REEDS INC

Previous wording

In addition to our GAAP results, the following discussion includes Modified EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance. We present Modified EBITDA because we believe it assists investors and analysts in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. In addition, we use Modified EBITDA in developing our internal budgets, forecasts, and strategic plan; in analyzing the effectiveness of our business strategies in evaluating potential acquisitions; making compensation decisions; and in communications with our board of directors concerning our financial performance. Modified EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, income from operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We define Modified EBITDA as net income (loss), plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, changes in fair value of warrant expense, and one-time restructuring-related costs including employee severance and asset impairment.

Current wording

In addition to our GAAP results, the following discussion includes Modified EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance. We present Modified EBITDA because we believe it assists investors and analysts in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. In addition, we use Modified EBITDA in developing our internal budgets, forecasts, and strategic plan; in analyzing the effectiveness of our business strategies in evaluating potential acquisitions; making compensation decisions; and in communications with our board of directors concerning our financial performance. Modified EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), income (loss) from operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We define Modified EBITDA as net income (loss), plus interest expense, tax expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, changes in fair value of warrant expense, change in fair value of SAFE agreements, insurance settlements, contract proceedings, non-recurring professional fees, inventory write-offs associated with exited categories and major packaging and formula changes, one-time changes in policy, impact of changes to accounting methodology and one-time restructuring-related costs including employee severance and asset impairment.

Previous wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company continued to focus on strengthening its supply chain, implement gross margin enhancement initiatives, drive efficiencies in transportation and warehouse costs and reduce operating expenses. In addition, it continues to build its innovation pipeline with sustained growth in Reed’s Real Ginger Ale, Virgil’s Zero Sugar handcrafted sodas, Reed’s Classic and Stormy Mule, and Reed’s Hard Ginger Ale.

Current wording

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company continued to strengthen its supply chain, implement gross margin enhancement initiatives, drive efficiencies in transportation and warehouse costs and reduce operating expenses. In addition, it continues to build its innovation pipeline with sustained growth in Reed’s Real Ginger Ale, Virgil’s Zero Sugar handcrafted sodas, Reed’s Classic and Stormy Mule, and Reed’s Hard Ginger Ale.

Previous wording

The Company remains engaged on driving sales growth, improving gross margin, and reducing freight costs. The sales growth focus is on channel expansion, increase in store placements, new product introduction and improved sales execution. The margin enhancement initiative is driven by packaging savings, co-packer upgrades, and better leveraged purchasing and improved efficiency. Underpinning these initiatives is a focus on strategically reducing operating costs particularly delivery and handling expenses. In addition, the Company continues to augment its co-packer network to drive further efficiencies and build proper levels of inventory at the appropriate location to maximize delivery metrics.

Current wording

The Company remains focused on driving sales growth, improving gross margin, and reducing freight costs. The sales growth focus is on channel expansion, increase in store placements, new product introduction and improved sales execution. The margin enhancement initiative is driven by packaging savings, co-packer upgrades, and better leveraged purchasing and improved efficiency. Underpinning these initiatives is a focus on strategically reducing operating costs, particularly delivery and handling expenses. In addition, the Company continues to augment its co-packer network to drive further efficiencies and build proper levels of inventory at the appropriate location to maximize delivery metrics.

Previous wording

Although the U.S. economy continued to grow throughout 2023 and into Q3 2024, the higher inflation, the actions by the Federal Reserve to address inflation, and rising energy prices create uncertainty about the future economic environment which will continue to evolve and may impact our business in future periods. We have experienced supply chain challenges, including increased lead times, as well as inflation of raw materials, logistics and labor costs due to availability constraints and high demand. Although we regularly monitor companies in our supply chain, and use alternative suppliers when necessary and available, supply chain constraints could cause a disruption in our ability to obtain raw materials required to manufacture our products and adversely affect our operations.

Current wording

Although the U.S. economy continued to grow in the first quarter of 2025 and throughout 2024, inflation, actions by the Federal Reserve to address inflation, fluctuations in energy prices, and the potential impacts of tariffs and geopolitical events create uncertainty about the future economic environment which will continue to evolve and may impact our business in future periods. We have experienced supply chain challenges, including increased lead times, as well as inflation of raw materials, logistics and labor costs due to availability constraints and high demand. Although we regularly monitor vendors in our supply chain, and use alternative suppliers when necessary and available, supply chain constraints could cause a disruption in our ability to obtain raw materials required to manufacture our products and adversely affect our operations.

Previous wording

During the three months ending September 30, 2024, the Company continued to experience moderation from the elevated freight costs experienced in 2023. The average cost of shipping and handling for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $2.99 as compared to $2.98 in the three months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the average cost of shipping and handling was $2.66 per case, as compared to $3.17 per case for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Although the Company has experienced decreases in freight costs over the last four quarters, in the Company’s opinion there remains a volatile environment and the Company will continue to monitor pricing and availability in transportation. Mitigation plans have been implemented to manage this risk. The Company has been negatively impacted by supply chain challenges affecting our ability to benefit from strong demand for, and increased sales of our product. The disruption caused by labor shortages, significant raw material cost inflation, logistics issues and increased freight costs, and ongoing port congestion, resulted in suppressed margins. The Company has experienced moderation in inflation and anticipates this to continue throughout 2024.

Current wording

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the average cost of shipping and handling was $3.13 per case, as compared to $3.01 per case for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The Company has experienced increases in freight costs and there remains a volatile pricing environment. The Company will continue to monitor pricing and availability in transportation and has implemented plans designed to manage this risk. In the past, the Company has been negatively impacted by supply chain challenges affecting our ability to benefit from strong demand for, and increased sales of our product. Any disruption caused by labor shortages, significant raw material cost inflation, logistics issues, increased freight costs, or port congestion, may adversely impact margins in the future.

Previous wording

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2024, as compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

Current wording

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended March 31, 2025, as compared to March 31, 2024

Previous wording

(B) We define promotional and other allowances as costs deducted from gross billing which are associated with generating those sales. Management utilizes promotional and other allowances as an indicator of and to monitor operating performance of products, salespersons, and customer agreements. We believe that the presentation of promotional and other allowances provides a useful measure of our operating performance. The presentation of promotional and other allowances facilitates an evaluation of their impact on the determination of net sales and the spending levels incurred or correlated with such sales. The expenditures described in this line item are determined in accordance with GAAP and meet GAAP requirements, the disclosure thereof does not conform to GAAP presentation requirements. Additionally, our definition of promotional and other allowances may not be comparable to similar items presented by other companies. Promotional and other allowances primarily include consideration given to the Company’s distributors or retail customers including, but not limited to the following: (i) reimbursements given to the Company’s distributors for agreed portions of their promotional spend with retailers, including slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees for both new and existing products; (ii) the Company’s agreed share of fees given to distributors and/or directly to retailers for in-store marketing and promotional activities; (iii) the Company’s agreed share of slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees given directly to retailers; (iv) incentives given to the Company’s distributors and/or retailers for achieving or exceeding certain predetermined sales goals; and (v) discounted or free products. Promotional and other allowances constitute a material portion of our marketing activities. The Company’s promotional allowance programs with its numerous distributors and/or retailers are executed through separate agreements in the ordinary course of business. These agreements generally provide for one or more of the arrangements described above and are of varying durations, ranging from one week to one year.

Current wording

(B) We define promotional and other allowances as costs deducted from gross billing that are associated with generating those sales. Management utilizes promotional and other allowances as an indicator of and to monitor operating performance of products, salespersons, and customer agreements. We believe that the presentation of promotional and other allowances provides a useful measure of our operating performance. The presentation of promotional and other allowances facilitates an evaluation of their impact on the determination of net sales and the spending levels incurred or correlated with such sales. The expenditures described in this line item are determined in accordance with GAAP and meet GAAP requirements, the disclosure thereof does not conform to GAAP presentation requirements. Additionally, our definition of promotional and other allowances may not be comparable to similar items presented by other companies. Promotional and other allowances primarily include consideration given to the Company’s distributors or retail customers including, but not limited to the following: (i) reimbursements given to the Company’s distributors for agreed portions of their promotional spend with retailers, including slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees for both new and existing products; (ii) the Company’s agreed share of fees given to distributors and/or directly to retailers for in-store marketing and promotional activities; (iii) the Company’s agreed share of slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees given directly to retailers; (iv) incentives given to the Company’s distributors and/or retailers for achieving or exceeding certain predetermined sales goals; and (v) discounted or free products. Promotional and other allowances constitute a material portion of our marketing activities. The Company’s promotional allowance programs with its numerous distributors and/or retailers are executed through separate agreements in the ordinary course of business. These agreements generally provide for one or more of the arrangements described above and are of varying durations, ranging from one week to one year.

Previous wording

The following chart sets forth key statistics for the transition of the Company’s top line activity from the third quarter of 2023 through the third quarter of 2024.

Current wording

The following chart sets forth key statistics for the transition of the Company’s top line activity from the first quarter of 2024 through the first quarter of 2025.

Previous wording

Discounts as a percentage of gross sales was 24% compared to 10% in the same period last year. As a result, net sales revenue decreased 43% in the three months ended September 30, 2024, to $6,752, compared to $11,856 in the same period last year driven by lower sales and elevated trade spend.

Current wording

Discounts as a percentage of gross sales were 9% compared to 8% in the same period last year. As a result, net sales revenue increased 5% during the three months ended March 31, 2025, to $10,029, compared to $9,595 in the same period last year driven by higher sales and higher prices for our products.

Previous wording

Cost of goods sold decreased $4,016 during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the same period last year. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was 70% as compared to 72% for the same period last year. The decrease was driven by lower supply chain and input costs.

Current wording

Cost of goods sold increased $445 during the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to the same period last year. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was 66% as compared to 64% for the same period last year.

Previous wording

The total cost of goods per case increased to $12.91 per case in the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $12.22 per case for the same period last year.

Current wording

The total cost of goods sold per case increased to $12.75 per case in the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $12.39 per case for the same period last year.

Previous wording

Gross margin was 18% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 34% for the same period last year.

Current wording

Gross margin was 34% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 36% for the same period last year.

Previous wording

Delivery and handling expenses consist of delivery costs to customers and warehousing costs incurred for handling our finished goods after production. Delivery and handling expenses decreased by $629 in the three months ended September 30, 2024, to $1,279 from $1,908 in the same period last year, driven by our efforts to mitigate inflationary costs. Delivery costs in the three months ended September 30, 2024, were 19% of net sales and $2.99 per case, compared to 16% of net sales and $2.98 per case during the same period last year.

Current wording

Delivery and handling expenses consist of delivery costs to customers and warehousing costs incurred for handling our finished goods after production. Delivery and handling expenses increased by $125 in the three months ended March 31, 2025, to $1,627 from $1,502 in the same period last year, primarily driven by transportation costs associated with increased finished good production. Delivery costs in the three months ended March 31, 2025, were 16% of net sales and $3.13 per case, compared to 16% of net sales and $3.01 per case during the same period last year.

Previous wording

Marketing expenses consist of direct marketing, marketing labor, and marketing support costs. Selling expenses consist of all other selling-related expenses including personnel and contractor support. Total selling and marketing expenses were $1,283 during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $861 during the same period last year, an increase of $422. As a percentage of net sales, selling and marketing costs was 19% during the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to 7% during the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by higher employee related costs, marketing spend, and higher service fees related to e-commerce sales.

Current wording

Marketing expenses consist of direct marketing, marketing labor, and marketing support costs. Selling expenses consist of all other selling-related expenses including personnel and contractor support. Total selling and marketing expenses were $1,502 during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1,093 during the same period last year. As a percentage of net sales, selling and marketing costs were 15% during the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to 11% during the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by higher employee related costs and marketing expenditures, partially offset by lower stock compensation expense.

Previous wording

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of the cost of executive, administrative, and finance personnel, as well as professional fees. General and administrative expenses increased in the three months ended September 30, 2024 to $1,791 from $1,407, an increase of $384 over the same period last year. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 27% during the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to 12% during the same period last year. The increase was driven by higher professional fees, bad debt expense, investor related costs and employee related costs.

Current wording

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of the cost of executive, administrative, and finance personnel, as well as professional fees. General and administrative expenses were $2,015 in the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $547 over the same period last year. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 20% during the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to 15% during the same period last year. The increase was driven by higher employee related costs, professional fees, and customer penalties, partially offset by lower stock compensation expense, franchise taxes and board of directors’ fees.

Previous wording

The loss from operations was $3,138 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to a loss of $143 in the same period last year driven by decreased gross profit and an increase in operating expenses discussed above.

Current wording

The loss from operations was $1,742 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to a loss of $650 in the same period last year driven by increases in operating expenses discussed above.

Previous wording

Interest and other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, consisted of $1,012 of interest expense. During the same period last year, interest and other expense consisted of $1,293 of interest expense.

Current wording

Interest and other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, consisted of $289 of interest expense. During the same period last year, interest and other expense consisted of $1,023 of interest expense.

Previous wording

In addition to our GAAP results, we present Modified EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance. However, Modified EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, income from operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We define Modified EBITDA as net income (loss), plus interest expense, tax expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, changes in fair value of warrant expense, change in fair value of SAFE agreements, legal and insurance settlements, non-recurring professional fees inventory write-offs associated with exited categories and major packaging and formula changes, one-time changes in policy, impact of changes to accounting methodology and one-time restructuring-related costs including employee severance and asset impairment.

Current wording

In addition to our GAAP results, we present Modified EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance. However, Modified EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), income (loss) from operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We define Modified EBITDA as net income (loss), plus interest expense, tax expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, changes in fair value of warrant expense, change in fair value of SAFE agreements, insurance settlements, contract proceedings, non-recurring professional fees, inventory write-offs associated with exited categories and major packaging and formula changes, one-time changes in policy, impact of changes to accounting methodology and one-time restructuring-related costs including employee severance and asset impairment.

Previous wording

Historically, we have financed our operations through public and private sales of common stock, issuance of preferred and common stock, convertible debt instruments, term loans and credit lines from financial institutions, and cash generated from operations. To alleviate these conditions, management is currently evaluating various funding alternatives and may seek to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, mezzanine or debt securities, through arrangements with strategic partners or through obtaining credit from financial institutions. The Company is continuing to discuss the restructuring of debt with existing lenders and is exploring new financing opportunities to address the line of credit which comes due in March 2025 (see Note 5) and the portion of debt under the Notes that is due on December 15, 2024 (see Note 6). As we seek additional sources of financing, there can be no assurance that such financing would be available to us on favorable terms or at all. Our ability to obtain additional financing in the debt and equity capital markets is subject to several factors, including market and economic conditions, our performance and investor sentiment with respect to us and our industry.

Current wording

To alleviate any funding considerations, management periodically evaluates various funding alternatives and may seek to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, mezzanine or debt securities, through arrangements with strategic partners, strategic transactions, or through obtaining credit from financial institutions. As we seek additional sources of financing, there can be no assurance that such financing will be available to us on favorable terms or at all. Our ability to obtain additional financing in the debt and equity capital markets is subject to several factors, including market and economic conditions, our performance and investor sentiment with respect to us and our industry.

Previous wording

The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Some of those judgments can be subjective and complex, and therefore, actual results could differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include those related to assumptions used in estimates for reserves of uncollectible accounts, inventory obsolescence, depreciable lives of property and equipment, analysis of impairments of recorded long-term tangible and intangible assets, realization of deferred tax assets, accruals for potential liabilities and assumptions made in valuing stock instruments issued for services. There were no changes to our critical accounting policies described in the condensed financial statements included in our 2023 10-K that impacted our condensed financial statements and related notes included herein.

Current wording

The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Some of those judgments can be subjective and complex, and therefore, actual results could differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include those related to assumptions used in estimates for reserves of uncollectible accounts, inventory obsolescence, depreciable lives of property and equipment, analysis of impairments of recorded long-term tangible and intangible assets, realization of deferred tax assets, accruals for potential liabilities and assumptions made in valuing stock instruments issued for services. There were no changes to our critical accounting policies described in the condensed financial statements included in our 2024 Form 10-K that impacted our condensed financial statements and related notes included herein.