Beeline Holdings, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Apr 15, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Apr 15, 2025
BLNE$0.61+0.5%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-04-01.
0001493152-24-012410
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-04-15.
0001641172-25-004793
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 78 previous paragraphs and 193 current paragraphs.
15 unchanged; 14 reworded; 163 added; 49 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 2 previous and 13 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (163)
Current report
Our business and an investment in our Common Stock are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted in the “Item 1A - Risk Factors” section below. Some of these risks include:
Current report
Risks Related to Beeline’s Operations and Financial Results
Current report
Risks Related to Beeline’s Debt and Warehouse Credit Lines
Current report
Risks Related to Beeline’s Products, Technology, and Intellectual Property
Current report
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Investors should carefully consider the following Risk Factors before deciding whether to invest in the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our business operations or our financial condition. If any of the events discussed in the Risk Factors below occur, our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, the value and marketability of our securities could decline.
Current report
Because there is substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, we may not be successful and our ability to continue our operations is in doubt unless we can access sufficient working capital within the timeframe needed.
Current report
The Company has limited capital and substantial accumulated deficit as of the date of this Report. We do not have sufficient working capital and cash flows for continued operations for at least the next 12 months, which raises a risk of our potential inability to continue as a going concern. Our continued existence is dependent upon our obtaining the necessary capital to meet our expenditures, and we can provide no assurance that we will be able to raise adequate capital to meet our future working capital needs.
Current report
We have substantial indebtedness which becomes due and payable in the near future, and if we are unable to repay this indebtedness as and when it comes due, it could materially adversely affect our business and your investment in us.
Current report
We presently have a total of $8.2 million of current outstanding indebtedness, not including amounts due under its warehouse line to place mortgage loans, whereby mortgage loans are then resold to third parties.
Current report
Our Spirits assets secure $1.3 million of this outstanding indebtedness and if we are unable to repay it as it comes due, we could lose the Spirits business. Further, if we are unable to repay these notes as of May 14, 2025, the notes will accrue a special one-time interest payment of 30% which will increase the principal of each note in addition to 18% default interest.
Current report
In January 2025, we began to make monthly installment payments of $0.4 million and will continue through September 2025 under certain indebtedness, which is secured by Beeline’s assets, and if we are unable to meet these obligations, it could jeopardize that business. If we are unable to meet these obligations with respect to the indebtedness described above, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition, and you could lose all or most of your investment as a result.
Current report
Further, we have relied heavily upon capital infusions from our Chief Executive Officer and principal shareholder. As of the date of this Report, he has directly invested $3.9 million in purchases of securities from the Company since December 2024. If he is unable or unwilling to continue to fund us in the future, your investment could be materially and adversely affected.
Current report
We have a very limited operating history since our merger with Old Beeline in October 2024 which makes it difficult to forecast our future results, making any investment in us highly speculative.
Current report
While Old Beeline commenced operations in 2020, we have a limited operating history as a combined company following the merger from which to evaluate our prospects. Importantly, our executive officers come from Beeline, so our operations going forward are subject to ordinary integration risks where two companies and two cultures are combined. Further, our limited personnel could pose challenges to us in our integration efforts and operations moving forward, including due to our lack of liquidity, the highly competitive and regulated industries in which each of Beeline and Spirits operate in addition to our status as a public company required to prepare and file reports with the SEC. Further, we may not accurately forecast customer behavior and recognize or respond to emerging trends, changing preferences or competitive factors facing us, and, therefore, we may fail to make accurate financial forecasts or budgetary predictions. Our current and future expense levels are based largely on our budget plans and estimates of future revenue, which are in part contingent on our ability to access capital as needed and planned, which remains uncertain including due to factors described elsewhere in these Risk Factors. Additionally, our current revenue projections are based largely on customer and partner relationships and trends, including general trends in the mortgage lending industry, which remain uncertain. Similarly, if we are able to raise sufficient capital in the future, we may use a portion of the proceeds to acquire other operating businesses in our segments or related segments to facilitate strategic growth and build our market presence and revenue potential. If we continue to face challenges and/or if new challenges arise in servicing our debt obligations, raising the necessary capital or generating revenue in the future, we may be unable to adjust our spending or source the necessary funding in a timely manner to address for any unexpected capital or revenue shortfall, which could then force us to curtail or cease our business operations or plan of operations or acquisitions or incur new debt or securities on terms which are not favorable to us. Our prospects must be considered in light of the uncertainties, risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stages of operations and growth process and facing integration challenges following a recent merger and acquisition transaction. Due to these contingencies, we may be unable to achieve profitability in some or all of our businesses in a timely manner or at all, in which case you could lose all or some of your investment.
Current report
Because we have a history of operating losses, if we fail to generate operating cash flow, you may lose all or most of your investment.
