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Blue Star Foods Corp. - Quarter Report: 2023 June (Form 10-Q)

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2023

 

or

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

 

Commission file number: 001-40991

 

BLUE STAR FOODS CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   82-4270040

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

3000 NW 109th Avenue

Miami, Florida 33172

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(305) 836-6858

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

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

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value   BSFC  

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

(NASDAQ Capital Market)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See 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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No

 

As of August 21, 2023, there were 3,068,412 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding.

 

 

 

   

 

 

BLUE STAR FOODS CORP.

 

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    PAGE
     
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 4
     
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) 4
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 20
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 27
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 27
     
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 29
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 29
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 29
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 29
     
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 29
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 29
     
Item 5. Other Information 29
     
Item 6. Exhibits 30
     
SIGNATURES 31

 

2

 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Except for historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Such forward-looking statements include, among others, those statements including the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans” and words of similar import. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, potential target businesses, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore that you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements as statements of historical fact or as guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include changes in local, regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market (supply and demand), regulatory conditions and the following:

 

  Our ability to raise capital when needed and on acceptable terms and conditions;
     
  Our ability to make acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses into our company;
     
  Our ability to attract and retain management with experience in the business of importing, packaging and selling of seafood;
     
  Our ability to negotiate, finalize and maintain economically feasible agreements with suppliers and customers;
     
  The availability of crab meat and other premium seafood products we sell;
     
  The intensity of competition;
     
  Changes in the political and regulatory environment and in business and fiscal conditions in the United States and overseas; and
     
  The effect of COVID-19 on our operations and the capital markets.

 

A description of these and other risks and uncertainties that could affect our business appears in the section captioned “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 17, 2023. The risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” are not exhaustive.

 

Given these uncertainties, readers of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Quarterly Report”) are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

 

All references in this Quarterly Report to the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”, are to Blue Star Foods Corp., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, John Keeler & Co., Inc., d/b/a Blue Star Foods, a Florida corporation (“Keeler & Co.”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Coastal Pride”) and Taste of BC Aquafarms, Inc., a corporation formed under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“TOBC”).

 

All references to shares of common stock of the Company in this Quarterly Report have been adjusted to reflect the Company’s 1:20 reverse stock split effective as of June 21, 2023 (the “Reverse Stock Split”).

 

3

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and the rules of the SEC, and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as updated in subsequent filings we have made with the SEC. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented have been reflected herein. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

Blue Star Foods Corp.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

   JUNE 30, 2023   DECEMBER 31, 2022 
         
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents  $7,092   $9,262 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances and credit losses of $29,019 and $22,725   261,576    813,416 
Inventory, net   3,150,055    4,808,152 
Advances to related party   218,525    218,525 
Other current assets   1,213,871    671,933 
Total Current Assets   4,851,119    6,521,288 
RELATED PARTY LONG-TERM RECEIVABLE   435,545    435,545 
FIXED ASSETS, net   136,252    120,400 
RIGHT OF USE ASSET   173,888    197,540 
ADVANCES TO RELATED PARTY   1,299,984    1,299,984 
OTHER ASSETS   125,475    103,720 
TOTAL ASSETS  $7,022,263   $8,678,477 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
CURRENT LIABILITIES          
Accounts payable and accruals  $1,246,465   $2,401,243 
Working capital line of credit   -    1,776,068 
Deferred income   48,170    47,078 
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of discounts   2,250,343    3,439,557 
Current maturities of lease liabilities   52,657    57,329 
Current maturities of related party long-term notes   275,000    100,000 
Loan payable   514,711    29,413 
Related party notes payable - subordinated   830,339    893,000 
Derivative liability   430,402    - 
Warrant liability   

116,247

    - 
Other current liabilities   790,881    790,881 
Total Current Liabilities   6,555,215    9,534,569 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES          
Lease liability, net of current portion   120,611    139,631 
Debt, net of current portion and discounts   287,149    - 
Related party notes, net of current portion   75,000    250,000 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   7,037,975    9,924,200 
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT          
Series A 8% cumulative convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2023, and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022   -    - 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 2,716,288 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2023, and 1,338,321 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022   5,311    2,704 
Additional paid-in capital   32,984,580    28,326,546 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (187,023)   (235,853)
Accumulated deficit   (32,742,257)   (29,339,120)
Treasury stock, 7,564 shares as of June 30, 2023 and 0 shares as of December 31, 2022   (76,323)   - 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT   (15,712)   (1,245,723)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT  $7,022,263   $8,678,477 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

4

 

 

Blue Star Foods Corp.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(UNAUDITED)

 

             
   Three months ended June 30   Six months ended June 30 
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
REVENUE, NET  $1,655,562   $2,958,866   $3,554,001   $8,283,168 
                     
COST OF REVENUE   1,574,547    2,621,112    3,188,624    7,457,675 
                     
GROSS PROFIT    81,015    337,754    365,377    825,493 
                     
COMMISSIONS   773    21,377    1,746    21,377 
SALARIES AND WAGES   466,127    571,076    996,965    1,146,525 
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION   27,668    110,201    30,337    274,796 
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES   662,699    767,302    1,362,789    1,363,776 
                     
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS   (1,076,252)   (1,132,202)   (2,026,460)   (1,980,981)
                     
OTHER INCOME   25,292    17,041    27,194    46,670 
INTEREST INCOME   24    -    24    - 
LOSS ON SETTLEMENT OF DEBT   (184,589)   -    (833,019)   - 
CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF DERIVATIVE AND WARRANT LIABILITIES   

99,577

    -    99,577    - 
INTEREST EXPENSE   (315,787)   (322,052)   (670,453)   (556,768)
                     
NET LOSS   (1,451,735)   (1,437,213)   (3,403,137)   (2,491,079)
                     
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS  $(1,451,735)  $(1,437,213)  $(3,403,137)  $(2,491,079)
                     
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:                    
                     
CHANGE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT   (36,744)   (37,197)   48,830    (1,786)
                     
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS  $(1,488,479)  $(1,474,410)  $(3,354,307)  $(2,492,865)
                     
Loss per common share:                    
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted  $(0.61)  $(1.20)  $(1.68)  $(2.00)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted   2,365,780    1,251,310    2,029,181    1,247,351 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

5

 

 

Blue Star Foods Corp.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) (UNAUDITED)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 AND 2022

 

   Shares      Shares                   
   Series A Preferred Stock $.0001 par value   Common Stock $.0001 par value   Additional Paid-in   Accumulated   Treasury   Accumulated Other Comprehensive   Total Stockholders’ Equity 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Stock   Income   (Deficit) 
December 31, 2022   -   $-    1,338,321   $2,704   $28,326,546   $(29,339,120)  $-   $(235,853)  $(1,245,723)
Stock based compensation   -    -    -    -    20,190    -    -    -    20,190 
Common stock issued for service   -    -    3,288    9    22,991    -    -    -    23,000 
Common stock issued for note payment   -    -    373,533    748    1,742,482    -    -    -    1,743,230 
Common stock issued for cash   -    -    473,705    952    1,879,740    -    -    -    1,880,692 
Repurchase of common stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    (76,323)   -    (76,323)
Net Loss   -    -    -    -    -    (1,951,402)   -    -    (1,951,402)
Cumulative translation adjustment   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    85,574    85,574 
March 31, 2023   -   $-    2,188,847   $4,413   $31,991,949   $(31,290,522)  $(76,323)  $(150,279)  $479,238 
Stock based compensation   -    -    -    -    16,940    -    -    -    16,940 
Common stock issued for service   -    -    70,323    140    17,860    -    -    -    18,000 
Common stock issued for note payment   -    -    407,118    658    757,931    -    -    -    758,589 
Common stock issued for cash   -    -    50,000    100    199,900    -    -    -    200,000 
Repurchase of common stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Net Loss   -    -    -    -    -    (1,451,735)   -    -    (1,451,735)
Cumulative translation adjustment   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (36,744)   (36,744)
June 30, 2023   -   $-    2,716,288   $5,311   $32,984,580   $(32,742,257)  $(76,323)  $(187,023)  $(15,712)

 

   Series A Preferred Stock $.0001 par value   Common Stock $.0001 par value   Additional Paid-in   Accumulated   Treasury   Accumulated Other Comprehensive   Total Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Stock   Income   Equity 
December 31, 2021   -   $-    1,233,566   $2,480   $25,102,879   $(16,144,151)  $-   $(54,240)  $8,906,968 
Stock based compensation   -    -    -    -    193,631    -    -    -    193,631 
Warrants issued on convertible debt note   -    -    -    -    956,301    -    -    -    956,301 
Common stock issued for service   -    -    1,019    4    73,967    -    -    -    73,971 
Common stock issued for asset acquisition             8,355    17    359,233    -    -    -    359,250 
Common stock issued from exercise of warrants             6,250    13    249,987    -    -    -    250,000 
Net Loss   -    -    -    -    -    (1,053,866)   -    -    (1,053,866)
Comprehensive Income   -    -    -    -    -    -           -    35,411    35,411 
March 31, 2022   -   $-    1,249,190   $2,514   $26,935,998   $(17,198,017)  $-    (18,829)  $9,721,666 
Stock based compensation   -    -    -    -    151,252    -         -    151,252 
Common stock issued for service   -    -    3,991    11    257,351    -         -    257,362 
Net Loss   -    -    -    -    -    (1,437,213)   -    -    (1,437,213)
Comprehensive Income   -    -    -    -    -    -         (37,197)   (37,197)
June 30, 2022   -   $-    1,253,181   $2,525   $27,344,601   $(18,635,230)   -   $(56,026)  $8,655,870 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

