Aterian, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

OR

Commission File Number: 001-38937

Aterian, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(347) 676-1681

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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

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

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

As of May 3, 2021, the registrant had 30,624,056 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, outstanding.

Table of Contents

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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance.  In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. Forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, statements about:

We caution you that the foregoing list may not contain all the forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Moreover, we operate in a highly competitive and challenging environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected, or that the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed, in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, other strategic transactions or investments we may make or enter into.

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

ATERIAN, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ATERIAN, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

ATERIAN, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

ATERIAN, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ATERIAN, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Aterian, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2021 (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Aterian, Inc. and its subsidiaries, formerly known as Mohawk Group Holdings, Inc, (“Aterian” or the “Company”), is a technology-enabled consumer products platform that builds, acquires and partners with e-commerce brands. The Company’s proprietary software and highly agile supply chain helps creating for a growing base of data empowered e-commerce consumers. Aterian predominantly operates through online retail channels such as Amazon and Walmart, Inc.  The Company owns and operates twelve brands, which were either incubated or purchased, selling products in multiple categories, including home and kitchen appliances, kitchenware, heating, cooling and air quality appliances (dehumidifiers, humidifiers and air conditioners), health and beauty products and essentials oils.

Headquartered in New York, Aterian’s offices can be found in China, Philippines, Israel and Poland.

Healing Solutions Acquisition—On February 2, 2021, the Company acquired certain of Healing Solutions, LLC (“Healing Solutions”) related to its retail and ecommerce business under the Healing Solutions’ brands, Tarvol, Sun Essential Oils and Artizen (among others), which primarily sells essential oils primarily through Amazon and other marketplaces (see Note 10).

COVID-19 Pandemic—On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (the “WHO”) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) originating in Wuhan, China and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified COVID-19 as a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure globally. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact associated with preventative and precautionary measures that the Company, other businesses and governments are taking, continues to evolve as of the date of this report. As such, the future impact on the Company’s personnel, business and global operations, and on the Company’s suppliers, logistics providers, marketplaces and other business partners is uncertain and cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Given the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible that any and every aspect of the Company’s value chain could be disrupted, and such impact could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. For example, with respect to certain products, the Company has been unable to replenish inventory or, ship into or receive inventory in its third-party warehouses, in each case on a timely basis. Further, in certain instances of the Company has had to delay the launch of new products due to sourcing and other supply chain constraints. The Company may also be unable to forecast demand for its products during the pendency of this pandemic and the Company may experience a substantial decrease in the demand for its products, most of which are considered not essential. In addition, the majority of the Company’s personnel are currently working remotely, which creates challenges in the way the Company operates its business, including, but not limited to, the manner in which the Company tests products and its ability to meet its reporting obligations. The Company’s ability to execute its operations could be further impacted if any of the Company’s key personnel contracts COVID-19. While the potential economic impact brought by, and the duration of, COVID-19 may be difficult to assess or predict, the continued widespread pandemic could result in significant disruption of global financial markets, reducing the Company’s ability to access capital, which could in the future negatively affect its liquidity.  Due to the uncertainty as to the severity and duration of the pandemic, the impact on the Company’s future revenues, profitability, liquidity, financial condition, business and results of operations is uncertain at this time.

The COVID-19 pandemic began to have an unfavorable impact on the Company, including its key manufacturing partners, in January 2020. Substantially all of the Company’s products are sourced and manufactured in China, including new products that the Company expects to launch during 2021. In addition, the Company relies on its team in Shenzhen for a number of functions relating to product sourcing and development, among other things. The Company’s key manufacturing partner in China re-opened its facilities as of February 10, 2020 and reached and maintained over 90% capacity since early March 2020.

During the second quarter of 2020, the Company preserved its liquidity and capital resources through various actions, which included delaying and negotiating the delay of payments to certain vendors, and the effect of such actions did not have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, including its relationships with these vendors. The Company’s operations rely on third-parties to manufacture its products, to provide logistics and warehousing services and to facilitate sales of its products, and accordingly the Company relies on the business continuity plans of these third parties to operate during the pandemic and has limited ability to influence their plans.

