Celsius Holdings Inc

1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Business Overview

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (the “Company,” “Celsius Holdings” or “Celsius”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on April 26, 2005.

Celsius is a fast-growing company in the functional energy drink category in the United States (“U.S.”) and internationally. The Company engages in the development, processing, marketing, sale, and distribution of functional energy drinks to a broad range of consumers. Celsius provides differentiated products that offer clinically proven and innovative formulas meant to positively impact the lives of its consumers. The Company's brand has also proven to be attractive to a broad range of customers, including fitness enthusiasts.

The Company's flagship asset, CELSIUS®, is marketed as a premium lifestyle and energy drink formulated to power active lifestyles with ESSENTIAL ENERGYTM. This product line comes in two versions, a ready-to-drink form and an on-the-go powder form. The Company also offers a CELSIUS® Essentials line, available in 16-ounce cans. Celsius products are currently offered in major retail channels across the U.S., including conventional grocery, natural, convenience, fitness, mass market, vitamin specialty and e-commerce. Additionally, the Company's products are currently offered in certain Canadian, European, Middle Eastern and Asia-Pacific markets.

Agreements with PepsiCo Inc.

On August 1, 2022, the Company entered into multiple agreements with PepsiCo Inc. (“Pepsi”), including a long-term agreement that resulted in Pepsi becoming the primary distribution supplier for Celsius products in the U.S. (the “Distribution Agreement”). Under this agreement, the Company granted Pepsi a right of first offer in the event the Company intends to manufacture, distribute or sell products in certain additional countries or channels during the term of the agreement.

In connection with entering into the foregoing agreements, the Company issued and sold to Pepsi approximately 1.5 million shares of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock (“Series A” or “Series A Preferred Stock”) in exchange for cash proceeds of $550 million, excluding transaction costs. For additional information regarding the Company's agreements with Pepsi, see Note 4. Revenue, Note 11. Related Party Transactions, and Note 12. Mezzanine Equity.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation— The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for annual audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for any future period or the full year. These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “2023 Annual Report”). These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the 2023 Annual Report. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Accounts payable, Accrued expenses, and Income taxes payable were reallocated from within Accounts payable and accrued expenses and are now reflected as standalone financial statement line items in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows, respectively.

Common Stock Split — On November 13, 2023, the Company effected athree-for-one stock split to stockholders of record on such date (the "Forward Stock Split"). For clarity and consistency in financial reporting, all shares, restricted stock units, performance stock units, stock options, and per share amounts presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and these notes have been retrospectively adjusted to account for the effects of the stock split for all periods presented.

Significant Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include promotional allowance, the allowance for current expected credit losses, allowance for inventory obsolescence and sales returns, the useful lives of property and equipment, impairment of goodwill and intangibles, deferred taxes and related valuation allowance, and the valuation of stock-based compensation.

Segment Reporting — Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities, maintain discrete financial information, and undergo regular review by the chief operating decision maker (the "CODM"), who in this case, is the Chief Executive Officer. This review is performed to assess performance and allocate resources.

Despite the Company's presence in several geographical regions, it operates as a single operating segment. The Company's operations and strategies are centrally designed and executed due to the substantial similarities among the geographical components. The CODM evaluates operating results and allocates resources primarily on a consolidated basis due to the significant economic interdependencies between the Company's geographical operations. As a result, the Company is managed as a single operating segment and has a single reportable segment.

Concentrations of Risk— Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is derived from the sale of Celsius® functional energy drinks and liquid supplements.

Revenue from customers accounting for more than 10% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:

Accounts Receivable — As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Pepsi was the only customer with a balance greater than 10% of total accounts receivable as of the end of such periods. The accounts receivable balance due from Pepsi represented 67.9% and 69.0% of total accounts receivable as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk primarily include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and a note receivable. The Company ensures that its cash and cash equivalents are held with reputable financial institutions to mitigate this risk. At times, balances in the Company’s cash accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") limit. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $879.0 million and $755.5 million, respectively, in excess of the FDIC limit.

Cash Equivalents — The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not hold any instruments with original maturities exceeding three months.

Restricted Cash— As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any restricted cash balances.

Accounts Receivable and Current Expected Credit Losses — The Company is exposed to potential credit risks associated with its product sales and related accounts receivable, as it generally does not require collateral from its customers. The Company’s expected loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is determined using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions, a review of the current status of customers’ trade accounts receivables, and where available, a review of the financial condition and credit ratings of larger customers, including credit reports. Customers are pooled based on having specific risk factors in common, and the Company reassesses these customer pools on a periodic basis. The receivables allowance is based on aging of the accounts receivable balances and estimated credit loss percentages. The Company uses the probability of default and forward-looking information to assess credit risk and estimate expected credit losses for its note receivable related to Qifeng Food Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd ("Qifeng"). See Note 7. Note Receivable for more information on Qifeng and the note receivable.

Allowances can be affected by changes in the industry, customer credit issues or customer bankruptcies when such events are reasonable and supportable. Historical information is used in addition to reasonable and supportable information for forecast periods, where applicable.

Inventories — Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with costs approximating those determined under the first-in, first-out method. As of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the inventory allowance for excess and obsolete products was approximately $4.2 million. Changes in the allowance are included in cost of revenue.

Property and Equipment — Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, generally ranging from three toseven years.

Long-Lived Assets — In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment the Company reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets, which includes property and equipment-net, right-of-use assets, and definite-lived intangible assets-net, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for a long-lived asset if its carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount is not recoverable when it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from use of the asset over its remaining useful life and final disposition. The Company did not record any impairment charges related to long-lived assets during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Long-Lived Asset Geographic Data—The following table sets forth long-lived asset information, which includes property and equipment-net, right-of-use assets, and definite-lived intangible assets-net and excludes goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, where individual countries represent a significant portion of the total:

Revenue Recognition — The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied. Product sales occur once control is transferred based on the commercial terms of the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods. See Note 4. Revenuefor more information.

Deferred Revenue — The Company receives payments from certain distributors in new territories as reimbursement for contract termination costs paid to the prior distributors in those territories. Amounts received pursuant to these new or amended distribution agreements entered into with certain distributors relating to the costs associated with terminating the Company’s prior distributors are accounted for as deferred revenue and recognized ratably over the anticipated life of the respective new or amended distribution agreements.

Distributor Termination Fees— For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company did not incur any termination fees. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company incurred immaterial termination fees related to termination charges associated with certain prior distributors.

Advertising Costs — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and charged to selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company mainly uses targeted marketing initiatives, such as sporting events, print, radio, and television advertising, alongside direct sponsorships and endorsements. The Company incurred advertising expenses of approximately $46.5 million and $31.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Research and Development — Research and development costs are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred and consist primarily of consulting fees, raw material usage and test production of beverages. The Company incurred expenses of approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Foreign Currency Gain/Loss — The Company's foreign subsidiaries’ functional currency is the local currency of operations. The net assets of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates.

The Company's foreign subsidiaries perform remeasurements of their assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies on a periodic basis, and the gain or loss from these adjustments related to the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income as foreign exchange gain (loss). For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized net foreign exchange losses of $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Translation gains and losses that arise from the translation of net assets from functional currency to the reporting currency, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in other comprehensive (loss) income as foreign currency translation (loss) gain, net of income tax. The Company experienced a foreign currency translation net loss during the three months ended March 31, 2024 of $1.4 million and a net gain of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, respectively.

The Company's operations in different countries required that it primarily transacted in the following currencies:

China - Yuan,

Hong Kong - Hong Kong Dollar,

Sweden - Krona,

Finland - Euro,

United Kingdom - Pound Sterling, and

Canada - Canadian Dollar

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820") defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized below:

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other current liabilities, note receivable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to their relative short-term maturity and market interest rates.

Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 740-10, Accounting for Income Taxes. This approach requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes, and recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences stemming from temporary differences between asset and liability carrying amounts and their tax bases.

A valuation allowance is established to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.

The Company's 2020 through 2022 U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the IRS. The Company's state income tax returns are subject to examination for the 2019 through 2022 tax years.

Earnings per Share — The Company computes earnings per share ("EPS") in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share (“ASC 260”), which requires that basic earnings per share of common stock are computed by dividing income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. It also requires companies with different classes of stock (e.g., common stock and participating preferred stock) to calculate EPS using the two-class method. The two-class method is an allocation of earnings (distributed and undistributed) between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating preferred stockholders. Under the two-class method, earnings for the reporting period are allocated between common stockholders and other security holders based on their respective participation rights in undistributed earnings. See Note 3. Earnings per Share for more information.

The Company also computes diluted EPS, which accounts for the potential impact of dilutive securities on EPS. Dilutive EPS includes the effect of all potential dilutive shares of common stock that were outstanding during the period. Such dilutive securities can include RSUs, PSUs, options, and convertible preferred shares. For the computation of diluted EPS, the numerator remains unchanged from basic EPS, but the denominator is adjusted to include the weighted average number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential shares of common stock had been issued.

Stock-Based Compensation — The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation ("ASC 718") and related interpretations. As such, compensation cost is measured on the date of grant at the fair value of the share-based payments. Such compensation amounts, if any, are amortized over the respective vesting periods of the grants. See Note 14. Stock-Based Compensation for more information.

Cost of Revenue — Cost of revenue consists of the costs of raw materials, which includes concentrates and liquid bases, co-packing fees, repacking fees, freight charges, certain internal transfer costs, warehouse expenses incurred prior to the manufacturing of the Company’s finished products, inventory allowance for excess and obsolete products, and certain quality control costs. Raw materials account for the largest portion of the cost of revenue. Raw materials include cans, other containers, flavors, ingredients and packaging materials.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses — Selling, general and administrative expenses include various operating expenses such as warehousing costs after manufacturing, expenses for advertising, samplings and in-store demonstrations, costs for merchandise displays, point-of-sale materials and premium items, sponsorship expenses, other marketing expenses and design expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include costs such as payroll costs, travel costs, professional service fees (including legal fees), depreciation and other selling, general and administrative costs.

Shipping and Handling Costs — Shipping and handling costs for freight charges on goods shipped are included in cost of revenue. Freight expense on goods shipped for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $14.0 million and $14.2 million, respectively.

Other Current Liabilities— Other current liabilities consisted of various state beverage container deposits and VAT/GST payable. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 state beverage container deposits payable was $10.9 million and $10.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 VAT/GST payable was $2.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

The Company adopts all applicable new accounting pronouncements as of the specified effective dates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") introduced ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which enhances Segment Reporting (Topic 280) disclosures. This update mandates detailed disclosures on key segment expenses and other items, including segment profit or loss measures. It also requires that companies with a single reportable segment provide comprehensive Topic 280 disclosures. The effective date is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods in fiscal years after December 15, 2024, with retrospective application to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-07 on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, introducing changes to income tax disclosures, primarily relating to effective tax rates and cash paid for taxes. This ASU requires companies to provide an annual rate reconciliation in both dollar figures and percentages, and changes the way annual income taxes paid are disclosed by all entities, necessitating a breakdown by federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. The standard is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Prospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on its financial statements and related disclosures.

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company’s Series A Preferred Stock is classified as a participating security in accordance with ASC 260. Net income allocated to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock is based on the Series A stockholders’ proportionate share of weighted average shares of common stock outstanding on an if-converted basis.

For purposes of determining diluted earnings per common share, basic earnings per common share was adjusted to include the effect of potential dilutive common shares outstanding. These potential dilutive shares include unvested restricted stock and performance-based stock units. The more dilutive of the two-class method or the treasury method is used for this adjustment. Additionally, Series A Preferred Stock is included using the if-converted method.

Under the two-class method, net income is reallocated to common stock, the Series A Preferred Stock, and all dilutive securities based on the contractual participating rights of the respective securities to share in the current earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed.

For both the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023,22.0 million potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share related to common stockholders, as their effect was antidilutive.

4. REVENUE

The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied. The primary performance obligation is the promise to sell finished products to customers, including distributors/co-packers, wholesalers, and retailers. Product sales occur once control or title is transferred based on the commercial terms of the applicable agreements with customers, and traditionally such agreements do not allow for a right of return. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods. Product sales are recorded net of variable consideration, such as provisions for returns, discounts and allowances. Such provisions are calculated using historical averages and adjusted for any expected changes due to current business conditions. Consideration given to customers for cooperative advertising is recognized as a reduction of revenue except to the extent that there is a distinct good or service, in which case the expense is classified as selling or marketing expense. The amount of consideration the Company receives and revenue the Company recognizes varies with changes in incentives the Company offers to its customers and their customers.

Information about the Company’s net sales by geographical location for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:

All of the Company’s North America revenue is derived from the United States and Canada.

Sweden represented the largest foreign portion of total consolidated revenue, accounting for approximately $10.0 million and $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Promotional (Billback) Allowances

The Company’s promotional allowance programs with its distributors or retailers are executed through separate agreements in the ordinary course of business (variable consideration). These agreements provide for one or more of the arrangements described below and are of varying durations. The Company’s billbacks are calculated based on various programs with distributors and retail customers, and accruals are established for the Company’s anticipated liabilities. These accruals are based on agreed upon terms as well as the Company’s historical experience with similar programs and require management’s judgment with respect to estimating consumer participation and distributor and retail customer performance levels. Differences between such estimated expenses and actual expenses for promotional and other allowance are recognized in the period such differences are determined.

Promotional allowance recorded as a reduction to revenue, primarily include consideration given to the Company’s distributors or retail customers including, but not limited to the following:

•discounts from list prices to support price promotions to end-consumers by retailers;

•reimbursements given to the Company’s distributors for agreed portions of their promotional spend with retailers, including slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees for both new and existing products;

•the Company’s agreed share of fees given to distributors and/or directly to retailers for advertising, in-store marketing and promotional activities;

•the Company’s agreed share of slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees given directly to retailers, club stores and/or wholesalers;

•incentives given to the Company’s distributors and/or retailers for achieving or exceeding certain predetermined volume goals;

•discounted products;

•contractual fees given to the Company’s distributors related to sales made directly by the Company to certain customers that fall within the distributors’ sales territories; and

•contractual fees given to distributors for items sold below defined pricing targets.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, promotional allowance included as a reduction of revenue was $95.0 million and $65.5 million, respectively.

Accrued promotional allowances were $129.2 million and $99.8 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Agreements with Pepsi

The Company executed multiple agreements with Pepsi on August 1, 2022, including a Distribution Agreement relating to the sale and distribution of certain of the Company’s beverage products in existing channels and distribution methods in the U.S., excluding certain existing customer accounts and sales channels, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (collectively, the “Territory”). Under the Distribution Agreement, the Company granted Pepsi the right to sell and distribute its existing beverage products in existing channels and distribution methods and future beverage products that are added from time to time as licensed products under the Distribution Agreement in the Territory. The Distribution Agreement represents a master service agreement and can be cancelled by either party without cause in thenineteenth year of the term (i.e., 2041), the twenty-ninth year of the term (i.e., 2051) and in each 10 th year thereafter (i.e., 2061, 2071, etc.) by providing 12 months’ written notice to the other party on August 1 st of the year preceding the year of termination. Except for a termination by the Company “with cause” or a termination by Pepsi “without cause,” (each as defined in the Distribution Agreement), the Company is required to pay Pepsi certain compensation upon a termination as specified in the Distribution Agreement.

The Company agreed to provide Pepsi a right of first offer in the event the Company intends to (i) manufacture, distribute or sell products in certain additional countries as specified in the Distribution Agreement or (ii) distribute or sell products in any future channels and distribution methods during the term of the Distribution Agreement. Pepsi agreed to meet and confer in good faith with the Company regarding the terms and conditions upon which Pepsi may be willing to sell or distribute the Company's products, either directly or through local sub-distributors in certain other additional countries. The Distribution Agreement includes other customary provisions, including non-competition covenants in favor of the Company, representations and warranties, indemnification provisions, insurance provisions and confidentiality provisions. In the fourth quarter of 2023, under the terms of the Distribution Agreement, the Company and Pepsi agreed to extend distribution to the Canadian market, which commenced in January of 2024 with Pepsi serving as the exclusive distributor.

On August 1, 2022, the Company and Pepsi executed a transition agreement providing for the Company’s transition of certain existing distribution rights in the Territory to Pepsi (the “Transition Agreement”). Under the terms of the Transition Agreement, Pepsi agreed to pay the Company up to $250 million in multiple tranches to facilitate the Company’s transition of certain distribution rights to Pepsi. The Company received $227.8 million of funds from Pepsi that were contractually restricted to be used only to pay termination fees due to other distributors; any excess cash received over amounts due to other distributors was required to be refunded back to Pepsi. During 2023, $38.3 million of such funds were refunded to Pepsi. As of December 31, 2023, there was no refund liability owed to Pepsi.

On March 23, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Distribution Agreement with Pepsi, pursuant to which the Company will provide Pepsi with an incentive program designed to incentivize and compensate Pepsi for its continued focus on and actions to support the Company.

License Agreement

In January 2019, the Company entered into a license and repayment of the investment agreement with Qifeng. Under the agreement, Qifeng was granted the exclusive license rights to manufacture, market and commercialize Celsius branded products in China. The term of the agreement is 50 years, with annual royalty fees due from Qifeng after the end of each calendar year. The royalty fees are based on a percentage of Qifeng’s sales of Celsius branded products; however, the fees are fixed for the first five years of the agreement, totaling approximately $6.9 million combined, and then are subject to annual guaranteed minimums over the remaining term of the agreement.

Under the agreement, the Company granted Qifeng exclusive license rights and provides ongoing support in product development, brand promotion and technical expertise. The ongoing support is integral to the exclusive license rights and, as such, both of these represent a combined, single performance obligation. The transaction price consists of the guaranteed minimums and the variable royalty fees, all of which are allocated to the single performance obligation.

The Company uses the passage of time to measure progress towards satisfying its performance obligation because of its ongoing efforts in providing the exclusive license rights including providing continuous access, updates and support, to product development, brand promotion and technical expertise.

5. INVENTORIES

Inventories-net consists of the following:

6. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Prepaid expenses and other current assets totaled approximately $21.5 million and $19.5 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, consisting mainly of prepaid advances to co-packers related to inventory production, advertising, prepaid insurance, prepaid slotting fees, value added tax payments and deposits on purchases.

7. NOTE RECEIVABLE

Note receivable-net consists of the following:

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company restructured its China distribution efforts by entering into two separate economic agreements relating to the commercialization of Celsius products (i.e., the Qifeng exclusive license rights agreement, and the Qifeng repayment of investment agreement). See Note 4. Revenue for information regarding the license agreement with Qifeng.

In addition to the license agreement, Qifeng agreed to repay, over afive-year period, the marketing investments made by Celsius into the China market through 2018. The repayment, which was formalized via a note receivable from Qifeng (the "Note"), will need to be serviced even if the licensing agreement is cancelled or terminated. The Note is denominated in Chinese-Yuan.

The Note requires annual principal payments and interest due on March 31 of each year, with the final payment scheduled for 2024. In February 2024, the Company amended the Note and extended the final payment date to December 31, 2024. The Note is recorded at amortized cost. Interest income generated from the Note has been immaterial.

The Company assesses the Note for impairment at each reporting period. This evaluation considers the probability that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled principal and interest payments based on historical experience of Qifeng’s ability to pay, the current economic environment, forward-looking information and other factors. As evidence of solvency for the Note, a stock certificate in Celsius Holdings, Inc. which amounts to 60,000 shares owned by an affiliate under common control of Qifeng is being held at a brokerage account. A letter of guarantee was executed with several restrictions regarding their shares. In particular, it was agreed that the stock would not be sold or transferred without the prior written consent from Celsius. There are other restrictions and agreements, which include that a statement of account will be provided to Celsius on a quarterly basis to confirm and validate the existence of the remaining shares.

8. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment-net consists of the following:

Depreciation expense amounted to approximately $1.1 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses.

9. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, goodwill was approximately $13.9 million and $14.2 million, respectively.

The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:

Customer relationships are amortized over an estimated useful life of 25 years, while brands have an indefinite life. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $0.1 million for both periods, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Other fluctuations in the amounts of intangible assets are due to currency translation adjustments. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were no indicators of goodwill or intangible asset impairment.

The following is the future estimated annualized amortization expense related to customer relationships:

10. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 accounts payable was approximately $40.2 million and $42.8 million, respectively.

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with Pepsi

As further described in Note 12. Mezzanine Equity, on August 1, 2022, the Company issued approximately 1.5 million shares of non-voting Series A Preferred Stock to Pepsi. The shares accounted for approximately 8.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock on the date of issuance, on an if-converted method. The purchase agreement pursuant to which Pepsi acquired the Series A Preferred Stock (the "Purchase Agreement") grants Pepsi the right to designate a nominee for election to the Company’s Board of Directors (the "Board"), provided that Pepsi meets certain ownership requirements. In 2022, a Pepsi executive was designated by Pepsi and elected to the Board.

Based on Pepsi’s contractual representation rights for a seat on the Company’s Board, the Company concluded that Pepsi is a related party. The following transactions were recognized in the Company’s financial statements:

•Revenue from Pepsi amounted to $210.5 million and $156.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

•Estimated accrued promotional allowance related to Pepsi was $75.8 million and $51.8 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

•Accounts receivable due from Pepsi on March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were $141.3 million and $130.4 million, respectively.

•For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the Company purchased Company-branded coolers from Grayhawk Leasing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pepsi, amounting to $3.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

•Pepsi provided the Company $227.8 million in cash under the Transition Agreement in 2022. This amount was used for settling termination fees with former distributors; any excess cash was contractually restricted and due back to Pepsi. During 2023, $38.3 million of such funds were refunded to Pepsi. As of December 31, 2023, there was no refund liability owed to Pepsi.

•The Company had deferred revenues (a contract liability) of approximately $174.3 million as of March 31, 2024, of which $164.8 million was classified as Deferred revenue-non-current, and $9.5 million was classified as Deferred revenue-current. This is net of the $2.4 million of related revenue recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the Company recorded deferred revenues of approximately $176.7 million, of which $167.2 million was classified as Deferred revenue-non-current, and $9.5 million was classified as Deferred revenue-current. This is net of $9.5 million of revenue recognized in 2023. The deferred revenues will continue to be recognized ratably over thetwenty-year agreement term.

•The Company issued Series A Preferred Stock with a fair value of $832.5 million for an issuance price of $550.0 million on August 1, 2022. The excess of the fair value over the issuance proceeds, amounting to $282.5 million, was recorded as deferred other costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See Note 12. Mezzanine Equityfor more information. As of March 31, 2024 unamortized deferred other costs of $14.1 million and $244.8 million, were recorded in deferred other costs-current and deferred other costs-non-current, respectively in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023 unamortized deferred other costs of $14.1 million and $248.3 million were recorded as deferred other costs-current and deferred other costs-non-current, respectively in the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of deferred other costs for each of the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 was $3.5 million. This was recorded as an offset to revenue. Costs are amortized over 20 years, which is the life of the agreement.

See Note 1. Organization and Description of Business, Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 4. Revenue, Note 10. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses, and Note 12. Mezzanine Equityfor more information.

Related Party Leases

The Company’s office space is leased from a company affiliated with CD Financial, LLC, which is owned by certain of the Company's principal stockholders. The leases extend until June 2027 with an option to terminate in December 2024 and a combined monthly rent of $48 thousand. The associated lease liability as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

12. MEZZANINE EQUITY

Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has designated and authorized 1,466,666 shares of Series A Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.001 per share and a stated value of $375.00 per share. The stated value per share may be increased from time to time in the event dividends on the Series A are paid-in-kind (“PIK dividends”) pursuant to the Series A Certification of Designation (the “Series A Certificate”). On August 1, 2022, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued all of the authorized Series A shares to Pepsi for stated cash consideration aggregating $550 million, excluding issuance costs. The Series A Preferred Stock was issued concurrently with the execution of the Distribution Agreement and the Transition Agreement. The Company determined that the aggregate fair value of the Series A Preferred Stock on the issuance date was $832.5 million, or $567.61 per share. Accordingly, the Series A Preferred Stock was recorded at that amount, net of issuance costs of $8.0 million, in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and statement of changes in stockholders’ equity, and mezzanine equity.

Mezzanine Classification

The Series A Preferred Stock is redeemable in the event of a change in control as defined in the Series A Certificate. S99-3A(2) of the SEC’s Accounting Series Release No. 268 (“ASR 268”) requires preferred securities that are redeemable for cash or other assets to be classified outside of permanent equity if they are redeemable (i) at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date, (ii) at the option of the holder, or (iii) upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer. Preferred securities that are mandatorily redeemable are required to be classified by the issuer as liabilities whereas under ASR 268 an issuer should classify a preferred security whose redemption is contingent on an event not entirely in control of the issuer as mezzanine equity. The Series A is not mandatorily redeemable other than in the event of a change of control, and a change in control is not solely in control of the Company, accordingly, the Company determined that mezzanine treatment is appropriate for the Series A and has presented it as such in the consolidated balance sheet and statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and mezzanine equity, as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Pepsi, together with its affiliates, has certain rights and is also subject to various restrictions with respect to its ownership of the Company’s outstanding common shares on an as-converted basis, through purchases of the Company’s common stock in the open market and the accumulation of PIK dividends. Additionally, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Pepsi has the right to designate one nominee for election to the Board so long as Pepsi (together with its affiliates) beneficially owns at least approximately 11.0 million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock on an as-converted basis.

Notwithstanding that the Series A is not currently convertible into common stock, the Purchase Agreement provides that Pepsi is deemed to beneficially own the underlying shares of common stock for purposes of its rights under the Purchase Agreement. In August 2022, the Company expanded the number of Board seats in connection with the election of a Pepsi representative to the Board.

Liquidation Preference

The Series A ranks, with respect to distribution rights and rights on liquidation, winding-up and dissolution, (i) senior and in priority of payment to the Company’s common stock, (ii) senior to any class or series of capital stock of the Company expressly designated as ranking junior to the Series A, (iii) on parity with any class or series of capital stock of the Company expressly designated as ranking on parity with the Series A, and (iv) junior to any class or series of capital stock of the Company expressly designated as ranking senior to the Series A. The aggregate liquidation preference of the Series A was $550 million as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Voting

The Series A confers no voting rights, except as otherwise required by applicable law, and with respect to matters that adversely change the powers, preferences, privileges, rights or restrictions given to the Series A or provided for its benefit, or would result in securities that would be senior to or pari passu with the Series A. As described above, Pepsi has a contractual right to representation on the Board, subject to maintaining certain ownership thresholds.

Stock Split

As a result of the Forward Stock Split, the conversion ratio for Series A Preferred Stock, initially set atfive-for-one, was adjusted tofifteen-to-one. The adjustment maintains the proportional interests of Series A stockholders post-split. The revised conversion ratio, reflecting the impact of the Forward Stock Split, was made effective on the split's effective date.

Dividends

The Series A entitles the holder to cumulative dividends, which are payable quarterly in arrears either in cash, in-kind, or a combination thereof, at the Company’s election (“Regular Dividends”). Regular Dividends accrue on each share of Series A at the rate of 5.00% per annum, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Series A Certificate. In addition to such quarterly Regular Dividends, shares of Series A also entitle the holder to participate in any dividends paid on the Company’s common stock on an as-converted basis. The Company declared and paid $6.8 million and $6.8 million in Regular Dividends on the Series A, which amounted to $4.66 and $4.62 per share of Series A for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. There were no cumulative undeclared dividends on the Series A at March 31, 2024. In addition, there were no dividends issued to common stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023.

Redemption

Subject to certain conditions set forth in the Series A Certificate, Series A may be redeemed at a price per share of Series A equal to the sum of (i) the stated value of such share of Series A as of the applicable redemption date, plus (ii) without duplication, all accrued and unpaid dividends previously added to the stated value of such share of Series A, and all accrued and unpaid dividends per share of Series A through such redemption date (the “Redemption Price”).

Company’s Optional Redemption

At any time from and after the earlier of (i) August 1, 2029, if the ten-day volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock (the “Ten-Day VWAP”) does not exceed the conversion price on the date immediately prior to the date the Company delivers a redemption notice to the holders, and (ii) the cancellation of the Distribution Agreement by the Company, the Company has the right to redeem all (and not less than all) of the then-outstanding shares of Series A at the Redemption Price. In the event of the Company's optional redemption, the Company shall affect such redemption by paying the entire Redemption Price on or before the date that is thirty days after the delivery of the Company’s redemption notice and by redeeming all the shares of Series A on such date.

Change in Control Redemption

In the event of a change in control, as defined by the following scenarios, the Company (or its successor) shall redeem all (and not less than all) of the then-issued and outstanding shares of Series A: (i) a sale or transfer, directly or indirectly, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in any transaction or series of related transactions (other than sales in the ordinary course of business); (ii) any merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company with or into any other entity or entities as a result of which the holders of the Company’s outstanding capital stock (on a fully-diluted basis) immediately prior to the merger, consolidation or reorganization no longer represent at least a majority of the voting power of the surviving or resulting Company or other entity; or (iii) any sale or series of sales, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, of shares of the Company’s capital stock by the holders thereof which results in any person or group of affiliated persons owning capital stock holding more than 50% of the Company's voting power.

Upon a change in control and redemption, each Series A holder will receive, an amount equal to the greater of (A) the Redemption Price in cash, and (B) the cash and/or other assets (including securities) such holder would have received if each share of Series A were converted into a number of shares of common stock equal to the then-applicable conversion ratio and participated in such transaction resulting in such change of control as of the close of business on the business day immediately prior to the effective date of such transaction.

If the Company or its successor shall not have sufficient funds legally available under the Nevada law governing distributions to stockholders to redeem all outstanding shares of Series A, then the Company shall (A) redeem, pro rata among the holders, a number of shares of Series A equal to the number of shares of Series A that can be redeemed with the maximum amount legally available for the redemption, and (B) redeem all remaining shares of Series A not redeemed because of the foregoing limitations at the applicable change of control Redemption Price as soon as practicable after the Company (or its successor) is able to make such redemption out of assets legally available for the purchase of such shares of Series A. The inability of the Company (or its successor) to make a redemption payment for any reason shall not relieve the Company (or its successor) from its obligation to affect any required redemption when, as and if permitted by applicable law.

Holder Right to Request Redemption

On each of August 1, 2029, August 1, 2032, and August 1, 2035, the majority holders of the Series A have the right, upon no less than six months prior written notice to the Company, to request that the Company redeem all (and not less than all) of the then-outstanding shares of Series A, at the Redemption Price.

In the event of a holder-optional redemption, the Redemption Price will be payable, and the Company shall redeem the shares in three equal installments. These installments would commence on August 1, 2029, August 1, 2032, or August 1, 2035, as applicable, and in each case on the fifteenth- and thirtieth-month anniversary thereafter. On each redemption date for a holder-optional redemption, the Company will redeem shares of Series A on a pro rata basis according to the number of shares owned by each holder. The number of outstanding shares will be determined by dividing (i) the total number of Series A shares outstanding immediately prior to such redemption date by (ii) the number of remaining redemption dates (including the redemption date to which such calculation applies).

If, on any redemption date, legal constraints under the Nevada law governing distributions to stockholders or the terms of any indebtedness of the Company to financial institutions prevents the Company from redeeming all shares of Series A, the Company will ratably redeem the maximum number of shares that it may legally redeem, and will redeem the remaining shares as soon as it may lawfully do so.

Should any shares of Series A scheduled for redemption on a redemption date remain unredeemed for any reason on such redemption date, the following will occur: from the redemption date to the fifteen-month anniversary of such redemption date, the dividend rate with respect to such unredeemed share will automatically increase to 8% per annum. From such fifteenth-month anniversary to the thirtieth-month anniversary of such redemption date, the dividend rate with respect to such unredeemed share will automatically increase to 10% per annum. After such thirtieth-month anniversary of such redemption date, the dividend rate with respect to any such unredeemed share will automatically increase to 12% per annum, in each case until such share is duly redeemed or converted.

Conversion

The shares of Series A may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Series A Certificate either at the option of the Company or subject to an automatic conversion as discussed below. The Series A was issued with a conversion price of $25 which is potentially subject to adjustment pursuant to the Series A Certificate. The conversion ratio is calculated as the quotient of (a) the sum of (x) the stated value of such share of Series A as of the applicable conversion date, plus (y) all accrued and unpaid dividends previously added to the stated value of such share of Series A, and without duplication, all accrued and unpaid dividends per share of Series A through the applicable conversion date; divided by (b) the conversion price as of the conversion date. As of March 31, 2024, the conversion ratio of the Series A into common wasone tofifteen. At March 31, 2024, approximately 22.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock were issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock.

As of March 31, 2024, the Series A was not probable of becoming redeemable, as the most likely method of settlement is through conversion which is likely to occur before the holder's right to request redemption becomes exercisable.

Company Optional Conversion

At any time from and after August 1, 2029, provided the Ten-Day VWAP immediately prior to the date the Company delivers a conversion notice to the holders of Series A exceeds the conversion price, the Company may elect to convert all, but not less than all, of the outstanding shares of Series A into shares of the Company’s common stock.

Automatic Conversion

The Series A will convert automatically into shares of the Company’s common stock upon the occurrence of any of the following, each an “Automatic Conversion Event”:

•Any date from and after the valid termination of the Distribution Agreement by the Company or Pepsi, if the Ten-Day VWAP immediately preceding such date exceeds the conversion price of such share as of such date.

•Any date from and after August 1, 2028, on which (x) the Company’s products meet a market share requirement during a specified period (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) and (y) the Ten-Day VWAP immediately prior to such date exceeds the conversion price of such share as of such date. In the case of an Automatic Conversion Event, each share of Series A then outstanding shall be converted into the number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion ratio of such share in effect as of the automatic conversion date. The occurrence of an Automatic Conversion Event will terminate any right of the holder to receive a redemption at their request even if such request has already been submitted, provided that the Series A shares have not already been redeemed.

13. INCOME TAXES

In general, the Company uses an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on expected annual income and statutory tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates, to determine its quarterly provision for income taxes. Certain significant or unusual items are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur and can be a source of variability on the effective tax rates from quarter to quarter. The Company’s effective tax rate may change from period to period based on recurring and non-recurring factors including the geographical mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation, and state and local income taxes.

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was 15.8% and differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to net benefits on stock-based compensation awards, disallowed stock-based compensation expense and state income taxes.

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was 17.2% and differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to windfall benefits on stock-based compensation awards, disallowed stock-based compensation expense and state income taxes.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company’s tax returns for tax years 2020 through 2022 remain subject to potential examination by the taxing authorities.

14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On April 30, 2015, the Company adopted the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2015 Plan"), with the objective of attracting and retaining highly competent personnel through opportunities to acquire the Company’s common stock.

There are currently 20.8 million shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan. The 2015 Plan expires in 2025, and the Company intends to seek stockholder approval of a new plan at the Company's 2025 annual meeting of stockholders.

The 2006 Incentive Stock Plan ("the 2006 Plan"), which was adopted on January 18, 2007 and expired in 2017, similarly had the objective of attracting and retaining highly competent employees, directors, and independent consultants through opportunities to acquire the Company’s common stock. No further awards can be granted under the 2006 Plan. As of March 31, 2024, there were no unvested awards under the 2006 plan and certain vested but unexercised awards remained outstanding.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $3.6 million and $5.5 million, respectively, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Stock Options

The Company used straight-line amortization of compensation expense over thetwo tothree-year requisite service or vesting period of the grant. The maximum contractual term of the Company’s stock options is 10 years.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of its stock option awards and warrant issuances and recognizes forfeitures as they occur.

A summary of the status of the Company’s outstanding stock options as of March 31, 2024 and changes during the three months ending on that date is as follows:

(1) The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of the Company's common stock exceeds the option exercise price as of March 31, 2024.

The total intrinsic value of the stock options exercised was $23.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The total number of stock options exercised was 0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

As of March 31, 2024, the Company did not have any unrecognized pre-tax non-cash compensation expense related to options to purchase shares.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units are awards that give the holder the right to receive one share of common stock for each restricted stock unit upon meeting service-based vesting conditions (typically annual vesting in three equal annual installments, with a requirement that the holder remains in the continuous employment of the Company). The Company determines the fair value of restricted stock-based awards based on the market price of the common stock on the date of grant. The holders of unvested units do not have the same rights as stockholders and do not have the right to receive any dividends or right to vote. The value of restricted stock units that vest over time is established by the market price on the date of its grant.

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is presented in the following table:

(1) Retrospectively adjusted for the Forward Stock Split.

The total fair value of shares vested during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $27.8 million and $16.2 million, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding restricted stock units to employees and directors as of March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $31.0 million and $27.5 million, respectively, and is expected to be expensed over the next 2.3 years.

Performance-based Stock Awards

The Company issued stock-based awards to third-party consultants for providing marketing, sales, and general business development services related to Celsius products. The stock-based awards are in the form of restricted stock units with performance vesting conditions (“performance share units” or “PSUs”). The holders of unvested PSUs do not have the same rights as stockholders, including but not limited to any dividends which may be declared by the Company and stockholder voting rights. Some of the PSU performance vesting conditions are linked to the attainment of specified incremental earnings for the Company in a given year over the performance vesting period (typically five years), and some of the awards are linked to employees of the Company and have specific performance-based metrics to be met in year one and year two of the issuance. The fair value of PSUs is based on the market price of the underlying stock on the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation cost for PSUs issued to non-employees in the same manner and periods as though cash had been paid for services received.

In the third quarter of 2022, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the issuance of PSUs to certain employees. The aggregate grant date fair value of $7.5 million included an immediate vesting of 20% of the shares as well as specific performance-based metrics to be met in year one and year two of the issuance. The Company believes the performance-based metrics are probable of being achieved and will recognize expense for each tranche of the awards separately using the accelerated attribution method according to ASC 718.

In March 2024, the Human Resource and Compensation Committee approved PSUs under the 2015 Plan with an aggregate award of approximately 65,000 shares of our common stock for certain Company Officers. Each PSU is initially equivalent in value toone share of Celsius's common stock. The PSUs vest three years from the grant date based on continuous service, with the number of shares earned (50% to 200% of the target award) depending upon the extent to which we achieve certain financial and market performance targets measured over the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026. About half of the PSUs were valued at $79.27 per PSU based on our common stock price on the grant date as the financial targets are based on our achievement of revenue metrics. We recognize the grant-date fair value of these PSUs, as stock-based compensation expense ratably over the vesting period based on the number of awards expected to vest at each reporting date. The other half of the PSUs were valued at $134.75 per PSU using a Monte Carlo simulation model as the performance target is based on total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to our peer group. This model incorporates assumptions such as the risk-free interest rate based on zero-coupon yields implied by U.S. Treasury issuances, expected volatility derived from historical data of the Company and certain indices. We recognize the grant-date fair value of these awards, as stock-based compensation expense ratably over the vesting period.

A summary of the Company’s PSU activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is presented in the following table:

(1) Retrospectively adjusted for the Forward Stock Split.

Unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding PSUs issued to employees and non-employee consultants as of March 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $5.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively, and is expected to be expensed over the next 2.7 years.

Issuance of common stock pursuant to exercise of stock options and other awards

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company issued an aggregate of 1.3 million shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan and received aggregate proceeds of approximately $1.0 million.

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company issued an aggregate of 1.2 million shares of its common stock under the 2015 Plan and 2006 Plan and received aggregate proceeds of approximately $0.5 million.

15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal

SEC Inquiry

On January 8, 2021, the Company received a letter from the SEC Division of Enforcement seeking the production of documents in connection with a non-public, fact-finding inquiry by the SEC to determine whether violations of the federal securities laws had occurred. Subsequent to January 8, 2021, the Company received subpoenas for production of documents in connection with this matter. The investigation and requests from the SEC do not represent that the SEC has concluded that the Company or anyone else has violated the federal securities laws. The Company has cooperated and will continue to cooperate with the SEC staff in its investigation and requests. At this time, however, the Company cannot predict the length, scope, or results of the investigation or the impact, if any, of the investigation on the Company's results of operations.

Securities Class Action

On March 16, 2022, a putative securities class action lawsuit was commenced against the Company and certain officers in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. On July 8, 2022, the lead plaintiffs filed an amended complaint alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The allegations pertain to purported false and misleading statements or omissions made between August 12, 2021, and March 1, 2022, which allegedly artificially inflated the Company’s stock price.

In response, the Company and the individual defendants filed a motion to dismiss on August 5, 2022, which was partially granted by the Court on March 22, 2023. On July 17, 2023, the parties notified the court that an agreement in principle had been reached to settle the action on a class-wide basis. The agreement in principle provided for a single cash payment of $7.9 million in exchange for the dismissal with prejudice of all claims asserted against the defendants. The $7.9 million was paid on September 7, 2023 and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023. During the final settlement hearing on January 31, 2024, the court approved the settlement, and the case is now closed.

Derivative Actions

On January 11, 2023, certain of the Company’s directors and present and former officers were named as defendants in a derivative action complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, (the "Lampert Derivative Action"). The Company was named as a nominal defendant. This action asserts claims based on the same conduct underlying the securities class action described above for (i) breach of fiduciary duty, (ii) unjust enrichment, and (iii) violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder.

Subsequently, substantially similar derivative action complaints were filed, first on May 19, 2023, against the Company, as a nominal defendant, and certain of the Company's directors and present and former officers in a derivative action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, (the "Hammond Derivative Action"). This class action asserts claims for (i) breach of fiduciary duty, (ii) aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, (iii) unjust enrichment, (iv) waste of corporate assets, and (v) violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder.

A second action was filed on July 10, 2023, against the Company, as a nominal defendant, and certain of the Company’s directors and present and former officers in a derivative action in the District Court for the Eighth Judicial District in Clark County, Nevada, (the “Ingrao Derivative Action”). The Ingrao Derivative Action asserts claims for (i) breach of fiduciary duty and (ii) unjust enrichment.

A third action was filed on July 12, 2023 against the Company, as a nominal defendant, and certain of the Company’s directors and present and former officers in a derivative action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (the “Hepworth Derivative Acton”). This class action asserts claims for (i) breach of fiduciary duty, (ii) aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, (iii) unjust enrichment, (iv) waste of corporate assets, and (v) violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder.

The Ingrao Derivative Action remains stayed, following the Court’s entry of an Order, on September 11, 2023, approving the parties’ joint stipulation regarding stay of litigation. The Lampert Derivative Action remains stayed, following the Court's entry of an Order, on April 14, 2023, approving the parties' joint stipulation regarding stay of litigation. On March 11, 2024, the Hammond Derivative Action and the Hepworth Derivative Actions were voluntarily dismissed and, on April 11, 2024, a single complaint containing substantially similar allegations was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, (the "Refiled Derivative Action"). The defendants have not yet been served in the Refiled Derivative Action. The Company believes the various derivative actions are without merit, but the parties are actively negotiating settlement.

The derivative actions allege facts that are substantially the same as those alleged in the securities class action described above.

Strong Arm Productions

On May 4, 2021, Plaintiffs Strong Arm Productions USA, Inc., Tramar Dillard p/k/a Flo Rida, and D3M Licensing Group, LLC filed a lawsuit against the Company in the Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida. Plaintiffs asserted that the Company breached two endorsement and licensing agreements that were entered into, between Plaintiffs and the Company in 2014 and 2016. Plaintiffs alleged the Company had reached certain revenue and sales benchmarks set forth in the 2014 agreement that entitled them to receive 750 thousand shares of the Company's common stock. In addition, Plaintiffs claimed they were entitled to receive unspecified royalties under the 2016 agreement.

A jury trial commenced on this matter on January 10, 2023. On January 18, 2023, the jury rendered a verdict against the Company for $82.6 million in compensatory damages. On April 27, 2023, the court denied the Company’s post-trial motions which sought (i) dismissal of the case notwithstanding the verdict based on the plain language of the contracts at issue; (ii) in the alternative, granting a new trial; or (iii) in the alternative, reducing the award of damages to $2.1 million, which reflects the Company’s stock price on the date that the jury found the relevant revenue and sales benchmarks at issue were met. The judgment will accrue post-judgement interest at 5.52% per year as of February 13, 2023.

The Company believes that the jury verdict is not supported by the facts of the case or applicable law, is the result of significant trial error, and there are strong grounds for appeal. The Company filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida on February 21, 2023, which is currently proceeding. The Company intends to vigorously challenge the judgment through the appeal processes, and filed its initial brief on October 6, 2023.

The Company believes that the likelihood that the full amount of the judgment will be affirmed is not probable. The Company currently estimates a range of possible outcomes between $2.1 million and $82.6 million plus interest and has accrued a liability as of March 31, 2024, reflected in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets, at the low end of that range. The ultimate amount of the original judgement that the Company may be required to pay could be materially different than the amount the Company has accrued. The Company cannot predict or estimate the duration or ultimate outcome of this matter.

Commitments

The Company has entered into distribution agreements that provide for the payment of liquidated damages in the event that the Company terminates the distribution agreements without cause. Cause has been defined in various ways. If management makes the decision to terminate an agreement without cause, an estimate of expected damages is accrued, and an expense is recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses for the period in which termination was initiated.

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had purchase commitments to third parties of $73.0 million and $55.3 million, respectively. The Company's purchase obligations are primarily related to third party suppliers and have arisen through the normal course of business. These obligations vary in terms and none are individually significant.

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had long term contractual obligations aggregating to approximately $42.5 million and $34.4 million, respectively, which related primarily to suppliers, sponsorships, and other marketing activities.