Iconic Brands, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2022 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022

or

For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

Commission File Number: 000-53162

(631) 464-4050

(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:

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 emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

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

As of July 27, 2022, the registrant had 105,897,794 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, issued and outstanding.

ICONIC BRANDS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” and “would.” These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based in part on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable law.

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

ICONIC BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021

See accompanying notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Iconic Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

 (Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

Iconic Brands, Inc., (“the Company”, or “Iconic”), was incorporated in the State of Nevada on October 21, 2005. As of March 31, 2022, the subsidiaries of Iconic are wholly-owned TopPop LLC (“TopPop”) and United Spirits Inc., (“United”), 54% owned BiVi LLC (“BiVi”) and Bellissima Spirits LLC (“Bellissima”) and 60% owned Empire Wine and Spirits LLC (“Empire”) which was organized on February 4, 2022.

BiVi is the brand owner of “BiVi 100 percent Sicilian Vodka,” and Bellissima is the brand owner of Bellissima sparkling wines. BiVi was organized in Nevada on May 4, 2015. Bellissima was organized in Nevada on November 23, 2015.

On July 26, 2021, the Company acquired 100% of TopPop. TopPop is organized as a limited liability company in the State of New Jersey on September 5, 2019. TopPop’s primary operation is the manufacture and packaging of alcohol and non-alcohol single-serve, shelf-stable, ready-to-freeze ice pops. TopPop began operations in December 2019 (see note 3). On July 26, 2021, the company purchased all the outstanding stock of United.

Empire was organized in the State of Nevada on February 4, 2022.  During the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, there was no business activity or transactions. 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Iconic, its two 54% owned subsidiaries BiVi and Bellissima, 60% owned Empire, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries United and TopPop, (collectively, the “Company”). All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

(b) Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(c) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Generally accepted accounting principles require disclosing the fair value of financial instruments to the extent practicable for financial instruments which are recognized or unrecognized in the balance sheet. The fair value of the financial instruments disclosed herein is not necessarily representative of the amount that could be realized or settled, nor does the fair value amount consider the tax consequences of realization or settlement.

In assessing the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses a variety of methods and assumptions, which are based on estimates of market conditions and risks existing at the time. For certain instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and notes payable, it was estimated that the carrying amount approximated fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.

Accounting guidance on fair value measurements requires that financial assets and liabilities be classified and disclosed in one of the following categories of the fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 – Based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.

Level 2 – Based on observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 – Based on unobservable inputs that reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

We did not have any transfers between levels during the periods presented.

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy. The only financial instrument measured at fair value is the contingent consideration:

The fair value of the contingent consideration is based on the projected earnings of the business.

(d) Cash

The total amount of bank deposits (checking and savings accounts) that was not insured by the FDIC at March 31, 2022 was $6,789,306.

(e) Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company extends unsecured credit to customers in the ordinary course of business but mitigates risk by performing credit checks and by actively pursuing past due accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on customer historical experience and the aging of the related accounts receivable. At March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $47,000 and $0, respectively.

(f) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market, with due consideration given to obsolescence and to slow moving items. Inventories at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 consist of cases of BiVi Vodka and cases of Bellissima sparkling wines purchased from our Italian suppliers and cases of alcoholic beverages. TopPop inventory consists of raw materials, work in process and finished goods relating to the production cycle.

(g) Revenue Recognition

It is the Company’s policy that revenues from product sales are recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 606”) “Revenue Recognition.” Five basic steps must be followed to recognize revenue; (1) Identify contract(s) with a customer that creates enforceable rights and obligations; (2) Identify performance obligations in the contract, such as promises to transfer goods or services to a customer; (3) Determine the transaction price, (i.e. the amount of consideration in a contract to which an entity believes it is entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer); (4) Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, which requires the Company to allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on the basis of the relative standalone selling prices of each distinct good or services promised in the contract; and (5) Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to a customer. The amount of revenue recognized is the amount allocated to the satisfied performance obligation. Adoption of ASC 606 has not changed the timing and nature of the Company’s revenue recognition and there has been no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Our revenue (referred to in our consolidated financial statements as “sales”) consists primarily of the sale of wine and spirits imported for cash or otherwise agreed-upon credit terms. Our customers consist primarily of retailers. Our revenue generating activities have a single performance obligation and are recognized at the point in time when control transfers and our obligation has been fulfilled, which is when the related goods are shipped or delivered to the customer, depending upon the method of distribution, and shipping terms. We have elected to treat shipping as a fulfillment activity. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the sale of our product. The Company has no obligation to accept the return of products sold other than for replacement of damaged products. Other than quantity price discounts negotiated with customers prior to billing and delivery (which are reflected as a reduction in sales), the Company does not offer any sales incentives or other rebate arrangements to customers.  Revenue associated with manufacturing and packaging business is recognized at a point in time when obligations under the terms of a contact with a customer are satisfied.