6

 

 

Blue Star Foods Corp.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

   2023   2022 
   Six Months Ended June 30 
   2023   2022 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
           
Net Loss  $(3,403,137)  $(2,491,079)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) operating activities:          
Stock based compensation   37,130    344,883 
Common stock issued for service   41,000    331,333 
Depreciation of fixed assets   2,092    111,017 
Amortization of intangible assets   28,245    138,779 
Amortization of debt discounts   497,961    430,473 
Amortization of loan costs   -    25,000 
Loss on settlement of debt   833,019    - 
Lease expense   23,653    21,441 
Bad debt expense   -    322 
Credit loss expense   6,068    - 
Gain on revaluation of fair value of derivative and warrant liabilities   (99,577)   - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivables   545,772    (20,356)
Inventories   1,658,097    (3,570,541)
Advances to related parties   -    (41,259)
Other current assets   (540,070)   1,267,295 
Right of use liability   (23,692)   (21,513)
Other assets   (25,000)   (75,000)
Accounts payable and accruals   (1,154,778)   (264,072)
Deferred income   -    (664)
Other current liabilities   -    (200,000)
Net Cash (Used in) Operating Activities   (1,573,217)   (4,013,941)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Net cash paid for acquisition   -    (398,482)
Purchases of fixed assets   (15,351)   (100,553)
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities   (15,351)   (499,035)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from common stock offering   2,080,692    - 
Proceeds from common stock warrants exercised   -    250,000 
Proceeds from working capital line of credit   2,405,034    9,121,458 
Proceeds from short-term loan   500,000    - 
Proceeds from convertible debt   915,000    4,762,855 
Repayments of working capital line of credit   (4,182,971)   (8,038,337)
Repayments of short-term loan   (40,385)   - 
Repayments of related party notes payable   (62,661)   (145,000)
Purchase of treasury stock   (76,323)   - 
Payment of loan costs   -    (25,000)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities   1,538,386    5,925,976 
           
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash   48,012    17,365 
           
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (2,170)   1,430,365 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – BEGINNING OF PERIOD   9,262    1,155,513 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF PERIOD  $7,092   $2,585,878 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information          
Cash paid for interest  $174,677   $128,491 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES          
Operating lease assets recognized in exchange for operating lease liabilities  $-   $185,135 
Warrants issued for convertible debt   -    956,301 
Common stock issued for asset acquisition   -    359,250 
Common stock issued for partial settlement of note payable   2,501,819    - 
Derivative liability recognized on issuance of convertible note   

264,688

    - 
Warrant liability recognized on issuance of convertible note   

381,538

    - 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

7

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1. Company Overview

 

Blue Star Foods Corp., a Delaware corporation (“we”, “our”, the “Company”), is an international sustainable marine protein company based in Miami, Florida that imports, packages and sells refrigerated pasteurized crab meat, and other premium seafood products. The Company’s main operating business, John Keeler & Co., Inc. (“Keeler & Co.”) was incorporated in the State of Florida in May 1995. The Company has two other subsidiaries, Coastal Pride and TOBC who maintain the Company’s fresh crab meat and steelhead salmon businesses, respectively. The Company’s current source of revenue is from importing blue and red swimming crab meat primarily from Indonesia, Philippines and China and distributing it in the United States and Canada under several brand names such as Blue Star, Oceanica, Pacifika, Crab & Go, First Choice, Good Stuff and Coastal Pride Fresh, and steelhead salmon and rainbow trout produced under the brand name Little Cedar Farms for distribution in Canada.

 

On February 3, 2022, Coastal Pride entered into an asset purchase agreement with Gault Seafood, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company (“Gault Seafood”), and Robert J. Gault II, President of Gault Seafood (“Gault”) pursuant to which Coastal Pride acquired all of the Seller’s right, title and interest in and to assets relating to Gault Seafood’s soft-shell crab operations, including intellectual property, equipment, vehicles and other assets used in connection with the soft-shell crab business. Coastal Pride did not assume any liabilities in connection with the acquisition. The purchase price for the assets consisted of a cash payment in the amount of $359,250 and the issuance of 8,355 shares of common stock of the Company with a fair value of $359,250 (after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split). Such shares were subject to a leak-out agreement pursuant to which Gault Seafood could not sell or otherwise transfer the shares until February 3, 2023.

 

On June 9, 2023, the Company amended its Certificate of Incorporation to affect a one-for-twenty reverse stock split (“Reverse Stock Split”), which became effective on June 21, 2023. All share and per share amounts have been restated for all periods presented to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.

 

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The following unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, such interim financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete annual financial statements. The information furnished reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items which are, in the opinion of management, necessary in order to make the financial statements not misleading. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 has been derived from the Company’s annual financial statements that were audited by our independent registered public accounting firm but does not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete annual financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on April 17, 2023 for a broader discussion of our business and the risks inherent in such business.

 

Advances to Suppliers and Related Party

 

In the normal course of business, the Company may advance payments to its suppliers, including of Bacolod Blue Star Export Corp. (“Bacolod”), a related party based in the Philippines. These advances are in the form of prepayments for products that will ship within a short window of time. In the event that it becomes necessary for the Company to return products or adjust for quality issues, the Company is issued a credit by the vendor in the normal course of business and these credits are also reflected against future shipments.

 

As of June 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the balance due from the related party for future shipments was approximately $1,300,000. No new purchases have been made from Bacolod since November 2020. There was no cost of revenue related to inventories purchased from Bacolod recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

8

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as such, we record revenue when our customer obtains control of the promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company’s source of revenue is from importing blue and red swimming crab meat primarily from Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines and China and distributing it in the United States and Canada under several brand names such as Blue Star, Oceanica, Pacifika, Crab & Go, First Choice, Good Stuff and Coastal Pride Fresh, and steelhead salmon and rainbow trout fingerlings produced by TOBC under the brand name Little Cedar Farms for distribution in Canada. The Company sells primarily to food service distributors. The Company also sells its products to wholesalers, retail establishments and seafood distributors.

 

To determine revenue recognition for the arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of Topic 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer by receipt of purchase orders and confirmations sent by the Company which includes a required line of credit approval process, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract which includes shipment of goods to the customer FOB shipping point or destination, (3) determine the transaction price which initiates with the purchase order received from the customer and confirmation sent by the Company and will include discounts and allowances by customer if any, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract which is the shipment of the goods to the customer and transaction price determined in step 3 above and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation which is when the Company transfers control of the goods to the customers by shipment or delivery of the products.

 

The Company elected an accounting policy to treat shipping and handling activities as fulfillment activities. Consideration payable to a customer is recorded as a reduction of the arrangement’s transaction price, thereby reducing the amount of revenue recognized, unless the payment is for distinct goods or services received from the customer.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable consist of unsecured obligations due from customers under normal trade terms, usually net 30 days. The Company grants credit to its customers based on the Company’s evaluation of a particular customer’s credit worthiness.

 

Allowances for credit losses are maintained for potential credit losses based on the age of the accounts receivable and the results of the Company’s periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition. Receivables are written off as uncollectible and deducted from the allowance for doubtful accounts after collection efforts have been deemed to be unsuccessful. Subsequent recoveries are netted against the allowance for credit losses. The Company generally does not charge interest on receivables.

 

Receivables are net of estimated allowances for credit losses and sales return, allowances and discounts. They are stated at estimated net realizable value. Allowances for credit losses, sales returns, discounts and refunds of $6,068 were recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Inventories

 

Substantially all of the Company’s inventory consists of packaged crab meat located at a public cold storage facility and merchandise in transit from suppliers. The Company also has eggs and fish in process inventory from TOBC. The cost of inventory is primarily determined using the specific identification method for crab meat. Fish in process inventory is measured based on the estimated biomass of fish on hand. The Company has established a standard procedure to estimate the biomass of fish on hand using counting and sampling techniques. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method for crab meat and using various estimates and assumptions in regard to the calculation of the biomass, including expected yield, market value of the biomass, and estimated costs of completion.

 

Merchandise is purchased cost and freight shipping point and becomes the Company’s asset and liability upon leaving the suppliers’ warehouse.

