Healthier Choices Management Corp

HEALTHIER CHOICES MANAGEMENT CORP.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION, AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Organization

Healthier Choices Management Corp. (the “Company”) is a holding company focused on providing consumers with healthier daily choices with respect to nutrition and other lifestyle alternatives.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary HCMC Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC, the Company manages and intends to expand on its intellectual property portfolio.

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, the Company operates:

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Healthy Choice Wellness, LLC, the Company operates a Healthy Choice Wellness Center in Kingston, NY and has a licensing agreement for a Healthy Choice Wellness Center located at the Casbah Spa and Salon in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

These centers offer multiple vitamin drip mixes and intramuscular shots for clients to choose from that are designed to help boost immunity, fight fatigue and stress, reduce inflammation, enhance weight loss, and efficiently deliver antioxidants and anti-aging mixes. Additionally, there are IV vitamin mixes and shots for health, beauty, and re-hydration.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Healthy Choice Wellness II, LLC, the Company entered into a joint venture with an established healthcare provider, and the joint venture is in the process of creating a structure whereby it will engage in telemedicine evaluations of patients for semaglutide therapy. The operation will encompass, generally: medical evaluations of patients; treatment of patients with semaglutide; coordination with providers and patients.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Healthy U Wholesale, the Company sells vitamins and supplements, as well as health, beauty, and personal care products on its websitewww.TheVitaminStore.com.

Additionally, the Company markets its patented the Q-Cup™ technology under the vape segment; this patented technology is based on a small, quartz cup called the Q-Cup™, which a customer partially fills with either cannabis or CBD concentrate (approximately 50mg) purchased from a third party. The Q-Cup™ is then inserted into the Q-Cup™ Tank or Globe, that heats the cup from the outside without coming in direct contact with the solid concentrate. This Q-Cup™ technology provides significantly more efficiency and an “on the go” solution for consumers who prefer to vape concentrates either medicinally or recreationally.

Sourcing and Vendors

We source from multiple suppliers. These suppliers range from small independent businesses to multinational conglomerates. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 40% and 36% of our total purchases were from one vendor.

Spin-Off

The Company is planning to spin off its grocery segment and wellness business into a new publicly traded company (hereinafter referred to as “NewCo”). NewCo will continue the path of growth in the health verticals started by HCMC and explore other growth opportunities that comport with HCMC’s healthier lifestyle mission. HCMC will retain its entire patent suite, the Q-Cup® brand, and continue to develop its patent suite through R&D as well as continuing its path of enforcing its patent rights against infringers and attempting to monetize said patents through licensing deals.

At the time of the Spin-Off, HCMC will distribute all the outstanding shares of Common Stock held by it on a pro rata basis to holders of HCMC’s common stock. Each share of HCMC’s common stock outstanding as of the record date for the Spin-Off (the “Record Date”), will entitle the holder thereof to receive shares of Common Stock in NewCo. The distribution will be made in book-entry form by a distribution agent. Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be distributed in the Spin-Off and any fractional amounts will be rounded down. See more disclosure in Note 14 Stockholders’ Equity and Note 19 Subsequent Events.

Note 2. GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT’S PLANS

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern and realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of any uncertainties related to our going concern assessment. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities presented in the financial statements do not necessarily purport to represent realizable or settlement values.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash of approximately $5.1 million and negative working capital of $0.5 million. Management has made plans to reduce certain costs and raise needed capital, however there can be no assurance the Company can successfully implement these plans. The Company anticipates its current cash and cash generated from operations will not be sufficient to meet projected operating expenses for the foreseeable future through at least twelve months from the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.

The Company has incurred recurring net losses and operations have not provided cash flows. In view of these matters, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. In order to improve the Company’s liquidity position, management’s plans include significantly reducing the use of outside consultants, which would result in a reduction of over $1,000,000 in general and administrative expenses savings based on the actual spend for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company contracted a third party consultant, whose expertise is streamlining operations, to identify areas of improvement and cost savings. The Company will enact the consultant’s recommendation in anticipation of realizing savings and achieving profitability. The Company plans on continuing to expand via acquisition which will help achieve profitability. Also, the Company is formulating plans to raise capital from outside investors, as it has done in the past, to fund operating losses and also provide capital for further business acquisitions. The result of the capital raise is to improve the Company’s operating and financial performance. The success of these plans is dependent upon various factors, foremost being the ability to reduce outside consulting expenses and the ability to secure additional capital from outside investors. There can be no assurance that such plans will be successful.

