10-K 1 ycbd_10k.htm ANNUAL REPORT
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

☑ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020

or

☐ | TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
Commission file number: 001-38299

CBDMD, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

North Carolina | 47-3414576
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

8845 Red Oak Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (704) 445-3060
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock | YCBD | NYSE American
8% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock | YCBDpA | NYSE American

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

None
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☑ No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ☐ Yes ☑ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☑ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.4.05 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☑ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐
Non-accelerated filer | ☑ | Smaller reporting company | ☑
Emerging growth company | ☑ |  |

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. | ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. | ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) ☐ Yes ☑ No
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter. $30,946,993 on March 31, 2020.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 52,130,870 shares of common stock are issued and outstanding as of December 18, 2020.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III of this report incorporates by reference certain portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which the registrant currently anticipates will be filed with the SEC on or before January 28, 2021.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

|  | Page No.
| Part I |
Item 1. | Business. | 5
Item 1A. | Risk Factors. | 12
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments. | 18
Item 2. | Properties. | 18
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings. | 18
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures. | 18
| Part II |
Item 5. | Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. | 19
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data. | 19
Item 7. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. | 20
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. | 27
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. | 27
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. | 27
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures. | 27
Item 9B. | Other Information. | 28
| Part III |
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. | 29
Item 11. | Executive Compensation. | 29
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters. | 29
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. | 29
Item 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services. | 29
| Part IV |
Item 15. | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. | 29
Item 16. | Form 10-K Summary | 29
SIGNATURES |  | 30

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
Unless the context otherwise indicates, when used in this report, the terms the “Company,” “cbdMD, “we,” “us, “our” and similar terms refer to cbdMD, Inc., a North Carolina corporation formerly known as Level Brands, Inc., and our subsidiaries CBD Industries LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company formerly known as cbdMD LLC, which we refer to as “CBDI” and Paw CBD, Inc., a North Carolina corporation which we refer to as “Paw CBD”. In addition, "fiscal 2019" refers to the year ended September 30, 2019, “fiscal 2020” refers to the year ended September 30, 2020.
We maintain a corporate website at www.cbdmd.com. The information contained on our corporate website and our various social media platforms are not part of this report.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or “Securities Act” and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or “Exchange Act.” These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements were based on various factors and were derived utilizing numerous assumptions and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to:
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material risks associated with our overall business, including:
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our history of losses;
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the continuing impact of COVID-19 on our company;
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our reliance on third party raw material suppliers and manufacturers and compounders; and
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our reliance on third party compliance with our supplier verification program and testing protocols.
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material risks associated with regulatory environment for CBD, including:
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change in state laws pertaining to industrial hemp;
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costs to us for compliance with laws and the risks of increased litigation; and
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possible changes in the use of CBD.
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material risks associated with the ownership of our securities, including;
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the impact of changes in the fair value of our contingent liabilities associated with the Earnout Shares;
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dilution to our shareholders upon the issuance of the Earnout Shares;
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time devoted to our company by one of our c0-Chief Executive Officers;
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the designations, rights and preferences of our 8% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”);
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dilution upon the issuance of shares of common stock underlying outstanding warrants, options and the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; and
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voting control held by our directors and their affiliates.
Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond our control. You should consider the areas of risk described in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made herein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and readers should carefully review this report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in their entirety. Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information under the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report, and you should not rely on these statements without also considering the risks and uncertainties associated with these statements and our business.
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PART I
ITEM 1.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
We own and operate the nationally recognized CBD (cannabidiol) brands cbdMD and Paw CBD. We believe that we are the industry leader in producing and distributing superior broad-spectrum CBD products. Our mission is to enhance our customer’s overall quality of life while bringing CBD education, awareness and accessibility of high quality and effective products to all. We source cannabinoids, including CBD, which are extracted from non-GMO hemp grown on farms in the United States and rigorously tested to ensure it meets our high standards for quality and purity. Our innovative superior broad spectrum formula combines the purest hemp extract, containing CBD, CBG and CBN, while eliminating the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)1. With the addition of terpenes, we believe we have created a far more enhanced CBD product that delivers on maintaining the perfect balance of health and wellness. Our products offer all the benefits of CBD and trace cannabinoids with no unknown or unwanted ingredients.
Our cbdMD brand of products includes over 100 SKUs of high-grade, premium CBD products, including CBD tinctures, CBD gummies, CBD topicals, CBD capsules, CBD bath bombs, CBD bath salts, and CBD sleep aids.
Our Paw CBD brand of products includes over 40 SKUs of veterinarian-formulated products including tinctures, chews, and topicals in varying strengths and formulas.
cbdMD and Paw CBD products are distributed through our e-commerce websites, third party ecommerce sites, select distributors and marketing partners as well as a variety of brick and mortar retailers.
Growth Strategy
Despite the ongoing business challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presents, we adapted our day to day business and grew revenues during fiscal 2020. We continue to pursue many strategies to grow our revenues and expand the scope of our business in fiscal 2021 and beyond. We regularly assess and evaluate our product offering, new products within our existing product categories, additional categories, as well as new and innovative ways to provide CBD in a manner that meets consumer demands. To that end, we are devoting resources to ongoing research and development processes with the goal of expanding our product offerings to meet these expanding consumer demands. In fiscal 2020, we created offerings packaged for convenience stores, unique products for certain customers. We currently have several products in the research and development pipeline with targeted roll-outs during fiscal 2021. During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we launched CBD lidocaine products including sprays as well as a CBD bath salt line and will roll out a line of CBD skin care products in the near future. Additionally, we anticipate launching a line of water-soluble products during the second quarter of fiscal 2021.
_________________
1 Non-THC is defined as below the level of detection using validated scientific analytical tools.
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During fiscal 2020 we saw the direct-to-consumer strength of cbdMD also translate into significant growth for Paw CBD. Despite being launched less than one year ago, we believe that Paw CBD is now one of America’s leading CBD pet brands. Based on an article published on October 12, 2020, by Hemp Industry Daily, which used data provided by market analytics firm Nielsen Global Connect, estimated the hemp-derived CBD market for pets will total $40 million to $60 million in 2020. As this brand continues to grow, we are focusing on cross-selling, customer retention and education, and expect to introduce Paw CBD subscription and reward programs during fiscal 2021.
There are currently several pieces of Federal legislation which would help clear the way for CBD to become an approved dietary ingredient by the FDA through amendment of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) or the alternative rule making process available to the FDA, however, it is uncertain if any of this legislation will be considered prior to the end of the term of the current Administration in January 2021. We are actively monitoring these possible changes and will seek to rapidly expand our product lines following any future approval of CBD as a dietary ingredient by the FDA.
During fiscal 2021 and beyond we may also choose to further build and maintain our brand portfolio by acquiring additional brands directly or through joint ventures if opportunities arise that we believe are in our best interests. As we are in an emerging market, opportunities could be present as companies establish strong brands and begin to obtain large market share. In assessing potential acquisitions or investments, we expect to utilize our internal resources to primarily evaluate growth potential, the strength of the target brand, offerings of the target, as well as possible efficiencies to gain. We believe that this approach will allow us to effectively screen consumer brand candidates and strategically evaluate acquisition targets and efficiently complete due diligence for potential acquisitions. We are not a party, however at this time, to any agreements or understandings regarding the acquisition of additional brands or companies and there are no assurances we will be successful in expanding our brand portfolio.
Marketing
Our business model is designed first and foremost to build a strong brand as quickly as possible as we operate in an emerging market. As CBD is a new market, we believe the cost to acquire customers is most likely at the lowest point it will be, therefore, as part of our overall strategy we started with an internet and online marketing strategy and have invested heavily in brand promotion and customer acquisition. During fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 we spent approximately $14,924,000 and $7,831,000, respectively, on brand development, sponsorships and marketing.
We employ a what we believe to be a category-leading, multi-channel media approach to market our products, which includes sports sponsorship, social media, digital advertising, podcasts, television advertising, affiliate marketing as well as athlete and influencer endorsements. According to the November 2020 report by Meltwater Media, an independent internationally recognized media intelligence agency, cbdMD ranked as #1 for Share of Voice by Reach, #1 in Share of Voice by Volume, and # 1 in Competitive Media Exposure within our industry.
We believe our partnerships with professional athletes are an effective way to build upon our already strong brand recognition in the category. We believe that our sponsorship and influencer partnerships which include partners such as 12 time PGA and two time Masters Champion Bubba Watson, Life Time and Bellator (MMA), a wholly owned subsidiary of CBS Viacom, Inc., are first-in-class in the CBD industry. We also have media partnerships in place with the Joe Rogan Experience and Barstool Sports podcasts among others.
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During fiscal 2020 we signed an exclusive marketing and sponsorship agreement with Life Time, Inc., the premier healthy lifestyle brand. As the exclusive CBD partner of Life Time, Inc., cbdMD has an advertising presence within all Life Time clubs, product sale within their in-club cafes, and branding at key Life Time athletic events. Activation continues to evolve as a result of impacts from COVID-19.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 we expanded our marketing platforms to include television. Debuting nationwide during the week of August 31, 2020, our 30-second commercial was broadcast across multiple national cable networks. We anticipate increasing our spend in this area throughout fiscal 2021 based on preliminary results.
Sales
We distribute our products both through our online sales channel as well as through a number of wholesalers and retailers that resell our products both in brick and mortar locations as well as via their online websites. Sales of our products mainly come from online sales at our website www.cbdmd.com and www.pawcbd.com and through our inside sales department. Our inside sales team concentrates on B2B wholesale distributors, who we believe can help amplify our reach of cbdMD products at physical retail locations.
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During fiscal 2020, our e-commerce business experienced continued rapid growth, with quarter over quarter increases in new e-commerce customers. For fiscal 2020, approximately 73% of our total revenues were e-commerce sales as compared to approximately 62% in fiscal 2019. On the B2B brick and mortar side of our business, we are currently maintaining the level of stores we serve at approximately 6,300. In fiscal 2020, we entered two new sales channels when we created an exclusive cbdMD product for GNC as well as packaged products for the convenience store market. While the COVID-19 pandemic initially affected our overall B2B brick and mortar distribution channels, since June 2020 we have seen the wholesale channel stabilize and grow from the low point incurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2020.
In September 2020 we signed a multi-year, exclusive retail distribution agreement with Life Time, Inc., As part of the agreement, our products will be available for sale in Life Time destinations in the near future. Lastly, in October 2020 PRO Group, Inc., a multidivisional international merchandising and marketing organization, with over 79 distributors operating over 140 distribution centers serving all 50 states and combined sales volume exceeding $6 billion through its member distributors and an alliance with the VAL-TEST Group, selected cbdMD and Paw CBD as the CBD brands to distribute through its national network. In November 2020, Save Mart expanded cbdMD products from a test market to half of its footprint. Our hope is that once a vaccine is widely available sometime in 2021 and as a result of our increased branding efforts and expanding product portfolio our B2B brick and mortar growth will return to pre-COVID-19 levels or greater.
Product manufacturing
We are committed to producing a quality product and testing transparency. Our goals include the optimization of our product manufacturing processes and the sourcing of reliable, high-quality raw materials. We only use cannabinoid extracts from hemp grown in the United States in our products. We currently hold short term supply contracts with preferred vendors for our critical raw materials. We have first rights of refusal on purchases so that we can ensure the availability of such materials as needed. Our preferred vendors are extractors and brokers who have access to the sources of the critical raw materials on the spot buy market to meet our growing demands for raw materials. All suppliers and farms must verify through our supplier verification program that their source material was grown using strict standards of cultivation which is confirmed through individual certificates of origin for all U.S. biomass used in production.
Our testing procedures are robust and comprehensive, starting with a supply chain built through our supplier verification program. All incoming cannabinoid ingredients are required to be first tested by the supplier at an independent, ISO accredited, third-party laboratory before they reach our production facilities and a Certificate of Analysis provided with each delivery. We then have the cannabinoid ingredients re-tested by an independent, ISO accredited, third-party laboratory to verify the supplier results before they are released into our production process. We test in-house throughout the production process before sending the finished goods off for final verification by an independent ISO accredited third-party laboratory to ensure the finished products have no detectible THC, and meet our high standards for purity and CBD levels.
As a consumer goods manufacturer dedicated to providing the highest quality CBD consumer products on the market, we strive to meet or exceed the FDAs Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. These guidelines provide a system of processes, procedures and documentation to assure a product has the identity, strength, composition, quality and purity that appear on its label. We either manufacture our premium line of products at our Charlotte, NC facility or work with third party manufacturers. Our manufacturing facility and warehouse operations encompass 120,000 square feet and are fully GMP compliant and NSF GMP registered. NSF GMP registration verifies that the facility is audited at least once annually for quality and safety in compliance with Federal regulations for dietary supplements good manufacturing practices. To accommodate our growth, we have also secured third party contract manufacturing from FDA-registered facilities which are independently GMP certified and subject to continuing independent audit and certification, to handle our increased manufacturing needs.
Research and development and product enhancements
Our new product development efforts are focused on both near-term and long-term results for the company. The key objectives and input points that drive cbdMD’s research and development process include current product improvement efforts and new product development activities. Our product improvement efforts include consumer feedback analysis and feedback from panels of product testers, among others. We also conduct in-depth market research on current competitor campaigns and sample size testing and research. Our new product development activities include market research, including future product trends and research to develop new product offerings, refinement of extraction and production methods for product efficiency, ingredient research through sustainability testing, manufacturing process optimization, in-depth product testing, and package and graphic development.
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Intellectual property
We currently hold 18 U.S. trademark applications which are held for current and future product offerings and extended branding capability, which are set forth below:

Mark | Federal registration No. | Filing date | Description of Mark Usage |
CBDMD Synergy |  | 87613823 |  | 9/19/2017 | Standard word mark
Synergy CBDMD |  | 87613850 |  | 9/19/2017 | Standard word mark
CBD Synergy |  | 87613876 |  | 9/19/2017 | Standard word mark
CBD Paws |  | 87614081 |  | 9/19/2017 | Standard word mark
Hemp Synergy |  | 87625996 |  | 9/28/2017 | Standard word mark
Mingo Rad |  | 88010754 |  | 6/22/2018 | Standard word mark
Powered by Nature. Enhanced by Science |  | 88363595 |  | 3/29/2019 | Standard word mark
cbdMD |  | 88451429 |  | 5/29/2019 | Stylized word mark (logo in color)
cbdMD |  | 88451502 |  | 5/29/2019 | Standard word mark
cbdMD Premium CBD Oil |  | 88451556 |  | 5/29/2019 | Standard word mark
CBDMD Premium |  | 88451595 |  | 5/29/2019 | Design mark
paw cbd |  | 88451641 |  | 5/29/2019 | Design mark
Paw cbd |  | 88451671 |  | 5/29/2019 | Standard word mark
Hemplex Naturals |  | 88575252 |  | 8/12/2019 | Standard word mark
Hemp MD |  | 88109782 |  | 9/09/2019 | Standard word mark
Paw CBD |  | 88697605 |  | 10/19/2019 | Standard word mark
Superior CBD, Superior You |  | 88826706 |  | 3/09/2020 | Standard word mark
CBDMD |  | 88944504 |  | 6/02/2020 | Standard word mark

We currently hold a Madrid Protocol foreign trademark application for CBDMD (based on registration No. 88944504) and are prosecuting the CBDMD trademark in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, European Union, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
We further have filed for trademark protection directly to the following countries which are not a party to the Madrid Protocol: South Africa, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
In July 2020, we filed a new patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office which will allow us to pursue patented protection in several key areas, including novel formulations and delivery systems, as well as methods of manufacturing and use.
In addition to these trademarks, we currently rely on a combination of trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. Our success depends on the protection of the proprietary aspects of our product development, formulation and knowhow, as well as our ability to operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of others. We also enter into proprietary information and confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants and commercial partners and control access to, and distribution of, our formulas and other proprietary information.
In addition to www.cbdmd.com and www.pawcbd.com, we own multiple domain names that we may or may not operate in the future. However, as with phone numbers, we do not have and cannot acquire any property rights in an Internet address. The regulation of domain names in the United States and in other countries is subject to change. Regulatory bodies could establish additional top-level domains, appoint additional domain name registrars or modify the requirements for holding domain names. As a result, we might not be able to maintain our domain names or obtain comparable domain names, which could harm our business.
Competition
The market for the sale of CBD-based products is fragmented and intensely competitive. Currently, in the United States, cbdMD does not believe that there are any businesses that can demonstrate or claim a dominant market share of the growing CBD products market. Our competitors of CBD-based products include a combination of public and private companies including, but not limited to Charlotte’s Web, CV Science, Green Roads, Medterra, CBDistillery, and Select/ Social CBD, and in the digital space include Lazarus Naturals. We believe we compete based upon the quality of our products. We expect that the quantity and composition of the competitive environment will continue to evolve as the industry matures and new customers enter the marketplace.
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Government regulations
On December 20, 2018 the President of the United States signed the Farm Bill into law. Among other things, this new law changed certain federal authorities relating to the production and marketing of hemp, defined as cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.), and derivatives of cannabis with extremely low (less than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis) concentrations of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These changes include removing hemp and derivatives of hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, which means that it is no longer an illegal substance under federal law which has paved the way for the growth of the industry. On October 31, 2019 the USDA issued an interim final rule regarding the Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program which authorized hemp to be grown and processed legally in the United States and made it legal to transport in interstate commerce. Although this interim final rule became effective on the date of publication, there is a possibility it will be modified from its current application.
The Farm Bill recognizes hemp as distinct from its genetic cousin, marijuana, and specifically industrial hemp has been excluded from U.S. drug laws. The Farm Bill allows for each individual state to regulate industrial hemp and industrial hemp based products or accept the USDA rules. Although no longer a controlled substance under federal law, cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp (other than THC) are still subject to a patchwork of state regulations. We are actively monitoring the regulations and proposed regulations in each state to ensure our operations are compliant.
In conjunction with the enactment of the Farm Bill, the FDA released a statement about the status of CBD and the agency’s actions in the short term with regards to CBD will guide the industry. The statement noted that the Farm Bill explicitly preserved the FDA’s authority to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds under the FDCA and Section 351 of the Public Health Service Act. This authority allows the FDA to continue enforcing the law to protect patients and the public while also providing potential regulatory pathways for products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds. The statement also noted the growing public interest in cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including CBD, and informed the public that the FDA will treat products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds as it does any other FDA-regulated products — meaning the products will be subject to the same authorities and requirements as FDA-regulated products containing any other substance, regardless of the source of the substance, including whether the substance is derived from a plant that is classified as hemp under the Farm Bill.
As of the date of this report, and based upon publicly available information, to our knowledge the FDA has not taken any enforcement actions against CBD companies. The FDA, however, has sent warning letters to companies demanding they cease and desist from the production, distribution, or advertising of CBD products, only relating to instances that such CBD companies have made misleading and unapproved label claims. We will continue to monitor the FDA’s position on CBD.
We are subject to federal and state consumer protection laws, including laws protecting the privacy of customer non-public information and the handling of customer complaints and regulations prohibiting unfair and deceptive trade practices. The growth and demand for online commerce has and may continue to result in more stringent consumer protection laws that impose additional compliance burdens on online companies. These laws may cover issues such as user privacy, spyware and the tracking of consumer activities, marketing e-mails and communications, other advertising and promotional practices, money transfers, pricing, product safety, content and quality of products and services, taxation, electronic contracts and other communications and information security.
There is also great uncertainty over whether or how existing laws governing issues such as sales and other taxes, auctions, libel, and personal privacy apply to the internet and commercial online services. These issues may take years to resolve. For example, tax authorities in a number of states, as well as a Congressional advisory commission, are currently reviewing the appropriate tax treatment of companies engaged in online commerce, and new state tax regulations may subject us to additional state sales and income taxes. New legislation or regulation, the application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do not currently apply to our business or the application of existing laws and regulations to the internet and commercial online services could result in significant additional taxes or regulatory restrictions on our business. These taxes or restrictions could have an adverse effect on our cash flows, results of operations and overall financial condition. Furthermore, there is a possibility that we may be subject to significant fines or other payments for any past failures to comply with these requirements.
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In November 2020 we announced that we were on track to submit our Novel Foods dossier with the United Kingdom’s Food Safety Agency (FSA) by the required regulatory filing deadline of March 31, 2021. “Novel Foods” are foods which have not been widely consumed in the UK or the EU before May 1997. In December 2020 the EU FSA announced it would begin accepting Novel Food dossiers for CBD after suspending acceptance for most of the year. This change was due to a recent EU Court of Justice opinion ruling that certain hemp derived extracts should not be classified as narcotic controlled substances. Before a Novel Food can be marketed in the UK or EU, it is required to have a pre-market safety assessment and authorization. The UK has waived the pre-market requirement and is allowing post market submissions for products that were in the marketplace since February 2020, which qualifies our products. We are working in conjunction with a leading food safety and regulatory consultant in the UK to prepare the dossiers which will include detailed analysis of the quality and stability of our products, our hemp sourcing and extraction controls, our labelling and testing requirements, and the underlying intake and toxicological data related to the safe consumption of the proprietary cannabinoid blend ingredients in our cbdMD product line. We believe this step important is the precursor for its preparation of any future FDA NDIN submissions. The FDCA requires that manufacturers and distributors who wish to market dietary supplements that contain "new dietary ingredients" notify the FDA about these ingredients. Generally, the notification must include information that is the basis on which the manufacturer or distributor has concluded that a dietary supplement containing a new dietary ingredient will reasonably be expected to be safe under the conditions of use recommended or suggested in the labeling.
Human Capital
At December 1, 2020 we had 165 full-time employees. There are no collective bargaining agreements covering any of our employees.
We believe that cbdMD’s success depends on our ability to attract, develop and retain key personnel. We believe that the skills, experience and industry knowledge of our key employees significantly benefit our operations and performance.
Employee health and safety in the workplace is one of our core values. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored for us the importance of keeping our employees safe and healthy. In response to the pandemic, we have taken actions aligned with the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an effort to protect our workforce so they can more safely and effectively perform their work.
Employee levels are managed to align with the pace of business and management believes it has sufficient human capital to operate its business successfully.
Additional information
Information on the history of our company can be found in Notes 1 and 2 to the notes to our consolidated financial statements appearing later in this report.
We file annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers such as our company that file electronically with the SEC.
Our corporate website address is www.cbdmd.com. We make available free of charge, through the Investor section of our website, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information which appears on our corporate website is not part of this report.
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ITEM 1.A
RISK FACTORS.
Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations section and the consolidated financial statements and related notes. If any of the risks and uncertainties described in the cautionary factors described below actually occur or continue to occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations and the trading price of our common stock and our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock could be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, the risks below are not the only risks we face and additional risks not currently known to us or that we presently deem immaterial may emerge or become material at any time and may negatively impact our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations or the trading price of our securities.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR OVERALL BUSINESS
We have a history of losses from operations and there are no assurances we will report profitable operations in future periods.
We reported losses from operations of $17,581,856 and $14,796,890 for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively. Not included in our loss from operations for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 is $48,983 and $5,993,773, respectively, associated with losses from our discontinued operations, and non-cash income of $29,780,000 and non-cash expense of $32,461,680 for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively, reflecting a change in value of the contingent liability associated with the Earnout Shares (as hereinafter defined) primarily as a result of the change in the market price of our common stock . Until such time, if ever, that we are successful in generating gross profits which are sufficient to pay our operating expenses it is likely we will continue to report losses from operations in future periods.
During fiscal 2020 COVID-19 materially impacted our business and operations. Depending upon the continuing duration of the pandemic, it may adversely impact our results of operations in fiscal 2021 and beyond.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic. In response to this declaration and the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the United States, federal, state and local governments throughout the country have imposed varying degrees of restriction on social and commercial activity to promote social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the illness. These measures have had a significant adverse impact upon many sectors of the economy, including retail commerce. As a result of these circumstances, we have restricted schedules and staggered staffing at our corporate office and have altered work schedules at our warehouse and manufacturing facilities. In addition, many of our office personnel are working remotely. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 we also began experiencing a decline in our sales to our B2B brick and mortar customers as many of the stores were temporarily or permanently closed. In response, we increased our marketing campaigns to support our e-commerce sales efforts by increasing our initiatives with associated relevant messaging to connect with our consumer base as well as increased website content and various offerings and changes to make online ordering more effective such as auto reorder capability, giveaways and free shipping. These efforts have allowed us to continue to increase sales by offsetting the decline in sales to B2B brick and mortar customers with a substantial increase in our e-commerce sales to consumers. Conditions caused by the continuing adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect our customers’ ability or willingness to purchase our products or services, delay prospective customers’ purchasing decisions, adversely impact our ability to provide or deliver products and on-site services to our customers, delay the provisioning of our offerings, or lengthen payment terms, all of which could adversely affect our future sales, operating results and overall financial performance. We continue to assess the situation on a daily basis and adjust our business, priorities, and processes to enable us to continue to operate effectively until we are able to resume regular operations. We are unable to predict when and how quickly we will be able to resume regular operations and when, or if, our sales to B2B brick and mortar customers will return to prior levels.
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We rely on third-parties for raw materials and to manufacture and compound some of our products. We have no control over these third parties and if these relationships are disrupted our results of operations in future periods will be adversely impacted.
We currently hold short term supply contracts with unaffiliated third-party vendors for our critical raw materials. In addition, some of our products are manufactured or compounded by unaffiliated third parties and the use of these third-party co-packers changes from time to time due to customer demand and the composition of our product mix and product portfolio. We do not have any long-term contracts with any of these third parties, and we expect to compete with other companies for raw materials, production and imported packaging material capacity. If we experience significant increased demand, or need to replace an existing raw material supplier or third-party manufacturer, there can be no assurances that replacements for these third-party vendors will be available when required on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, or that any manufacturer or compounder would allocate sufficient capacity to us in order to meet our requirements. In addition, even if we are able to expand existing or find new sources, we may encounter delays in production and added costs as a result of the time it takes to engage third parties. Any delays, interruption or increased costs in raw materials and/or the manufacturing or compounding of our products could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet retail customer and consumer demand for our products and result in lower revenues and net income both in the short and long-term.
Failures in our third-party verification and testing protocols may have an adverse impact on our brands which could suppress sales.
The quality of our products is essential to our business strategy. We require our raw material suppliers and farms to participate in our supplier verification program and to certify that their source material was grown using strict standards of cultivation. We also employ third-party testing procedures and all incoming cannabinoid ingredients are first tested by an independent, third-party laboratory before they reach our production facilities and then re-tested in-house throughout the production process before sending the ingredients off for final verification by an independent accredited third party laboratories. We are reliant on these third-parties to adhere to our supplier verification program and properly perform the third-party testing procedures. Any intentional or unintentional failure of any of these parties to perform the functions for which we have engaged them would adversely impact the quality of our products and could result in delays in meeting consumer demand or a decline in our sales.
We could be harmed by data loss or other security breaches.
Some of our systems have experienced past security incidents, including a recent incident that compromised some customers' personal and payment information. We conducted a forensic examination, made all notices to customers, governments, banks and card associations as required under local, state and federal laws, merchant agreements and card association rules. We also offered free credit monitoring and reporting to all affected customers and are maintaining a call center to handle any customer issues. The total financial impact to us, however, is unknown at this time. We have implemented all remedial measures advised by the forensic examiner engaged by us, and, although we do not believe that any of these incidents have had a material adverse effect on our operating results, there can be no assurance the remedial measures will be effective or of a similar result in the future which could materially and adversely impact our business and operations in future periods.
We face risks related to system interruption and lack of redundancy.
From time to time we experience occasional system interruptions and delays that make our websites and product sales unavailable or slow to respond, and prevent us from efficiently fulfilling orders which could adversely impact our net sales and the attractiveness of our products. If we are unable to add software and hardware as needed, effectively upgrade our systems and network infrastructure, and take other steps to improve the efficiency of our systems, these failures could cause system interruptions or delays and adversely affect our operating results in future periods. In addition, our computer and communications systems and operations could be damaged or interrupted by fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failure, earthquakes, acts of war or terrorism, acts of God, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, and similar events or disruptions. Any of these events could cause system interruption, delays, and loss of critical data, and could prevent us from accepting and fulfilling customer orders which could make our product offerings less attractive and subject us to liability. Our systems are not fully redundant and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient. In addition, we may have inadequate insurance coverage to compensate for any related losses. Any of these events could damage our reputation and be expensive to remedy.
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RISKS RELATED TO THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT FOR CBD
Changes to Federal or state laws pertaining to industrial hemp could slow the use of industrial hemp which would materially impact our revenues in future periods.
As of the date hereof, approximately 46 states authorized industrial hemp programs pursuant to the United States of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the “Farm Bill.” Continued development of the industrial hemp industry will be dependent upon new legislative authorization of industrial hemp at the state level, and further amendment or supplementation of legislation at the federal level. Any number of events or occurrences could slow or halt progress all together in this space. While progress within the industrial hemp industry is currently encouraging, growth is not assured. While there appears to be ample public support for favorable legislative action, numerous factors may impact or negatively affect the legislative process(es) within the various states where we have business interests. Any one of these factors could slow or halt use of industrial hemp, which could negatively impact the business up to possibly causing us to discontinue operations as a whole. In addition, changes in Federal or state laws could require us to alter the way we conduct our business in order to remain compliant with applicable state laws in ways we are presently unable to foresee. These possible changes, if necessary, could be costly and may adversely impact our results of operations in future periods.
Costs associated with compliance with numerous laws and regulations could impact our financial results. In addition, we could become subject to increased litigation risks associated with the CBD industry.
The manufacture, labeling and distribution by us of the CBD products is regulated by various federal, state and local agencies. These governmental authorities may commence regulatory or legal proceedings, which could restrict the permissible scope of our product claims or the ability to sell products in the future. The FDA may regulate our products to ensure that the products are not adulterated or misbranded. We are subject to regulation by the federal government and other state and local agencies as a result of our CBD products. The shifting compliance environment and the need to build and maintain robust systems to comply with different compliance in multiple jurisdictions increases the possibility that we may violate one or more of the requirements. If our operations are found to be in violation of any of such laws or any other governmental regulations that apply to our company, we may be subject to penalties, including, without limitation, civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, any of which could adversely affect the ability to operate our business and our financial results. Failure to comply with FDA requirements may result in, among other things, injunctions, product withdrawals, recalls, product seizures, fines and criminal prosecutions. Our advertising is subject to regulation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Additionally, some states also permit advertising and labeling laws to be enforced by attorneys general who may seek relief for consumers, seek class-action certifications, seek class-wide damages and product recalls of products sold by us. For example, in November 2019 the FDA issued warning letters to 15 companies for illegally selling products containing CBD in ways that violate the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. Notwithstanding that we were not a recipient of a warning letter, and we believe our products are properly labeled as required under federal law, cbdMD, along with other of our competitors who also did not receive FDA warning letters, have been named in a class action lawsuit which we believe is without merit. Any actions against our company by governmental authorities or private litigants could be time consuming, costly to defend and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Uncertainty caused by potential changes to legal regulations could impact the use of CBD products.
There is substantial uncertainty and different interpretations among federal, state and local regulatory agencies, legislators, academics and businesses as to the scope of operation of Farm Bill-compliant hemp programs relative to the emerging regulation of cannabinoids. These different opinions include, but are not limited to, the regulation of cannabinoids by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and/or the FDA and the extent to which manufacturers of products containing Farm Bill-compliant cultivators and processors may engage in interstate commerce. The uncertainties cannot be resolved without further federal, and perhaps even state-level, legislation, regulation or a definitive judicial interpretation of existing legislation and rules. If these uncertainties continue, they may have an adverse effect upon the introduction of our products in different markets.
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RISKS RELATED TO OWNERSHIP OF OUR SECURITIES
The impact of changes in the fair value of our non-cash contingent liabilities associated with the Earnout Shares has, and may continue to, materially impact our results of operations in future periods.
As described in Note 8 to the notes to our consolidated financial statements appearing later in this report, at September 30, 2020, we have a contractual obligation to issue up to an additional 10,122,208 shares of our common stock (the “Earnout Shares”) as additional consideration for our acquisition of Cure Based Development LLC in December 2018. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) we are required to record a non-cash contingent liability associated with the Earnout Shares and at September 30, 2020, the total of this contingent liability was $16,200,000. Under GAAP we are obligated to reassess the obligations associated with the Earnout Shares on a quarterly basis and, in the event our estimate of the fair value of the contingent consideration changes, we will record increases or decreases in the fair value as an adjustment to earnings. In particular, changes in the market price of our common stock, which is one of the inputs used in determining the amount of the non-cash contingent liability, will result in increases or decreases in this liability and positively or negatively impact our net loss or profit for the period. The application of the accounting treatment for the fair valuing of the Earnout Shares at September 30, 2020 resulted in a decrease in the amount of this non-cash contingent liability of $34,400,000 for fiscal 2020 as compared to an increase of $32,461,480 for fiscal 2019. While we do not believe investors should place undue reliance on the impact of these non-cash changes when evaluating our results of operations in future periods, as they have no impact on the operations of the business, we expect that the fair valuing of the Earnout Shares will continue to have a material impact on our results of operations and our shareholders’ equity in future periods, which may materially impact the market price of our securities.
The issuances of the Earnout Shares will significantly dilute our existing shareholders.
The possible issuance of the remaining Earnout Shares will increase our issued and outstanding shares of common stock by approximately 19%. In addition, assuming the possible issuance of all of the additional 10,122,208 Earnout Shares, but giving effect to no other change to the number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, the members of Cure Based Development from the merger, which includes Mr. R. Scott Coffman, and Mr. Martin Sumichrast, our co-CEO’s and members of our board of directors, would own approximately 40% of our then outstanding shares of common stock. The issuance of all or a portion of the Earnout Shares will dilute the ownership interests of our common shareholders and may adversely impact the market price of our common stock
The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ranks junior to all of our indebtedness and other liabilities and is effectively junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.
In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, our assets will be available to pay obligations on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock only after all of our indebtedness and other liabilities have been paid. The rights of holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to participate in the distribution of our assets will rank junior to the prior claims of our current and future creditors and any future series or class of preferred stock we may issue (subject to Series A Convertible Preferred Stockholder approval) that ranks senior to the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. In addition, the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock effectively ranks junior to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our existing subsidiaries and any future subsidiaries. Our existing subsidiaries are, and any future subsidiaries would be, separate legal entities and have no legal obligation to pay any amounts to us in respect of dividends due on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. If we are forced to liquidate our assets to pay our creditors, we may not have sufficient assets to pay amounts due on any or all of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding.
We may not be able to pay dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
Our ability to pay cash dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock requires us to (i) either be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business,  or (ii) have total assets that are greater than the sum of our total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed if we were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution. Further, notwithstanding these factors, we may not have sufficient cash to pay dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Our ability to pay dividends may be impaired if any of the risks described in this report were to occur. Also, payment of our dividends depends upon our financial condition and other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that our businesses will generate sufficient cash flow from operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to make distributions on our common stock and preferred stock, including the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or to fund our other liquidity needs.
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Holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may be unable to use the dividends-received deduction and may not be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to “qualified dividend income.”
Distributions paid to corporate U.S. holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction, and distributions paid to non-corporate U.S. holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may be subject to tax at the preferential tax rates applicable to “qualified dividend income,” if we have current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We do not currently have any accumulated earnings and profits. Additionally, we may not have sufficient current earnings and profits during future fiscal years for the distributions on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to qualify as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the distributions fail to qualify as dividends, U.S. holders would be unable to use the dividends-received deduction and may not be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to “qualified dividend income.” If any distributions on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to any fiscal year are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction or preferential tax rates applicable to “qualified dividend income” because of insufficient current or accumulated earnings and profits, it is possible that the market value of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock might decline.
The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock represents perpetual equity interests in us, and investors should not expect us to redeem or convert the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock on the date the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock becomes redeemable or convertible by us or on any particular date afterwards.
The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock represents perpetual equity interests in our company, and it has no maturity or mandatory redemption except upon a Change of Control, and is not redeemable at the option of investors under any other circumstances. A “Change of Control” will generally be deemed to occur when, after the original issuance of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions which were pre-approved by our board of directors of our stock entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of the our directors, subject to certain exclusions. As a result, the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will not give rise to a claim for payment of any amount at a particular date. As a result, holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may be required to bear the financial risks of an investment in the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for an indefinite period of time unless the holder chooses to voluntarily convert the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock.
Change of Control redemption obligations of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may make it more difficult for a party to acquire us or discourage a party from acquiring us.
The Change of Control redemption feature of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for our company or of delaying, deferring or preventing certain of change of control transactions under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price of such stock or that shareholders may otherwise believe is in their best interests.
A holder of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has extremely limited voting rights.
The voting rights for a holder of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are limited. Our shares of common stock are the only class of our securities that carry full voting rights. Holders of the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights other than as set forth below in the next two sentences or unless dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are in arrears for each of 12 or more consecutive monthly periods, in which case the holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote as a separate class for the election of two additional directors to serve on the board of directors until all dividends that are owed have been paid. Holders of shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, voting as a class, are also entitled to vote if we should seek to issue or create any class or series of capital stock ranking senior to the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to dividends or distributions, in which event the consent of holders of at least two thirds of the then outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is required. The consent of the holders of a majority of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, voting as a class, is required if we were to seek to adopt any amendment to our articles of incorporation or bylaws that would materially affect existing terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or increase the number of authorized shares of that series, other than in connection with the anti-dilution provisions, or if we seek to create a series or class which ranks pari passu with the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Other than these limited circumstances and except to the extent required by law, holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights.
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We may redeem the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at our option, we will be required to redeem the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock upon a Change of Control and we may convert shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock upon a Market Trigger into shares of our common stock. In the event of any of these occurrences, you may not receive dividends that you anticipate.
On or after October 16, 2023 we may, at our option, redeem the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time. In addition, upon the occurrence of a board approved Change of Control, we are required to redeem any or all of the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at a redemption price of $11.00 per share, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the redemption date. Furthermore, upon a Market Trigger (as that term is defined in the designations, rights and preferences of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock), we may convert all or any portion of those shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock. We may have an incentive to redeem or convert the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock voluntarily if market conditions allow us to issue other preferred stock or debt securities at a rate that is lower than the dividend rate on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. If we redeem or convert the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, then from and after the redemption date or conversion date, as applicable, dividends will cease to accrue on shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights as a holder of those shares will terminate, including the rights to receive dividend payments.
The liquidation preference of the shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock would reduce the amount available to our common shareholders in the event of our liquidation or winding up.
Holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock have a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share in the event of our liquidation or winding up. This means that those holders are entitled to receive the liquidation preference before any payment or other distribution of assets to our common shareholders, and the amount of any such payment or other distribution will be reduced by that amount.
The issuance of shares upon exercise of our outstanding options, restricted stock awards and warrants, or the conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may cause immediate and substantial dilution to our existing shareholders.
In addition to our obligation to issue the Earnout Shares if the goals are met, we presently have options, unvested restricted stock awards and warrants that if exercised would result in the issuance of an additional 3,512,816 shares of our common stock, and our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is presently convertible into an additional 4,667,600 shares of common stock. The issuance of shares upon exercise of warrants and options and/or the conversion of shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will result in dilution to the interests of other shareholders.
Mr. Sumichrast may not devote his full time and attention to our company.
Mr. Sumichrast, our co-Chief Executive Officer, has business interests outside our company, including serving as a member of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of a company that has recently filed a registration statement with the SEC for its initial public offering. Accordingly, from time to time he may not devote his full time and attention to our affairs. There are no assurances that our business and operations may not be adversely impacted in future periods as a result of the time he may devote to his other business interests instead of a sole focus by him on the affairs of our company.
Our executive officers, directors and their affiliates may exert control over us and may exercise influence over matters subject to shareholder approval.
Our executive officers and directors, together with their respective affiliates, beneficially own approximately 35% of our outstanding common stock as of December 1, 2020. Accordingly, these shareholders, if they act together, may exercise substantial influence over matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of corporate transactions, such as a merger. This concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or otherwise discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control over us, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the market value of our common stock.
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ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
Not applicable to a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 2.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY.
Our headquarters are located in approximately 50,000 square feet in a modern two-story building in Charlotte, North Carolina which we sub-lease under an agreement which began August 1, 2019 and goes through December 2026. The agreement calls for an annual base monthly rent of $76,041 for the first year and escalates 3% annually. We have a manufacturing and warehouse facility in Charlotte, North Carolina which we lease approximately 40,000 square feet under an agreement through December 2021. The agreement calls for an annual base monthly rent of $18,700, as amended April 2019, inclusive of monthly taxes insurance and common area maintenance (“TICAM”) for the first year and the rent escalates 3% annually. We also have an 80,000 square foot warehouse in Charlotte, North Carolina under an agreement which began November 2019 and goes through December 2024. The agreement calls for an annual base monthly rent of $34,766, inclusive of monthly TICAM for the first year and the rent escalates 3% annually.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
In December 2019, Cynthia Davis (“plaintiffs”) filed a purported collective and class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against cbdMD and certain of our competitors alleging violations of the California’s Unfair Competition Law, California’s False Advertising Law and California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, as well as claims for Breach of Express Warranties, Breach of Implied Warranty of Merchantability and Declaratory Relief. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants violated the California laws by unlawfully selling and marketing mislabeled products which have not been approved by the FDA. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory, statutory, nominal and punitive damages, in an amount to be determined by the court, as well as equitable relief requiring restitution and disgorgement of revenues. The complaint was brought as a nationwide “collective action,” and, alternatively, as a “class action” under the laws of the State of California. We intend to vigorously defend this action and in April 2020 we filed a motion for dismissal which remains pending.
In April 2019 CBDI filed a cancellation proceeding before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) against Majik Medicine, LLC to cancel its issued trademark for "CBD MD" on multiple grounds. The TTAB recently rejected a motion to dismiss by the defendant and the matter is proceeding.
As previously disclosed, effective November 8, 2019 we and certain of our subsidiaries (collectively, the “Level Parties”) entered into a Settlement Agreement and Mutual General Release Agreement with EEI Holdings, LLC, IM1 Holdings, LLC, Sandbox Properties, LLC (“Sandbox), kathy ireland Worldwide, Inc., B&B Bandwidth LLC, Erik Sterling and Jason Winters (collectively, the “kiWW Parties”), the terms of which provided, in part, that the parties agreed to transfer the accounts receivable of EE1 and the minority interest of both EE1 and IM1 to us and we agreed to have all rights to certain past contracts or customers for those entities assigned to the minority holders. Sandbox is affiliated with and managed by executives of kathy ireland Worldwide, Inc. As consideration, Sandbox was obligated to cause a total payment of $1,000,000 to be made to us, with $83,333.34 due on or before November 14, 2019 and the remaining amount due in equal installments of $83,334.34 by the 15th day of each month. On February 26, 2020, after notice of Sandbox’s non-payment of $83,333.34 due on February 15, 2020 and Sandbox’ continued failure to make such payment, we notified the kiWW Parties of a default. Upon this default, under the terms of the agreement the kiWW Parties are obligated to pay us 10% interest on the amount due and an administrative fee of $5,000. The Settlement Agreement and Mutual General Release Agreement also contains a confidentiality clause limiting our ability to disclose certain terms of the agreement, including Sandbox’s obligation to pay us $1,000,000. On February 26, 2020 we also notified the kiWW Parties that the default triggered a reportable event by us. We reached this conclusion given the material amount owed to us by the kiWW Parties.
On April 29, 2020, we filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for Los Angeles Central District (Case No. 20STCV16290) against the kiWW Parties and certain of their affiliates asserting fraud, breach of written contract, fraudulent inducement, breach of agreement, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, theft, violation of California Penal Code § 496(c), fraudulent conveyance, unjust enrichment and constructive trust. We settled the case and collected all past amounts due on October 16, 2020.
In October 2020, Michael Warshawsky and Michael Steinhauser filed a purported collective and class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina against cbdMD alleging the personal identifiable information of customers was compromised via data breaches due to our negligent and/or careless acts and omissions and failure to protect customer’s data. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory, statutory, nominal and punitive damages, in an amount to be determined by the court, as well as equitable relief requiring restitution and disgorgement of revenues. The complaint was brought as a nationwide “collective action,” and, alternatively, as a “class action” under the laws of the State of North Carolina. We intend to vigorously defend this action.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable to our company.
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PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Since May 1, 2019, commensurate with our name change, our common stock has been listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “YCBD” and prior to that, since November 17, 2017 was listed on the NYSE American under the symbol "LEVB."
Our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has been listed on the NYSE American since October 21, 2019 under the symbol “YCBDpA.”
As of December 18, 2020, there were approximately 103 record owners of our common stock and one record holder of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. These amounts do not reflect persons or entities that hold our securities in nominee or “street” name through various brokerage firms.
Dividend policy
Common Stock
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock. The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends on shares of our common stock, if any, is subject to the designations, rights and preferences of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and will be at the sole discretion of our Board, which may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and results of operations, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions, the implications of the payment of dividends by us to our shareholders or by our subsidiaries to us, and any other factors that our Board may deem relevant.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
As of the date of this filing, there are 2,800,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding. The designations, rights and preferences of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock provide that we will pay, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, monthly cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 8.0%, which is equivalent to $0.80 per annum per share, based on the $10.00 liquidation preference. Dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will accrue daily and be cumulative from, and including, the first day of the calendar month in which the shares are issued and will be payable monthly in arrears on the 15th day of each calendar month. Every month since November 1, 2019 the Audit Committee of our board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.0667 per share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock payable on the 15 th of each month to holders of record on the first of each month. We expect that our board of directors will continue to declare and pay monthly cash dividends on our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, subject to the limitations to do so under North Carolina law.
Recent sales of unregistered securities
None, except as previously reported.
Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers
None.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
Not applicable to a smaller reporting company.
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ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements that are included elsewhere in this report. Our discussion includes forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under the Risk Factors, Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Business sections in this report. We use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Our future operating results, however, are impossible to predict and no guaranty or warranty is to be inferred from those forward-looking statements.
Overview
cbdMD owns and operates the nationally recognized CBD brands cbdMD and Paw CBD. Our cbdMD brand of products includes over 100 SKUs of high-grade, premium CBD products, including CBD tinctures, CBD gummies, CBD topicals, CBD capsules, CBD bath bombs, CBD bath salts, and CBD sleep aids, and Our Paw CBD brand of products includes over 49 SKUs of veterinarian-formulated products including tinctures, chews, and topicals in varying strengths and formulas.
Fiscal 2019 was a transformative year for our company as we acquired the cbdMD brand, launched our Paw CBD brand, invested heavily in efforts to build our brand recognition, expanded the CBD product line, expanded our sales channels, and invested in human and technology infrastructure to build our current operations and support expected growth. In fiscal 2020, our focus was on continuing growth of market share and brand recognition, expanding our product offerings and sales channels and executing what we believe to be a fundamentally sound business model. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, like other businesses, we have had to adjust various aspects of our business as described below. However, throughout fiscal 2020 we believe we were able to stay on course and continue to grow our revenues, increase our market share and brand recognition and move the company closer to positive cash flow. Our business model focuses on two main distribution channels a large direct to consumer e-commerce business and a complimentary B2B wholesale model which has a network of over 6,000 small and midsize brick and mortar retailers. Our e-commerce sales continue to grow as we utilize data to amplify the effectiveness of our touch points with our consumers. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our wholesale channel, we have continued to add wholesalers and our fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 experienced increased wholesale sales. In addition, during fiscal 2020 cbdMD was added to the NSF International’s dietary supplements Good Manufacturing Practice registration.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our Company
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic. In response to this declaration and the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the United States, federal, state and local governments throughout the country have imposed varying degrees of restrictions on social and commercial activity to promote social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the illness. These measures have had a significant adverse impact upon many sectors of the economy, including retail commerce.
In response to these measures, the “stay at home” order issued by the Governor of the State of North Carolina where our business is located, and for the protection of our employees and customers, we temporarily closed our corporate office and altered work schedules at our manufacturing and warehouse facilities. Beginning in June 2020 we implemented return to work policies following CDC guidelines and we re-opened our corporate office with staggered work schedules for all departments. To date these actions have not adversely impacted our ability to operate our company. In mid March 2020 we took steps to increase production to build up our finished goods inventory as well as purchased additional raw material inventory items thereby allowing us to maintain production if supply chain interruptions were to happen. At this time, we have not had any impact on our supply chain. Since the pandemic we have experienced an impact and decline on our wholesale sales to our B2B brick and mortar customers as many of the stores have been temporarily or permanently closed. In response, we have increased our efforts regarding campaigns and marketing reach to support our online sales efforts by upping our initiatives with associated relevant messaging to connect with our consumer base as well as increased website content and various offerings and changes to make online ordering more effective including auto reorder capability, giveaways, and free shipping, etc. This effort has allowed us to continue to increase sales by offsetting the decline in wholesale sales with substantial increase in our online sales to consumers. We continue to assess the situation on a daily basis and adjust our business, priorities, and processes to enable us to continue to operate effectively until we are able to resume regular operations.
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During this time, we had implemented several measures that we believe will lower our fixed cash operating expenses, and focus on the growth of our online consumer sales to improve profitability and liquidity. Specific measures, among other things, include the following:
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Negotiating with our vendors to defer payments as needed;
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Suspending sponsorship and affiliate agreements as well as renegotiating various agreements based on current events, activities, and trends;
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Shifting sales focus efforts to our online consumer sales while the wholesale sales environment is impacted, this focus continues and has been successful in allowing for continued sales growth to this point;
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Implementation of various cost control measures across the company with a focus on supporting the business growth while moving toward a positive cash flow operation and we adjusted our budget for the balance of 2020 to reflect the changes;
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Ensuring we had sufficient inventory levels, (both raw and finished goods) allowing us to continue to fulfill orders in the event we must shut down our manufacturing facility or supply chains were impacted; and
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Prioritizing our technology initiatives to align with an online sales focus.
At the time of this report, The State of North Carolina is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations. While the Governor Cooper has issued modified stay at home order, it currently does not impact our business operations during the day. We have maintained flexible work arrangements for much of our staff and continue follow CDC guidelines for personal protective equipment, social distancing, and other recommendations to help limit the spread of COVID-19. We are monitoring the situation closely.
As the adverse impact of COVID-19 on our company, industry, and country continues, our ability to meet customer demands for products may be impaired or, similarly, our customers may experience adverse business consequences due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reduced demand for products or impaired ability to meet customer demand (including as a result of disruptions at our transportation service providers, third-party manufacturing partners or vendors) could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial performance.
While we are not able to estimate the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our financial condition and future results of operations, depending on the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, this situation could have a significant adverse effect on our future reported results of operations. As indicated, we have implemented several initiatives allowing us to increase our online direct to consumer sales to date, which we will continue to use as we evaluate changes in the wholesale channel. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our results and financial condition, however, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge and the actions to contain and treat its impacts, among others.
Discontinued Operations
Effective September 30, 2019, we discontinued operations of four business subsidiaries: EE1, IM1, BPU and Level H&W. These subsidiaries accounted for our licensing, entertainment, and products segments prior to fiscal 2019. Therefore, the results of operations related to these subsidiaries for the Company are reported as discontinued operations. Continuing operations discussed below refer to the Company’s CBD business unless otherwise indicated, and prior periods in such discussion have been restated to reflect results excluding EE1, IM1, BPU and Level H&W. See Note 16, “Discontinued Operations”, of the notes to consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for additional information. As a result, the discussion below is of our continuing operations, which is comprised of the CBD business.
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Results of Operations
The following tables provide certain selected consolidated financial information for the periods presented:

| Fiscal 2020 | Fiscal 2019 | Change ($)
Total net sales | $41,883,734 | $23,651,551 | $18,232,183
Costs of sales | $15,514,727 | $9,136,677 | $6,378,050
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales | 62.9% | 61.4% | 1.5%
Operating expenses | $43,950,862 | $29,311,764 | $14,639,098
(Increase) decrease of contingent liability | $29,780,000 | $(32,461,680) | 191.7%
Net income (loss) before taxes | $11,305,955 | $(47,788,776) | 123.6%
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | $12,651,255 | $(45,429,776) | $58,081,031
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes | $(48,983) | $(5,927,773) | $5,878,790
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders | $12,235,422 | $(50,428,226) | $62,663,648

The following tables provide certain selected unaudited consolidated financial information for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

| September 30, 2020 | September 30, 2019 | Change($)
Total net sales | $11,699,917 | $9,544,137 | $2,155,780
Costs of sales | $5,334,090 | $4,127,491 | $1,206,599
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales | 54.4% | 56.7% | (2.3)%
Operating expenses | $10,896,899 | $10,266,281 | $630,618
(Increase) decrease on contingent liability | $(800,000) | $20,000,000 | (104.0)%
Net income (loss) before taxes | $(5,363,562) | $14,211,194 | (137.7)%
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | $(6,258,562) | $14,274,194 | $(20,532,756)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes | $- | $(5,927,773) | $5,927,773
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders | $(6,358,612) | $7,634,352 | $(13,992,964)

Sales
We record product sales primarily through two main delivery channels, direct to consumers via online capabilities (E-commerce) and direct to wholesalers utilizing our internal sales team. In addition, we can record revenue upon delivery of services (consulting, marketing and brand strategy). The following table provides information on the contribution of net sales by type of sale to our total net sales for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019.

| Fiscal 2020 | % of total | Fiscal 2019 | % of total
Wholesale sales | $11,377,238 | 27.3% | $8,878,901 | 37.5%
Consumer sales | 30,456,496 | 72.3% | 14,772,650 | 62.5%
Total net sales | $41,883,734 |  | $23,651,551 |

Of our total net sales as indicated above, during fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 our Paw CBD line accounted for net sales of $4,492,833 and $1,931,653, respectively.
In addition, the following table provides information on the contribution of net sales by type of sale to our total net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 (unaudited).

| Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2020 | % of total | Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2019 | % of total
Wholesale sales | $3,111,161 | 26.6% | $4,137,049 | 43.3%
Consumer sales | 8,588,755 | 73.4% | 5,407,077 | 55.7%
Total net sales | $11,699,917 |  | $9,544,137 |

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Total net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 represents a 22.6% increase from prior year and sequential quarterly growth of 10.0%. While wholesale sales were down 28.4% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to prior year, as COVID-19 impacted retailers, wholesale sales represented a 29.1% sequential quarterly growth. Consumer sales during the fourth quarter represents a 58.8% year over year growth and 4.4% sequential quarterly growth.
Cost of sales
Our cost of sales includes costs associated with distribution, fill and labor expense, components, manufacturing overhead, third-party providers, and outbound freight for our product sales (consumer and wholesale sales), and includes labor for our service sales. The following table provides information on the cost of sales to our net sales for fiscal 2020 and 2019:

| Fiscal 2020 | Fiscal 2019 | change ($)
Product sales | $15,514,727 | $9,083,558 | $6,431,169
Service related sales | - | 53,119 | (53,119)
Total cost of sales | $15,514,727 | $9,136,677 | $6,378,050

Our cost of sales as a percentage of sales was 37.0% and 38.6% for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, cost of sales includes non-cash inventory charges of $1.663,000 relating to a net realizable value adjustment to finished goods, a write down of certain raw materials and establishing an inventory obsolescence reserve. The year over year reduction in the cost of sales percentage reflects the growth and maturation of the business and its manufacturing process, and changes in the cost of raw materials as we continue to evaluate key vendors to work with and leverage volume purchasing as we grow as well as additional product offerings which continue to impact our cost of production. In addition, as we continue to grow the online direct to consumer sales as a percentage of our overall sales we will continue to see a lower cost of sales. We expect we will maintain cost of sales as a percentage of net sales, between 30% and 37%, as we continue to manage our overall cost for manufacturing and production.
Operating expenses
Our principal operating expenses include staff related expense, advertising (which includes expenses related to industry distribution and trade shows), sponsorships, affiliate commissions, merchant fees, technology, travel, rent, professional service fees, business insurance expense, and non-cash stock compensation expense. Our operating expenses on a consolidated basis increased 49.9% in fiscal 2020 from fiscal 2019 and is directly related to the acquisition of Cure Base Development in December 2018 and the significant ramp up and maturation of our business following the closing of that transaction. The overall increase in operating expenses in fiscal 2020 is related to the continued ramping up of our business, which included increased staff hiring, a full blown sales, advertising and marketing process and expenses related to infrastructure expansion. With an established business foundation and infrastructure, in fiscal 2020 we were targeted on activation of our assets to continue to build our brand while we focus on overall execution and profitability. Beginning in April 2020, however, we implemented various cost control measures with a focus on supporting the business growth while moving to a positive cash flow operation and in addition adjusted other expenses in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions have resulted in lowering our overall operating expenses during the last six months of fiscal 2020 as we moved toward these objectives.
The following table provides information on our approximate operating expenses for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019:

| Fiscal 2020 | Fiscal 2019 | change ($)
Staff related expense | $14,854,072 | $8,995,969 | $5,858,103
Accounting/legal expense | 1,266,319 | 1,041,267 | 225,052
Professional outside services | 1,300,046 | 1,599,331 | (299,285)
Marketing / advertising | 9,946,755 | 5,151,795 | 4,794,960
Sponsorships | 4,977,067 | 2,679,331 | 2,297,736
Affiliate commissions | 1,897,345 | 1,627,373 | 269,972
Merchant fees | 2,545,844 | 1,670,085 | 875,759
Technology | 1,155,127 | - | 1,155,127
Travel expense | 410,150 | 712,811 | (302,661)
Rent | 1,539,653 | 672,697 | 866,956
Business insurance | 544,218 | 344,432 | 199,786
Non-cash stock compensation | 1,985,804 | 2,688,530 | (702,726)
All other expenses | 1,528,462 | 2,128,143 | (599,681)
Totals | $43,950,862 | $29,311,764 | $14,639,098

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The increase in staff related expense is a direct result of the build out of the CBDI team. The increase in accounting and legal expenses is primarily attributable to an increase of legal fees associated with regulatory compliance, new products and intellectual property filings, together with additional accounting services to assist as we built out the organization and systems. The decrease in professional outside services is related to a reduction in fiscal 2020 of the use of outside agencies and firms to support the growth while we built our infrastructure and added staff to handle certain functions. The increase in advertising/marketing, sponsorships, affiliate commissions, and technology are each the result of execution on the business strategy and building of the CBD brand in an effort to increase our market share. The increase in merchant fees is a direct result of increased business through our E-commerce site. The decline in travel expenses is a result in the impact of COVID-19 and its corresponding quarantines and travel restrictions. The increase in rent expenses is a result of a full year of our corporate office lease, entered into August 2019, as well as the addition of our warehouse in November 2019. Insurance expenses increased as a result of our increase in operations and facilities The non-cash stock compensation expense reflects the value of restricted stock awards and options as they vest. For fiscal 2019, we also had an impairment of $436,578 on intangible assets that no longer had a useful life or value for the business based on the current business focus, included in all other expenses. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, all other expenses includes a one-time $489,381 expense relating to severance for two employees.
Corporate overhead
Included in our consolidated operating expenses are expenses associated with our corporate overhead which are not allocated to the operating business unit, including (i) staff related expenses; (ii) accounting and legal expenses; (iii) professional outside services; (iv) travel and entertainment expenses; (v) rent; (vi) business insurance; and (vii) non-cash stock compensation expense.
The following table provides information on our approximate corporate overhead for fiscal 2020 and 2019:

| Fiscal 2020 | Fiscal 2019 | change ($)
Staff related expense | $1,427,359 | $1,157,054 | $270,305
Accounting/legal expense | 769,119 | 931,373 | (162,254)
Professional outside services | 491,729 | 931,460 | (439,731)
Travel expense | 22,846 | 92,593 | (69,747)
Rent | - | 175,592 | (175,592)
Business insurance | 388,878 | 262,200 | 126,678
Non-cash stock compensation | 1,985,804 | 2,688,530 | (702,726)
Totals | $5,085,735 | $6,238,802 | $(1,153,067)

The overall decrease in corporate operating expenses is related to the overall maturation of the business, a focus on cost controls as well as less transactions (registration statements, merger activity) which required more outside accounting, legal and professional. Rent expenses have been all moved to the operating business.
Other income and other non-operating expenses
Interest income (expense)
Our interest income (expense) was $39,877 and $75,071 for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively.
Contingent liability
As described in Note 8 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report, the earn-out provision for the Earnout Shares is accounted for and recorded as a contingent liability with increases in the liability recorded as non-cash other expense and decreases in the liability recorded as non-cash other income. The value of the non-cash contingent liability was $16,200,000 at September 30, 2020, as compared to $50,600,000 at September 30, 2019, respectively. During fiscal 2020 we had a decrease in value of $29,780,000 of the continent liability and a reclassification out of the liability of $4,620,000 for issuance of the first marking period Earnout Shares. The decrease of $29,780,000 is recorded as other expense in our consolidated statement of operations appearing later in this report. We utilize both a market approach and a Monte Carlo simulation in valuing the contingent liability and a key input in both of those methods is the stock price. The main driver of the change in the value of the contingent liability was the decrease of our common stock price, which was $2.00 at September 30, 2020 as compared to $3.96 on September 30, 2019. We expect to continue to record changes in the non-cash contingent liability through the balance of the earnout period.
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Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on marketable and other securities
We value investments in marketable securities at fair value and record a gain or loss upon sale at each period in realized and unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities. For fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 we recorded $(172,066) and $(102,716) of realized and unrealized gain (loss) on marketable and other securities. In addition, we recorded an impairment for fiscal 2019 of $502,560 on investment other securities. The discontinued operations recorded a realized and unrealized gain (loss) of $(2,337,280) in fiscal 2019, which is included in the net income (loss) from discontinued operations on the statement of operations.
For fiscal 2020 we had an impairment on other securities of $600,000 as well as an impairment of $160,000 against other account receivable representing an investment other security that was to be received.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We had cash and cash equivalents on hand of $14,824,644 and working capital of $16,023,174 at September 30, 2020, as compared to cash on hand of $4,689,966 and working capital of $12,033,157 at September 30, 2019. Our current assets increased approximately 50.6% at September 30, 2020 from September 30, 2019, and is primarily attributable to an increase in cash and prepaid expenses, offset by a decrease in accounts receivable, marketable and other securities, merchant reserve, inventory, and assets from discontinued operations. Our current liabilities increased approximately 107.2% at September 30, 2020 from September 30, 2019. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in accrued expenses, note payable, PPP loan, and operating lease short term liability offset by decreases in accounts payable.
During fiscal 2020 we used cash primarily to fund our operations.
We do not have any commitments for capital expenditures. We have a commitment for cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 8% payable monthly in arrears for the prior month to our preferred shareholders, when, and as declared. We have multiple endorsement or sponsorship agreements for varying time periods up through December 2022 and provide for financial commitments from our company based on performance/participation (see Note 13 Commitments and Contingencies). We have sufficient working capital to fund our operations. In addition, subsequent to September 30, 2020 we raised an additional approximately $16.9 million through the sale of equity which we expect to use for additional working capital.
Our goal from a liquidity perspective is to use operating cash flows to fund day to day operations and we have not met this goal as cash flow from operations has been a net use of $10,664,336 and $15,377,467 for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively. We are working to control our overhead expenses while benefiting from the gross profit from growing revenues in order to achieve positive operating cash flow. However, due to our strong liquidity position we constantly evaluate strategic marketing and advertising endeavors as well as investments scientific R&D activity that we believe can further enhance our market position, brand awareness, and revenue growth, but may have short-term negative earnings impact.
Related Parties
As described in Note 9 in notes to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report, we have engaged in a number of related party transactions. We have reported transactions with related parties within the consolidated financial statements as well as within the notes to the consolidated financial statements. These transactions also are reported as sales with related parties (see Note 9 Related Party Transactions in the consolidated financial statements for more information).
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with US GAAP and our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and operating results require our management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in its consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Note 1, “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and such differences may be material.
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We believe that the following critical accounting policies involve the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and are the most critical to aid you in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. Management considers these policies critical because they are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results, and they require management to make judgments and estimates about inherently uncertain matters.
Contingent liability
A significant component of the purchase price consideration for our acquisition of Cure Based Development includes a fixed number of future shares to be issued as well as a variable number of future shares to be issued based upon the post-acquisition entity reaching certain specified future revenue targets, as further described in Note 8. We made a determination of the fair value of the contingent liabilities as part of the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combination.
We recognize both the fixed number of shares to be issued, and the variable number of shares to be potentially issued, as contingent liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These contingent liabilities were recorded at fair value upon the acquisition date and are remeasured quarterly based on the reassessed fair value as of the end of that quarterly reporting period. Additionally, as the fixed shares are issued, the value of the shares at that time are reclassified from contingent liability to additional paid in capital on the balance sheet.
Leases
Effective October 1, 2019, we have adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02") which provides guidance requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. We determine whether an arrangement is a lease at inception and classify it as finance or operating. All of our leases are classified as operating leases. Our leases do not contain any residual value guarantees. Our current lease activities are recorded in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, operating lease short term liabilities and operating lease long term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Variable lease payments are not included in the calculation of the right-of-use assets and lease liability due to uncertainty of the payment amount and are recorded as lease expense in the period incurred. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
As a lessee, we elected a short-term lease exception policy on all classes of underlying assets, permitting us to not apply the recognition requirements of this standard to short-term leases (i.e. leases with terms of 12 months or less).
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost being determined on a weighted average basis. The cost of inventory includes product cost, freight-in, and production fill and labor (portions of which we outsource to third party manufacturers). Write-offs of potentially slow moving or damaged inventory are recorded based on management’s analysis of inventory levels, forecasted future sales volume and pricing and through specific identification of obsolete or damaged products. We assess inventory quarterly for slow moving products and potential impairments and at a minimum perform a physical inventory count annually near fiscal year end.
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Marketable Securities
Marketable securities that are equity securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded as an unrealized gain or (loss) in the Statements of Operations in the period of the change. Upon the disposition of a marketable security, the Company records a realized gain or (loss) on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. On October 1, 2018, as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-01 – Financial Instruments, the Company reclassified $2,512,539 of net unrealized losses on marketable securities, that were formerly classified as available-for-sale securities before the adoption of the new standard, from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Accumulated Deficit.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Please see Note 1–Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies appearing in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for information on accounting pronouncements.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
The term “off-balance sheet arrangement” generally means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party, under which we have any obligation arising under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest or a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets. Please see Note 13 – Commitment and Contingencies for a description of our off balance sheet arrangements.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable for a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Please see our Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this annual report.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed pursuant to the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our co-Chief Executive Officers and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our co-Chief Executive Officers and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls were effective at September 30, 2020.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
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Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
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pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
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provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
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provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
As an emerging growth company experiencing rapid growth, we have worked diligently to improve processes within the Company which has created continuous change, specifically including in our IT and manufacturing environments that increase risk related to transaction processing which can impact our financial reporting. We have implemented a significant number of manual compensating controls to address this risk.
Because of the inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of the inherent limitations of internal control, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
Our management, including our co-CEOs and our CFO, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 2013 Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that evaluation, they concluded that, during the period covered by this report, such internal controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our last fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
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PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
The information required by this Item will be contained in our proxy statement for our 2020 Annual Meeting of shareholders to be filed on or prior to January 28, 2021 (the “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)
(1)
Financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements and Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm are listed in the “Index to Financial Statements and Schedules” beginning on page F-1.
(2) Financial statement schedules
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are either not required under the related instructions, are not applicable (and therefore have been omitted), or the required disclosures are contained in the consolidated financial statements herein.
(3)
Exhibits.
The exhibits that are required to be filed or incorporated by reference herein are listed in the Exhibit Index.
ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
None
29
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: December 22, 2020 | cbdMD, Inc.
| By: | /s/ Martin A. Sumichrast |
|  | Martin A. Sumichrast |
|  | Co-Chief Executive Officer, (co-Principal Executive Officer) |
Date: December 22, 2020 | cbdMD, Inc.
| By: | /s/ Raymond S. Coffman |
| Raymond S. Coffman
| Co-Chief Executive Officer, (co-Principal Executive Officer)
Date: December 22, 2020 | cbdMD, Inc.
| By: | /s/ Ronan Kennedy |
|  | Ronan Kennedy |
|  | Chief Financial Officer, (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) |

POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Ronan Kennedy his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments and supplements to this report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name |  | Positions |  | Date
/s/ Martin A. Sumichrast |  | Chairman of the Board of Directors, |  | December 22, 2020
Martin A. Sumichrast |  | co-Chief Executive Officer |  |
/s/ Raymond S, Coffman |  | Co-Chief Executive Officer, Director |  | December 22, 2020
Raymond S. Coffman |  |  |  |
/s/ Bakari Sellers |  | Director |  | December 22, 2020
Bakari Sellers |  |  |  |
/s/ Scott Stephen |  | Director |  | December 22, 2020
Scott Stephen |  |  |  |
/s/ Peter Ghiloni |  | Director |  | December 22, 2020
Peter Ghiloni |  |  |  |
/s/ William Raines III |  | Director |  | December 22, 2020
William Raines III |  |  |  |

30
EXHIBIT INDEX

|  |  |  | Incorporated by Reference |  | Filed or Furnished
No. |  | Exhibit Description |  | Form |  | Date Filed |  | Number |  | Herewith
1.1 |  | Form of Underwriting Agreement dated May 13, 2019 by and between cbdMD, Inc. and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordman Financial Management, Inc. |  | 8-K |  | 5/14/19 |  | 1.1 |  |
1.2 |  | Underwriting Agreement dated October 10, 2019 by and between cbdMD, Inc. and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc. |  | 8-K |  | 10.16 |  | 1.1 |  |
1.4 |  | Underwriting Agreement dated January 9, 2020 by and between cbdMD, Inc. and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc. |  | 8-K |  | 1/10/20 |  | 1.1 |  |
1.5 |  | Underwriting Agreement dated December 8, 2020 by and between cbdMD, Inc. and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc. |  | 8-K |  | 12/9/20 |  | 1.1 |  |
2.1 |  | Merger Agreement dated December 3, 2018 by and among Level Brands, Inc., AcqCo, LLC, cbdMD LLC and Cure Based Development, LLC |  | 8-K |  | 12/4/18 |  | 2.1 |  |
2.2 |  | Articles of Merger dated December 20, 2018 as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada merging AcqCo, LLC with and into Cure Based Development, LLC |  | 10-Q |  | 2/14/19 |  | 2.2 |  |
2.3 |  | Articles of Merger dated December 20, 2018 as filed with the Secretary of State of North Carolina merging AcqCo, LLC with and into Cure Based Development, LLC |  | 10-Q |  | 2/14/19 |  | 2.3 |  |
2.4 |  | Articles of Merger dated December 20, 2018 as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada merging Cure Based Development, LLC with an into cbdMD LLC |  | 10-Q |  | 2/14/19 |  | 2.4 |  |
2.5 |  | Articles of Merger dated December 20, 2018 as filed with the Secretary of State of North Carolina merging Cure Based Development, LLC with an into cbdMD LLC |  | 10-Q |  | 2/14/19 |  | 2.5 |  |
3.1 |  | Articles of Incorporation |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 2.1 |  |
3.2 |  | Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation filed April 22, 2015 |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 2.2 |  |
3.3 |  | Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation filed June 22, 2015 |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 2.3 |  |
3.4 |  | Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation filed November 17, 2016 |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 2.4 |  |
3.5 |  | Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation filed December 5, 2016 |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 2.5 |  |
3.6 |  | Bylaws, as amended |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 2.6 |  |
3.7 |  | Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation |  | 8-K |  | 4/29/19 |  | 3.7 |  |
3.8 |  | Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation including the Certificate of Designations, Rights and Preferences of the 8% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock filed October 11, 2019 |  | 8-A |  | 10/11/19 |  | 3.1(f) |  |
3.9 |  | Amended Bylaw |  | 10-Q |  | 2/13/20 |  | 3.2 |  |
4.1 |  | Form of selling agents’ warrant issued in November 2017 initial public offering |  | 1-A/A |  | 10/12/17 |  | 3.6 |  |
4.2 |  | Form of common stock certificate of the registrant |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 3.7 |  |
4.3 |  | 2015 Equity Compensation Plan |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 3.8 |  |
4.4 |  | Form of stock option award under 2015 Equity Compensation Plan+ |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 3.9 |  |
4.5 |  | Form of warrant issued to Andre Carthen |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 3.10 |  |
4.6 |  | Form of warrant issued to Nicholas Walker |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 3.11 |  |
4.7 |  | Form of representative’s warrant dated November 16, 2018 |  | S-1 |  | 9/26/18 |  | 4.10 |  |
4.8 |  | Form of Representative’s Warrant dated May 15, 2019 |  | 8-K |  | 5/14/19 |  | 4.1 |  |
4.9 |  | Form of Representative’s Warrant dated October 16, 2019 |  | 8-K |  | 10/16/19 |  | 4.1 |  |
4.10 |  | Form of Representative’s Warrant dated January 9, 2020 |  | 8-K |  | 1/10/20 |  | 4.1 |  |
4.11 |  | Form of Representative’s Warrant dated December 11, 2020 |  | 8-K |  | 12/9/20 |  | 4.1 |  |
10.1 |  | Form of Indemnification Agreement |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 6.21 |  |
10.2 |  | Executive Employment Agreement dated September 6, 2018 by and between cbdMD, Inc. and Martin A. Sumichrast+ |  | 8-K |  | 9/7/18 |  | 10.75 |  |
10.3 |  | Amendment No. 1 effective November 13, 2020 to Executive Employment Agreement between cbdMD, Inc. and Martin A. Sumichrast+ |  | 8-K |  | 11/17/20 |  | 10.1 |  |
10.4 |  | Executive Employment Agreement dated December 20, 2018 by and between CBD Industries LLC and R. Scott Coffman+ |  | 8-K |  | 12/20/18 |  | 10.4 |  |
10.5 |  | Amendment No. 1 effective November 13, 2020 to Executive Employment Agreement between CBD Industries LLC and R. Scott Coffman+ |  | 8-K |  | 11/17/20 |  | 10.2 |  |
10.6 |  | Executive Employment Agreement dated September 6, 2018 by and between cbdMD, Inc. and Mark S. Elliott+ |  | 8-K |  | 9/7/18 |  | 10.76 |  |
10.7 |  | Separation Agreement and General Release dated September 16, 2020 by and between cbdMD, Inc. and Mark S. Elliott+ |  | 8-K |  | 9/21/20 |  | 10.1 |  |
10.8 |  | Executive Employment Agreement dated September 15, 2020 by and between cbdMD, Inc. and T. Ronan Kennedy+ |  | 8-K |  | 9/21/20 |  | 10.2 |  |
10.9 |  | Form of voting proxy |  | 8-K |  | 12/20/18 |  | 10.2 |  |
10.10 |  | Office Lease dated July 11, 2019 |  | 10-Q |  | 8/14/19 |  | 10.1 |  |

31

10.11 |  | Warehouse Lease dated August 27, 2019 |  | 10-Q |  | 2/13/20 |  | 10.1 |  |
10.12 |  | Form of Distribution Agreement dated February 26, 2020 by and among cbdMD, Inc., CBD Holdings, LLC and the members of CBD Holdings, LLC |  | 8-K |  | 2/28/20 |  | 10.1 |  |
10.13 |  | Endorsement Agreement effective July 1, 2020 |  | 10-Q |  | 8/21/20 |  | 10.1 |  |
10.14 |  | Form of Lockup Agreement |  | 8-K |  | 12/9/20 |  | 10.1 |  |
14.1 |  | Code of Business Conduct and Ethics |  | 1-A |  | 9/18/17 |  | 15.1 |  |
21.1 |  | Subsidiaries of the registrant |  | 10-K |  | 12/26/17 |  | 21.1 |  |
23.1 |  | Consent of Cherry Bekaert LLP |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
24.1 |  | Power of attorney (included on signature page of this report) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
31.1 |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
31.2 |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
31.3 |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
32.1 |  | Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
101 INS |  | XBRL Instance Document |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
101 SCH |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
101 CAL |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
101 LAB |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
101 PRE |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Filed
101 DEF |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
+ |  | Indicated management contract or compensatory plan. |

32
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders of
cbdMD, Inc. and subsidiaries
Charlotte, North Carolina
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of cbdMD, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended September 30, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended September 30, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Cherry Bekaert LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.
Charlotte, North Carolina
December 22, 2020 |

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
CBDMD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

| 2020 | 2019
Assets |  |
Current assets: |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $14,824,644 | $4,689,966
Accounts receivable | 911,482 | 1,425,697
Accounts receivable other | - | 160,137
Accounts receivable – discontinued operations | 447,134 | 1,080,000
Marketable securities | 26,472 | 198,538
Investment other securities | 250,000 | 600,000
Deposits | 40,198 | 6,850
Merchant reserve | - | 519,569
Inventory | 4,603,360 | 4,301,586
Inventory prepaid | 288,178 | 903,458
Deferred issuance costs | - | 93,954
Prepaid software | 174,308 | 206,587
Prepaid equipment deposits | 40,197 | 868,589
Prepaid sponsorship | 1,203,300 | -
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 902,979 | 688,104
Total current assets | 23,712,252 | 15,743,035
Other assets: |  |
Property and equipment, net | 3,183,487 | 1,715,557
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 6,851,357 | -
Deposits for facilities | 790,708 | 754,533
Intangible assets, net | 21,635,000 | 21,635,000
Goodwill | 54,669,997 | 54,669,997
Total other assets | 87,130,549 | 78,775,087
Total assets | $110,842,801 | $94,518,122

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-2
CBDMD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019
(continued)

| 2020 | 2019
Liabilities and shareholders' equity |  |
Current liabilities: |  |
Accounts payable | $2,850,421 | $3,021,271
Deferred revenue | 45,141 | -
Accrued expenses | 2,724,779 | 681,269
Operating leases – short term liabilities | 1,159,098 | -
Paycheck Protection Program Loan | 854,000 | -
Note payable | 55,639 | -
Customer deposit – related party | - | 7,339
Total current liabilities | 7,689,078 | 3,709,878
Long term liabilities |  |
Long term liabilities | 264,367 | 363,960
Paycheck Protection Program loan | 602,100 | -
Operating leases – long term liabilities | 6,010,208 | -
Contingent liability | 16,200,000 | 50,600,000
Deferred tax liability | 895,000 | 2,240,300
Total long term liabilities | 23,971,675 | 53,204,260
Total liabilities | 31,660,753 | 56,914,138
cbdMD, Inc. shareholders' equity: |  |
Preferred stock, authorized 50,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value, 500,000 and 0 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 500 | -
Common stock, authorized 150,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value, |  |
52,130,870 and 27,720,356 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 52,131 | 27,720
Additional paid in capital | 126,517,784 | 97,186,524
Accumulated deficit | (47,388,367) | (59,610,260)
Total cbdMD, Inc. shareholders' equity | 79,182,048 | 37,603,984
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $110,842,801 | $94,518,122

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-3
CBDMD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

| 2020 | 2019
Sales | $43,172,778 | $28,023,848
Sales related party | - | 55,596
Total Gross Sales | 43,172,778 | 28,079,444
Allowances | (1,289,044) | (4,427,893)
Net sales | 41,883,734 | 23,595,955
Net sales related party | - | 55,596
Total Net Sales | 41,883,734 | 23,651,551
Costs of sales | 15,514,727 | 9,136,677
Gross profit | 26,369,006 | 14,514,873
Operating expenses excluding impairment losses | 43,950,862 | 28,875,186
Impairment of intangible assets | - | 436,578
Operating expenses | 43,950,862 | 29,311,764
Loss from operations | (17,581,856) | (14,796,891)
Realized and unrealized loss on marketable securities | (172,066) | (102,716)
Impairment on investment other securities | (760,000) | (502,560)
(Increase) decrease of contingent liability | 29,780,000 | (32,461,680)
Interest income | 39,877 | 75,071
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes | 11,305,955 | (47,788,776)
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes | 1,345,300 | 2,359,000
Net Income (loss) from continuing operations | 12,651,255 | (45,429,776)
Net Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 16) | (48,983) | (5,927,773)
Net Income (loss) | $12,602,272 | $(51,357,549)
Net Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest from discontinued operations (Note 16) | - | (929,323)
Preferred dividends | 366,850 | -
Net Income (loss) attributable to common shareholders | $12,235,422 | $(50,428,226)
Net Income (Loss) per share |  |
Basic earnings (loss) per share | $0.28 | $(2.82)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share | $0.28 | $-
Weighted average number of shares basic | 44,140,360 | 17,887,247
Weighted average number of shares diluted | 45,171,674 | -

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-4
CBDMD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

| 2020 | 2019
Net Income (Loss) | $12,602,272 | $(51,357,549)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) | 12,602,272 | (51,357,549)
Comprehensive Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | - | (929,323)
Preferred dividends | (366,850) |
Comprehensive Income (Loss) attributable to cbdMD, Inc. common shareholders | $12,235,422 | $(50,428,226)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-5
CBDMD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

| 2020 | 2019
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |
Net income (loss) | $12,602,272 | $(51,357,549)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net |  |
cash used by operating activities: |  |
Stock based compensation | 1,900,194 | 2,458,530
Restricted stock expense | 138,000 | 230,000
Depreciation and amortization | 720,755 | 289,574
Issuance of stock / warrants for services | 338,400 | 289,750
Realized and unrealized (gain)/loss on marketable securities | 172,066 | 2,439,996
Impairment on investment other securities | 760,000 | 502,560
Inventory impairment | 233,372 | -
Impairment on discontinued operations asset | 45,783 | 3,398,438
Payment in-kind interest | - | (30,000)
Loss on sale of property and equipment -discontinued operations | - | 39,013
Severance agreement | 489,381 | -
Increase/(decrease) in contingent liability | (29,780,000) | 32,461,680
Intangible impairment | - | 436,578
Merchant reserve settlement | 132,657 | -
Non-cash consideration received for services provided | - | (470,000)
Non-cash lease expense | 1,180,213 | -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |  |
Accounts receivable | 514,352 | 60,155
Accounts receivable - related party | - | (462,137)
Other accounts receivable | - | 2,737
Inventory | (535,146) | (3,123,437)
Note receivable – related party | - | 156,147
Deposits | (938,112) | (761,383)
Merchant reserve | 386,912 | (93,316)
Prepaid inventory | 615,280 | (903,458)
Proceeds from sale of securities | - | 410,094
Prepaid rent | - | 180,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 645,796 | (963,044)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 1,479,189 | 2,280,726
Accounts payable and accrued expenses – related party | - | (7,502)
Operating lease liability | (1,045,285) | -
Deferred Revenue/customer deposits | 37,802 | (416,619)
Collection on discontinued operations accounts receivable | 587,083 | -
Deferred tax liability | (1,345,300) | (2,425,000)
Cash used by operating activities | (10,664,336) | (15,377,467)
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |
Net cash used for merger | - | (916,555)
Purchase of other investment securities | (250,000) | -
Purchase of intangible assets | - | (50,000)
Purchase of property and equipment | (1,320,095) | (1,198,618)
Cash used by investing activities | (1,570,095) | (2,133,850)

F-6
CBDMD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019
(continued)

Cash flows from financing activities: |  |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 16,766,106 | 19,009,897
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock | 4,421,928 | -
Proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loan | 1,456,100 | -
Preferred dividend distribution | (366,850) | -
Proceeds from Note payable | 29,629 | -
Payments on Note payable – related party | - | (764,300)
Deferred issuance costs | 62,197 | (326,868)
Cash provided by financing activities | 22,369,110 | 17,918,729
Net increase in cash | 10,134,678 | 407,413
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | 4,689,966 | 4,282,553
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | $14,824,644 | $4,689,966

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

| 2020 | 2019
Cash Payments for: |  |
Interest expense | $33,693 | $39,295
Non-cash financial / investing activities: |  |
Stock received for prior period services, adjusted for other accounts receivable write down prior to receipt – from discontinued operations | $- | $1,352,000
Warrants issued to secondary selling agent | $524,113 | 309,592
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 | $- | $2,512,539
Acquisition of property and equipment through a capital finance arrangement | $- | $249,100
Value of Earn Out stock transferred for contingent liability | $4,620,000 | -

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7
CBDMD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

| Common stock | Preferred stock | Additional | Other Comprehensive |  |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Income(loss) | Accumulated Deficit | Total
Balance, September 30, 2019 | 27,720,356 | $27,720 | - | $- | $97,186,524 | - | $(59,610,260) | $37,603,984
Issuance of Preferred stock | - | - | 500,000 | 500 | 4,421,428 | - | - | 4,421,928
Issuance of options for share based compensation | - | - |  |  | 542,574 | - | - | 542,574
Issuance of stock costs | - | - |  |  | (31,757) | - | - | (31,757)
Issuance of restricted stock for share based compensation | - | - | - | - | 138,000 | - | - | 138,000
Preferred dividend | - | - | - | - | - | - | (66,734) | (66,734)
Adoption of ASU 2016-02 | - | - | - | - | - | - | (13,528) | (13,528)
Net Income (loss) | - | - |  |  | - | - | 12,929,763 | 12,929,763
Balance, December 31, 2019 | 27,720,356 | 27,720 | 500,000 | 500 | 102,256,769 | - | (46,760,759) | 55,524,230
Issuance of common stock | 23,585,292 | 23,586 | - | - | 21,362,521 | - | - | 21,386,107
Issuance of options for share based compensation | - | - | - | - | 429,651 | - | - | 429,651
Issuance of stock/warrants for services | 30,000 | 30 | - | - | 33,870 | - | - | 33,900
Preferred dividend | - | - | - | - | - | - | (100,016) | (100,016)
Net Income (loss) | - | - | - | - | - | - | 14,883,772 | 14,883,772
Balance, March 31, 2020 | 51,335,648 | 51,336 | 500,000 | 500 | 124,082,811 | - | (31,977,003) | 92,157,644
Issuance of options for share based compensation | - | - | - | - | 419,045 | - | - | 419,045
Issuance of stock/warrants for services | 10,000 | 10 | - | - | 56,190 | - | - | 56,200
Preferred dividend | - | - | - | - | - | - | (100,050) | (100,050)
Net Income (loss) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (8,952,702) | (8,952,702)
Balance, June 30, 2020 | 51,345,648 | 51,346 | 500,000 | 500 | 124,558,046 | - | (41,029,755) | 83,580,137
Issuance of common stock | 25,222 | 25 | - | - | (25) | - | - | -
Issuance of options for share based compensation | - | - | - | - | 508,923 | - | - | 508,923
Issuance of stock/warrants for services | 760,000 | 760 | - | - | 1,450,840 | - | - | 1,451,600
Preferred dividend | - | - | - | - | - | - | (100,050) | (100,050)
Net Income (loss) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (6,258,562) | (6,258,562)
Balance, September 30, 2020 | 52,130,870 | $52,131 | 500,000 | $500 | $126,517,784 | - | $(47,388,367) | $79,182,048

F-8
CBDMD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

| Common Stock | Additional | Other Comprehensive | Accumulated | Non-controlling |
| Shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Income(loss) | Accumulated Deficit | Interest | Total
Balance, September 30, 2018 | 8,123,928 | $8,124 | $21,781,095 | $(2,512,539) | $(6,669,497) | $1,411,972 | $14,019,155
Issuance of common stock | 1,971,428 | 1,971 | 6,355,027 | - | - | - | 6,356,998
Issuance of options for share based compensation | - | - | 143,673 | - | - | - | 143,673
Issuance of stock costs | - | - | (205,569) | - | - | - | (205,569)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 | - | - | - | 2,512,539 | (2,512,539) | - | -
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (2,109,715) | (79,149) | (2,188,864)
Balance, December 31, 2018 | 10,095,356 | 10,095 | 28,074,224 | - | (11,291,751) | 1,332,823 | 18,125,391
Issuance of options for share based compensation | - | - | 19,475 | - | - | - | 19,475
Issuance of stock and warrants for services | 75,000 | 75 | 289,675 | - | - | - | 289,750
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (31,791,738) | (58,536) | (31,850,274)
Balance, March 31, 2019 | 10,170,356 | 10,170 | 28,383,374 | - | (43,083,489) | 1,274,287 | (13,415,658)
Issuance of common stock for merger | 15,250,000 | 15,250 | 53,199,913 | - | - | - | 53,215,163
Issuance of common stock | 2,300,000 | 2,300 | 12,650,600 | - | - | - | 12,652,900
Issuance of options for share based compensation | - | - | 1,859,664 | - | - | - | 1,859,664
Issuance of stock costs | - | - | (55,393) | - | - | - | (55,393)
Issuance of stock and warrants for services |  |  | 92,000 | - | - | - | 92,000
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (27,699,247) | (1,503,707) | (29,202,954)
Balance, June 30, 2019 | 27,720,356 | 27,720 | 96,130,158 | - | (70,782,736) | (229,420) | 25,145,722
Issuance of options for share based compensation | - | - | 573,718 | - | - | - | 573,718
Transfer NCI to APIC (see Note14) | - | - | 482,648 | - | - | (482,648) | -
Net income (loss) | - | - | - | - | 11,172,476 | 712,068 | 11,884,544
Balance, September 30, 2019 | 27,720,356 | $27,720 | $97,186,524 | $- | $(59,610,260) | $- | $37,603,984

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-9
CBDMD, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
cbdMD, Inc. ("cbdMD", "we", "us", “our”, "Parent Company” or the “Company”) is a North Carolina corporation formed on March 17, 2015 as Level Beauty Group, Inc. In November 2016 we changed the name of the Company to Level Brands, Inc. On April 22, 2019, following approval by our shareholders at the 2019 annual meeting held on April 19, 2019, we filed Articles of Amendment to our Articles of Incorporation changing the name of our Company to “cbdMD, Inc.” effective May 1, 2019. We operate from our offices located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our fiscal year end is established as September 30.
On December 20, 2018 the Company, and its newly organized wholly-owned subsidiaries AcqCo, LLC and cbdMD LLC, completed a two-step merger (the “Mergers”) with Cure Based Development, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Cure Based Development”). Upon completion of the Mergers, cbdMD LLC survived and operates the prior business of Cure Based Development. On April 10, 2019, cbdMD LLC was renamed to CBD Industries LLC (“CBDI”). As consideration for the Mergers, the Company had a contractual obligation, after approval by our shareholders, to issue 15,250,000 shares of our common stock to the members of Cure Based Development, of which 8,750,000 of the shares will vest over a five year period and are subject to a voting proxy agreement, as well as to issue another 15,250,000 shares of our common stock in the future upon earnout goals being within the next 5 years. The Company’s shareholders approved the issuance of the 15,250,000 shares of common stock and they were issued to members of Cure Based Development on April 19, 2019. CBDI produces and distributes various high-grade, premium cannabidiol oil (“CBD”) products under the cbdMD brand. CBD is a natural substance produced from the hemp plant and the products manufactured by CBDI are non psychoactive as they do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
On October 22, 2019, cbdMD, Inc. filed Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of North Carolina to form a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Paw CBD, Inc. (“Paw CBD”), in conjunction with the organization of its animal health division. In the third quarter of fiscal 2019 cbdMD, Inc. launched its new CBD pet brand, Paw CBD. Following the initial positive response to the brand from retailers and consumers, cbdMD, Inc. organized Paw CBD, Inc. as a separate wholly-owned subsidiary in an effort to take advantage of its early mover status in the CBD animal health industry.
Effective September 30, 2019, the Company abandoned and ceased operations of four business subsidiaries: Encore Endeavor 1, LLC (“EE1”), I’M1, LLC (“IM1”), Beauty and Pin Ups, LLC (“BPU”) and Level H&W, LLC (“Level H&W”). Therefore, the results of operations related to these subsidiaries for the Company are reported as discontinued operations.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary CBDI and Paw CBD. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”), and requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Significant estimates made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory valuation reserves, expected sales returns and allowances, certain assumptions related to the valuation of investments other securities, acquired intangible and long-lived assets and the recoverability of intangible and long-lived assets and income taxes, including deferred tax valuation allowances and reserves for estimated tax liabilities, contingent liability and, hence consideration for the Mergers is a material estimate. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic (“COVID-19”). In response to this declaration and the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the United States, federal, state and local governments throughout the country have imposed varying degrees of restriction on social and commercial activity to promote social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the illness. These measures have had a significant adverse impact upon many sectors of the economy, including retail commerce. The Company is continuing to monitor data related to impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a t this time, based upon the available data, does not believe there would be an impact on inputs used for estimates and assumptions.
F-10
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For financial statements purposes, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of less than three months when acquired to be cash equivalents.
Accounts receivable and Accounts receivable other
Accounts receivable are stated at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts, if applicable. Credit can be extended to wholesale and retail customers after an evaluation of customer’s financial condition, and generally collateral is not required as a condition of credit extension. Management’s determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an evaluation of the receivables, past experience, current economic conditions, and other risks inherent in the receivable’s portfolio. As of September 30, 2020, and 2019, we have an allowance for doubtful accounts of $20,664 and $7,286, respectively.
In addition, the Company has in the past entered into contracts where a portion of the consideration provided by the customer in exchange for the Company's services is common stock, options or warrants (an equity position). In these situations, upon invoicing the customer for the stock or other instruments, the Company will record the receivable as accounts receivable other and use the value of the stock or other instrument upon invoicing to determine the value. Where an accounts receivable is settled with the receipt of the common stock or other instrument, the common stock or other instrument will be classified as an asset on the balance sheet as either an investment marketable security (when the customer is a publicly traded entity) or as an investment other security (when the customer is a privately held entity).
Receivable and Merchant Reserve
The Company primarily sells its products through the internet and has an arrangement to process customer payments with third-party payment processors, and will negotiate the fee based on the market. The arrangement with the payment processors requires that the Company pay a fee between 4.0% - 5.2% of the transaction amounts processed. Pursuant to this agreement, there can be a waiting period between 2 - 5 days prior to reimbursement to the Company, and as well as a calculated reserve which some payment processors hold back. Fees and reserves can change periodically with notice from the processors. At September 30, 2020, the receivable from payment processors included approximately $240,798 for the waiting period amount and is recorded as accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Marketable Securities
Marketable securities that are equity securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded as an unrealized gain or (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period of the change. Upon the disposition of a marketable security, the Company records a realized gain or (loss) on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Investment Other Securities
For equity investments where the Company neither controls nor has significant influence over the investee and which are non-marketable, which is without a readily determinable fair value, the Company may elect to estimate its fair value at cost less impairment plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost being determined on a weighted average basis. The cost of inventory includes product cost, freight-in, and production fill and labor (portions of which we outsource to third party manufacturers). Write-offs of potentially slow moving or damaged inventory are recorded based on management’s analysis of inventory levels, forecasted future sales volume and pricing and through specific identification of obsolete or damaged products. We assess inventory quarterly for slow moving products and potential impairments and at a minimum perform a physical inventory count annually near fiscal year end.
Customer Deposits
Customer deposits consist of payments received in advance of revenue recognition. Revenue is recognized as revenue recognition criteria are met.
F-11
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment items are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is charged to expense over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Generally, the useful lives are five years for manufacturing equipment and automobiles, three years for computer, furniture and equipment, three years for software, and leasehold improvements are over the term of the lease. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property are eliminated from the accounts upon disposal, and any resulting gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations for the applicable period. Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever changes in circumstance indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
Fair value accounting
The Company utilizes accounting standards for fair value, which include the definition of fair value, the framework for measuring fair value, and disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, fair value accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).
Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, observable market activity. In instances where the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
When the Company records an investment in marketable securities the carrying value is assigned at fair value. Any changes in fair value for marketable securities during a given period will be recorded as an unrealized gain or loss in the consolidated statement of operations. For investment other securities without a readily determinable fair value, the Company may elect to estimate its fair value at cost less impairment plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be evaluated for impairment annually. The Company tests for goodwill impairment annually or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.
In performing a goodwill test, the Company performs a qualitative evaluation and if necessary, a quantitative evaluation. Factors considered in the qualitative test include specific operating results as well as new events and circumstances impacting the operations or cash flows of the business acquired. For the quantitative test, the Company assesses goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the business to the respective fair value. The Company determines the fair value of its acquired business using a combination of income-based and market-based approaches and incorporates assumptions it believes market participants would utilize. The income-based approach utilizes discounted cash flows while the market-based approach utilizes market multiples. These approaches are dependent upon internally developed forecasts that are based upon annual budgets and longer-range strategic plans. The Company uses discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the respective acquired business and in the internally developed forecasts. The Company has analyzed a variety of factors in light of the known impact to date of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business to determine if a circumstance could trigger an impairment loss, and, at this time and based on the information presently known, does not believe that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred.
F-12
Intangible Assets
The Company's intangible assets consist of trademarks and other intellectual property, all of which are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. The Company employs the non-amortization approach to account for purchased intangible assets having indefinite lives. Under the non-amortization approach, intangible assets having indefinite lives are not amortized into the results of operations, but instead are reviewed annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired, to assess whether their fair value exceeds their carrying value. We perform an impairment analysis at August 1 annually on the indefinite-lived intangible assets following the steps laid out in ASC 350-30-35-18. Our annual impairment analysis includes a qualitative assessment to determine if it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. In performing a qualitative assessment, we review events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine if the fair value is less than the carrying value of the intangible assets. If a quantitative analysis is necessary, we would analyze various aspects including revenues from the business, associated with the intangible assets. In addition, intangible assets will be tested on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. In addition, the Company has analyzed a variety of factors in light of the known impact to date of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business to determine if a circumstance could trigger an impairment loss, and, at this time has determined there has been no impairment.
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit. In accordance with ASC 360-10-35-21, definite lived intangibles are reviewed annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired, to assess whether their fair value exceeds their carrying value.
In conjunction with any acquisitions, the Company refers to ASC-805 as amended by Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-01 in determining if the Company is acquiring any inputs, processes or outputs and the impact that such factors would have on the classification of the acquisition as a business combination or asset purchase. Additionally, the Company refers to the aforementioned guidance in reviewing all acquired assets and assumed liabilities for valuation in a business combination, including the determination of intangible asset values and contingent liabilities.
Contingent liability
A significant component of the purchase price consideration for the Company’s acquisition of Cure Based Development includes a fixed number of future shares to be issued as well as a variable number of future shares to be issued based upon the post-acquisition entity reaching certain specified future revenue targets, as further described in Note 8. The Company made a determination of the fair value of the contingent liabilities as part of the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combination.
The Company recognized both the fixed number of shares to be issued, and the variable number of shares to be potentially issued, as contingent liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. These contingent liabilities were recorded at fair value upon the acquisition date and are remeasured quarterly based on the reassessed fair value as of the end of that quarterly reporting period. Additionally, as the fixed shares were issued on April 19, 2019, the value of the shares at that time, in the amount of $53,215,163, was reclassified from contingent liability to additional paid in capital on the balance sheet. In addition, the first marking period for the Earnout Shares was December 31, 2019 and based on measurement criteria, 5,127,792 shares were issued on February 27, 2020 and the value of the shares at that time in the amount of $4,620,000 was reclassified from the contingent liability to additional paid in capital on the balance sheet.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, the contingent liabilities associated with the business combination were decreased by $29,780,000 to reflect their reassessed fair values as of September 30, 2020. This decrease is reflective of a change in value on the variable number of shares from September 30, 2019. The Company updated the forecasts for performance of the post-acquisition entity based on current trends and performance that would impact the estimated likelihood that the revenue targets disclosed in Note 8 would be met. The primary catalyst for the $29,780,000 decrease in contingent liabilities is the change in the Company’s share price between September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2020. These increases or reductions to the contingent liabilities are reflected within Other Expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Paycheck Protection Program Loan
On April 27, 2020, we received a loan in the principal amount of $1,456,100 (the “SBA Loan”), under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), which was established under the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). The intent and purpose of the PPP is to support companies, during the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing funds for certain specified business expenses, with a focus on payroll. As a qualifying business as defined by the SBA, we used the proceeds from this loan to primarily help maintain our payroll as we navigate our business with a focus on returning to normal operations. The term of the SBA Loan under a Promissory Note is two years, though it may be payable sooner in connection with an event of default. The SBA Loan carries a fixed interest rate of one percent per year, with the first payment due seven months from the date of initial cash receipt. Under the CARES Act and the PPP, certain amounts of loans made under the PPP may be forgiven if the recipients use the loan proceeds for eligible purposes, including payroll costs and certain rent or utility costs, and meet other requirements regarding, among other things, the maintenance of employment and compensation levels. We used the SBA Loan for qualifying expenses and intend to apply for forgiveness of the SBA Loan in accordance with the terms of the CARES Act.
F-13
In June 2020, the Payroll Protection Program Flexibility Act (“PPPFA”) was signed into law adjusting certain key terms of loans issued under the PPP. In accordance with the PPPFA, the initial deferral period may be extended from six to up to ten months and the loan maturity may be extended from two to five years. The PPPFA also provided for certain other changes, including the extent to which the loan may be forgiven.
As the legal form of the Promissory Note is a debt obligation, the Company is accounting for it as debt under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 470, Debt and recorded an initial liability of $1,456,100 in the Consolidated Balance Sheet upon receipt of the loan proceeds. The Company is accruing interest over the term of the loan and is not imputing additional interest at a market rate because the guidance on imputing interest in ASC 835-30, Interest excludes transactions where interest rates are prescribed by a government agency. If any amount of the loan is ultimately forgiven, income from the extinguishment of debt would be recognized as a gain on loan extinguishment in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
Revenue Recognition
The Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the modified retrospective method beginning with our quarter ended December 31, 2018. The adoption of the new revenue standards as of October 1, 2018 did not change the Company’s revenue recognition as the majority of its revenues continue to be recognized when the customer takes control of its product, the services have been rendered, or the usage-based royalty has been earned. As the Company did not identify any accounting changes that impacted the amount of reported revenues with respect to any of its revenue streams, no adjustment to retained earnings was required upon adoption.
Under ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenues when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods. The Company recognizes revenues following the five step model prescribed under ASC 606: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to a customer. The Company has reviewed its various revenue streams for its existing contracts under the five-step approach. The Company has entered into various license agreements that provide revenues based on guaranteed minimum royalty payments with additional royalty revenues based on a percentage of defined sales. Guaranteed minimum royalty payments (fixed revenue) are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract, as defined in each license agreement. Earned royalties and earned royalties in excess of the fixed revenue (variable revenue) are recognized as income during the period corresponding to the licensee’s sales. Earned royalties in excess of fixed revenue are only recognized when the Company is reasonably certain that the guaranteed minimums payments for the period will be exceeded. At September 30, 2020, the Company has no future performance obligations.
Allocation of transaction price
In our current business model we do not have contracts with customers which have multiple elements as revenue is driven purely by online product sales or purchase order based product sales. However, at times in the past, the Company had entered into contracts with customers wherein there were multiple elements that may have disparate revenue recognition patterns. In such instances, the Company must allocate the total transaction price to these various elements. This is achieved by estimating the standalone selling price of each element, which is the price at which we sell a promised good or service separately to a customer.
In circumstances where we have not historically sold relevant products or services on a standalone basis, the Company utilizes the most situationally appropriate method of estimating standalone selling price. These methods include (i) an adjusted market assessment approach, wherein we refer to prices from our competitors for similar goods or serves and adjust those prices as necessary to reflect our typical costs and margins, (ii) an expected cost plus margin approach, wherein we forecast the costs that we will incur in satisfying the identified performance obligation and adding an appropriate margin to such costs, and (iii) a residual approach, wherein we adjust the total transaction price to remove all observable standalone selling prices of other goods or services included in the contract and allocate the entirety of the remaining contract amount to the remaining obligation.
Revenue recognition
The Company records revenue from the sale of its products when risk of loss and title to the product are transferred to the customer, which is upon shipping (and is typically FOB shipping) which is when our performance obligation is met. Net sales are comprised of gross revenues less product returns, trade discounts and customer allowances, which include costs associated with off-invoice mark-downs and other price reductions, as well as trade promotions. These incentive costs are recognized at the later of the date on which the Company recognizes the related revenue or the date on which the Company offers the incentive. The Company currently offers a 60 day, money back guarantee.
In regard to sales for services provided, the Company records revenue when the customer has accepted services and the Company has a right to payment. Based on the contracted services, revenue is recognized when the Company invoices customers for completed services at agreed upon rates or revenue is recognized over a fixed period of time during which the service is performed.
F-14
Disaggregated Revenue
Our product revenue is generated primarily through two sales channels, consumer (E-commerce) and wholesale channels. We also generate service related sales, although this type of revenue is not a primary focus. We believe that these categories appropriately reflect how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are impacted by economic factors.
A description of our principal revenue generating activities are as follows:
-
Consumer (E-commerce) sales - consumer products sold through our online and telephonic channels. Revenue is recognized when control of the merchandise is transferred to the customer, which generally occurs upon shipment. Payment is typically due prior to the date of shipment.
-
Wholesale sales - products sold to our wholesale customers for subsequent resale. Revenue is recognized when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement. Payment terms vary and can typically be 30 days from the date control over the product is transferred to the customer.
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Service related sales – services provided to organizations typically consulting services related to branding, marketing, or advisory. Revenue is recognized when services are delivered to the customer, in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement. Payment terms vary and typically are based on deliverables and agreed upon timelines.
The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue by sales channel:

| Fiscal 2020 | % of total | Fiscal 2019 | % of total
Wholesale product sales | $11,377,238 | 27.3% | $8,878,901 | 37.5%
Consumer (E-commerce) product sales | 30,456,496 | 72.7% | 14,772,650 | 62.5%
Total net sales | $41,883,734 |  | $23,651,551 |

Contract Balances
Contract assets represent unbilled receivables and are presented within accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contract liabilities represent unearned revenues and are presented as deferred revenue or customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We have no material contract assets nor contract liabilities at September 30, 2020.
Cost of Sales
Our cost of sales includes costs associated with distribution, fill and labor expense, components, manufacturing overhead, third-party providers, and outbound freight for our products sales, and includes labor for our service sales. For our product sales, cost of sales also includes the cost of refurbishing products returned by customers that will be offered for resale, if any, and the cost of inventory write-downs associated with adjustments of held inventories to their net realizable value. These expenses are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations when the product is sold and net sales revenues are recognized or, in the case of inventory write-downs, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of inventories is in excess of their net realizable value.
Advertising Costs
The Company expenses all costs of advertising and related marketing and promotional costs as incurred. The Company incurred approximately $9,946,755 and $5,151,795 in advertising and related marketing and promotional costs included in operating expenses during the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
F-15
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
All fees billed to customers for shipping and handling are classified as a component of sales. All costs associated with shipping and handling are classified as a component of cost of goods sold.
Income Taxes
The Parent Company is a North Carolina corporation that is treated as a corporation for federal and state income tax purposes. Effective September 30, 2019, the Company abandoned and ceased operations of EE1, IM1, BPU and Level H&W. As of October 1, 2019, CBDI and Paw CBD are wholly owned subsidiaries and are disregarded entities for tax purposes and their entire share of taxable income or loss is included in the tax return of the Parent Company.
The Parent Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provisions of the Accounting for Income Taxes topic of the FASB ASC 740 which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.
US GAAP requires management to evaluate tax positions taken by the Company and recognize a tax liability (or asset) if the Company has taken an uncertain tax position that more likely than not would not be sustained upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Management has analyzed the tax positions taken by the Company, and has concluded that as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, there were no uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken that would require recognition of a liability (or asset) or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
Concentrations
Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and securities.
The Company places its cash and cash equivalents on deposit with financial institutions in the United States. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) covers $250,000 for substantially all depository accounts. The Company from time to time may have amounts on deposit in excess of the insured limits. The Company had a $14,287,810 uninsured balance at September 30, 2020 and a $4,097,190 uninsured balance at September 30, 2019.
Concentration of credit risk with respect to receivables is principally limited to trade receivables with corporate customers that meet specific credit policies. Management considers these customer receivables to represent normal business risk. The Company did not have any customers that represented a significant amount of our sales for the year ended September 30, 2020. We have three customers whose aggregate accounts receivable balance was approximately 56% of the combined total accounts receivable and accounts receivable discontinued operations as of September 30, 2020, of which one customer is from the discontinued operations and accounts for approximately 31%. The Company did not have any customers that represented a significant amount of our sales for the year ended September 30, 2019. We had four customers whose aggregate accounts receivable balance was approximately 84% of the combined total accounts receivable and accounts receivable discontinued operations as of September 30, 2019.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for our stock compensation under ASC -718-10-30 “Compensation - Stock Compensation” using the fair value based method. Under this method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. This guidance establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity's equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.
We use the Black-Scholes model for measuring the fair value of options and warrants. The stock based fair value compensation is determined as of the date of the grant or the date at which the performance of the services is completed (measurement date) and is recognized over the vesting periods. We recognize forfeitures when they occur.
F-16
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
The Company uses ASC 260-10, “Earnings Per Share” for calculating the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share. The Company computes basic earnings (loss) per share by dividing net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation of net earnings (loss) per share if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Deferred IPO or issuance costs
In following the guidance under ASC 340-10-S99-1, IPO or issuance costs directly attributable to an offering of equity securities have been deferred and charged against the gross proceeds of the offering as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. These costs include legal fees related to the registration drafting and counsel, independent audit costs directly related to the registration and offering, SEC filing and print related costs, exchange listing costs, and IPO/issuance roadshow related costs.
New Accounting Standards
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The ASU modifies, removes, and adds several disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The ASU 2018-13 is effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of ASU 2018-13. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of ASU 2018-13 and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The Company is evaluating the effect ASU 2018-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures and has not yet determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting at this time.
NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS
On December 20, 2018 (the “Closing”), the Company, and its newly organized wholly-owned subsidiaries AcqCo, LLC and cbdMD LLC, both North Carolina limited liability companies, completed a two-step merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Cure Based Development. The Merger Agreement provided that AcqCo LLC merged with and into Cure Based Development with Cure Based Development as the surviving entity (the “Merger”), and immediately thereafter Cure Based Development merged with and into cbdMD LLC with cbdMD LLC as the surviving entity (the “Secondary Merger” and collectively with the Merger, the “Mergers”). cbdMD LLC was renamed on April 10, 2019 to CBDI and has continued as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and maintains the operations of Cure Based Development pre-closing. As consideration for the Merger, the Company had a contractual obligation, after approval by our shareholders, to issue 15,250,000 shares of our common stock to the members of Cure Based Development, of which unrestricted voting rights to 8,750,000 of the shares vest over a five year period and are subject to a voting proxy agreement. The Merger Agreement also provides that an additional 15,250,000 shares of our common stock can be issued upon the satisfaction of aggregate net revenue criteria by CBDI, within 60 months following the Closing. The net revenue criteria are: $20.0, $40.0, $80.0 and $160.0 million, in aggregate $300.0 million (See Note 8 for more information).
The initial 15,250,000 shares were approved by our shareholders and issued on April 19, 2019. On February 27, 2020, 5,127,792 shares were issued upon satisfaction of aggregate net revenue criteria per the Merger Agreement.
The Company owns 100% of the equity interest of CBDI. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Mergers was finalized at September 30, 2019.
F-17
The following table presents the final purchase price allocation:

Consideration | $74,353,483
Assets acquired: |
Cash and cash equivalents | $1,822,331
Accounts receivable | 850,921
Inventory | 1,054,926
Other current assets | 38,745
Property and equipment, net | 723,223
Intangible assets | 21,585,000
Goodwill | 54,669,997
Total assets acquired | 80,745,143
Liabilities assumed: |
Accounts payable | 257,081
Notes payable – related party | 764,300
Customer deposits - related party | 265,000
Accrued expenses | 460,979
Deferred tax liability | 4,644,300
Total Liabilities assumed | 6,391,660
Net Assets Acquired | $74,353,483

The goodwill generated from this transaction can be attributed to the benefits the Company expects to realize from the growth strategies the acquired Company had developed and the entry into an emerging market with high growth potential. See Note 8 regarding contingent liability.
In connection with the purchase price allocation, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $4,644,000, with a corresponding increase to goodwill. The deferred tax liability established upon the Merger was mainly related to the tax effect of the acquired intangible assets from Cure Base Development as there will be no future tax deductions related to the acquired intangibles, and we have identified these as indefinite-lived intangible assets.
The Company also acquired estimated net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,996,000, Under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 382, the use of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards may be limited to an annual limit if a change in ownership of a company occurs. The company has recently determined that an ownership change has occurred, and the annual Section 382 limit related to these NOLs is $0 - (See Note 17 for more information).
NOTE 3 – MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT OTHER SECURITIES
The Company has, from time to time, entered into contracts where a portion of the consideration provided by the customer in exchange for the Company's services was common stock, options or warrants (an equity position). In these situations, upon invoicing the customer for the stock or other instruments, the Company recorded the receivable as accounts receivable other, and used the value of the stock or other instrument upon invoicing to determine the value. If there is insufficient data to support the valuation of the security directly, the Company will value it, and the underlying revenue, on the estimated fair value of the services provided. Where an accounts receivable other is settled with the receipt of the common stock or other instrument, the common stock or other instrument was classified as an asset on the balance sheet as either an investment marketable security (when the customer is a public entity) or as an investment other security (when the customer is a privately held entity).
F-18
On December 30, 2017 the Company entered into an Agreement with Isodiol which is a developer of pharmaceutical grade phytochemical compounds and a manufacturer and developer of phytoceutical consumer products. As payment for these services, the Company has received 1,226,435 shares of Isodiol common stock between December 31, 2017 and January 2019. The Company also received 38,095 shares of Isodiol stock upon Isodiol’s acquisition of Kure Corp, giving the Company a total of 1,264,530 shares. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had 1,042,193 shares valued at $26,472 and $198,538, respectively.
In September 2020, the Company purchased a membership interest in Adara Sponsor LLC for $250,000, which along with proceeds from other investors was utilized as an investment in Adara Acquisition Corporation (“Adara”), a newly organized blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination. The Company has the right to purchase an additional $750,000 of membership interest in Adara Sponsor LLC. The investment in Adara is part of a planned initial public offering and Adara intends to list on the NYSE American once completed. The focus of targets to pursue for the business combination are expected to be in the consumer products industry including business in the health and wellness, ecommerce, discretionary spending, information technology sectors and related channels of distribution. The Company has classified this investment as Level 3 for fair value measurement purposes as there are no observable inputs. In valuing the investment, the Company used the value paid, which was the price offered to all third party investors.
The table below summarizes the assets valued at fair value as of September 30, 2020:

| In Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total Fair Value at September 30, 2020
Marketable securities | $26,472 | - | $- | $26,472
Investment other securities | - | - | $250,000 | $250,000

| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total
Balance at September 30, 2018 | $1,050,961 | $- | $1,159,112 | $2,210,073
Receipt of equity investment upon completion of services | $470,000 | $- | $- | $470,000
Transfer from AR Other | $1,500,000 | $- | $- | $1,500,000
Sale of equities | $(382,428) | $- | $- | $(382,428)
Change in value of equities, | $(2,439,995) | $- | $(559,112) | $(2,999,107)
Balance at September 30, 2019 | $198,538 | $- | $600,000 | $798,538
Change in value of equities | $(172,066) | $- | $(600,000) | $(772,066)
Purchase of Investment | $- | $- | $250,000 | $250,000
Balance at September 30, 2020 | $26,472 | $- | $250,000 | $276,472

F-19
NOTE 4 – INVENTORY
Inventory at September 30, 2020 and 2019 consists of the following:

| September 30, | September 30,
| 2020 | 2019
Finished goods | $2,706,518 | $3,050,120
Inventory components | 1,982,021 | 1,251,466
Inventory reserve | (85,179) | -
Inventory prepaid | 288,178 | 903,458
Total | $4,891,538 | $5,205,044

Abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, scrap, and wasted material (spoilage) are expensed in the period they are incurred, and an inventory reserve has been established for this purpose. For fiscal 2020 the Company wrote off approximately $1,703,000 of inventory due to scrap, discontinued product, and net realizable value adjustments as compared to approximately $376,000 for fiscal 2019. During the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred a one-time abnormal charge of $233,372 and $0, respectively due to the scrapping of certain inventory during the period. This charge was recorded in Operating Expense.
NOTE 5 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Major classes of property and equipment at September 30, 2020 and 2019 consist of the following:

| September 30, | September 30,
| 2020 | 2019
Computers, furniture and equipment | $365,638 | $131,077
Manufacturing equipment | 2,873,598 | 1,375,986
Leasehold improvements | 832,465 | 375,954
Automobiles | 24,892 | 24,892
| 4,096,594 | 1,907,909
Less accumulated depreciation | (913,106) | (192,352)
Total Net property and equipment | $3,183,487 | $1,715,557

Depreciation expense for continuing operations related to property and equipment was $720,755 and $187,987 for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Depreciation expense for discontinued operations related to property and equipment was $9,861 for the year ended September 30, 2019.
NOTE 6 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS
On December 20, 2018, the Company completed the Mergers with Cure Based Development and acquired certain assets, including the trademark "cbdMD" and its variants and certain other intellectual property. The trademark is the cornerstone of this subsidiary and is key as we create and distribute products and continue to build this brand. We believe the trademark does not have limits on the time it will contribute to the generation of cash flows and therefore we have identified these as indefinite-lived intangible assets (see Note 2 for more information).
In September 2019, the Company purchased the rights to the trademark name HempMD for $50,000. This trademark will be used in the marketing and branding of certain products to be released under this brand name. We believe the trademark does not have limits on the time it will contribute to the generation of cash flows and therefore we have identified these as indefinite-lived intangible assets.
F-20
Intangible assets as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

| September 30, | September 30,
| 2020 | 2019
Trademark related to cbdMD | $21,585,000 | $21,585,000
Trademark for HempMD | 50,000 | 50,000
Total | 21,635,000 | 21,635,000

The Company performs an impairment analysis at August 1 annually on the indefinite-lived intangible assets following the guidance in ASC 350-30-35-18. Fair value referenced here is determined using the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 820. Our annual impairment analysis includes a qualitative assessment to determine if it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. In performing a qualitative assessment, we review events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine if the fair value is less than the carrying value of the intangible assets. In addition, intangible assets will be tested on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred and the Company evaluates the indefinite-lived intangible assets each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. All assets related to the discontinued operations were impaired at September 30, 2019 – see Note 16 for impairments related to discontinued operations.
In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the impact of volatility resulting in a downturn in general business conditions, we have assessed the current environment, business operations and reviewed various items including those listed below to determine whether the current circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment has been incurred to an indefinite lived intangible asset:
●
Our current business revenue has not declined;
●
Our supply chains have not been impacted;
●
Our workforce has been able to successfully conduct business, manufacture products and service our customers;
●
We have not had an impact on customer payments for products;
●
The business has continued to exceed internal projections;
●
Our market capitalization has not declined during COVID-19; and
●
Finally, we assessed the current state of COVID-19. As this is a relatively new development, approximately six months old, we do not believe there is enough information to determine the overall long term impact on business, the economy and the market,
The Company performed a qualitative and quantitative analysis for the year ended September 30, 2020 and has determined there has been no impairment.
F-21
NOTE 7 – PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The following unaudited pro-forma data summarizes the results of operations for the year ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, as if the Mergers with Cure Based Development had been completed on October 1, 2017. The pro-forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the Mergers had taken place on October 1, 2017. The pro-forma financial information represents the continuing operations only.

| Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2020 | Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019
Net sales | $N/A* | $26,734,979
Operating income (loss) | $N/A* | $(15,997,942)
Net income (loss) | $N/A* | $(51,687,603)
Net income per share – average weighted shares | $N/A* | $(1.86)
Net income per share – fully diluted | $N/A* | $(1.86)

* All entities were consolidated effective December 20, 2018 therefore, the results of operations are included in these consolidated financial statements.
For the per share calculation prior to April 2019, it is being assumed that the shares to be issued contractually under the Merger Agreement, upon shareholder approval, were issued at the beginning of each period. This would account for an additional 6,500,000 shares issued directly to the members of Cure Based Development and another 8,750,000 shares issued which would have a voting proxy and leak out on voting rights over a 5 year period.
NOTE 8 – CONTINGENT LIABILITY
As consideration for the Mergers, described in Note 2, the Company has a contractual obligation to issue 15,250,000 shares of our common stock, after approval by our shareholders, to the members of Cure Based Development, issued in two tranches 6,500,000 and 8,750,000, both of which are subject to leak out provisions, and the 8,750,000 tranche of shares will also vest over a five year period and are subject to a voting proxy agreement. The Merger Agreement also provides that an additional 15,250,000 shares of our common stock can be issued upon the satisfaction of certain aggregate net revenue criteria by cbdMD within 60 months following the Closing Date (“earn out”).
The contractual obligations and earn out provision are accounted for as a contingent liability and fair value is determined using Level 3 inputs, as estimating the fair value of these contingent liabilities require the use of significant and subjective inputs that may and are likely to change over the duration of the liabilities with related changes in internal and external market factors.
The initial two tranches totaling 15,250,000 shares were valued using a market approach method and included the use of the following inputs: share price upon contractual obligation, discount for lack of marketability to address leak out restrictions, and probability of shareholder disapproval. In addition, the 8,750,000 shares in the second tranche also included an input for a discount for lack of voting rights during the vest periods.
The Merger Agreement also provides that an additional 15,250,000 shares (Earnout Shares) would be issued as part of the consideration for the Mergers, upon the satisfaction of certain aggregate net revenue criteria by cbdMD within 60 months following the Closing Date as follows, as measured at four intervals (Marking Period): the completion of 12, 24, 42, and 59 calendar months from the Closing Date, and based upon the ratios set forth below:

Aggregate Net Revenues |  | Shares Issued / Each $ of Aggregate Net Revenue Ratio
$1 - $20,000,000 |  | .190625
$20,000,001 - $60,000,000 |  | .0953125
$60,000,001 - $140,000,000 |  | .04765625
$140,000,001 - $300,000,000 |  | .023828125

F-22
For clarification purposes, the Aggregate Net Revenues during a Marking Period shall be multiplied by the applicable Shares Issued/Each $ of Aggregate Net Revenue Ratio, minus, the number of shares issued as a result of Aggregate Net Revenues during the prior Marking Periods.
The initial 15,250,000 shares and the Earnout Shares were approved by our shareholders. The initial shares were issued upon shareholder approval on April 19, 2019 and had a carrying value of $53,215,163. Additionally, as the 15,250,000 initial shares were issued, the value of the shares in the amount of $53,215,163 was reclassified from the contingent liability to additional paid in capital on the balance sheet. In addition, the first marking period for the Earnout Shares was December 31, 2019 and based on measurement criteria, 5,127,792 shares were issued on February 27, 2020 and had a value of $4,620,000 which was reclassified from the contingent liability to additional paid in capital on the balance sheet.
The Earnout Shares were valued at $16,200,000 on September 30, 2020 as compared to $50,600,000 at September 30, 2019. The decrease in value of the contingent liability of $34,400,000 is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2020 and represents the change in value of the Earnout Shares of $29,780,000 and the change in value in the previously issued earnout shares recorded until issuance of $4,620,000. The Company utilized both a market approach and a Monte Carlo simulation in valuing the contingent liability and a key input in both of those methods is the stock price. The main driver of the change in the value of the Earnout Shares within the contingent liability was the decrease of the Company’s stock price, which was $2.00 at September 30, 2020 as compared to $3.96 on September 30, 2019.
NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On December 20, 2018, with the closing of the Merger Agreement with Cure Based Development, we recognized the following related party transactions which happened prior to the Mergers:
Cure Based Development received $90,000 from Verdure Holdings LLC for future orders of the Company’s products. Verdure Holdings LLC is an affiliate of the CEO of Cure Based Development. This amount has been adjusted based on sales to Verdure Holdings subsequent to the mergers and is recorded at September 30, 2020 and 2019 as customer deposits - related party on the accompanying balance sheet of $0 and $7,339, respectively;
Cure Based Development entered a lease for office space, which also provides administrative and IT services, from an affiliate of the CEO of Cure Based Development. The lease was a month to month lease for $9,166 per month and ended September 2019; and
Cure Based Development leases its manufacturing facility from an entity partially owned by an individual who has a contractual right to receive shares of the Company as part of the Mergers. The current lease was entered into on December 15, 2018 and ends December 15, 2021 and has been amended at an annual base rent rate of $199,200 allowing for a 3% annual increase. In addition, common area maintenance rent is set at $25,200 annually. For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we had rent expense of approximately $260,508 and $152,300, respectively.
NOTE 10 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock – We are authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. In October 2019, the Company designated 5,000,000 of these shares as 8.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Our 8.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ranks senior to our common stock for liquidation or dividend provisions and holders are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 8.0% payable monthly in arrears for the prior month. The Company reviewed ASC 480 – Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity in order to determine the appropriate accounting treatment for the preferred stock and determined that the preferred stock should be treated as equity. There were 500,000 shares of 8.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020.
The total amount of dividends declared and paid were $366,850 and $0 for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Common Stock – We are authorized to issue 150,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. There were 52,130,870 and 27,720,356 shares of common stock issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Preferred stock transactions:
Fiscal 2020:
On October 16, 2019, the Company completed a follow-on firm commitment underwritten public offering of 500,000 shares of its 8.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $5,000,000. The Company received approximately $4.5 million in gross proceeds after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions. The Company also issued to the selling agent warrants to purchase in aggregate 47,923 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $3.9125. The warrants were valued at $178,513 and expire on October 10, 2024.
F-23
Fiscal 2019:
No preferred stock was issued in fiscal 2019.
Common stock transactions:
Fiscal 2020:
On January 14, 2020, the Company completed a follow-on firm commitment underwritten public offering of 18,400,000 shares of its common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $18,400,000. The Company received approximately $16.9 million in net proceeds after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions. The Company also issued to the representative of the underwriters warrants to purchase in aggregate 480,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.25. The warrants were valued at $345,600 and expire on January 14, 2025.
In February 2020, we issued 25,000 shares of our common stock to an investor relations firm for services. The shares were valued at $28,250, based on the trading price upon issuance, and is being amortized and expensed as professional services over the service period ending January 2021.
In February 2020, we issued 5,000 shares of our common stock to an employee. The shares were valued at $5,650, based on the trading price upon issuance, and was expensed as stock based compensation expense.
In June 2020, we issued 10,000 shares of our common stock, which were granted as restricted stock awards in June 2019 to an athletic sponsor. The restricted stock awards vested on June 30, 2020. The shares were valued at fair market value upon issuance at $56,200 and amortized upon vesting at June 30, 2020 and expensed as sponsorship expense.
In July 2020, we issued 60,000 shares of our common stock to an investment banking firm for general financial advisory services. The shares were valued at $114,600, based on the trading price upon issuance, and is being amortized and expensed as professional services over the service period ending June 2021.
In July 2020, we issued 700,000 shares of our common stock to a company as part of an athletic endorsement agreement. The shares were valued at fair market value upon issuance at $1,337,000 and are amortized per the contract ending December 2022 and expensed as sponsorship expense.
In August 2020, we issued 25,222 shares of our common stock upon cashless exercise of 37,344 placement warrants previously granted to an investment banking firm and its affiliates.
Fiscal 2019:
On October 2, 2018, the Company completed a secondary public offering of 1,971,428 shares of its common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $6.9 million. The Company received approximately $6.3 million in net proceeds after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses payable by us. The Company also issued to the representative of the underwriters warrants to purchase in aggregate 51,429 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $4.375. The warrants were valued at $86,092 and expire on September 28, 2023.
In January 2019, we issued 25,000 shares of our common stock to an investment banking firm for general financial advisory services. The shares were valued at $77,250, based on the trading price upon issuance, and is being amortized and expensed as professional services over the service period ending December 2019.
In January 2019, we issued 50,000 shares of our common stock to an investment banking firm for general advisory and investment bank services. The shares were valued at $212,500, based on the trading price upon issuance, and is being amortized and expensed as professional services over the service period ending April 2020.
F-24
In April 2019, we issued 15,250,000 shares or our common stock as consideration for the Mergers with Cure Based Development, of which 8,750,000 of the shares will vest over a five year period and are subject to a voting proxy agreement.
In May 2019, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 2,300,000 shares of its common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $13.8 million. The Company received approximately $12.5 million in net proceeds after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses payable by us. The Company also issued to the representative of the underwriters warrants to purchase in aggregate 60,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $7.50. The warrants were valued at $223,500 and expire on May 15, 2024.
Stock option transactions:
Fiscal 2020:
In December 2019, we granted an aggregate of 280,000 common stock options to two executives. The options vest 1/3 on January 1, 2020, 1/3 on January 1, 2021 and 1/3 on January 1, 2022, have an exercise price of $3.15 per share and a term of five years. We have recorded an expense for the options of $405,396 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
In February 2020, we granted an aggregate of 30,000 common stock options to an employee. The options vest 1/3 at grant, 1/3 on February 7, 2021, and 1/3 on February 7, 2022, have an exercise price of $3.15 per share and a term of five years. We have recorded an expense for the options of $10,100 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
In May 2020, we granted per the annual board compensation plan, an aggregate of 80,000 common stock options to four independent directors and are expensed over the annual board term. The options vest immediately, have an exercise price of $1.57 per share and a term of ten years. We have recorded an expense for the options of $58,040 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
In September 2020, we granted an aggregate of 300,000 common stock options to an employee as part of a severance agreement. The options vest immediately, have an exercise price of $2.60 per share and a term of three years. We have recorded an expense for the options of $273,600 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
Fiscal 2019:
In August 2019 we granted per the annual board compensation plan, 20,000 common stock options to one non-management director. The options vest immediately, have an exercise price of $5.41 per share and a term of ten years. We have recorded an expense for the options of $83,920 and $0 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
In May 2019 we granted per the annual board compensation plan, an aggregate of 120,000 common stock options to six independent directors. The options vest immediately, have an exercise price of $5.41 per share and a term of ten years. We have recorded an expense for the options of $562,440 and $0 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
In May 2019 we granted an aggregate of 610,000 common stock options to twelve employees. The options vary in amounts issued and vesting tiers, which include no vesting with an exercise price of $6.40, vesting at May 15, 2020 with an exercise price of $7.00, vesting at May 15, 2021 with an exercise price of $7.50, and vesting at May 15, 2022 with an exercise price of $7.50. The options have a term of ten years. We have recorded an expense for the options of $1,642,530 and $1,095,018 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
The expected volatility rate was estimated based on comparison to the volatility of a peer group of companies in the similar industry. The expected term used was the full term of the contract for the issuances. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on U.S. Treasury securities. The pre-vesting forfeiture rate of zero is based upon the experience of the Company. As required under ASC 718, we will adjust the estimated forfeiture rate to our actual experience. Management will continue to assess the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate estimated fair value of share-based compensation. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies, and thereby materially impact our fair value determination.
The following table summarizes the inputs used for the Black-Scholes pricing model on the options issued in the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

| 2020 | 2019
Exercise price | $1.57-3.15 | $5.41-7.50
Risk free interest rate | 0.16-1.64% | 2.41-2.47%
Volatility | 95.96-111.31% | 89.60-90.68%
Expected term | 3-10 years | 10 years
Dividend yield | None | None

F-25
Warrant transactions:
Fiscal 2020:
In October 2019 in relation to the follow-on firm commitment underwritten public offering of the 8.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, we issued to the representative of the underwriters warrants to purchase in aggregate 47,923 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $3.9125. The warrants expire on October 10, 2024.
In January 2020 in relation to the follow-on firm commitment underwritten public offering of the Company’s common stock, we issued to the representative of the underwriters warrants to purchase in aggregate 480,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.25. The warrants expire on January 14, 2025.
Fiscal 2019:
On October 2, 2018 in relation to the secondary public offering, we issued to the representative of the underwriters warrants to purchase in aggregate 51,429 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $4.375. The warrants expire on September 28, 2023.
In May 2019 in relation to the secondary public offering, we issued to the representative of the underwriters warrants to purchase in aggregate 60,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $7.50. The warrants expire on May 15, 2024.
The following table summarizes the inputs used for the Black-Scholes pricing model on the warrants issued in the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

| 2020 | 2019
Exercise price | $1.25-3.9125 | $4.375-7.50
Risk free interest rate | 1.48-1.63% | 2.15-2.90%
Volatility | 95.36-96.85% | 70.61-75.03%
Expected term | 5 years | 5 years
Dividend yield | None | None

NOTE 11 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Equity Compensation Plan – On June 2, 2015, the Company’s board of directors approved the 2015 Equity Compensation Plan (“Plan”). The Plan made 1,175,000 common stock shares, either unissued or reacquired by the Company, available for awards of options, restricted stock, other stock grants, or any combination thereof. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Plan shall automatically increase on the first trading day of January each calendar year during the term of the Plan, beginning with calendar year 2016, by an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on the last trading day in December of the immediately preceding calendar year, but in no event shall any such annual increase exceed 100,000 shares of common stock. Effective September 30, 2019, the adjustment date was changed to October 1 st of each year based on total number of shares outstanding on September 30 of each year. On April 19, 2019, shareholders approved an amendment to the Plan and increased the amount of shares available for issuance under the Plan to 2,000,000 and retained the annual evergreen increase provision of the Plan.
We account for stock-based compensation using the provisions of ASC 718. ASC 718 codification requires companies to recognize the fair value of stock-based compensation expense in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the options. We have only awarded stock options since December 2015. All options are approved by the Compensation Nominating and Governance Committee of the board of directors. Restricted stock awards that vest in accordance with service conditions are amortized over their applicable vesting period using the straight-line method. The fair value of our stock option awards or modifications is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Eligible recipients include employees, officers, directors and consultants who are deemed to have rendered or to be able to render significant services to the Company or its subsidiaries and who are deemed to have contributed or to have the potential to contribute to the success of the Company. Options granted generally have a five to ten year term and have vesting terms that cover one to three years from the date of grant. Certain of the stock options granted under the plan have been granted pursuant to various stock option agreements. Each stock option agreement contains specific terms.
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Stock Options – The Company currently has awards outstanding with service conditions and graded-vesting features. We recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
The fair value of each time-based award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Our weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model for equity awards with time-based vesting provisions granted during the year.
The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Plan for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

| Number of shares | Weighted-average exercise price | Weighted-average remaining contractual term(in years) | Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 | 469,650 | $5.13 |  |
Granted | 750,000 | 6.66 |  |
Exercised | - | - |  |
Forfeited | - | - |  |
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 | 1,219,650 | 6.07 |  |
Granted | 690,000 | 2.73 |  |
Exercised | - | - |  |
Forfeited | 159,650 | 6.90 |  |
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 | 1,750,000 | $4.68 | 6.01 | $—
Exercisable at September 30, 2020 | 1,358,334 | $4.54 | 5.92 | $—

We recognized $1,900,194 and $2,458,530 of non-cash stock option expense for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, there was approximately $669,760 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options which vest over a period of approximately 1.6 years.
Restricted Stock Award transactions:
In May 2019 the Company issued 57,500 restricted stock awards in aggregate to eleven employees. The restricted stock awards vested January 1, 2020. The stock awards were valued at fair market upon issuance at $368,000 and amortized over the vesting period.
We recognized $138,000 and $230,000 of stock based compensation expense for the restricted stock awards for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
In June 2019, the Company issued 10,000 restricted stock awards to a company sponsor. The restricted stock awards vested June 30, 2020. The stock awards were valued at fair market upon issuance at $56,200 and amortized over the vesting period and were expensed to sponsorship expense.
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NOTE 12 – WARRANTS
Transactions involving our equity-classified warrants for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows:

| Number of shares | Weighted-average exercise price | Weighted- average remaining contractual term (in years) | Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 | 312,176 | $6.84 |  |
Issued | 111,429 | 6.06 |  |
Exercised | - | - |  |
Forfeited | - | - |  |
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 | 423,605 | 6.64 |  |
Issued | 527,923 | 1.49 |  |
Exercised | (37,344) | 1.25 |  |
Forfeited | — | — |  |
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 | 914,184 | $3.88 | 3.23 | $—
Exercisable at September 30, 2020 | 914,184 | $3.88 | 3.23 | $—

The following table summarizes outstanding common stock purchase warrants as of September 30, 2020:

| Number of shares | Weighted-average exercise price | Expiration
Exercisable at $7.80 per share | 141,676 | $7.80 | September 2021
Exercisable at $4.00 per share | 70,500 | $4.00 | September 2022
Exercisable at $7.50 per share | 100,000 | $7.50 | October 2022
Exercisable at $4.375 per share | 51,429 | $4.375 | September 2023
Exercisable at $7.50 per share | 60,000 | $7.50 | May 2024
Exercisable at $3.9125 per share | 47,923 | $3.9125 | October 2024
Exercisable at $1.25 per share | 442,656 | $1.25 | January 2025
| 914,184 | 3.89 |

NOTE 13 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In May 2019, the Company entered into an endorsement agreement with a professional athlete. The term of the agreement is through December 31, 2022 and is tied to performance of the athlete in a number of annual professional events, and also includes promotion of the Company via social media, wearing of logo during competition, provide production days for advertising creation and attend meet and greets. The potential payments, if all services are provided, in aggregate is $4,900,000 and is paid based on the services above for the period ending: December 2019 - $400,000, December 2020 - $800,000, December 2021 - $1,800,000, and December 2022 - $1,900,000. In light of the impact of COVID-19 on events, we mutually agreed to suspend payments at minimum from March 2020 until June 2020. Effective July 1, 2020, the parties entered into a new endorsement agreement with the professional athlete amending certain of the contract terms which superseded the original agreement. Under the current endorsement agreement potential payments to the professional athlete are as follows from July 2020 to December 2022 – up to $2,867,000 to be paid in common stock in three issuances, based on a Volume Weighed Average Price (“VWAP”) calculation, of which the last two issuances can be paid in cash at the Company’s option – 700,000 shares valued at $1,337,000 were issued on July 1, 2020, $800,000 paid between July 2021 and December 2021, and $667,000 paid between July 2022 and December 2022. In addition the Company will make monthly cash payments as follows from: July 2020 to December 2020 - $40,000, from January 2021 to June 2021 - $50,000, from July 2021 to December 2021 - $75,000, from January 2022 to June 2022 - $85,000, and from July 2022 to December 2022 - $100,000. We recorded sponsorship expense of $577,034 and $150,000 for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, to sponsorships.
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In September 2019, the Company entered into a sponsorship agreement with Life Time, Inc, an operator of fitness clubs, facilities and events. The term of the agreement is through December 31, 2022 and is tied to the Company being the exclusive CBD company and performance of Life Time Inc. regarding advertisement, marketing and display within facilities and at identified events. The potential payments, if all commitments are met, in aggregate is $4,900,000 and is to be paid for the period ending: December 2019 - $1,125,555, December 2020 - $1,258,148, December 2021 - $1,258,148 and December 2022 - $1,258,149. In light of the impact of COVID-19 on the operation of fitness clubs, facilities and events, we had mutually agreed to suspend payments and will determine if a contract amendment is warranted based on the opening of Life Time Inc. facilities and decisions on Life Time Inc. hosted events. We recorded sponsorship expense of $1,323,000 and $160,555 for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
In October 2019, the Company entered into a sponsorship agreement with Feld Motor Sports to be an official sponsor of the Monster Energy Cup events through 2021, the United States AMA Supercross and FIM World Championship events through 2021, and US Supercross Futures event through 2021. The sponsorship includes various media, marketing, and promotion activities. The payments in aggregate are $1,750,000 and is to be paid for the period ending: December 2019 - $150,000, December 2020 - $800,000 and December 2021 - $800,000. In light of the impact of COVID-19 on the events, we have provided notice of termination for the entire agreement and have agreed to make three monthly payments of $77,430 from April 2020 to June 2020 for services provided in the quarter ending March 31, 2020. We have recorded expense of $666,831 and $0 for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
NOTE 14 – NOTE PAYABLE
In July 2019, we entered into a loan arrangement for $249,100 for a line of equipment (“Equipment Loan 1”), of which $147,317 and $194,466 are a long term note payable at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in Long term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Payments are for 60 months and have a financing rate of 7.01 %, which requires a monthly payment of $4,905. In January 2020, we entered into a loan arrangement for $35,660 for equipment (Equipment Loan 2”), of which $21,138 is a long term note payable at September 30, 2020 and is included in Long term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Payments are for 48 months and have a financing rate of 6.2%, which requires a monthly payment of $841.
Future Loan payment schedule:

Note Payable | Total Loan Balance | Fiscal 2021 | Fiscal 2022 | Fiscal 2023 | Fiscal 2024
Equipment Loan 1 | $194,438 | $47,148 | $50,437 | $53,956 | $42,897
Equipment Loan 2 | $29,624 | $8,491 | $9,032 | $9,609 | $2,492

NOTE 15 – LONG TERM LIABILITIES
In April 2020, we applied for an unsecured loan pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) administered by the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) and authorized by the Keeping American Workers Employed and Paid Act, which is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). Section 1106 of the Act provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount of qualifying loans guaranteed under the Paycheck Protection Program. On April 27, 2020, we received the loan from Truist Bank (the “Lender”) in the principal amount of $1,456,100 (the “SBA Loan”). The SBA Loan is evidenced by a promissory note issued by us (the “Note”) to the Lender.
The term of the Note is two years, though it may be payable sooner in connection with an event of default under the Note. The SBA Loan carries a fixed interest rate of one percent per year, with the first payment due seven months from the date of initial cash receipt. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 we accrued interest expense of $6,343 related to the SBA Loan and this is recorded in accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2020.
Under the CARES Act and the PPP, certain amounts of loans made under the PPP may be forgiven if the recipients use the loan proceeds for eligible purposes, including payroll costs and certain rent or utility costs, and meet other requirements regarding, among other things, the maintenance of employment and compensation levels. We intend to use the SBA Loan for qualifying expenses and to apply for forgiveness of the SBA Loan in accordance with the terms of the CARES Act.
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The Note provides for customary events of default, including, among others, those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, materially false or misleading representations to the Lender or the SBA, and adverse changes in our financial condition or business operations that the Lender believes may materially affect our ability to pay the SBA Loan.
PPP Loan payment schedule if not forgiven:

| Total Loan Balance | Fiscal 2021 | Fiscal 2022
SBA Loan | $1,456,100 | $854,000 | $602,100

In June 2020, the Company entered into a separation agreement with its President. On September 16, 2020, the Company agreed to a separation agreement with its CFO whereby the Company agreed to pay compensation and benefits through December 31, 2021 and the CFO agreed to provide ongoing transition services through February 2021. Included in Long Term liabilities is $95,911 and in accrued expense is $393,469 related to these separation agreements
NOTE 16 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Effective September 30, 2019, the Company ceased operations of four business subsidiaries: EE1, IM1, BPU and Level H&W. These subsidiaries accounted for our licensing, entertainment, and products segments prior to fiscal 2019 and the Company determined that these business units were not able to provide support or value to the CBD business, which the Company is now strategically focused on.
Therefore, the Company has classified the operating results of these subsidiaries as discontinued operations, net of tax in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table shows the summary operating results of the discontinued operations for the years ended:

| September 30, | September 30,
| 2020 | 2019
Gross Sales | $- | $888,254
Allowances | - | (12,129)
Total Net Sales | - | 876,126
Costs of sales | - | 604,714
Gross profit | - | 271,412
Operating expenses | 3,200 | 539,581
Income (loss) from operations | (3,200) | (268,169)
Other income | - | 20,000
Realized and Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities | - | (2,337,280)
Impairment on discontinued operations | (45,783) | (3,398,450)
Loss on disposal of property | - | (39,015)
Interest income (expense) | - | 29,141
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes | (48,983) | (5,993,773)
Provision for income taxes | - | 66,000
Net Income (loss) | (48,983) | (5,927,773)
Net Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | $- | $(929,323)

F-30
The following table shows the summary assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.

| 2020 | 2019
Assets |  |
Current assets: |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $- | $-
Accounts receivable | 447,134 | 1,080,000
Total current assets included as part of discontinued operations | 447,134 | 1,080,000
Other assets: |  |
Total other assets included as part of discontinued operations | - | -
Total assets included as part of discontinued operations | $447,134 | $1,080,000

Liabilities |  |
Current liabilities: |  |
Accounts payable | $- | $-
Total current liabilities included as part of discontinued operations | - | -
Long term liabilities |  |
Total long term liabilities included as part of discontinued operations | - | -
Total liabilities included as part of discontinued operations | $- | $-

The following table shows the significant cash flow items from discontinued operations for the years ended September 30,:

| 2020 | 2019
Depreciation/ amortization | $- | $22,199
Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on securities expenditures | $- | $2,337,280
Impairment on discontinued operations assets | $45,783 | $762,629
Impairment on intangibles | $- | $2,635,821
Non cash consideration received for services | $- | $(470,000)

On June 26, 2018 the Company entered into an Agreement with Boston Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC: BTHE), a pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of novel compounds to address unmet medical needs in diabetes. The agreement involved a licensing agreement and required the Company to create IP for a branding / marketing campaign. As payment for these services, Boston Therapeutics agreed to pay $850,000, of which $450,000 was issued as a note due no later than December 31, 2019 and $400,000 to be paid thru the issuance of BTI common stock based on the trading price at the agreement date ($0.075). As the stock has not been issued this is recorded as an other accounts receivable. In June 2019 the Company began the arbitration process to collect amounts owed and at September 30, 2019 determined the amounts were not collectible and recorded an impairment for the carrying value of $53,333 for the other accounts receivable and $450,000 for the note receivable.
F-31
Effective September 30, 2019, the Company ceased operations of four business subsidiaries: EE1, IM1, BPU and Level H&W. Level H&W had an intangible asset with a carrying value of $958,065 which the Company recorded an impairment charge at September 30, 2019 for the full value of $958,065. Previously in fiscal 2019, impairments on intangible assets in the subsidiaries included $971,667 in IM1, $471,667 in EE1, and $234,422. In addition, for all subsidiaries, we had an aggregate impairment on discontinued assets: accounts receivable, note receivable, and investment other security and property and equipment of $762,629.
At September 30, 2019, EE1 had an accounts receivable for prior services delivered to two customers in aggregate of $1,080,000 of which $1,000,000 was from a related party at the time. At September 30, 2020 the balance on the accounts receivable is $447,134, which reflects payments made and an impairment of $45,783. At March 31, 2020, one customer has breached their formal agreement on payments and on April 29, 2020, the Company filed a lawsuit for collection of this amount and legal fees. On October 16, 2020, the account receivable balance for this customer of $416,666 was paid in full.
As two of the subsidiaries, EE1 and IM1, had minority interests (non-controlling interests) and all parties agreed to transfer the non-controlling interest to the Company, we have reclassified the non-controlling interest balance of $(482,648) to additional paid in capital as of September 30, 2019.
NOTE 17 – INCOME TAXES
The Company generated operating losses for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 on which it has recognized a full valuation allowance. The Company accounts for its state franchise and minimum taxes as a component of its general and administrative expenses.
The following table presents the components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations for the periods presented:

| Years Ended September 30,
| 2020 | 2019
Current |  |
Federal | $— | $—
State | — | —
Total current | — | —
Deferred |  |
Federal | (1,345,300) | (2,359,000)
State | - | -
Total deferred | (1,345,300) | (2,359,000)
Total provision | $(1,345,300) | $(2,359,000)

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate is as follows:

| Years Ended September 30,
| 2020 | 2019
Federal statutory income tax rate | 21.0% | 21.0%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit | (1.1) | (1.2)
Permanent differences | 3.1 | (1.0)
Contingent derivative expense | (55.3) | (14.3)
Limitation on net operating losses | 21.3 | -
Tax impact of non-controlling interest | - | -
Change in valuation allowance | (0.9) | 0.4
Reclassification to discontinued operations | - | -
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes | (11.9)% | 4.9%

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Significant components of the Company's deferred income taxes are shown below:

| Years Ended September 30,
| 2020 | 2019
Deferred tax assets: |  |
Net operating loss carryforwards | $5,914,000 | $4,933,000
Capital loss carryforward | 616,000 | 485,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts | 5,000 | 95,000
Stock compensation | 691,000 | 510,000
Investments | 685,000 | 608,000
Accrued expenses | 444,000 | 66,000
Inventory reserve | 20,000 | 0
Capitalized expenses | 60,000 | 66,000
Charitable contributions | 42,000 | 41,700
Total deferred tax assets | 8,477,000 | 6,804,700
Deferred tax liabilities: |  |
Prepaid expenses | (434,000) | (405,000)
Management fees | 0 | 0
Intangibles | (4,650,000) | (4,604,000)
Fixed assets | (709,000) | (360,000)
Total deferred tax liabilities | (5,793,000) | (5,369,000)
Net deferred tax assets | 2,684,000 | 1,435,700
Valuation allowance | (3,579,000) | (3,676,000)
Net deferred tax liability | $(895,000) | $(2,240,300)

The Company has established a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty that such assets will be realized. The deferred tax liabilities that result from indefinite life intangibles cannot be offset by deferred tax assets. The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets. At such time as it is determined that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realizable, the valuation allowance will be reduced.
Under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 382, the use of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards may be limited if a change in ownership of a company occurs. During the year ending September 30, 2018, the company determined that a change of ownership under IRC Section 382 had occurred during the years ending September 30, 2017 and 2015. As a result of these ownership changes, the pre-ownership change NOL carryforwards would be limited and approximately $2.1 million of such NOLs will expire before being utilized. Therefore, at September 30, 2018 the Company reduced the deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance associated with these NOLs by approximately $0.5 million due to IRC Section 382.
During the year ended September 30, 2020, the Company determined that a change in ownership under IRC had occurred during the year ending September 30, 2019. As a result of these ownership changes, the pre-ownership change NOL carryforwards would be limited and approximately $11.4 million of such NOLs will expire before being utilized. Therefore, at September 30, 2020 the Company reduced the deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance associated with these NOLs by approximately $2.7 million due to IRC Section 382.
The total valuation allowance decreased by $97,000 and increased by $1,359,000 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
At September 30, 2020, the Company has utilizable NOL carryforwards of approximately $25.3 million which for federal purposes will carryforward indefinitely.
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The Company accounts for its state franchise and minimum taxes as a component of its general and administrative expenses.
The Company files income tax returns in the United States, and various state jurisdictions. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as tax expense. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, there are no unrecognized tax benefits, and there are no significant accruals for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits or tax penalties.
The CARES Act, which was enacted on March 27, 2020, includes several significant provisions for corporations, including the usage of net operating losses and payroll benefits. The Company analyzed the provisions of the CARES Act and determined there was no effect on its provision for the year ended September 30, 2020 and will continue to evaluate the impact, if any, the CARES Act may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
On December 20, 2018, the Company completed a two-step merger with Cure Based Development (see Note 2). As a result of the Mergers the Company established as part of the purchase price allocation a net deferred tax liability related to the book-tax basis of certain assets and liabilities of approximately $4.6 million.
The Company has had a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets, with the exception of the deferred tax liabilities that result from indefinite-life intangibles ("naked credits"). The Company has determined that using the general methodology for calculating income taxes during an interim period for the quarter ending December 31, 2019, provided for a wide range of potential annual effective rates. Therefore, the Company has calculated the tax provision on a discrete basis under ASC 740-270-30-36(b) for the quarter ending December 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, and June 30, 2020. Given available information to date and the most probable scenario given the facts and circumstances, management’s expectation is that the Company will generate enough indefinite life deferred tax assets from post-merger NOLs to reduce the naked credits to zero during the year, and continue to record a valuation allowance on remaining DTAs. As a result, the Company decreased the deferred tax liability from $2,240,300 to $0 and a recorded a deferred tax benefit of $2,240,300 for the quarter ending December 31, 2019. The Company recorded $0 income tax provision for the quarter ending March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020. During the quarter ending September 30, 2020 the Company completed a study and determined there was ownership changes under IRC section 382 in the year ending September 30, 2019. These ownership changes under section 382 resulted in a decrease in the amount of indefinite-life deferred tax assets available to offset the indefinite-life deferred tax liabilities and the recognition of $895,000 of naked credits for the quarter.
NOTE 18 – LEASES
On October 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, and all subsequently issued clarifying guidance. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize assets and lease liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leased assets previously classified as operating leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, which permitted entities to record the impact of adoption using a modified retrospective method with any cumulative effect as an adjustment to retained earnings (accumulated deficit) as opposed to restating comparative periods for the effects of applying the new standard. The Company elected this transition approach; therefore, the Company’s prior period reported results are not restated to include the impact of this adoption. We also elected the practical expedient permitted under the transition guidance which permits companies not to reassess prior conclusions on lease identification, historical lease classification and initial direct costs. In connection with the adoption of the new guidance, the Company recognized an operating lease asset for $7,704,109 and operating lease liability of $7,950,803 and a reduction of retained earnings of $13,527 in its balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, with no impact to its results of operations and cash flows. The difference between the leased assets and lease liabilities represents the net position of existing prepaid rent and deferred rent liabilities balance, resulting from historical straight-lining of operating leases, which were effectively reclassified upon adoption to reduce the measurement of the leased assets.
We have lease agreements for our corporate, warehouse and laboratory offices and a truck lease with lease periods expiring between 2021 and 2026. ASC 842 requires the recognition of leasing arrangements on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and liabilities pertaining to the rights and obligations created by the leased assets. We determine whether an arrangement is a lease at inception and classify it as finance or operating. All of our leases are classified as operating leases. Our leases do not contain any residual value guarantees.
Right-of-use lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. Since the interest rate implicit in our lease arrangements is not readily determinable, we determine an incremental borrowing rate for each lease based on the approximate interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar remaining terms and payments as of the lease commencement date to determine the present value of future lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease.
In addition to the monthly base amounts in the lease agreements, the Company is required to pay real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance expenses during the lease terms.
Lease costs on operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and included as a selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
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Components of operating lease costs are summarized as follows:

| Year Ended
| September 30, 2020
Operating lease costs | $1,534,083
Total operating lease costs | $1,534,083

Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases is summarized as follows:

| Year Ended
| September 30, 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities | $1,399,156

As of September 30, 2020, our operating leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 5.7 years and a weighted average discount rate of 4.66%. Future minimum aggregate lease payments under operating leases as of September 30, 2020 are summarized as follows:

For the year ended September 30, |
2021 | $1,469,834
2022 | 1,405,887
2023 | 1,380,204
2024 | 1,421,610
2025 | 1,159,949
Thereafter | 1,372,862
Total future lease payments | 8,210,346
Less interest | (1,041,040)
Total lease liabilities | $7,169,306

Future minimum lease payments (including interest) under non-cancelable operating leases as of September 30, 2019 are summarized as follows:

For the year ended September 30, |
2020 | $1,394,806
2021 | 1,452,434
2022 | 1,392,837
2023 | 1,380,204
2024 | 1,421,610
2025 | 1,159,949
Thereafter | 1,372,862
Total obligations and commitments | $9,574,702

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NOTE 19 – EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the following periods:

| Year Ended
| September 30, 2020 | September 30, 2019
Basic: |  |
Net income (loss) continuing operations | $12,651,255 | $(45,429,776)
Preferred dividends paid | 366,850 | -
Net income (loss) continuing operations adjusted for preferred dividend | 12,284,405 |
Net income (loss) discontinued operations | (48,983) | (4,998,450)
Net income (loss) attributable to cbdMD, Inc. common shareholders | $12,235,422 | $(50,428,226)
Diluted: |  |
Net income (loss) continuing operations | 12,651,255 | -
Net income (loss) discontinued operations | (48,983) | -
Net income (loss) | 12,602,,272 | -
Shares used in computing basic earnings per share | 44,140,360 | 17,887,247
Effect of dilutive securities: |  |
Options | 19,904 | -
Warrants | 177,910 | -
Convertible preferred shares | 833,500 | -
Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share | 45,171,674 | 17,887,247
Earnings (loss) per share Basic: |  |
Continued operations | $0.28 | $(2.54)
Discontinued operations | (0.00) | (0.28)
Basic earnings (loss) per share | $0.28 | $(2.82)
Earnings (loss) per share Diluted: |  |
Continued operations | $0.28 | $-
Discontinued operations | (0.00) | -
Diluted earnings (loss) per share | $0.28 | $-

At the year ended September 30, 2019, 1,643,255 potential shares underlying options and warrants were excluded from the shares used to calculate diluted loss per share as their inclusion would reduce net loss per share, respectively.
F-36
NOTE 20 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has analyzed its operations subsequent to September 30, 2020 to the date these audited consolidated financial statements were issued, and with the rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world and the continuously evolving responses to the pandemic, we have witnessed the significant and growing negative impact of COVID-19 on the global economic and operating environment. We find that the impact of COVID-19 on the Company is unknown at this time and the financial consequences of this situation cause uncertainty as to the future and its effects on the economy and the Company. However, we are monitoring the rapidly evolving situation and its potential impacts on our financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry and workforce.
At March 31, 2020, one customer related to our discontinued operations had breached their formal agreement on payments owed and on April 29, 2020, the Company filed a lawsuit for collection. On October 16, 2020, the lawsuit was settled and the account receivable balance for this customer of $416,666 was paid in full.
Effective November 13, 2020 the Company entered into amendments to the employment agreements with Messrs. Martin A. Sumichrast and R. Scott Coffman, its co-Chief Executive Officers. Under the terms of Amendment No. 1 to the Executive Employment Agreement dated September 6, 2018 between the Company and Mr. Sumichrast, the Company increased Mr. Sumichrast’s annual base salary to $335,000 and awarded him a discretionary cash bonus of $250,000, payable in January 2021, provided that (a) the Executive Employment Agreement with Mr. Sumichrast has not otherwise been terminated by either party for any reason, (b) the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020 shall have been completed and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm shall have issued an unqualified opinion on such financial statements, and (c) the Company shall have timely filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. Under the terms of Amendment No. 1 to the Executive Employment Agreement dated December 20, 2018 between CBD Industries, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Mr. Coffman, Mr. Coffman’s annual base salary was also increased to $335,000 and he was also awarded a discretionary bonus of $250,000, payable in January 2021, provided that (a) the Executive Employment Agreement with Mr. Coffman has not otherwise been terminated by either party for any reason, (b) the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020 shall have been completed and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm shall have issued an unqualified opinion on such financial statements, and (c) the Company shall have timely filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
On December 8, 2020, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., as representative of the underwriters, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to the underwriters in a firm commitment underwritten public offering an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of its 8.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock at an offering price of $7.50 per share, and to grant the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 300,000 shares of 8.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock to cover over-allotments, if any. On December 11, 2020, the offering closed, and the Company issued an aggregate of 2,300,000 shares of its 8.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, which included the exercise of the full over-allotment option by the underwriters. At closing the Company issued the designees of the representative of the underwriters warrants to purchase an aggregate of 150,502 shares of the Company’s common stock exercisable at $3.74 per share. The net proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $15.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated expenses of the offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general working capital.
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