 

9

 

 

The Company periodically reviews the value of items in inventory and records an allowance to reduce the carrying value of inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value based on its assessment of market conditions, inventory turnover and current stock levels. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company recorded no inventory write-downs or allowances. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an inventory adjustment to reduce the carrying value of inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value in the amount of $743,218 which was charged to cost of goods sold.

 

The Company’s inventory as of June 30, 2023 and December 31 2022 consists of:

 

   June 30, 2023   December 31, 2022 
         
Inventory purchased for resale  $2,815,568   $3,052,518 
Feeds and eggs processed   110,567    156,984 
In-transit inventory   223,920    1,598,650 
Inventory, net  $3,150,055   $4,808,152 

 

Lease Accounting

 

The Company accounts for its leases under ASC 842, Leases, which requires all leases to be reported on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease obligations. The Company elected the practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance that retained the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption of the standard.

 

The Company categorizes leases with contractual terms longer than twelve months as either operating or finance. Finance leases are generally those leases that would allow the Company to substantially utilize or pay for the entire asset over its estimated life. Assets acquired under finance leases are recorded in property and equipment, net. All other leases are categorized as operating leases. The Company did not have any finance leases as of June 30, 2023. The Company’s leases generally have terms that range from three years for equipment and six to seven years for real property. The Company elected the accounting policy to include both the lease and non-lease components of its agreements as a single component and accounts for them as a lease.

 

Lease liabilities are recognized at the present value of the fixed lease payments using a discount rate based on similarly secured borrowings available to us. Lease assets are recognized based on the initial present value of the fixed lease payments, reduced by landlord incentives, plus any direct costs from executing the lease. Lease assets are tested for impairment in the same manner as long-lived assets used in operations. Leasehold improvements are capitalized at cost and amortized over the lesser of their expected useful life or the lease term.

 

When we have the option to extend the lease term, terminate the lease before the contractual expiration date, or purchase the leased asset, and it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option, we consider these options in determining the classification and measurement of the lease. Costs associated with operating lease assets are recognized on a straight-line basis within operating expenses over the term of the lease.

 

The table below presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2023.

 

Schedule of Lease-Related Assets and Liabilities

  

June 30, 2023

 
Assets     
Operating lease assets  $173,888 
      
Liabilities     
Current     
Operating lease liabilities  $52,657 
Noncurrent     
Operating lease liabilities  $120,611 

 

10

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases were as follows:

 

Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Lease

  

Six Months

Ended

June 30,
2023

 
     
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:     
Operating cash flows from operating leases  $23,653 
ROU assets recognized in exchange for lease obligations:     
Operating leases  $- 

 

The table below presents the remaining lease term and discount rates for operating leases.

 

Schedule of Remaining Lease Term And Discount Rates For operating Lease

   June 30, 2023 
Weighted-average remaining lease term     
Operating leases   3.33 years 
Weighted-average discount rate     
Operating leases   6.8%

 

Maturities of lease liabilities as of June 30, 2023 were as follows:

Schedule of Maturities of Lease Liabilities

     
   Operating
Leases
 
     
2023 (six months remaining)   33,671 
2024   59,842 
2025   44,782 
2026   44,782 
2027   11,195 
Thereafter   - 
Total lease payments   194,272 
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest   (21,004)
Present value of future minimum lease payments  $173,268 
Less: current obligations under leases  $(52,657)
Non-current obligations  $120,611 

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” where the total purchase price is allocated to the tangible and identified intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The purchase price is allocated using the information currently available, and may be adjusted, up to one year from acquisition date, after obtaining more information regarding, among other things, asset valuations, liabilities assumed, and revisions to preliminary estimates. The purchase price in excess of the fair value of the tangible and identified intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill.

 

11

 

 

The Company reviews its goodwill for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value and may not be recoverable. In accordance with its policies, the Company performed an assessment of goodwill and recognized an impairment loss on goodwill of $1,244,309 related to Coastal Pride and TOBC for the year ended December 31, 2022. No impairment was recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Long-lived Assets

 

Management reviews long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets are estimated over the asset’s useful life on an undiscounted basis. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable, the potential impairment is measured using fair value. Fair value estimates are completed using a discounted cash flow analysis. Impairment losses for assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal.

 

In accordance with its policies, the Company performed an assessment of its long-lived assets and recognized an impairment loss on customer relationships, trademarks, non-compete agreements of $1,595,677, $1,006,185 and $78,116, respectively, and an impairment on fixed assets of $1,873,619 for the year ended December 31, 2022. No impairment was recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Risk

 

The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates through its normal operating activities. Its primary focus is to monitor exposure to, and manage, the economic foreign currency exchange risks faced by, its operations and realized when the Company exchanges one currency for another. The Company’s operations primarily utilize the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar as its functional currencies. Movements in foreign currency exchange rates affect its financial statements.

 

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments

 

Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and is measured using inputs in one of the following three categories:

 

Level 1 measurements are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.

 

Level 2 measurements are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or market data other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3 measurements are based on unobservable data that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

Our financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, debt obligations, derivative liabilities and warrant liabilities. We believe the carrying values of our cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses financial instruments approximate their fair values because they are short term in nature or payable on demand. The derivative liability is the embedded conversion feature on the 2023 Lind convertible note. All derivatives and warrant liabilities are recorded at fair value. The change in fair value for derivatives and warrants liabilities is recognized in earnings. The Company’s derivative and warrant liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2023.

 

  

Fair

Value

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
   June 30, 2023 
       Fair Value Measurement using Fair Value Hierarchy 
  

Fair

Value

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Liabilities                    
Warrant liability  $430,402   $-   $-   $430,402 
Derivative liability conversion on convertible debt   116,247    -    -    116,247 
Total  $546,649   $-   $-   $546,649 

 

The table below presents the change in the fair value of the derivative liability convertible debt and warrant liability during the six months ended June 30, 2023:

 

Derivative liability balance, January 1, 2023   - 
Issuance of derivative liability during the period   264,688 
Change in derivative liability during the period   165,714 
Derivative liability balance, June 30, 2023  $430,402 
      
Warrant liability balance, January 1, 2023   - 
Issuance of warrant liability during the period   381,538 
Change in warrant liability during the period   (265,291)
Warrant liability balance, June 30, 2023  $116,247 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires entities to use a forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires entities to consider additional disclosures related to credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information related to management’s estimate of credit allowances. ASU 2016-13 was further amended in November 2018 by ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 236, Financial Instrument-Credit Losses. For public business entities that are Securities and Exchange Commission filers excluding smaller reporting companies, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other public business entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. On October 16, 2019, FASB voted to delay implementation of ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” For all other entities, the amendments are now effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. On November 15, 2019, FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update No. 2019-10 to amend the implementation date to fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2023 related to its trade receivables and determined no material impact of the adoption of the ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

On March 29, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved, and on May 10, 2023, at a special meeting of the stockholders, holders of approximately 87.08% of the Company’s voting power, approved the granting of authority to the Board to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, by a ratio of not less than 1-for-2 and not more than 1-for-50, with the exact ratio to be determined by the Board.

 

On June 1, 2023, the Board determined to effectuate the Reverse Stock Split and on June 9, 2023, the Company amended its Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split, effective as of June 21, 2023.

 

Note 3. Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred a net loss of $3,403,137, had an accumulated deficit of $32,742,257 and a working capital deficit of $1,704,096, inclusive of $830,339 in stockholder debt. These factors raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to increase revenues, execute on its business plan to acquire complimentary companies, raise capital, and to continue to sustain adequate working capital to finance its operations. The failure to achieve the necessary levels of profitability and cash flows would be detrimental to the Company. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

12

 

 

Note 4. Other Current Assets

 

Other current assets totaled $1,213,871 as of June 30, 2023 and $671,933 as of December 31, 2022. As of June 30, 2023, approximately $817,000 of the balance was related to prepaid inventory to the Company’s suppliers. The remainder of the balance was related to prepaid insurance and other prepaid expenses.

 

Note 5. Fixed Assets, Net

 

Fixed assets comprised the following:

 

  

June 30,

2023

  

December 31,

2022

 
Computer equipment  $42,857   $97,624 
RAS system   114,438    2,089,909 
Automobiles   -    122,715 
Leasehold improvements   15,350    89,055 
Total   172,645    2,399,303 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and impairment   (36,393)   (2,278,903)
Fixed assets, net  $136,252   $120,400 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, depreciation expense totaled approximately $2,000 and $111,000, respectively.

 

Note 6. Debt

 

Working Capital Line of Credit

 

On March 31, 2021, Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride entered into a loan and security agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with Lighthouse Financial Corp., a North Carolina corporation (“Lighthouse”). Pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, Lighthouse made available to Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride (together, the “Borrowers”) a $5,000,000 revolving line of credit for a term of thirty-six months, renewable annually for one-year periods thereafter. Amounts due under the line of credit are represented by a revolving credit note issued to Lighthouse by the Borrowers.

