comprehensive
(loss) income includes net (loss) income as currently reported by us, adjusted for other comprehensive items. Other comprehensive items
consist of foreign currency translation gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments that qualify
as hedges.
Advertising
We
expense advertising costs as incurred and include them in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations
and comprehensive loss. Advertising costs were approximately $ 1.2 million and $ 2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, and
2022, respectively.
Income
Taxes
We
are a corporation subject to income taxes in the United States. Certain subsidiaries of the Operating Company are taxable separately
from us. Our proportional share of the Operating Company’s subsidiaries’ provisions are included in our consolidated financial
statements.
As
of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we hold all the outstanding Common Units in the Operating Company and are the sole member. As a
result, starting in 2023, 100% of the Operating Company’s US and state income and expenses will be included in our US and
state tax returns.
Our
deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the tax basis and financial statement amounts that will
result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. We compute deferred balances based on enacted tax laws and applicable rates for
the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized for deferred tax assets
if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making such a determination,
we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected
future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent
operations.
If we determine we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance had been recorded, then we would
adjust the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce our provision for income taxes.
We
evaluate the tax positions taken on income tax returns that remain open and positions expected to be taken on the current year tax returns
to identify uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions are recorded on the basis of a two-step process
in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits
of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit
that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized is recognized. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded
in income tax benefit. We have no uncertain tax positions that qualify for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. See “Note
11—Income Taxes.”
F- 14
Tax
Receivable Agreement (TRA)
We
entered into the TRA with the Operating Company and each of the members of the Operating Company that provides for the payment by the
Operating Company to the members of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that we may actually realize (or in some circumstances
are deemed to realize) as a result of (i) increases in tax basis resulting from any future redemptions that are funded by us or exchanges
of Common Units as described above in “Note 1—Business Operations and Organization” and (ii) certain other tax benefits
attributable to payments made under the TRA.
We
compute annual tax benefits by calculating the income taxes due, including such tax benefits, and the income taxes due without such benefits.
The Operating Company expects to benefit from the remaining 15% of any tax benefits that it may actually realize. The TRA payments are
not conditioned upon any continued ownership interest in the Operating Company. The rights of each noncontrolling interest holder under
the TRA are assignable to transferees of its interest in the Operating Company. The timing and amount of aggregate payments due under
the TRA may vary based on a number of factors, including the amount and timing of the taxable income the Operating Company generates
each year and the applicable tax rate.
We
periodically evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax assets resulting from the exchange of Common Units for our Class A common
stock. If the deferred tax assets are determined to be realizable, we then assess whether payment of amounts under the TRA have become
probable. If so, we record a TRA liability equal to 85% of such deferred tax assets. In subsequent periods, we assess the realizability
of all of deferred tax assets subject to the TRA. If we determine that a deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance is realizable
in a subsequent period, the related valuation allowance will be released and consideration of a corresponding TRA liability will be assessed.
The realizability of deferred tax assets, including those subject to the TRA, is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income
during the periods in which those deferred tax assets become deductible and consideration of prudent and feasible tax-planning strategies.
The
measurement of the TRA is accounted for as a contingent liability. Therefore, once we determine that a payment to a member of the Operating
Company has become probable and can be estimated, the estimated payment will be accrued. See “Note 11—Income Taxes.”
Revenue
Recognition
Revenue
is recognized when customers obtain control of goods and services promised by us. Revenue is measured based on the amount of consideration
that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services, reduced by promotional discounts and estimates for return allowances
and refunds. Taxes collected from customers for remittance to governmental authorities are excluded from net sales.
We
generate revenue primarily from the sale of finished products to customers, whereby each product unit represents a single
performance obligation. We recognize revenue from product sales when the customer has obtained control of the products, which is
either at point of sale or delivery to the customer, depending upon the specific terms and conditions of the arrangement, or at the
point of sale for our retail store sales. We provide no warranty on products sold. Product warranty is provided by the
manufacturers. For certain product offerings such as child-resistant packaging, closed-system vaporization solutions and
custom-branded retail products, we may receive a deposit from the customer (generally 25 %
- 50 %
of the total order cost, but the amount can vary by customer contract) when an order is placed by a customer. We typically complete
these orders within one to six months from the date of order, depending on the complexity of the customization and the size of the
order, but the completion timeline can vary by product type and terms of sales with each customer. See “Note
8—Supplemental Financial Statement Information” for a summary of changes to our customer deposits liability balance
during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
We
estimate product returns based on historical experience and record them as a refund liability that reduces the net sales for the period.
We analyze actual historical returns, current economic trends and changes in order volume when evaluating the adequacy of our sales returns
allowance in any reporting period. Our liability for returns, which is included within “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities”
in our consolidated balance sheets, was approximately $ 0.1 million and $ 0.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
We
elected to account for shipping and handling expenses that occur after the customer has obtained control of products as a fulfillment
activity in cost of sales. Shipping and handling fees charged to customers are included in net sales upon completion of our performance
obligations. We apply the practical expedient provided for by the applicable revenue recognition guidance by not adjusting the transaction
price for significant financing components for periods less than one year. We also apply the practical expedient provided by the applicable
revenue recognition guidance based upon which we generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is
one year or less. Sales commissions are recorded within “Salaries, benefits and payroll tax expenses” in the consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
F- 15
The Company transitioned to a commission revenue model for the majority of the sales for the Industrial segment.
The company operates as a sales agent servicing vape customers and receives a commission for these services. The company was previously
working directly with these customers and recognizing gross revenue versus straight commission revenue. The Company recognizes this
fee on a periodic basis when the products have been shipped for the end consumer. In working with their partner, the Company is not responsible
for fulfilling a promise to provide the specified goods, does not establish the pricing with its partners customers, and does not have
control over the goods that will be shipped. As such, the Company is an agent and recognizes its revenue on a net basis for its service.
The partner company pays Greenlane a negotiated percentage-based fee on a quarterly basis.
One
customer represented approximately 21 %
and 22 %
of our net sales for the years
ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively .
As of December 31, 2023 the Company has a concentration of credit risk with its accounts receivable balance as one customer represented
approximately 11 %
of accounts receivable . As of December 31, 2022, the Company had three customers who individually represented approximately 31 % ,
17 %
and 15 %
of accounts receivable,
respectively.
Value
Added Taxes
During
the third quarter of 2020, as part of a global tax strategy review, we determined that our European subsidiaries based in the Netherlands,
which we acquired on September 30, 2019, had historically collected and remitted value added tax (“VAT”) payments, which
related to direct-to-consumer sales to other European Union (“EU”) member states, directly to the Dutch tax authorities.
In connection with our subsidiaries’ payment of VAT to Dutch tax authorities rather than other EU member states, we may become
subject to civil or criminal enforcement actions in certain EU jurisdictions, which could result in penalties.
We
performed an analysis of the VAT overpayments to the Dutch tax authorities, which we expected to be refunded to us, and VAT payable to
other EU member states, including potential fines and penalties. Based on this analysis, we recorded VAT payable of approximately $ 0.4
million and $ 0.4 million relating to this matter within “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” in our consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Pursuant
to the purchase and sale agreement by which we acquired our European subsidiaries, the sellers are required to indemnify us against certain
specified matters and losses, including any and all liabilities, claims, penalties and costs incurred or sustained by us in connection
with non-compliance with tax laws in relation to activities of the sellers. The indemnity (or indemnification receivable) is limited
to an amount equal to the purchase price under the purchase and sale agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized
a gain of approximately $ 2.0 million, respectively, within “general and administrative expenses” in our consolidated statements
of operations and comprehensive loss, which represented the partial reversal of a charge previously recognized based on the difference
between the VAT payable and the VAT receivable and indemnification asset, as the indemnification asset became probable of recovery based
on the reduction in our previously estimated VAT liability for penalties and interest based on our voluntary disclosure to, and ongoing
settlement with, the relevant tax authorities in the EU member states.
As
noted above, we have voluntarily disclosed VAT owed to several relevant tax authorities in the EU member states, and believe in doing
so we will reduce our liability for penalties and interest. Nonetheless, we may incur expenses in future periods related to such matters,
including litigation costs and other expenses to defend our position. The outcome of such matters is inherently unpredictable and subject
to significant uncertainties. Refer to “Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies” for additional discussion regarding our
contingencies.
Net
Loss Per Share
Basic
net loss per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net loss attributable to Greenlane by the weighted-average number
of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing
net loss attributable to Greenlane by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding adjusted to give effect
to potentially dilutive elements. See “Note 9—Stockholders’ Equity - Net Loss Per Share.”
Recently
Issued Accounting Guidance
In
June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses . The standard requires the use of an “expected
loss” model on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale securities
and requires estimated credit losses to be recorded as allowances rather than as reductions to the amortized cost of the securities.
This standard was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2022 for filers that
are eligible to be smaller reporting companies under the SEC’s definition, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this standard
beginning January 1, 2023. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In
October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities
from Contracts with Customers , which requires that an acquirer recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired
in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, as if it had originated the contracts. Prior to this ASU, an acquirer generally
recognizes contract assets acquired and contract liabilities assumed that arose from contracts with customers at fair value on the acquisition
date. The ASU was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The ASU is to be applied
prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendment (or if adopted early as of an interim
period, as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period of early application). We adopted this new standard beginning
January 1, 2023. Adoption of this standard did not impact our consolidated financial statements, as we did not complete any transactions
to which this standard was applicable during the current reporting period.
F- 16
Recently
Issued Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
In
June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions ,
which clarifies that a contractual sale restriction prohibiting the sale of an equity security is a characteristic of the reporting entity
holding the equity security and is not included in the equity security’s unit of account. This standard is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2023, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the
standard.
In
November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07 ,
Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures , which
improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments
in this update require public companies to disclose on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided
to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and require that a public entity disclose, on an annual and interim basis, an amount for
other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition. In addition, the amendment requires that a public entity
provide all annual disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets currently required in interim periods and
require that a public entity disclose the title and position of the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s)
of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. Early adoption is permitted. The Company
is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-07 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. This amendment will
go into effect for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2024.
In
December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) : Improvements
To Income Tax Disclosures, to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in this
Update address investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily
related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information.
The
amendments in this Update require that entities on an annual basis (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2)
provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is
equal to or greater than 5 percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income (or loss) by the applicable statutory income tax
rate). In addition, public business entities are required to provide certain qualitative disclosure about the rate reconciliation.
The
amendments in this Update require that all entities disclose on an annual basis the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received)
disaggregated (1) by federal (national), state, and foreign taxes and (2) by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid (net
of refunds received) is equal to or greater than 5 percent of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received).
This
Update also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures, such as requiring that all entities
disclose the following information:
1. Income
(or loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated
between domestic and foreign.
2. Income
tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal (national),
state, and foreign.
The
amendments in this ASU require a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components
of equity or net assets) as of the beginning of the annual reporting period in which an entity adopts the amendments. Early adoption
is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
This amendment will go into effect for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024.
NOTE
3. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
Amended
Eyce APA
On
April 7, 2022, we entered into an amendment to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 2, 2021 (the “Amended Eyce APA”),
by and between Eyce and Warehouse Goods to accelerate the issuance of shares of Class A common stock issuable to Eyce under the agreement
upon the attainment of certain EBITDA and revenue benchmarks (the “Amended 2022 Contingent Payment”), in an amount equal
to $ 0.9 million. We issued 71,721 shares of Class A common stock to Eyce under the Amended 2022 Contingent Payment, which vest ratably
in seven quarterly tranches starting on July 1, 2022, such that on January 1, 2024 (the “Vesting Date”), all shares issued
to Eyce under the Amended 2022 Contingent Payment will have vested. The shares of Class A common stock issued under the Amended 2022
Contingent Payment are subject to certain forfeiture restrictions tied to the continued employment of certain Eyce personnel with the
Company through the Vesting Date.
The
Amended Eyce APA also provided for the payment of $ 0.9 million in cash in four equal installments on April 1, 2023, July 1, 2023, October
1, 2023 and January 1, 2024, contingent on the achievement of certain deliverables outlined in the Amended Eyce APA and the continued
employment of certain Eyce personnel.
The
transaction was accounted for separately from acquisition accounting for the Eyce business combination. Specifically, we recorded a gain
of approximately $ 0.3 million, respectively, within “other income (expense), net” in our consolidated statement of operations
and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2022 to write-off the balance of the Eyce 2022 Contingent Payment. Also, we
recorded approximately $ 1.3 million in compensation expense related to the Amended 2022 Contingent Payment within “salaries, benefits
and payroll taxes” in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The
April 2, 2023 and July 1, 2023 payments were paid timely, the remaining payments which were not paid timely have rolled into the Synergy
Imports, LLC Bridge Loan and is included in the additionally deferred amounts under that Loan.
VIBES
Sale
On
July 19, 2022, Warehouse Goods entered into the Sale Agreement with Portofino to sell the Company’s 50 % stake in VIBES Holdings
LLC for total consideration of $ 4.6 million in cash. The transactions contemplated by the Sale Agreement were completed on July 19, 2022,
immediately following the signing of the Sale Agreement. In conjunction with and as a result of the disposition of and deconsolidation
of our interest in VIBES Holdings LLC, we recorded a gain of $ 2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is included as
an offset in “general and administrative expenses” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, as
well as a reduction to non-controlling interest on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 of $ 1.8 million. In
conjunction with the Sale Agreement, we returned inventory to VIBES with a carrying value of approximately $ 2.4 million.
F- 17
NOTE
4. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Assets
and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The
carrying amounts for certain of our financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and certain accrued
expenses and other assets and liabilities, approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
As
of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had contingent consideration that is required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
SCHEDULE
OF FAIR VALUE, LIABILITIES MEASURED ON RECURRING BASIS
Our
financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows at the dates indicated:
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Fair Value at December 31, 2023
(in thousands)
Caption
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration - current
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$ —
$ —
$ 1,000
$ 1,000
Total Liabilities
$ —
$ —
$ 1,000
$ 1,000
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Fair Value at December 31, 2022
(in thousands)
Caption
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration - current
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$ —
$ —
$ 2,738
$ 2,738
Total Liabilities
$ —
$ —
$ 2,738
$ 2,738
There
were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and no transfers to or from Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Derivative
Instrument and Hedging Activity
On
July 11, 2019, we entered into an interest rate swap contract to manage our risk associated with the interest rate fluctuations on the
Company’s floating rate Real Estate Note described in “ Note
6 - Debt. ” The counterparty to this instrument was a reputable financial institution.
Our interest rate swap contract was designated as a cash flow hedge at the inception date, and was previously reflected at its fair value
in our consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of our interest rate swap liability was determined based on the present value of expected
future cash flows. Since our interest rate swap value was based on the LIBOR forward curve and credit default swap rates, which were
observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the swap, it was considered a Level 2 measurement.
Beginning
with the second quarter of 2022, we discontinued hedge accounting for the interest rate swap contract. During the year ended December
31, 2022, we recorded a gain of approximately $ 0.1 million based on the change in fair value of the interest rate swap contract within
“ interest
expense ” in our consolidated statement of income and comprehensive loss. During the
second quarter of 2022, we also reclassified the related accumulated other comprehensive income balance of $ 0.3 million to “interest
expense” in our consolidated statement of income and comprehensive loss. Refer to “ Note
8 - Supplemental Financial Information ” for further details on the components of accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively.
The
unrealized loss on the derivative instrument prior to the discontinuation of hedge accounting was included within “ Other
comprehensive income (loss) ” in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive
loss. There was no measure of hedge ineffectiveness and no reclassifications from other comprehensive loss into interest expense for
the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. In August 2022, we terminated the interest swap contract.
Contingent
Consideration
Each
period we revalue our contingent consideration obligations associated with business acquisitions to their fair value. The estimate of
the fair value of contingent consideration is determined by applying a risk-neutral framework using a Monte Carlo Simulation, which includes
inputs not observable in the market, such as the risk-free rate, risk-adjusted discount rate, the volatility of the underlying financial
metrics and projected financial forecast of the acquired business over the earn-out period, and therefore represents a Level 3 measurement.
Significant increases or decreases in these inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement of the contingent
consideration liability. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration are included within “Other income (expense), net”
in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
F- 18
A
reconciliation of our liabilities that are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:
SCHEDULE
OF FAIR VALUE, LIABILITIES MEASURED ON RECURRING BASIS, UNOBSERVABLE INPUT RECONCILIATION
(in thousands)
Contingent Consideration
Balance, December 31, 2021
$ 6,857
Eyce 2021 Contingent Payment settlement in Class A common stock
( 875 )
Eyce 2021 Contingent Payment settlement in cash
( 875 )
DaVinci 2021 Contingent Payment settlement in Class A common stock
( 2,611 )
Write-off of Eyce 2022 Contingent Payment in conjunction with the Amended Eyce APA
( 267 )
Loss from fair value adjustments included in results of operations
509
Balance, December 31, 2022
$ 2,738
Cash payments for earn contingent consideration
( 350 )
Transfer to notes payable
( 1,650 )
Loss from fair value adjustments included in results of operations
262
Balance, December 31, 2023
$ 1,000
Equity
Securities Without a Readily Determinable Fair Value
Our
investment in equity securities without readily determinable fair value consist of ownership interests in Airgraft Inc., Sun Grown Packaging,
LLC (“Sun Grown”) and VIVA. We determined that our ownership interests do not provide us with significant influence over
the operations of these investments. Accordingly, we account for our investments in these entities as equity securities.
Airgraft
Inc., Sun Grown, and VIVA are private entities and their equity securities do not have a readily determinable fair value. We elected
to measure these security under the measurement alternative election at cost minus impairment, if any, with adjustments through earnings
for observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. We acquired our investments
in Sun Grown and VIVA as part of our merger with KushCo, which we completed in August 2021. We did not identify any fair value adjustments
related to these equity securities during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
As
of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying value of our investment in equity securities without a readily determinable fair value was
approximately $ 1.9 million, included within “Other assets” in our consolidated balance sheets. The carrying value included
a fair value adjustment of $ 1.5 million based on an observable price change recognized during the year ended December 31, 2019.
NOTE
5. LEASES
Greenlane
as a Lessee
As
of December 31, 2023, we had facilities financed under operating leases consisting of warehouses, offices, and a retail store, with lease
term expirations between 2023 and 2027. Lease terms are generally three to seven years for warehouses, office space and our retail store
location. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
During
the year ended December 31, 2022, we took steps to reduce our operational footprint and we continue to optimize our distribution network,
transitioning to a more streamlined network with fewer, centrally-located, highly automated facilities. We successfully transferred,
subleased or terminated our office leases for our Cypress, CA, Hermosa Beach, CA, France and China locations. We also successfully transferred,
subleased or terminated our retail leases for our Amsterdam, Netherlands, Barcelona, Spain, and Malibu, California locations.
On
November 3, 2022, we entered into that certain Lease Termination Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2022 solely for reference purposes
(the “Lease Termination Agreement”), by and between us and Warland Investments Company (the “Landlord”), which
provided for the termination of our lease at 6261 Katella Avenue in Cypress, California (collectively, the “Lease Termination”).
Pursuant to the terms of the Lease Termination Agreement, we agreed to pay a fee of approximately $ 0.5 million as an early termination
fee in consideration for the Landlord agreeing to terminate all of our remaining obligations under the Cypress lease.
F- 19
The
following table provides details of our future minimum lease payments under operating lease liabilities recorded in our consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. The table below does not include commitments that are contingent on events or other factors that
are currently uncertain or unknown.
SCHEDULE
OF LESSEE OPERATING LEASE LIABILITY MATURITY
(in thousands)
Operating Leases
2024
$ 914
2025
942
2026
81
2027
—
2028 and thereafter
—
Total minimum lease payments
$ 1,937
Less: imputed interest
61
Present value of minimum lease payments
1,876
Less: current portion
866
Long-term portion
$ 1,010
Rent
expense under operating leases was approximately $ 1.4 million and $ 3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The
following expenses related to our operating leases were included in “general and administrative expenses” within our consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive loss:
SCHEDULE
OF LEASE COST
(in thousands)
2023
2022
For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2023
2022
Operating lease cost
$ 1,613
$ 2,735
Variable lease cost
461
837
Total lease cost
$ 2,074
$ 3,572
The
table below presents the terms and discount rates of the Company’s operating leases as of December 31:
2023
2022
Weighted average remaining lease terms
1.9 years
2.5 years
Weighted average discount rate
2.2 %
2.2 %
NOTE
6. DEBT
Our
debt balance, excluding operating lease liabilities and finance lease liabilities, consisted of the following amounts at the dates indicated:
SCHEDULE
OF DEBT
(in thousands)
2023
2022
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
2023
2022
Asset-Based Loan
$ —
$ 15,000
DaVinci Promissory Note
—
2,538
Eyce Promissory Note
—
647
Future Receivables Financing
2,174
—
Secured Bridge Loan
5,109
—
Long-term debt, gross
5,109
—
Total long term debt
7,283
18,185
Less unamortized debt issuance costs
—
( 1,960 )
Less current portion of debt
( 7,283 )
( 3,185 )
Debt, net, excluding operating and finance leases and liabilities
$ —
$ 13,040
F- 20
Bridge
Loan
In
December 2021, we entered into a Secured Promissory Note with Aaron LoCascio, our co-founder, former Chief Executive Officer and President,
and a current director of the Company, in which Mr. LoCascio provided us with a bridge loan in the principal amount of $ 8.0 million (the
“December 2021 Note”). The December 2021 Note accrued interest at a rate of 15.0 % is due monthly, and the principal amount
was originally due in full on June 30, 2022. We incurred $ 0.3 million of debt issuance costs related to the December 2021 Note, which
were recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the December 2021 Note, and which were amortized over the term of the
December 2021 Note through interest expense. The December 2021 Note was secured by a continuing security interest in all of our assets
and properties whether then or thereafter existing or required, including our inventory and receivables (as defined under the Universal
Commercial Code) and included negative covenants restricting our ability to incur further indebtedness and engage in certain asset dispositions
until the earlier of the maturity date or the December 2021 Note being fully repaid.
On
June 30, 2022, we entered into the First Amendment to the December 2021 Note (the “First Amendment”), which extended the
maturity date of the December 2021 Note to July 14, 2022. On July 14, 2022, we entered into the Second Amendment to the December 2021
Note (the “Second Amendment” and together with the December 2021 Note, the “Bridge Loan”), which provided for
the extension of the maturity date of the Bridge Loan from July 14, 2022 to July 19, 2022. In connection with the entry into the Second
Amendment, we repaid $ 4.0 million of the aggregate principal amount due under the Bridge Loan on July 14, 2022, with the remainder due
at maturity. On July 19, 2022, we repaid the remaining balance on the Bridge Loan in full, and, as a result, all obligations under the
Bridge Loan have been satisfied.
Real
Estate Note
On
October 1, 2018, one of the Operating Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries financed the purchase of a building, which served as
our corporate headquarters, through a real estate term note (the “Real Estate Note”) in the principal amount of $ 8.5 million.
Our obligations under the Real Estate Note were secured by a mortgage on the property.
On
August 8, 2022, we entered into a note, mortgage and loan modification agreement (the “Real Estate Note Amendment”), which
amended the maturity date of the Real Estate Note to reflect a maturity date of December 1, 2022, whereupon all principal and accrued
interest were to become due and payable, in full.
In
September 2022, 1095 Broken Sound consummated the previously disclosed transactions contemplated by that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement,
dated as of August 16, 2022, by and between 1095 Broken Sound and ACS 1095 LLC (“the HQ Purchaser”) whereby 1095 Broken Sound
agreed to sell a certain parcel of real estate including the our headquarters building to the HQ Purchaser for total proceeds of $ 9.6
million in cash. On the Closing Date, the Company used a portion of the proceeds from the HQ Transaction to repay the remainder of the
Real Estate Note in full. There was no remaining balance related to the Real Estate Note on our consolidated balance sheet as of December
31, 2023 or 2022.
Asset-Based
Loan
On
August 9, 2022, we entered into an asset-based loan pursuant to that certain Loan and Security Agreement (the “Asset-Based Loan
Agreement”), dated as of August 8, 2022, by and among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company (the “Guarantors”),
the parties thereto from time to time as lenders (the “Lenders”), and WhiteHawk Capital Partners LP, as the agent for the
Lenders (the “Asset Based Loan” or “Line of Credit”).
Pursuant
to the Asset-Based Loan Agreement, the Lenders agreed to make available to us a term loan of up to $ 15.0 million on the terms and conditions
set forth therein and the other Financing Agreements (as defined therein). As of December 31, 2022, of the total term loan amount, $ 5.7
million was located in a blocked account, which was classified as “restricted cash” on our consolidated balance sheet, and
which released the funds when permitted by the borrowing base certificate. Subject to certain exceptions described in the Asset-Based
Loan Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors agreed to pledge all of their assets as collateral. The maturity date of the Asset-Based
Loan is the third anniversary of the Closing Date (the “Maturity Date”).
We
incurred $ 1.5 million of debt issuance costs related to the Asset-Based Loan, as well as an original issue discount of $ 0.5 million,
which were recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the Asset-Based Loan, and which were amortized through interest
expense over the term of the Asset-Based Loan. The Asset-Based Loan contained customary covenants and restrictions, including, without
limitation, covenants that required us to comply with applicable laws, restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness,
and various customary remedies for the lender following an event of default, including the acceleration of repayment of outstanding amounts
under the Asset-Based Loan and execution upon the collateral securing obligations under the Asset-Based Loan.
The
Asset-Based Loan accrued interest at the prime rate plus 8.0 %, and interest payments were due monthly. Based on the original terms, beginning
with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2023, and for each fiscal quarter thereafter until the Maturity Date, quarterly payments
of $ 0.3 million would be due, with a final payment of all remaining outstanding principal and accrued interest due on the Maturity Date.
On
February 9, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Asset-Based Loan Agreement, pursuant to which we agreed to, among other things,
to voluntarily prepay approximately $ 6.6 million (inclusive of early termination fees and expenses) under the terms provided for under
the Asset-Based Loan Agreement and the lenders under the Asset-Based Loan Agreement agreed to release $ 5.7 million in funds held in a
blocked account pursuant to the terms of the Asset-Based Loan Agreement. Amendment No.2 to the Asset-Based Loan Agreement also provided
that we would make additional prepayments upon the occurrence of certain specified asset sales by the Company.
F- 21
On
August 7, 2023, we repaid the approximately $ 4.3 million in aggregate principal amount (the “Loan Repayment”) which remained
outstanding under the terms of the Asset-Based Loan Agreement. As a result of the Loan Repayment, the Company has been released from
its obligations under the Asset-Based Loan Agreement, in accordance with the terms of the Asset-Based Loan Agreement.
DaVinci
Promissory Note
In
November 2021, one of the Operating Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries financed the acquisition of DaVinci through the issuance
of an unsecured promissory note (the “DaVinci Promissory Note”) in the principal amount of $ 5.0 million. Principal payments
plus accrued interest at a rate of 4.0 % were due quarterly through October 2023.
Eyce
Promissory Note
In
March 2021, one of the Operating Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries financed a portion of the consideration of the acquisition
of Eyce through the issuance of an unsecured promissory note (the “Eyce Promissory Note”) in the principal amount of $ 2.5
million. Principal payments plus accrued interest at a rate of 4.5 % are due quarterly through April 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the
Eyce Promissory Note was repaid in full, and there was no remaining balance on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Future
Receivables Financings
On
July 31, 2023 and August 3, 2023, the Company received an aggregate of approximately $ 3.0 million in cash pursuant to the terms of future
receivables financings (collectively, the “Future Receivables Financings”) entered into with two private lenders. The Company
will make weekly payments under the Future Receivables Financings and is scheduled to repay the amounts due under the Future Receivables
Financings in full in approximately six to eight months . The total amount to be repaid under the initial Future Receivables Financings
was approximately $ 4.5 million. In connection with the Future Receivables Financings, the Company granted the lenders security interests
in Company’s accounts receivable equal to the amounts due thereunder, and in connection with any event of default, the lenders
may file financing statements evidencing the security interests.
Secured
Bridge Loan
On
September 22, 2023, the Company entered into a secured loan pursuant to a Loan and Security Agreement (the “September 2023 Loan
Agreement”), dated as of September 22, 2023 with Synergy Imports, LLC (the “Secured Bridge Loan Lender”).
Pursuant
to the September 2023 Loan Agreement, the Secured Bridge Loan Lender agreed to make available to the Company a six -month bridge loan
of $ 2.2 million in new funds. Additionally, the Secured Bridge Loan Lender agreed to defer payments totaling $ 2,028,604 already owed
by the Company under existing payment obligations and potentially defer up to an additional $ 2,655,778 which may become due pursuant
to existing agreements during the term of the September 2023 Loan Agreement.
Subject
to certain exceptions, the Company agreed to pledge all of its assets, with the exception of deposit accounts and accounts receivable,
as collateral. Additionally, the Company agreed to transfer one US patent and two related foreign patents and a related trademark in
exchange for an exclusive license back of such assets in the area of smoking products and accessories in connection with the September
2023 Loan Agreement.
Future
Minimum Principal Payments
The
following table summarizes future scheduled minimum principal payments of debt at December 31, 2023. Future debt principal payments are
presented based upon the stated maturity dates in the respective debt agreement.
SCHEDULE
OF MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT
(in thousands)
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Total
Year Ending December 31,
(in thousands)
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Total
Asset-Based Loan
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
DaVinci Promissory Note
—
—
—
—
—
—
Eyce Promissory Note
—
—
—
—
—
—
Future Receivables Financing
2,174
—
—
—
—
2,174
Secured Bridge Loan
5,109
—
—
—
—
5,109
Total
$ 7,283
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ 7,283
NOTE
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal
Proceedings
In
the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal proceedings involving a variety of matters. We do not believe there
are any pending legal proceedings that will have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results
of operations, or cash flows. However, the outcome of such legal matters is inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties.
We have not taken any reserves for litigation for the year ended December 31, 2023.
F- 22
Other
Contingencies
We
are potentially subject to claims related to various non-income taxes (such as sales, value added, consumption, and similar taxes) from
various tax authorities, including in jurisdictions in which we already collect and remit such taxes. If the relevant taxing authorities
were successfully to pursue these claims, we could be subject to significant additional tax liabilities.]
See
“Note 5—Leases” for details of our future minimum lease payments under operating lease liabilities. See “Note
11—Incomes Taxes” for information regarding income tax contingencies.
NOTE
8. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION
ERC
Sale
As
of December 31, 2022, we had recorded an Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) receivable of $ 4.9 million within “Other
current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets, and a corresponding amount was included in “Other income (expense), net”
in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2022. On February 16, 2023, two of
Greenlane Holdings, Inc.’s subsidiaries, Warehouse Goods LLC and Kim International LLC (collectively, the “Company”),
entered into an agreement with a third-party institutional investor pursuant to which the investor purchased, for approximately $ 4.9
million in cash, an economic participation interest, at a discount, in all of the Company’s rights to payment from the United States
Internal Revenue Service with respect to the employee retention credits filed by the Company under the ERC program.
Property
and Equipment, net
The
following is a summary of our property and equipment, at costs less accumulated depreciation and amortization :
SCHEDULE
OF PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT LESS DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
Estimated usefu
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