To date the Company has had few material overall negative impacts to its business and operations from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has seen 87.8% growth in its net revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 versus the corresponding period of the prior year. The shift of consumer spending from traditional retail to online spending has increased dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has benefited the Company as historically over 90% of its net revenue comes from the sale of products online in the

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U.S. and it believes this shift to increased online consumer spending will continue even after the COVID-19 pandemic ends. The Company’s investments in its infrastructure and software and the expansion of its third-party warehousing network have also allowed the Company to continue to deliver its products, even when Amazon itself limited its delivery services. The Company has had no material impacts to its vendor or other business relationships to date and in certain circumstances it has been able to negotiate improved credit and other terms. Further, to date, none of the Company’s key operations vendors has had any material negative impacts related to COVID-19 or changes that have negatively affected the Company’s business, borrowing capabilities or financial covenants. During the first quarter of 2021, we have experienced some impacts to our margins as it relates to increased international freight demands, lack of ship containers and general international freight congestion due to the continued increase demand of goods being sold on ecommerce marketplaces. Further, we expect to see increases in last mile shipping costs as shipping providers continue to see increased demand due to the increase of goods sold on ecommerce marketplaces which stresses their delivery networks. We believe these short-term increases in cost to be primarily related to COVID-19 pandemic. Though the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid, the Company believes at this time that its business may continue to minimize the impact from this current pandemic given the Company’s ability to work remotely, continued consumer demand for products on e-commerce channels and the business continuity plans of its key manufacturing partners and other vendors. The Company believes this combination of factors may help to mitigate risk from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Company continues to consider the impact of COVID-19 on the assumptions and estimates used when preparing these consolidated financial statements including inventory valuation, and the impairment of long-lived assets. These assumptions and estimates may change as the current situation evolves or new events occur and additional information is obtained. If the economic conditions caused by COVID-19 worsen beyond what is currently estimated by management, such future changes may have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

Basis of Presentation—The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and as required by Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 included herein was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of that date.   As such, the information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on March 16, 2021 (the “Annual Report”).

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of items of a normal and recurring nature) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2021, the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, the statements of stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Use of Estimates— Preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period covered by the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, and makes adjustments when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation— The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Restricted Cash— The Company has restricted cash with its primary banks for use as required minimum restricted capital for its Chinese subsidiary. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has classified the following as restricted cash: $0.1 million related to its Chinese subsidiary within “current assets” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and $3.3 million related to a returned deposit for inventory that a manufacturer required the Company to pay into an escrow account within “prepaid and other current assets” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company has classified the following as restricted cash: $0.1 million related to its Chinese subsidiary and $0.3 million related to a letter of credit within “other non-current assets” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, and $9.3 million related to a returned deposit for inventory that a manufacturer required the Company to pay into an escrow account within “prepaid and other current assets” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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Revenue Recognition—The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

The Company derives its revenue from the sale of consumer products. The Company sells its products directly to consumers through online retail channels and through wholesale channels.

Net Revenue by Category. The following table sets forth the Company’s net revenue disaggregated by sales channel and geographic region based on the billing addresses of its customers:

Net Revenue by Product Categories. The following table sets forth the Company’s net revenue disaggregated by product categories:

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The Company’s financial instruments, including net accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued and other current liabilities are carried at historical cost. At March 31, 2021, the carrying amounts of these instruments approximated their fair values because of their short-term nature. The Company’s credit facility is carried at amortized cost at December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 and the carrying amount approximates fair value as the stated interest rate approximates market rates currently available to the Company. The Company considers the inputs utilized to determine the fair value of the borrowings to be Level 2 inputs.

The Company considers the inputs utilized to determine the fair value of the borrowings to be Level 3 inputs. The Company categorizes its warrants potentially settleable in cash as Level 3 fair value measurements. The warrants potentially settleable in cash are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are being marked to fair value at each reporting date until they are completely settled or meet the requirements to be accounted for as component of stockholders’ equity.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair values. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or an exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair

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value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements as follows:

Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date;

Level 2—Inputs are observable, unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities 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 related assets or liabilities; and

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data for the related assets or liabilities.

The categorization of a financial instrument within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 (in thousands):

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”) permits an emerging growth company to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. The Company has elected to use this extended transition period until it is no longer an emerging growth company or until it affirmatively and irrevocably opts out of the extended transition period. As a result, the Company’s financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). This ASU requires lessees to record most leases on their balance sheets but recognize the expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to current practice. ASU 2016-02 states that a lessee would recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-to-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. In July 2019, the FASB delayed the effective date for this ASU for private companies (including emerging growth companies) and it will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. While the Company has not completed its evaluation of the impact of adoption of this standard, the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13: Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326). This ASU requires the use of an expected loss model for certain types of financial instruments and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and

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supportable information to calculate credit loss estimates. For trade receivables, loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses is required. For available-for-sale debt securities, an allowance for credit losses will be required rather than a reduction to the carrying value of the asset. In July 2019, the FASB delayed the effective date for this ASU for private companies (including emerging growth companies) and will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. While the Company has not completed its evaluation of the impact of adoption of this standard, the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes. This ASU provides for certain updates to reduce complexity in accounting for income taxes, including the utilization of the incremental approach for intra-period tax allocation, among others. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022 with early adoption permitted. While the Company has not completed its evaluation of the impact of adoption of this standard, the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Cost Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract” (“ASU 2018-15”). Under the new guidance, customers apply the same criteria for capitalizing implementation costs as they would for an arrangement that has a software license. This will result in certain implementation costs being capitalized; the associated amortization charge will, however, be recorded as an operating expense. Under the previous guidance, costs incurred when implementing a cloud computing arrangement deemed to be a service contract were recorded as an operating expense when incurred. ASU 2020-06 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. While the Company has not completed its evaluation of the impact of adoption of this standard, the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, “Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Topic 470) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Topic 814): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity” (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 eliminates the number of accounting models used to account for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. The update also amends the disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and EPS in an effort to increase financial reporting transparency. ASU 2020-06 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. While the Company has not completed its evaluation of the impact of adoption of this standard, the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Inventory consisted of the following as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021:

The Company’s Inventory on-hand is held either with Amazon or the Company’s other third-party warehouses. The Company does not have any contractual right of returns with its contract manufacturers. The Company’s Inventory on-hand held by Amazon was approximately $5.3 million and $10.5 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively.

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Prepaids and other current assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021:

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021:

The Company sponsors, through its professional employer organization provider, a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering all eligible US employees. Contributions to the 401(k) plan are discretionary. Currently, the Company does not match or make any contributions to the 401(k) plan.

6.CREDIT FACILITY AND TERM LOANS

The Company’s credit facility consisted of the following as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021:

MidCap Credit Facility and Term Loan

On November 23, 2018, the Company entered into the three-year $25.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with MidCap Funding IV Trust (“MidCap”) as agent and lenders party thereto (the “Lenders”). The Credit Facility could be increased, subject to certain conditions, to $50.0 million. Loans under the Credit Facility were determined based on percentages of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory. The Credit Facility bore interest at a rate of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 5.75% for outstanding borrowings. The Company was required to pay a facility availability fee of 0.5% on the average unused portion of the Credit Facility.

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On December 1, 2020, the Company, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and MidCap entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility, (i) providing for a $30.0 million revolving credit facility, which could be increased, subject to certain conditions, to $50.0 million, (ii) permitting the incurrence of certain debt under certain conditions and restrictions, including the senior secured note with an aggregate principal amount of $43.0 million issued on December 1, 2020 (as amended, the “December 2020 Note”), (iii) permitting certain payments to High Trail Investments SA LLC (“High Trail SA”) as required under the December 2020 Note, and (iv) permitting the acquisition of the assets of an e-commerce business under the brands Mueller, Pursteam, Pohl and Schmitt, and Spiralizer (the “Smash Assets”). Further, the Credit Facility was extended to November 23, 2022.

The Credit Facility contained a minimum liquidity financial covenant that required the Company to maintain a minimum of $6.5 million in cash on hand or availability in the Credit Facility. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants contained within the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2020, there was $12.9 million outstanding on the Credit Facility and an available balance of approximately $1.4 million and as of March 31, 2021, there was $15.1 million outstanding on the Credit Facility.

The Company recorded interest expense from the Credit Facility of approximately $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021 respectively, which included $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, relating to debt issuance costs.

Subsequent to the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company paid off all obligations owing under, and terminated, the Credit Facility (Note 12).

Horizon Term Loan

On December 31, 2018, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “Horizon Loan Agreement”) with Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (“Horizon”). As part of the Horizon Loan Agreement, the Company obtained a four-year $15.0 million term loan (the “Horizon Term Loan”). The Horizon Term Loan bore interest at 9.90% plus the amount by which one-month LIBOR exceeded 2.50% for outstanding borrowings, and payments on principal were made on a monthly basis. The maturity date of the Horizon Term Loan was January 2023.  