 

The advance rate of the revolving line of credit is 85% with respect to eligible accounts receivable and the lower of 60% of the Borrowers’ eligible inventory, or 80% of the net orderly liquidation value, subject to an inventory sublimit of $2,500,000. The inventory portion of the loan will never exceed 50% of the outstanding balance. Interest on the line of credit is the prime rate (with a floor of 3.25%), plus 3.75%. The Borrowers paid Lighthouse a facility fee of $50,000 in three instalments of $16,667 in March, April and May 2021 and paid an additional facility fee of $25,000 on each anniversary of March 31, 2021. On January 14, 2022, the maximum inventory advance under the line of credit was adjusted from 50% to 70% until June 30, 2022, 65% to July 31, 2022, 60% to August 31, 2022 and 55% to September 30, 2022 at a monthly fee of 0.25% on the portion of the loan in excess of the 50% advance in order to increase imports to meet customer demand. On July 29, 2022, the Loan Agreement was further amended to set the annual interest rate on the outstanding principal amount at 4.75% above the prime rate and to reduce the monthly required cash flow requirements beginning July 31, 2022. The amendment also updated the maximum inventory advance under the line of credit to 60% from August 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and 50% thereafter.

 

The line of credit was secured by a first priority security interest on all the assets of each Borrower. Pursuant to the terms of a guaranty agreement, the Company guaranteed the obligations of the Borrowers under the note and John Keeler, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, provided a personal guaranty of up to $1,000,000 to Lighthouse.

 

13

 

 

The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Loan Agreement, except for the requirement to maintain a greater than $50,000 cash flow in the months of March through May 2023. Lighthouse notified the Borrowers as to this default but did not exercise its rights and remedies under the loan documents.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, cash proceeds from the working capital line of credit totaled $2,405,034 and cash payments to the working capital line of credit totaled $4,182,971.

 

On June 16, 2023, the Company terminated the Loan Agreement and paid a total of approximately $108,400 to Lighthouse which included, as of June 16, 2023, an outstanding principal balance of approximately $93,400, accrued interest of approximately $9,900, and other fees incurred in connection with the line of credit of approximately $4,900. Upon the repayment of the total outstanding indebtedness owing to Lighthouse, the Loan Agreement and all other related financing agreements and documents entered into in connection with the Loan Agreement were deemed terminated.

 

John Keeler Promissory Notes

 

The Company had unsecured promissory notes outstanding to John Keeler of approximately $830,300 of principal at June 30, 2023 and interest expense of $26,535 and $28,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These notes are payable on demand and bear at an annual interest rate of 6%. The Company made principal payments of $62,661 during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Walter Lubkin Jr. Note

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company issued a five-year unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $500,000 to Walter Lubkin Jr. as part of the purchase price for the Coastal Pride acquisition. The note bears interest at the rate of 4% per annum. The note is payable quarterly in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) $25,000 or (ii) 25% of the EBITDA of Coastal Pride, as determined on the first day of each quarter.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, $38,799 of the outstanding principal and accrued interest was paid in cash and $104,640 of the outstanding principal and accrued interest was paid in shares of common stock of the Company.

 

As of June 30, 2023, $7,030 of the outstanding interest to date was accrued on the note by the Company.

 

Interest expense for the note totaled approximately $7,000 and $9,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the outstanding balance on the note totaled $350,000.

 

Lind Global Fund II LP notes

 

2022 Note

 

On January 24, 2022, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with Lind Global Fund II LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Lind”), pursuant to which the Company issued Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $5,750,000 (the “2022 Lind Note) and a five-year warrant to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per share, subject to customary adjustments (50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $90 per share after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split). The warrant provides for cashless exercise and for full ratchet anti-dilution if the Company issues securities at less than $4.50 per share (exercise price of $90 per share after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split). In connection with the issuance of the 2022 Lind Note and the warrant, the Company paid a $150,000 commitment fee to Lind and $87,144 of debt issuance costs. The Company recorded a total of $2,022,397 debt discount at issuance of the debt, including original issuance discount of $750,000, commitment fee of $150,000, $87,144 debt issuance cost, and $1,035,253 related to the fair value of warrants issued. Amortization expense recorded in interest expense totaled $479,585 and $430,473 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the unamortized discount on the note totaled $164,192 and $643,777, respectively.

 

14
 

 

The outstanding principal under the 2022 Lind Note is payable commencing July 24, 2022, in 18 consecutive monthly installments of $333,333, at the Company’s option, in cash or shares of common stock at a price (the “Repayment Share Price”) based on 90% of the five lowest volume weighted average prices (“VWAP”) during the 20-days prior to the payment date with a floor price of $1.50 per share (the “Floor Price”) (floor price of $30 per share after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split), or a combination of cash and stock provided that if at any time the Repayment Share Price is deemed to be the Floor Price, then in addition to shares, the Company will pay Lind an additional amount in cash as determined pursuant to a formula contained in the 2022 Lind Note.

 

In connection with the issuance of the 2022 Lind Note, the Company granted Lind a first priority security interest and lien on all of its assets, including a pledge of its shares in Keeler & Co., pursuant to a security agreement and a stock pledge agreement with Lind, dated January 24, 2022 (the “2022 Security Agreement). Each subsidiary of the Company also granted a second priority security interest in all of its respective assets.

 

The 2022 Lind Note is mandatorily payable prior to maturity if the Company issues any preferred stock (with certain exceptions described in the note) or, if the Company or its subsidiaries issues any indebtedness. The Company also agreed not to issue or sell any securities with a conversion, exercise or other price based on a discount to the trading prices of the Company’s stock or to grant the right to receive additional securities based on future transactions of the Company on terms more favorable than those granted to Lind, with certain exceptions.

 

If the Company fails to maintain the listing and trading of its common stock, the note will become due and payable and Lind may convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal at the lower of the then current conversion price and 80% of the average of the 3-day VWAP during the 20 days prior to delivery of the conversion notice.

 

If the Company engages in capital raising transactions, Lind has the right to purchase up to 10% of the new securities.

 

The 2022 Lind Note is convertible into common stock at $5.00 per share ($100 per share after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split), subject to certain adjustments, on April 22, 2022; provided that no such conversion may be made that would result in beneficial ownership by Lind and its affiliates of more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. If shares are issued by the Company at less than the conversion price, the conversion price will be reduced to such price.

 

Upon a change of control of the Company, as defined in the 2022 Lind Note, Lind has the right to require the Company to prepay 10% of the outstanding principal amount of the 2022 Lind Note. The Company may prepay the outstanding principal amount of the note, provided Lind may convert up to 25% of the principal amount of the 2022 Lind Note at a price per share equal to the lesser of the Repayment Share Price or the conversion price. The 2022 Lind Note contains certain negative covenants, including restricting the Company from certain distributions, stock repurchases, borrowing, sale of assets, loans and exchange offers.

 

Upon an event of default as described in the 2022 Lind Note, the 2022 Lind Note will become immediately due and payable at a default interest rate of 125% of the then outstanding principal amount. Upon a default, all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount may be converted into shares of common stock by Lind at the lower of the conversion price and 80% of the average of the three lowest daily VWAPs.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company made aggregate principal payments on the 2022 Lind Note of $1,668,800 through the issuance of an aggregate of 780,668 shares of common stock. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the outstanding balance on the 2022 Lind Note was $2,250,342 and $3,439,557, net of debt discount of $164,192 and $643,778, respectively.

 

2023 Note

 

On May 30, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Lind pursuant to which the Company issued to Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $1,200,000 (the “2023 Lind Note”) and a warrant (the “Lind Warrant”) to purchase 435,035 shares of common stock of the Company commencing six months after issuance and exercisable for five years at an exercise price of $2.45 per share. The Lind Warrant includes cashless exercise and full ratchet anti-dilution provisions. In connection with the issuance of the Lind Note and the Lind Warrant, the Company paid Lind a $50,000 commitment fee. The proceeds from the sale of the Note and Warrant are for general working capital purposes.

 

15
 

 

In connection with the issuance of the 2022 Lind Note, the Company and Lind amended the 2022 Security Agreement to include the new 2023 Lind Note, pursuant to an amended and restated security agreement, dated May 30, 2023, between the Company and Lind.

 

The Company agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the 2023 Lind Note and Lind Warrant. If the registration statement is not declared effective within 90 days the 2023 Lind Note will be in default. Lind was also granted piggyback registration rights.

 

If the Company engages in capital raising transactions, Lind has the right to purchase up to 20% of the new securities for 24 months.

 

The Lind Note is convertible into common stock of the Company after the earlier of 90 days from issuance or the date the registration statement is effective, provided that no such conversion may be made that would result in beneficial ownership by Lind and its affiliates of more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The conversion price of the Lind Note is equal to the lesser of: (i) $2.40; or (ii) 90% of the lowest single volume-weighted average price during the twenty-trading day period ending on the last trading day immediately preceding the applicable conversion date, subject to customary adjustments. The maximum number of shares of common stock to be issued in connection with the conversion of the Lind Note and the exercise of the Lind Warrant, in the aggregate, will not, exceed 19.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company immediately prior to the date of the Lind Note, in accordance with NASDAQ rules and guidance. Due to the variable conversion price of the Lind Note, the embedded conversion feature was accounted as a derivative liability. The Company estimated the fair values of the derivative liability using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and using the following key assumptions at issuance and at June 30, 2023: stock price of $2.14 and $1.14; exercise price of $2.40 and $1.04, risk free rate of 4.46% and 4.87%, volatility of 46.01%; and expected term of two years.

 

The Lind Note contains certain negative covenants, including restricting the Company from certain distributions, stock repurchases, borrowing, sale of assets, loans and exchange offers.

 

Upon the occurrence of an event of default as described in the Lind Note, the Lind Note will become immediately due and payable at a default interest rate of 120% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Lind Note.

 

The Warrant entitles the Investor to purchase up to 435,035 shares of common stock of the Company during the exercise period commencing on the date that is six months after the issue date (“Exercise Period Commencement”) and ending on the date that is sixty months from the Exercise Period Commencement at an exercise price of $2.45 per share, subject to customary adjustments. The Warrant includes cashless exercise and full ratchet anti-dilution provisions.

 

As of June 30, 2023, the outstanding balance on the note was $287,149, net of debt discount of $912,851.

 

Agile Lending, LLC loan

 

On June 14, 2023, the Company, and Keeler & Co. (each a “Borrower”) entered into a subordinated business loan and security agreement with Agile Lending, LLC as lead lender (“Agile”) and Agile Capital Funding, LLC as collateral agent, which provides for a term loan to the Company in the amount of $525,000 which principal and interest (of $231,000) is due on December 15, 2023. Commencing June 23, 2023, the Company is required to make weekly payments of $29,077 until the due date. The loan may be prepaid subject to a prepayment fee. An administrative agent fee of $25,000 was paid on the loan which was recognized as a debt discount and amortized over the term of the loan. In connection with the loan, Agile was issued a subordinated secured promissory note, dated June 14, 2023, in the principal amount of $525,000 which note is secured by all of the Borrower’s assets, including receivables. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company made principal and interest payments on the loan totaling $58,154.

 

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Note 7. Stockholders’ Equity

 

On January 24, 2022, the Company issued 6,250 shares of common stock to an investor upon the exercise of warrants for total proceeds of $250,000.

 

On February 3, 2022, the Company issued 8,355 shares of common stock with a fair value of $359,250 to Gault Seafood as partial consideration for the purchase of certain of its assets.

 

On March 31, 2022, the Company issued 769 shares of common stock to Intelligent Investments I LLC, with a fair value of $30,000, for legal services provided to the Company.

 

On March 31, 2022, the Company issued 250 shares of common stock with a fair value of $9,750 to TraDigital Marketing Group for consulting services provided to the Company.

 

On April 4, 2022, the Company issued 478 shares of common stock with a fair value of $20,000 to SRAX, Inc. for consulting services provided to the Company which is amortized to expense over the term of the agreement. The Company recognized stock compensation expense of $5,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 in connection with these shares.

 

On April 5, 2022, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,240 shares of common stock with a fair value of $156,341 to Newbridge Securities Corporation and its affiliates for consulting services provided to the Company.

 

On May 1, 2022, the Company issued 196 shares of common stock with a fair value of $6,000 to the designee of Clear Think Capital Partners, LLC (“ClearThink”) for consulting services provided to the Company.

 

On June 1, 2022, the Company issued 222 shares of common stock with a fair value of $6,000 to the designee of ClearThink for consulting services provided to the Company.

 

On June 3, 2022, the Company issued 500 shares of common stock with a fair value of $13,800 to TraDigital Marketing Group for consulting services provided to the Company.

 

On June 30, 2022, the Company issued 1,209 shares of common stock to Intelligent Investments I LLC, with a fair value of $30,000, for legal services provided to the Company.

 

On January 1, 2023, February 1, 2023 March 1, 2023, April 1, 2023, May 1, 2023 and June 1, 2023, the Company issued 750, 577, 1,961, 2,362, 2,400 and 3,061 shares of common stock, respectively, to the designee of ClearThink for consulting services provided to the Company.

 

In January 2023, the Company sold an aggregate of 23,705 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $182,982 in an “at the market” offering pursuant to a sales agreement between the Company and Roth Capital Partners, LLC (“Roth”). On January 31, 2023, 7,564 of shares were repurchased from Roth for $76,323. The offering was terminated on February 2, 2023.

 

On February 14, 2023, the Company issued 410,000 shares of common stock and 40,000 pre-funded warrants to purchase common stock to Aegis Capital Corp. (“Aegis”) for net proceeds of $1,692,000 in connection with an underwritten offering.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, between May 2023 and June 2023, the Company issued an aggregate of 50,000 shares of common stock for cash proceeds of $200,000 pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated May 16, 2023 with ClearThink. In connection with such agreement, the Company also issued 62,500 shares of common stock to ClearThink as commitment fees, with a fair value of $141,250, which was recorded as stock issuance costs.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company issued an aggregate of 780,651 shares of common stock to Lind with a fair value of $2,501,820 as payment of $1,668,800 of note principal due on the convertible promissory note, and recorded a loss of $833,019 prior to the Reverse Stock Split.

 

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Note 8. Options

 

The following table represents option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2023:

 

   Number of
Options
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining Contractual
Life in
Years
   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding – December 31, 2022   223,076   $40.05    5.25      
Exercisable – December 31, 2022   206,082   $40.05    5.28   $- 
Granted   -   $-           
Forfeited   -   $-           
Vested   211,073                
Outstanding – June 30, 2023   223,076   $31.81    4.79      
Exercisable – June 30, 2023   211,073   $31.81    4.82   $- 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company recognized $37,130 of compensation expense for vested stock options issued to directors, contractors and employees during 2019 to 2022.

 

Note 9. Warrants

 

The following table represents warrant activity for the six months ended June 30, 2023:

 

   Number of
Warrants
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining Contractual
Life in
Years
   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding – December 31, 2022   120,675   $62.11    1.32      
Exercisable – December 31, 2022   120,675   $62.11    1.32   $- 
Granted   475,035   $2.59           
Exercised   (40,000)  $3.98           
Forfeited or Expired   -   $-           
Outstanding – June 30, 2023   555,710   $15.41    4.43      
Exercisable – June 30, 2023   120,675   $62.11    0.83   $- 

 

On January 24, 2022, in connection with the issuance of the $5,750,000 promissory note to Lind pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, the Company issued Lind a five-year warrant to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per share. The warrant provides for cashless exercise and full ratchet anti-dilution if the Company issues securities at less than $4.50 per share. Under the Black-Scholes pricing model, the fair value of the warrants issued to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock was estimated at $1,412,213 on the date of issuance of the warrant using the following assumptions: stock price of $3.97 at the date of the agreement, exercise price of the warrant, warrant term, volatility rate of 43.21% and risk-free interest rate of 1.53% from the Department of Treasury. The relative fair value of $1,035,253 was calculated using the net proceeds of the convertible note and accounted for as paid in capital. After taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split, the warrants issued were 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $90 per share.

 

On May 30, 2023, in connection with the issuance of the $1,200,000 promissory note to Lind pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, the Company issued Lind a five-year warrant exercisable six months from the date of issuance to purchase 435,035 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.45 per share. The warrant provides for cashless exercise and full ratchet anti-dilution provisions. Under the Black-Scholes pricing model, the fair value of the warrants issued to purchase 435,035 shares of common stock was estimated at $381,538 on the date of issuance of the warrant and $116,247 as of June 30, 2023 using the following assumptions: stock price of $2.14 and $1.14; exercise price of $2.45, risk free rate of 3.81% and 4.13%, volatility of 46.01%; and expected term of five years. The fair value of the warrants of $381,538 was recorded as a discount to the 2023 Lind Note and classified as liabilities.

 

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During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company issued 40,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.98 per share pursuant to pre-funded warrants issued to Aegis in connection with an underwritten offering.

 

Note 10. Commitment and Contingencies

 

Office lease

 

On January 1, 2022, the Company entered into a verbal month-to-month lease agreement for its executive offices with an unrelated third party and paid $23,200 on the lease for the three months ended March 31, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company has paid $17,400 on this lease.

 

Coastal Pride leases approximately 1,100 square feet of office space in Beaufort, South Carolina. This office space consists of two leases with related parties for $1,255 and $750 per month that expire in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, Coastal Pride has paid $8,280 on the leases.

 

On February 3, 2022, in connection with the acquisition of certain assets of Gault, the Company entered into a one-year lease agreement for 9,050 square feet from Gault in Beaufort, South Carolina for $1,000 per month until a new facility is completed. On February 3, 2023, the lease with Gault was renewed for $1,500 per month until February 2024.

 

The offices and facility of TOBC are located in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada and are on land which was leased to TOBC for approximately $2,500 per month plus taxes, from Steve and Janet Atkinson, the former TOBC owners, under a lease that expired December 1, 2021. On April 1, 2022, TOBC entered into a new five-year lease with Steve and Janet Atkinson for CAD$2,590 per month plus taxes and paid CAD$23,310 for rent for the year ended December 31, 2022 and an additional five-year lease with Kathryn Atkinson, spouse of TOBC’s President, for CAD$2,370 per month plus taxes and paid CAD$21,330 for rent for the year ended December 31, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, TOBC paid CAD$10,360 for rent under the Steve Atkinson and Janet Atkinson lease and CAD$9,480 for rent under the Kathryn Atkinson lease. Both leases are renewable for two additional five-year terms.

 

Rental and equipment lease expenses amounted to approximately $92,705 and $77,600 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Note 11. Subsequent Events

 

TOBC Additional Shares

 

On July 6, 2023, the Company, TOBC and Steve Atkinson and Janet Atkinson (each a “Seller” and collectively, the “Sellers”), entered into an agreement to waive a requirement in the First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Amendment”), entered into as of June 24, 2021, between the same parties, that an aggregate of 17,247 shares of common stock of the Company (“Additional Shares”) be held in escrow and be released from escrow and delivered to the Sellers, if at June 24, 2023, the twenty-four month anniversary of the closing of the acquisition of TOBC by the Company, TOBC had cumulative revenues of at least CAD$1,300,000, or if TOBC’s cumulative revenue has not reached CAD$1,300,000, the Sellers would be entitled to a prorated number of Additional Shares. Accordingly, on July 6, 2026, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized its escrow agent, to instruct the Company’s transfer agent to deliver 8,451 Additional Shares to Steve Atkinson and 8,796 Additional Shares to Janet Atkinson.

 

Common Stock

 

On July 1, 2023 and August 1, 2023, the Company issued 5,263 and 7,151 shares of common stock, respectively, to the designee of Clear Think Capital for consulting services provided to the Company. 

 

On July 12, 2023, August 8, 2023 and August 11, 2023, the Company issued an aggregate of 339,710 shares of common stock to Lind as payment of $249,600 of note principal due on the convertible promissory note.

 

2023 Lind Note Amendment

 

On July 27, 2023, the Company entered into a First Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement Amendment”) with Lind, pursuant to which the Company amended the Securities Purchase Agreement, entered into by and between the Investor and the Company as of May 30, 2023 (the “Purchase Agreement”), in order to permit the issuance of further senior convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of up to $1,800,000 (the “2023 Lind Note Amendment”) and common stock purchase warrants in such aggregate amount as the Company and Investor shall mutually agree pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement Amendment, the Company issued to Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $300,000 and a warrant to purchase 175,234 shares of common stock of the Company (the “Warrant”), for the aggregate funding amount of $250,000. In connection with the issuance of the note and the Warrant, the Company paid Lind a $12,500 commitment fee.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The following management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes thereto contained in this Quarterly Report. The management’s discussion and analysis contain forward-looking statements, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. When used, the words “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate,” “expect” and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions (“will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on April 17, 2023, as updated in subsequent filings we have made with the SEC that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Quarterly Report.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The following discussion highlights our results of operations and the principal factors that have affected our financial condition as well as our liquidity and capital resources for the periods described and provides information that management believes is relevant for an assessment and understanding of the statements of financial condition and results of operations presented herein. The following discussion and analysis are based on our unaudited financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report, which we have prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. You should read the discussion and analysis together with such financial statements and the related notes thereto.

 

Overview

 

We are an international seafood company that imports, packages and sells refrigerated pasteurized crab meat, and other premium seafood products. Our current source of revenue is from importing blue and red swimming crab meat primarily from Indonesia, the Philippines and China and distributing it in the United States and Canada under several brand names such as Blue Star, Oceanica, Pacifika, Crab & Go, First Choice, Good Stuff and Coastal Pride Fresh, and steelhead salmon and rainbow trout fingerlings produced under the brand name Little Cedar Farms for distribution in Canada. The crab meat which we import is processed in six out of the ten plants available throughout Southeast Asia. Our suppliers are primarily via co-packing relationships, including two affiliated suppliers. We sell primarily to food service distributors. We also sell our products to wholesalers, retail establishments and seafood distributors.

 

Recent Events

 

Clear Think Capital Partners Equity Securities Purchase Agreement

 

On May 16, 2023, the Company and ClearThink Capital Partners LLC (“ClearThink”) entered into a securities purchase agreement under which ClearThink has agreed to purchase from the Company an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock for a total purchase price of $200,000 in four closings (50,000 shares of common stock after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split). The first, second and third closings occurred on May 16, 2023 and the fourth closing occurred on June 16, 2023. A commitment fee of 62,500 shares of common stock were issued to ClearThink in connection with the agreement.

 

The issuance of shares to ClearThink are subject to a beneficial ownership limitation so that in no event will shares be issued which would result in ClearThink beneficially owning, together with its affiliates, more than 9.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock.

 

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NASDAQ Compliance

 

On November 17, 2022, NASDAQ Listing Qualifications staff (“Staff”) notified the Company that it no longer complied with the minimum bid price requirement under Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). In accordance with Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company was provided 180 calendar days, or until May 16, 2023, to regain compliance with 5550(a)(2). On May 17, 2023, Staff notified the Company that it had determined to delist the Company as it did not comply with the bid price requirement for listing on the Exchange. On May 22, 2023, the Company requested a hearing. On May 23, 2023, Staff issued an additional delist determination letter, as the Company no longer complied with the minimum $2,500,000 stockholders’ equity required for continued listing, or any of the alternative requirements pursuant to Listing Rule 5550(b), which served as an additional and separate basis for delisting. A hearing was held on June 29, 2023.

 

The Company implemented the Reverse Stock Split and anticipated regaining compliance with the Bid Price rule and also plans to complete a public offering in order to cure the shareholder equity deficiency. On June 30, 2023, the Company’s stock recorded a closing bid price of $1, the tenth consecutive trading session on which it did so.

 

Based on the information presented on June 29, 2023, the Panel granted the Company an exception until August 18, 2023, subject to certain conditions. In light of its plan to cure its listing deficiencies and the fact that it has already cured the Bid Price deficiency. The Panel granted the Company’s request for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market, subject to (i) the Company filing a registration statement with the SEC for a $5 million public offering by July 28, 2023 and (ii) the Company demonstrating compliance with Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) by August 18, 2023.

 

The Panel reserved the right to reconsider the terms of this exception. The Company may request that the NASDAQ Listing and Hearing Review Council review the Panel’s decision and the Council may on its own determine to review any Panel decision within 45 calendar days.

 

On August 17, 2023, the Company requested that the Panel extend the date by which the Company must demonstrate compliance to September 15, 2023. The Company is awaiting a response from the Panel to its request for such extension.

 

2023 Lind Securities Purchase Agreement

 

On May 30, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Lind Global Fund II LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Lind”) pursuant to which the Company issued to Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $1,200,000 (the “Lind Note”) and a warrant (the “Lind Warrant”) to purchase 435,035 shares of common stock of the Company commencing six months after issuance and exercisable for five years at an exercise price of $2.45 per share. The Lind Warrant includes cashless exercise and full ratchet anti-dilution provisions. In connection with the issuance of the Lind Note and the Lind Warrant, the Company paid Lind a $50,000 commitment fee. The proceeds from the sale of the Note and Warrant are for general working capital purposes.

 

Previously, on January 24, 2022, the Company issued to Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $5,750,000 (the “2022 Note”). In connection with the issuance of the 2022 Note, the Company granted Lind a first priority security interest and lien on all of its assets, including a pledge on its shares in John Keeler & Co. Inc., pursuant to a security agreement, dated as of January 24, 2022 between the Company and Lind (the “2022 Security Agreement”). In connection with the issuance of the 2022 Note, the Company and Lind amended the 2022 Security Agreement to include the new Lind Note, pursuant to an amended and restated security agreement, dated May 30, 2023, between the Company and Lind.

 

The Company agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the Lind Note and Lind Warrant. If the registration statement is not declared effective within 90 days the Note will be in default. Lind was also granted piggyback registration rights.

 

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If the Company engages in capital raising transactions, Lind has the right to purchase up to 20% of the new securities for 24 months.

 

The Lind Note is convertible into common stock of the Company after the earlier of 90 days from issuance or the date the registration statement is effective, provided that no such conversion may be made that would result in beneficial ownership by Lind and its affiliates of more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The conversion price of the Lind Note is equal to the lesser of: (i) $2.40; or (ii) 90% of the lowest single volume-weighted average price during the twenty-trading day period ending on the last trading day immediately preceding the applicable conversion date, subject to customary adjustments. The maximum number of shares of common stock to be issued in connection with the conversion of the Lind Note and the exercise of the Lind Warrant, in the aggregate, will not, exceed 19.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company immediately prior to the date of the Lind Note, in accordance with NASDAQ rules and guidance.

 

The Lind Note contains certain negative covenants, including restricting the Company from certain distributions, stock repurchases, borrowing, sale of assets, loans and exchange offers.

 

Upon the occurrence of an event of default as described in the Lind Note, the Lind Note will become immediately due and payable at a default interest rate of 120% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Lind Note.

 

On July 27, 2023, the Company, entered into a First Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement Amendment”) with Lind, pursuant to which the Company amended the Securities Purchase Agreement, entered into with Lind as of May 30, 2023 (the “Purchase Agreement”), in order to permit the issuance of further senior convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of up to $1,800,000 and common stock purchase warrants in such aggregate amount as the Company and Lind shall mutually agree pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement Amendment, the Company issued to Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $300,000 and a warrant to purchase 175,234 shares of common stock of the Company (the “Warrant”), for the aggregate funding amount of $250,000. In connection with the issuance of the note and the Warrant, the Company paid a $12,500 commitment fee to the Investor. The proceeds from the sale of the Note and Warrant are for general working capital.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

On March 29, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved, and on May 10, 2023, at a special meeting of the stockholders, holders of approximately 87.08% of the Company’s voting power, approved the granting of authority to the Board to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, by a ratio of not less than 1-for-2 and not more than 1-for-50, with the exact ratio to be determined by the Board in its sole discretion.

 

On June 1, 2023, the Board determined to effectuate a 1:20 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) and on June 9, 2023, the Company amended its Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split, effective as of June 21, 2023.

 

TOBC Additional Shares

 

On July 6, 2023, the Company, Taste of BC Aquafarms Inc., a corporation formed under the Province of British Columbia, Canada and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“TOBC”) and Steve Atkinson and Janet Atkinson (each a “Seller” and collectively, the “Sellers”), entered into an agreement to waive a requirement in the First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Amendment”), entered into as of June 24, 2021, between the same parties, that an aggregate of 17,247 shares (after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split) of common stock of the Company (“Additional Shares”) be held in escrow and be released from escrow and delivered to the Sellers, if at June 24, 2023, the twenty-four month anniversary of the closing of the acquisition of TOBC by the Company, TOBC had cumulative revenues of at least CAD$1,300,000, or if TOBC’s cumulative revenue has not reached CAD$1,300,000, the Sellers would be entitled to a prorated number of Additional Shares. Accordingly, on July 6, 2026, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized its escrow agent, to instruct the Company’s transfer agent to deliver 8,451 Additional Shares to Steve Atkinson and 8,796 Additional Shares to Janet Atkinson.

 

Termination of Lighthouse Loan Facility

 

On June 16, 2023, the Company terminated the loan and security agreement, dated March 31, 2021 (the “Loan Agreement”), between Lighthouse Financial Corp., a North Carolina corporation (“Lighthouse”) and the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, John Keeler & Co., Inc., d/b/a Blue Star Foods, a Florida corporation (“Keeler & Co.”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Coastal Pride”) which provided for a $5,000,000 revolving line of credit for thirty-six months, renewable annually for one-year periods, and paid a total of approximately $108,400 to Lighthouse which included, as of June 16, 2023, an outstanding principal balance of approximately $93,400, accrued interest of approximately $9,900, and other fees incurred in connection with the line of credit of approximately $4,991. Upon the repayment of the total outstanding indebtedness owing to Lighthouse, the Loan Agreement and all other related financing agreements and documents entered into in connection with the Loan Agreement were deemed terminated.

 

Board Resignation

 

As reported in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 4, 2023, on July 31, 2023, Juan Carlos Dalto resigned from the Company’s board of directors in order to focus on other endeavors.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of the Company is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, the financial statements and accompanying notes elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

 

Net Revenue. Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2023 decreased 44.0% to $1,655,562 as compared to $2,958,866 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as a result of a decrease in poundage sold during the three months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold for the three months ended June 30, 2023 decreased to $1,574,547 as compared to $2,621,112 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is attributable to the decrease in poundage sold in the cost of goods.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2023 decreased to $81,015 as compared to gross profit of $337,754 in the three months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is attributable to the decrease in sales.

 

Commissions Expense. Commissions expense decreased to $773 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from $21,377 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease was due to lower commissionable revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Salaries and Wages Expense. Salaries and wages expense decreased to $466,127 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to $571,076 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is mainly attributable to a strategic reduction in salaries for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $27,668 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to $110,201 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is attributable to lower depreciation due to the impairment of fixed assets and intangible assets in the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Other Operating Expense. Other operating expense decreased to $662,699 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from $767,302 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is mainly attributable to legal and professional related to our business operations.

 

Other Income. Other income increased for the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $25,292 from $17,041 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. This increase is mainly attributable to the collections by Coastal Pride of receivables existing prior to the acquisition of Coastal Pride by the Company,

 

Interest Income. Interest income increased to $24 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The increase is attributable to the interest earned on an interest-bearing brokerage account.

 

Loss on Settlement of Debt. Loss on settlement of debt increased to $184,589 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The increase is attributable to the fair value of common stock issued was higher than the principal amount paid.

 

Change in Fair Value of Derivative and Warrant Liabilities. Change in fair value of derivative and warrant liabilities increased to $99,577 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The increase is attributable to the fair value measurement for the derivative liability and warrant liability for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased to $315,787 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from $322,052 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease is attributable to the amortization of the Lind convertible debt discount.

 

Net Loss. Net loss was $1,451,735 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to $1,437,213 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The increase in net loss is primarily attributable to the increase of loss on settlement of debt.

 

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Six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

 

Net Revenue. Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023 decreased 57.1% to $3,554,001 as compared to $8,283,168 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as a result of decrease in poundage sold during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold for the six months ended June 30, 2023 decreased to $3,188,624 as compared to $7,457,675 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is attributable to the decrease in poundage sold in the cost of goods.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2023 decreased to $365,377 as compared to gross profit of $825,493 in the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is attributable to decrease in sales.

 

Commissions Expense. Commissions expense decreased to $1,746 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 from $21,377 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease was due to lower commissionable revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Salaries and Wages Expense. Salaries and wages expense decreased to $996,965 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to $1,146,525 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is mainly attributable to strategic reduction in salaries for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $30,337 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to $274,796 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is attributable to lower depreciation due to the impairment of fixed assets and intangible assets in the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Other Operating Expense. Other operating expense decreased to $1,362,789 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 from $1,363,776 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is mainly attributable to legal and professional related to our business operations.

 

Other Income. Other income decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $27,194 from $46,670 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is mainly attributable to the collections by Coastal Pride of receivables existing prior to the acquisition of Coastal Pride by the Company.

 

Interest Income. Interest income increased to $24 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 from $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase is attributable to the interest deposited into the Blue Star Foods brokerage account with Bank of America.

 

Loss on Settlement of Debt. Loss on settlement of debt increased to $833,019 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 from $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase is attributable to the fair value of common stock issued was higher than the principal amount paid.

 

Change in Fair Value of Derivative and Warrant Liabilities. Change in fair value and derivative and warrant liabilities to $99,577 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 from $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase is attributable to the fair value measurement for the derivative liability and warrant liability for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $670,453 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 from $556,768 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase is attributable to the amortization of the Lind convertible debt discount.

 

Net Loss. Net loss was $3,403,137 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to $2,491,079 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase in net loss is primarily attributable to the increase of loss on settlement of debt and interest expense related to the Lind notes amortization.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company had cash of $7,092 as of June 30, 2023. At June 30, 2023, the Company had a working capital deficit of $1,704,096, including $830,399 in stockholder loans that are subordinated to its working capital line of credit, and the Company’s primary sources of liquidity consisted of inventory of $3,150,055 and accounts receivable of $261,576.

 

The Company has historically financed its operations through the cash flow generated from operations, capital investment, notes payable and a working capital line of credit.

 

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Cash (Used in) Operating Activities. Cash used in operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $1,573,217 as compared to cash used in operating activities of $4,013,941 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease is primarily attributable to decrease in inventory of $5,228,638, offset by the increase in payables of $890,706 and accounts receivable and other current assets of $1,252,641 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2022.

 

Cash (Used in) Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $15,351 as compared to cash used in investing activities of $499,035 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in the purchase of fixed assets for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the acquisition of the soft-shell crab operations during the six months ended June 30, 2022.

 

Cash Provided by Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $1,538,386 as compared to cash provided by financing activities of $5,925,976 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease is mainly attributable to the pay-off of the working capital line of credit during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Working Capital Line of Credit

 

On March 31, 2021, Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride entered into a loan and security agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with Lighthouse Financial Corp., a North Carolina corporation (“Lighthouse”). Pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, Lighthouse made available to Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride (together, the “Borrowers”) a $5,000,000 revolving line of credit for a term of thirty-six months, renewable annually for one-year periods thereafter. Amounts due under the line of credit were represented by a revolving credit note issued to Lighthouse by the Borrowers.

 

The advance rate of the revolving line of credit was 85% with respect to eligible accounts receivable and the lower of 60% of the Borrowers’ eligible inventory, or 80% of the net orderly liquidation value, subject to an inventory sublimit of $2,500,000. Interest on the line of credit was the prime rate (with a floor of 3.25%), plus 3.75%. The Borrowers paid Lighthouse a facility fee of $50,000 in three instalments of $16,667 in March, April and May 2021 and paid an additional facility fee of $25,000 on each anniversary of March 31, 2021. On January 14, 2022, the maximum inventory advance under the line of credit was adjusted from 50% to 70% until June 30, 2022, 65% to July 31, 2022, 60% to August 31, 2022 and 55% to September 30, 2022 at a monthly fee of 0.25% on the portion of the loan in excess of the 50% advance in order to increase imports to meet customer demand. On July 29, 2022, the Loan Agreement was further amended to set the annual interest rate on the outstanding principal amount at 4.75% above the prime rate and to reduce the monthly required cash flow requirements beginning July 31, 2022. The amendment also updated the maximum inventory advance under the line of credit to 60% from August 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and 50% thereafter.

 

The line of credit was secured by a first priority security interest on all the assets of each Borrower. Pursuant to the terms of a guaranty agreement, the Company guaranteed the obligations of the Borrowers under the note and John Keeler, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, provided a personal guaranty of up to $1,000,000 to Lighthouse.

 

On June 16, 2023, the Company terminated the Loan Agreement and paid a total of approximately $108,400 to Lighthouse which included, as of June 16, 2023, an outstanding principal balance of approximately $93,400, accrued interest of approximately $9,900, and other fees incurred in connection with the line of credit of approximately $4,991. Upon the repayment of the total outstanding indebtedness owing to Lighthouse, the Loan Agreement and all other related financing agreements and documents entered into in connection with the Loan Agreement were deemed terminated.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, cash proceeds from the working capital line of credit totaled $2,405,034 and cash payments to the working capital line of credit totaled $4,182,971.

 

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John Keeler Promissory Notes

 

From January 2006 through May 2017, Keeler & Co issued 6% demand promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,910,000 to John Keeler, our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman. As of June 30, 2023, approximately $830,300 of principal remains outstanding and approximately $26,535 of interest was paid under the notes during the six months ended June 30, 2023. After satisfaction of the terms of the subordination, the Company may prepay the notes at any time first against interest due thereunder. If an event of default occurs under the notes, interest will accrue at 18% per annum and if not paid within ten days of payment becoming due, the holder of the note is entitled to a late fee of 5% of the amount of payment not timely made. The Company made principal payments of $62,661 during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Lind Global Fund II LP notes

 

On January 24, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with Lind pursuant to which the Company issued Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $5,750,000 and a five-year warrant to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per share, subject to customary adjustments (50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $90 per share after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split). The warrant provides for cashless exercise and for full ratchet anti-dilution if the Company issues securities at less than $4.50 per share. In connection with the issuance of the note and the warrant, the Company paid a $150,000 commitment fee to Lind and approximately $87,000 of debt issuance costs.

 

The outstanding principal under the note is payable commencing July 24, 2022, in 18 consecutive monthly installments of $333,333, at the Company’s option, in cash or shares of common stock at a price (the “Repayment Share Price”) based on 90% of the five lowest volume weighted average prices (“VWAP”) during the 20-days prior to the payment date with a floor price of $1.50 per share (the “Floor Price”), floor price of $30 per share after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split, or a combination of cash and stock provided that if at any time the Repayment Share Price is deemed to be the Floor Price, then in addition to shares, the Company will pay Lind an additional amount in cash as determined pursuant to a formula contained in the note.

 

In connection with the issuance of the note, the Company granted Lind a first priority security interest and lien on all of its assets, including a pledge on its shares in John Keeler & Co. Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, pursuant to a security agreement and a stock pledge agreement with Lind, dated January 24, 2022. Each subsidiary of the Company also granted a second priority security interest in all of its respective assets.

 

The note is mandatorily payable prior to maturity if the Company issues any preferred stock (with certain exceptions described in the note) or, if the Company or its subsidiaries issues any indebtedness other than certain amounts under the current line of credit facility with Lighthouse. The Company also agreed not to issue or sell any securities with a conversion, exercise or other price based on a discount to the trading prices of the Company’s stock or to grant the right to receive additional securities based on future transactions of the Company on terms more favorable than those granted to Lind, with certain exceptions.

 

If the Company fails to maintain the listing and trading of its common stock, the note will become due and payable and Lind may convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal at the lower of the then current conversion price and 80% of the average of the 3-day VWAP during the 20 days prior to delivery of the conversion notice.

 

If the Company engages in capital raising transactions, Lind has the right to purchase up to 10% of the new securities.

 

The note is convertible into common stock at $5.00 per share ($100 per share after taking into account the Company’s Reverse Stock Split), subject to certain adjustments, at any time after the earlier of six months from issuance or the date the registration statement is effective; provided that no such conversion may be made that would result in beneficial ownership by Lind and its affiliates of more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. If shares are issued by the Company at less than the conversion price, the conversion price will be reduced to such price.

 

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Upon a change of control of the Company, as defined in the note, Lind has the right to require the Company to prepay 10% of the outstanding principal amount of the note. The Company may prepay the outstanding principal amount of the note, provided Lind may convert up to 25% of the principal amount of the note at a price per share equal to the lesser of the Repayment Share Price or the conversion price. The Note contains certain negative covenants, including restricting the Company from certain distributions, stock repurchases, borrowing, sale of assets, loans and exchange offers.

 

Upon an event of default as described in the note, the note will become immediately due and payable at a default interest rate of 125% of the then outstanding principal amount. Upon a default, all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount may be converted into shares of common stock by Lind at the lower of the conversion price and 80% of the average of the three lowest daily VWAPs.

 

On May 30, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Lind Global Fund II LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Lind”) pursuant to which the Company issued to Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $1,200,000 (the “Lind Note”) and a warrant (the “Lind Warrant”) to purchase 435,035 shares of common stock of the Company commencing six months after issuance and exercisable for five years at an exercise price of $2.45 per share, for the aggregate funding amount of $1,000,000. The Lind Warrant includes cashless exercise and full ratchet anti-dilution provisions. In connection with the issuance of the Lind Note and the Lind Warrant, the Company paid Lind a $50,000 commitment fee. The proceeds from the sale of the Note and Warrant are for general working capital purposes.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company made aggregate principal payments on the 2022 Lind Note of $1,668,800 through the issuance of an aggregate of 780,668 shares of common stock prior to the effectiveness the Company’s Reverse Stock Split. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the outstanding balance on the note was $2,250,342 and $3,439,557, net of debt discount of $164,192 and $643,778, respectively.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We currently have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

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

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as of June 30, 2023, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that based on the material weaknesses discussed below our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act were recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that our disclosure controls are not effectively designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

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The matters involving internal controls and procedures that our management considered to be material weaknesses under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board were:

 

● inadequate control over the monitoring of inventory maintained in the Company’s third-party warehouse;

 

● ineffective controls over the Company’s financial close and reporting process; and

 

● inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives, including lack of personnel resources and technical accounting expertise within the accounting function of the Company.

 

Management believes that the material weaknesses that were identified did not have an effect on our financial results. However, management believes that these weaknesses, if not properly remediated, could result in a material misstatement in our financial statements in future periods.

 

Management’s Remediation Initiatives

 

In an effort to remediate the identified material weaknesses and other deficiencies and enhance our internal controls, we plan to further initiate, the following measures, subject to the availability of required resources:

 

● We plan to create a position to segregate duties consistent with control objectives and hire personnel resources with technical accounting expertise within the accounting function; and

 

● We plan to create an internal control framework that will address financial close and reporting process, among other procedures.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

During the period covered by this Quarterly Report, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

There are no material pending legal proceedings to which we are a party or in which any director, officer or affiliate of ours, any owner of record or beneficially of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, or security holder is a party adverse to us or has a material interest adverse to us.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

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

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Except as set forth below, there were no sales of equity securities sold during the period covered by this Report that were not registered under the Securities Act and were not previously reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company.

 

On July 1, 2023 and August 1, 2023, the Company issued 5,263 and 7,151 shares of common stock, respectively, to the designee of Clear Think Capital for consulting services provided to the Company.

 

The above issuances did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering and we believe are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

No.

  Description
     
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1   Certifications of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2   Certifications of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS   Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  BLUE STAR FOODS CORP.
     
Dated: August 21, 2023 By: /s/ John Keeler
  Name: John Keeler
  Title: Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
     
Dated: August 21, 2023 By: /s/ Silvia Alana
  Name: Silvia Alana
  Title:

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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