Current report
We have a history of continued operating losses, and we may not become profitable in future periods. In addition, Old Beeline commenced operations in 2020, has a limited operating history and has generated substantial ongoing losses since inception. Our expenses in 2024 include $3.2 million in salaries and benefits, $1.0 million in general and administrative expenses and $1.1 million in professional fees. We expect to incur losses and experience negative cash flows from operations for the foreseeable future. If we cannot achieve positive cash flow from operations or net income, we will need to raise additional capital, which we may not be able to do on favorable terms, if at all. Our ongoing losses raise substantial uncertainty about its future profitability and success.
Current report
Risks Related to Beeline’s Mortgage Lending Business
Current report
Because Beeline depends on third party partners and vendors to maintain and grow its business, the loss of some or all of these third parties may have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.
Current report
To grow its customer base and business Beeline relies on relationships with third-party partnerships and other commercial vendors, including services to help Beeline close loans and for capital markets analytics. Beeline also requires the use of such third-party partnerships and vendors to engage and attract customers and originate mortgages. If Beeline is unable to grow its third-party partners and relationships with vendors, it may be unable to grow its business. Further, if Beeline’s current third-party partnerships and vendors were to stop providing services to it on acceptable terms or at all, or if Beeline’s commercial partners were to terminate their relationships with it, Beeline may be unable to procure alternatives in a timely and efficient manner and on acceptable terms, or at all. Beeline may incur significant costs to resolve any such disruptions in services or the loss of commercial partnerships, and this could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations. Further, any loss of third-party partnerships and vendors may decrease Beeline’s customer base or inhibit its ability to gain new customers and disrupt its existing business operations. Beeline’s third-party partners and vendors may also choose to cease doing business with it and instead do business with its competitors.
Current report
Beeline is also subject to regulatory risks associated with all of the above relationships, including changes in law or interpretations of law that could result in increased scrutiny of these relationships, require restructuring of these relationships, and/or diminish the value of these relationships.
Current report
If Beeline loses the services of the vendor that provides it with loan origination or customer relationship management software, its short-term results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
Current report
Beeline licenses loan origination software and customer relationship management software from privately-held third-parties. If those parties were to cease providing platform services to Beeline, Beeline would be required to obtain software from another party, which could be on more expensive terms. Further, the integration of another loan origination software product would entail technical challenges and expenses and generally be disruptive to operations. If Beeline was cut off without notice, such disruption could also negatively impact borrowers with loans at various points of the process. This could lead to liability to Beeline if borrowers end up with financial loss. As a result, our short-term results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
Current report
Because Beeline depends on its ability to sell loans and MSRs in the secondary market to a limited number of loan purchasers and to secondary market participants for each relevant product, its ability to originate loans and offer related mortgage service rights would be materially and adversely affected, if its ability to sell loans and mortgage service rights became impaired.
Current report
Beeline’s business depends on its ability to sell its loan production to third party investors. Its ability to sell and the prices it receives for its loans vary from time-to-time and may be materially adversely affected by several factors, including, without limitation: (i) an increase in the number of similar loans available for sale; (ii) conditions in the loan securitization market or in the secondary market for loans in general or for its loans in particular, which could make its loans less desirable to potential purchasers; (iii) defaults under loans in general; (iv) loan-level pricing adjustments imposed by investors and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (together, the “GSEs”), including adjustments for the purchase of loans in forbearance or refinancing loans; (v) the types and volume of loans being originated or sold by Beeline; (vi) the level and volatility of interest rates; and (vii) unease in the banking industry caused by, among other things, recent bank failures. An inability to sell or a decrease in the prices paid to Beeline upon sale of its loans and MSRs would be detrimental to its business, as Beeline is dependent on the cash generated from such sales to fund its future loan production and repay borrowings under its warehouse lines of credit. If Beeline lacks liquidity to continue to fund future loans, its revenues from new loan originations would be materially and adversely affected, which in turn would materially and adversely affect its potential to achieve profitability.
Current report
Substantially all of Beeline’s loan production and related MSRs are sold to a limited number of purchasers in the secondary market. If any of those buyers decide to not purchase loans from Beeline going forward, it would have a materially adverse impact on Beeline’s operations and ability to originate new loans and generate revenue.
Current report
Because Beeline relies on the secondary mortgage market for loan sales, an economic downturn or other adverse market trends or developments could halt or limit its ability to sell its loans and lend money to future borrowers.
Current report
Beeline’s business operations depend on selling loans to a limited pool of purchasers in the secondary mortgage market, including secondary mortgage market participants and investors. Its business model requires it to sell its loans on the secondary mortgage market to replenish its lending funding and to help shift lending risks.