On December 1, 2020, the Company paid off all remaining obligations under the Horizon Term Loan for $15.0 million and terminated the Horizon Term Loan.  The Company recorded interest expense from the Horizon Term Loan of $0.5 million and $0.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively, which included $0.1 million and $0.0 million, respectively, relating to debt issuance costs.

High Trail Loan December 2020 Note

On December 1, 2020, the Company refinanced the Horizon Term Loan through the issuance of the December 2020 Note to High Trail SA. The Company received gross proceeds of $38.0 million in exchange for the December 2020 Note with an aggregate principal amount of $43.0 million.  The December 2020 Note was to be repaid over 24 equal monthly cash payments of $1.8 million.

The December 2020 Note consisted of the following as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021:

The December 2020 Note contained a minimum liquidity financial covenant that required the Company to maintain a minimum of $10.0 million in unrestricted cash on hand. Additionally, as of the last day of each applicable fiscal quarter, the Company was required

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to maintain Adjusted EBITDA amounts for the 12-month period ending on such day, as defined in the  December 2020 Note. The Company was in compliance with the December 2020 Note’s financial covenants as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

High Trail February 2021 Note

On February 2, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with High Trail Investments ON LLC (“High Trail ON” and, together with High Trail SA, “High Trail”) for a 0% coupon senior secured promissory note in an aggregate principal amount of $16.5 million (as amended, the “February 2021 Note”) that was to mature on February 1, 2023.

February 2021 Note consisted of the following as of March 31, 2021:

The Company recorded interest expense from December 2020 Note of $1.1 million for the year-ended December 31, 2020, which included $0.2 million relating to debt issuance costs. The Company recorded interest expense from December 2020 Note and February 2021 Note of $3.9 million for the quarter-ended March 31, 2021, which included $0.5 million relating to debt issuance costs.

The Company was in compliance with February 2021 Note financial covenants as of March 31, 2021.

Warrants

In connection with the issuance of the December 2020 Note, the Company issued to High Trail SA a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 2,864,133 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $9.01 per share (the “December Warrant”). The December Warrant initially provided that it would be exercisable on June 1, 2021, expire five years from the date of issuance and be exercisable on a cash basis, unless there was not an effective registration statement covering the resale of the shares issuable upon exercise of the December Warrant, in which case the December Warrant would also be exercisable on a cashless exercise basis at High Trail SA’s election. The December Warrant included a provision that gave the Company the right to require High Trail SA to exercise the December Warrant if the price of the common stock of the Company exceeded 200% of the exercise price of the December Warrant for 20 consecutive trading days and certain other conditions were satisfied. The Company utilized the Monte-Carlo Simulation model to determine the fair value of the December Warrant. Due to the complexity of the warrants issued, the Company uses an outside expert to assist in providing the mark to market fair valuation of the liabilities over the reporting periods in which the original agreement was in effect.  Inputs used to determine estimated fair value of the warrant liabilities include the fair value of the underlying stock at the valuation date, the term of the warrants, and the expected volatility of the underlying stock. The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the warrant liabilities is the estimated term of the warrants. Generally, increases (decreases) in the fair value of the underlying stock and estimated term result in a directionally similar impact to the periodic fair value measurement of the outstanding warrant liability, and are recorded within the Change in fair market value of warranty line item on the statement of operations.

On February 8, 2021, the Company entered into a letter agreement with High Trail SA (the “Letter Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the Company and High Trail SA agreed to amend the terms of the December Warrant, to provide that the December Warrant was immediately exercisable on a cash basis, (ii) High Trail SA agreed to exercise 980,000 shares of the Company’s common stock subject to the December Warrant (the “December Warrant Shares”) for an aggregate payment to the Company of $8.8 million, (iii) High Trail SA and the Company agreed to cancel the unexercised portion of the December Warrant in exchange for an aggregate payment by High Trail SA to the Company of $17.0 million and the issuance by the Company to High Trail SA of a warrant to purchase 1,884,133 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Penny Warrant”), (iv) the Company agreed to seek stockholder approval (collectively, the “Stockholder Approvals”) at a stockholder meeting to be held no later than May 31, 2021