Note 3. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries in which the Company holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company Healthier Choices Management Corp., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Healthy Choice Markets, Inc., Healthy Choice Markets 2, LLC (“Paradise Health and Nutrition”), Healthy Choice Markets 3, LLC (“Mother Earth’s Storehouse”), Healthy Choices Markets 3 Real Estate LLC, Healthy Choice Markets IV, LLC (Green’s Natural Foods), Healthy Choice Markets V, LLC (Ellwood Thompson’s), HCMC Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC, Healthy Choice Wellness, LLC, Healthy Choice Wellness II, LLC, The Vitamin Store, LLC, Healthy U Wholesale, Inc., and The Vape Store, Inc. (“Vape Store”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the operating decision makers, or decision-making group, in making decisions on how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s decision-making group are the senior executive management team. The Company and the decision-making group view the Company’s operations and manage its business as two operating segments. All long-lived assets of the Company reside in the U.S.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These estimates and assumptions include inventory provisions, useful lives and impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, and the valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Certain of management’s estimates could be affected by external conditions, including those unique to our industry, and general economic conditions. It is possible that these external factors could have an effect on our estimates that could cause actual results to differ from our estimates. The Company re-evaluates all of its accounting estimates at least quarterly based on these conditions and records adjustments when necessary.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from product sales and services rendered, net of promotional discounts, manufacturer coupons and rebates, return allowances, and sales and consumption taxes, are recorded when products are delivered, title passes to customers and collection is likely to occur. Title passes to customers at the point of sale for retail and upon delivery of products for wholesale. Return allowances, which reduce revenue, are estimated using historical experience.

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the following five-step model:

Shipping and Handling

Shipping charges billed to customers are included in net sales and the related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, shipping and handling costs of approximately $117,000 and $98,000, were included in cost of sales, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash and cash equivalents. The majority of the Company’s cash are concentrated inone large financial institution, which is in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) coverage. The Company didnot have any cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

A summary of the financial institutions that had a cash in excess of FDIC limits of $250,000 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is presented below:

The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions with which it invests, as deposits are held in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and restricted cash to amounts shown in consolidated statements of cash flow:

Restricted Cash

The Company’s restricted cash consisted of cash balances which were restricted as to withdrawal or usage under the August 18, 2022 security purchase agreement for the purpose of funding any amounts due under the Series E Certificate of Designation upon the redemption of the Series E Preferred Stocks. The balance also included cash held in the collateral account to cover the cash draw from the line of credit.

Accounts Receivable, Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities

Accounts receivables are claims to consideration which are unconditional; meaning no performance obligations remain for the Company and only the passage of time is necessary before collection. Contract assets are distinguished from accounts receivable as performance obligations remain before claims to consideration become unconditional. By nature of the Company’s operations, contract assets are typically not recognized. Contract liabilities are recorded when customers transfer consideration in advance of delivery of products or services, which the Company records for gift cards and loyalty reward programs. When one party to an arrangement performs before the other(s), the Company records an account receivable, contract asset or contract liability.

The majority of arrangements with customers contain one performance obligation: to provide a distinct set of products or services. Most performance obligations are satisfied simultaneously as the Company exchanges products or services for customer payment. Exceptions include gift cards and loyalty rewards, for which the Company has a performance obligation to deliver products or services at a future date. As gift cards are purchased and loyalty points earned, contract liabilities are recorded until the performance obligations are satisfied through delivery of products or services or breakage based on gift card and loyalty reward program term limits.

The Company’s breakage policy istwenty-four months for gift cards, twelve months for Grocery loyalty rewards, andsix months for Vapor loyalty rewards. Loyalty rewards are earned atfive percent on qualifying purchases and the reward functions as an allocation of transaction price from the period earned by the customer to the period the performance obligation is satisfied by the Company. As such, all contract liabilities are expected to be recognized within atwenty-four month period.

Accounts receivable balance represents credit sales, sales on account and billing to vendors for advertising vendors’ products in our stores. Concentration of accounts receivable consist of the following:

Other Current Assets

Other current assets are the non-trade related assets that the Company owns, benefits from, or uses to generate income that can be converted into cash within one business cycle. Included in “Other current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets are amounts primarily related to other receivables or non-trade receivable from government and other companies.

Inventories

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the average cost method. If the cost of the inventories exceeds their net realizable value, adjustments are recorded to write down excess inventory to their net realizable value. The Company’s inventories consist primarily of merchandise available for resale, such as vitamins, fresh produce, perishable grocery items and non-perishable consumable goods.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the expected useful life of the respective asset, after the asset is placed in service. Revenue earning property, plant, and equipment includes signage, furniture and fixtures, building, computer hardware, appliance, cooler, displays with useful lives range fromtwo toten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the asset or the term of the lease.

Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at cost, or when acquired as part of a business acquisition, at estimated fair value. Certain identifiable intangible assets are amortized over various periods of time, ranging from 4 years to 10 years. Similar to tangible personal property and equipment, the Company periodically evaluates identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as goodwill are not amortized.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews all long-lived assets such as property, plant, and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. Impairment is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset(s) exceeds their fair value. The Company conducted the long-lived assets impairment test, and based on Step 1 qualitative assessment, the Company concluded that the recurring losses coupled with the reduction in same store revenue and negative working capital were triggering events at December 31, 2023. The Company hired a third-party valuation firm to perform Step 2 quantitative assessment on long-lived assets. The Company used undiscounted cash flow method at weighted average cost of capital of 16.5% as discount rate to calculate the fair value of the total assets. Based on the Step 2 quantitative assessment, the Company’s long-lived assets were not impaired as of December 31, 2023.

Goodwill

The Company assesses the carrying amounts of goodwill for recoverability on at least an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate evidence of potential impairment exists, using a fair value based test. Application of the goodwill impairment test requires significant judgments including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for the businesses, and the useful life over which cash flows will occur. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or conclusions on goodwill impairment for the Company. Our annual impairment test is conducted on September 30 of each year or more often if deemed necessary.

The Company experienced recurring losses coupled with the reduction in same store revenue, a highly competitive industry and certain operational costs that have impacted our expectations such that future growth and profitability is lower than previous estimates. Furthermore, during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company operated with negative working capital which, although not a determinant on its own, when combined with the other factors indicated that the Company’s goodwill of $6.1 million was determined to be impaired for the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 10 - Goodwill and Intangibles. There wasno impairment of goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Advertising

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the company incurred advertising expenses of $564,000 and $146,000, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Under this method, income tax expense is recognized as the amount of: (i) taxes payable or refundable for the current year and (ii) future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the deferred tax assets reported if based on the weight of available evidence it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There wereno unrecognized tax benefits andno amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2023 or 2022. The Company hadno uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Leases

Operating lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the fixed lease payments using the Company’s incremental borrowing rates. Related operating ROU assets are recognized based on the initial present value of the fixed lease payments, reduced by contributions from landlords, plus any prepaid rent and direct costs from executing the leases. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease payments are recognized as lease expense as they are incurred.

The Company did not have finance leases in year 2023 and 2022. If the Company enters into a finance lease in the future, it will be accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 842.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for employees and directors under ASC Topic No. 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). These standards define a fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. In accordance with ASC 718, the cost of stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the vesting period. The value of the stock-based award is determined using an appropriate valuation model, whereby compensation cost is the fair value of the award as determined by the valuation model at the grant date. The resulting amount is charged to expense on the straight-line basis over the period in which the Company expects to receive the benefit, which is generally the vesting period. The Company recognize forfeitures as they are incur.

Fair Value Measurements

The fair value framework under FASB’s guidance requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions used to measure the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3, if applicable, would generally require significant management judgment. The three levels for categorizing assets and liabilities under the fair value measurement requirements are as follows:

Nonfinancial assets such as goodwill, other intangible assets, and long-lived assets held and used are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value when impairment is recognized or for a business combination.

Business Combination

The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 805,Business Combinations (“ASC 805”) in the accounting for acquisitions of businesses. ASC 805 requires the Company to use the acquisition method of accounting by recognizing the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and measured at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the aforementioned amounts. Acquisition-related expenses were expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Public companies in the United States are subject to the accounting and reporting requirements of various authorities, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These authorities issue numerous pronouncements, most of which are not applicable to the Company’s current or reasonably foreseeable operating structure.

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC 326)” This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to certain financial assets. The Company adopted ASC 326 on January 1, 2023, and estimated expected credit losses based on aging schedule, and provisioned approximately $15,000 credit loss for the year ended December 31, 2023.

On November 27, 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures”, which requires public entities to consider relevant qualitative and quantitative factors when determining whether segment expense categories and amounts are significant, and identify segment expenses on the basis of amounts that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), and included in reported segment profit or loss. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2024. The Company does not believe this will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” related to improvements to income tax disclosures. The amendments in this update require enhanced jurisdictional and other disaggregated disclosures for the effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications do not impact the Company’s previously reported financial position or net loss. Below summarized reclassifications we made:

Note 4. DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUES

The Company reports the following segments in accordance with management guidance: Vapor and Grocery. When the Company prepares its internal management reporting to evaluate business performance, we disaggregate revenue into the following categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

Note 5. INVESTMENT

In 2018, the Company invested $150,000 in 85,714 common stock shares at MJ Holdings, Inc. (“MJNE”), a publicly traded company. The investment was made based on the assumption of an increase in MJNE stock due to the sales agreement with the Company. The Company recorded the investment in MJNE at fair value with changes in the fair value reported through the income statement as the stock is traded on the OTC market. Investment is classed with Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Fair value for the investment is based on quoted prices in active markets. Investment is presented in other current assets in consolidated balance sheets.

The following table summarizes the investment measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Note 6. INVENTORIES

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the average cost method. If the cost of the inventories exceeds their market value, adjustments are recorded to write down excess inventory to its net realizable value. The Company, as a result of its physical inventory observations recorded the write down of inventories amounting to approximately $2.5 million and $1.5 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company’s inventories consist primarily of merchandise available for resale.

Note 7. NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER INCOME

On September 6, 2018, the Company entered into a secured,36-month promissory note (the “Note”) with VPR Brands L.P. for $582,260. The Note bears an interest rate of 7%, which payments thereunder are $4,141 weekly. The Company records all proceeds related to the interest of the Note as interest income as proceeds are received.

On August 31, 2022, the Company amended and restated the Secured Promissory Note (the “Amended Note”) to extend the maturity date for one year. The outstanding balance for the amended note is $211,355. The Amended Note bears an interest rate of 7%, which payments thereunder are $1,500 weekly, with such payments commencing as of September 3, 2022. The Amended Note has a balloon payment of $145,931 for all remaining accrued interest and principal balance due in the final week of the 1-year extension of the Amended Note.

In August 2023, VPR Brands L.P. settled with the Company for the remaining notes receivable balance of $145,931 by making a balloon payment of $135,000 cash. The Company recognized a loss of $10,931 from this settlement which is included in other (expense) income net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

A summary of the Amended Note as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is presented below:

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had notes receivable collections of approximately $178,000 and $59,000, respectively.

Note 8. ACQUISITIONS

The purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805,Business Combinations, was applied for the Mother Earth’s Storehouse, Green’s Natural Foods and Ellwood Thompson’s acquisitions. This requires the total cost of an acquisition to be allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition with the excess cost accounted for as goodwill. Goodwill arising from the acquisition is attributable to expected operational synergies from combining the operations of the acquired business with those of the Company. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Mother Earth’s Storehouse

On February 9, 2022, the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary, Healthy Choice Markets 3, LLC (“HCM3”), entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Mother Earth’s Storehouse Inc. and its shareholders. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, HCM3 acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities related to Mother Earth’s grocery stores in Kingston and Saugerties, New York. The Company intends to continue to operate the grocery stores under their existing name. The cash purchase price under the Asset Purchase Agreement was $4,472,500, with an additional $677,500 paid for inventory at closing. In addition, the Company assumed a lease obligation for the Kingston, NY store and entered into an employment agreement with the store manager.

The acquisition is structured as asset purchase in a business combination, and goodwill is tax-deductible, and amortizable over 15 years for tax purpose.

The results of operations of Mother’s Earth have been included in the consolidated statements of operations as of the effective date of operations.

Revenue and net income for year ended December 31, 2022 from date of acquisition were $11.9 million and $0.30 million, respectively. Acquisition-related expenses of $157,000 were expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. The expenses primarily related to legal and other professional fees.

Green’s Natural Foods

On October 14, 2022, the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary, Healthy Choice Markets IV, LLC, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Dean’s Natural Food Market of Shrewsbury, Inc., a New Jersey corporation, Green’s Natural Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Dean’s Natural Food Market of Chester, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, Dean’s Natural Food Market of Basking Ridge, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, and Dean’s Natural Food Market, Inc., a New Jersey corporation (collectively, the “Sellers”), and shareholders of the Sellers. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of an organic and natural health food and vitamin chain with eight store locations in New York and northern and central New Jersey (the “Stores”).

The cash purchase price under the Asset Purchase Agreement was $5,142,000, with an additional $3,000,000 provided by the seller financing in the form of a promissory note. In addition, the seller is entitled to a contingent earn-out based on a certain revenue threshold within the one-year period of the closing.

The Company recorded $1,108,000 of contingent consideration based on the estimated financial performance for the one year following closing. The contingent consideration was discounted at an interest rate of 3.8%, which represents the Company’s weighted average discount rate. Contingent consideration related to the acquisition is recorded at fair value (level 3) with changes in fair value recorded in other expense (income), net.

The following table summarizes the change in fair value of contingent consideration from acquisition date to December 31, 2023:

The acquisition is structured as asset purchase in a business combination, and goodwill is tax-deductible, and amortizable over 15 years for tax purpose.

Revenue and net income for year ended December 31, 2022 were $6.3 million and $0.05 million, respectively, from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2022. Acquisition-related expenses of $906,000 were expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. The expenses primarily related to legal and other professional fees.

Ellwood Thompson’s

On October 1, 2023, the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary, Healthy Choice Markets V, LLC, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with (i) ET Holding, Inc., d/b/a Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market, a Virginia corporation, (ii) Ellwood Thompson’s Natural Market, L.C., a Virginia limited liability company, and (iii) Richard T. Hood, an individual resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities related to Ellwood Thompson’s grocery stores in Richmond, Virginia. The Company intends to continue to operate the grocery stores under their existing name.

The cash purchase price under the Asset Purchase Agreement was $750,000, and a promissory note with a fair value of $718,000 provided by the seller. The principle amount of the promissory note was $750,000 with a fair value was $718,000, and the Company expensed the discount associated with the promissory note and recognized interest expense of approximately $32,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. In addition, the Company entered into a new lease agreement with the landlord and entered into an employment agreement with the store manager.

The acquisition is structured as asset purchase in a business combination, and goodwill is tax-deductible, and amortizable over 15 years for tax purposes.

Revenue and net income were $3.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2023. Acquisition-related expenses of $131,000 were expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. The expenses primarily related to legal and other professional fees.

Revenue and Earnings

The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information of the Company, including Mother Earth’s Storehouse, Green’s Natural Foods and Ellwood Thompson’s, as if the business combinations had occurred on January 1, 2022, the earliest period presented herein:

The pro forma financial information includes adjustments that are directly attributable to the business combinations and are factually supportable. The pro forma adjustments include incremental amortization of intangible and remove non-recurring transaction costs directly associated with the acquisitions, such as legal and other professional service fees. The proforma data gives effects to actual operating results prior to the acquisition. These proforma amounts do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have actually been obtained if the acquisitions occurred as of the beginning of each period presented or that may be obtained in future periods. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the pro forma financial information excludes $1,063,000 of non-recurring acquisition-related expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the pro forma financial information excludes $131,000 of non-recurring acquisition-related expenses.

Note 9. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following:

The Company incurred approximately $0.6 million and $0.3 million of depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Note 10. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually on September 30 or more frequently if there are indicators that the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value.

The Company experienced recurring losses coupled with the reduction in same store revenue, a highly competitive industry and certain operational costs that have impacted our expectations such that future growth and profitability is lower than previous estimates. Furthermore, during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company operated with negative working capital which, although not a determinant on its own, when combined with the other factors indicated that the Company’s goodwill may be impaired.

Because the qualitative test indicated that the Company’s goodwill was determined to be impaired, a second phase of the goodwill impairment test (“Step 2”) was performed. Under Step 2, the fair value of the Company was estimated for the purpose of deriving an estimate of the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the goodwill was then compared to the recorded goodwill to determine the amount of the impairment. The Company evaluated the fair value of its equity through the use of Guideline Public Company Method and Discounted Cash Flow Method. These two methods first calculated market value of invested capital, then the Company applied 50% of weighting to each method to derive the weight equity value. The Guideline Public Company Method calculated the Company’s equity using public markets’ relevant comparable set with market multiples that are applicable to the company. The Discounted Cash Flow Method discounted projected free cashflows of the Company at a computed weighted average cost of capital of 16.5% as the discount rate. The Discounted Cash Flow Method requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions to calculate projected future cash flow, weighted average cost of capital, and future economic and market conditions. The Company based the forecasts on its knowledge of the industry, recent performance and expected future performance, and other assumptions management believes to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from those estimates.

As a result, the entire $6.1 million carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill was recognized as a non-cash impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2023. There wasno impairment of goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2022.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

Intangible assets, net are as follows:

Amortization expense was approximately $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The weighted-average remaining amortization period of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets is approximately 5 years as of December 31, 2023. The estimated future amortization of the intangible assets is as follows:

Note 11. CONTRACT LIABILITIES

The Company’s contract liabilities consist of customer deposits, gift cards and loyalty rewards, for which the Company has a performance obligation to deliver products when customers redeem balances or terms expire through breakage.

A summary of the contract liabilities activity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is presented below:

Note 12. DEBT

The following table provides a breakdown of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is presented below:

Revolving Line of Credit

On November 3, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement for a new revolving line of credit of $2.0 million and a blocked/restricted deposit account (“blocked account”) with Professional Bank in Coral Gables, Florida. The agreement included a variable interest rate that it is based on a rate of 1.0% over what is earned on the collateral account. Based on the agreement with the bank, each draw request from the credit line will be 100% cash secured with moneys held from the blocked account. The outstanding balance was $453,232 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The line of credit will expire in November 2024.

Promissory Note

In connection with the Green’s Natural Foods acquisition, on October 14, 2022, the Company issued a secured promissory note (the “Greens Note”) in the principal amount of $3,000,000 as a portion of the purchase price. The Greens Note has afive-year term, an interest rate of 6.0% per annum and is secured by the assets of the Green’s Natural Foods. The outstanding balance was approximately $2,378,000 and $2,914,000 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company incurred approximately $160,000 and $30,000 interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

In connection with the Ellwood Thompson’s acquisition, on October 1, 2023, the Company issued a secured promissory note (the “Ellwood Note”) in the principal amount of $750,000, and discounted present value of $718,000 as a portion of the purchase price. The Ellwood Note has afive-year term, an interest rate of 6.0% per annum. The outstanding balance of the Ellwood Note was approximately $728,000 in principle amount as of December 31, 2023. The Company expensed the discount on promissory note and recognized interest expense of approximately $39,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The Company may, at its option, at any time or from time to time prepay the outstanding principal amount or any accrued but unpaid interest, in each case in whole or in part, without penalty or premium, provided that any such prepayment of any outstanding amount of principal shall be accompanied by the payment of all accrued but unpaid interest on the amount of principal being prepaid, plus any costs and fees incurred.

The following table summarizes the 5-year repayment schedule:

Note 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Employment Agreements

On August 13, 2018, the Company amended and restated its existing employment agreement with Jeffrey Holman, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “Holman Employment Agreement”). The Holman Employment Agreement is for an additional three year term and provides for an annual base salary of $450,000 and a target bonus for 2020 only in an amount ranging from 20% to 200% of his base salaries subject to the Company meeting certain earnings before interest, taxes depreciation and amortization performance milestones. Mr. Holman is entitled to receive severance payments, includingtwo years of his then base salary and other benefits in the event of a change of control, termination by the Company without cause, termination for good reason by the executive or non-renewal by the Company. Mr. Holman was also granted 11 billion shares of restricted common stock pursuant to the Holman Employment Agreement Amendment on the condition that 11 billion of his options to purchase Company common stock are forfeited. This restricted stock will vestone year following the date of issuance provided that the grantee remains an employee of the Company through each applicable vesting date. On August 12, 2019, the Company agreed to extend the expiration date of the vesting period for the restricted stock by six months to February 13, 2020. On August 12, 2020, the Company agreed to extend for a second time the expiration date of the vesting period for the restricted stock by six months to February 13, 2021. The term of the employment agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless notice of non-renewal is given by either party at least 30 days before the end of the Term.

On February 26, 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement Amendment”) with the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Christopher Santi. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement Amendment, Mr. Santi will continue to be employed as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer through January 30, 2024. Mr. Santi will receive a base salary of $0.4 million for 2021 and his salary will increase 10% in each subsequent year. The term of the amended employment agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless notice of non-renewal is given by either party at least 30 days before the end of the Term.

On February 02, 2022, the Company entered into a second amended and restated employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement Amendment”) with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, John Ollet. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement Amendment, Mr. Ollet will continue to be employed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer through February 14, 2025. Mr. Ollet will receive a base salary of $0.3 million for 2022 and his salary will increase 10% in each subsequent calendar year. The term of the amended and restated employment agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless notice of non-renewal is given by either party at least 30 days before the end of the Term.

Legal Proceedings

On November 30, 2020, the Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Philip Morris USA, Inc., and Philip Morris Products S.A. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The lawsuit alleges infringement on HCMC-owned patent(s) by the Philip Morris product known and marketed as “IQOS®”. Philip Morris claims that it is currently approaching 14 million users of its IQOS® product and has reportedly invested over $3 billion in their smokeless tobacco products. On December 3, 2021, the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia effectively dismissed HCMC’s patent infringement action against Philip Morris USA, Inc., and Philip Morris Products S.A. On December 14, 2021, the Company filed an appeal of the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia’s dismissal of the Company’s patent infringement action against Philip Morris USA, Inc., and Philip Morris Products S.A.

On December 31, 2021, the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia effectively dismissed HCMC’s patent infringement action against Philip Morris USA, Inc. and Philip Morris Products S.A. In connection with such dismissal, the defendants sought to recover attorney’s fees from the Plaintiff. On February 22, 2022, the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted the defendant’s an award of approximately $575,000 in attorneys’ fees to be paid by the Company. The Company fully provisioned this amount as of December 31, 2021. HCMC appealed this ruling on June 22, 2022.

On April 12, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in favor of HCMC ontwo separate appeals it had filed in its patent infringement action against Philip Morris USA, Inc. and Philip Morris Products S.A. pending in the district court for the Northern District of Georgia.

In the first appeal, HCMC appealed the ruling of the District Court dismissing HCMC’s patent infringement action and denying HCMC’s motion to amend its pleading. In the second appeal, HCMC appealed the District Court’s award of attorneys’ fees to Philip Morris. In its decisions, the Federal Circuit ruled for HCMC by reversing both of those decisions and remanded the case back to the District Court for further proceedings. As a result of the ruling, the Company reversed the $575,000, which was previously fully provisioned, during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

There were two lawsuits in connection with alleged claimed battery defects for an electronic cigarette device. One has been dismissed by the court wherein the plaintiff settled with the Company’s insurance carrier with no economic impact to the Company. In the second lawsuit, as of December 31, 2023, the Company has reached an arrangement with the plaintiff to resolve the matter, limiting potential exposure to $1.5 million. While this arrangement is presently not formalized by a signed agreement, the Company has accrued a liability of $1.5 million, reflected in accounts payable and accrued expenses, to represent management’s estimate of the probable settlement amount based on the current status of discussions. The settlement remains subject to finalization, and until a definitive agreement is executed, no assurance can be given that the outcome will differ from this accrual. The case has been removed from the courts trial calendar.

On September 26, 2023, HCMC filed a patent infringement lawsuit against R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company (“RJR”) in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in connection with HCMC’s assertions that RJR’s Vuse electronic cigarette infringes one of HCMC’s patents.

From time to time the Company is involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We believe that there is no other litigation pending that is likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. As of December 31, 2023, with respect to legal costs, we record such costs as incurred.

On July 7, 2023, the Company entered into a patent licensing agreement for one of its patents in the vape segment. The Company as the licensor, grants to licensee during the term a non-exclusive right and license under the Licensed Patents to make, use, offer to sell, sell, and import licensed products in the territory of the United States of America. The licensee will pay to the licensor a royalty based on net sales of all licensed products in the territory during the term of the agreement. Either party can cancel the agreement with 60-days written notice. The Company is still in the process of building this operation, and no product sales or no royalties earned as of the date of this filing.

Note 14. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Equity Compensation Plans

The Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2015 Plan”), awards grants to employees. On April 23, 2023, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of HCMC approved the Second Amendment to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Amended Plan”). The Amended Plan increased the number of shares of HCMC common stock authorized for issuance under the Amended Plan to 225,000,000,000 shares, and currently 2.5 billion shares are available for grant as of December 31, 2023.

The Company’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”) awards grants to employees, non-employee directors and consultants in connection with their retention and/or continued employment by the Company. The 2009 Plan hadno shares of common stock available for grant as of December 31, 2023.

Series D Convertible Preferred Stock

On February 7, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company sold and issued 5,000 shares of its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) to accredited investors for $1,000 per share or an aggregate subscription of $5.0 million. In 2021,4,200 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock were exercised and converted into common stocks. As of December 31, 2023, the Company issued 8.0 billion shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with the exercise of the remaining 800 shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $0.0001 per share. As of December 31, 2023, all Series D preferred stocks have been converted. The Series D Stocks have no voting rights.

Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock

On August 18, 2022, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“HCMC Preferred Stock”) pursuant to which the Company sold and issued 14,722 shares of its Series E Convertible Preferred Stock to institutional investors for $1,000 per share or an aggregate subscription of $13.25 million. The number of shares issued to each participant is based on subscription amount multiplied by conversion rate of 1.1111. The Company also incurred offering costs of approximately $410,000, which covers legal and consulting fees.

For the year ended December 31, 2023,1,585 shares of Series E preferred stock were converted into 15,850,000,000 shares of common stock as a result of the Series E preferred stock conversion.12,026 shares of Series E preferred stock were redeemed and approximately $12,004,000 was paid for redemption.

The HCMC Preferred Stock have voting rights on as converted basis at the Company’s next stockholders’ meeting. However, as long as any shares of HCMC Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company shall not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of the HCMC Preferred Stock, (a) alter or change adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the HCMC Preferred Stock or alter or amend the Certificate of Designation, (b) increase the number of authorized shares of HCMC Preferred Stock, or (c) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing. Each share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at any time and from time to time at the option of the Holder thereof, into that number of shares of Common Stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations). The conversion price for the HCMC Preferred Stock shall equal $0.0001.

Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary that is not a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Certificate of Designation), the holders of HCMC Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the assets, whether capital or surplus, of the Company an amount equal to $1,000 per share of HCMC Preferred Stock.

Unless earlier converted or extended as set forth below, a holder may require the redemption of all or a portion of the stated value of the HCMC Preferred Stock either (1)six months after closing or (2) the time at which the balance is due and payable upon an event of default.

On March 1, 2023, the Company entered into a First Amendment to HCMC Series E Preferred Stock with each purchaser (“Purchaser”) identified as those who participated in the HCMC Series E Preferred Stock, dated as of August 18, 2022. The parties amended the HCMC Preferred Stock related to the conversion payment whereby upon conversion of the Series E Preferred Stock prior to the record date for the Spin-Off, the Company will pay the Purchaser ten percent (10%) of the stated value of the Series E Preferred Stock converted. The record date was May 1, 2023.

On May 15, 2023, the Company and the Purchaser entered into the Second Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to extend the time period for the Conversion Payment eligibility to December 1, 2023. The Company filed an amendment to the Certificate of Designation to make the redemption price of the Preferred Stock (the “Redemption Price”) equal the Stated Value regardless of the date on which it is redeemed. Prior to this amendment, the Redemption Price was discounted by 1% for each month after the seven-month anniversary of the Issue Date that the Purchaser elected not to redeem.

On October 30, 2023, the Company entered into a Third Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement with its Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock purchasers. The parties agreed to:(1) set the initial conversion price for the Series A Preferred Stock to be the 5-day volume weighted average price measured using the 5 trading days preceding the purchase of the Series A Preferred Stock, (2) on the 40th calendar day (the “Reset Date”) after the sale of the Series A Preferred Stock, reset the conversion price in the event the closing price of the Class A common stock on such date is less than the initial conversion, (3) have the reset conversion price equal a 10% discount to the 5-day volume weighted average price measured using the 5 trading days preceding the Reset Date; provided, however, in no instance will the conversion price be reset below 30% of the initial conversion price, and (4) amend the date on which the obligation to acquire the Series A Preferred Stock ceases to March 1, 2024.

On February 20, 2024, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement with its Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock purchasers, pursuant to which the Company and such parties agreed to amend the date on which the obligation to acquire the Series A Preferred Stock ceases to June 1, 2024.

Spin-Off

The Company is planning to spin off its grocery segment and wellness business into a new publicly traded company (hereinafter referred to as “NewCo”). NewCo will continue the path of growth in the health verticals started by HCMC and explore other growth opportunities that comport with HCMC’s healthier lifestyle mission. HCMC will retain its entire patent suite, the Q-Cup® brand, and continue to develop its patent suite through R&D as well as continuing its path of enforcing its patent rights against infringers and attempting to monetize said patents through licensing deals.

At the time of the Spin-Off, HCMC will distribute all the outstanding shares of Common Stock held by it on a pro rata basis to holders of HCMC’s common stock. Each share of HCMC’s common stock outstanding as the record date for the Spin-Off (the “Record Date”), will entitle the holder thereof to receive shares of Common Stock in NewCo. The distribution will be made in book-entry form by a distribution agent. Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be distributed in the Spin-Off and any fractional amounts will be rounded down.

Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, purchasers of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock will also be required to purchase Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“NewCo Series A Stock”) of a newly created NewCo resulting from spin off of HCMC’s grocery and wellness businesses in the same subscription amounts that the Purchasers paid for the HCMC Preferred Stock.

On October 27, 2023, the Company filed a new registration statement on Form S-1 (the “Spin-off S-1”) in connection with the spin-off of all of the existing HCWC common stock by Healthier Choices Management Corp. with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).

On October 30, 2023, the Company filed Amendment No. 1 to its registration statement on Form S-1 (the “IPO S-1”) with the Commission.

On December 20, 2023, the Company filed Amendment No. 1 to its Spin-off S-1 with the Commission.

On December 21, 2023, the Company filed Amendment No. 2 to its IPO S-1 with the Commission.

Restricted Stock

On January 1, 2022, the Company granted 1,500,000,000 restricted shares of common stock to a non-employee for service rendered with fair value of $150,000 that would vest 25% each quarter starting from June 30, 2023 through March 31, 2024.

On December 14, 2022, the Company granted 4,000,000,000 shares of restricted stocks with fair value of $400,000 to the two Directors of the Company that would vest starting from the first anniversary of the grant date at 12.5% for each calendar quarter fortwo years.

On April 23, 2023, HCMC’s board of directors has approved the issuance of approximately 107,675,000,000 shares of restricted common stock to the employees and executive officers of HCMC. Each grant of restricted common stock will commence vesting of 12.5% of the award on February 1, 2024 and will vest in 12.5% increments on the last day of each calendar quarter thereafter through September 30, 2025. All shares of restricted common stock related to the April 23, 2023 issuance remain unvested as of December 31, 2023.

The following table reflects the activity for all unvested restricted stocks during 2023:

Stock Options

A summary of option activity during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $3,430,000 and $72,000, respectively, in connection with the amortization of restricted stocks and stock options. Stock-based compensation expense is included as part of selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Income (Loss) per Share

Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon (a) the exercise of stock options (using the treasury stock method); (b) the conversion of Series D and Series E convertible preferred stocks; (c) the exercise of warrants (using the if-converted method); (d) the vesting of restricted stock units; and (e) the conversion of convertible notes payable. Diluted income (loss) per share excludes the potential common shares, as their effect is antidilutive. The following table summarizes the Company’s securities that have been excluded from the calculation of basic and dilutive income (loss) per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive:

Note 15. LEASES

The Company has various lease agreements with terms up to 20 years, including leases of retail stores, headquarters and equipment. All the leases are classified as operating leases.

The following table presents information about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from the Company’s operating leases as of December 31, 2023.

The following summarizes the Company’s operating leases:

The amortization of the right-of-use asset of approximately $2,590,000 and $1,164,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were included in operating cash flows.

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $3,500,000 and $1,500,000, respectively, is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

The following table represents the components of lease cost are as follows for twelve months ended December 31, 2023:

The aggregate cash payments under the leasing arrangement was approximately $2,458,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and was included in operating cash flows.

Note 16. INCOME TAXES

The Company did not have s expected tax expense (benefit) at the U.S. statutory rate to the actual tax expense (benefit) reflected in the accompanying statement of operations:

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the effects of temporary differences attributable to the following:

In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. After consideration of all of the positive and negative evidence available, management has determined that a valuation allowance is required at December 31, 2023 and 2022 to reduce the deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The Company’s valuation increased by $4,999,204 and $2,733,655 for the tax years ended 2023 and 2022, respectively. Should the factors underlying management’s analysis change, future valuation adjustments to the Company’s net deferred tax assets may be necessary.

At December 31, 2023 the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLS”) of $79.5 million and $64.8 million, respectively. Federal NOLs of $46.3 million expire beginning in 2030 through 2037 and $33.2 million do not expire and are subject to 80% of taxable income under Internal Revenue Code Section 172. State NOLs of $36.3 million expire beginning in 2030 through 2037 and $28.5 million do not expire and maybe subject to income limitations under each State statute. Utilization of our NOLS may be subject to an annual limitation under section 382 and similar state provisions of the Internal Revenue Code due to changes of ownership that may have occurred or that could occur in the future, as defined under the regulations.

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was signed into law. Among other provisions, the IRA includes a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax on applicable corporations and 1% excise tax on stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. The IRA is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company files a federal income tax return and income tax returns in various state tax jurisdictions and the Company is generally no longer subject examinations by federal and state tax authorities for years before 2020.

Note 17. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Management determines the reportable segments based on the internal reporting used by our executives to evaluate performance and to assess where to allocate resources. The Company evaluates segment performance based on the segment gross profit before corporate expenses.

Summarized below are the total net sales and segment operating results for each reporting segment:

For the year ended December 31, 2023 depreciation and amortization was approximately $18,000 and $1.5 million for Vapor and Grocery, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2022 depreciation and amortization was approximately $19,000 and $1.0 million for Vapor and Grocery, respectively.

Note 18. EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDITS

Congress passed programs to provide financial assistance to companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the employee retention credit (ERC). The ERC provides eligible employers with credits per employee based on qualified wages and health insurance benefits paid. In December 2022, the Company filed application for Employee Retention Credits with the Internal Revenue Service. The company is reasonably assured the eligibility is met. The total amount eligible is $930,000. The amount was recorded in other current assets in consolidated balance sheet and other income in statement of operation in 2022. As of December 31, 2023, the Company received the payment in full eligible amount.

Note 19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In connection with the spin off, on January 18, 2024, the Company entered into Securities Purchase Agreement with institutional investors whereby the Company issued a total of approximately $1.9 million in unsecured promissory notes (the “Notes). The Notes were issued at a 10% original issue discount and accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum. All principle and accrued interest on the Notes shall be due and payable upon the earlier of (1) the closing of the potential initial public offering (“IPO”), (2) the one-year anniversary of issuance or (3) the time at which the balance is due and payable upon an event of default. The investors agreed to acquire $1,700,000 of Class A common stock in the IPO, and the Company will issue 188,889 shares of Class A common stock (assuming an IPO offering price of $10 per share) to institutional investors upon IPO.

On February 13, 2024, the Company filed Amendment No. 2 to its Spin-off S-1 with the Commission with respect to the Spin-Off.

On February 13, 2024, the Company filed Amendment No. 3 to its IPO S-1 with the Commission with respect to the IPO.

On February 20, 2024, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement with its Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock purchasers, pursuant to which the Company and such parties agreed to amend the date on which the obligation to acquire the Series A Preferred Stock ceases to June 1, 2024.

On February 9, 2024, in order to maximize profitability and improve operation efficiency, management made decision to close the Saugerties store. The building that the store is located is owned by the Company, and it is currently for sale. At the time of the filing, no sales agreement has been signed.