U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
For the quarterly period ended
Commission file number:
STARCO BRANDS, INC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
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.
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).
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 ☐ |
| 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 | ||
| S | 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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I |
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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 |
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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 |
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 |
STARCO BRANDS, INC. CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) |
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current Assets: | ||||||||
Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
Accounts receivable, related party | ||||||||
Prepaid and other assets | ||||||||
Total Current Assets | ||||||||
Deposit | ||||||||
Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT | ||||||||
Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
Other payables and accruals | ||||||||
Accrued interest, related party | ||||||||
Accrued compensation | ||||||||
Loans and advances payable, related party | ||||||||
Total Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Total Liabilities | ||||||||
Stockholders' Deficit: | ||||||||
Preferred Stock, par value $ shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding | ||||||||
Common Stock, par value $ shares authorized, and shares issued and outstanding, respectively | ||||||||
Additional paid in capital | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders' Deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit | $ | $ |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements. |
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 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Operating Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Compensation expense | ||||||||||||||||
Professional fees | ||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | ||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Other Income (Expense): | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on forgiveness of debt | ||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total other income (expense) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | ||||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
Income (Loss) per share, basic and diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
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 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Contributed services | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Contributed services | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2021 | $ | ( | ) | ( | ) |
Common Stock | Additional | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Paid in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Contributed services | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Contributed services | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2020 | ( | ) | ( | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
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) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Non cash asset writeoff | ||||||||
Loss on forgiveness of debt | ( | ) | ||||||
Contributed services | ||||||||
Non cash lease expense | ||||||||
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable, related party | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Prepaids & other assets | ( | ) | ||||||
Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
Lease liability | ( | ) | ||||||
Accrued expenses, related party | ( | ) | ||||||
Accrued expenses | ||||||||
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Advances/loans from a related party | ||||||||
Repayment of advances from a related party | ( | ) | ||||||
Payments on notes payable | ( | ) | ||||||
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities | ( | ) | ||||||
Net Change in Cash | ( | ) | ||||||
Cash at Beginning of Period | ||||||||
Cash at End of Period | $ | $ | ||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest | $ | $ | ||||||
Income taxes | $ | $ |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
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
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
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.
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
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 $
NOTE 4 – OPERATING LEASE
The Company previously occupied office space in Burbank, California. The Company signed a
On November 1, 2020, the lease was amended to reduce the monthly lease payment to
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 $
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 $
NOTE 6 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year ended December 31, 2017, Sanford Lang, the Company’s former Chairman and CEO, advanced the Company $
As of June 30, 2021, the Company owed TSG $
On January 24, 2020, the Company executed a promissory note for $
During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company incurred $
During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized revenue of $
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 | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Issued | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Exercised | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Cancelled | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Expired | $ | $ | - | |||||||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Issued | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Exercised | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Cancelled | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Expired | $ | $ | - | |||||||||
Outstanding, June 30, 2021 | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Exercisable, June 30, 2021 | $ | $ |
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.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
|
31.2 |
|
32.1 |
|
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) |
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) |