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(the “Stockholder Meeting”) to issue shares of the Company’s common stock in excess of the limitations imposed by Nasdaq Listing Standard Rule 5635(a) and/or 5635(d) (collectively, the “Nasdaq Rules”) pursuant to the Additional Warrant (as defined below), the Note, the February Note, that certain Warrant to purchase common stock issued by the Company to High Trail ON on February 2, 2021 (as amended, the “February Warrant”) and that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated February 2, 2021, by and among the Company and Truweo, LLC, as purchaser, Healing Solutions, Jason R. Hope, and for the purposes of Section 5.11 and Article VII, Super Transcontinental Holdings LLC (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”), (v) the Company agreed to issue to High Trail SA a warrant to purchase 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Additional Warrant”), (vi) the Company agreed to prepare and file by March 26, 2021 a registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of registering for resale the December Warrant Shares and the shares issuable upon exercise of the Penny Warrant (the “Penny Warrant Shares”), and (vii) High Trail SA agreed, for the first 30 days following the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, not to sell, or otherwise transfer or dispose of the December Warrant Shares or Penny Warrant Shares on any day in an amount that is greater than 10% of the trading volume of the Company’s common stock for such day.

Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, High Trail SA exercised the December Warrant and the Company issued the Penny Warrant and the Additional Warrant to High Trail SA on February 9, 2021.On February 8, 2021, the Company entered into (i) an amendment (the “2022 Note Amendment”) to the December 2020 Note, (ii) an amendment (the “2023 Note Amendment”) to the February 2021 Note, and (iii) an amendment (the “Warrant Amendment”) to the February Warrant.

The 2022 Note Amendment and the 2023 Note Amendment amend the December 2020 Note and the February 2021 Note, respectively, to provide that no shares of common stock may be issued pursuant thereto unless the Company obtains the Stockholder Approvals to issue shares of Company’s common stock pursuant thereto in excess of the limitations imposed by the Nasdaq Rules.

The Warrant Amendment amends the February Warrant to provide that: (i) it may only be exercised for up to 134,348 shares of Company’s common stock unless the Company obtained the Stockholder Approval contemplated by the Nasdaq Rules to issue additional shares of Company’s common stock in excess of 134,348 shares, (ii) its term shall be the later of five years from the date of issuance and the date that is one year from the date that the Stockholder Approvals are obtained, and (iii) the beneficial ownership limitation is increased from 4.99% to 9.99%.

As of December 1, 2020, the initial fair value of the December Warrant on issuance was $10.5 million, which has been recorded as a debt discount against the December 2020 Note. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the fair value amount of this warrant liability was approximately $31.8 million which includes a change of fair value impact of approximately $21.3 million. During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the fair value amount of the December 2020 Note and February 2021 Note warrant liability was approximately $75.6 million which includes a change of fair value impact of approximately $50.3 million which includes change in fair value of warrant liability and loss on initial issuance of warrant.

The December Warrant is classified as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet as the December Warrant contains certain change of control provisions that would benefit the holder as it relates to the calculation of the value of the warrant under certain circumstances.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net consisted of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021:

The Company has three equity plans:

2014 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan

The board of directors of Aterian Group, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“AGI”), adopted, and AGI’s stockholders approved, the Mohawk Group, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan on June 11, 2014. On March 1, 2017, AGI’s board of directors adopted, and AGI’s

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stockholders approved, an amendment and restatement of the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2014 Plan”). As of March 31, 2021, 56,458 shares were reserved for awards available for future issuance under the Aterian 2014 Plan.

2018 Equity Incentive Plan

The Company’s board of directors adopted the Aterian, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”) on October 11, 2018. The 2018 Plan was approved by its stockholders on May 24, 2019. As of March 31, 2021, 93,615 shares were reserved for awards available for future issuance under the 2018 Plan.

Options granted to date under the 2014 Plan and the 2018 Plan generally vest either: (i) over a four-year period with 25% of the shares underlying the options vesting on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date with the remaining 75% of the shares vesting on a pro-rata basis over the succeeding thirty-six months, subject to continued service with the Company through each vesting date, or (ii) over a three-year period with 33 1/3% of the shares underlying the options vesting on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date with the remaining 66 2/3% of the shares vesting on a pro-rata basis over the succeeding twenty-four months, subject to continued service with the Company through each vesting date. Options granted are generally exercisable for up to 10 years subject to continued service with the Company.

2019 Equity Plan

The Company’s board of directors adopted the Aterian, Inc. 2019 Equity Plan (the “2019 Equity Plan”) on March 20, 2019.  The 2019 Equity Plan was approved by its stockholders on May 24, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, no shares were reserved for future issuance. Shares of restricted common stock granted under the 2019 Equity Plan initially vested in substantially equal installments on the 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th monthly anniversary of the closing of the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”). The Company and the 2019 Equity Plan participants subsequently agreed to extend (i) the vesting date for the first installment of shares of restricted common stock under the 2019 Equity Plan to March 13, 2020, (ii) the vesting date for the second installment of shares of restricted common stock to December 15, 2020, (iii) the vesting date for the third installment of shares of restricted common stock to either January 18, 2021 or March 10, 2021, and (iv) the vesting date for the fourth installment of shares of restricted common stock to July 1, 2021. Awards granted under the 2019 Equity Plan and not previously forfeited upon termination of service carry dividend and voting rights applicable to the Company’s common stock, irrespective of any vesting requirement. Under ASC Topic 718, the Company treats each award in substance as multiple awards as a result of the graded vesting and the fact that there is more than one requisite service period. Upon the prerequisite service period becoming probable, the day of the IPO, the Company recorded a cumulative catch up expense and the remaining expense will be recorded under graded vesting. In the event the service of a participant in the 2019 Equity Plan (each, a “Participant”) is terminated due to an “involuntary termination”, then all of such Participant’s unvested shares of restricted common stock shall vest on the date of such involuntary termination unless, within three business days of such termination (1) the Company’s board of directors unanimously determines that such vesting shall not occur and (2) the remaining Participants holding restricted share awards covering at least 70% of the shares of restricted common stock issued and outstanding under the 2019 Equity Plan determine that such vesting shall not occur. In the event of a forfeiture, voluntary or involuntary, of shares of restricted common stock granted under the 2019 Equity Plan, such shares are automatically reallocated to the remaining Participants in proportion to the number of shares of restricted common stock covered by outstanding awards that each such Participant holds.

The following is a summary of stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2021:

As of March 31, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested options was $2.9 million, which the Company expects to recognize over an estimated weighted average period of 0.55 years.

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A summary of restricted stock award activity within the Company’s equity plans and changes for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:

On March 12, 2020, 371,320 shares of restricted common stock were forfeited and treated as a cancellation with remaining unrecognized expense for the unvested awards recognized on the date of cancellation. The Company did not reverse previously recognized compensation expenses as a result of these cancellations.

As of March 31, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested shares of restricted common stock was $14.7 million, which the Company expects to recognize over an estimated weighted-average period of one year. As of March 31, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested shares of restricted common stock was $8.6 million, which the Company expects to recognize over an estimated weighted-average period of 0.69 years.

Stock-based compensation expense is allocated based on the cost center to which the award holder belongs. The following table summarizes the total stock-based compensation expense by function, including expense related to consultants, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021:

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Basic net loss per share is determined by dividing net loss by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is determined by dividing net loss by diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. Diluted weighted-average shares reflect the dilutive effect, if any, of potentially dilutive shares of common stock, such as options to purchase common stock calculated using the treasury stock method and convertible notes using the “if-converted” method. In periods with reported net operating losses, all options to purchase common stock are deemed anti-dilutive such that basic net loss per share and diluted net loss per share are equal.

The Company’s shares of restricted common stock are entitled to receive dividends and hold voting rights applicable to the Company’s common stock, irrespective of any vesting requirement. Accordingly, although the vesting commences upon the elimination of the contingency, the shares of restricted common stock are considered a participating security and the Company is required to apply the two-class method to consider the impact of the shares of restricted common stock on the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company is currently in a net loss position and is therefore not required to present the two-class method; however, in the event the Company is in a net income position, the two-class method must be applied by allocating all earnings during the period to shares of common stock and shares of restricted common stock.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands, except per share data):

Legal Proceedings—The Company is party to various actions and claims arising in the normal course of business. The Company does not believe that the final outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations. In addition, the Company maintains what it believes is adequate insurance coverage to further mitigate risk. However, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of such proceedings will not materially impact the Company’s condensed consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Further, no assurance can be given that the amount or scope of existing insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover losses arising from such matters.

Sales or Other Similar Taxes— Based on the location of the Company’s current operations, the majority of sales tax is collected and remitted either by the Company or on its behalf by e-commerce marketplaces in most states within the United States. To date, the Company has had no actual or threatened sales and use tax claims from any state where it does not already claim nexus or any state where it sold products prior to claiming nexus. However, the Company believes that the likelihood of incurring a liability as a result of sales tax nexus being asserted by certain states where it sold products prior to claiming nexus is probable. As of each of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, the Company estimates that the potential liability, including current sales tax payable is approximately $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, which has been recorded as an accrued liability. The Company believes this is the best estimate of an amount due to taxing agencies, given that such a potential loss is an unasserted liability that would be contested and subject to negotiation between the Company and the state, or decided by a court.