Current report
Demand in the secondary market for home loans and Beeline’s ability to sell the loans that it produces depend on many factors that are beyond its control, including general economic conditions and the threat of a recession, prevailing interest rates, a major war affecting the United States, the willingness of lenders to provide funding for and purchase home loans, the risk of another pandemic like COVID-19, and changes in regulatory requirements. Beeline’s inability to make new loans and sell the loans that it produces in the secondary market in a timely manner and on favorable terms would materially and adversely affect its business. In particular, market fluctuations may alter the types of loans and other products that it is able to originate and sell. For example, higher mortgage rates following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s rate hikes to combat inflation have, and may continue to have, an adverse impact on demand for new mortgage originations because existing homebuyers are hesitant to move or give up their current low interest rate loan in the event of a refinancing. The higher cost of home ownership adversely impacts move-up, new homebuyers and refinancings, which trend adversely affects and may continue to adversely affect our business. In addition, it is unclear how recent governmental actions or the threats of certain actions, such as tariffs, reductions of governmental employees and spending, tax reform, and actions taken to address the debt ceiling and deficit, will impact the U.S. economy and the residential real estate market. Any uncertainty or deterioration in market conditions that leads to a decrease in loan originations would likely have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. Lower loan origination volumes in the industry also generally place downward pressure on margins, thus compounding the effect of the deteriorating market conditions. If it is not possible or economical for Beeline to continue originating and selling its loans in the secondary mortgage market, Beeline’s business, financial condition, and results of operations, could be materially and adversely affected. Further, volatility from changes in prevailing interest rates can adversely affect the value of our MSR portfolio and servicing revenue and changes in the value, or inaccuracies in the estimates of their value, could adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity.
Current report
Because we are required to comply with many financial, legal, and regulatory laws and regulations, its failure to comply with all of the applicable laws and regulations could result in large fines, suspensions of its licenses to make loans in one or more states and could otherwise have a material adverse effect on Beeline.
Current report
Beeline’s business operations require it to comply with numerous state and federal laws and regulations applicable to the mortgage loan industry. See “Business-Government Regulations Affecting Beeline” earlier in this Report for a description of certain of the laws and regulations to which Beeline and its operations are subject. While we currently have compliance and risk management policies for maintaining compliance with such laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that such policies are perfect or will guarantee full compliance. Any failure in our current compliance and risk management policies may subject us to regulatory or legal proceedings and financial penalties, which may negatively impact us and our financial condition and results of operations and divert our management’s attention from its business. Further, the legal and regulatory scheme is always subject to change, and we may be unable to timely comply with new laws and regulations applicable to our business.
Current report
Our mortgage business faces intense competition that could materially and adversely affect it if it cannot adequately address competitive challenges.
Current report
Competition in the mortgage lending industry is intense and is dominated by major national and regional banks as well as local banks and large non-depository lending institutions. In addition, the mortgage and other consumer lending business is highly fragmented and dominated by legacy players. Some of Beeline’s competitors have better name recognition and greater financial and other resources than it does (including access to capital). Other competitors, such as correspondent lenders who produce loans using their own funds, may have more operational flexibility in approving loans. Commercial banks and savings institutions may also have significantly greater access to potential customers, given their deposit-taking and other banking functions and locations near potential borrowers.
Current report
Also, some of these competitors are less reliant than we are on the sale of mortgage loans into the secondary markets to maintain their liquidity and may be able to participate in government programs that Beeline is unable to participate, all of which may place us at a competitive disadvantage. Additionally, Beeline operates at a competitive disadvantage when compared to U.S. federal banks and thrifts and their subsidiaries because, such other industry participants enjoy federal preemption from compliance with state law and, as a result, conduct their business under relatively uniform U.S. federal rules and standards and are generally not subject to the mortgage-related laws of the states in which they do business. Unlike its federally chartered competitors, Beeline is generally subject to all state and local laws applicable to lenders in each jurisdiction in which it operates, and such regulatory changes may increase Beeline’s costs or limit its activities, such as more restrictive licensing, disclosure, or fee-related laws, or laws that may impose conditions to licensing that it or its personnel are unable to meet. To compete effectively, Beeline must have a very high level of operational, technological, and managerial expertise, as well as access to capital at a competitive cost.
Current report
Further, we compete with other mortgage originators and other businesses across the broader real estate and mortgage industry for those consumers that consider obtaining loans online or non-conforming loans. Digitally native home buying technology platforms are increasingly moving into the loan production space. Such online mortgage originators, and digitally native entrants primarily compete on name recognition, price and on the speed of the loan application, underwriting and approval process, and any increase in these competitive pressures could materially and adversely affect our business, including as a result of higher performance marketing and advertising spend due to greater demand for customer leads.
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Removed paragraphs (49)
Previous report
The statements in this section describe the most significant risks to our business and should be considered carefully in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as our other disclosures in this Annual Report. We may have other risks that we have not yet identified or that we currently believe are immaterial but may become material.
Previous report
We expect to continue to produce net operating losses in 2024.
Previous report
We believe that we will continue to incur net losses in 2024. We also anticipate that our operating and investing cash needs may exceed our income from sales in 2024. Results of operations will depend upon numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to new entrants, competitive activity, government regulations and increase in tax. We also incur substantial operating expenses at the corporate level, including costs directly related to being a reporting company with the SEC.
Previous report
We may be unsuccessful monetizing spirits assets in 2024.
Previous report
On December 14, 2022, we announced the intent to pursue the sale of one or more of our spirits assets. Although the process is ongoing, there is a possibility that we may not successfully sell a spirit asset and generate significant cash from the sale. Completion of a sale on favorable terms, including the modification of certain debt provisions to allocate a portion of the proceeds for purposes other than debt repayment, may also prove challenging.
Previous report
We may fail to secure additional capital and achieve adequate liquidity to grow and compete.
Previous report
Historically, we have not generated sufficient cash from operations to finance additional capital needs, and thus we have used external sources of capital to fund operations. The source of these funds has included both private and public equity and/or debt financing. We have also raised cash from the bulk sale of whiskey. We cannot assure that additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If additional capital is either unavailable or cost prohibitive, our operations and growth may be limited, and we may need to change our business strategy to slow the rate of, or eliminate, our expansion or to reduce or curtail our operations. Also, any additional financing we undertake could impose covenants upon us that restrict our operating flexibility. If we issue equity securities to raise capital, our existing shareholders may experience dilution and the new securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock.
Previous report
We may be unable to effectively service and refinance debt.
Previous report
We have incurred significant debt under promissory notes and rely on payment terms from key customers. Much of our debt is secured by our bulk spirits inventory and other assets, including assets in Craft C+P. Our ability to meet our debt service obligations depends upon our operating and financial performance, which is subject to general economic and competitive conditions and to financial, business, and other factors affecting our operations, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to service our debt, we may need to sell inventory and other material assets, restructure or refinance our debt, or seek additional equity capital. Prevailing economic conditions and global credit markets could adversely impact our ability to do so.
Previous report
Our debt agreements contain limits on our ability to, among other things, incur additional debt, grant liens, undergo certain fundamental changes, make investments, and dispose of inventory. In 2023, we refinanced debt, which include substantial restrictions that could have important consequences, including the following:
Previous report
If we breach a loan covenant or miss a payment, the lenders could accelerate the repayment of debt and foreclose on our inventory and other assets. We might not have sufficient assets to repay our debt upon acceleration. If we are unable to repay or refinance the debt upon acceleration or at maturity, the lenders could initiate a bankruptcy proceeding against us or collection proceedings with respect to our assets securing the facility, which could materially decrease the value of our common stock.
Previous report
In 2023, we issued preferred equity to satisfy a significant amount of debt, which included interest expense. Our secured creditors also granted the Company exemptions on paying certain interest and fees and lengthened the maturities of some debt. There are no assurances we will be able to secure additional debt exchanges or that they may be offered at terms that enable us to sustain operations.
Previous report
Failure to retain and recruit executive management and to build morale and improve performance could negatively impact our business.
Previous report
Eastside Distilling’s success depends upon the efforts and abilities of our executive management team, key senior management, and a high-quality employee base, as well as our ability to attract, motivate, reward, and retain them. If one of our executive officers or critical senior management terminates his or her employment, we may not be able to replace their expertise, fully integrate new personnel or replicate the prior working relationships. The loss of critical employees might significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our business objectives. Qualified individuals with the breadth of skills and experience in our industry that we require are in high demand, and we may incur significant costs to attract them. Difficulties in hiring or retaining key executive or employee talent, or the unexpected loss of experienced employees could have an adverse impact on our business performance. In addition, we could experience business disruption and/or increased costs related to organizational changes, reductions in workforce, or other cost-cutting measures.
Previous report
Currently, Eastside has one executive employee, Mr. Gwin who functions as both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Gwin has no employment contract with the Company.
Previous report
Failure of our brands to achieve anticipated consumer acceptance would impact sales and profitability.
Previous report
Most of our brands are relatively new and have not achieved national brand recognition. In addition, financial constraints facing the Company has resulted in underinvestment in the Company’s spirits brands, which has had a negative impact on sales. We have not yet had success growing a brand to a sufficient level to realize corporate wide profitability. Also, brands we may develop and/or acquire in the future may not establish widespread brand recognition. Accordingly, if consumers do not accept our brands at scale, our sales will be limited, and we will not be able to penetrate our markets. Our profitability depends in part on achieving scale. We will need to achieve wider market acceptance of our brands and materially increase sales to achieve profitability.
Previous report
A component of our growth strategy has been the addition of other brands that are complementary to our existing portfolio. In addition, we have launched new services and acquired new assets. Future growth requires we continue to invest in the newly acquired businesses or our growth will be limited. In addition, our entry into and expansion of our contract bottling, canning, and packaging services may not be successful, and we may not realize the benefits of these co-packing operations and may face certain risks, including safety concerns, product contamination, and equipment malfunctions or breakdowns, among other things associated with our manufacturing operations.
Previous report
If we are successful in acquiring additional brands or related service businesses, we may still fail to achieve our target margins or maintain profitability levels that would justify our investment in those additional brands or services or fail to realize operating and economic efficiencies or other planned benefits with respect to those additional brands or services.
Previous report
Failure to protect our customer relationships, trademarks and trade secrets from competitors would result in increased competition.
Previous report
Our business and prospects depend in part on our ability to develop and retain customers as well as cultivate favorable consumer recognition of our brands and trademarks. Although we apply for registration of our brands and trademarks, they could be imitated in ways that we cannot prevent. Also, we rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how, concepts and formulas. Our methods of protecting this information may not be adequate. Moreover, we may face claims of misappropriation or infringement of third parties’ rights that could interfere with our use of this information. Defending these claims may be costly and, if unsuccessful, may prevent us from continuing to use this proprietary information in the future and result in a judgment or monetary damages being levied against us. We do not maintain non-competition agreements with all of our key personnel or with some of our key suppliers. If competitors independently develop or otherwise obtain access to our trade secrets, proprietary know-how or recipes, the appeal, and thus the value, of our brand portfolio could be reduced, negatively impacting our sales and growth potential.
Previous report
Failure to manage our relationships with suppliers.
Previous report
Our business depends on our ability to manage our relationships with suppliers and at times we have disputes on contracts, terms and conditions, required payments and our suppliers’ recourse. These disputes have been material at various periods. If we are unable to resolve disputes on a timely basis we could be subject to protracted litigation that would be costly to us. In addition, we, at times, have requested extended payment terms from customers due to cash flow limitations. A number of suppliers have restricted our purchasing ability to cash paid in advance, which negatively impacts us.
Previous report
Demand for our products may be adversely affected by consumer taste changes affecting category trends.
Previous report
Consumer preferences may shift due to a variety of factors, including changes in demographic and social trends, public health initiatives, product innovations, changes in vacation or leisure, dining and beverage consumption patterns and a downturn in economic conditions, any or all of which may reduce consumers’ willingness to purchase distilled spirits or cause a shift in consumer preferences toward beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages or other products. Our success depends in part on fulfilling available opportunities to meet consumer needs and anticipating changes in consumer preferences with successful new products and product innovations.
Previous report
In addition, the legalization of marijuana in any of the jurisdictions in which we sell our products may result in a reduction in sales. Studies have shown that sales of alcohol may decrease in jurisdictions where marijuana has been legalized. As a result, marijuana sales may adversely affect our sales and profitability.
Previous report
We were subject to a tax investigation of the operations by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) for the period October 15, 2018 to September 30, 2021. In March of 2022, we received notices of violations citing ten violations at our Motherlode distilled spirits plant, six violations at our Big Bottom Distilling distilled spirits plant and eight violations at our Eastside Distilling distilled spirits plant. As a result of these violations, we are required to pay $0.3 million to the TTB and correct the violating conditions.
Previous report
In addition, we also provide contract bottling, canning, and packaging services for existing and emerging beer, wine and spirits producers. Beer and wine products produced by third parties may be more susceptible to contamination than the distilled products that we produce, due to the lower alcohol content.
Previous report
We have incurred substantial turnover in employees over the past few years, which has negatively affected operating performance.
Previous report
Over the past two years, we have embarked on a restructuring of operations to improve our financial performance. As a result, management has experienced a significant amount of employee turnover. In addition, we have reduced the total number of employees of the firm. This reduced headcount has negatively impacted performance in a number of ways. If this level of turnover continues, we could face operational challenges that would negatively impact financial performance.
Previous report
We operate with one person as a CEO and CFO, which could have a negative impact on financial performance.
Previous report
In February 2022, Eastside’s CEO resigned and Eastside’s CFO assumed both roles. Operating with a single person as both CEO and CFO adds risk to the Company’s operating performance, given the complexity of our business.
Previous report
We have fallen out of compliance with the requirements for continued listing on Nasdaq.
Previous report
We had fallen out of compliance with the requirements for continued listing of our common stock on Nasdaq. Specifically, Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) requires that the stockholders’ equity of a listed company must exceed $2.5 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had stockholders’ equity of $0.9 million. We are currently reviewing potential transactions that, if implemented, could remedy the shortfall in our stockholders’ equity. We do not know at this time, however, whether we will be able to remedy the non-compliance. Moreover, even if we are able to remedy the current non-compliance, if we continue to be unprofitable, stockholders’ equity may again fall below the requirement for continued listing, which could result in our common stock being removed from NASDAQ to the facilities of OTC Markets. Losing our NASDAQ listing will make it more challenging to secure growth capital critical to executing our business plan.
Previous report
In 2023, the Company reduced its debt burden by issuing Series C Preferred Stock that can be converted over time into 1,838,000 shares of common stock, which substantially increased the number of potential shares outstanding.
Previous report
On September 29, 2023, we issued 296,722 shares of common stock and 200,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to The B.A.D. Company, LLC (the “SPV”) in exchange for cancellation by the four members of the SPV of $6.5 million in debt. The 200,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock can be converted into a total of 1,838,000 shares of our common stock; provided, however, that Series C Preferred Stock can only be converted if, upon completion of the conversion, the common stock owned by the SPV and its affiliates would be less than 9.9% of the total outstanding common stock. Therefore, since the SPV and its affiliates presently own 19.9% of the outstanding common stock, the SPV cannot convert any of the Series C shares. If in the future, however, the SPV sells common stock and reduces its ownership of the outstanding common stock below 9.9%, it will be able to convert its Series C Preferred shares from time to time and offer the common shares for sale. This transaction reduced debt. However it increased the potential amount of common stock that could be sold which over time could increase the amount of stock sold to the public.
Previous report
Sales of our stock or use of our common stock to satisfy obligations such as the exchange transaction completed in 2023, may impact the market price of our common stock and cause substantial dilution to existing shareholders.
Previous report
We will need to raise additional capital, which might be in the form of an equity offering. Future sales of substantial amounts of our common or preferred stock, including shares that we may issue upon exercise of warrants or conversion of preferred stock, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Further, if we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, the percentage ownership of our stockholders will be reduced and cause substantial dilution to current stockholders.
Previous report
We pay certain of our directors, consultants and business partners in our common stock or other securities linked to our common stock, and sometimes settle debts with common stock. Continued use of our stock in this manner, especially if our stock price is trading at a historic low price, may cause dilution to our shareholders and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
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Reworded paragraphs (14)
Current wording
Following our acquisition of Old Beeline on October 7, 2024, our focus is on, and our future revenue and operating results are anticipated to be derived both from, the Beeline mortgage business and the Spirits business. As such, the following risks, as they relate to our business, are divided among financial risks, Beeline-related risks, Spirits-related risks, and risks related to our combined Company as a whole.
Previous wording
The escalation of IT security threats and the increasing sophistication of cyber-crime pose a potential hazard to the security of our IT systems, networks, and services, as well as to the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data. Should the IT systems, networks, or service providers we rely on encounter malfunctions or if we experience a loss or disclosure of sensitive information due to various causes such as catastrophic events, power outages, or security breaches, and our business continuity plans fail to address these issues promptly, we could face disruptions in managing operations. This may result in reputational, competitive, and/or business harm, potentially adversely impacting our business operations and financial condition. Furthermore, such incidents could lead to the unauthorized disclosure of critical confidential information, causing financial and reputational damage due to the loss or misappropriation of confidential information belonging to us, our partners, employees, customers, suppliers, or consumers. In such scenarios, significant financial and other resources might be required to rectify the damage caused by a security breach or to repair and replace networks and IT systems.
Current wording
The escalation of IT security threats and the increasing sophistication of cyber-crime pose a potential hazard to the security of our IT systems, networks, and services, as well as to the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data. Should the IT systems, networks, or service providers we rely on encounter malfunctions or if we experience a loss or disclosure of sensitive information due to various causes such as catastrophic events, power outages, or security breaches, and our business continuity plans fail to address these issues promptly, we could face disruptions in managing operations. This may result in reputational, competitive, and/or business harm, potentially adversely impacting our business operations and financial condition. Furthermore, such incidents could lead to the unauthorized disclosure of critical confidential information, causing financial and reputational damage due to the loss or misappropriation of confidential information belonging to us, our partners, employees, customers, suppliers, or consumers, particularly with Beeline’s storage of confidential consumer information including social security numbers. In such scenarios, significant financial and other resources might be required to rectify the damage caused by a security breach or to repair and replace networks and IT systems.
Previous wording
We have a long-term exclusive agreement with Agaveros Unidos de Amatitan, SA. de CV (“Agaveros Unidos”) for the Azuñia Tequila brand. The termination of our relationship or an adverse change in the terms of our arrangement with Agaveros Unidos could have a negative impact on our business. If Agaveros Unidos increases its prices, we may not be able to secure alternative suppliers, and may not be able to raise the prices of our products to cover all or even a portion of the increased costs. Also, its failure to perform satisfactorily or handle increased orders, or delays in shipping could cause us to fail to meet orders for our products, lose sales, incur additional costs and/or expose us to product quality issues. In turn, this could cause us to lose credibility in the marketplace and damage our relationships with distributors, ultimately leading to a decline in our business and results of operations. If we are not able to renegotiate these contracts on acceptable terms or find suitable alternatives, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively impacted.
Current wording
We have a long-term exclusive agreement with Agaveros Unidos de Amatitan, SA. de CV (“Agaveros Unidos”) for the Azuñia Tequila brand. The termination of our relationship or an adverse change in the terms of our arrangement with Agaveros Unidos could have a negative impact on our business. If Agaveros Unidos increases its prices, we may not be able to secure alternative suppliers, and may not be able to raise the prices of our products to cover all or even a portion of the increased costs. Also, any failure by Agaveros Unidos to perform satisfactorily or handle increased orders, or delays in shipping, could cause us to fail to meet orders for our products, lose sales, incur additional costs and/or expose us to product quality issues. In turn, this could cause us to lose credibility in the marketplace and damage our relationships with distributors, ultimately leading to a decline in our business and results of operations. If we are not able to renegotiate these contracts on acceptable terms or find suitable alternatives, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively impacted.
Previous wording
Failure of our distributors to distribute our products adequately within their territories or “under-invest” in our brands could result in deteriorating operating performance.
Current wording
Failure of our distributors to distribute our products adequately within their territories or any “under-investment” by our distributors in our brands could result in deteriorating operating performance.
Previous wording
We are required by law to use state-licensed distributors or, in 17 states known as “control states,” state-owned agencies performing this function, to sell our products to retail outlets, including liquor stores, bars, restaurants and national chains in the United States. We have established relationships for our brands with a limited number of wholesale distributors. In the past two years at least one distribution has significantly reduced its investment in our spirits brands which has had an adverse effect our business, sales and growth. This could continue into the future. We have engaged new distributors, however they do not have the same scale as the former distributor. We currently distribute our spirits in 23 states.
Current wording
We currently distribute our Spirits products in seven states. We are required by law to use state-licensed distributors or, in certain states known as “control states,” state-owned agencies to sell our products to retail outlets, including liquor stores, bars, restaurants and national chains in the United States. We have established relationships for our brands with a limited number of wholesale distributors. In the past two years, at least one distributor has significantly reduced its investment in our spirits brands, which had an adverse effect our business, sales and growth. We have engaged new distributors; however they do not have the same scale as the former distributor.
Previous wording
We maintain inventories of our product aging in barrels, as well as, to meet customer delivery requirements. We have used our barreled spirits inventory at market value as collateral in our financing. If we do not make timely payments on our financing obligations, or we breach our covenants in any financing document, including maintaining loan-to-value ratios, the lenders may foreclose and take possession of our inventory. In addition, this inventory is always at risk of loss due to theft, fire, evaporation, spoilage, or other damage, and any such loss, whether insured against or not, could cause us to fail to meet our orders and harm our sales and operating results. Also, our inventory may become obsolete as we introduce new products, cease to produce old products or modify the design of our products’ packaging, which would increase our operating losses and negatively impact our results of operations.
Current wording
We maintain inventories of our product aging in barrels, as well as inventory needed to meet customer delivery requirements. We have used our barreled spirits inventory at market value as collateral in the Company’s financing. If we do not make timely payments on our financing obligations, or we breach our covenants in any financing document, including maintaining loan-to-value ratios, the lenders may foreclose and take possession of our inventory. In addition, this inventory is always at risk of loss due to theft, fire, evaporation, spoilage, or other damage, and any such loss, whether insured against or not, could cause us to fail to meet our orders and harm our sales and operating results. Also, our inventory may become obsolete as we introduce new products, cease to produce old products or modify the design of our products’ packaging, which would increase our operating losses and negatively impact our results of operations.
Previous wording
The addition of new products or businesses entails numerous risks with respect to integration and other operating issues, any of which could have a detrimental effect on our results of operations and/or the value of our equity. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
Current wording
A component of our growth strategy has been the addition of other brands that are complementary to our existing portfolio. Toward this end, during recent years we have launched new services and acquired new assets. Future growth requires we continue to invest in the newly acquired businesses. The addition of new products or businesses entails numerous risks with respect to integration and other operating issues, any of which could have a detrimental effect on our results of operations and/or the value of our equity. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
Previous wording
We face substantial competition in our industry and have limited financial resources compared to other competitors.
Current wording
We face substantial competition in the spirits industry and have limited financial resources compared to other competitors.
Previous wording
We compete on the basis of product taste and quality, brand image, price, service and ability to innovate in response to consumer preferences. The global spirits industry is highly competitive and is dominated by several large, well-funded international companies. Many of our competitors have longer operating histories and have substantially greater financial, sales, marketing and other resources than we do, as well as larger installed customer bases, greater name recognition and broader product offerings. Some of these competitors can devote greater resources to the development, promotion, sale and support of their products. As a result, it is possible that our competitors may either respond to industry conditions or consumer trends more rapidly or effectively or resort to price competition to sustain market share, which could adversely affect our sales and profitability.
Current wording
We compete on the basis of product taste and quality, brand image, price, service and ability to innovate in response to consumer preferences. The global spirits industry is highly competitive and is dominated by several large, well-funded international companies. Many of our competitors have longer operating histories and have substantially greater financial, sales, marketing and other resources than we do, as well as larger installed customer bases, greater name recognition and broader product offerings. These large competitors can devote financial and other greater resources to the development, promotion, sale and support of their products. As a result, it is possible that our competitors may either respond to industry conditions or consumer trends more rapidly or effectively or resort to price competition to sustain market share, which could adversely affect our sales and profitability.
Previous wording
We face substantial regulatory risks including compliance with local and national laws, legal, regulatory and tax changes.
Current wording
We face substantial regulatory risks including compliance with local and national laws, as well as the possibility of adverse changes in law, regulation or tax policy.
Previous wording
Our business is subject to extensive government regulation. This includes regulations regarding production, distribution, marketing, advertising and labeling of beverage alcohol products. We are required to comply with these regulations and to maintain various permits and licenses. We are also required to conduct business only with holders of licenses to import, warehouse, transport, distribute and sell beverage alcohol products. We cannot assure you that these and other governmental regulations applicable to our industry will not change or become more stringent. Moreover, because these laws and regulations are subject to interpretation, we may not be able to predict when and to what extent liability may arise. Additionally, due to increasing public concern over alcohol-related societal problems, including driving while intoxicated, underage drinking, alcoholism and health consequences from the abuse of alcohol, various levels of government may seek to impose additional restrictions or limits on advertising or other marketing activities promoting beverage alcohol products. Failure to comply with any of the current or future regulations and requirements relating to our industry and products could result in monetary penalties, suspension or even revocation of our licenses and permits. Costs of compliance with changes in regulations could be significant and could harm our business, as we could find it necessary to raise our prices in order to maintain profit margins, which could lower the demand for our products and reduce our sales and profit potential.
Current wording
Our business is subject to extensive government regulation. This includes regulations regarding production, distribution, marketing, advertising and labelling of beverage alcohol products. We are required to comply with these regulations and to maintain various permits and licenses. We are also required to conduct business only with holders of licenses to import, warehouse, transport, distribute and sell beverage alcohol products. We cannot assure you that these and other governmental regulations applicable to our industry will not change or become more stringent. Moreover, because these laws and regulations are subject to interpretation, we may not be able to predict when and to what extent liability may arise. Additionally, due to increasing public concern over alcohol-related societal problems, including driving while intoxicated, underage drinking, alcoholism and health consequences from the abuse of alcohol, various levels of government may seek to impose additional restrictions or limits on advertising or other marketing activities promoting beverage alcohol products. Failure to comply with any of the current or future regulations and requirements relating to our industry and products could result in monetary penalties, suspension or even revocation of our licenses and permits. Costs of compliance with changes in regulations could be significant and could harm our business, as we could find it necessary to raise our prices in order to maintain profit margins, which could lower the demand for our products and reduce our sales and increase our losses.
Previous wording
We are exposed to product liability or other related liabilities which could have significant negative financial repercussions on the Company’s solvency.
Current wording
We are exposed to product liability or other related liabilities which could have significant negative financial repercussions on Spirits’ solvency.
Previous wording
Although we maintain liability insurance and will attempt to limit contractually our liability for damages arising from consumer, stakeholder and other lawsuits, these measures may not be sufficient for us to successfully avoid or limit product liability or other related liabilities. Our general liability insurance coverage is limited to $1 million per occurrence and $3 million in the aggregate and $2 million products/completed operations aggregate, and our general liability umbrella policy is limited to $5 million per occurrence and $5 million in the aggregate and $5 million products/completed operations aggregate. We do not have insurance covering employee lawsuits. Further, any contractual indemnification and insurance coverage we have from parties supplying our products is limited, as a practical matter, to the creditworthiness of the indemnifying party and the insured limits of any insurance provided by these suppliers. In any event, extensive product liability claims could be costly to defend and/or costly to resolve and could harm our reputation or business.
Current wording
Although we maintain liability insurance and will attempt to limit contractually our liability for damages arising from consumer, stakeholder and other lawsuits, these measures may not be sufficient for us to successfully avoid or limit product liability or other related liabilities. Our general liability insurance coverage is limited to $1 million per occurrence and $3 million in the aggregate and $2 million products/completed operations aggregate, and our general liability umbrella policy is limited to $5 million per occurrence and $5 million in the aggregate and $5 million products/completed operations aggregate. We do not have insurance covering employee lawsuits. Further, any contractual indemnification and insurance coverage we have from parties supplying our products is limited, as a practical matter, to the creditworthiness of the indemnifying party and the insured limits of any insurance provided by these suppliers. Extensive product liability claims could be costly to defend and/or costly to resolve and could harm our reputation or business.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock