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Starco Brands, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 June (Form 10-Q)

stcb20210630_10q.htm
 
 

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

☒   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended JUNE 30, 2021

 

☐   TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number:  0-54892

 

STARCO BRANDS, INC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Nevada

 

27-1781753

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

   
   
   
   

250 26th Street, Suite 200, Santa Monica, CA

 

90402

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (323) 266-7111

 

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  ☐

Accelerated filer  ☐

Non-accelerated filer  ☐

Smaller reporting company  ☒

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes  ☒        No ☐

 

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

 

STCB

 

OTC Markets Group OTCQB tier

 

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date:  As of August 16, 2021, the issuer had 159,140,665 shares of its common stock issued and outstanding.

 

1

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

   
     

Item 1.

Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)

3

     

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

11

     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

15

     

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

15

     

PART II

 

16

     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

16

     

Item 1A.

Risk Factors         

16

     

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

16

     

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

16

     

Item 4.

Mining Safety Disclosures

16

     

Item 5.

Other Information

16

     

Item 6.

Exhibits

16

     
 

Signatures

17

 

2

 

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

STARCO BRANDS, INC.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (unaudited)

4

Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited)

5

Condensed Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit for the Six Months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited)

6

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited)

7

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)

8

 

3

 

 

 

STARCO BRANDS, INC.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

  

June 30, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

ASSETS

        

Current Assets:

        

Cash

 $253,078  $773,322 

Accounts receivable, related party

  133,599   45,517 

Prepaid and other assets

  108,750   19,917 

Total Current Assets

  495,427   838,756 

Deposit

  95,640   3,500 

Total Assets

 $591,067  $842,256 
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

        

Current Liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

 $211,053  $207,665 

Other payables and accruals

  263,230   263,230 

Accrued interest, related party

  542   6,346 

Accrued compensation

  -   72,200 

Loans and advances payable, related party

  503,692   546,989 

Total Current Liabilities

  978,517   1,096,430 

Total Liabilities

  978,517   1,096,430 
         

Stockholders' Deficit:

        

Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 40,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

  -   - 

Common Stock, par value $0.001 300,000,000 shares authorized, 159,140,665 and 159,140,665 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

  159,141   159,141 

Additional paid in capital

  15,747,105   15,723,705 

Accumulated deficit

  (16,293,696)  (16,137,020)

Total Stockholders' Deficit

  (387,450)  (254,174)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit

 $591,067  $842,256 

 

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

 

4

 

 

STARCO BRANDS, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

  

For the Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

For the Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 

Revenues, net, related party

 $242,056  $296,590  $374,570  $352,264 
                 

Operating Expenses:

                

Compensation expense

  33,560   45,200   77,793   91,723 

Professional fees

  99,847   27,473   110,402   29,279 

General and administrative

  137,621   68,852   320,364   106,499 

Total operating expenses

  271,028   141,525   508,559   227,501 
                 

Income (loss) from operations

  (28,972)  155,065   (133,989)  124,763 
                 

Other Income (Expense):

                

Interest expense

  (11,794)  (6,256)  (19,186)  (15,309)

Gain (loss) on forgiveness of debt

  -   3,300   -   3,300 

Other income (expense)

  -   3,500   (3,500)  8,750 

Total other income (expense)

  (11,794)  544   (22,686)  (3,259)
                 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  (40,766)  155,609   (156,675)  121,504 

Provision for income taxes

  -   -   -   - 
                 

Net Income (Loss)

 $(40,766) $155,609  $(156,675) $121,504 
                 

Income (Loss) per share, basic and diluted

 $0.00  $0.00  $0.00  $0.00 

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted

  159,140,665   159,090,914   159,140,665   159,090,914 

 

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

 

5

 

 

 

STARCO BRANDS, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 AND 2020

(Unaudited)

 

  

Common Stock

  

Additional

         
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Paid in

Capital

  

Accumulated

Deficit

  

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

  159,140,665  $159,141  $15,723,705  $(16,137,020) $(254,174)

Contributed services

  -   -   11,700   -   11,700 

Net loss

  -   -   -   (115,909)  (115,909)

Balance, March 31, 2021

  159,140,665  $159,141  $15,735,405  $(16,252,931) $(358,385)

Contributed services

  -   -   11,700   -   11,700 

Net loss

  -   -   -   (40,766)  (40,766)

Balance, June 30, 2021

  159,140,665  $159,141   15,747,105   (16,293,696)  (387,450)

 

 

 


 

 

  

Common Stock

  

Additional

         
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Paid in

Capital

  

Accumulated

Deficit

  

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

  159,090,914  $159,091  $15,576,955  $(16,680,306) $(944,260)

Contributed services

  -   -   11,700   -   11,700 

Net loss

  -   -   -   (34,105)  (34,105)

Balance, March 31, 2020

  159,090,914  $159,091  $15,588,655  $(16,714,411) $(966,665)

Contributed services

  -   -   11,700   -   11,700 

Net income

  -   -   -   155,609   155,609 

Balance, June 30, 2020

  159,090,914   159,091   15,600,355   (16,558,802)  (799,356)

 

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

 

6

 

 

 

STARCO BRANDS, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

  

For the Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

        

Net Income (Loss)

 $(156,675) $121,504 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

        

Non cash asset writeoff

  3,500   - 

Loss on forgiveness of debt

      (3,300)

Contributed services

  23,400   23,400 

Non cash lease expense

  -   19,999 

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable, related party

  (88,082)  (245,858)

Prepaids & other assets

  (184,473)  27,425 

Accounts payable

  3,388   (7,366)

Lease liability

     (19,996)

Accrued expenses, related party

  (78,910)  4,384 

Accrued expenses

  -   8,064 

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

  (477,852)  (71,744)
         

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

        

Advances/loans from a related party

  344,722   100,337 

Repayment of advances from a related party

  (387,114)  - 

Payments on notes payable

  -   (22,817)

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

  (42,392)  77,520 
         

Net Change in Cash

  (520,244)  5,776 

Cash at Beginning of Period

  773,322   4,754 

Cash at End of Period

 $253,078  $10,530 
         

Cash paid during the period for:

        

Interest

 $19,546  $13,884 

Income taxes

 $-  $- 

 

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

 

7

 

 

STARCO BRANDS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JUNE 30, 2021

 

 

NOTE 1 ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Starco Brands, Inc. (formerly Insynergy Products, Inc.) (the "Company") was incorporated in the State of Nevada on January 26, 2010. On September 7, 2017, the Company filed an Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to change the corporate name to Starco Brands, Inc.  The Board determined the change of the Company’s name was in the best interests of the Company due to changes in its current and anticipated business operations.  In July 2017, the Company entered into a licensing agreement with The Starco Group (“TSG”), located in Los Angeles, California. The companies pivoted to commercializing novel consumer products manufactured by TSG.  TSG is a private label and branded aerosol and liquid fill manufacturer with manufacturing assets in the following verticals: DIY/Hardware, paints, coatings and adhesives, household, hair care, disinfectants, automotive, motorcycle, arts & crafts, personal care cosmetics, personal care FDA, sun care, food, cooking oils, beverages, and spirits and wine.

 

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation

The Company’s unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring items, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the periods shown and are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2021. These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. There were no cash equivalents for the periods ended June 30, 2021 or December 31, 2020.

 

Accounts Receivable

Revenues that have been recognized but not yet received are recorded as accounts receivable. Losses on receivables will be recognized when it is more likely than not that a receivable will not be collected. An allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts will be recognized to reduce the amount of receivables to its net realizable value. The allowance for uncollectible amounts is evaluated quarterly and was zero as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, all of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from related parties.

 

Revenue recognition

The Company earns its revenue as royalties from the licensing agreements it has with TSG, a related entity, and other related parties. The Company licenses the right for TSG to manufacture and sell certain Starco Brands products. The amount of the licensing revenue received varies depending upon the product and is determined beforehand in each agreement. The Company recognizes its revenue only when sales are made by TSG to a third party.

 

The Company applies the following five-step model in order to determine this amount: (i) identification of the promised goods in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.

 

8

 

Net income (loss) per common share

Net income (loss) per common share is computed pursuant to section 260-10-45 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.  Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially outstanding shares of common stock during the period.  The weighted average number of common shares outstanding and potentially outstanding common shares assumes that the Company incorporated as of the beginning of the first period presented. As of June 30, 2021, the Company had 2,000,000 potentially dilutive shares from outstanding warrants which are excluded from the dilution calculation as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect.  These pronouncements did not have any material impact on the financial statements unless otherwise disclosed, and the Company does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

 

NOTE 3 GOING CONCERN

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has an accumulated deficit of $16,293,696 at June 30, 2021, predominantly from the Company granting stock for services during its reorganization in 2017 and 2018. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company had a net loss of $156,675, and net cash used in operating activities of $477,852. The Company’s ability to raise additional capital through the future issuances of common stock and/or debt financing is unknown. The obtainment of additional financing and the successful development of the Company’s contemplated plan of operations, to the attainment of profitable operations are necessary for the Company to continue operations. These conditions and the ability to successfully resolve these factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements of the Company do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of these aforementioned uncertainties.

 

 

NOTE 4  OPERATING LEASE

 

The Company previously occupied office space in Burbank, California. The Company signed a three-year lease starting January 1, 2016. The lease was then extended for an additional three-year term. The lease required a deposit of $3,500 which was paid on December 10, 2015. The lease was being accounted for under ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). The Company recorded an initial Right of Use of Asset and Lease Obligation of $122,825.

 

On November 1, 2020, the lease was amended to reduce the monthly lease payment to $1,750. In addition, the lessor agreed to forgive all past due accrued rent. As a result, the Company recognized a gain on the forgiveness of debt of $34,280.

 

On November 13, 2020, the Company and lessor assigned the lease for the office space in Burbank to Sanford Lang and Martin Goldrod, relieving the Company of any further obligation under the lease.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company determined that it was unlikely to collect the lease deposit and recognized an asset writeoff expense of $3,500. There were no other lease expenses or payments during the period. The lease expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $23,128, which consisted of amortization expense of $19,996 and interest expense of $3,132. The cash paid under this operating lease during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $18,918.

 

9

 
 

NOTE 5  COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES

 

On February 18, 2020, the Company received a demand letter from a law firm representing certain individuals who purchased the Breathe brand home cleaning products. The demand letter alleged that the Company had unlawfully, falsely and misleadingly labeled and marketed the Breathe brand of products to consumers in violation of the Consumer Products Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substance Act and the FTC Act as well as various California and New York laws. While the Company denied any wrongdoing, a settlement was reached and paid in full, with no further obligation required by the Company.

 

Accrued Liability

On July 9, 2014, the Board of Directors approved an investment arrangement with an individual. Per the terms of the agreement, the investor transferred $150,000 to the Company to be used for the development of a specific product. The product for which the investment was intended was never produced and this agreement is being renegotiated. The investment remains with the Company and is disclosed as an accrued liability on the balance sheet.

 

 

NOTE 6  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, Sanford Lang, the Company’s former Chairman and CEO, advanced the Company $289,821 to pay for general operating expenses. The advance required a monthly interest payment of $2,545 and was due on demand. In June 2021, Mr. Lang and Mr. Goldrod executed an agreement with the Company whereby this advance and all other amounts owed to them were repaid and they resigned from the Board of Directors. Further, for a period of 36 months beginning in July 2021, the Company will repurchase an aggregate of $10,950 of shares each month from Mr. Lang and Mr. Goldrod, with the share price for each purchase to be set according to the volume weighted average price of trades in the stock over the last 10 days of the month.

 

As of June 30, 2021, the Company owed TSG $72,843 for expenses paid by TSG on behalf of the Company for expenses to launch licensed brands. Once royalties exceed $250,000 in the aggregate, and the Company has an adequate cash reserve, TSG may deduct the incurred expenses from the subsequent royalty payments until TSG is paid in full. In addition, the Company owes TSG and its subsidiaries an additional $230,849 for expenses paid on behalf of the Company or funds advanced to the Company to pay for other operating expenses. TSG is owned by Ross Sklar, CEO.

 

 

On January 24, 2020, the Company executed a promissory note for $100,000 with Ross Sklar, CEO. The note bears interest at 4% per annum, compounded monthly, is unsecured and matures two years from the original date of issuance. On June 28, 2021 an additional $100,000 was advanced to the Company on the same terms. As of June 30, 2021, there is $542 of accrued interest due on this note.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company incurred $179,940 of marketing expense from The Woo. David Dryer, the EVP of Marketing is a Managing Director at The Woo.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized revenue of $374,570 and $352,264, respectively. There are $133,599 of accounts receivable from related companies as of June 30, 2021. All revenue received is from related parties.

 

 

NOTE 7  STOCK WARRANTS

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s outstanding stock warrants and changes during the periods is presented below:

 

  

Shares available

to purchase with

warrants

  

Weighted

Average

Price

  

Weighted

Average

Fair Value

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2019

  2,000,000  $1.05  $0.003 

Issued

  -  $-  $- 

Exercised

  -  $-  $- 

Cancelled

  -  $-  $- 

Expired

  -  $-  $- 

Outstanding, December 31, 2020

  2,000,000  $1.05  $0.003 

Issued

  -  $-  $- 

Exercised

  -  $-  $- 

Cancelled

  -  $-  $- 

Expired

  -  $-  $- 

Outstanding, June 30, 2021

  2,000,000  $1.05  $0.003 
             

Exercisable, June 30, 2021

  2,000,000  $1.05  $0.003 

 

 

 

NOTE 8  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated subsequent events pursuant to the requirements of ASC Topic 855, from the balance sheet date through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that no material subsequent events exist.

 

10

 
 
 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1, above. We also urge you to review and consider our disclosures describing various risks that may affect our business, which are set forth under the heading "Risk Factors," below.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

Certain matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

● our future strategic plans;

● our future operating results;

● our business prospects;

● our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

● the dependence of our future success on the general economy;

● our possibility of not successfully raising future financings; and

● the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital.

 

These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as we “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are described in close proximity to such statements and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date of this Form 10-Q, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

 

Executive Overview

 

In July 2017, our Board of Directors entered into a licensing agreement with The Starco Group, located in Los Angeles, California, to pursue a new strategic marketing plan involving commercializing leading edge products with the intent to sell them through brick and mortar retailers as well as through online retailers. Management believes the Company will realize modest earnings from royalties in the short term with a stronger positive outlook over the next 12 months as the Company launches additional products and implements stronger pull through marketing efforts.  

 

We are a company whose mission is to create behavior-changing products and brands. Our core competency is inventing brands, marketing, building trends, pushing awareness and social marketing. The licensing agreement with TSG provided the Company with certain products on exclusive and royalty-free basis and other products on a non-exclusive and royalty basis; in the following categories: food, household cleaning, air care, spirits and personal care. TSG is predominantly an aerosol and liquid fill private label and branded manufacturer with manufacturing assets in the following verticals: DIY/Hardware, paints, coatings and adhesives, household, air care, disinfectants, automotive, motorcycle, arts & crafts, personal care cosmetics, personal care FDA, sun care, food, cooking oils, beverage, spirits and wine.

 

The current CEO and owner of TSG, Ross Sklar, was named the CEO of the Company in August of 2017.  Mr. Sklar has a long track record of commercializing technology in industrial and consumer markets. Mr. Sklar has built teams of manufacturing personnel, R&D and sales and marketing professionals over the last 20 years and has grown TSG into a successful and diversified manufacturer supplying a wide range of products to some of the largest retailers in the United States.

 

The Company conducted extensive research and has identified specific channels to penetrate with its portfolio of novel technologies. The Company intends to raise capital to assist in launching and marketing these products through debt and equity financing. The Company is now executing on this vision and is in market with four product lines, including the Breathe® Household cleaning aerosol line. Breathe is an environmentally friendly line of household cleaning aerosol products. It is the world’s first aerosol household cleaning line to be approved by the EPA’s Safer Choice program. This product line is biodegradable and is propelled by nitrogen, which makes up approximately 80% of the earth’s breathable air. Breathe was named Partner of the Year by the EPA’s Safer Choice Program for 2018, a tremendous honor. Breathe also achieved the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval.

 

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The Breathe line is predominantly in 300 to 400 stores serviced through United Natural Foods, Inc. (“UNFI”) as well as in almost 500 Home Depots through a distributor called Central Garden Excel (“Central”), one of the largest distributors to the DIY/Hardware retail channel.  Central will be handling all of the Company’s distribution for the Breathe household cleaning aerosol line to Home Depot. The Breathe Hand Sanitizer Spray was recently named the exclusive hand sanitizer spray at all Home Depots, and the 1oz size is now at every check out. The Breathe line is available on Amazon and Walmart.com and also available at Lowes. 

 

The Company also launched the Breathe Hand Sanitizer Spray in April 2020. This invention was created and patents were filed by Alim Enterprises, LLC, (“AE”) an entity owned by Mr. Sklar. Originally the technology was developed for Blue Cross Laboratories, LLC, (“BCL”) a personal care consumer products manufacturer owned by Mr. Sklar’s TSG. The product was developed as a result of supply chains collapsing during the Covid-19 outbreak and increased demand for hand sanitizers. The traditional packaging components used in manufacturing hand sanitizer became very difficult to procure. BCL is an at scale manufacturer that started approximately 50 years ago in Santa Clarita, California with personal care products including hand sanitizer. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, many traditional component supply chains became overly stressed and BCL could not source enough bottles and caps. Through Mr. Sklar’s AE, the concept of a spray hand sanitizer was invented. AE filed patents on the first ever aerosol spray hand sanitizer with a 75% alcohol solution that utilizes only compressed air and nitrogen as the product’s propellant. AE and its intellectual property counsel believe the product is novel and warrants a utility patent. In February 2021, AE assigned the patent application to the Company as contemplated by a 2020 memorandum of understanding between the two companies and TSG.

 

The product is being manufactured by BOV Solutions, a division of TSG that is an at scale FDA, CFR210/211 manufacturer of aerosol and OTC products. The Breathe Hand Sanitizer Spray can only be made in an FDA facility that has at scale aerosol capabilities. The product is being sold through BOV Solutions and TSG’s existing distribution footprints in the United States. The Company launched the product in April 2020 via a Press Release in partnership with Dollar General, announcing its distribution in all of their 15,000+ stores. The Company has also partnered with Wegmans, HLA and J Winkler. Since then, the product is in distribution through The Home Depot, Lowes, American Pharmacy, AutoZone, The Farm Shop, Harris Teeter, UNFI, Kehe, Macy’s, Smart & Final, Weeks and others. The product comes in three sizes, 1oz., 5oz., and 9.5oz. sprays and is available directly on the Company’s website www.breathesanitizer.com and on Amazon.com and Walmart.com.         

 

The Company is also the marketer of record, but not the owner of, Betterbilt Chemical’s Kleen Out® branded drain opener and for the Winona® Butter Flavor Popcorn Spray. The Company provides marketing services to these brands as per the terms of the agreement. Both products are available in all Walmart stores.  Through the Company’s relationship with TSG and their marketing partner Deutsch Marketing, the Company launched a new label in June 2019 for Winona Popcorn Spray throughout all Walmart stores. The Company also launched the Winona Popcorn Spray on Amazon through our strategic partner Pattern (formally iServe), who is a shareholder in the Company. Winona Popcorn Spray is also sold in H-E-B grocery stores, and the Company expects sales to continue to grow in this space.

 

In addition, as long as the Company can raise capital, the Company plans to launch other products in spray condiments, air care, sun care, hair care, personal care, spirits and beverages over the next 48 months. Although the initial market reception to our new lines has been encouraging, the Company may encounter a number of hurdles that could prevent this and future product launches from achieving sustained commercial success. Financing growth and launching of new products is key and the Company’s ability to raise further capital is critical. 

 

We will need to rely on sales of our common stock in order to raise additional capital. The purchasers and manner of issuance will be determined according to our financial needs and the available exemptions to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The Company is planning to utilize, as best as possible with limited financing, the services of Deutsch Marketing in order to help support the Company’s plan. The Company will also utilize the marketing capabilities of Hearst Media with its co-branding arrangement on some of its products. This provides significant support for its current retail and online distribution.  

 

The Company is also planning to launch new products over the next year that are viewed as disruptive in their market and leading edge, again as long as its financing plans come to fruition. The Company has now engaged and contracted with a financial advisory firm to assist the Company in procuring future financing.

 

The Company’s ultimate goal is to become a leading brand owner and third-party marketer of cutting edge technologies in the consumer products marketplace whose success is expected to increase shareholder value. The Company will continue to evaluate this and other opportunities to further set its strategy for 2021 and beyond. 

 

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For more information please visit our websites at www.starcobrands.com, www.breathecleaning.com, and www.breathesanitizer.com.

 

Results of Operation for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

 

Revenues

For the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded royalty revenues of $242,056 compared to $296,590 for the three months ended June 30, 2020, a decrease of $54,534, a percentage loss of 18%. The royalty rate that the Company is paid varies on a per product basis of wholesale sales of our branded and non-corporate owned licensed products. Revenues are from our marketing licensing agreements with TSG and other affiliated companies, for various products mentioned above. The decrease in the current period is primarily due to reductions in sales of our Breathe hand sanitizer and cleaning sprays, partially offset by growth in sales of Kleen-out and Winona Popcorn Spray.

 

Operating Expenses

For the three months ended June 30, 2021, compensation expense decreased $11,640, or -26% to $33,560 compared to $45,200 for the three months ended June 30, 2020.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company incurred $99,847 in professional fees compared to $27,473 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 in the prior period, an increase of $72,374. Professional fees are mainly for accounting, auditing and legal services associated with our quarterly filings as a public company and advisory and valuation services. The increase is primarily due to an increase in legal fees.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company incurred $137,621 in marketing, general and administrative expense as compared to $68,852 for the three months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $68,769. The increase can be attributed to an increase in spending on marketing.

 

Other income and expense

For the three months ended June 30, 2021, we had total other expense of $11,794 compared to other income of $544 for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in total other expense was largely a result of office sub lease income and gain on forgiveness of debt in the three months ended June 30, 2020 which did not reoccur in the corresponding period for 2021.

 

Net loss

For the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded a net loss of $40,766 as compared to a net gain of $155,609 in the prior year. Our increase in net loss is primarily the result of increased marketing and professional spending, in addition to the decline in revenue.

 

 

Results of Operation for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

 

Revenues

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded royalty revenues of $374,570 compared to $352,264 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $22,306, a percentage gain of 6%. The increase in the current period is due to increases of sales of our Breathe cleaning sprays, Kleen-out, and Winona Popcorn Spray.

 

Operating Expenses

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, compensation expense decreased $13,930, or -15% to $77,793 compared to $91,723 for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company incurred $110,402 in professional fees compared to $29,279 in the prior period, an increase of $81,123. Professional fees are mainly for accounting, auditing and legal services associated with our quarterly filings as a public company and advisory and valuation services. The increase is primarily due to an increase in legal fees.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company incurred $320,364 in marketing, general and administrative expense as compared to $106,499 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $213,865. The increase can be attributed to an increase in spending on marketing.

 

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Other income and expense

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, we had total other expense of $22,686 compared to $3,259 for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in total other expense was largely a result of office sub lease income and gain on forgiveness of debt in the six months ended June 30, 2020 which did not reoccur in the corresponding period for 2021.

 

Net loss

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded a net loss of $156,675 as compared to a net gain of $121,504 in the prior year. Our increase in net loss is primarily the result of increased marketing and professional spending, partially offset by increased revenue.

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $16,293,696 at June 30, 2021, primarily due to the issuance of stock for services when the Company reorganized in 2017 and 2018, had a net loss of $156,675 and used net cash for operating activities of $477,852 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

 

We used $42,392 in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $77,520 provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

 

In the comparative period in 2020 the Company was operating at a net gain of $121,504 compared to the Company generating a net operating loss of $156,675 in 2021. Operating expenses included items such as compensation for two out of the four Board Members, marketing expenses, administrative costs, insurance, legal and other professional fees, compliance and website maintenance. No cash compensation has ever been paid to Ross Sklar, the CEO and Chairman of the Board.

 

On January 24, 2020, the Company executed a promissory note for $100,000 with Ross Sklar, CEO. The note bears interest at 4% per annum, compounds monthly, is unsecured, and matures two years from the original date of issuance. On June 28, 2021 an additional $100,000 was advanced to the Company on the same terms.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Note 2 to the Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Financial Statements. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, contingencies and taxes.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The following critical accounting policies are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions, and estimates used in the preparation of the Financial Statements.

 

We are subject to various loss contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business.  We consider the likelihood of loss or impairment of an asset or the incurrence of a liability, as well as our ability to reasonably estimate the amount of loss in determining loss contingencies.  An estimated loss contingency is accrued when management concludes that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  We regularly evaluate current information available to us to determine whether such accruals should be adjusted.

 

We recognize deferred tax assets (future tax benefits) and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities.  The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the expected future tax return consequences of those differences, which are expected to be either deductible or taxable when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled.  Future tax benefits have been fully offset by a 100% valuation allowance as management is unable to determine that it is more likely than not that this deferred tax asset will be realized.

 

Revenue recognition

The Company earns its revenue as royalties from the licensing agreements it has with TSG, a related entity, and other related parties. The Company licenses the right for TSG to manufacture and sell certain Starco Brands products. The amount of the licensing revenue received varies depending upon the product and is determined beforehand in each agreement. The Company recognizes its revenue only when sales are made by TSG to a third party.

 

The Company applies the following five-step model in order to determine this amount: (i) identification of the promised goods in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

 

We have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources and would be considered material to investors.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect. These pronouncements did not have any material impact on the financial statements unless otherwise disclosed, and the Company does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to be effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, they concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021.

 

The following aspects of the Company were noted as potential material weaknesses:

● lack of an audit committee

● lack of corporate documentation

● comingling of related parties

 

In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute assurance of achieving the desired objectives. Also, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.

 

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Changes in Internal Controls

 

Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded that no change occurred in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2021, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On February 18, 2020, the Company received a demand letter from a law firm representing certain individuals who purchased the Breathe Household cleaning products. The demand letter alleged that the Company had unlawfully, falsely and misleadingly labeled and marketed the Breathe brand of products to consumers in violation of the Consumer Products Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substance Act and the FTC Act as well as various California and New York laws. While the Company denied any wrongdoing, a settlement was reached and paid in full, with no further obligation required by the Company.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, as such, are not required to provide the information under this Item; however, due to the current circumstance we have chosen to include the following risk factor.

 

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" and on March 10, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. The coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate it have had and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets of many countries, including the geographical area in which the Company operates. While it is unknown how long these conditions will last and what the complete financial effect will be to the company, to date, the Company has not experienced a material adverse effect.

 

 

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

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINING SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None

 

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

 

No.

Description

   

31.1

Chief Executive Officer Section 302 Certification

   

31.2

Chief Financial Officer Section 302 Certification

   

32.1

Section 1350 Certification

   

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document

   

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

   

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

   

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

   

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

   

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

   
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

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SIGNATURES

 

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

STARCO BRANDS, INC.

 

Dated: August 20, 2021

By:  /s/ Ross Sklar

Ross Sklar

Chief Executive Officer and

Interim Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Executive Officer,

Principal Accounting Officer, and

Principal Financial Officer)

 

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