U.S. Department of Energy— In September 2019, the Company received a Test Notice from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) indicating that a certain dehumidifier model may not comply with applicable energy-conservation standards. The DOE requested that the Company provide it with several model units for DOE testing.  If the Company is determined to have violated certain energy-conservation standards, it could be fined pursuant to DOE guidelines, and this civil penalty may be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself. The Company has submitted to the DOE testing process, made a good-faith effort to provide necessary notice as practicable, and included in a formal response to the DOE copies of the energy-efficiency report and certification that were issued for the dehumidifier model at the time of production. The Company believes that its products are compliant, and the Company, in conjunction with its manufacturing partner,

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has disputed the Test Notice received from the DOE. As of the date of the issuance of these financial statements, the Company cannot reasonably estimate what, if any, penalties may be levied.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—In September 2019, the Company received notice from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) that certain of its dehumidifier products were identified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (“AHAM”) as failing to comply with EPA ENERGY STAR requirements.  For an appliance to be ENERGY STAR certified, it must meet standards promulgated by the EPA and enforced through EPA-accredited certification bodies and laboratories. The Company believes that its products are compliant, and the Company, in conjunction with its manufacturing partner, has disputed the AHAM testing determination pursuant to EPA guidelines. While a resolution remains pending, the Company is not selling or marketing the products identified by the EPA. The Company cannot be certain that these products will eventually be certified by the EPA, and the Company may incur costs that cannot presently be calculated in the event that the Company needs to make changes to the manner in which these products are manufactured and sold.

In April 2020, the Company received notice from the EPA with respect to regulatory compliance and the advertising associated with certain of its dehumidifier products. The Company believes that its products are compliant, and the Company is currently in discussions with the EPA to resolve the matter. The EPA has placed a hold on the sale of certain of the Company's dehumidifier inventory while it reviews the matter with the Company. As of October 2020, the Company is able to resume selling the products identified by the EPA, and discussions are continuing with the EPA. The Company cannot be certain of the outcome with the EPA, and the Company may incur costs and penalties that cannot presently be calculated in the event that the Company is unable to resolve this matter with the EPA.

10. ACQUISITION

On February 2, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), the Company entered into and closed the Asset Purchase Agreement with Healing Solutions. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased and acquired certain assets of Healing Solutions (the “Healing Solutions Assets”) related to Healing Solutions’ retail and e-commerce business under the Healing Solutions’ brands, Tarvol, Sun Essential Oils and Artizen (among others), which primarily sells essential oils through Amazon and other marketplaces (the “Asset Purchase”). The Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. As consideration for the Asset Purchase, the Company (i) paid to Healing Solutions $15.3 million in cash (the “Cash Purchase Price”), and (ii) issued 1,387,759 shares of common stock to Healing Solutions, the cost basis of which was the closing price per share of the common stock on the Closing Date. At the closing (the “Closing”), the Company withheld $2.0 million of the Cash Purchase Price to serve as collateral for Healing Solutions’ payment of certain overdue trade payables to be released to Healing Solutions in accordance with the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement.  This amount was paid by the Company within 60 days of closing.  

In addition, Healing Solutions will also be entitled to receive 170,042 shares of common stock (up to a maximum of 280,000 shares pursuant to certain terms and valuation at the measurement date) in respect of certain inventory.  The shares will be issued to Healing Solutions following the final determination of inventory values pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, which determination is expected to occur approximately nine to ten months following the Closing Date and such shares will be subject to vesting restrictions which will lapse on the date that is the one-year anniversary after the Closing Date. Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Seller is required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to identify one or more suppliers of finished goods inventory of all SKUs that constitute assets acquired in the Asset Purchase (“New Suppliers”) and to initiate discussions with such New Suppliers for the purpose of negotiating new supply agreements between Purchaser or its affiliates, on the one hand, and the New Supplier, on the other hand, for the purchase of such SKUs following the Closing on terms acceptable to Purchaser in its sole discretion, acting reasonably. If, on or before the date that is 15 months after the Closing Date, an Earn-Out Consideration Event has occurred, then Seller shall be entitled to receive up to a maximum of 528,670 shares of Common Stock (the “Earn-Out Shares”), which number of shares is subject to reduction in accordance with the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement based on the time period within which the Earn-Out Consideration Event occurs.

The following presents the preliminary allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on the estimated fair values at acquisition date:

The amounts assigned to goodwill and major intangible asset classifications were as follows:

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Goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill is attributable to expected synergies resulting from integrating the Healing Solutions’ products into the Company’s existing sales channels.

Pro Forma Information

The following unaudited pro forma information illustrates the impact of the Healing Solutions Assets acquisition on the Company’s net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The acquisition of the Healing Solutions Assets is reflected in the following pro forma information as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2020.

Contingent earn-out liability considerations

The Company reviews and re-assesses the estimated fair value of contingent consideration on a quarterly basis, and the updated fair value could differ materially from the initial estimates. Adjustments to the estimated fair value related to changes in all other unobservable inputs are reported in operating income.

On December 1, 2020, the Company acquired the assets of leading e-commerce business brands Mueller, Pursteam, Pohl and Schmitt, and Spiralizer (the “Smash Assets”) for total consideration of (i) $25.0 million, (ii) 4,220,000 shares of common stock, the cost basis of which was $6.89 (closing stock price at closing of the transaction), of which 164,000 of such shares were issued to the sellers brokers and (iii) a seller note in the amount of $15.6 million, representing the value of certain inventory that the sellers had paid for but not yet sold as of the closing date. In addition, subject to achievement of certain contribution margin thresholds on certain products of the acquired business for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, the sellers will be entitled to receive earn out payments.

As part of the acquisition of the Smash Assets, the sellers of the Smash Assets are entitled to earn-out payments based on the achievement of certain contribution margin thresholds on certain products of the acquired business. Earn-out payments will be due to the sellers for year one, or calendar year 2021 in the first quarter of 2022, and year two, or calendar year 2022, will be due in the first quarter of 2023. During the year-ending December 31, 2021 (year one of the earn-out), the earn-out payment will be calculated based on the contribution margin generated on certain products for an amount equal to $1.67 for every $1.00 of such contribution margin that is greater than $15.5 million and less than or equal to $18.5 million. Such earn-out payment cannot exceed $5.0 million. In addition, during the year-ending December 31, 2022 (year two of the earnout), for each $0.5 million of contribution margin generated on certain products in excess of $15.5 million, subject to a cap of $27.5 million, the sellers shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash equal to the value of 0.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock multiplied by the average of the volume-weighted-average closing price per share of the Company’s common stock, for the 30 consecutive trading days ending on December 31, 2022.

As of December 1, 2020, the acquisition date, the initial fair value amount of the earn-out payment was appropriately $9.8 million. As of December 31, 2020, the fair value amount of the earn-out payment with respect to the Smash Assets was approximately $22.5 million, representing a change of fair value impact of approximately $12.7 million. As of March 31, 2021, the fair value amount of the earn-out

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payment with respect to the Smash Assets was approximately $37.6 million, representing a change of fair value impact of approximately $15.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

As part of the acquisition of the Healing Solutions Assets, the Healing Solutions is entitled to earn-out payments based on the achievement of certain contribution margin thresholds on certain products of the acquired business. If the earn-out consideration event occurs: (i) prior to the date that is nine months following the Closing Date, the Company will issue 528,670 shares of its common stock to Healing Solutions; (ii) on or after the date that is nine months following the Closing Date but before the date that is 12 months following the Closing Date, the Company will issue 396,502 shares of common stock to Healing Solutions; or (iii) on or after the date that is 12 months following the Closing Date but before the date that is 15 months following the Closing Date (the date that is 15 months following the Closing Date, the “Earn-Out Termination Date”), the Company will issue 264,335 shares of common stock to Healing Solutions; or after 15 months, the Company will not have any obligation to issue any shares of its common stock to Healing Solutions.

As of February 2, 2021, the acquisition date, the initial fair value amount of the earn-out payment with respect to the Healing Solutions Assets was appropriately $16.5 million. As of March 31, 2021, the fair value amount of the earn-out payment with respect to the Healing Solutions Assets was approximately $17.2 million, representing a change of fair value impact of approximately $0.6 million.

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying value of estimated contingent earn-out liabilities (in thousands) as of March 31, 2021:

11. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

The following tables summarize the changes in the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 (in thousands):