(h) Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs to deliver product to customers are reported as operating expenses in the accompanying statements of operations. Shipping and handling costs to purchase inventory are capitalized and expensed to cost of sales when revenue is recognized on the sale of product to customers.

(i) Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-based compensation is accounted for at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, equity-based compensation was $280,798 and $180,752, respectively.

(j) Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the assets and liability method. Current income taxes are provided in accordance with the laws of the respective taxing authorities. Deferred income taxes are provided for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is not more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.

(k) Net Loss per Share

Basic net loss per shares of common stock is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period of the financial statements.

Diluted net loss per share of common stock is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive securities (such as stock options, warrants, and convertible securities) outstanding. At March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had 25,620,245 and 32,564,030 potentially dilutive shares of common stock related to common stock options and warrants, respectively, as determined using the treasury stock method. Dilutive securities having an anti-dilutive effect on diluted net loss per share are excluded from the calculation.

(l) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Certain other accounting pronouncements have been issued by the FASB and other standard setting organizations which are not yet effective and have not yet been adopted by the Company. The impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations from adoption of these standards is not expected to be material.

On August 5, 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06 which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 simplifies the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the issuer’s accounting for convertible debt instruments. Such guidance includes multiple disparate sets of classification, measurement, and derecognition requirements whose interactions are complex. ASU 2020-06 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all the amendments in the same period. Most amendments within this ASU are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

(m) Business Acquisition Accounting

The Company applies the acquisition method of accounting for those that meet the criteria of a business combination.  The Company allocates the purchase price of its business acquisition based on the fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible assets.  The difference between the total cost of the acquisition and the sum of the fair values of acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets less liabilities is recorded as goodwill.  Transaction costs are expensed as incurred in general and administrative expenses.

(l) Leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, net

Leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation of furniture and fixtures is provided using the straight-line method, generally over the terms of the lease. Repairs and maintenance expenditures, which do not extend the useful lives of the related assets, are expensed as incurred. Depreciation of machinery and equipment is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets

3. ACQUISITION OF TOPPOP

On July 26, 2021, the Company entered into an acquisition agreement (the “TopPop Acquisition Agreement”) with TopPop, and each of FrutaPop LLC (“Frutapop”), Innoaccel Investments LLC (“Innoaccel”) and Thomas Martin (“Martin” and, together with Frutapop and Innoaccel, the “TopPop Members”), pursuant to which the TopPop Members sold to the Company and the Company acquired, all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of TopPop.

TopPop is a brand owner and contract manufacturing and packaging company specializing in flexible packaging solutions in the food, beverage and health categories. Its first branded and contract products are alcohol-infused ice pops. Its manufacturing facility in Marlton, New Jersey is registered by the Federal Drug Administration and holds a Safe Quality Food certification.

Upon consummation of the acquisition contemplated by the TopPop Acquisition Agreement, the TopPop Members received, in the aggregate: (a) $3,694,273 in cash by transfer of immediately available funds, (b) 26,009,600 shares of Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, which shares were valued in the aggregate at $10,143,744, or $0.39 per share, (c) $5,042,467 aggregate principal amount of promissory notes of the Company (the “Promissory Notes”) and (d) future additional cash payments as earnout consideration (the “Total Consideration”). The earn-out payments, if any, will be made (i) following the 12-month period commencing on August 1, 2021 (the “First Year”), in an amount (the “First Year Earn-out Amount”) equal to each TopPop Member’s pro rata portion of the excess, if any, of: (A) 1.96 times TopPop’s EBITDA for the First Year over (B) the aggregate amount of the Promissory Notes repaid in cash during the First Year; provided, however, no First Year Earn-out Amount shall be payable if (i)(A) does not exceed (i)(B); and (ii) following the 12-month period commencing on August 1, 2022 (the “Second Year”), in an amount (the “Second Year Earn-out Amount”) equal to each TopPop Member’s pro rata portion of the excess, if any, of: (A) 1.96 times TopPop’s EBITDA for the Second Year over (B) the aggregate amount of the Promissory Notes repaid in cash during the Second Year; provided, however, no Second Year Earn-out Amount shall be payable if (ii)(A) does not exceed (ii)(B). The earn-out payments shall be made, at the election of each TopPop Member, in cash or in shares of common stock or a combination thereof, less any reserve for possible indemnification payments, provided that not less than 45% of the value of each earn-out payment shall be paid in common stock. If paid in shares of common stock, such shares shall be valued at the then-prevailing market rate. 

The Company originally calculated the First Year Earn-out Amount to be $8,244,642 and the Second Year Earn-out Amount to be $11,959,863. In connection with the requirement to record the contingent consideration at fair value for every reporting period, information as of and during the period ended March 31, 2022 required the Company to conclude that there will be no contingent consideration required to be made at the end of the First Year, while the entire amount of contingent consideration previously recorded will be required to be made at the end of the Second Year. This is the result of delays in the revenue targets but no material changes in the underlying projections previously used in connection with the valuation of such contingent consideration. Therefore, the Company estimates that the total contingent consideration is $20,204,505 and will be owed at the end of the Second Year.

The Promissory Notes bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum and mature on July 26, 2022. The Promissory Notes are not subject to pre-payment penalties; however, the Company may not pre-pay any amount on any Promissory Note without pre-paying a pro-rata portion of all Promissory Notes. In connection with the Promissory Notes, the Company granted to the TopPop Members a security interest in all of the Company’s membership interests of TopPop pursuant to certain pledge agreements with each of the TopPop Members, each dated July 26, 2021. The Promissory Notes are not convertible into equity securities of the Company. Under the terms of the Promissory Notes, there is a five-day grace period to July 31, 2022 before an event of default occurs. Upon an event of default, the holders may exercise all rights and remedies available under the terms of the Promissory Notes or applicable laws, including to foreclose on certain collateral consisting of the membership interests of TopPop. The Company is currently in discussions with holders regarding possible solutions for the payment of the Promissory Notes, including the possible extension for an additional year.

The Company accounted for the Acquisition of TopPop as a business combination using the purchase method of accounting as prescribed in Accounting Standards Codification 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”) and ASC 820 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). In accordance with ASC 805 and ASC 820, we used our best estimates and assumptions to accurately assign fair value to the tangible assets acquired, identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition dates. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  

Fair value of the acquisition

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price as of the TopPop acquisition:

The excess purchase price has been recorded as “goodwill” included as part of “Intangible assets” in the amount of $15,976,877. The estimated useful life of the identifiable intangible assets is four to ten years. The goodwill is amortizable for tax purposes.

See Note 14 for the required pro forma information related to the business combination.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the assets. Amortization expense amounted to $796,600 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

4. LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, FURNITURE, AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Depreciation expense related to leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment amounted to $78,348 and $3,546 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

5. INVENTORIES

 Inventories consisted of:

6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of:

7. NOTES PAYABLE

As of March 31, 2022, notes payable consisted of a $150,000 SBA note and the $5,042,467 notes to former owners of TopPop.

In connection with the July 2021 acquisition of 100% of the equity of TopPop, on July 26, 2021, the Company issued to the sellers promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $4,900,000 (the “TopPop Notes”). The TopPop Notes bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum, matured on July 26, 2022 and are secured by all of the outstanding membership interest in TopPop. Holders of approximately $3.55 million of these notes have agreed to extend the term for 30 days and have indicated that they will not seek cash settlement prior to August 2023.The Company has not received any demand for payment on any of the other notes.

8. FACTORING LIABILITY

During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Prestige Capital Finance, LLC (“Prestige”). Under the agreement, Prestige buys all of the Company’s right, title, and interest in specific accounts receivable. Prestige has full recourse against the Company for advances if payments are not received for any reason. All credit risk is borne by the Company and not by Prestige. Prestige pays a down payment to the Company of 80% of the face value of the specified receivables. The maximum outstanding balance of the advance is $2,000,000. Prestige’s final purchase price of the accounts receivable is at a discount which is deducted from the face value of each account upon collection. The discount fee is based upon the number of days the account receivable is outstanding from the date of the down payment. The discount fee ranges from 1.95% if the receivable is paid within 30 days to 5.85% if paid within 90 days, plus an additional 1.5% for each 10-day period thereafter until the account is paid in full.

The outstanding balance is secured by an interest in virtually all assets of the Company, with a first security interest in accounts receivable. The agreement remains in effect through January10, 2023 and will be automatically renewed for successive periods of one year each unless either party terminates the agreement in writing at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term. Prestige may cancel the agreement at any time upon 60 days’ notice.

The Company accounts for this agreement as a financing arrangement, with the down payments recorded as debt and repayment made when the applicable receivable is collected. As of March 31, 2022, there was an outstanding balance of $1,960,604 and accrued interest of $56,883.

9. CAPITAL STOCK

Preferred Stock and Common Stock

On July 26, 2021, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A-2 Preferred Stock”) with the Secretary of State of Nevada, designating up to 45,000 shares of the Company’s preferred stock as Series A-2 Preferred Stock. The holders shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay, dividends on shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock equal (on an as-if-converted-to common stock basis) to and in the same form as dividends actually paid on shares of common stock when, as and if such dividends are paid on shares of common stock. The Series A-2 Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights.

On January 5, 2022, the Company closed the second tranche of the equity financing and issued 12,258 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, 4,301,004 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 40,018,583 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $12.2 million and net proceeds of approximately $10.9 million after deduction of placement agent commissions and expenses of the offering. Such net proceeds are expected to be used by the Company for domestic and international expansion of its Bellissima brand, the expansion of the production facilities of the Company’s TopPop subsidiary, new product launches, marketing, and other general working capital purposes.

Between January 2022 and March 2022, stockholders converted 701 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock into 2,243,200 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, at $0.31 per share.

On March 23, 2021, the Company issued 401,670 shares of its common stock to an investors relations firm for services rendered to the Company. The $180,752 fair value of the 401,670 shares of common stock was expensed as investors relations in the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Warrants

In connection with the second tranche of the equity financing, on January 5, 2022, the Company granted 40,018,583 warrants to purchase common stock. The warrants expire in five years and have an exercise price of $0.31 per share.

A summary of warrant activity for the period December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022, as follows:

Options

During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized $280,798 of expense for the option awards. There were no options outstanding as of March 31, 2021.

The following table summarizes the activity of our stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2022:

The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options as of December 31, 2021 was $298,544. The outstanding options had no aggregate intrinsic value as of March 31, 2022. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value and the exercise price of the shares on balance sheet date. The market values based on the closing bid price as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was $0.39 and $0.49, respectively.

As of March 31, 2022, there was approximately $2,800,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options granted and outstanding, net of estimated forfeitures. The cost is expected to be recognized on a weighted average basis over a period of approximately three years.

10. LEASES

On November 12, 2019, TopPop executed a lease agreement with Plymouth 4 East Stow LLC to rent approximately 26,321 square feet of warehouse space in Marlton, NJ. The lease provided a term of five years commencing upon January 1, 2020 and terminating on December 31, 2024. The lease also provided for a monthly payment to Plymouth 4 East Stow LLC for common area use of $4,430 and a security deposit to the Landlord of $45,864.

Effective November 6, 2020, TopPop executed a lease agreement with Warehouse4Biz LLC to rent approximately 14,758 square feet of warehouse space in Bellmawr, NJ. The lease provided a lease term of two years commencing upon December 1, 2020 and terminating on November 30, 2022. The lease provided a security deposit to Warehouse4Biz LLC of $20,734.

On January 1, 2021, Iconic executed a cancellable Lease Agreement with Dan Kay International (an entity controlled by Richard DeCicco) for the lease of the Company’s office and warehouse space in North Amityville, NY. The agreement has a term of three years from January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2024 and provides for monthly rent of $4,893.

Effective May 19, 2021, TopPop executed a lease agreement with Industrial Opportunities II LLC to rent approximately 63,347 square feet of warehouse space in Pennsauken, NJ. The lease provided a lease term of 76 months commencing upon September 1, 2021 and terminating on December 31, 2027. The lease provided a security deposit to Industrial Opportunities II LLC of $64,931.

Effective February 9, 2022, TopPop executed a lease agreement to rent approximately 82,000 square feet of warehouse space in Pennsauken, NJ. The lease provided a lease term of 74 months (the first two months are rent free) commencing upon February 9, 2022 and terminating on March 31, 2028. The lease provided a security deposit to the landlord of $92,250 Per the lease agreement, TopPop was also required to post an additional deposit of $184,500. On May 31, 2022, TopPopsent the deposit to an escrow account held by the landlord’s counsel.

The future undiscounted minimum lease payments under the noncancellable leases for the remainder of the current fiscal year and the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

The operating lease liabilities of $5,787,885 and $3,216,315 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, represents the discounted (at a 10% estimated incremental borrowing rate) value of the future lease payments at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The Company’s weighted-average remaining lease term relating to its operating leases is 5.47 years.

For the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, occupancy expense attributed to these leases were $450,138 and $25,508, respectively

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

a. Iconic Guarantees

On May 26, 2015, BiVi entered into a license agreement with Neighborhood Licensing, LLC (the “BiVi Licensor”), an entity owned by Chazz Palminteri (“Palminteri”), to use Palminteri’s endorsement, signature and other intellectual property owned by the BiVi Licensor. The Company has agreed to guarantee and act as surety for BiVi’s obligations under certain sections of the license agreement and to indemnify the BiVi Licensor and Palminteri against third party claims.

On November 12, 2015, Bellissima Spirits entered into a license agreement with Christie Brinkley, Inc. (the “Bellissima Licensor”), an entity owned by Christie Brinkley (“Brinkley”), to use Brinkley’s endorsement, signature, and other intellectual property owned by the Bellissima Licensor. The Company has agreed to guarantee and act as surety for Bellissima’s obligations under certain sections of the license agreement and to indemnify the Bellissima Licensor and Brinkley against third party claims.

b. Royalty Obligations of BiVi and Bellissima

Pursuant to the license agreement with the Bivi Licensor (see Note 11a. above), BiVi is obligated to pay the BiVi Licensor a Royalty Fee equal to 5% of monthly gross sales of BiVi Brand products payable monthly subject to an annual Minimum Royalty Fee of $100,000 in year 1, $150,000 in year 2, $165,000 in year 3, $181,500 in year 4, $199,650 in year 5, and $219,615 in year 6 and each subsequent year. The Minimum Royalty Fee has been waived until such time as the parties agree to reinstate the Minimum Royalty Fee. As of the date of this filing, the Minimum Royalty Fee was not reinstated.

Pursuant to the license agreement and Amendment No. 1 to the license agreement effective September 30, 2017 with the Bellissima Licensor (see Note 11a. above), Bellissima is obligated to pay the Bellissima Licensor a Royalty Fee equal to 10% of monthly gross sales (12.5% for sales in excess of defined Case Break Points) of Bellissima Brand products payable monthly. The Bellissima Licensor has the right to terminate the endorsement if Bellissima fails to sell 10,000 cases of Bellissima Brand products in year 1, 15,000 cases in year 2, or 20,000 cases in year 3 and each subsequent year. These appropriate thresholds were met during the year.

c. Brand Licensing Agreement relating to Hooters Marks

On July 23, 2018, United executed a Brand Licensing Agreement (the “Hooters Agreement”) with HI Limited Partnership (the “Licensor”). The Hooters Agreement provides United a license to use certain “Hooters” Marks to manufacture, market, distribute, and sell alcoholic products.

On November 1, 2021, the Company amended its agreement with Hooters (the “Amended Hooters Agreement”) which will be effective until December 31, 2025 with an option to extend until 2028. Under the Amended Hooters Agreement, the Company must pay Hooters 10% of net sales of all products during the term.

d. Marketing and Order Processing Services Agreement

During October 2019, United executed a Marketing and Order Processing Services Agreement (the “QVC Agreement”) with QVC, Inc. (“QVC”). Among other things, the QVC Agreement provides for United’s grant to QVC of an exclusive worldwide right to promote the Bellissima products through direct response television programs.

The initial license period commenced October 2019 and expires in December 2021 (i.e., two years after first airing of a Bellissima product). Unless either party notifies the other party in writing at least 30 days prior to the end of the Initial License Period or any Renewal License Period of its intent to terminate the QVC Agreement, the License continually renews for additional two-year periods. The license automatically renewed on January 1, 2022.

The QVC Agreement provides for United’s payment of “Marketing Fees” (payable no less than monthly) to QVC in amounts agreed to between United and QVC from time to time. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Marketing Fees expense (payable to QVC) was $36,027 and $81,102, respectively, and the direct response sales generated from QVC programs was $142,689 and $405,510, respectively. 

e. Concentration of sales

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, sales consisted of:

TopPop’s sales to one customer consisted of 92% and 65% of its total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 93% and 9%, respectively, of TopPop’s accounts receivables were from that same customer.

f. Commission Agreements

On July 10, 2019, the Company executed a Commission Agreement with CAA-GBA USA, LLC (“CAA-GBG”). The agreement provides CAA-GBG to receive 5% revenue generated with respect to the co-packing or related manufacturing deal for Anheuser-Busch, LLC. Additionally, CAA-GBG is also entitled to receive 5% of revenue for new business identified. The initial agreement expired on July 31, 2021 and automatically renews every year. No commissions were incurred under this agreement since the date of acquisition of TopPop (July 26, 2021) through March 31, 2022. On May 23, 2022,CAA-GBG received notice of termination and the Commission Agreement will end on July 31, 2022.

Effective December 11, 2019, the Company executed a Commission Agreement with Christopher J. Connolly. Mr. Connolly had agreed to provide sales representation services to Company for alcohol ice pop packing opportunities in exchange for commission. The agreement provides a commission 5% of gross revenue collected. The initial term is one year from the effective date. The agreement will renew automatically for 1-year terms unless the agreement is terminated. The Company has decided to keep this agreement in place and no commissions were incurred under this agreement since the date of acquisition of TopPop (July 26, 2021) through March 31, 2022.

12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On December 6, 2019 the Company executed a Financial Services Agreement with InnoAccel, a controlling member of the TopPop. InnoAccel had agreed to provide financial and administrative services for the company in exchange for hourly compensations.

The Company has agreed to keep this agreement in place and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 the Company has recorded consulting expense of $45,000.

13. SEGMENT REPORTING

FASB Codification Topic 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for reporting financial and descriptive information about an enterprise’s reportable segments. The Company has two reportable segments: sale of branded alcoholic beverages and specialty packaging. The segments are determined based on several factors, including the nature of products and services, the nature of production processes, customer base, delivery channels and similar economic characteristics.

An operating segment’s performance is evaluated based on its pre-tax operating contribution, or segment income. Segment income is defined as net sales less cost of sales, segment selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development costs and stock-based compensation. It does not include other charges (income), net and interest and other, net.

14. PROFORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Data

Unaudited pro forma results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

These pro forma results are based on estimates and assumptions, which the Company believes are reasonable. They are not necessarily indicative of our consolidated results of operations in future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had we been a combined company during the periods presented. The pro forma results include adjustments in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, related to amortization of acquired intangible assets of $796,601, interest expense on notes payable of $122,500, and officer compensation of $127,384. There are no proforma adjustments for the period ending March 31, 2022.

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Pursuant to an amended licensing agreement entered into on April 22, 2022, the Company will grant 1,500,000 options to purchase common stock, subject to approval by the Board of Directors of Iconic, and subject to approval of Iconic’s stock option and grant plan (as may be amended from time to time, the “Plan”) by its stockholders. The exercise price per share of the Option will be equal to the fair market value of Iconic’s common stock on the date the Option is granted, as determined in good faith by its Board of Directors. The Option will be subject to the terms and conditions, including vesting terms (two year vesting in equal quarterly installments), as set forth in a stock option agreement.  As of the date of this filing, the options were not yet granted.

As of April 15, 2022, the Company was late in filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed on June 15, 2022. As of May 20, 2022 the Company was late in filing it Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2022 and under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement signed on July 26, 2021, the Company will incur a late filing penalty. Once the late filing is completed, the penalty will be calculated at a monthly rate of 1% of the subscription amount of the Securities offering.

On July 1, 2022, under the terms of the Certificate of Designation for the Series A2 Preferred Stock filed on July 26, 2021, the Company calculated that it is obligated to pay a one-time 6% dividend on the subscription value of the initially issued Series A-2 Preferred Stock. On July 19, 2022, the Company issued shares of common stock to satisfy this dividend requirement and has calculated the number of shares to be issued as 8,810,826 at $0.37 per share.

ITEM 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains not only statements that are historical facts, but also statements that are forward-looking (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Forward-looking statements are, by their very nature, uncertain and risky. These risks and uncertainties include international, national and local general economic and market conditions; demographic changes; our ability to sustain, manage, or forecast growth; our ability to successfully make and integrate acquisitions; existing government regulations and changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; adverse publicity; competition; fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; changes in business strategy or development plans; business disruptions; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the ability to protect technology; and other risks that might be detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Although the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known by them. Consequently, and because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, the actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report and in our other reports as we attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and prospects.

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and plan of operations together with and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below, those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the risks described in Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. All amounts in this report are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Summary Overview

We are engaged in the development and sale of alcohol and non-alcohol brands that are “better-for-you” (“BFY”) and “better-for-the-planet”. TopPop, our wholly owned subsidiary, produces low calorie, “ready to go” products, ready-to-freeze (“RTF”) products and ready-to-drink (“RTD”) products in sustainable, flexible and stand-up pouch packaging. TopPop also produces “cocktails-to-go” pouches and alcohol ice-pops. Our brands include “Bellissima” by Christie Brinkley, a premium BFY collection of Prosecco, Sparkling Wines, and Still Wines, all certified vegan and made with organic grapes. Bellissima is strategically positioned with its Zero Sugar Wines. We operate in multiple states, sell and distribute across the globe and have Fortune 500 customers that include some of the world’s largest alcohol beverage companies and brands. United is our 100% owned subsidiary that sells our Bellissima, Bella, Sonja Sangria and other alcohol beverages to state distributors. United holds all applicable state and federal licenses in order to sell these products to state distributors in accordance with the United States three tier distribution platform.

We have expertise in developing, from product inception to wholesale distribution or direct to consumer through the QVC distribution channel, and in branding alcohol beverages for our company and for third parties. We market and place products into national distribution through long-standing industry relationships approximately 45 national or regional alcoholic beverage distributors. We currently market and sell the following product lines: 

In addition, we develop and market private label spirits for established domestic and international chains.

As a result of our July 2021 acquisition of 100% of the equity of TopPop, we are now a vertically integrated company that develops, produces and distributes alcoholic brands. TopPop is a premier product development, contract manufacturing and packaging company that specializes in flexible packaging applications in the food, beverage and health categories. It has the federal and state licenses necessary to manufacture and blend malt, wine and spirits-based products. In June 2020, TopPop opened a 27,000-square-foot FDA-approved manufacturing facility in Marlton, New Jersey with a Safe Quality Food certification. In September 2021, TopPop leased an additional 65,000 square feet facility for manufacturing in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Construction is now complete, and the facility reached full-scale production capability at the end of March 2022. The facility includes approximately $4 million of high-speed packaging equipment and is expected to triple our production capacity.

For its first product line, TopPop identified the single serve, RTD and RTF as an opportunity for product and packaging innovation. TopPop introduced an alcohol-infused ice pop in June 2020 and began marketing the concept to major alcohol companies. In addition, it developed its own product line trademarked under the name BoozyPopz^® which is expected to be sold through e-commerce platforms and wholesaled directly to sports and entertainment venues. TopPop manufactured approximately eight million ice pops from its launch in June 2020 through December 31, 2020 and manufactured approximately 42 million ice pops during the year ended December 31, 2021. TopPop has also developed a pipeline for the single serve, RTD alcohol cocktail market and anticipates launching a line of products in this market in 2022. TopPop designs and markets flexible packaging for its RTD and RTF products with formulations that are low calorie and contain healthy and natural ingredients. With the opening of TopPop’s new facility at the end of the first quarter of 2022, we expect to have the capacity to manufacture over 150 million units by the end of 2022.

We believe TopPop brings to us additional synergies and opportunities for cross-promoting new and existing products to a broader customer base and better positions our company to establish and support our brands and to create sustainable packaging solutions to the consumable goods market. We believe our focus on lifestyle branding and the rising “Better-for-You,” “Better-for-the-Planet” consumer categories has made us a leader in developing celebrity brands worldwide, such as our Bellissima Prosecco by Christie Brinkley. Our mission is to be an industry leader in the brand development, marketing and sales of alcoholic beverages and related products by capitalizing on our ability to procure products from around the world and to develop unique and innovative packaging to create brand and product line extensions. We plan to leverage our relationships to add value to our products and to create brand awareness in unbranded niche categories.

Recent Developments

COVID-19

As a result of COVID-19, we have seen a shift away from the traditional brick-and-mortar business to a direct-to-consumer business. Although we expect brick-and-mortar to rebound, we also expect the director-to-consumer model to stay post-COVID-19, as consumers embrace the convenience of having their alcoholic beverages delivered to their doorstep. As we expand our relationship with QVC and our own direct-to-consumer platform through our website, we believe we are well positioned to execute on this opportunity.

TopPop Acquisition

On July 26, 2021, we completed the acquisition of TopPop. In connection with such acquisition, the former TopPop members received, in the aggregate(a) $3,694,273 in cash, net of cash acquired, by transfer of immediately available funds, (b) 26,009,600 shares of our common stock, which shares were valued in the aggregate at $10,143,744, or $0.39 per share, (c) $5,042,467 aggregate principal amount of our promissory notes and (d) future additional payments as earnout consideration valued at $20,204,505 to be paid in cash and stock. The earn-out payments, if any, will be made (i) following the 12-month period commencing on August 1, 2021, in an aggregate amount equal to the excess, if any, of: (A) 1.96 times TopPop’s EBITDA for the period over (B) the aggregate amount of the closing promissory notes repaid in cash during period; provided, however, no such amount shall be payable if (i)(A) does not exceed (i)(B); and (ii) following the 12-month period commencing on August 1, 2022, in an aggregate amount equal to the excess, if any, of: (A) 1.96 times TopPop’s EBITDA for such period over (B) the aggregate amount of the closing promissory notes repaid in cash during the period; provided, however, no such amount shall be payable if (ii)(A) does not exceed (ii)(B). The earn-out payments will be made, at the election of each former TopPop member, in cash or in shares of our common stock or a combination thereof, less any reserve for possible indemnification payments, provided that not less than 45% of the value of each earn-out payment shall be paid in common stock. If paid in shares of common stock, such shares shall be valued at the then-prevailing market rate.

Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock Financing

On July 26, 2021, we entered into securities purchase agreements dated as of July 26, 2021 with certain accredited investors for the sale of our newly-created Series A-2 Preferred Stock, shares of common stock, and warrants to purchase shares of common stock.

Pursuant to the purchase agreements, the shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, common stock and warrants were sold in two tranches, the first of which closed on July 26, 2021 for gross proceeds of $18,372,354 for the sale of an aggregate of 18,800 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, an aggregate of 6,711,997 shares of common stock, and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 73,338,203 shares of common stock. Of the $18,372,354 gross proceeds we received upon the closing of the first tranche, $15,603,385 was paid in cash net of fees of $2,808,320.

The second tranche closed on January 5, 2022 in which the Company issued 12,257.76 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, 4,301,004 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 40,018,583 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $12.2 million and net proceeds of approximately $11 million after deducting placement agent commissions and expenses of the offering. Such net proceeds are expected to be used by the Company for domestic and international expansion of its Bellissima brand, the expansion of the production facilities of TopPop, new product launches, marketing, and other general working capital purposes.

The warrants are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.3125 per share. The Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis if the shares of common stock underlying the warrants are not then registered for resale pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

In connection with this offering, we entered into a Placement Agency Agreement with Dawson James Securities, Inc. (the “Placement Agent”), pursuant to which at the closing of the first tranche under the purchase agreements we paid to the Placement Agent a cash fee in the amount of $2,050,000 and at the closing of the second tranche under the purchase agreements we paid to the Placement Agent a cash fee in the amount of $1,150,000. In addition, we agreed to pay to the Placement Agent a fee in connection with any cash exercise of any of the Warrants in an amount equal to 10% of the cash amount received by us upon any such exercise. Pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, as additional consideration for the services of the Placement Agent, we also issued to the Placement Agent or its designees in connection with the closing of the first tranche under the purchase agreements 2,194 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock and an additional 1,096 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock in connection with the closing of the second tranche under the purchase agreements. The fees paid to the Placement Agent were accounted for as financing costs and reduces the additional paid in capital from the financing.

Amended and Restated LLC Agreements of Bellissima Spirits LLC and BiVi LLC

On July 26, 2021, we, and each other member identified therein, including Mr. DeCicco and Rosanne Faltings, our vice president of sales and a member of the Board, entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement dated as of July 26, 2021 of Bellissima and BiVi. Such agreement provides that the manager of Bellissima and BiVi, currently Mr. DeCicco, may cause Bellissima and BiVi to make distributions of available cash flow to the members pro rata in accordance with their cash flow ratios, of which we are entitled to 100% of any such distribution of available cash flow. Such agreement also provides that the manager shall cause Bellissima and BiVi to make distributions of net proceeds attributable to certain capital events to members pro rata in accordance with their membership interest percentage, of which we are entitled to 54% of any such distribution of net proceeds and Mr. DeCicco and Ms. Faltings are entitled to 15.34% and 15.33%, respectively. Transfers of membership interests in Bellissima and BiVi are generally restricted and such agreement provides for preemptive rights, rights of first refusal, and rights of co-sale, in each case, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein.

On April 22, 2022 we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Bellissima, which provides that upon (i) a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, (ii) a change of control of us, (iii) a sale of equity following which our shareholders immediately prior to such transaction do not own, immediately following such transaction, a majority of the voting and economic rights in us, or (iv) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving us, each of Mr. DeCicco and Ms. Faltings will be entitled to sell their interest in Bellissima to us in exchange for the value of their equity interest in Bellissima that they would have received upon the sale of their equity interest in Bellissima, upon the sale of Bellissima, which value will be determined by an independent third-party appraiser.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021

Introduction

           We had sales of $4,046,797 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, and $634,533 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $3,412,264. Our operating expenses were $ 4,810,364 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $995,138 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $3,815,226 or approximately 383%. Our net operating loss was $2,968,606 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $679,238 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $2,289,368 or approximately 337%. A significant amount of these increases relate to the inclusion of the results of TopPop for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and are detailed below.

Revenues and Net Operating Loss

Our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022, and 2021 were as follows: