UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark one)

 

[X]ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year EndedDecember 31, 20162018

 

[  ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

 

Commission file number:000-55209

 

Algodon Wines & Luxury DevelopmentGaucho Group Holdings, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware 52-2158952
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
135 Fifth Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY 10010
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(212) 739-7700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Not applicable

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

 

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 [X]

 

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 [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer [  ]Accelerated filer [  ]
 
Non-accelerated filer [  ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)[X]Smaller reporting company [X]

Emerging growth company [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act): Yes [  ]No [X]

 

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 last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter ($2.00)0.70) was $60,988,430. (Management believes that the $2.00 figure is more accurate than the average bid and asked price as of June 30, 2016, which was $400.13.)$28,583,125. Solely for the purposes of this calculation, shares held by directors, executive officers and 10% owners of the registrant have been excluded. Such exclusion should not be deemed a determination or an admission by the registrant that such individuals are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.

 

As of March 28, 2017,April 1, 2019, there were 42,937,87349,215,857 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

 

 

   
 

 

INDEX

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

Part I  
Item 1.Business43
Item 1ARisk Factors1112
Item 1BUnresolved Staff Comments2332
Item 2Properties2333
Item 3Legal Proceedings2333
Item 4Mine Safety Disclosures2333
   
Part II  
Item 5Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities2434
Item 6Selected Financial Data2539
Item 7Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations2639
Item 7AQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk3652
Item 8Financial Statements and Supplementary Data3652
Item 9Changes in theand Disagreements Withwith Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures3652
Item 9AControls and Procedures3753
Item 9BOther Information3854
   
Part III  
Item 10Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance3955
Item 11Executive Compensation4765
Item 12Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters5170
Item 13Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence5372
Item 14Principal Accountant Fees and Services5573
   
Part IV  
Item 15Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules5675
Signatures5877

PART I

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162018 contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). To the extent that any statements made in this Annual Report contain information that is not historical, these statements are essentially forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as expects,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “should,” “intends,” “estimates” and other words or phrases of similar meaning. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable and achievable, these statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties discussed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these and other factors. We cannot assure you that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements.

 

Information regarding market and industry statistics contained in this Annual Report is included based on information available to us that we believe is accurate. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from this available information is subject to the same qualifications and the additional uncertainties accompanying any estimates of future market size, revenue and market acceptance of products and services. The forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.BUSINESS

 

 

Business and Overview of Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc.

Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on April 5, 1999. Effective October 1, 2018, the Company changed its name from Algodon Wines & Luxury Development, Inc. to Algodon Group, Inc.

, and effective March 11, 2019, the Company changed its name from Algodon Group, Inc. to Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. (“GGH”). Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. (“AWLD”)GGH invests in, develops and operates real estate projects in Argentina. AWLDGGH operates a hotel, golf and tennis resort, vineyard and producing winery in addition to developing residential lots located near the resort. In 2016, GGH formed a new subsidiary and in 2018, established an e-commerce platform for the manufacture and sale of high-end fashion and accessories. The activities in Argentina are conducted through its operating entities: InvestProperty Group, LLC, Algodon Global Properties, LLC, The Algodon – Recoleta S.R.L, Algodon Properties II S.R.L., and Algodon Wine Estates S.R.L. AWLDAlgodon distributes its wines in Europe through its United Kingdom entity, Algodon Europe, LTD.

The below table provides an overview of AWLD’sGGH’s operating entities.

 

Entity Name Abbreviation Jurisdiction &
Date of Formation
 Ownership Business
InvestProperty Group, LLC (“InvestProperty Group”) IPG Delaware,
October 27, 2005
 100% by AWLDGGH Real estate acquisition and management in Argentina
         
Algodon Global Properties, LLC AGP Delaware,
March 17, 2008
 100% by AWLDGGH Holding company
         
The Algodon - Recoleta S.R.L. TAR Argentina,
September 29, 2006
 100% by AWLDGGH through IPG, AGP and APII Hotel owner and operating entity in Buenos Aires
         
Algodon Europe, Ltd AEU United Kingdom,
September 23, 2009
 100% by GGH through IPG AlgodonWines distribution company
         
Algodon Properties II S.R.L. APII Argentina,
March 13, 2008
 100% by AWLDGGH through IPG and AGP Holding company in Argentina
         
Algodon Wine Estates S.R.L. AWE Argentina,
July 16, 1998
 100% by AWLDGGH through IPG, AGP, APII and TAR Resort complex including real estate development and wine making in Argentina; owns vineyard, hotel, restaurant, golf and tennis resort in San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina
Gaucho Group, Inc.GGDelaware,
September 12, 2016
100% by GGHManufacture and sales and e-commerce platform

 

Argentina Activities

 

AWLD,GGH, through its wholly-owned subsidiary and holding company, InvestProperty Group (“IPG”), identifies and develops specific investments in the boutique hotel, hospitality and luxury property markets and in other lifestyle businesses such as wine production and distribution, golf, tennis and real estate development. AWLDGGH also operates hotel, hospitality and related properties and is actively seeking to expand its real estate investment portfolio by acquiring additional properties and businesses in Argentina, or by entering into strategic joint ventures. Using Algodon’sGGH’s icon wines as its ambassador, AWLD’sGGH’s mission is to develop a group of real estate projects under its ALGODON® brand with the goal of developing synergies among its luxury properties. AWLD’sIn 2016, GGH formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Gaucho Group Inc. (“GG”), and in 2019, the entity became active in the manufacture and sale of high-end fashion and accessories in Argentina. As of December 31, 2018, GG was still in the final stage of development and not yet operational. GGH’s senior management is based in its corporate offices in New York City. AWLD’sGGH’s local operations are managed by professional staff with substantial hotel, hospitality and resort experience in Buenos Aires and San Rafael, Argentina.

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AWLD’sGGH’s Concept and Business: Repositioning of Hotel Properties, Luxury Destinations and Residential Properties

AWLD,GGH, through IPG, focuses on opportunities that create value through repositioning of underperforming hotel and commercial assets such as hotel/residential/retail destinations. Repositioning means we are working to gradually increment our average fares to solidify our position as a luxury option. This trend has been well received in large metropolitan areas which have become quite competitive. We believe that the trend is now trickling down to secondary metropolitan, resort and foreign markets where there is significantly less competition from the established major operators. We continue to seek opportunities where value can be added through re-capitalization, repositioning, expansion, improved marketing and/or professional management. We believe that AWLDGGH can increase demand for all of a property’s various offerings, from its rooms, to its dining, meeting and entertainment facilities, to its retail establishments through careful branding and positioning of properties. While the maxim remains true that the three most important factors in real estate are “location, location, location,” management believes that “style and superior service” have grown in importance and can lead to increased operating revenues and capital appreciation.

 

We are currently increasing our activity, occupancy and presence in the market by using direct marketing actions (FB,(Facebook, Trip Advisor, Relais & Chateau chains, internet presence), and expanding our net of travel agencies and operators, introducing effective changes in our direct sales capacity (new sales-oriented webpages, joint ventures with other hotel organizations, training of our reservations employees, implementing new reservation software). We have also reached out to travel industry media operators to develop new strategic relationships and we are implementing a new commercial management operation for a more aggressive approach with a sales-oriented objective. AWLDGGH has built a team of industry professionals to assist in implementing its vision toward repositioning real estate assets. See “Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.”

 

Plan of Operations

 

AWLDGGH continues to implement its growth and development strategy that includes a luxury boutique hotel, a resort estate, vineyard and winery, the sale of high-end fashion and accessories, and a large land development project including residential houses within the vineyard. See “Algodon Wine Estates” below.

 

Long Term Growth Strategy

 

One of AWLD’sGGH’s goals include positioning its brand ALGODON® as one of luxury. We continue to form strategic alliances with well-established luxury brands that have strong followings to create awareness of the AlgodonGGH brand and help build customer loyalty. To date, AlgodonGGH has been associated and co-branded with several world-class luxury brands including Relais & Châteaux, Veuve Clicquot Champagne (owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), Davidoff Cigars, and L’Occitane.

 

The Company hopes to continue to self-finance future acquisition and development projects because in countries like Argentina, having cash available to purchase land and other assets provides an advantage to buyers. Bank financing in such countries is often difficult or impossible to obtain. To be able to grow our business and expand into new projects, the Company would first want to deploy excess cash generated by operations, but significant amounts of excess cash flow is not anticipated for at least a number of years. Another option would be obtaining new investment funds from investors, including a possible public offering, and/or borrowing from institutional lenders. AWLDGGH may also be able to acquire property for stock instead of cash.

 

5

The ALGODON® Brand

 

We believe that the force and power of brand is of paramount importance in the luxury real estate/hotel market. AWLDGGH has developed the ALGODON® brand, one of distinction, refinement and elegance. Inspired by both the Cotton Club days of the Roaring 20’s and the distinctive style and glamour of the 50’s Rat Pack when travel and leisure was synonymous with cultural sophistication, this brand concept was taken from the Spanish word for “cotton.” ALGODON® connotes a clean and pure appreciation for the good life, a sense of refined culture, and ultimately a destination where the best elements of the illustrious past meet the affluent present. AWLDGGH is looking to attract attention and upscale demographic visitors to the ALGODON® properties and to round out the brand experience in various other forms including music, dining, wine, sports and apparel, by marketing themes that highlight active lifestyles and the pleasures of life. Management believes that these types of brand extensions will serve to reinforce the overall brand recognition and further build upon AWLD’sGGH’s core presence in the luxury hotel segment.

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Description of Specific Investment Projects

 

AWLDGGH has invested in two ALGODON® brand properties located in Argentina. The first property is Algodon Mansion, a Buenos Aires-based luxury boutique hotel that opened in 2010 and is held in IPG’s subsidiary, The Algodon – Recoleta S.R.L. (“TAR”). The second property, held by Algodon Wine Estates S.R.L., is a Mendoza-based winery and golf resort called Algodon Wine Estates, which was subdivided for residential development, and expanded by acquiring adjoining wine producing properties.

 

Algodon Mansion

 

 

The Company, through TAR, has renovated a hotel in the Recoleta section of Buenos Aires called Algodon Mansion, a stately six-story mansion (including roof-top facilities and basement) located at 1647 Montevideo Street, a tree-lined street in Recoleta, one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. The property is approximately 20,000 square feet and is a ten-suite premium-luxury hotel with a restaurant (seating approximately 62), a wine bar (seating approximately 20), a private dining room for private events (seating approximately 16) and a rooftop that houses a luxury spa, terrace pool, and chic open-air cigar bar and lounge. Each guest room is an ultra-luxury two-to-three room suite, each approximately 510-1,200 square feet. Recoleta is Buenos Aires’ embassy and luxury hotel district and has fashionable boutiques, high-end restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and opulent belle époque architecture. The Algodon Mansion was featured in an article by Huffington Post in January 2018, which praised the luxurious accommodations, impressive suites, and fine amenities of the hotel. In 2016, the Algodon Mansion hotel received an international award of excellence from TripExpert and was awarded 8th place in the ‘Top 20 International Hideaway’ category for Andrew Harper’s 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards.

 

6

 

In November 2011, it was announced that Relais & Châteaux, the renowned fellowship of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants, extended membership to Algodon Mansion hotel. Having reached the highest standards of service required by Relais & Châteaux only a year after celebrating its grand openings, Algodon Mansion is the first Relais & Châteaux hotel in Buenos Aires to be awarded this distinction. As of March 15, 2017,13, 2018, Relais & Châteaux’s global fellowship of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants has nearly 530552 members in 6463 countries on six continents.

 

Algodon Club, the restaurant on the main floor of Algodon Mansion, offers a sophisticated menu emphasizing Argentinian-style cuisine. The dining room comfortably seats 62 persons and offers a seasonal menu, serving ingredients acquired locally and from the plantation at Algodon Wine Estates in San Rafael, Mendoza. Algodon products include estate cultivated extra virgin olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, smoked meats, and homemade breads to exemplify the restaurant’s wholesome, farm-to-table daily fare. Algodon Club’s menu complements the wines and local products of Argentina’s wine region and includes Algodon’s own premium and icon wines. We own and manage the food and beverage operations (restaurant, events, catering) at Algodon Club.

 

Algodon Wine Bar, located in the Algodon Mansion lobby, offers a unique wine list that exemplifies the Argentinean wine portfolio, with emphasis on the premium and icon vintages of Algodon’sGGH’s own private collection from Algodon Wine Estates in Mendoza.

 

 

Algodon Mansion’s rooftop pool features teak decks and loungers that invite afternoon tanning in the summer sun. An open-air bar and tented cigar lounge, the “Davidoff Lounge,” in association with the world-renowned Davidoff Cigars, features a menu of drinks from around the world, and is well suited for twilight soirées, rooftop parties and late nightlate-night cocktail events. Also on the rooftop is Le Spa, which features steam, sauna, and massage rooms as well as relaxation areas where guests may be pampered in a calm and tranquil atmosphere and indulge in a variety of treatment options. Le Spa at Algodon Mansion combines natural elements of Argentina’s native regions with the latest treatments and technology from Europe’s finest spas. Le Spa’s licensed medical specialists help to design customized holistic treatments for each individual with an emphasis on organic, non-invasive and non-aggressive products for the face and body.

 


Algodon Wine Estates

 

 

In July 2007, Algodon Wine Estates S.R.L. (“AWE”) acquired 718 acres located in the Cuadro Benegas district of San Rafael, Mendoza. Subsequently, inSince 2007, and 2008, AWE has purchased additional land adjacent to the original 718-acre property, culminating in a 2,050 acre4,138-acre area to be known as Algodon Wine Estates. The resort property is part of the Mendoza wine region nestled in the foothills of the Andes mountain range. This property includes a winery (whose vines date back to the mid-1940’s), a newly-expanded 18-hole9-hole golf course, tennis, restaurant and hotel. The estate is situated on Mendoza’s Ruta del Vino (Wine Trail). The 2,050-acre4,138-acre property has an impressive lineage, both in terms of wine production and golf, and features structures on the property that date back to 1921.

 

Algodon Wine Estates features Algodon Villa, a private lodge originally built in 1921 that has been fully restored and refurbished to its original farmhouse design of adobe walls and cane roof. The lodge offers three suites, a gallery for private gatherings, a living area that may also serve as a dining and conference room, swimming pool, and adjacent vine-covered picnic area. The Algodon Villa offers five-star service and is situated for vacationing families, business conferences, retreat travelers, golfing companions, or wine route globe trekkers. Algodon Wine Estates has also recently completed the construction of a new lodge which lies adjacent to the original one. The new lodge features six additional suites and a gallery with two fireplaces and a bar.

 

Algodon Wine Estates completed the expansion of its nine-hole golf course to 18 holes during 2013, including irrigation canals and ponds. Adjacent to the course is a clubhouse, pro shop, driving range, and award winningaward-winning restaurant and the Tennis Center.

7

 

Algodon Wines

 

Algodon Wine Estates contains a vineyard with 310290 acres of vines. Over 60 acres have been cultivated since the 1940’s, and approximately 20 acres since the 1960’s. The property produces eight varieties of grapes, including Argentina’s signature varietal, Malbec, as well as Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvingnon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Semillon. The primary difference between the old and new vines is the style of pruning. Algodon Wine Estates utilizes a boutique wine making process, typified by production of a low volume of premium wines sold at a higher than average price in the market.

 

In March 2014, Algodon Wine Estates acquired its own bottling machine in order to improve the winery’s production capacity. This bottling machine allows our winemakers to bottle when desired and when necessary, rather than depending on the availability of external bottling facilities. In April 2014, new stainless steelstainless-steel wine tanks were added to the winery, increasing storage capacity by 55,000 liters. This includes five 5,000 liter5,000-liter tanks and three 10,000 liter10,000-liter tanks. These upgrades have significantly increased our production capacity. During the production year of 2016,2017 we produced over 100,000 liters, which would translate roughly to about 120,000 bottles or 10,000 cases, representing a production increase of 81% over the prior year’s production. Despite our increased production capacity, production during 2015 was negatively affected by a significant hailstorm. During 2015, we produced 55,00074,710 liters, which translates to about 73,00099,613 bottles or 6,0008,300 cases of wine. During the production year of 2018 we produced 57,775 liters of wine, which translates to about 77,000 bottles or 6,500 cases of wine, representing a reduction in production of 23% from 2017 due to changes in the wine market.

In an effort to increase distribution of its wines, Algodon Wine Estates is working with a number of importers operating in some of the world’s chief markets for premium wines. In Toronto, Canada, BND Wines & Spirits (www.bndwines.com) represents Algodon Wines. In Europe, Algodon Wine Estates warehouses its wines in Amsterdam for central distribution to clients in Germany and in the U.K. through Condor Wines (www.condorwines.co.uk), which works with regional distribution partners throughout the U.K. such as hotel and restaurant chains, regional and national brewers, pub companies, wholesalers and wine merchants. In Brazil, Algodon has entered the competitive Sao Paulo market in cooperation with www.lupin.com.br andwww.initiumworldwide.com, and believes this may result in a significantly improved presence of Algodon wines in the Brazilian market. In the United States,Algodon Fine Wines will soon beis available for sale online at Sherry-Lehmann.com (which ships to 39 states), and at Sherry-Lehmann’s iconic retail store in New York City.City, at Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods retail stores in Texas, and Wally’s Wine & Spirits retail store located in Los Angeles. GGH’s Fine Wine’s Malbec is currently featured on the esteemed wine list of West London’s The Fat Duck, a Michelin 3-Star Restaurant, and arguably the U.K.’s most famous eatery.

 

Through December 2015, Jomada Imports, LLC (www.jomadaimports.com) (“Jomada”), with its principal location at 500 Capital Drive, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 was the authorized importer of wines to the U.S. bearing the name Algodon Wine Estates; San Rafael, Argentina and was authorized to import wine under Federal Basic Permit IL-I-15170. The Company’s agreement with Jomada was terminated effective January 8, 2016. On June 1, 2016, the Company executed an import and distribution agreement with Seaview Imports, with itswhose principal location is at 48 Harbor Park Drive, Suite D, Port Washington, NY 10150.

 

None of the understandings with wine importers constitute a binding commitment by either party to produce, import or export the Company’s wines; performance by any of the parties is dependent upon numerous factors such as economic and political climate, consumer spending, weather, the Company’s ability to continue wine production operations, the market acceptance of the Company’s products, and other matters described in the Item 1A - Risk Factors.

 

AWE uses microvinification (barrel fermentation) for its premium varietals and blends. Microvinification is commonly used in France, but is uncommon in Argentina, and Algodon Wine Estates is one of the few wineries in the country to implement this specialized process.

 

James Galtieri holds the title of Senior Wine Advisor on Algodon’sGGH’s Advisory Board. James is a founding partner and former President/CEO of Pasternak Wine Imports, a renowned national wine importer and distributor, founded in 1988 in partnership with Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). He currently maintains an advisory role to Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), and he is the current President/CEO at Seaview Imports LLC., a national wine importer (based in New York) covering the U.S. market with high-quality, exclusive wine brands. James has considerable background and experience in wine knowledge and wine market dynamics, and he is specialized in corporate management in the wine & spirit industry.

 

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Algodon Wine Estates launched its ultra-premium wine under the “PIMA” brand in November 2012. PIMA by AlgodonGGH is a single vineyard wine that has been crafted from the finest handpicked grapes of Algodon’sGGH’s 1946 Malbec and 1946 Bonarda vineyards utilizing microvinification (barrel fermentation) process from day one of harvest. PIMA wine is a limited collection which currently retails for approximately $100 per bottle. Most recently, Algodon Wine’s 2010 Bonarda ranked among the World Association of Wine & Spirit Writers’ and Journalists’ (WAWWJ®) Top 100 Wines of the World 2014.2014, and its 2014 Bonarda was awarded a gold medal at the 2017 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition. In 2016, Algodon’sGGH’s Black Label Malbec was awarded a gold medal in the Global Malbec Masters 2016 Wine Competition

Competition.

Algodon Wine Estates – Real Estate Development

 

AWE has acquired a substantial amount of contiguous real estate surrounding its project in Mendoza, Argentina. This land was purchased with the purpose of developing a vineyard-resort and attracting investment in second or third homes for the well-to-do from around the world. AWLDGGH continues to invest in the ongoing costs of building out infrastructure and anticipates that sales of lots will gradually improve and accelerate as worldwide economic conditions improve.

 

AWLDGGH is currently marketing portions of the property to be developed into luxury residential homes and vineyard estates. Management believes that the power of the ALGODON ®ALGODON® brand combined with an attractive package of amenities will promote interest in the surrounding real estate. The estate’s master plan features a luxury golf and vineyard living community, made up of six distinct village sectors, with 610 home sites ranging in size from 0.2 to 2.8 hectares (0.5 to 7 acres) for private sale and development. The development’s village sectors have been designed and named in accordance with their characteristic surroundings and landscape: the Wine & Golf Village, the Polo & Equestrian Village, the Sierra Pintada Village, The North Vineyard & Orchard Village, The South Vineyard & Orchard Village, and the Desert Vista Village. The development is located fifteen minutes from both the local airport and city center.

 

Ginevra Sotheby’s International Realty provides sales representation for AWLD’sGGH’s residential development. Ginevra Sotheby’s International Realty is a leading luxury real estate firm in Buenos Aires, Argentina with listings in the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city of Buenos Aires and the rest of the country. Through Ginevra Sotheby’s International Realty’s website (ginevrasir.com), Algodon Wine Estates listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com, to a global clientele.

 

Currently, AWLDGGH is developing lots for sale to third party builders and is not engaged in any construction activity. To date, twenty-onetwenty-five lots have been sold, and the Company expects to close on the sale of these lots and record the deeds during 2017.sold. Revenue is recorded when the sale closes and the deeds are issued. To date, no deeds have been issued.During 2018, the Company closed on the sale of 12 of its lots and recorded revenue of $1,468,000. As of December 31, 2016,2018, the Company has $1,652,180$995,327 of lot deposits for pending sales.

 

Owning real estate in Argentina is subject to risk. For more information see “Risk Factors.”

 

TheProjects and Business Initiatives in Development

GGH’s luxury branded assets have come to be associated with the country’s finest experiences through award-winning wines and exceptional luxury destinations. We have begun developing U.S.-based e-commerce websites designed to deliver Argentine luxury goods to the U.S. marketplace and elsewhere around the globe. We believe the potential for scale here is particularly significant as Argentina is now making noteworthy re-entry to international trade. With Argentina in the process of DPEC Capital, Inc.re-opening its borders, we believe it is poised to regain its status as a cultural and fashion exporter, and that there may be a sizeable appetite in the U.S. and elsewhere for luxury products that feature a distinctly Argentine point of view. We are excited about the potential for scale here.

 

 

DPEC Capital, Inc. (“DPEC Capital”) was formed on February 9, 2001 underGaucho - Buenos Aires™

Gaucho – Buenos Aires™ is a new luxury fashion and accessories brand that is the name “InvestPrivate, Inc.”result of more than a decade’s investment in Argentina’s heart and on January 16, 2008 filedsoul, featuring luxury products that merge the traditional Gaucho style with a Certificatemodern twist, infused with uniqueness and modern Buenos Aires glamour. Gaucho – Buenos Aires™, GGH adds a high-end fashion and accessories e-commerce sector to GGH’s collection of Amendmentluxury assets, connecting buyers with some of CertificateArgentina’s best creative talents that harness the country’s unique heritage and artisanship of Incorporation changing its nameproducts such as woven fabrics, leather goods and precious metal jewelry. Today there is not a single Argentine fashion brand that is a household name; GGH believes Gaucho - Buenos Aires™ has the ability to DPEC Capital, Inc. DPEC Capital was broker-dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and was charged with raising sufficient capital for the development of AWLD’s operations.. On November 29, 2016, our Board of Directors determinedfill that it was in the Company’s best interest to close down DPEC Capital and we ceased our broker-dealer operations on December 31, 2016. On February 21, 2017, our request to FINRA for Broker-Dealer Withdrawal (“BDW”) became effective.void.

9

 

Mercari Communications Group, Ltd.

 

On December 20, 2016, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Transaction”) with China Concentric Capital Group, Inc. (the “Purchaser”), in which the Purchaser would purchase all 43,822,001 shares of common stock of Mercari Communications Group, Ltd., a Colorado corporation (“Mercari”) held by the Company and any additional shares of Mercari currently held by the Company (the “Shares”) for $260,000 (a net after fees and expenses of less than $200,000) (the “Purchase Price”).

 

On January 20, 2017, the Transaction was completed, and the Company assigned to the Purchaser all its right, title and interest to the Shares and to amounts payable to the Company for non-interest bearingnon-interest-bearing advances to Mercari, which advances, as of January 20, 2017, were in the aggregate amount of $150,087.

 

In connection with the Transaction, J.M. Walker & Associates (the “Escrow Agent”) disbursed a total of $199,250 to the Company, a total of $60,000 in business consulting fees to three consultants, and $750 to the Escrow Agent for services.

 

Ticker Symbol

 

AWLDGGH was verified for trading on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace under the symbol “VINO” on March 7, 2016.

 

Employees

 

Including the operating subsidiaries in Argentina, the Company has approximately 6358 full-time employees. In Argentina, AWLDGGH also employs temporary, seasonal employees during the busy harvest season. In the United States, AWLDGGH currently employs approximately thirteen8 full-time employees, including four who are compensated in part on a commission basis.employees. None of the employees in the United States are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and management believes it has good relations with its employees.

 

11

Available Information

 

We maintain a website at http://www.algodongroup.com. The information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are available on our website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish those reports to, the SEC.

 

In addition, we maintain our corporate governance documents on our website, including:

 

 a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees which contains information regarding our whistleblower procedures,
 
our Insider Trading Policy,
 
our Audit Committee Charter,
 our Trading Blackout Policy, and
 
our Related Party Transaction Policy.

10

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our securities involves certain risks relating to our structure and investment objective. The risks set forth below are the risks we have identified and which we currently deem material or predictable. We also may face additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or which as of the date of this annual report we might not consider significant, which may adversely affect our business. In general, you take more risk when you invest in the securities of issuers in emerging markets such as Argentina than when you invest in the securities of issuers in the United States. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value and the price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

In evaluating the Company, its business and any investment in the Company, readers should carefully consider the following factors:

 

Risks Relating to Argentina

 

InAs of the date of this annual report, the majority of our operations, property and sales are located in Argentina. As a result, the quality of our assets, our financial condition and the results of our operations are dependent upon the macroeconomic, regulatory, social and political conditions prevailing in Argentina from time to time. These conditions include growth rates, inflation rates, exchange rates, taxes, foreign exchange controls, changes to interest rates, changes to government policies, social instability, and other political, economic or international developments either taking place in, or otherwise affecting, Argentina.

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Economic and political instability in Argentina may adversely and materially affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative GDP growth, high and variable levels of inflation and currency depreciation and devaluation. The economy has experienced high inflation and GDP growth has been sluggish in the last few years. On October 8, 2018, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) published the “World Economic Outlook” report. The IMF noted that after growing by 2.9 percent in 2017, Argentina is expected to contract by 2.6 percent in 2018, a large downward revision relative to the April 2018 forecast, reflecting recent financial market disruptions, high real interest rates, and the faster fiscal consolidation under the exceptional access Stand-By Arrangement approved in June 2018. Further, the IMF forecasted that the economy is expected to contract by a further 1.6 percent in 2019 with growth of 3.2 percent expected over the medium term under the steady implementation of reforms and returning confidence.

The IMF noted that in Argentina, tighter global financial conditions, together with a domestic corruption scandal and persistent uncertainty over the success of the stabilization plan underlying the program with the IMF, have contributed to financial market volatility. The IMF estimated that inflation in Argentina is expected to reach 31.8 percent in 2018, driven by the significant currency depreciation, and to remain at broadly the same level (31.7 percent) in 2019.

The operating environment in Argentina continues to be a challenging business environment, including the continuing significant devaluation of Argentina’s currency, high inflation and economic recession. Volatility and declines in the exchange rate are expected in the future, which could have an adverse impact on our Argentine revenues, net earnings, cash flows and net monetary asset position.

On December 10, 2015, Mauricio Macri took office as the new president of Argentina, and along with newhis former finance minister Alfonso Prat-Gray, hasPrat-Gay and Luis Caputo, who replaced Prat-Gay in late 2016, have made a number of decisions in pursuit of economic reform, including removing currency controls, which resulted in a 30% devaluation of the peso.peso in 2015. Is it not certain what other policy changes may take place, as President Macri implements his financial policy over time, or what the impact of the changes may be on the economy of Argentina. Our discussion below is based on recent history without regard to changes that may occur in the future as a result of the new administration.history.

 

Economic and Political Risks Specific to Argentina

 

The Argentinian economy has been characterized by frequent and occasionally extensive intervention by the Argentinian government and by unstable economic cycles. The Argentinian government has often changed monetary, taxation, credit, tariff and other policies to influence the course of Argentina’s economy, and taken other actions which do, or are perceived to weaken the nation’s economy especially as it relates to foreign investors and other overall investment climate. For example, in 2008, the Argentine government assumed control over approximately $30 billion held in private pension funds, which caused a significant temporary decline in the Argentine stock market, a decline in the Argentine peso and prompted Standard & Poor’s to downgrade Argentina’s credit rating. The Argentine peso has devalued significantly against the U.S. dollar, from about 6.1 Argentine pesos per dollar in December 2013 to about 15.5an average of 38.3 pesos per dollar in March 2017.February 2019.

 

The overall state of Argentinian politics and the Argentina economy have resulted in numerous investment reports that warn about foreign investment in Argentina. In February 2019, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) index allowed Argentina to remain in the frontier emerging market despite the country technically being ineligible based on available 2017 Gross National Income data. In June 2018, MSCI had said that Argentina would be reclassified an emerging rather than a pure frontier market from mid-2019. Investors considering an investment in AWLDGGH should be mindful of these potential political and financial risks.

13

Argentina’s economy may not support foreign investment or our business.

 

The Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative growth, high inflation and currency deflation. Currently there is significant inflation, labor unrest, and currency deflation. There has also been significant governmental intervention into the Argentine economy, including price controls and foreign currency restrictions. As a result, uncertainty remains as to whether economic growth in Argentina is sustainable and whether foreign investment will be successful.

 

11

As of July 1, 2018, Argentina has a highly inflationary economy which may increase our accounting and legal costs.

The International Practices Task Force (“IPTF”) of the Center for Audit Quality discussed the inflationary status of Argentina at its meeting on May 16, 2018 and categorized Argentina as a country with a projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Therefore, the Company has transitioned its Argentine operations to highly inflationary status as of July 1, 2018. As a result, the Company is required to change the functional currency of its Argentine operations to the U.S. dollar, effective as of July 1, 2018. For operations in highly inflationary economies, monetary asset and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Income and expense accounts are translated at the weighted average exchange rate in effect during the period. Translation adjustments are reflected in loss on foreign currency translation on the accompanying statements of operations. The Company was delayed in filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018 as a result of this change and may incur additional expense to adjust to this new method in the form of increased accounting and legal fees.

 

RecentPast efforts by Argentina to nationalize businesses.

 

In April 2012, then Argentine President Cristina Fernández announced her decision to nationalize YPF, the country’s largest oil company, from its majority stakeholder, thus contributing to declining faith from foreign investors in the country and again resulting in a downgrade by Standard and Poor’s of Argentina’s economic and financial outlook to “negative”. There have beenwere other discussions in Argentina about the possibility of nationalizing other businesses and industries under former President Fernández, and even though she is no longer President, she was elected a Senator in late 2017. She has made several public statements about her intent to debate everything and take firm positions on her political ideals. In December 2018 Ms. Fernández announced plans to run against current President Macri in the October 2019. It is too soon to know the impact and influence she will have on Argentine policies. The Macri administration has not announced any plans for nationalization and he spoke out against it during his campaign. However, there is no assurance that any investment in AWLDGGH will be safe from government control or nationalization.nationalization if he reverses his policies or is removed from office or replaced.

 

Continuing inflation mayCurrent corruption investigations in Argentina could have an adverse effectimpact on the economy.development of the economy and investor confidence.

The National Institute of StatisticsArgentine Government has announced a large-scale corruption investigation in Argentina. The investigation relates to payments over the past decade to government officials from businessmen and Census (“Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos” or the “INDEC”) reports that inflation for 2016 was 27% while some private estimates report inflation at nearly 30%. The high inflation rate has resulted in nationwide strikes, devaluationcompanies who had been awarded large government contracts. As of the date of this annual report, several Argentine pesobusinessmen, mainly related to public works, and over a dozen former government officials of the Fernández de Kirchner administration are being investigated for bribery to the State. As a result, on September 17, 2018, the former president of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, and several businessmen were prosecuted for illegal association, and goods for 4 billion pesos were seized. Depending on the results of such investigations and the time it takes to conclude them, the companies involved could face, among other consequences, a decrease in January 2014 and againtheir credit rating, be subject to claims by their investors, as well as experiencing restrictions on financing through the capital markets. These adverse effects could hamper the ability of these companies to meet their financial obligations on time. In connection with the aforementioned, the lack of future financing for these companies could affect the realization of the projects or works that are currently in December 2015, and a price control program. The uncertainty surrounding the Argentine economy and future inflation may impact the country’s growth.

execution.

In the past, inflation has undermined the Argentine economy and the government’s ability to create conditions conducive to growth. A return to a high inflation environment would adversely affect the availability of long-term credit and the real estate market and may also affect Argentina’s foreign competitiveness by dilutingaddition, the effects of these investigations could affect the peso devaluationinvestment levels in infrastructure in Argentina, as well as the continuation, development and negatively impactingcompletion of public works, which could ultimately lead to lower growth in the level of economic activity and employment.Argentine economy.

 

Additionally, high inflation would also undermine Argentina’s foreign competitiveness and adversely affect economic activity, employment, real salaries, consumption and interest rates. In addition, the dilutionAs of the positivedate of this annual report, we have not estimated the impact that this investigation could have on the Argentine economy. Likewise, we cannot predict for how long corruption investigations could continue, what other companies might be involved, or how important the effects of these investigations might. In turn, the peso devaluationdecrease in investors’ confidence, among other factors, could have a significant adverse impact on the export-oriented sectorsdevelopment of the Argentine economy, will decreasewhich could adversely affect our business, financial condition and the levelresults of economic activityour operations.

Due to the Company’s operations in Argentina, the Company is exposed to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates.

Due to the international nature of Gaucho Group Holdings’ business, movements in foreign exchange rates may impact the consolidated statements of operations, consolidated balance sheets and cash flows of the Company. Since all of the Company’s sales are located in Argentina, the Company’s consolidated net sales are impacted negatively by the strengthening or positively by the weakening of the U.S. dollar as compared to Argentina’s currencies. Additionally, movements in the country. In turn, a portion of the Argentine debt is adjusted by the Coefciente de Estabilización de Referencia, (the “Stabilization Coefficient Index,foreign exchange rates may unfavorably or “CER Index”), a currency index that is strongly tied to inflation. Therefore, any significant increase in inflation would cause an increase in Argentina’s debt and, consequently, the country’s financial obligation.

If inflation remains high or continues to rise, Argentina’s economy may be negatively impacted and our business could be adversely affected. Periods of higher inflation may slow the rate of growth of the Argentinian economy which in turn would likely increasefavorably impact the Company’s costsresults of operations, financial condition and expenses, reduce its profitability and adversely affect its financial performance.

For accounting purposes, a highly inflationary economy is defined as an economy with a cumulative inflation rate of approximately 100 percent or more over a three-year period. If a country’s economy is classified as highly inflationary, the functional currency of the foreign entity operating in that country must be remeasured to the functional currency of the reporting entity. The estimated cumulative three-year inflation rate for Argentina through the end of 2016 is 90.9%.liquidity.

 

Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets is limited, which may impair its ability to implement reforms and foster economic growth.

 

After the economic crisis in 2002, the Argentine government has maintained a policy of fiscal surplus. To be able to repay its debt, the Argentine government may be required to continue adopting austere fiscal measures that could adversely affect economic growth.

 

In 2005 and 2010, Argentina restructured over 91% of its sovereign debt that had been in default since the end of 2001. Some of the creditors who did not participate in the 2005 or 2010 exchange offers continued their pursuit of a legal action against Argentina for the recovery of debt.

 

In April 2010, a New York court granted an attachment over reserves of the Argentine Central Bank in the United States requested by creditors of Argentina on the basis that the Central Bank was its alter ego. In subsequent court rulings, Argentina was ordered to pay $1.33 billion to hedge fund creditors who refused to participate in the debt restructuring along with those who did. In February 2014, Argentina filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to reverse these lower court decisions, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider Argentina’s appeal.

A U.S. Court of Appeals blocked the most recent debt payment made by Argentina in June 2014 because it was improperly structured, giving Argentina through the end of July 2014 to find a way to pay to fulfill its obligations. On or about July 30, 2014, credit rating agencies Fitch and S&P declared Argentina to be in “selective default” after a U.S. judge blocked trustee Bank of New York Mellon from making payments to Argentine bond holders, after Argentina deposited the $539 million in funds due to bond holders with the trustee. The court’s reason for blocking the payments was due to Argentina failing to reach an agreement with a group of hedge funds that are holding out for better terms on old Argentine defaulted debt. In August 2014, Argentina filed a petition with the International Court of Justice against the United States alleging that courts have violated its sovereignty with respect to payments to Argentina’s creditors. For the suit to proceed, the U.S. would have to consent to jurisdiction, which may be unlikely. In March 2015, more than 500 creditors, separate from the hedge fund creditors, filed suit against Argentina for payment on the debt of $5.4 billion. Argentina filed a motion opposing those claims noting that there were now $10 billion in judgments and claims before the court. In February 2016, Argentina offeredand four of its major bond creditors entered into a $6.5settlement agreement whereby Argentina agreed to pay roughly $4.65 billion cash payment to those creditors suingto resolve the country over defaulted bonds which represents roughly 75% of the principal and interest owed on the bonds. During 2016fifteen-year litigation. Subsequently, Argentina has paid more than $6.2 billionalso entered into settlement agreements with other bond default creditors who were not party to settle disputes with 20 creditors.the original settlement which, in the aggregate, could have an estimated dollar value upwards of $10 billion.

 

As a result of Argentina’s default and its aftermath of litigation, the government may not have the financial resources necessary to implement reforms and foster economic growth, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the country’s economy and, consequently, our businesses and results of operations. Furthermore, Argentina’s inability to obtain credit in international markets could have a direct impact on our own ability to access international credit markets to finance our operations and growth.

 

In April of 2016, after settling the litigation, Argentina was able to return to the international debt markets with a $16.5 billion century bond. The attractiveness of a century bond is debatable amongst investment advisers and its impact over the long-term in is this case unknown. In 2017, Argentina engaged in additional sales of bonds on international markets for around $13.4 billion. There can be no assurance that the Argentine government will not truly default (as opposed to the current technical default) on its obligations under these or any of its bonds if it experiences another economic crisis.crisis or has a change in political control. A new default by the Argentine government could lead to a new recession, even higher inflation, restrictions on Argentine companies access to access financing and funds, limit the operations of Argentine companies in the international markets, higher unemployment and social unrest, which would negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In June 2018, the Argentine Government entered into a US$50 billion, 36-month stand-by arrangement with the IMF. This measure was intended to halt the significant depreciation of the peso during the first half of 2018. In December 2018, the IMF completed a second review under the stand-by arrangement and although there were indications that the financial markets in Argentina have stabilized since the end of September 2018 following the adoption of the new monetary policy framework, the IMF noted that external risks are centered around an unanticipated tightening of global financial conditions, which could resurface concerns about Argentina’s ability to meet its large gross financing needs. The IMF also warned that greater than expected inertia in the inflation process may delay the expected easing of monetary policy and generate a greater economic loss during the needed disinflation and that a deeper recession or more persistent inflation could generate a more forceful opposition to the policies underpinning the program and hinder their implementation. Finally, the IMF noted that uncertainty associated with the 2019 electoral cycle may trigger new rounds of financial market turbulence and capital account pressures.

16

 

The Argentine government may again place currency limitations on withdrawals of funds.

 

Through 2015, the Argentine government, led by then president Cristina Fernández, instituted economic controls that includeincluded limiting the ability recently of individuals and companies to exchange local currency (Argentine peso) into U.S. dollars and to transfer funds out of the country. PublicAt the time, public reports statestated that government officials arewere micromanaging money flows by limiting dollar purchases and discouraging dividend payments and international wire transfers. As a result of these controls, Argentine companies currently havehad limited access to U.S. dollars through regular channels (e.g., banks) and consumers are facingfaced difficulty withdrawing and exchanging invested funds. Given the Company’s investment in ArgentinianArgentine projects and developments, its ability to mobilize and access funds may be affected by the above-mentioned political actions.actions, despite the efforts to repeal economic controls in the recent past.

 

DuringIn December 2015, newly elected President Mauricio Macri ended the central bank’s support of the peso and removed the currency controls that limited the ability of Argentines to buy dollars, resulting in a 30% devaluation of the Argentine peso. In January 2017, the country lifted the 120-day holding period for incoming funds hoping to increase the flow of money into the country and ease access for tourists, citizens and businesses. However, Argentina is still feeling the impact of removing currency controls and has continued experiencing a decrease in the value of the Argentine peso throughout 2019.

 

The Argentine government may, in the future, impose additional controls on the foreign exchange market and on capital flows from and into Argentina, in response to capital flight or depreciation of the peso. These restrictions may have a negative effect on the economy and on our business if imposed in an economic environment where access to local capital is constrained.

 

The stability of the Argentine banking system is uncertain.

 

Adverse economic developments, even if not related to or attributable to the financial system, could result in deposits flowing out of the banks and into the foreign exchange market, as depositors seek to shield their financial assets from a new crisis. Any run on deposits could create liquidity or even solvency problems for financial institutions, resulting in a contraction of available credit.

 

Additionally, unrest among the employment sector of the banking industry has led to strikes led by strong labor unions. This makes it difficult for citizens and businesses to conduct banking activities and decreases the level of trust people put into the Argentine banking system.

In the event of a future shock, such as the failure of one or more banks or a crisis in depositor confidence, the Argentine government could impose further exchange controls or transfer restrictions and take other measures that could lead to renewed political and social tensions and undermine the Argentine government’s public finances, which could adversely affect Argentina’s economy and prospects for economic growth which could adversely affect our business.

 

 1317 
 

 

Government measures to preempt or respond to social unrest may adversely affect the Argentine economy and our business.

 

The Argentine government has historically exercised significant influence over the country’s economy. Additionally, the country’s legal and regulatory frameworks have at times suffered radical changes, due to political influence and significant political uncertainties. In April 2014, there were nationwide strikes that paralyzed the Argentine economy, shutting down air, train and bus traffic, closing businesses and ports, emptying classrooms, shutting down non-emergency hospital attention and leaving trash uncollected. This is consistent with past periods of significant economic unrest and social and political turmoil.

 

Future government policies to preempt, or in response to, social unrest may include expropriation, nationalization, forced renegotiation or modification of existing contracts, suspension of the enforcement of creditors’ rights, new taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and retroactive tax claims, and changes in laws and policies affecting foreign trade and investment. Such policies could destabilize the country and adversely and materially affect the economy, and thereby our business.

 

The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by economic developments in other global markets.

 

Financial and securities markets in Argentina are influenced, to varying degrees, by economic and market conditions in other global markets. Although economic conditions vary from country to country, investors’ perception of the events occurring in one country may substantially affect capital flows into other countries. Lower capital inflows and declining securities prices negatively affect the real economy of a country through higher interest rates or currency volatility.

 

In addition, Argentina is also affected by the economic conditions of major trade partners, such as Brazil and/or countries that have influence over world economic cycles, such as the United States. If interest rates rise significantly in developed economies, including the United States, Argentina and other emerging market economies could find it more difficult and expensive to borrow capital and refinance existing debt, which would negatively affect their economic growth. In addition, if these developing countries, which are also Argentina’s trade partners, fall into a recession the Argentine economy would be affected by a decrease in exports. All of these factors would have a negative impact on us, our business, operations, financial condition and prospects.

 

The Argentine government may order salary increases to be paid to employees in the private sector, which would increase our operating costs.

 

There have been recent nationwide strikes in Argentina over wages and benefits paid to workers which workers believe to be inadequate in light of the high rate of inflation and rising utility rates. In the past, the Argentine government has passed laws, regulations and decrees requiring companies in the private sector to maintain minimum wage levels and provide specified benefits to employees and may do so again in the future. In the aftermath of the Argentine economic crisis, employers both in the public and private sectors have experienced significant pressure from their employees and labor organizations to increase wages and to provide additional employee benefits. Due to the high levels of inflation, the employees and labor organizations have begun again demanding significant wage increases. It is possible that the Argentine government could adopt measures mandating salary increases and/or the provision of additional employee benefits in the future. Any such measures could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

18

Restrictions on the supply of energy could negatively affect Argentina’s economy.

 

As a result of a prolonged recession, and the forced conversion into pesos and subsequent freeze of gas and electricity tariffs in Argentina, there has been a lack of investment in gas and electricity supply and transport capacity in Argentina in recent years. At the same time, demand for natural gas and electricity has increased substantially, driven by a recovery in economic conditions and price constraints, which has prompted the government to adopt a series of measures that have resulted in industry shortages and/or cost increases. In 2017, the government increased the tariffs on electricity and gas hoping to spur an increase in domestic energy production which increased the cost for these utilities for citizens. On May 31, 2018, the Argentine Congress approved a law seeking to limit the increase in energy tariffs implemented by the Macri administration, which was subsequently vetoed by President Macri.

 

The federal government has been taking a number of measures, including the tariff increase, to alleviate the short-term impact of energy shortages on residential and industrial users. If these measures prove to be insufficient, or if the investment that is required to increase natural gas production and transportation capacity and energy generation and transportation capacity over the medium-and long-term fails to materialize on a timely basis, economic activity in Argentina could be limited, which could have a significant adverse effect on our business.

We are exposed to risks in relation to compliance with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations.

Our operations are subject to various anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations, including the Corporate Criminal Liability Law 27,401 effective March 1, 2018 and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “FCPA”). Both the Corporate Criminal Liability Law and the FCPA impose liability against companies who engage in bribery of government officials, either directly or through intermediaries. The Corporate Criminal Liability Law establishes a system of criminal liability of private legal persons which include companies created under any legal form (LLCs, PLCs, partnerships, etc.) whether of national or foreign capital for criminal offenses against public administration and national and cross-border bribery committed by, among others, its shareholders, attorneys-in-fact, directors, managers, employees, or representatives. The anti-corruption laws generally prohibit providing anything of value to government officials for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage. As part of our business, we may deal with entities in which the employees are considered government officials. We have a compliance program that is designed to manage the risks of doing business in light of these new and existing legal and regulatory requirements.

Although we have internal policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that such policies and procedures will be sufficient. Violations of anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations could lead to financial penalties being imposed on us, limits being placed on our activities, our authorizations and licenses being revoked, damage to our reputation and other consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Further, litigations or investigations relating to alleged or suspected violations of anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations could be costly.

19

Real Estate Considerations and Risks Associated with the International Projects that AWLDGGH Operates

 

The Real Estate Industry and International Investing

 

Investments in real estate are subject to numerous risks, including the following:

 

 Increased expenses and uncertainties related to international operations;
 
Risks associated with Argentina’s past political uncertainties, economic crises, and high inflation;
 
Risks associated with currency, exchange, and import/export controls;
 Adverse changes in national or international economic conditions;
 
Adverse local market conditions;
 Construction and renovation costs exceeding original estimates;
 Price increases in basic raw materials used in construction;
 
Delays in construction and renovation projects;
 Changes in availability of debt financing;
 
Risks due to dependence on cash flow;
 Changes in interest rates, real estate taxes and other operating expenses;
 Changes in the financial condition of tenants, buyers and sellers of properties;
 
Competition with others for suitable properties;
 Changes in environmental laws and regulations, zoning laws and other governmental rules and fiscal policies;
 
Changes in energy prices;
 Changes in the relative popularity of properties;
 
Risks related to the potential use of leverage;
 Costs associated with the need to periodically repair, renovate and re-lease space;
 
Increases in operating costs including real estate taxes;
 Risks and operating problems arising out of the presence of certain construction materials;
 Environmental claims arising in respect of real estate acquired with undisclosed or unknown environmental problems or as to which inadequate reserves had been established;
 
Uninsurable losses and acts of terrorism;
 
Acts of God; and
 Other factors beyond the control of the Company.

 

Investment in Argentine real property is subject to economic and political risks.

 

Investment in foreign real estate requires consideration of certain risks typically not associated with investing in the United States. Such risks include, among other things, trade balances and imbalances and related economic policies, unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations, imposition of exchange control regulation by the United States or foreign governments, United States and foreign withholding taxes, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets, policies of governments with respect to possible nationalization of their industries, political difficulties, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation and economic or political instability in foreign nations or changes in laws which affect foreign investors. Any one of these risks has the potential to reduce the value of our real estate holdings in Argentina and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.

The real estate market is highly competitiveuncertain in Argentina.

 

DuePresident Macri has attempted to boost the real estate market in Argentina by lifting various currency restrictions. However, the real estate market has not rebounded from the crippling effect of past currency controls. As a scarcity of properties in sought-after locations and the increasing number of local and international competitors,result, the real estate market in Argentina is highly competitive. Furthermore,uncertain. It is possible that with time the Argentinianefforts of President Macri will be fruitful, but it is too soon to evaluate what the impact will be as the economy continues to change. Continued investment in real estate industryin Argentina is generally fragmentedvery risky and does notcould never materialize in the way our business model plans. However, waiting to act on certain real estate endeavors will have high-entry barriers restricting new competitors from enteringnegative consequences if the market.market sees an increase in competitiveness. The main competitive factors in the real estate development business include availability and location of land, price, funding, design, quality, reputation and partnerships with developers. A number of residential and commercial developers and real estate services companies will may desire to enter the market and compete with the Company in seeking land for acquisition, financial resources for development and prospective purchasers. Other companies, including joint ventures of foreign companies and local companies have become increasingly active in the real estate business in Argentina, further increasing this competition. To the extent that one or more of the Company’s competitors are able to acquire and develop desirable properties, as a result of greater financial resources or otherwise, the Company’s business could be materially and adversely affected. If the Company is not able to respond to such pressuresacquire and develop sought-after property as promptly as its competitors, or should the level of competition increase, its financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

An adverse economic environment for real estate companies such as a credit crisis may adversely impact our results of operations and business prospects significantly.

The success of our business and profitability of our operations depend on continued investment in real estate and access to capital and debt financing. A prolonged crisis of confidence in real estate investments and lack of credit for acquisitions may constrain our growth. In order to pursue acquisitions, we may need access to equity capital and/or debt financing. Any disruptions in the financial markets may adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt and the availability and cost of credit in the near future. Any consideration of sales of existing properties or portfolio interests may be offset by lower property values. Our ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance our existing debt obligations depends on our operating and financial performance, which in turn is subject to prevailing economic conditions. If a recurrence of the disruptions in financial markets remains or arises in the future, there can be no assurances that government responses to such disruptions will restore investor confidence, stabilize the markets or increase liquidity and the availability of credit.

21

There are limitations on the ability of foreign persons to own Argentinian real property.

 

In December 2011, the Argentine Congress passed Law 26.737 (Regime for Protection of National Domain over Ownership, Possession or Tenure of Rural Land) limiting foreign ownership of rural land, even when not in border areas, to a maximum of 15 percent of all national, provincial or departmental productive land. Ownership by the same foreign owner (i.e., foreign individuals, foreign entities or local entities controlled by a foreign person) may not exceed 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) of the ‘core area’ or the ‘equivalent surface’ determined according to the location of the lands. The Interministerial Council of Rural Lands, the enforcement agency, defines the ‘equivalent surface’ taking into consideration: (1) the proportion of the ‘rural lands’ in relation to the municipality, department and province; and (2) the potential and quality of the rural lands for their use and exploitation. Every non-Argentine national must request permission from the National Land Registry of Argentina in order to acquire non-urban real property.

 

As approved, the law has been in effect since February 28, 2012 but is not retroactive. Furthermore, the general limit of 15 percent ownership by non-nationals must be reached before the law is applicable and each provincial government may establish its own maximum area of ownership per non-national.

 

In the Mendoza province, the maximum area allowed per type of production and activity per non-national is as follows: Mining—25,000 hectares (61,776 acres), cattle ranching—18,000 hectares (44,479 acres), cultivation of fruit or vines—15,000 hectares (37,066 acres), horticulture—7,000 hectares (17,297 acres), private lot—200 hectares (494 acres), and other—1,000 hectares (2,471 acres). A hectare is a unit of area in the metric system equal to approximately 2.471 acres. However, these maximums will only be considered if the total 15 percent is reached. Currently, the Company owns approximately 4,138 acres of Argentine rural land through AWE, 2,050 acres are considered land held for cultivation of fruit or vines and 2,088 was purchased during 2017 to provide additional access to AWE. Because the maximum area for this type of land allowed per non-national is 25,000 hectares, the Company is compliant with the law’s limit, were it to apply today. Costs of compliance with the law may be significant in the future. Although currently, the area under foreign ownership in Mendoza is approximately 8.6 percent, and the total land held for cultivation of fruit or wines by the Company is 834 hectares, this law may apply to the Company in the future and could affect the Company’s ability to acquire additional real property in Argentina. The inability to acquire additional land could curtail the Company’s growth strategy.

 

Our business is subject to extensive regulation and additional regulations may be imposed in the future.

Our activities are subject to Argentine federal, state and municipal laws, and to regulations, authorizations and licenses required with respect to construction, zoning, use of the soil, environmental protection and historical patrimony, consumer protection, antitrust and other requirements, all of which affect our ability to acquire land, buildings and shopping malls, develop and build projects and negotiate with customers.

In addition, companies in this industry are subject to increasing tax rates, the creation of new taxes and changes in the taxation regime. We are required to obtain licenses and authorizations with different governmental authorities in order to carry out our projects. Maintaining our licenses and authorizations can be a costly provision. In the case of non-compliance with such laws, regulations, licenses and authorizations, we may face fines, project shutdowns, and cancellation of licenses and revocation of authorizations.

In addition, public authorities may issue new and stricter standards, or enforce or construe existing laws and regulations in a more restrictive manner, which may force us to make expenditures to comply with such new rules. Development activities are also subject to risks relating to potential delays in obtaining or an inability to obtain all necessary zoning, environmental, land-use, development, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations. Any such delays or failures to obtain such government approvals may have an adverse effect on our business.

22

There may be a lack of liquidity in the underlying real estate.

 

Because a substantial part of the assets managed by the Company will be invested in illiquid real estate, there is a risk that the Company will be unable to realize its investment objectives through the sale or other disposition of properties at attractive prices or to do so at a desirable time. This could hamper the Company’s ability to complete any exit strategy with regard to investments it has structured or participated in.

There is limited public information about real estate in Argentina.

 

There is generally limited publicly available information about real estate in Argentina, and the Company will be conducting its own due diligence on future transactions. Moreover, it is common in Argentinian real estate transactions that the purchaser bears the burden of any undiscovered conditions or defects and has limited recourse against the seller of the property. Should the pre-acquisition evaluation of the physical condition of any future investments have failed to detect certain defects or necessary repairs, the total investment cost could be significantly higher than expected. Furthermore, should estimates of the costs of developing, improving, repositioning or redeveloping an acquired property prove too low or estimates of the market demand or the time required to achieve occupancy prove too optimistic, the profitability of the investment may be adversely affected.

 

Our construction projects may be subject to delays in completion.

 

Algodon Wine Estates has required significant redevelopment construction (including potentially building residential units for Algodon Wine Estates). The quality of the construction and the timely completion of these projects are factors affecting operations and significant delays or cost overruns could materially adversely affect the Company’s operations. Delays in construction or defects in materials and/or workmanship have occurred and may continue to occur. Defects could delay completion of one or all of the projects or, if such defects are discovered after completion, expose the Company to liability. In addition, construction projects may also encounter delays due to adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, fires, delays in the provision of materials or labor, accidents, labor disputes, unforeseen engineering, environmental or geological problems, disputes with contractors and subcontractors, or other events. If any of these materialize, there may be a delay in the commencement of cash flow and/or an increase in costs that may adversely affect the Company.

 

The Company may be subject to certain losses that are not covered by insurance.

 

AWLD,GGH, its affiliates and/or subsidiaries currently maintain insurance coverage against liability to third parties and property damage as is customary for similarly situated businesses, however the Company does not hold any country-risk insurance. There can be no assurance, however, that insurance will continue to be available or sufficient to cover any such risks. Insurance against certain risks, such as earthquakes, floods or terrorism may be unavailable, available in amounts that are less than the full market value or replacement cost of the properties or subject to a large deductible. In addition, there can be no assurance the particular risks which are currently insurable will continue to be insurable on an economic basis.

Boutique Hotel

 

In addition to the risks that apply to all real estate investments, hotel and hospitality investments are subject to additional risks which include:

 

 Competition for guests from other hotels based upon brand affiliations, room rates offered including those via internet wholesalers and distributors, customer service, location and the condition and upkeep of each hotel in general and in relation to other hotels in their local market;
   
 Specific competition from well-established operators of “boutique” or “lifestyle” hotel brands which have greater financial resources and economies of scale;
   
 Adverse effects of general and local political and/or economic conditions;
   
 Dependence on demand from business and leisure travelers, which may fluctuate and be seasonal;
   
 Increases in energy costs, airline fares and other expenses related to travel, which may deter travel;
   
 Impact of financial difficulties of the airline industry and potential reduction in demand on hotel rooms;
   
 Overbuilding in the hotel industry, especially in individual markets; and
   
 Disruption in business and leisure travel patterns relating to perceived fears of terrorism or political unrest.

 

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The boutique hotel market is highly competitive.

 

The Company competes in the boutique hotel segment, which is highly competitive, is closely linked to economic conditions and may be more susceptible to changes in economic conditions than other segments of the hospitality industry. Competition within the boutique hotel segment is also likely to continue to increase in the future. Competitive factors include name recognition, quality of service, convenience of location, quality of the property, pricing, and range and quality of dining, services and amenities offered. Additionally, success in the boutique hotel market depends, largely, on an ability to shape and stimulate consumer tastes and demands by producing and maintaining innovative, attractive, and exciting properties and services. The Company competes in this segment against many well-known companies that have established brand recognition and significantly greater financial resources. If it is unable to achieve and maintain consumer recognition for its brand and otherwise compete with well-established competitors, the Company’s business and operations will be negatively impacted. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully in this market or that the Company will be able to anticipate and react to changing consumer tastes and demands in a timely manner.

 

Currently, the Company’s hotel incurs overhead costs higher than the total gross margin.

 

The overhead costs for the Algodon Mansion hotel currently exceed its total gross margin. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to increase revenues and lower the hotel’s overhead cost in the future.

 

The profitability of the Company’s hotels will depend on the performance of hotel management.

 

The profitability of the Company’s hotel and hospitality investment will depend largely upon the ability of management that it employs to generate revenues that exceed operating expenses. The failure of hotel management to manage the hotels effectively would adversely affect the cash flow received from hotel and hospitality operations.

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We are subject to risks affecting the hotel industry.

In addition, the profitability of our hotels depends on:

our ability to form successful relationships with international and local operators to run our hotels;
changes in tourism and travel trends, including seasonal changes and changes due to pandemic outbreaks, weather phenomena or other natural events and social unrest;
affluence of tourists, which can be affected by a slowdown in global economy; and
taxes and governmental regulations affecting wages, prices, interest rates, construction procedures and costs.

 

Algodon Wine Estates and Land Development

 

The tourism industry is highly competitive and may affect the success of the Company’s projects.

 

The success of the tourism and real estate development projects underway at Algodon Wine Estates depends primarily on recreational and secondarily on business tourists and the extent to which the Company can attract tourists to the region and to its properties. The Company is in competition with other hotels and developers based upon brand affiliations, room rates, customer service, location, facilities, and the condition and upkeep of the lodging in general, and in relation to other lodges/hotels/investment opportunities in the local market. Algodon Wine Estates operates as a multi-functional resort and winery and serves a niche market, which may be difficult to target. Algodon Wine Estates may also be disadvantaged because of its geographical location in the greater Mendoza region. While the San Rafael area continues to increase in popularity as a tourist destination, it is currently less traveled than other regions of Mendoza, where tourism is more established.

 

The profitability of Algodon Wine Estates will depend on consumer demand for leisure and entertainment.

 

Algodon Wine Estates is dependent on demand from leisure and business travelers, which may be seasonal and fluctuate based on numerous factors. Demand may decrease with increases in energy costs, airline fares and other expenses related to travel, which may deter travel. Business and leisure travel patterns may be disrupted due to perceived fears of local unrest or terrorism both abroad and in Argentina. General and local economic conditions and their effects on travel may adversely affect Algodon Wine Estates.

 

Development of the Company’s projects will proceed in phases and is subject to unpredictability in costs and expenses.

 

It is contemplated that the expansion and development plans of Algodon Wine Estates will be completed in phases and each phase will present different types and degrees of risk. Algodon Wine Estates may be unable to acquire the property it needs for further expansion or be unable to raise the property to the standards anticipated for the ALGODON® brand. This may be due to difficulties associated with obtaining required future financing, purchasing additional parcels of land, or receiving the requisite zoning approvals. Algodon Wine Estates may have problems with local laws and customs that cannot be predicted or controlled. Development costs may also increase due to inflation or other economic factors.

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The ability of the Company to operate its businesses may be adversely affected by U.S. and Argentine government regulations.

 

Many aspects of the Company’s businesses face substantial government regulation and oversight. For example, hotel properties are subject to numerous laws, including those relating to the preparation and sale of food and beverages, including alcohol and those governing relationships with employees such as minimum wage and maximum working hours, overtime, working conditions, hiring and firing employees and work permits. Additionally, hotel properties may be subject to various laws relating to the environment and fire and safety. Compliance with these laws may be time consuming and costly and may adversely affect hotel operations.operations in Argentina.

 

Another example is the wine industry which is subject to extensive regulation by local and foreign governmental agencies concerning such matters as licensing, trade and pricing practices, permitted and required labeling, advertising and relations with wholesalers and retailers. New or revised regulations in Argentina, or other foreign countries and U.S. import laws could have a material adverse effect on Algodon Wine Estates’ financial condition or operations.

 

Finally, because many of the Company’s properties are located in Argentina, they are subject to its laws and to the laws of various local districts that affect ownership and operational matters. Compliance with applicable rules and regulations requires significant management attention and any failure to comply could jeopardize the Company’s ability to operate or sell a particular property and could subject the Company to monetary penalties, additional costs required to achieve compliance, and potential liability to third parties. Regulations governing the Argentinian real estate industry as well as environmental laws have tended to become more restrictive over time. The Company cannot assure that new and stricter standards will not be adopted or become applicable to the Company, or that stricter interpretations of existing laws and regulations will not be implemented.

 

Algodon Wine Estates—Vineyard and Wine Production

 

Competition within the wine industry could have a material adverse effect on the profitability of wine sales.

 

The operation of a winery is a highly competitive business and the dollar amount and unit volume of wine sales through the ALGODON® label could be negatively affected by a variety of competitive factors. Many other local and foreign producers of wine have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and public relations resources and wine producing expertise than the Company, and many have more refined, developed and established brands. The wine industry is characterized by fickle demand and success in this industry relies heavily on successful branding. Thus, the ALGODON® brand concept may not appeal to a large segment of the market, preventing the Company from successfully competing against other Argentinian and foreign brands. Wholesaler, retailer and consumer purchasing decisions are also influenced by the quality, pricing and branding of the product, as compared to competitive products. Unit volume and dollar sales could be adversely affected by pricing, purchasing, financing, operational, advertising or promotional decisions made by competitors, which could affect the supply of, or consumer demand for, product produced under the ALGODON® brand.

 

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Algodon Wine Estates is subject to import and export rules and taxes which may change.

 

Algodon Wine Estates primarily exports its products to Europe through Algodon Europe Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary.the United States and Europe. In countries to which Algodon Wine Estates intends to export its products, Algodon Wine Estates will be subject to excise and other taxes on wine products in varying amounts, which are subject to change. Significant increases in excise or other taxes could have a material adverse effect on Algodon Wine Estates’ financial condition or operations. Political and economic instabilities of foreign countries may also disrupt or adversely affect Algodon Wine Estates’ ability to export or make profitable sales in that country. Moreover, exporting costs are subject to macro-economic forces that affect the price of transporting goods (e.g., the cost of oil and its impact on transportation systems), and this could have an adverse impact on operations.

 

The Company’s business would be adversely affected by natural disasters.

 

Natural disasters, floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, hailstorms or other environmental disasters could damage the vineyard, its inventory, or other physical assets of the Algodon Wine Estates’ resort, including the golf course. If all or a portion of the vineyard or inventory were to be lost prior to sale or distribution as a result of any adverse environmental activity, or if the golf course and facilities were damaged, Algodon Wine Estates would become significantly less attractive as a destination resort and therefore lose a substantial portion of its anticipated profit and cash flow. Such a loss would seriously harm the business and reduce overall sales and profits. The Company is not insured against crop losses as a result of weather conditions or natural disasters. Moderate, but irregular weather conditions may adversely affect the grapes, making any one season less profitable than expected. In addition to weather conditions, many other factors, such as pruning methods, plant diseases, pests, the number of vines producing grapes, and machine failure could also affect the quantity and quality of grapes. Any of these conditions could cause an increase in the price of production or a reduction in the amount of wine Algodon Wine Estates is able to produce and a resulting reduction in business sales and profits.

Climate change, or legal, regulatory or market measures to address climate change, may negatively affect our business, operations or financial performance, and water scarcity or poor water quality could negatively impact our production costs and capacity.

 

Our wine business depends upon agricultural activity and natural resources. There has been much public discussion related to concerns that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. Severe weather events and climate change may negatively affect agricultural productivity in the regions from which we presently source our agricultural raw materials such as grapes. Decreased availability of our raw materials may increase the cost of goods for our products. Severe weather events or changes in the frequency or intensity of weather events can also disrupt our supply chain, which may affect production operations, insurance cost and coverage, as well as delivery of our products to wholesalers, retailers and consumers.

 

Water is essential in the production of our products. The quality and quantity of water available for use is important to the supply of grapes and our ability to operate our business. Water is a limited resource in many parts of the world and if climate patterns change and droughts become more severe, there may be a scarcity of water or poor water quality that may affect our production costs or impose capacity constraints.

 

27

Various diseases, pests and certain weather conditions may negatively affect our business, operations or financial performance.

 

Various diseases, pests, fungi, viruses, drought, frosts and certain other weather conditions could affect the quality and quantity of grapes other agricultural raw materials available, decreasing the supply of our products and negatively impacting profitability. We cannot guarantee that our grape suppliers or our suppliers of other agricultural raw materials will succeed in preventing contamination in existing vineyards or fields or that we will succeed in preventing contamination in our existing vineyards or future vineyards we may acquire. Future government restrictions regarding the use of certain materials used in growing grapes or other agricultural raw materials may increase vineyard costs and/or reduce production of grapes or other crops. Growing agricultural raw materials also requires adequate water supplies. A substantial reduction in water supplies could result in material losses of grape crops and vines or other crops, which could lead to a shortage of our product supply.

 

Contamination could adversely affect our salessales.

 

The success of our brands depends upon the positive image that consumers have of those brands. Contamination, whether arising accidentally or through deliberate third-party action, or other events that harm the integrity or consumer support for our brands, could adversely affect their sales. Contaminants in raw materials, packaging materials or product components purchased from third parties and used in the production of our wine or defects in the fermentation or distillation process could lead to low beverage quality as a perceived failure to maintain high ethical, social and environmental standards for all of our operations and activities; a perceived failure to address concerns relating to the quality, safety or integrity of our products; our environmental impact, including use of agricultural materials, packaging, water and energy use, and waste management; or effects that are perceived as insufficient to promote the responsible use of alcohol.

Loss of one or more of the Company’s key employees could adversely affect the Company’s businesses.

 

The production of wine depends on the services and expertise of highly skilled individuals in all facets of the growth and production process. Although arrangements have been made with additional winemaking talent to assist in the process, the loss of service of any of Algodon Wine Estates’ significant employees (Anthony Foster, Master of Wine;Wine and Mauro Nosenzo, winemaker; and Marcelo Pelleriti, Senior Wine Advisor ofwinemaker, AWE) could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Further, as the manager of the property, the profitability of Algodon Wine Estates will depend largely upon Algodon Wine Estates to generate revenues that exceed operating expenses. Any failure to manage the vineyard, winery and resort effectively, or up to the caliber of the ALGODON® brand, would adversely affect Algodon Wine Estates’ cash flow received from operations and consequently the Company’s investment. Problems with local labor could also have a material adverse effect on Algodon Wine Estates.

 

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General Corporate Business Considerations

 

Insiders continue to have substantial control over the CompanyCompany.

 

As of March28, 2017,April 1, 2019, the Company’s directors and executive officers hold the current right to vote approximately 20.5%17.2% of the Company’s outstanding voting stock.stock, not including the Series B Preferred on an as-converted basis. Of this total, 16.7%14.1% is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly by Company CEO Scott Mathis. In addition, the Company’s directors and executive officers have the right to acquire additional shares which could increase their voting percentage significantly. As a result, Mr. Mathis acting alone, and/or many of these individuals acting together, may have the ability to exert significant control over the Company’s decisions and control the management and affairs of the Company, and also to determine the outcome of matters submitted to stockholders for approval, including the election and removal of a director, the removal of any officer and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership may harm a future market price of the shares by:

 

 Delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company;
   
 Impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving the Company; or
   
 Discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company.

There is little to noa limited public market for trading the Company’s common stock.stock and stockholders must be prepared to hold onto their shares indefinitely even after they are eligible for resale.

 

Although the Company’s shares are quoted on the over-the-counter market, there is little to noa limited public trading market for our common stock, and there can be no assurance that a trading market will ever develop or be sufficiently liquid for an investor to sell his or her shares. Stock prices on the OTCQB can vary dramatically and can be very volatile, especially where the volume of trading is relatively modest, as has been the case for GGH shares. Investors must be prepared to hold such securities for an indefinite period of time even after the restricted stock holding period has expired.

There is no guarantee that the Company’s securities will be available for trading on a national stock exchange.

Although the Company has announced its intent to list a class of its securities on a national exchange such as NYSE American or NASDAQ, there is no assurance that the Company will ever do so or meet the requirements of such exchanges to list its securities. Currently, the Company would need to execute a reverse stock split on or before June 30, 2019 in order to uplist. We are required by Delaware law to have stockholder approval on a stock split and may need to wait until our annual meeting to obtain stockholder consent. As a result of not being listed on a national securities exchange, the stockholders of the Company may have a difficult time reselling their shares due to the thinly-traded volume of the shares on the OTCQB.

 

The Company may not be able to continue as a going concern.

 

Our independent registered public accountant noted that ourThe Company has incurred recurring losses from operations (continuing) of $6,560,871$5,254,781 and $6,109,812$7,685,390 and has reported negative net operating cash flows of $4,345,933 and $8,075,299 for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively) and negative net operating cash flow $6,469,560 and, $6,537,708 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)2017, respectively. We believe that these conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. This may hinder our future ability to obtain financing or may force us to obtain financing on less favorable terms than would otherwise be available.

 

 2129 
 

 

Should the Company’s application to uplist to NASDAQ not be approved, the Company may be required in December 2019 to redeem up to 902,670 Series B Shares at $10.00 per share.

While the Company expects that it will be successful in uplisting its common stock to the NASDAQ market, should that effort not be successful, the Company would be required, on December 4, 2019, to redeem all Series B Shares that have not been previously converted to common stock. The cost to redeem these shares would likely have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and would likely require either the liquidation of certain Company assets or an effort to raise new equity or debt financing. Whether the Company would be able to consummate any such transaction, should it need to do so, on economically beneficial terms or otherwise, cannot be presently known.

Revenues are currently insufficient to pay operating expenses and costs which may result in the inability to execute the Company’s business concept.

 

The Company’s operations have to date generated significant operating losses, as reflected in the financial information included in this Annual Report. Management’s expectations in the past regarding when operations would become profitable have been not been realized, and this has continued to put a strain on working capital. Business and prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stages of operations. If the Company is not successful in addressing these risks, its business and financial condition will be adversely affected. In light of the uncertain nature of the markets in which the Company operates, it is impossible to predict future results of operations.

 

The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of AWLD are also involved in outside businesses which may affect their ability to fully devote their time to the Company.

Scott Mathis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AWLD, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer of AWLD is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc., a private company he founded which is developing Hollywood-themed American fast food restaurants in Argentina and the United States. His duties as CEO of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. consume approximately 15-25% of his time, which may interfere with Mr. Mathis’s duties as the CEO of AWLD.

In addition, Maria Echevarria, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of AWLD also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. Ms. Echevarria’s duties as CFO of Hollywood Burger Holdings Inc. consume approximately 10% of her time, which may interfere with her duties as the CFO of AWLD.

Our management is relatively inexperienced with running a public company and could create a risk of non-compliance.

Management’s inexperience with running a public company may cause us to fall out of compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, which could lead to enforcement action against us and a negative impact on our stock price.

Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses and could create a risk of non-compliance.

Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure have created uncertainty for public companies and significantly increased the costs and risks associated with accessing the public markets and public reporting. These corporate governance standards are the product of many sources, including, without limitation, public market perception, stock exchange regulations and SEC disclosure requirement. Our management team expects to invest significant management time and financial resources to comply with both existing and evolving standards for public companies, which will lead to increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities to compliance activities. Management’s inexperience may cause us to fall out of compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, which could lead to enforcement action against us and a negative impact on our stock price.

We may incur losses and liabilities in the course of business which could prove costly to defend or resolve.

 

Companies that operate in one or more of the businesses that we operate face significant legal risks. There is a risk that we could become involved in litigation wherein an adverse result could have a material adverse effect on our business and our financial condition. There is a risk of litigation generally in conducting a commercial business. These risks often may be difficult to assess or quantify and their existence and magnitude often remain unknown for substantial periods of time. We may incur significant legal expenses in defending against litigation.

The Company faces significant regulation by the SEC and state securities administrators

The holders of shares of AWLD’s common stock may not offer or sell the shares in private transactions or (should a public market develop, of which there can be no assurance) public transactions without compliance with regulations imposed by the SEC and various state securities administrators. To the extent that any holder desires to offer or sell any such shares, the holder must prove to the reasonable satisfaction of AWLD that he has complied with all applicable securities regulations, and AWLD may require an opinion of the holder’s legal counsel to that effect. Thus, there can be no assurance that the holder will be able to resell the shares or any interest therein when the holder desires to do so.

22

There is no guarantee that the Company’s securities will be available for trading on a national stock exchange.

Although the Company has announced its intent to list a class of its securities on a national exchange such as NYSE MKT or NASDAQ, there is no assurance that the Company will ever do so or meet the requirements of such exchanges to list its securities. As a result, the stockholders of the Company may have a difficult time reselling their shares.

 

The Company is dependent upon additional financing which it may not be able to secure in the future.

 

As it has in the past, the Company will likely continue to require financing to address its working capital needs, continue its development efforts, support business operations, fund possible continuing operating losses, and respond to unanticipated capital requirements. For example, the continuing development of the Algodon Wine Estates project requires significant ongoing capital expenditures. There can be no assurance that additional financing or capital will be available and, if available, upon acceptable terms and conditions. To the extent that any required additional financing is not available on acceptable terms, the Company’s ability to continue in business may be jeopardized and the Company may need to curtail its operations and implement a plan to extend payables and reduce overhead until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful. Such a plan could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, and ultimately the Company could be forced to discontinue its operations, liquidate and/or seek reorganization in bankruptcy.

30

Our level of debt may adversely affect our operations and our ability to pay our debt as it becomes due.

The fact that we are leveraged may affect our ability to refinance existing debt or borrow additional funds to finance working capital requirements, acquisitions and capital expenditures. In addition, the recent disruptions in the global financial markets, including the bankruptcy and restructuring of major financial institutions, may adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt and the availability and cost of credit in the future. In such conditions, access to equity and debt financing options may be restricted and it may be uncertain how long these economic circumstances may last. This would require us to allocate a substantial portion of cash flow to repay principal and interest, thereby reducing the amount of money available to invest in operations, including acquisitions and capital expenditures. Our leverage could also affect our competitiveness and limit our ability to changes in market conditions, changes in the real estate industry and economic downturns.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to satisfy our debt service requirements or to obtain future financing. If we cannot satisfy our debt service requirements or if we default on any financial or other covenants in our debt arrangements, the lenders and/or holders of our debt will be able to accelerate the maturity of such debt or cause defaults under the other debt arrangements. Our ability to service debt obligations or to refinance them will depend upon our future financial and operating performance, which will, in part, be subject to factors beyond our control such as macroeconomic conditions and regulatory changes in Argentina. If we cannot obtain future financing, we may have to delay or abandon some or all of our planned capital expenditures, which could adversely affect our ability to generate cash flows and repay our obligations as they become due.

The Company may not pay dividends on its common stock and may not pay additional dividends on its Series B convertible preferred stock.

The Company has not paid dividends to date on its common stock. The Company does not contemplate or anticipate declaring or paying any dividends with respect to its common stock. During 2018, the Company issued 378,193 shares of common stock valued at $0.70 per share, or $264,272, in satisfaction of certain dividends payable and paid cash dividends of $127,502 covering the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. In May 2018, Argentina’s currency began a steep slide in its value, so that the exchange rate of the Argentine peso dropped from 15 pesos to the U.S. dollar, to 41 pesos to the U.S. dollar. At the same, the local inflation rate reached upwards of 40% annually. Not surprisingly, these macro-economic developments have been having a negative impact on the Company. At the end of 2018, the Company concluded in that it must still tread cautiously and manage its available cash resources prudently and the decisions were made to not declare any additional cash dividends. The Company reserves the right to declare a dividend when operations merit. However, payments of any cash dividends in the future will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, and capital requirements as well as other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. It is anticipated that earnings, if any, will be used to finance the development and expansion of the Company’s business.

The Company faces significant regulation by the SEC and state securities administrators.

The holders of shares of GGH’s common stock may not offer or sell the shares in private transactions or public transactions without compliance with regulations imposed by the SEC and various state securities administrators. To the extent that any holder desires to offer or sell any such shares, the holder must prove to the reasonable satisfaction of GGH that he has complied with all applicable securities regulations, and GGH may require an opinion of the holder’s legal counsel to that effect. Thus, there can be no assurance that the holder will be able to resell the shares or any interest therein when the holder desires to do so.

31

Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses and could create a risk of non-compliance.

Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure have created uncertainty for public companies and significantly increased the costs and risks associated with accessing the public markets and public reporting. These corporate governance standards are the product of many sources, including, without limitation, public market perception, stock exchange regulations and SEC disclosure requirement. Our management team expects to invest significant management time and financial resources to comply with both existing and evolving standards for public companies, which will lead to increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities to compliance activities. Changing regulation may cause us to fall out of compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, which could lead to enforcement action against us and a negative impact on our stock price.

The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of GGH are also involved in outside businesses which may affect their ability to fully devote their time to the Company.

Scott Mathis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GGH, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer of GGH is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc., a private company he founded which is developing Hollywood-themed American fast food restaurants in Argentina and the United States. His duties as CEO of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. consume approximately 15-25% of his time, which may interfere with Mr. Mathis’s duties as the CEO of GGH.

In addition, Maria Echevarria, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of GGH also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. Ms. Echevarria’s duties as CFO of Hollywood Burger Holdings Inc. consume approximately 10% of her time, which may interfere with her duties as the CFO of GGH.

 

The Company’s officers and directors are exculpated and indemnified against certain conduct that may prove costly to defend.

 

The Company may have to spend significant resources indemnifying its officers and directors or paying for damages caused by their conduct. The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation exculpates the Board of Directors and its affiliates from certain liability, and the Company has procured directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to reduce the potential exposure to the Company in the event damages result from certain types of potential misconduct. Furthermore, the General Corporation Law of Delaware provides for broad indemnification by corporations of their officers and directors, and the Company’s bylaws implement this indemnification to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law as it currently exists or as it may be amended in the future. Consequently, subject to the applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of Delaware and to certain limited exceptions in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s officers and directors will not be liable to the Company or to its stockholders for monetary damages resulting from their conduct as an officer or director.

The Company has not paid dividends to date.

Neither AWLD nor any of its constituent companies has ever paid any dividends or made any distributions to their stockholders or members. The Company does not contemplate or anticipate declaring or paying any dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. It is anticipated that earnings, if any, will be used to finance the development and expansion of the Company’s business.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

32

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

AWLDGGH and its operating subsidiaries maintain their corporate headquarters at 135 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY under a lease covering approximately 3,300 square feet, which expires in August 2020. The Company expects to remain in these offices for the immediate future, unless its growth, or the growth of its affiliates, necessitates a move into larger or separate offices.

 

The Algodon – Recoleta, SRL (“TAR”) owns a hotel in the Recoleta section of Buenos Aires called Algodon Mansion, located at 1647 Montevideo Street. The hotel is approximately 20,000 square feet and has ten suites, a restaurant and wine bar, a dining room, and a luxury spa, pool, and cigar bar and lounge on the rooftop. This property is subject to encumbrances of which TAR is the guarantor.

 

Algodon Wine Estates owns and operates a resort property located Ruta Nacional 144 Km 674, Cuadro Benegas, San Rafael (5603) in Argentina and consisting of 2,0504,138 acres. The property has a winery, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, dining and a hotel. This property is also subject to encumbrances of which TAR is the guarantor.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time AWLDGGH and its subsidiaries and affiliates are subject to litigation and arbitration claims incidental to its business. Such claims may not be covered by its insurance coverage, and even if they are, if claims against AWLDGGH and its subsidiaries are successful, they may exceed the limits of applicable insurance coverage. We doare not believe that we are involved in any litigation that we believe is likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Notwithstanding the above, in connection with the routine audit of DPEC Capital commenced in November 2016, the Company has promptly responded to requests from the SEC regarding the reported unregistered sales of the Company’s securities.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

33

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

 

On January 20, 2016 FINRA cleared the request to submit quotations on the OTC Bulletin Board and in OTC Link by Glendale Securities, Inc. of Sherman Oaks, California. On March 7, 2016, Company was upgraded from the Pink Sheets of OTC Markets to the OTCQB Venture Marketplace. There was no public trading market for the Company’s common stock for the quarterly periods within fiscal year 2015. In fiscal year 2016,years 2017 and 2018, because there were only limited and sporadic quotations of the Company’s common stock and low volume, the Company does not believe that there was an established public trading market.

 

In light of the above, transactiontransactions of our common stock are currently reported under the symbol “VINO” on the OTCQB. The first trade on the over-the-counter market occurred on September 23, 2016. The following table sets forth the range of high and low bids reported in the over-the-counter market for our common stock. The prices reflect inter-dealer prices, do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions, and domay not necessary reflect actual transactions.

 

Fiscal Year 2016 High Low 
Fiscal Year 2018 High Low 
          
First Quarter (beginning on January 22) $0.10  $0.10 
First Quarter $1.00  $0.37 
Second Quarter $800.00  $0.10  $1.00  $0.55 
Third Quarter $400.13  $0.25  $0.95  $0.30 
Fourth Quarter $3.00  $0.25  $0.78  $0.31 

Fiscal Year 2017 High  Low 
       
First Quarter $1.85  $0.91 
Second Quarter $1.20  $0.90 
Third Quarter $1.11  $0.80 
Fourth Quarter $2.50  $0.65 

 

During 2018 and 2017, the Company declared $474,719 and $60,515, respectively, of dividends on its Series B convertible preferred stock. The Company has paid nonot declared any dividends with respect to date on its common stock. The Company reserves the right to declare a dividend when operations merit. However, payments of any cash dividends in the future will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, and capital requirements as well as other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.

 

There were approximately 690700 holders of the Company’s common stock as of MarchApril 1, 2019.

On February 28, 2017.2017, the Company amended its Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to reduce the number of shares designated as Series A Preferred Stock from 11,000,000 to 10,097,330.

Also on February 28, 2017, the Company filed the Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock designating 902,670 shares of preferred stock of the Company, par value $0.01 as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Shares”). There are 902,670 Series B Shares currently outstanding. Holders of Series B Preferred Shares are entitled to, among other things, the following:

 

8% annual dividend, payable quarterly, within thirty (30) following the end of the quarter, subject only to a determination by the Company’s Board of Directors that payment of dividends would jeopardize the Company’s ongoing operations.
A liquidation preference to be paid ahead of shares of the Company’s common stock.
Upon any uplisting or elevation of the Company’s common stock to a national exchange such as NASDAQ or NYSE American, mandatory conversion to common stock, at a ratio of ten shares of common stock for each Series B Share.
If Series B Shares have not been previously converted into common stock, redemption of Series B Shares on the date that is two years following the termination of any offering of the Series B Shares.
Each holder of Series B Shares shall be entitled to vote on all matters and shall be entitled to the number of votes determined by a formula set forth in the certificate of designation, subject to a maximum of ten votes per Series B Share. Holders of Series B Shares also vote as a class to the extent Series B Shares would be treated differently from another series of preferred stock, such as any action that would amend any of the rights, preferences or privileges of the holders of Series B Shares, or that would authorize the Company to issue a class of preferred stock that would be senior to Series B Shares, and in each such instance consent or approval of holders of at least 50.01% of the then outstanding Series B Shares would be required for such action to become effective.

On September 28, 2018, the stockholders of the Company approved a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock in a range from one-for-two (1:2) up to one-for-twenty (1:20), or anywhere between, if required for the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national exchange on or before June 30, 2019.

35

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table sets forth securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2016.2018.

 

Plan category Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
  Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options, warrants and rights
  

Number of securities remaining available
for future issuance
under equity compenation

plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

 
  (a)  (b)  (c) 
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders:
            
2008 Plan  7,124,265   2.41   1,875,735 
2016 Plan  900,000   2.20   324,308 
Equity compensation plans not approved
by security holders
  -   -   - 
Total  8,024,265   2.39   2,200,043 

24
Plan category Number of securities
 to be issued upon 
exercise of outstanding options, 
warrants and rights
  Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options, warrants and rights
  Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 
   (a)   (b)   (c) 
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders:
            
2008 Plan  4,409,265  $2.34   - 
2016 Plan  3,564,328   1.26   - 
2018 Plan  1,500,000   0.54   - 
Equity compensation plans not approved
by security holders
  -   -   - 
Total  9,473,593  $1.65   - 

 

The above table does not include securities of GG available for issuance under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

Between February 2, 2018 and April 26, 2018, the Company sold convertible promissory notes (the “Convertible Notes”) in the amount of $2,026,730 to accredited investors. The Convertible Notes have a 90-day maturity, bear interest at 8% per annum and are convertible into the Company’s common stock at a at a 10% discount to the price used for the sale of the Company’s common stock in the Company’s next private placement offering. On June 30, 2018, a total of 1,285,517 shares of common stock were issued to certain holders of Convertible Notes who were accredited investors upon conversion of certain of the Convertible Notes representing $809,875 of principal and accrued interest. For these sales of securities, no general solicitation was used, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and/or Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act with respect to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. A Form D was filed with the SEC on May 23, 2018. The remaining principal balance owed on the Convertible Notes of $1,251,854 is past due as of December 31, 2018.

On February 12, 2018, the Company granted options to purchase of 1,330,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.77 to certain employees under the 2016 Stock Option Plan. For these sales of securities, no general solicitation was used, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2).

During March 2018, the three monthsCompany issued 116,284 shares of common stock at $0.70 per share in settlement of its matching obligations for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017 under the Company’s 401(k) profit sharing plan. For these sales of securities, no general solicitation was used, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and/or Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act with respect to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.

On March 20, 2018, the Company declared a dividend for holders of Series B convertible preferred stock (the “Series B Preferred”) covering the third and fourth quarters of 2017. On May 14, 2018, the Board declared a dividend for the Series B Preferred covering the first quarter of 2018. The Board approved payment of the declared dividends for each of the three quarters either in cash or in shares of common stock.

On June 18, 2018, the Company issued 775,136156,038 shares of common stock in connection with the payment of a dividend to certain holders of Series B Preferred totaling $109,225 in lieu of cash. On June 30, 2018, the Company issued 222,155 shares of common stock in connection with the payment of a dividend to certain holders of Series B Preferred totaling $153,241 in lieu of cash. All holders of Series B Preferred receiving the common stock in lieu of cash were accredited investors. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D was filed on June 25, 2018 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and an amended Form D was filed with the SEC on July 16, 2018.

Between June 30, 2018 and September 11, 2018, the Company sold 1,890,993 shares of common stock to accredited investors for gross proceeds of $1,323,695 pursuant to a private placement. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2018, an amended Form D was filed with the SEC on August 1, 2018, and a second amended Form D was filed with the SEC on September 17, 2018.

Between July 11, 2018 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, GG, sold convertible promissory notes in the amount of $1,480,800 to accredited investors. The maturity date of the notes is December 31, 2018, and at the option of the holder, the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest can be converted into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and GG relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on November 20, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on December 10, 2018, and an amended Form D was filed on January 17, 2019.

On September 20, 2018, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2018 Plan, of which options for the purchase of 725,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to the Company’s President and CEO, Scott L. Mathis, and options for the purchase of 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Peter J. Lawrence, a member of the Board of Directors. The options have an exercise price of $0.539 per share and vest 25% at the first anniversary of date of grant, with the remaining shares vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following three years. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the issuance of options.

On December 18, 2018, the Board of Directors of GG granted options under its 2018 Gaucho Plan to purchase common stock of GG to certain employees, consultants, officers, and directors of GG at an exercise price of $0.1375 per share, of which an option to purchase 4,500,000 shares of common stock was granted to the CEO, an option for 200,000 shares was granted to the CFO, and two options, each for 50,000 shares was granted to two members of the Board of Directors of GG. After one year from the date of grant, 25% of the options vest, with the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter. The options expire on December 18, 2023. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the issuance of options.

In January 2019, management of GG gave the option to the noteholders of extending the maturity date from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019 of their specific convertible promissory notes. All of the noteholders retain their right, but not the obligation, to convert the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG. As of February 11, 2019, all noteholders representing have agreed to the extension of the maturity date on their convertible notes, except for noteholders holding notes in the amount of $10,500 which have matured.

Between January 1, 2019 and March 4, 2019, GG sold convertible promissory notes in the total amount of $751,000 to accredited investors. The maturity date of the notes is March 31, 2019, and at the option of the holder, the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest can be converted into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG. Together with the notes sold in 2018, a total of $1,936,800 were sold. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and GG relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on November 20, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on December 10, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on January 17, 2019, an amended Form D was filed on February 8, and another amended Form D was filed on February 21, 2019.

Between February 8, 2019 and March 27, 2019, the Company sold a total of 2,527,857 shares of its common stock for $2.00 per share to accredited investors in a private placement transaction for total gross proceeds of $1,550,271.$884,750. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and Algodon relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission after the filing of this offering.Current Report.

On March 13, 2019, the Company issued 181,185 shares of common stock at $0.35 per share to employees for the year ended December 31, 2018 of the 401(k) profit sharing plan. For this salethese sales of securities, no general solicitation was used, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act with respect to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. Commissions earned by DPEC Capital, Inc. the Company’s registered broker dealer subsidiary in connection with these share issuances, included $68,715 of cash commissions and warrants to purchase 115,343 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share. DPEC Capital, Inc., in turn, awarded such warrants to its registered representatives who all had sufficient knowledge and experience in financial, investment and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of investment in the Company and able to bear the risk of loss. An initial Form D was filed with the SEC on October 8, 2015 and an amended Form D was filed on December 8, 2016.

Subsequently, and pursuant to the same private placement transaction above, on January 7, 2017, the Company issued 25,000 shares of its common stock to one accredited investor for gross proceeds of $50,000. Commissions earned by DPEC Capital Inc. included $5,000 of cash commissions and warrants to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share. DPEC Capital, Inc., in turn, awarded such warrants to its registered representatives.

On October 20, 2016, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to an employee of the Company and five-year options for the purchase of an aggregate 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to Company consultants, under the 2016 Plan, at an exercise price of $2.20 per share. No general solicitation was used in this offering and options were granted to employees and consultants who all had sufficient knowledge and experience in financial, investment and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of investment in the Company and able to bear the risk of loss. For this sale of securities, the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act with respect to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.

On March 24, 2017, the Company issued 15,000 shares of its Series B Preferred Shares for $10.00 per share to one accredited investor in a private placement transaction for gross proceeds of $150,000. Series B Preferred Shares feature an 8% annual dividend and will be subject to certain rights and obligations to convert to common shares on a ten to one basis. A description of the Series B Preferred Shares is set forth in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on March 2, 2017. No general solicitation was used in this offering. For this sale of securities, the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act with respect to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. No commissions were paid in connection with the transaction. An initial Form D will be filed with the SEC on or before April 7, 2017. 

Other than as set forth herein or in the Company’s current reports on Form 8-K or quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, there have not been any sales of unregistered securities.securities for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.Purchasers

 

We didOther than as set forth herein or in the Company’s current reports on Form 8-K or quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, there have not purchasebeen any purchases of our equity securities duringby the twelve monthsCompany or its affiliated persons for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.

In connection with the private placement transaction during the three months ended December 31, 2016, on or about January 17, 2017, at the request of the investor, the Company cancelled 2,500 shares of its common stock previously issued to one accredited investor and refunded the investor the full purchase price of the securities, which was $5,000. Warrants to purchase 250 shares of common stock and commissions in the amount of $500 were returned by DPEC Capital, Inc. to the Company.  

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

25

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K filing. References in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to “us,” “we,” “our,” and similar terms refer to Algodon Wines & Luxury DevelopmentGaucho Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation. This discussion includes forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the federal securities laws, based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as 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. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements.

 

We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are beyond our control, which may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projections upon which the statements are based. See “Special Note - Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors discussed in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K filing. Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect our results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by us ultimately prove to be accurate. Our actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Overview

 

We are an integrated, lifestyle related real estate development company, capitalizing on our unique brand of affordable luxury, branded as “Algodon”, to create a diverse set of interrelated products and services. Our wines, hotels and real estate ventures, currently concentrated in Argentina, offer a blend of high-end, luxury and adventures products. We hope to further broaden the reach and depth of our services to strengthen and cement the reach of our brand. Ultimately, we intend to further expand and grow our business by combining unique and promising opportunities with our brand and clientele.

 

We are also in the final stages of developing Gaucho – Buenos Aires™ (“Gaucho”), a new high-end fashion and accessories brand collection of luxury assets, connecting buyers with some of Argentina’s best creative talents that harness the country’s unique heritage and artisanship of products such as woven fabrics, leather goods and precious metal jewelry.

Through our subsidiaries, we currently operate Algodon Mansion, a Buenos Aires-based luxury boutique hotel property and we have redeveloped, expanded and repositioned a winery and golf resort property called Algodon Wine Estates for subdivision of a portion of this property for residential development.

Developments and Trends

 

Investment in foreign real estate requires consideration of certain risks typically not associated with investing in the United States. Such risks include, trade balances and imbalances and related economic policies, unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations, imposition of exchange control regulation by the United States or foreign governments, United States and foreign withholding taxes, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets, policies of governments with respect to possible nationalization of their industries, political difficulties, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation and economic or political instability in foreign nations or changes in laws which affect foreign investors. See also Item 1A—Risk Factors for more information.

 

In December 2011, the Argentine Congress passed Law 26.737 (Regime for Protection of National Domain over Ownership, Possession or Tenure of Rural Land) limiting foreign ownership of rural land, even when not in border areas, to a maximum of 15 percent of all national, provincial or departmental productive land. Every non-Argentine national must request permission from the National Land Registry of Argentina in order to acquire non-urban real property. Additionally, no foreign individual or entity can acquire more than 30 percent within the allowed 15 percent of the total land of the department.

 

As approved, the law has been in effect since February 28, 2012 but is not retroactive. Furthermore, the general limit of 15 percent ownership by non-nationals must be reached before the law is applicable and each provincial government may establish its own maximum area of ownership per non-national.

In the Mendoza province, the maximum area allowed per type of production and activity per non-national is as follows: Mining—25,000 hectares (61,776 acres), cattle ranching—18,000 hectares (44,479 acres), cultivation of fruit or vines—15,000 hectares (37,066 acres), horticulture—7,000 hectares (17,297 acres), private lot—200 hectares (494 acres), and other—1,000 hectares (2,471 acres). A hectare is a unit of area in the metric system equal to approximately 2.471 acres. However, these maximums will only be considered if the total 15 percent is reached. Although currently, the area under foreign ownership in Mendoza is approximately 8.6 percent, this law may apply to the Company in the future and could affect the Company’s ability to acquire additional real property in Argentina. Currently, the Company owns approximately 4,138 acres of Argentine rural land through two legal entities, including one entity that owns 780 hectares (1,880 acres) and another that owns 54 hectares (130 acres), all of which isAWE, 2,050 acres are considered land held for cultivation of fruit or vines.vines and 2,088 was purchased during 2017 to provide additional access to AWE. Because the maximum area for this type of land allowed per non-national is 25,000 hectares, the Company is compliant with the law’s limit, were it to apply today. Costs of compliance with the law may be significant in the future.

 

Currently, AWLDGGH is developing lots for sale to third party builders and is not engaged in any construction activity. Twenty-oneTo date, twenty-five lots have been sold, and thesold. The Company expects to closehas closed on the sale of theseall 25 lots and recordrecorded revenue of $1,468,000. Revenue is recorded when the deeds during 2017. To date, no deeds have beenare issued. As of December 31, 2016,2018, the Company has $1,652,180$995,327 of lot deposits for pending sales.

As reflected in our consolidated financial statements we have generated significant losses from operations (continuing) of $6,560,871$5,254,781 and $6,109,812$7,685,390 for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, consisting primarily of general and administrative expenses, raising substantial doubt that we will be able to continue operations as a going concern. OurWe have suffered recurring losses from operations and our independent registered public accounting firm includedissued a report which includes an explanatory paragraph in their report for these years stating that we have not achievedrelating to our ability to continue as a sufficient level of revenues to support our business and have suffered recurring losses from operations.going concern. Our ability to execute our business plan is dependent upon our generating cash flow and obtaining additional debt or equity capital sufficient to fund operations. Our business strategy may not be successful in addressing these issues and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain any additional capital. If we cannot execute our business plan (including acquiring additional capital), our stockholders may lose their entire investment in us. If we are able to obtain additional debt or equity capital (of which there can be no assurance), we hope to acquire additional management as well as increase marketing our products and continue the development of our real estate holdings.

 

Financings

 

In 20162018 and 2015,2017, we raised, net of repayments, approximately $7,056,000$5,084,000 and $6,181,000,$9,271,000, respectively of new capital through the issuance of debt and equity. We used the net proceeds from the closings of these private placement offerings for general working capital and capital expenditures.

 

Initiatives

 

We have implemented a number of initiatives designed to expand revenues and control costs. Revenue enhancement initiatives include expanding marketing, investment in additional winery capacity and developing new real estate development revenue sources. In August 2017, the Company completed a strategic acquisition of land directly adjacent to its existing property at AWE for $700,000, which more than doubles the size of AWE and provides room for continued expansion and growth. Cost reduction initiatives include investment in equipment that will decrease our reliance on subcontractors, plus outsourcing and restructuring of certain functions. Our goal is to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on outside financing.

 

Quotation on OTC Bulletin BoardLiquidity

On January 20, 2016 FINRA clearedAs reflected in our accompanying consolidated financial statements, we have generated significant losses which have resulted in a total accumulated deficit of approximately $81.2 million, raising substantial doubt that we will be able to continue operations as a going concern. Our independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory paragraph in their report for the requestyears ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, stating that we have incurred significant losses and need to submit quotations onraise additional funds to meet our obligations and sustain our operations. Our ability to execute our business plan is dependent upon our generating cash flow and obtaining additional debt or equity capital sufficient to fund operations. If we are able to obtain additional debt or equity capital (of which there can be no assurance), we hope to acquire additional management as well as increase the OTC Bulletin Boardmarketing of our products and in OTC Link by Glendale Securities, Inc.continue the development of Sherman Oaks, California. In addition, the Company submitted its application for quotation on the OTCQB marketplace and was approved on March 7, 2016. The first trade on the over-the-counter market occurred on September 23, 2016.our real estate holdings.

 


Our business strategy may not be successful in addressing these issues and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain any additional capital. If we cannot execute our business plan on a timely basis (including acquiring additional capital), our stockholders may lose their entire investment in us, because we may have to delay vendor payments and/or initiate cost reductions, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and we could ultimately be forced to discontinue our operations, liquidate and/or seek reorganization under the U.S. bankruptcy code.

41

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 20162018 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 20152017

 

The following table represents selected items in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively:

 

 For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended 
 December 31,  December 31, 
 2016 2015  2018 2017 
          
Sales $1,526,075  $1,866,685  $3,099,608  $1,817,302 
Cost of sales  (1,760,451)  (2,225,813)  (1,441,696)  (1,946,900)
Gross loss  (234,376)  (359,128)
Gross profit (loss)  1,657,912   (129,598)
Operating Expenses                
Selling and marketing  154,626   220,019   317,404   347,808 
General and administrative  6,107,016   5,306,383   6,423,540   7,014,919 
Depreciation and amortization  64,853   224,282   171,749   193,065 
Total operating expenses  6,326,495   5,750,684   6,912,693   7,555,792 
Loss from Operations  (6,560,871)  (6,109,812)  (5,254,781)  (7,685,390)
                
Other Expenses        
Interest expense, net  207,913   319,748 
Common Stock price modification  941,530   - 
Warrant modification expenses  89,549   - 
Total other expenses  1,238,992   319,748 
Other Expense (Income)        
Interest expense  611,297   320,571 
Gain on sale of investment in subsidiary  -   (199,200)
Gain on foreign currency translation  (187,660)  - 
Total other expense  423,637   121,371 
Loss from Continuing Operations  (7,799,863)  (6,429,560)  (5,678,418)  (7,806,761)
Loss from Discontinued Operations  (2,242,278)  (1,849,404)  -   (105,751)
Net Loss $(10,042,141) $(8,278,964)  (5,678,418)  (7,912,512)
Series B preferred stock dividends  (724,108)  (345,079)
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders $(6,402,526) $(8,257,591)

 

Overview

We reported net losses from continuing operations of approximately $7.8$5.7 million and $6.4$7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively, reflecting an increase2017, respectively. The improvement in net loss from continuing operations is primarily the results of approximately $1.4 million or 21%. Our results were impacted by both the devaluation of the Argentine Peso and decreasesa decrease in operating expenses, partially offset by increasesan increase in common stock price modificationinterest expense and warrant modification expense.as described below.

 2842 
 

 

Revenues

 

Revenues from continuing operations were approximately $1.5$3.1 million and $1.9$1.8 million during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, reflecting an increase of approximately $1.3 million or 71%. Increases in hotel and restaurant revenues of $0.9 million, real estate sale revenue of $2.6 million and agricultural revenues of approximately $0.1 were partially offset by a decrease of approximately $341 thousand or 18%. Decreases in revenues primarily resulted$2.3 million resulting from the impact of the decline in the value of the Argentine peso (“ARS”) vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar during 2016. There was an2018. The average devaluationexchange rate of the ArgentineArgentina peso increased from 9.2516.55 for the year ended December 31, 20152017 to 14.7628.88 for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, which decreasedrepresents a decrease in the average worth of the Argentine peso from US $0.11$0.06 to $0.07. Increases in hotel and wine and revenues of $732,000 were offset by $1,073,000 decrease in revenues resulting from the impact of the decline in value of the Argentine peso vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.$0.03.

 

Total sales from Argentina were ARS $26.5$83.9 million during the year ended December 31, 20162018 as compared to ARS $17.1$26.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2015,2017, reflecting a net increase of approximately ARS $9.4$57.0 million or 55%212%. Hotel room and event revenues were approximately ARS $12.5$25.6 million and ARS $7.9$14.1 million during both years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, representing an increase of approximately ARS $4.6$11.5 million, or 58.6%82% due to higher occupancy and averagehigher room rates. RestaurantReal estate sale revenues were approximately ARS $4.7$39.4 million and 4.8ARS $0 million during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015. Argentine winemaking2017, respectively, as a result of lot sales during 2018. Restaurant revenues were approximately ARS $7.7$7.5 million and 3.3ARS $5.2 million during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, representing an increase of approximately ARS $2.3 million or 44%. Argentine winemaking revenues were approximately ARS $6.2 million and ARS $4.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing an increase of approximately ARS $1.9 million or 131.8%, resulting from an expansion of distribution channels and additional investments in marketing and sales staff.43%. Other revenues, including golf, tennis and agricultural revenues, were ARS $1.7$5.1 million and ARS $1.1$3.3 million during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively. The2017, respectively, representing an increase of approximately ARS $0.6$1.8 million is primarily due toor 56%, of which ARS $1.4 million represents an increase in agricultural revenues.

 

Gross loss

 

We generated a gross lossprofit of approximately $234,000$1,658,000 from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 20162018 as compared to a gross loss of approximately $359,000$130,000 from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015,2017, representing a decreasean increase of $125,000 or 35%.$1,788,000. The varianceimprovement results primarily from the increase in real estate sale revenues of approximately $2,561,000 and the increase in hotel and restaurant sales of approximately $859,000. The improvement in gross profit was partially offset by $1,276,000 impact of the decline in the value of the Argentine peso vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 20162018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.2017, and by the increase in the cost of goods sold as described below.

 

Cost of sales, which consists of raw materials, direct labor and indirect labor associated with our business activities, decreased by $465,000approximately $505,000, from $2,226,000approximately $1,947,000 for the year ended December 31, 20152017, to $1,761,000approximately $1,442,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The $603,000 increase in wine and hotel costs was offset by a $1,068,0002018. A decrease in cost of salesapproximately $1,009,000 resulting from the impact of the decline in the value of the Argentine peso vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 20162018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.2017 was partially offset by approximately $181,000 increase in hotel and restaurant costs, approximately $110,000 increase in real estate costs and $165,000 increase in agricultural costs.

 

The restaurant and golf and tennis business units at AWE realized negative margins in 20162018 and 2015,2017, due to significant fixed costs (i.e. depreciation on golf courses and tennis courts) related to these business units. The restaurant and golf and tennis are kept open every day at a loss, in order to support the image of the winery. During 2016 and 2015,the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded approximately $91,000 and $193,000, respectively, in$61,000 of inventory write-downwrite downs as the result of significant hailstorms which damaged the vineyard in process.process during the year.

 

43

Selling and marketing expenses

 

Selling and marketing expenses were approximately $155,000$317,000 and $220,000$348,000 from continuing operations, for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, representing a decrease of approximately $65,000$31,000 or 30%9%. The decrease is primarily dueDecreases of approximately $84,000 resulting from the decline in the value of the Argentine peso vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to expenses incurred during 2015 related to athe year ended December 31, 2017 were partially offset by an increase of approximately $53,000 in advertising costs and marketing eventefforts to promote our international wine sales, including meeting with potential importers and distributors, as well as potential wine clients and investors in China, the Middle East and Europe.Algodon brand.

 

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses were approximately $6,107,000$6,424,000 and $5,306,000$7,015,000 from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, representing an increasea decrease of approximately $801,000$401,000 or 15%. The increase in general and administrative expenses is6%, resulting primarily related to $872,615 increase in stock-based compensation related to stock and warrants granted to consultants in exchange for services, and $304,000 increase in commission expenses, partially offset by decreases in compensation expense resulting from headcount reductions and the impact of the decline in the value of the Argentine peso vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 20162018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.2017.

 


Depreciation and amortization expense

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $65,000$172,000 and $225,000$193,000 during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, representing a decrease of approximately $160,000$21,000 or 71%11%. It should be noted that approximately an additional $103,000$26,000 and $169,000$94,000 of depreciation and amortization expense was capitalized to inventory during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. The decrease in depreciation expense results from the impact of the decline in the value of the Argentine peso relative to the U.S. dollar during the period, partially offset by increases resulting from the purchases of property and equipment during the period. Most of our property and equipment is located in Argentina and the gross cost being depreciated declined year-over-year due tois impacted by the devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the United StatesU.S. dollar.

 

Interest expense, net

 

Interest expense was approximately $208,000$611,000 and $320,000$321,000 during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, representing a decreasean increase of approximately $112,000,$291,000 or 35%91%. The decreaseincrease is primarily due to a decreasethe increase in amounts due under payment plans for Argentine taxes, as well as decreases in convertible debt interestprincipal outstanding during the period, as well as decreases resulting from to the devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the United States dollar.period.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations

 

On November 29, 2016, our Board of Directors determined that it was in the Company’s best interest to close down DPEC Capital and we ceased our broker-dealer operations December 31, 2016. On February 21, 2017, our request to FINRA for Broker-Dealer Withdrawal (“BDW”) became effective. The loss from discontinued operations, incurred by the broker dealer operations, was approximately $106,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

AWLDGGH also owned approximately 96.5% of Mercari Communications Group, Ltd. (“Mercari”), a public shell corporation current in its SEC reporting obligations. On December 20, 2016, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with a Purchaser, whereby the Purchaser agreed to purchase all of our shares or Mercari for $260,000. The sale of Mercari stock was completed on January 20, 2017 and we received net proceeds after expenses of $199,250.$199,200.

44

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We measure our liquidity in variety of ways, including the following:

 

 For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended 
 December 31,  December 31, 
 2016 2015  2018 2017 
          
Cash $131,190  $110,645  $58,488  $358,303 
                
Working Capital Deficiency $(1,643,034) $(1,477,183) $(4,188,924) $(62,464)

 

Based upon our working capital situation as of December 31, 2016,2018, we require additional equity and/or debt financing in order to sustain operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

During the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, we have relied primarily on private placementdebt and equity offerings to third party independent, accredited investors to sustain operations. These offerings were conducted byDuring the year ended December 31, 2018, we received proceeds of approximately $3,508,000 from the issuance of convertible debt, approximately $580,000 of proceeds from loans payable and approximately $1,324,000 proceeds from the sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary DPEC Capital, Inc. which was discontinued at year end.common stock

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, we issued 3,146,875775,931 shares of commonSeries B convertible preferred stock at prices from $2.00 to $2.50$10.00 per share to accredited investors in a private placement transaction for cashgross proceeds of $7,097,862. Duringapproximately $7,759,000, received proceeds of $1,280,000 from the year ended December 31, 2015, weissuance of convertible debt (of which $1,260,000 was subsequently converted to Series B convertible preferred stock), and issued 2,821,94222,500 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share for cash proceeds of $5,643,884 and issued 274,860 shares of common stock at $2.50 per share for cash proceeds of $687,150. On June 1, 2016, the Company issued an additional 470,771 common shares for no consideration, to investors who had purchased shares between December 2015 and May 2016 at a price of $2.50 per share, in order to effectively reduce the per share price to $2.00 per share. All shares were issued to accredited investors in a private placement transactions.transaction for net proceeds of $40,500. We also received approximately $519,000 of cash proceeds from a bank loan.

The proceeds from these financing activities were used to fund our existing operating deficits, expenditures associated with our real estate development projects, enhanced marketing efforts to increase revenues and the general working capital needs of the business. We will need to raise additional capital in order to meet our future liquidity needs for operating expenses, capital expenditures for the winery expansion and to further invest in our real estate development. If we are unable to obtain adequate funds on reasonable terms, we may be required to significantly curtail or discontinue operations.

 

Availability of Additional Funds

As a result of the above developments, we have been able to sustain operations. However, we will need to raise additional capital in order to meet our future liquidity needs for operating expenses, capital expenditures for the winery expansion and to further invest in our real estate development. If we are unable to obtain adequate funds on reasonable terms, we may be required to significantly curtail or discontinue operations.

45

Sources and Uses of Cash for the Years Ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017

 

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, amounted to approximately $6,470,000$4,346,000 and $6,538,000,$8,075,000, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 20162018 the net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the net loss of approximately $10,042,000,$5,678,000, adjusted for approximately $3,821,000$878,000 of non-cash expenses and $248,000$454,000 of cash provided by changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 20152017 the net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the net loss of approximately $8,279,000,$7,913,000, adjusted for approximately $1,674,000$865,000 of non-cash expenses and $67,000$1,028,000 cash providedused by changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities.

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 amounted to approximately $549,000$292,000 and $470,000, respectively, and$849,000, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018 the net cash used in investing activities was relatedprimarily attributable to the purchase of property and equipment.equipment of approximately $292,000. During the year ended December 31, 2017 the net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to the purchase of property and equipment of approximately $930,000, partially offset by the proceeds from sale of investment in subsidiary of approximately $81,000.

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 amounted to approximately $7,056,000$5,084,000 and $6,181,000,$9,271,000, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, the net cash provided by financing activities resulted primarily from the proceeds from convertible debt obligations of approximately $3,508,000, net proceeds from the issuance of equity securities for net proceeds of approximately $7,098,000 and$1,324,000, proceeds from loans payable of approximately $68,000,$580,000 partially offset by net repayments of debt of approximately $110,000.$200,000, and dividends paid of approximately $128,000. For the year ended December 31, 2015,2017, the net cash provided by financing activities resulted primarily from the net proceeds from a preferred stock offering of approximately $7,760,000, proceeds from convertible debt obligations of approximately $1,280,000, net proceeds from the issuance of equity securities for net proceedscommon stock of approximately $6,331,000,$41,000 and proceeds from loans payable of approximately $519,000, partially offset by net repayments of debt of approximately $150,000.$267,000, and dividends paid of approximately $61,000.

 

Going Concern and Management’s Liquidity Plans

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we have not achieved a sufficient level of revenues to support our business and development activities and have suffered substantial recurring losses from operations since our inception, which conditions raise substantial doubt that we will be able to continue operations as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we were unable to continue as a going concern.

 

Based on current cash on hand and subsequent activity as described herein, our cash-on-hand only allows us to operate our business operations on a month-to-month basis. Because of our limited cash availability, we have scaled back our operations to the extent possible. While we are exploring opportunities with third parties and related parties to provide some or all of the capital we need, we have not entered into any agreement to provide us with the necessary capital. Historically, the Company haswe have been successful in raising funds to support our capital needs. During the first three months of 2017, we raised additional capital through the sale of convertible promissory notes to accredited investors for total gross proceeds of $1,260,000, and the sale of Series B convertible preferred stock for gross proceeds $150,000. However, if we are unable to obtain additional financing on a timely basis, we may have to delay vendor payments and/or initiate cost reductions, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and ultimately, we could be forced to discontinue our operations, liquidate and/or seek reorganization under the U.S. bankruptcy code. As a result, our auditors have issued a report which includes an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going concern opinion in conjunction with their audit of our December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

None.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by paragraph (a)(5) of this Item.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Use of Estimates

To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we must make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts in the financial statements, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our significant estimates and assumptions are the valuation of equity instruments, the useful lives of property and equipment and reserves associated with the realizability of certain assets.

 

Highly Inflationary Status in Argentina

The International Practices Task Force (“IPTF”) of the Center for Audit Quality discussed the inflationary status of Argentina at its meeting on May 16, 2018 and categorized Argentina as a country with a projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Therefore, the Company has transitioned its Argentine operations to highly inflationary status as of July 1, 2018.

For operations in highly inflationary economies, monetary asset and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Income and expense accounts are translated at the weighted average exchange rate in effect during the period. Translation adjustments are reflected in loss on foreign currency translation on the accompanying statements of operations.

47

Foreign Currency Translation

 

OurThe Company’s functional and reporting currency is the United States dollar. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are their local currencies (United States dollar, Argentine peso and British pound). There has been a steady devaluation of except for the Company’s Argentine peso relativesubsidiaries for the six-month period from July 31, 2018 through December 31, 2018, as described above. Prior to the United States dollar in recent years. Assetstransition of Argentine operations to highly inflationary status on July 1, 2018, these foreign subsidiaries translated assets and liabilities are translated intofrom their local currencies to U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date, (15.9681 and 12.9441 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively) and revenueusing period end exchange rates while income and expense accounts arewere translated at a weightedthe average exchange rate forrates in effect during the period or forduring the year then ended (14.7590 and 9.2495 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively). Resultingperiod. The resulting translation adjustments are made directly to accumulateadjustment is recorded as part of other comprehensive income. Losses arising from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated inincome (loss), a currency other than the functional currencycomponent of $52,528 and $360,170 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are recognized in operating results in the consolidated statements of operations. We engageshareholders’ deficit. The Company engages in foreign currency denominated transactions with customers and suppliers, as well as between subsidiaries with different functional currencies.

A highly inflationary economy is defined as an economy with a cumulative inflation rate of approximately 100 percent or more over a three-year period. If a country’s economy is classified as highly inflationary, the functional currency of the foreign entity operating Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in that country must be remeasured to the functional currency of the reporting entity. The cumulative inflation rate for Argentina over the last three years approximated 90.9%, although the International Monetary Fund has concerns regarding the accuracy of the official data.non-functional currencies are recognized in earnings.

 

Inventory

Inventories are comprised primarily of “vineyard in process,” “wine in process,” “finished wine,” plus food and beverage items and are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out method. Costs associated with winemaking, and other costs associated with the creation of products for resale, are recorded as inventory. “Vineyard in process” represents the monthly capitalization of farming expenses (including farming labor costs, usage of farming supplies and depreciation of the vineyard and farming equipment) associated with the growing of grape, olive and other fruits during the farming year which culminates with the February/March harvest. “Wine in process” represents the capitalization of costs during the winemaking process (including the transfer of grape costs from vineyard in process, winemaking labor costs and depreciation of winemaking fixed assets, including tanks, barrels, equipment, tools and the winemaking building). “Finished wines” represents wine available for sale and includes the transfer of costs from wine in process once the wine is bottled and labeled. Other inventory represents olives, other fruits, golf equipment and restaurant food.

 

In accordance with general practice within the wine industry, wine inventories are included in current assets, although a portion of such inventories may be aged for periods longer than one year. As required, we reduce the carrying value of inventories that are obsolete or in excess of estimated usage to estimated net realizable value. Our estimates of net realizable value are based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market requirements. Reductions to the carrying value of inventories are recorded in cost of sales. If future demand and/or pricing for our products are less than previously estimated, then the carrying value of the inventories may be required to be reduced, resulting in additional expense and reduced profitability. During the year ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015,2017, we recorded a write-down in the valueapproximately $61,000 of work-in-process inventory of approximately $91,000 and $193,000, respectively,write downs as a result of hailstorms that occurred during eachthe year.

 

Convertible Debt

The Company records a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) related to the issuance of notes which are convertible at a price that is below the market value of the Company’s stock when the note is issued. The intrinsic value of the BCF is recorded as debt discount which is amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective note using the effective interest method. Beneficial conversion features that are contingent upon the occurrence of a future event are recorded when the contingency is resolved.

48

Property and Equipment

 

Investments in propertyProperty and equipment are recordedstated at cost. These assets are depreciatedcost, net of accumulated depreciation using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of (a) the useful life of the asset; or (b) the remaining lease term.

The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:

 

Buildings10 - 30 years
Furniture and fixtures3 - 10 years
Vineyards7 - 20 years
Machinery and equipment3 - 20 years
Leasehold improvements3 - 5 years
Computer hardware and software3 - 5 years

 

We capitalize internal vineyard improvement costs when developing new vineyards or replacing or improving existing vineyards. These costs consist primarily of the costs of the vines and expenditures related to labor and materials to prepare the land and construct vine trellises. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred. The cost of properties sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts at the time of disposal and the resulting gains and losses are included as a component of operating income. Real estate development consists of costs incurred to ready the land for sale, including primarily costs of infrastructure as well as master plan development and associated professional fees. Such costs will be allocated to individual lots proportionately based on square meters and those allocated costs will be derecognized upon the sale of individual lots. Given that they are not currently in service, capitalized real estate development costs are currently not being depreciated. Land is an inexhaustible asset and is not depreciated.

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We measure the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award. For employees and directors, the fair value of the award is measured on the grant date and for non-employees, the fair value of the award is generally re-measured on financial reporting dates and vesting dates until the service period is complete. The fair value amount of the shares expected to ultimately vest is then recognized over the period services are required to be provided in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. The estimation of stock-based awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from original estimates, such amounts are recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience.

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The guidance requires other comprehensive income (loss) to include foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

49

Real Estate Lots Held for Sale

As the development of a real estate lot is completed and the lot becomes available for immediate sale in its present condition, the lot is marketed for sale and is included in real estate lots held for sale on the Company’s balance sheet. Real estate lots held for sale are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying value of a real estate lot held for sale exceeds its fair value less estimated selling costs, an impairment charge is recorded. The Company did not record any impairment charge in connection with real estate lots held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, we perform an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value, which includes estimating the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income. There were no impairments of long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

 

Segment Information

 

The FASB has established standards for reporting information on operating segments of an enterprise in interim and annual financial statements. The Company operates inSince GG is not yet operational, we currently operate as one segment which is the business of real estate development in Argentina. The Company’sOur chief operating decision-maker reviews the Company’sour operating results on an aggregate basis and manages the Company’sour operations as a single operating segment.

Revenue Recognition

 

We earn revenues from our real estate, hospitality, food & beverage, broker-dealer and other related services. Revenue from rooms, food and beverage, and other operating departments are recognized as earned at the time of sale or rendering of service. Cash received in advance of the sale or rendering of services is recorded as advance deposits or deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenues associated with real estate lot sale deposits are recognized as revenues (along with any outstanding balance) when the lot sale closes and the deed is provided to the purchaser. Other deferred revenues primarily consist of deposits accepted by us in connection with agreements to sell barrels of wine. These wine barrel deposits are recognized as revenues (along with any outstanding balance) when the barrel of wine is shipped to the purchaser. Sales taxes and value added (“VAT”) taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis with revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for both the expected impact of differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities and for the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. Additionally, we establish a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets.

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New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605 - Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”) and most industry-specific guidance throughout the ASC.ASC 605. The standard requires that an entity recognizesrecognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expectswe expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance in ASU 2014-09 was revised in July 2015 to be effective for interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 and should be applied on a transitional basis either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application. To allow entities additional time to implement systems, gather data and resolve implementation questions, theIn 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral ofadditional ASUs that clarify the Effective Date, in August 2015, to deferimplementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations (ASU 2016-08), on identifying performance obligations and licensing (ASU 2016-10), and on narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients (ASU 2016-12) as well as on the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for one year, which is fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost. Under the updated guidance, an entity should measure inventory that is within scope at the lower of costrevenue recognition criteria and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory that is measured using last-in, last-out (“LIFO”)other technical corrections (ASU 2016-20). This ASU isThese new standards became effective for annualus on January 1, 2018 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted atwere adopted using the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period.modified retrospective method. The adoption of ASU 2015-11ASC Topic 606 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as of the Company’s financial statements.

In November 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Tax (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classificationdate of Deferred Taxes,” (“ASU 2015-17”). This ASU requires that all deferred tax assetsadoption, and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. We dotherefore a cumulative-effect adjustment was not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2015-17 will have a material impact on our financial statements.required.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASUAccounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).(“ASU 2016-02”), which increases2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease liabilities on the balance sheetpayments (the lease liability) and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use (ROU) asset forrepresenting its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability for the corresponding lease obligation for leases with terms of more than twelve months. Both the ROU asset and lease liability will initially be measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Subsequent measurement, including the presentationFor leases with a term of expenses12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and cash flows, will depend on the classification of the lease as either a finance or an operating lease. Accounting byliabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors will remain largely unchanged from current U.S. GAAP. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018,are required to recognize and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied as ofmeasure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact that the provisions of ASU 2016-02This amendment will have on our financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, thebe effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations.” This Update provides clarifying guidance regarding the application of2018-10 “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2014-09 – Revenue From Contracts with Customers when another party, along with2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” in July 2018, and ASU No. 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842) - Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors” in December 2018. ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-20 provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the reporting entity, is involvedguidance issued in providing a good or a serviceASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows all entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to a customer. In these circumstances,choose an additional (and optional) transition method of adoption, under which an entity is required to determine whetherinitially applies the nature of its promise is to provide that good or servicenew leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the customer (that is, the entity is a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (that is, the entity is an agent). The amendmentsopening balance of retained earnings in the Update clarifyperiod of adoption. We adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The Updateadoption is effective, along with ASU 2014-09, for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-8 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statement or disclosures.statements, primarily related to recording right-of-use assets and obligations for current operating leases on our balance sheets.

In MarchAugust 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 718)230)(“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 requires an entity to simplify several aspects ofwhich provides guidance on the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences,presentation and classification of awards as either equity or liabilities,certain cash receipts and classification oncash payments in the statement of cash flows.flows in order to reduce diversity in practice. The ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal yearsinterim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016,2017 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluatingThe adoption of ASU 2016-09 and its impact2016-15 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements orand related disclosures.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.” ASU No. 2016-10 maintains the core principles of Topic 606 on revenue recognition, but clarifies identification of performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance. The amendments in ASU 2016-10 affect the guidance of ASU 2014-09 which is not yet effective. We are currently evaluating the effect, if any, that adoption of this guidance will have on our financial statements.

On May 9, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2016-12”). ASU 2016-12 provides clarifying guidance in a few narrow areas and adds some practical expedients to the guidance. The effective date and transition requirements for this ASU are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2014-09. We are currently evaluating the effect of ASU 2014-09, if any, on our financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (230) – Restricted Cash.” ASU No. 2016-18 requires an entity to include amounts described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. It is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU No. 2016-20 amends certain aspects of ASU No. 2014-09 and clarifies, rather than changes, the core revenue recognition principles in ASU No. 2014-09. It is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

 

On February 22, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, ‘Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Topic 610-20)”, which requires that all entities account for the derecognition of a business in accordance with ASC 810, including instances in which the business is considered in substance real estate. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluatingThe adoption of the impactprovisions of adopting this standardASU 2017-05 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.statements and related disclosures. 

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718); Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. If the value, vesting conditions or classification of the award changes, modification accounting will apply. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed byOn June 20, 2018, the FASB or other standards-setting bodies thatissued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, which expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. We have elected to early adopt ASU 2018-07 on July 1, 2018. The results of applying ASU 2018-07 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). ASU 2018-09 provides amendments to a wide variety of topics in the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification, which applies to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 do not require transition guidance and were effective upon issuance of ASU 2018-09. However, many of the amendments do have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption until a future date areof ASU 2018-09 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework (Topic 820). The updated guidance improves the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The updated guidance if effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any removed or modified disclosures. We are currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

We have implemented all new accounting standards that are in effect and may impact our consolidated financial statements and we do not believe that there are any other new accounting standards that have been issued that might have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Our consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the financial statements called for by this item appear beginning with the Table of Contents on Page F-1 at the end of this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

 

None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Annual Report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Principal Executive and Accounting Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Internal controls are procedures which are designed with the objective of providing reasonable assurance that (1) our transactions are properly authorized, recorded and reported; and (2) our assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, to permit the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

 

In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report, management, with the participation of our Principal Executive and Accounting Officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive and Accounting Officers concluded that, as of December 31, 2016,2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

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. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Principal Executive and Financial Officer, and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP including those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and the disposition of our assets, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and Board of Directors, and (iii) 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.

 

Because of its 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 policies and procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the 2013 framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.2018.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, there were no material changes in our internal controls over financial reporting, or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Inherent Limitations of Controls

 

Management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. Controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

In February 2019, GGH was granted a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the trademark filing of Gaucho – Buenos Aires™.

 

On or about January 11, 2016, we entered an agreement with Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”)October 5, 2018, the Board of Directors of GG declared a forward stock split of its common stock to provide general financial advisory and investment banking services to the Company. Pursuant to the termsall holders of record as of the agreement, Maxim would receivesame date at a monthly feerate of $7,500200,000 shares for the term of the agreement, which may be terminated by either party after six months, provided that 30 days’ written notice be provided. Upon execution of the agreement, Maxim received 350,000 shareseach one (1) share of common stock of GG. After the stock split, the Company whichowns 20,000,000 common shares vested monthly over nine months. In addition, Maxim was entitled to 100,000 sharesas the sole stockholder of common stock of the Company if the Company lists on a national exchange, such as NASDAQ or NYSE MKT.GG.

 

On or about October 28, 2016,November 16, 2018, the Company terminated its agreement with Maxim. In connection with the termination, we are currently in negotiations with Maxim for a return of a portionsole director of the 350,000 sharesBoard of common stock previously issued to Maxim but there can be no assurance that any shares will be returned.Directors of GG, Scott L. Mathis, appointed Peter Lawrence and Steven Moel as members of the Board of Directors of GG.

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

TheOur management team of the Company is led by executives who have experience in real estate investment, hotel management, broker-dealer operations and identifying and pursuing investment opportunities. The management team will beis assisted by the Company’s key personnel and advisors, who together with their experience and expertise are also discussed below.

 

Name Age Entity Title Year Appointed
Scott L. Mathis 5456 AWLDGGH Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President April, 1999
    TAR General Manager(1) December, 2007
    APII General Manager(1) March, 2009
    AWE General Manager(1) July, 2007
      GGChairman, Chief Executive Officer, PresidentSeptember, 2016
   
Maria I. Echevarria 3840 AWLD GGHChief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary,
Treasurer and Compliance Officer
 April, 2015
    AEU Chief Financial Officer April, 2015
      GGChief Financial Officer, Treasurer and SecretaryJanuary, 2017
   
Julian H. Beale 8284 AWLDGGH Director April, 1999
         
Peter J.L. Lawrence 8385 AWLDGGH Director April, 1999
    AEU Director November, 2009
      GGDirectorNovember, 2018
   
Steven Moel75GGDirectorNovember, 2018
         
Sergio O. Manzur Odstrcil 4749 TAR Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer(2) March, 2011
    APII Chief Financial Officer March, 2011
    AWE Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer(2) September, 2010
Keith T. Fasano49CAPManaging DirectorMarch, 2001
CAPChief Compliance OfficerFebruary, 2010
CAPPresident and Secretary  (3)September, 2015

 

(1)Translation of Argentine statutory corporate office.
(2)Mr. Manzur Odstrcil was appointed Chief Operating Officer of TAR and AWE on April 11, 2015.
(3)Mr. Fasano resigned his positions with DPEC as of December 31, 2016

Executive Officers and Directors

 

Scott L. Mathis. Mr. Mathis is the founder of AWLDGGH and has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors since its inception in April 1999. Mr. Mathis is also the founder and, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gaucho Group, Inc. Mr. Mathis has over five years’ experience serving as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mercari Communications Group, Ltd., a public company. Mr. Mathis is also the founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of IPG, AGP and various other affiliated entitiesentities. Since July 2009, Mr. Mathis has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc., a company he founded which is developing Hollywood-themed American fast food restaurants in Argentina and the United States. Since June 2011, Mr. Mathis has also served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of InvestBio, Inc., a former subsidiary of AWLDGGH that was spun off in 2010. Including his time with AWLDGGH and its subsidiaries, Mr. Mathis worked for over 25 years in the securities brokerage field. From 1995-2000, he worked for National Securities Corporation and The Boston Group, L.P. Before that, he was a partner at Oppenheimer and Company and a Senior Vice President and member of the Directors Council at Lehman Brothers. Mr. Mathis also worked with Alex Brown & Sons, Gruntal and Company, Inc. and Merrill Lynch. Mr. Mathis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Mississippi State University. The determination was made that Mr. Mathis should serve on AWLD’sGGH’s Board of Directors due to his executive level experience working in the real estate development industry and in several consumer-focused businesses. He has also served on the board of directors of a number of non-public companies in the biotechnology industry.

Maria I. Echevarria. In April 2015, the Board of Directors of GGH appointed Ms. Echevarria as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. On January 3, 2017, Ms. Echevarria was appointed as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer,Treasurer and Secretary and Compliance Officer for the Company effective April 13, 2015.of Gaucho Group, Inc. She joined the Company as Corporate Controller in June of 2014 and had primary responsibility for the Company’s corporate consolidation, policies and procedures as well as financial reporting for SEC compliance, coordinating budgets and projections, preparing financial presentations and analyzing financial data. Ms. Echevarria has over 15 years of experience in Accounting, Compliance, Finance, Information Systems and Operations. Her experience includes SEC reporting and financial analysis, and her career accomplishments include developing and implementing major initiatives such as SOX, BSA and AML reporting and valuation of financial instruments. Prior to her employment with the Company, Ms. Echevarria served as Director of Finance and Accounting for The Hope Center, a nonprofit, from 2008 to June 2014 overseeing Finance, Information Systems and Operations. From 2001 through 2008 she served as a Quality Control and Compliance Analyst, Financial Analyst, and Accounting Manager for Banco Popular in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she specialized in Mortgage Quality Control, Compliance, Financial Analysis and Mortgage Accounting, and corresponding with the FHA, VA and other mortgage guarantors. Ms. Echevarria also coordinated audits and compliance programs related to reporting, remittances, escrow accounting and default management for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other private investors. She has developed and taught accounting courses for Herzing University, and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University. She is a CPA, licensed in New Jersey and Puerto Rico, and holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico and aan MBA in Business from University of Phoenix. Mrs. Echevarria was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish and English.

 

Julian H. Beale. Mr. Beale has served as a director of AWLDGGH since its inception in April 1999. Since 1996, Mr. Beale has managed his own investments, which include listed “blue chip” shares, numerous speculative stocks, and real estate. Mr. Beale has over 10 years’ experience serving as a director of Adacel Technologies Ltd., an Australian Stock Exchange listed company that provides air traffic simulations, training, and management activities. Mr. Beale is also a director of Private Branded Beverage Ltd., a private company, and since July 2009 a director of InvestBio, Inc. After 14 years in engineering and after forming a plastics processing company that he built to employ more than 200 people, Mr. Beale has since the early 1970’s been involved in consulting and investing. In 1977, he was part of a consortium that purchased what became the Moonie Oil Company, a resources corporation that had interests in petroleum production. In 1984, he entered Federal Parliament (Australia). During his 12 years in politics, he held many Shadow Minister portfolios (i.e., cabinet level position with minority party). He has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Sydney University, Australia and an MBA from Harvard University. The determination was made that Mr. Beale should serve on AWLD’sGGH’s Board of Directors due to his experience as a director for other public companies and as an investor in real estate.

 

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Peter J.L. Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence has served as a director of AWLDGGH since its inception in April 1999.July 1999 and as a director of Gaucho Group, Inc. as of November 2018. Since 2000, Mr. Lawrence has been a director of Sprue Aegis plc, a U.K. company traded on the London Stock Exchange that designs and sells smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for fire-fighters principally in the U.K.; Chairman of Infinity IP, a private company involved with intellectual property and distribution in Australasia; and director of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. Since June 2001, he has served as a director of InvestBio, Inc. Until recently, Mr. Lawrence was Chairman of Polastar plc, a UK company that specializes in the development, manufacture and sale of a patent- pending intelligent low-location lighting system. Prior to joining Polastar, Mr. Lawrence served as the Chairman of Associated British Industries plc, a company that manufactured car engine and aviation jointings and sealants for both original equipment manufacturers and after markets, specialty waxes and anti-corrosion coatings for the automotive tire and plastics industries. The company was acquired for £40 million in 1995 by AlliedSignal Corp. which was later acquired by Honeywell.

Mr. Lawrence has additional experience as a director of a publicly-traded company by serving as a director of Beacon Investment Trust PLC, a London Stock Exchange-listed company from 2003 to June 2010. Beacon invested in small and recently floated companies on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. Mr. Lawrence served on the investment committee of ABI Pension fund for 20 years as well as the investment committee of Coram Foundation Children Charity founded in 1939 as the Foundling Hospital from 1977 to 2004. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Modern History from Oxford University where he graduated with honors. The determination was made that Mr. Lawrence should serve on AWLD’s Board of Directors due to his experience as an investor in smaller public companies and service as a director for a number of public companies.

 

Additional Key Personnel

Keith T. Fasano. Mr. Fasano was appointed President and Secretary of DPEC Capital, Inc. in September 2015 and he has been Chief Compliance Officer since February 2010. Since 2001, Mr. Fasano has served as a Managing Director at DPEC Capital, where his responsibilities have involved offering private equity investment opportunities to individual investors. Mr. Fasano has over 20 years of experience in the securities industry, particularly with managing portfolios for institutional and high net-worth individuals. He also assisted with the founding of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. in 2009 and since then has continued to provide services to that company. Previously, Mr. Fasano held similar positions at Gilford Securities, Whale Securities, and Lehman Brothers. Mr. Fasano received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rutgers University.

 

Sergio O. Manzur Odstrcil. Algodon Mansion & Algodon Wine Estates, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Chief Operating Officer (“COO”). Mr. Manzur Odstrcil is an Argentina Certified Public Accountant whose professional experience includes administration and management positions with companies in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Chile. As CFO and COO for all of AWLD’sGGH’s Argentine subsidiaries, he is responsible for day-to-day management including financial planning and analysis, overseeing the implementation of financial strategies for the corporation, and for ensuring prudent corporate governance. Prior to joining Algodon,GGH, Mr. Manzur Odstrcil was the Administration and Finance Director for Bodega Francois Lurton since May 2007, where he was responsible for the design and development of a financial debt strategy and negotiations with banks and strategic suppliers to obtain credits. He was also responsible for the organization of new funding to the company for $4 million and also served as a member of the company’s executive committee. From March 2002 to September 2006 he previously held the position of Country Controller for the Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC) in Chile, and prior to that he served as Controller for Southern Cone BSC in Buenos Aires and Mexico City. He also served as Senior Financial Analyst for BSC’s Latin American Headquarters in Buenos Aires, as well as in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and prior to that he served as BSC’s Accountant Analyst in Buenos Aires. Mr. Manzur Odstrcil began his career at Cerveceria y Malteria Quilmes in Argentina from 1997 to 1998. He obtained his MBA at INCAE in Costa Rica in 1996, and received his CPA from the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina in 1994.

 

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Advisors

Steven A. Moel,. M.D., J.D. Dr. Moel serves as a Senior Business Advisor AWLD.for GGH and began serving as a director of Gaucho Group, Inc. as of November 2018. Dr. Moel is a medical doctor and licensed attorney. Dr. Moel had a private legal practice as a business and transactional attorney in private practice in Santa Barbara, California, and he serves as counsel and/or as an officer for many corporations and non-profits. He is presently: a member of the California and American Bar Associations and has served as legal counsel to many corporations. The Board has determined that he would be a valuable member of the Board due to his extensive and broad experience and knowledge in business. In addition to serving as a member of the Company’s Board of DirectorsAdvisors, Dr. Moel is presently a member of the board of directors of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc.; Vice-President, Business Development and Mergers & Acquisitions of Virgilian, LLC (nutraceuticals/agricultural); Business Advisor and Vice-President, Finance, of via Market Consumer Products, LLC (manufacturer of consumer products); Vice-President, Business Development of Employment in Australia, LLC (immigrant worker/industry connections); Vice-President, Business Development and Senior Business Advisor of Agaia LLC (green cleaning products); and on, a related party to the Advisory Board of Mahlia Collection (jewelry design/manufacturing)Company (International Fast Food Restaurants). Previously, Dr. Moel has served as: CEO of U.S. Highland, which is traded on NASDAQ (UHLN) (motorcycles, motorsports); President, Chief Operating Officerin many roles, including most recently as a Senior Business Advisor for Global Job Hunt (International Recruiting and Executive Director of American Wine Group (wine production/distribution); Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of WayBack Granola Company (granola manufacturing); member of the Board of Directors of Grudzen Development Corp. (real estate); Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Board of Paradigm Technologies (electronics/computer developer); and President and Chief Executive Officer of Sem-Redwood Enterprises (stock pool)Education). He was also a founder of Akorn, Inc., a biotechnology/ pharmaceutical company which is traded on the NASDAQ (AKRX)NASDAQ: AKRX (Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical Mfg.), where he served as a Director on the Executive Board and Vice-Presidentas Vice President of Mergers and& Acquisitions. Dr. Moel previously served as: the Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions and Business Development of Virgilian, LLC (Nutraceuticals/Agricultural); CEO of U.S. Highland, Inc. BB:UHLN (Mfg. of Motorcycles/Motorsports); CEO of Millennial Research Corp. (Mfg./Ultra-high efficiency motors); Chairman and COO of WayBack Granola Co. (Granola Manufacturing); Executive VP, Mergers and Acquisitions of Agaia Inc. (Green Cleaning Products). He has also served as: President, COO and Executive Director of American Wine Group (Wine Production/Distribution); Senior Business and Advisor, of viaMarket Consumer Products, LLC (Manufacturer of Consumer Products); as a member of the Board of Directors of Grudzen Development Corp. (Real Estate); COO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Paradigm Technologies (Electronics/Computer Developer); President and CEO of Sem-Redwood Enterprises (Stock Pool), and as a member of the Advisory Board of Mahlia Collection (Jewelry Design/ Manufacturing).

Dr. Moel is also a Board-Certified Ophthalmologistboard-certified ophthalmologist who was in academic and private practice and has edited and authored multiple journal articles, medical studies, and text books, andacademia. He is an Emeritus Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. HisOphthalmology and his academic history includes Washington University, University of Miami in Florida,Miami-Coral Gables, Marshall University, West Virginia University, University of Colorado, Harvard University, Louisiana State University-New Orleans, University of Illinois-Chicago, and the Santa Barbara College of Law in Santa Barbara.

Advisors

Marc Dumont. Mr. Marc Dumont is an Independent Investment Banker and International Financial Consultant. He is also Chairman and CEO of Château de Messey Wineries, Meursault, France. Mr. Dumont previously served as the President of PSA International SA (a PSA Peugeot Citroen Group company) from January 1981 to March 1995. He consults and advises international clients in Europe and Asia, as well as the United States. He is also the Chairman of Sanderling Ventures (a European affiliate of a U.S. venture capital firm) since 1993, managing five biotechnology funds. Mr. Dumont is also a Board member of Lightwave Systems Inc., Santa Barbara, California (since 1997) and Caret Industries, Oxnard, California (since 1995). He has served on many other boards including Finterbank Zurich, Banque Internationale a Luxemborg, Xiphias International Investment Fund Limited (an alternative investment fund), and also Irvine Sensors Corporation where he was member/Chairman of their Audit, Nominating, and Corporate Governance, and Compensation Committees. Mr. Dumont holds a Degree in Electrical Engineering and Applied Economics from the University of Louvain, Belgium and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

John I. Griffin. Mr. Griffin is Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and the sole shareholder of Maurice Pincoffs Company, Inc. headquartered in Houston, Texas USA. Pincoffs began product trading operations in 1880 and today specializes in international trade, marketing, and distribution of various products. Following 13 years of active and reserve duty, he retired from the United States Navy as Lieutenant Commander. Mr. Griffin was employed by Corning Glass Works where he was involved in plant management and international business activities and then worked outside of the United States for 13 years, first in Tokyo as President of Graco Japan K.K., a metal related manufacturing and marketing joint venture. This was followed by seven years in Paris as Vice President of Graco Inc. where he managed manufacturing and marketing companies throughout Europe as President Directeur General of Graco France S.A. and Fogautolube S.A. (France). Stationed in Brussels for two years, Mr. Griffin was President of Monroe Auto Equipment S.A. with manufacturing facilities in Belgium and Spain and marketing companies throughout Europe and the Middle East. With the acquisition of Maurice Pincoffs Company in 1978, he assumed his current position.

During his stay in Europe, Mr. Griffin was a partner in a Haut Medoc vineyard, Le Fournas Bernadotte. For several years Pincoffs was heavily involved in the wine import business as the third largest importer in Texas. Mr. Griffin served for a number of years as Founder and President of the American Institute for International Steel (Washington D.C.) and the American Institute for Imported Steel (New York City) as well as serving as a Director of the West Virginia University Medical School.Coast Metal Importers Association (Los Angeles). Active in the Greater Houston Partnership, Mr. Griffin was a Director of the World Trade Division and served as Chairman of the Africa Committee. He was a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations and the World Affairs Council of Houston, and a past Director of The Houston World Trade Association and the Armand Bayou Nature Center.

Mr. Griffin is a graduate of Dartmouth College and was an Associate professor at Rice University. He is married, has two children, three grandchildren, and resides in Houston.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers and directors.

58

 

Term of Office

 

Each director will hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal.

 

42

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

See Part I, Item 3—Legal Proceedings.

 

During the past ten years, except as provided below, none of the persons serving as executive officers and/or directors of the Company has been the subject matter of any of the following legal proceedings that are required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K including: (a) any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; (b) any criminal convictions; (c) any order, judgment, or decree permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; (d) any finding by a court, the SEC or the CFTC to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud; or (e) any sanction or order of any self-regulatory organization or registered entity or equivalent exchange, association or entity. Further, no such legal proceedings are believed to be contemplated by governmental authorities against any director or executive officer.

While the settlement with the NASD resolved most of the issues in the case, a few remaining charges were not resolved, namely, whether Mr. Mathis inadvertently or willfully failed to properly make certain disclosures on his personal NASD Form U-4, specifically, the existence of certain federal tax liens on his Form U4 during the years 1996-2002.

In December 2007, the FINRA Office of Hearing Officers (“OHO”) held that Mr. Mathis negligently failed to make certain disclosures on his Form U4 concerning personal tax liens, and to have willfully failed to make other required U4 disclosures regarding those tax liens. (All of the underlying tax liabilities were paid in 2003 so the liens were released in 2003.) Mr. Mathis received a three-month suspension, and a $10,000 fine for the lien nondisclosures. With respect to other non-willful late U4 filings relating to two customer complaints, he received an additional 10-day suspension (to run concurrently) plus an additional $2,500 fine. The suspension was completed on September 4, 2012, and all fines have been paid.

Mr. Mathis has never disputed that he failed to make or timely make these disclosures on his Form U4; he only disputed the willfulness finding. He appealed the decision (principally with respect to the willfulness issue) to the FINRA National Adjudicatory Council (“NAC”). In December 2008, NAC affirmed the OHO decision pertaining to the “willful” issue, and slightly broadened the finding. Thereafter, Mr. Mathis appealed the NAC decision to the Securities and Exchange Commission and thereafter to the U.S. Court of Appeals. In each instance, the decision of the NAC was affirmed.

While under FINRA’s rules, the finding that Mr. Mathis was found to have acted willfully subjects him to a “statutory disqualification,” in September 2012, Mathis submitted to FINRA an application on Form MC-400 in which he sought permission to continue to work in the securities industry notwithstanding the fact that he is subject to a statutory disqualification. That application was approved in April 2015.

Corporate Governance

 

In considering its corporate governance requirements and best practices, the Company looks to the NYSE MKT ListedAmerican LLC Company manual.Guide. The manualguide is available through the Internet athttp://wallstreet.cch.com/MKT/American/CompanyGuide/.

 

Board’s Role and the Role of the Audit Committee in Risk Oversight

 

While management is charged with the day-to-day management of risks that the Company faces, the Board of Directors and the audit committee are responsible for oversight of risk management. The full Board and the audit committee have responsibility for general oversight of risks facing the Company. Specifically, the audit committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of the Company’s risk management policies and procedures with regard to identification of the Company’s principal risks, both financial and non-financial, and reviews updates on these risks from the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Executive Officer. The audit committee also reviews and assesses the adequacy of the implementation of appropriate systems in order to mitigate and manage the principal risks.

 

Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Parties

 

On March 24, 2015 and effective April 15, 2015, the Board adopted a policy requiring that disinterested directors approve transactions with related parties which are not market-based transactions. Generally, the Board of Directors will approve transactions only to the extent the disinterested directors believe that they are in the best interests of the Company and on terms that are fair and reasonable (in the judgment of the disinterested directors) to the Company.

 

Audit Committee

 

The Board of Directors approved the Audit Committee Charter on March 24, 2015 to be effective April 15, 2015, in accordance with Section 3 (a)3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act and NYSE MKTAmerican Rule 803(B) as modified for smaller reporting companies by NYSE MKTAmerican Rule 801(h). The Audit Committee was established to oversee the Company’s corporate accounting and financial reporting processes and audits of its financial statements.

 

The members of our Audit Committee are Messrs. Beale and Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence is the chairman of the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that Julian H. Beale and Peter J.L. Lawrence are independent under SEC Rule 10A-3(b)(1) and NYSE MKTAmerican Rule 802(a)803(A). Management has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are “financially literate” as interpreted by management. No members of the audit committee have been qualified as an audit committee financial expert, as defined in the applicable rules of the SEC because the Board believes that the Company’s status as a smaller reporting company does not require expertise beyond financial literacy.

 

The Audit Committee Charter deals with the establishment of the Audit Committee and sets out its duties and responsibilities. The Audit Committee will review and reassess the adequacy of the Audit Committee Charter on an annual basis. The Audit Committee Charter is available on our Company website at http://www.algodongroup.com.

 

 4360 
 

 

No Nominating Committee

 

The Company has not established a nominating committee. Under the NYSE MKTAmerican Rule 804(a), if there is no nominating committee, nominations must be made by a majority of the independent directors. The Company believes that this is appropriate in light of the NYSE MKTAmerican rules on point and based on the fact that AWLDGGH remains a smaller reporting company and (as described below) nominating decisions are made by the independent directors. In order to comply with the NYSE MKTAmerican rules, however effective April 15, 2015, the Board of Directors adopted a nomination procedure by which eligible stockholders may nominate a person to the Board of Directors. That procedure is as follows:

 

The Company will consider all recommendations from any person (or group) who holds and has (or collectively if a group have) held more than 5% of the Company’s voting securities for longer than one year. Any stockholder who desires to submit a nomination of a person to stand for election of directors at the next annual or special meeting of the stockholders at which directors are to be elected must submit a notification of the stockholder’s intention to make a nomination (“Notification”) to the Company by the date mentioned in the most recent proxy statement under the heading “Proposal From Stockholders” as such date may be amended in cases where the annual meeting has been changed as contemplated in SEC Rule 14a-8(e), Question 5, and in that notification must provide the following additional information to the Company:

 

 Name, address, telephone number and other methods by which the Company can contact the stockholder submitting the Notification and the total number of shares beneficially owned by the stockholder (as the term “beneficial ownership” is defined in SEC Rule 13d-3);
   
 If the stockholder owns shares of the Company’s voting stock other than on the records of the Company, the stockholder must provide evidence that he or she owns such shares (which evidence may include a current statement from a brokerage house or other appropriate documentation);
   
 Information from the stockholder regarding any intentions that he or she may have to attempt to make a change of control or to influence the direction of the Company, and other information regarding the stockholder any other persons associated with the stockholder that would be required under Items 4 and 5 of SEC Schedule 14A were the stockholder or other persons associated with the stockholder making a solicitation subject to SEC Rule 14a-12(c);
   
 Information from the stockholder regarding any intentions that he or she may have to attempt to make a change of control or to influence the direction of the Company, and other information regarding the stockholder any other persons associated with the stockholder that would be required under Items 4 and 5 of SEC Schedule 14A were the stockholder or other persons associated with the stockholder making a solicitation subject to SEC Rule 14a-12(c);
   
 All information required by Item 7 of SEC Schedule 14A with respect to the proposed nominee, which shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company.

 

61

No Compensation Committee or Compensation Consultant

 

The Company has not established a compensation committee. The Company believes that this is appropriate in light of the NYSE MKT Exchange (“NYSE MKT”)American rules on point and based on the fact that the Company remains a smaller reporting company and (as described below) compensation decisions are made by the independent directors. Under the NYSE MKTAmerican Rule 805(a), if there is no compensation committee, compensation of the Chief Executive Officer (being Mr. Mathis) must be determined, or recommended to the Board of Directors for determination, by a majority of the independent directors on its Board. The CEO may not be present during voting or deliberations of his compensation.

 

In lieu of a formal charter, effective April 15, 2015, the Board adopted these guidelines to assist the Board with its duties and responsibilities in monitoring, approving and disclosing the Company’s compensation philosophies and practices, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Internal Revenue Service and the NYSE MKT.American.

 

All compensation decisions will be made by a majority of the independent directors who are “non-employee directors” as such term is defined Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and not officers or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries and who meet the definition of “independent” as set forth in NYSE MKTAmerican Rule 805, and Section 10C of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. In addition, all independent directors must be “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

NYSE MKTAmerican Rule 805(c)(1) enhances the independence requirements for directors in connection with compensation decisions by requiring that the directors “consider all factors specifically relevant to determining whether a director has a relationship to the listed company which is material to that director’s ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a Compensation Committee member.”

 

Responsibilities and authority of the independent directors are as follows:

 

 The independent directors will meet as often as they deem necessary or appropriate to perform their responsibilities. The independent directors may meet in person or by telephone conference call and may act by unanimous written consent.
   
 The independent directors will make regular reports to the entire Board of Directors and will propose any necessary or appropriate action to the Board of Directors.
   
 The independent directors will be directly responsible for establishing annual and long-term performance goals and objectives for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, as well as setting the overall compensation philosophy for the Company. The directors should consider various factors when evaluating and determining the compensation terms and structure of its executive officers, including the following:

 

 The executive’s leadership and operational performance and potential to enhance long-term value to the Company’s stockholders;
   
 The Company’s financial resources, results of operations, and financial projections;
   
 Performance compared to the financial, operational and strategic goals established for the Company;
   
 The nature, scope and level of the executive’s responsibilities;
 Competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions, experience and performance levels; and
   
 The executive’s current salary, the appropriate balance between incentives for long-term and short-term performance.

 In fulfilling its compensation responsibilities, the independent directors will:

 

 Review and approve performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers;
   
 Evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers in light of approved performance goals and objectives;
   
 Establish the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers based upon the evaluation of the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers;
   
 Advise the entire Board of Directors on the setting of compensation for senior management whose compensation is not otherwise set by the committee;
   
 Grant options and awards under the Company’s existing stock incentive plan;
   
 Subject to the necessary approval of the Board of Directors and/or the Company’s stockholders, propose the adoption, amendment and termination of any stock option plans, pension and profit sharingprofit-sharing plans, stock bonus plans, stock purchase plans, bonus plans, deferred compensation plans and other similar programs (“Compensation Plans”);
   
 Make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the Compensation Plans;
   
 Administer the Compensation Plans in accordance with their terms;
   
 Review and approve any severance or similar termination payments proposed to be made to any current or former executive officer of the Company; and
   
 Review such other compensation matters as the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors of the Company requests.

 

Company management should be responsible for reviewing the base salary, annual bonus and long-term compensation levels for other Company employees. The entire Board of Directors should be responsible for significant changes to, or adoption, of new employee benefit plans.

NYSE MKTAmerican Rule 805(c)(1) enhances the independence requirements for directors in connection with compensation decisions by requiring that the directors “consider all factors specifically relevant to determining whether a director has a relationship to the listed company which is material to that director’s ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a Compensation Committee member.” The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Beale and Lawrence were independent under this requirement. Their independence is considered at each audit committee meeting.

Although NYSE MKTAmerican Rule 805(c)(3)(i) provides that a compensation committee may (in its discretion, not the discretion of the Board) retain compensation consultants, independent legal counsel, and other advisors, the independent directors acting as the compensation committee have not decided to do so.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower PolicyEthics

 

On March 24, 2015 and effective April 15, 2015, ourthe Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Code of Ethics and Whistleblower Policy that is applicable to all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ employees, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Office and on December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors approved technical and administrative amendments to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower Policy. The Code of Ethics contains written standards that are designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest; full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable public disclosures and communications, including financial reporting; compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; prompt internal reporting of violations of the code; and accountability for adherence to the code.

On December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors approved technical and administrative amendments to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower Policy. A copy of the amended Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower Policy (the “Code of Conduct”). The Code of Conduct applies to all of our officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, and principal accounting officer. Our Code of Conduct establishes standards and guidelines to assist our directors, officers, and employees in complying with both the Company’s corporate policies and with the law andCompany is posted at our website:website at www.algodongroup.com.

 

Insider Trading Policy

 

On March 24, 2015 and effective April 15, 2015, our Board of Directors adopted an Insider Trading Policy. The Insider Trading Policy applies to all of our officers, directors, and employees. Our Insider Trading Policy is posted at our website: www.algodongroup.com.

 

Stockholder Communications to the Board

 

Stockholders who are interested in communicating directly with members of the Board, or the Board as a group, may do so by writing directly to the individual Board member c/o Secretary, 135 Fifth Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY 10010. The Company’s Secretary will forward communications directly to the appropriate Board member. If the correspondence is not addressed to the particular member, the communication will be forwarded to a Board member to bring to the attention of the Board. The Company’s Secretary will review all communications before forwarding them to the appropriate Board member.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16 of the Exchange Act requires that reports of beneficial ownership of common stock and changes in such ownership be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Section 16 “reporting persons,” including directors, certain officers, holders of more than 10% of the outstanding common stock and certain trusts of which reporting persons are trustees. We are required to disclose in this Annual Report each reporting person whom we know to have failed to file any required reports under Section 16 on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2018. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162018 our officers, directors and 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them, except for the untimely filing of a Form 4 for each of Messrs.that Mr. Beale and Lawrence related to the granting of stock options, and the untimely filing of a Form 4 for Mr. Fasano, related to the acquisition of common shares held in his 401(k) account. Further, Messrs. Fasano and Mathis havehas not yet filed a Form-4Form 4 related to warrantsstock options granted to them during 2016him in their capacity as registered representatives of DPEC Capital.

Code of Ethics

On March 24, 2015November 2017 or in January 2019; Mr. Lawrence filed one Form 4 late; Mr. Mathis filed three Forms 4 late, Ms. Echevarria filed two Forms 4 late; and effective April 15, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors adoptedDr. Moel filed a Code of Ethics that is applicable to all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ employees, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. The Code of Ethics contains written standards that are designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest; full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable public disclosures and communications, including financial reporting; compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; prompt internal reporting of violations of the code; and accountability for adherence to the code. A copy of the Code of Ethics is posted at our website at www.algodongroup.com.Form 3 late.

 

 4664 
 

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth, for our named executive officers, the compensation earned in the years ended December 31:

 

Summary Compensation Table for Executive Officers
Name and Principal Position Fiscal
Year
 Salary
 ($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($)
  Option
Awards(1)
($)
  All Other
Compensation
($)
  Total
($)
 
Scott L. Mathis(2) 2016  404,713   -   -   -   -   404,713 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 2015  401,700   -   -   932,045   -   1,333,745 
                           
Maria I Echevarria(3) 2016  150,000   25,000   -   -   -   175,000 
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer 2015  125,000   20,000   -   95,765   -   240,765 

Summary Compensation Table for Executive Officers
Name and Principal Position  Fiscal
Year
   Salary
 ($)
   Bonus
($)
   Stock
Awards
($)
   Option
Awards(1)
($)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total
($)
 
Scott L. Mathis(2)  2018   426,163   -   -   538,934   -   965,097 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer  2017   426,164   -   -   97,243   -   523,407 
                             
Maria I Echevarria(3)  2018   150,000   35,000   -   14,628   -   199,628 
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer  2017   150,000   35,000   -   16,407   -   201,407 

 

(1)Represents the grant date full fair value of compensation costs of stock options granted during the respective year for financial statement reporting purposes, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Refer to the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End schedule regarding option details on an award-by-award basis. The above table does not include any options granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.
  
(2)On September 28, 2015, we entered into a new employment agreement with Scott Mathis, our CEO.CEO (the “Employment Agreement”). Among other things, the agreement provides for a three-year term of employment at an annual salary of $401,700 (subject to a 3% cost-of-living adjustment per year), bonus eligibility, paid vacation and specified business expense reimbursements. The agreement sets limits on the Mr. Mathis’ annual sales of AWLDGGH common stock. Mr. Mathis is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of the agreement and following his termination for any reason, for a period of twelve months. Upon a change of control (as defined by the agreement), all of Mr. Mathis’ outstanding equity-based awards will vest in full and his employment term resets to two years from the date of the change of control. Following Mr. Mathis’s termination for any reason, Mr. Mathis is prohibited from soliciting Company clients or employees for one year and disclosing any confidential information of AWLDGGH for a period of two years. The agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause or by the CEO for good reason, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. On September 20, 2018, the Board of Directors extended the Employment Agreement on the same terms for a period of 120 days. On January 31, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company extended Scott Mathis’ employment agreement to expire on April 30, 2019. All other terms of the Employment Agreement remain the same.
  
(3)Maria Echevarria was appointed Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Compliance Officer effective April 13, 2015.

65

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

 

The following table provides information as to option awards granted by the Company and held by each of the named executive officers of AWLDGGH as of December 31, 2016.2018. There have been no stock awards made to Mr. Mathis or Ms. Echevarria as of December 31, 2016.2018.

 

  Option Awards
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
 Exercisable
(#)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
Unexercisable
(#)
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
Scott L. Mathis  25,000   -   3.85  4/15/2017
   25,000   -   2.48  4/15/2018
   1,000,000   -   2.48  6/30/2018
   281,250(1)  218,750(1)  2.48  8/27/2019
   150,000   -   2.48  8/27/2019
   547,460(2)  912,430(2)  2.20  6/8/2020
               
Maria I. Echevarria  56,250(3)  93,750(3)  2.20  6/8/2020

  Option Awards
Name 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable

(#)

  

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable

(#)

  

Option Exercise Price

($)

  Option Expiration Date
Scott L. Mathis  500,000   -   2.48  8/27/2019
   150,000   -   2.48  8/27/2019
   1,277,404(1)  182,486(1)  2.20  6/8/2020
   75,000(2)  225,000(2)  1.10  11/17/2022
   -(3)  1,000,000(3)  0.77  2/14/2023
   -(4)  725,000(4)  0.54  9/20/2023
               
Maria I. Echevarria  131,250(5)  18,750(5)  2.20  6/8/2020
   12,500(6)  37,500(6)  1.10  11/17/2022
   -(7)  25,000(7)  0.77  2/14/2023
   -(8)  30,000(8)  0.54  9/20/2023

The above table does not include any options granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.

 

(1)On August 27, 2014, Mr. Mathis was granted an option to acquire 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 31,250 shares underlying the option vested on November 27, 2014 and 31,250 shares vest every three months thereafter.
(2)On June 8, 2015, Mr. Mathis was granted an option to acquire 1,459,890 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 364,794 shares underlying the option vest on June 8, 2016, and 91,243 shares vest every three months thereafter.
  
(2)On November 17, 2017, Mr. Mathis was granted an option to acquire 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 75,000 shares underlying the option vest on December 17, 2018, and 18,750 shares vest every three months thereafter.
(3)On February 14, 2018, Mr. Mathis was granted an option to acquire 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 250,000 shares underlying the option vest on February 14, 2019, and 62,500 shares vest every three months thereafter.
(4)On September 20, 2018, Mr. Mathis was granted an option to acquire 725,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 181,250 shares underlying the option vest on September 20, 2019, and 45,313 shares vest every three months thereafter.
(5)On June 8, 2015, Ms. Echevarria was granted an option to acquire 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 37,500 shares underlying the option vest on June 8, 2016, and 9,375 shares vest every three months thereafter.
(6)On November 17, 2017, Ms. Echevarria was granted an option to acquire 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 12,500 shares underlying the option vest on December 17, 2018, and 3,125 shares vest every three months thereafter.
(7)On February 14, 2018, Ms. Echevarria was granted an option to acquire 25,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 6,256 shares underlying the option vest on February 14, 2019, and 1,562 shares vest every three months thereafter.
(8)On September 20, 2018, Ms. Echevarria was granted an option to acquire 30,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 7,500 shares underlying the option vest on September 20, 2019, and 1,875 shares vest every three months thereafter.

Director Compensation

 

The following table sets forth compensation received by our non-employee directors:

 

     Director Compensation 
     Fees
Earned or Paid in Cash
  Bonus  Stock
 Awards
  Option
Awards(1)
  Total 
  Year  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($) 
Peter Lawrence (2)  2016   -   -   -   119,710   119,710 
   2015   -   -   -   -   - 
                         
Julian Beale (3)  2016   -   -   -   119,710   119,710 
   2015   -   -   -   -   - 

  

 

  Director Compensation
  Year  

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash

($)

  

Bonus

($)

  

Stock Awards

($)

  

Option Awards(1)($)

  

Total

($)

 
Peter Lawrence (2) 2018       -        -            -   19,450   19,450 
  2017   -   -   -   16,207   16,207 
                        
Julian Beale (3) 2018   -   -   -   -   - 
  2017   -   -   -   16,207   16,207 
                        
Steven A. Moel (4) 2018   -   -   -   3,890   3,890 
  2017   -   -   -   -   - 

The above table does not include any options granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.

 

(1)Represents the grant date full fair value of compensation costs of stock options granted during the respective year for financial statement reporting purposes, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statementsstatements.
  
(2)On July 19, 2016, the Company grantedAs of December 31, 2018, Mr. Lawrence an optionheld options to acquire 200,000600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 362,500 were vested and exercisable.
(3)As of December 31, 2018, Mr. Beale held options to acquire 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 362,500 were vested and exercisable.
(4)

As of December 31, 2018, Dr. Moel held options to acquire 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which none were vested and exercisable. As compensation for his services on the Board of Advisors, Dr. Moel was granted options on August 27, 2014 at a price of $2.20$2.48 per share to acquire 100,000 shares of common stock, all of which 66,667 wereare vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2016

(3)On July 19, 2016, the Company granted Mr. Beale an option to acquire 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $2.20 per share, of which 66,667 were vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2016.2018.

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, our non-employee directors did not receive any compensation for their service on our board.

67

 

Summary of the Company’s Equity Incentive Plans

 

General Plan Information

 

TheOn July 27, 2018, the Board of Directors determined that no additional awards shall be granted under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2008 Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) on August 28, 2008 (“Effective Date”), and approved by a majority of the Company’s stockholders on September 2, 2008. The 2008 Plan was subsequently amended with Board consent and majority stockholder consent to increase the aggregate number of shares issuable under the 2008 Plan from 5,000,000 to 9,000,000, of which 1,875,735 remain available for issuance as of December 31, 2016.

On July 11, 2016, the Board of Directors adoptedor the 2016 Stock Option Plan (the “2016 Plan”). Under, and that no additional shares will be automatically reserved for issuance on each January 1 under the evergreen provision of the 2016 Plan.

On July 27, 2018, the Board of Directors adopted the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan 1,224,308(the “2018 Plan”), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders on September 28, 2018. The 2018 Plan provides for grants for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares, including incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted and unrestricted stock, loans and grants, and performance awards. The number of common stock ofshares available under the Company are authorized for issuance, with an automatic annual2018 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each year by the amount equal to 2.5% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on such date, on a fully diluted basis. As of December 31, 2016, there are 324,308Further, any shares available for issuancesubject to an award issued under the 2018 Plan, the 2016 Plan. On January 1, 2017,Plan or the 2008 Plan that are canceled, forfeited or expired shall be added to the total number of shares available under the 20162018 Plan.

Under the 2018 Plan, was automatically increased by 1,072,774 shares for a total of 1,397,082 shares available. Authorized shares under the 2016 Planawards may be subjectgranted to adjustment upon determinationemployees, consultants, independent contractors, officers and directors or any affiliate of the Company as determined by the Board of Directors. The term of any award granted shall be fixed by the committee inat the eventdate of a corporate transaction including butgrant, and the exercise price of any award shall not limitedbe less than the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, except that any incentive stock option granted under the 2018 Plan to a stock split, recapitalization, reorganization, or merger.

The 2016 Plan includes two types of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards. Options intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422person owning more than 10% of the Internal Revenue Codetotal combined voting power of 1986, as amended are referred to as incentive options. Options which are not intended to qualify as incentive options are referred to as non-qualified options.the Company’s common stock must be exercisable at a price of no less than 110% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.

 

The 20162018 Plan is administered and interpreted by the Company’s compensation committee. The committee orhas full power and authority to designate participants and determine the entire Boardtypes of Directors. In additionawards to determining who will be granted options or other awardsto each participant under the 2016 Plan and what type of awards will be granted, theplan. The committee also has the authority and discretion to determine when awards will be granted, and the number of awards to be granted. The committee also may determinegranted and the terms and conditions of the awards; amend the termsawards and conditions of the awards; how the awards may be exercised whether in cash or securities or other property; establish, amend, suspend, or waive applicable rules and regulations and appoint agents to administer the 2016 Plan; take any action for administration of the 2016 Plan; and adopt modifications to comply with laws of non-U.S. jurisdictions. The committee may appoint such agents as it deems appropriate for the proper administration of the 2018 Plan.

 

Participants in the 20162018 Plan consist of Eligible Persons, who are employees, officers, consultants, advisors, independent contractors, or directors providing services to the Company or any affiliate of the Company as determined by the committee. The committeecommittee; however, incentive stock options may take into account the duties of persons selected, their present and potential contributionsonly be granted to the success of Company and such other considerations as the committee deems relevant to the purposesemployees of the 2016 Plan.

The exercise price of any option granted under the 2016 Plan must be no less than 100% of the “fair market value” of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Any incentive stock option granted under the 2016 Plan to a person owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the common stock must be at a price of no less than 110% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.Company.

 

Awards remain exercisable for a period of six months (but no longer than the original term of the award) after a participant ceases to be an employee or the consulting services are terminated due to death or disability. All restricted stock held by the participant becomes free of all restrictions, and any payment or benefit under a performance award is forfeited and cancelled at time of termination unless the participant is irrevocably entitled to such award at the time of termination, where termination results from death or disability. Termination of service as a result of anything other than death or disability results in the award remaining exercisable for a period of one month (but no longer than the original term of the award) after termination and any payment or benefit under a performance award is forfeited and cancelled at time of termination unless the participant is irrevocably entitled to such award at the time of termination. All restricted stock held by the participant becomes free of all restrictions unless the participant voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause, in which event the restricted stock is transferred back to the Company.

The committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the 20162018 Plan at any time;provided,however, that, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made that, absent such approval: (i) violates the rules or regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) or any other securities exchange that are applicable to the Company; (ii) causes the Company to be unable, under the Internal Revenue Code, to grant incentive stock options under the 20162018 Plan; (iii) increases the number of shares authorized under the 20162018 Plan other than the 2.5% increase per year; or (iv) permits the award of options or stock appreciation rights at a price less than 100% of the fair market value of a share on the date of grant of such award, as prohibited by the 20162018 Plan or the repricing of options or stock appreciation rights, as prohibited by the 20162018 Plan.

Gaucho Group, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan

On October 5, 2018, the Company, as the sole stockholder of GG, and the Board of Directors of GG approved the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Gaucho Plan”). The Company and the Board of Directors of GG adopted the 2018 Gaucho Plan to promote long-term retention of key employees of GG and others who contribute to the growth of GG.

Up to 8,000,000 shares of GG’s common stock is made available for grants of equity incentive awards under the 2018 Gaucho Plan. Authorized shares under the 2018 Gaucho Plan may be subject to adjustment upon determination by the committee in the event of a corporate transaction including but not limited to a stock split, recapitalization, reorganization, or merger.

The 2018 Gaucho Plan includes two types of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards. Options intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended are referred to as incentive options. Options which are not intended to qualify as incentive options are referred to as non-qualified options.

To date, options to purchase 6,495,000 shares of common stock of the Company have been granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.

The 2018 Gaucho Plan is administered and interpreted by GG’s compensation committee, or the entire Board of Directors. In addition to determining who will be granted options or other awards under the 2018 Gaucho Plan and what type of awards will be granted, the committee has the authority and discretion to determine when awards will be granted and the number of awards to be granted. The committee also may determine the terms and conditions of the awards; amend the terms and conditions of the awards; how the awards may be exercised whether in cash or securities or other property; establish, amend, suspend, or waive applicable rules and regulations and appoint agents to administer the 2018 Gaucho Plan; take any action for administration of the 2018 Gaucho Plan; and adopt modifications to comply with laws of non-U.S. jurisdictions.

Participants in the 2018 Gaucho Plan consist of eligible persons, who are employees, officers, consultants, advisors, independent contractors, or directors providing services to GG or any affiliate of GG as determined by the committee. The committee may take into account the duties of persons selected, their present and potential contributions to the success of GG and such other considerations as the committee deems relevant to the purposes of the 2018 Gaucho Plan.

The exercise price of any option granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan must be no less than 100% of the “fair market value” of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Any incentive stock option granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan to a person owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the common stock must be at a price of no less than 110% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.

Awards remain exercisable for a period of six months (but no longer than the original term of the award) after a participant ceases to be an employee or the consulting services are terminated due to death or disability. All restricted stock held by the participant becomes free of all restrictions, and any payment or benefit under a performance award is forfeited and cancelled at time of termination unless the participant is irrevocably entitled to such award at the time of termination, where termination results from death or disability. Termination of service as a result of anything other than death or disability results in the award remaining exercisable for a period of one month (but no longer than the original term of the award) after termination and any payment or benefit under a performance award is forfeited and cancelled at time of termination unless the participant is irrevocably entitled to such award at the time of termination. All restricted stock held by the participant becomes free of all restrictions unless the participant voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause, in which event the restricted stock is transferred back to GG.

The committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the 2018 Gaucho Plan at any time;provided,however, that, without the approval of the stockholders of GG, no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made that, absent such approval: (i) violates the rules or regulations of any securities exchange that are applicable to the Company; (ii) causes the Company to be unable, under the Internal Revenue Code, to grant incentive stock options under the 2018 Gaucho Plan; (iii) increases the number of shares authorized under the 2018 Gaucho Plan; or (v) would prevent(iv) permits the grantaward of options or stock appreciation rights that would qualify under Section 162(m)at a price less than 100% of the Internal Revenue Code.fair market value of a share on the date of grant of such award, as prohibited by the 2018 Gaucho Plan or the repricing of options or stock appreciation rights, as prohibited by the 2018 Gaucho Plan.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

As of April 1, 2019, the Company had 49,266,390 shares of common stock issued and 49,215,857 outstanding, as well as 902,670 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock issued and outstanding. The following table sets forth certain information regarding our shares of common stock and Series B convertible preferred stock beneficially owned as of March 28, 2017,April 1, 2019, for (i) each stockholder known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock (ii) each named executive officer and director, and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group. A person is considered to beneficially own any shares: (a) over which such person, directly or indirectly, exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, or (b) of which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days through an exercise of stock options, warrants or convertible debt. Shares underlying such options, warrants, and convertible promissory notes, however, are only considered outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person and are not considered outstanding when computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, voting and investment power relating to the shares shown in the table for our directors and executive officers is exercised solely by the beneficial owner or shared by the owner and the owner’s spouse or children. In addition, the address of each of the persons set forth below (unless otherwise specified) is c/o AWLD,GGH, 135 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10010. The above table does not include any options granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.

 

70

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

Name of Beneficial Owner Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
 Percent of
Common Stock Outstanding
as of
March 28, 2017(1)
  Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
 Percent of
 Common Stock Outstanding
as of
April 1, 2019(1)
 Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership of Series B Stock Percent of Series B Stock Outstanding
as of
April 1, 2019(2)
 Total
Voting
Power(3)
 
More than 5% Stockholders                                 
The WOW Group, LLC  4,660,656   10.9%  3,777,425   7.7%  -   -   6.5%
Murdock and Janie Richard(2)(4)  2,789,913   6.5%  2,789,913   5.7%  -   -   4.8%
Ralph & Mary Rybacki(3)(5)  2,782,348   6.5%  2,782,348   5.7%  -   -   4.8%
                            
Directors and Named Executive Officers                            
Scott L. Mathis  7,740,710(4)  17.0%  7,176,704(6)  13.8%  2,100   *   11.9%
Julian H. Beale  664,255(5)  1.5%  463,213(7)  *  -   -   * 
Peter J.L. Lawrence  762,367(6)  1.8%  561,325(8)  1.0%  -   -   1.0%
Maria I. Echevarria  65,625(7)  *   171,552(9)  *   -   -   * 
Keith T. Fasano  433,441(8)  * 
Steven A. Moel  483,220(10)  *  -   -   * 
All directors and executive officers as a group:  9,450,215(9)  20.5%  8,856,014(11)  16.8%  -   *   14.4%

 

* Less than one percent

 

(1)Based on 42,937,87346,215,857 shares of our common stock outstanding on March 28, 2017,April 1, 2019, and, with respect to each individual holder, rights to acquire our common stock exercisable within 60 days of March 28, 2017.April 1, 2019.
  
(2)Based upon 902,670 shares of Series B preferred stock outstanding on April 1, 2019.
 (2)
(3)Calculated in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Includes all stockholders holding Series B preferred stock entitled to vote with common stock on an as converted basis, for a total of 8,456,072 votes.
(4)Based on information contained on Schedule 13G filed by Murdock Richard on February 6, 2015.  The principal business address of Mr. and Mrs. Richard is 5950 Sherry Lane, Suite 210, Dallas, TX 75225.7522.
  
(3)(5)Based on information contained on Schedule 13G filed by Ralph and Mary Rybacki on February 11, 2016. The principal business address of Mr. and Mrs. Rybacki is 500 Capital Drive, Lake Zurich, IL 60047.
 (4)
(6)Consists of (a) 336,545538,362 shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Mathis directly; (b) 4,660,6563,777,425 shares owned by The WOW Group, LLC, of which Mr. Mathis is a controlling member; (c) 98,399204,803 shares owned by Mr. Mathis’s 401(k) account; (d) 21,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of Series B convertible preferred stock (d) warrants to acquire 462,657210,217 shares of common stock, and (e) the right to acquire 2,182,4532,424,897 shares of common stock subject to the exercise of options.
  
(5)(7)Consists of (a) 97,588 shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Beale directly; and (b) 566,667365,625 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
(8)
(6)ConsistsConsist of (a) 187,971184,971 shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Lawrence directly; (b) 10,729 shares owned by Mr. Lawrence and his spouse as trustees for the Peter Lawrence 1992 Settlement Trust; and (c) 566,667 shares or our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
(7)Consists of 65,625368,625 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
  
(8)(9)Consists of (a) 1,8437,484 shares owned by Mrs. Echevarria’s 401(k) account and (b) 164,068 shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Fasano directly; (b) 24,497 shares owned by Mr. Fasano’s 401(k) account; (c) 196,875 issuable upon the exercise of stock options; and (d) warrants to acquire 210,226 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2016, Mr. Fasano resigned as DPEC Capital’s President and Secretary and as of April 1, 2017 will no longer be considered an affiliate of the Company.options.
  
(10)Consists of (a) 151,491 shares owned by Mr. Moel directly; (b) 176,546 shares held by Mr. Moel’s 401(k); (c) 26,693 shares held by Andrew Moel, his son; (d) 28,490 shares held by Erin Moel, his daughter; and (e) 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
 (9)
(11)

Consists of 5,415,2285,204,582 shares of our common stock, 3,584,53721,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of Series B convertible preferred stock, 3,420,215 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, and 311,274210,217 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants.

 

The WOW Group, LLC

 

Scott Mathis is a managing member and holds 56.57% ofa controlling interest in The WOW Group. Non-managing members include certain former DPEC Capital employees and certain AWLDGGH stockholders. The WOW Group’s only asset is its 11.8% interest in AWLDGGH as of December 31, 2016.2018.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The following is a description of transactions during the last fiscal year in which the transaction involved a material dollar amount and in which any of the Company’s directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of AWLDGGH common stock and Series A Preferred on an as- converted basis had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensation which is described under “Executive Compensation.”

 

Scott Mathis is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. (“HBH”), a private company he founded which is developing Hollywood-themed American fast food restaurants in Argentina and the United States. The Company has an expense sharing agreement with HBH to provide office space and other clerical services. The Company was entitled to receive reimbursements of general and administrative expenses in the amount of $124,428 and $126,766incurred during the years ended on December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017 in the amount of $437,074 and $342,299, respectively, as a result of the expense sharing agreement. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, HBH owes $363,389$4,644 and $177,755,$724,591, respectively, to the Company under such and similar prior agreements.
  
InvestBio, Inc. (“InvestBio”) was a wholly-owned subsidiary of AWLDGGH until it was spun-off to AWLDGGH stockholders, effective September 30, 2010. The owners of more than 5% of InvestBio are Scott Mathis and Ralph Rybacki. The Board of Directors of InvestBio consists of Scott Mathis, Julian Beale, and Peter Lawrence. The Company has an expense sharing agreement with InvestBio to provide office space and other clerical services. The Company was entitled to receive $0 and $10,640 of reimbursements of general and administrative expenses in the amount of $15,960 and $15,960incurred during each the years ended on December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, as a result of the agreement. InvestBio owed $396,067 and $380,472$396,116 to the Company under the expense sharing agreement as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, of which $387,000 and $376,000, respectively,$396,000 is deemed unrecoverable and written off.
DPEC Capital paid regular brokerage commissions to its registered representatives according to the standard firm payout schedule, which includes the allocation of earned warrants. On January 7, 2017, in connection with the sale of its equity securities, the Company issued five-year warrants to its subsidiary, DPEC Capital who acted as placement agent, for the purchase of 2,500 shares of its common stock at $2.00 per share.  On January 17, 2017, due to the refund to an investor, warrants to purchase 250 shares of common stock and commissions in the amount of $500 were returned by DPEC Capital, Inc. to the Company.  The total value of the 2,250 warrants was $1,105.  During 2016, in connection with the sale of AWLDGGH common stock, the Company issued five-year warrants to its subsidiary DPEC Capital who acted as placement agent, to purchase 342,642 and 16,000 shares of AWLDGGH common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 and $2.50 per share, respectively, including 100,188 warrants valued at $87,965 to Scott Mathis and 38,988 warrants valued at $34,231 to Keith Fasano, each in theirhis capacity as a registered representatives.representative. Mr. Mathis and Mr. Fasano also received cash commissions of $173,330 and $56,637, respectively, related to the sale of common stock. During 2015, in connection withstock during the sale of AWLD common stock, the Company issued five-year warrants to its subsidiary DPEC Capital who acted as placement agent, to purchase 342,642 and 16,000 shares of AWLD common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 and $2.50 per share, respectively, including 100,188 warrants valued at $87,965 to Scott Mathis and 38,988 warrants valued at $34,231 to Keith Fasano, each in their capacity as registered representatives. Mr. Mathis and Mr. Fasano also received cash commissions of $173,330 and $56,637, respectively, related to the sale of common stock.year ended December 31, 2016. The Company recorded $262,113$0 and $259,901$1,105 of stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, related to the issuance of warrants, which is recorded within general and administrative expenseexpenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
On June 1, 2016, the Company modified the warrants granted to DPEC Capital between December 2015 and May 2016, such that the exercise price was adjusted from $2.50 per share to $2.00 per share, and the aggregate number of shares available to be purchased in connection with the warrants was increased from 198,807 to 245,883 shares. The Company recorded warrant modification expense of $68,548 related to the modification of the CAP Warrants.

53 

Warrants in Affiliates Earned by DPEC Capital

As noted above, DPEC Capital earned warrants to purchase the shares of certain companies including AWLD affiliates for which DPEC Capital has provided investment banking and advisory services. It was the Company’s policy to distribute part or all of the warrants DPEC Capital earned through serving as placement agent on various private placement offerings for a related but independent entity under common management, to registered representatives or other employees who provided investment banking services. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, DPEC Capital earned warrants to purchase 75,745 shares of common stock in Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. in connection with providing investment banking services to Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc., of which warrants for the purchase of 53,022 shares of common stock in Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. were awarded to its registered representatives. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, DPEC Capital earned warrants to purchase 156,016 shares of common stock in Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. in connection with providing investment banking services to Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc., of which warrants for the purchase of 109,218 shares of common stock in Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. were awarded to its registered representatives. The Company recorded $19,392 and $44,801 of stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to the warrants awarded to its registered representatives, which is recorded within discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Director Independence

 

Our Board of Directors has undertaken a review of its composition and the independence of each director. Based on the review of each director’s background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, the Board of Directors has determined that two of our three directors (Julian Beale and Peter J.L. Lawrence) are “independent” under the rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE MKT.American. In making this determination, our Board of Directors considered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director has with the Company and all other facts and circumstances our Board of Directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of the Company’s capital stock. Mr. Mathis was not deemed independent as a result of his service as our Chief Executive Officer, as described in Item 10 and his significant stock ownership as described in Item 12.

54

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to us by Marcum, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015:2017:

 

 2016 2015  2018  2017 
          
Audit fees(1) $227,500  $175,000  $240,000  $235,000 
Audit-related fees(2)  5,000   8,000   15,000   13,000 
Tax fees  27,500   25,200   35,000   27,500 
 $260,000  $208,200  $290,000  $275,500 

 

 (1)Represents fees associated with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, and the reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during 20162018 and 2015.2017.
(2)Represents primarily travel costs associated with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

73

 

Audit Committee Policies and Procedures.

 

The Board of Directors approved the audit committee charter effective April 15, 2015. The audit committee must pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for us by our independent auditors, subject to the de-minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act. Each year the independent auditor’s retention to audit our financial statements, including the associated fee, is approved by the audit committee before the filing of the previous year’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. At the beginning of the fiscal year, the audit committee will evaluate other known potential engagements of the independent auditor, including the scope of work proposed to be performed and the proposed fees, and approve or reject each service, taking into account whether the services are permissible under applicable law and the possible impact of each non-audit service on the independent auditor’s independence from management. At each such subsequent meeting, the auditor and management may present subsequent services for approval. Typically, these would be services such as due diligence for an acquisition, that would not have been known at the beginning of the year.

 

Each new engagement of Marcum, LLP, has been approved by the Board, and none of those engagements made use of the de-minimis exception to the pre-approval contained in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act.

 

 5574 
 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

The following documents are being filed with the Commission as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10K.

 

Exhibit Description
   
2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and China Concentric Capital Group, Inc., dated December 20, 2016*3
2.2 First Amendment to the Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and China Concentric Capital Group, Inc., dated January 17, 20162017*3
2.3 Escrow Agreement between the Company, China Concentric Capital Group, Inc., and J.M. Walker & Associates, dated December 16, 2016*3
2.4 First Amendment to the Escrow Agreement between the Company, China Concentric Capital Group, Inc., and J.M. Walker & Associates, dated January 17, 2017*3
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed September 30, 20131
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws1
3.3 Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed September 20, 2018 and effective October 1, 20189
3.4Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed March 1, 2019 and effective March 11, 201910
4.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of the Series A Preferred filed September 30, 20131
4.2 Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, dated February 28, 20172
4.3 Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, dated February 28, 20172
4.4 Diversified Private Equity Corp. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan; Amendment No. 1 dated January 18, 2011; and Amendment No. 2 dated September 14, 20122016 Stock Option Plan.13
4.5 Form of Stock Option Certificate Pursuant to the 2008 Stock Option Plan1
4.62016 Stock Option Plan.*
4.7First Amendment to 2016 Stock Option Plan as adopted by the Board of Directors on October 20, 2016.*3
4.6 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.9
10.1 Employment Agreement by and between Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc.the Company and Scott L. Mathis dated September 28, 20156
10.2 Agreement of Lease between 135 Fifth Avenue LLC and Diversified Biotech Holdings Corp. dated July 1, 2006 and Amendment of Lease between 135 Fifth Avenue LLC and Diversified Private Equity Corp., dated September 1, 20101
10.3 Second Amendment of Lease between 135 Fifth Avenue LLC and Diversified Private Equity Corp., dated July 10, 20155
10.4 Placement Agent Agreement between Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. and DPEC Capital, Inc. dated March 11, 2010; Initial Extension of Placement Agent Agreement dated October 8, 2010; Second Extension of Placement Agent Agreement dated July 8, 2011; Third Extension of Placement Agent Agreement dated September 7, 2011; and Fourth Extension of Placement Agent Agreement dated March 21, 20121
10.5Fifth Extension of Placement Agent Agreement between Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. and DPEC Capital, Inc. dated February 28, 20145
10.6Warrant Agreement between Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. and DPEC Capital, Inc. dated March 11, 2010; Initial Extension of Warrant Agent Agreement dated October 8, 2010; Second Extension of Warrant Agent Agreement dated March 21, 2012; and Form of Warrant Certificate1
10.7Third Extension of Warrant Agreement between Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. and DPEC Capital, Inc. dated February 28, 20145
10.8Convertible Note Purchase Agreement dated June 24, 2011; Amendment No. 1 dated September 30, 2011; and Form of Convertible Promissory Note1
10.9Placement Agent Agreement between Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. and DPEC Capital, Inc. dated October 1, 20121
10.10First Extension of Placement Agent Agreement between Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. and DPEC Capital, Inc., dated June 30, 2013; and Revised Second Extension and First Modification of October 1, 2012 Placement Agent Agreement3
10.11Amended Revised Second Extension and First Modification of the October 1, 2012 Placement Agent Agreement dated as of September 8, 20144
10.12Warrant Agreement between Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. and DPEC Capital, Inc. dated October 1, 2012 and Form of Warrant Certificate1

10.13Extension of Termination Date of Placement Agent Agreement, dated December 31, 2014; Second Extension of Termination Date of Placement Agent Agreement and Warrant Agreement, dated March 31, 2015; and Third Extension and Second Modification of the October 1, 2012 Placement Agent Agreement, dated as of October 1, 20155
10.14Extension of Warrant Agreement, dated July 9, 2014 Second Extension of Warrant Agreement, dated Sept. 8, 2014; and Third Extension of Warrant Agreement, dated October 1, 20155
10.15Letter Agreement between Maxim Group, LLC and the Company, dated January 11, 20165
10.16Investor Relations Consulting Agreement between MZHCI, LLC and the Company, dated April 8, 20167
14.1 Amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Whistleblower Policy48
14.2 Audit Committee Charter4
21.1 Subsidiaries of Algodon Wines & Luxury DevelopmentGaucho Group Holdings, Inc.*
31.1 Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
31.2 Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

32 Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
99.1 Algodon Wine Estates Property Map1
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
   
1. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Registration of Securities Pursuant to Section 12(g) on Form 10 dated May 14, 2014.
2. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 2, 2017.
3. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Registration of Securities Pursuant to Section 12(g)Annual Report on Amendment No. 2 to Form 10 dated August 13, 2014.
10-K, filed on March 31, 2017.
4.Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Registration of Securities Pursuant to Section 12(g) on Amendment No. 3 to Form 10 dated September 12, 2014.
5. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 31, 2015.
5. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 30, 2016.
6. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 16, 2015.
7. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 16, 2016.
8. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 20, 2017.
9.Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 19, 2018.
10.Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 14, 2019.
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished, not filed herewith.

 

ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary

This Item is optional and the registrant is not required to furnish this information.

 5776 
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
  
Dated: March 31, 2017April 1, 2019By:/s/ Scott L. Mathis
  Scott L. Mathis
  Principal Executive Officer
   
Dated: March 31, 2017April 1, 2019By:/s/ Maria I. Echevarria
  Maria I. Echevarria
  Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirement 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:

 

Dated: March 31, 2017April 1, 2019By:/s/ Scott L. Mathis
  Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) & Chairman of the Board
   
Dated: March 31, 2017April 1, 2019By:/s/ Maria I. Echevarria
  Maria I. Echevarria
  Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)
   
Dated: March 31, 2017April 1, 2019By:/s/ Julian H. Beale
  Julian H. Beale
  Director
   
Dated: March 31, 2017April 1, 2019By:/s/ Peter J.L. Lawrence
  Peter J.L. Lawrence
  Director

58

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-2
  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017F-3
  
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017F-4
  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017F-5
  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Temporary Equity and Stockholders’ (Deficiency) Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017F-6
  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017F-7
  
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-9

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholdersof Algodon Wines & Luxury Development

Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries,

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Formerly Algodon Wines & Luxury Development, Group, Inc. and SubsidiariesAlgodon Group, Inc.) (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in temporary equity and stockholders’ (deficiency) equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibilityeach of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriatetwo years in the circumstances, but not forperiod ended December 31, 2018 and the purpose of expressing an opinion onrelated notes (collectively referred to as the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

“financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries,the Company as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years thenin the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 2, the Company has a significant working capital deficiency, has incurred significant losses and needs to raise additional funds to meet its obligations and sustain its operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Marcum LLP

Marcum LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.

New York, NY

March 31, 2017April 1, 2019

 

F-2
 

 

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 December 31,  December 31, 
 2016 2015  2018  2017 
Assets             
Current Assets                
Cash $131,190  $110,645  $58,488  $358,303 
Accounts receivables, net  179,637   232,789 
Accounts receivables - related parties, net  493,531   237,119 
Advances and loans to employees  232,057   - 
Accounts receivable, net  457,745   188,067 
Accounts receivable - related parties, net of allowance of $514,087
at each of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively
  71,650   851,016 
Advances to employees  281,783   284,496 
Inventory  1,186,189   1,184,268   1,033,895   1,388,666 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net  105,429   120,774 
Current assets of discontinued operations  208,154   768,430 
Real estate lots held for sale  139,492   151,906 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  193,360   159,465 
Total Current Assets  2,536,187   2,654,025   2,236,413   3,381,919 
Property and equipment, net  3,971,733   4,454,969   2,972,364   4,532,890 
Prepaid foreign taxes, net  337,917   360,015   369,590   342,312 
Investment - related parties  42,688   127,202   7,840   26,401 
Deposits  61,284   61,284   61,284   61,284 
Total Assets $6,949,809  $7,657,495  $5,647,491  $8,344,806 
                
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Stockholders’ Deficiency        
Current Liabilities                
Accounts payable $349,180  $522,820  $497,817  $415,318 
Accrued expenses  1,691,743   1,875,287 
Accrued expenses, current portion  1,185,367   1,000,521 
Deferred revenue  1,884,606   1,384,317   1,038,492   1,732,664 
Loans payable  31,312   - 
Debt obligations  162,500   287,500 
Loans payable, current portion, net of debt discount  871,106   256,724 
Convertible debt obligations, net of debt discount  2,732,654   20,000 
Current portion of other liabilities  15,776   4,488   99,901   19,156 
Current liabilities of discontinued operations  44,104   56,796 
Total Current Liabilities  4,179,221   4,131,208   6,425,337   3,444,383 
Accrued expenses, non-current portion  344,127   399,119   57,786   247,515 
Other liabilities, non-current portion  -   11,474 
Loans payable, non-current portion, net of debt discount  234,791   634,930 
Total Liabilities  4,523,348   4,530,327   6,717,914   4,338,302 
Commitments and Contingencies        
Series B convertible redeemable preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 902,670 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Liquidation preference of $9,658,278 at December 31, 2018.  9,026,824   9,026,824 
                
Commitments and Contingencies        
        
Series B convertible redeemable preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 902,670 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding  -   - 
Stockholders' Equity        
Preferred stock, 11,000,000 shares authorized:        
Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 10,097,330 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding  -   - 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 42,915,379 and 38,879,333 shares issued and 42,910,962 and 38,874,922 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  429,153   388,793 
Stockholders’ Deficiency        
Preferred stock, 11,000,000 shares authorized;        
Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 10,097,330 shares authorized; no shares are available for issuance.  -   - 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 46,738,532 and 43,067,546 shares issued and 46,687,999 and 43,063,135 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  467,384   430,674 
Additional paid-in capital  80,102,189   69,933,147   83,814,442   80,902,967 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (10,459,242)  (9,591,274)  (13,110,219)  (10,795,810)
Accumulated deficit  (67,631,569)  (57,589,428)  (81,222,499)  (75,544,081)
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,411 shares at December 31, 2016 and 2015  (14,070)  (14,070)
Total Stockholders' Equity  2,426,461   3,127,168 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $6,949,809  $7,657,495 
Treasury stock, at cost, 50,533 and 4,411 shares at December 31, 2018
and 2017, respectively.
  (46,355)  (14,070)
Total Stockholders’ Deficiency  (10,097,247)  (5,020,320)
Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Stockholders’ Deficiency $5,647,491  $8,344,806 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
       
Sales $3,099,608  $1,817,302 
Cost of sales  (1,441,696)  (1,946,900)
Gross profit (loss)  1,657,912   (129,598)
Operating Expenses        
Selling and marketing  317,404   347,808 
General and administrative  6,423,540   7,014,919 
Depreciation and amortization  171,749   193,065 
Total operating expenses  6,912,693   7,555,792 
Loss from Operations  (5,254,781)  (7,685,390)
         
Other Expense (Income)        
Interest expense  611,297   320,571 
Gain on sale of investment in subsidiary  -   (199,200)
Gain on foreign currency translation  (187,660)  - 
Total other expense  423,637   121,371 
Loss from Continuing Operations  (5,678,418)  (7,806,761)
Loss from Discontinued Operations  -   (105,751)
Net Loss  (5,678,418)  (7,912,512)
Series B preferred stock dividends  (724,108)  (345,079)
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders $(6,402,526) $(8,257,591)
         
Net Loss per Basic and Diluted Common Share:        
Loss from continuing operations $(0.14) $(0.19)
Loss from discontinued operations  -   - 
Net Loss per Common Share $(0.14) $(0.19)
         
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:        
Basic and Diluted  44,889,732   42,996,124 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3F-4
 

 

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Consolidated Statements of OperationsComprehensive Loss

 

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Sales $1,526,075  $1,866,685 
Cost of sales  (1,760,451)  (2,225,813)
Gross loss  (234,376)  (359,128)
Operating Expenses        
Selling and marketing  154,626   220,019 
General and administrative  6,107,016   5,306,383 
Depreciation and amortization  64,853   224,282 
Total operating expenses  6,326,495   5,750,684 
Loss from Operations  (6,560,871)  (6,109,812)
         
Other Expenses        
Interest expense, net  207,913   319,748 
Common stock price modification  941,530   - 
Warrant modification expenses  89,549   - 
Total other expenses  1,238,992   319,748 
         
Loss from Continuing Operations  (7,799,863)  (6,429,560)
Loss from Discontinued Operations  (2,242,278)  (1,849,404)
Net Loss $(10,042,141) $(8,278,964)
         
Net loss per basic and diluted common share:        
Loss from continuing operations $(0.19) $(0.17)
Loss from discontinued operations  (0.06)  (0.05)
Net loss per common share $(0.24) $(0.22)
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:        
Basic and Diluted  41,078,655   37,681,332 
  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
       
Net Loss $(5,678,418) $(7,912,512)
Other Comprehensive Loss:        
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (2,314,409)  (336,568)
Total Comprehensive Loss $(7,992,827) $(8,249,080)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES


Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

 

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Net Loss $(10,042,141) $(8,278,964)
Other Comprehensive Loss        
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (867,968)  (1,821,060)
Total Comprehensive Loss $(10,910,109) $(10,100,024)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Temporary Equity and Stockholders’ (Deficiency) Equity

  Series B                        
  Convertible                 Accumulated      
  Redeemable              Additional  Other     Total 
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Treasury Stock  Paid-In  Comprehensive  Accumulated  Stockholders’ 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Loss  Deficit  Deficiency 
Balance - December 31, 2016  -  $-   42,915,379  $429,153   4,411  $(14,070) $80,102,189  $(10,459,242) $(67,631,569) $       2,426,461 
Series B preferred stock issued for cash  775,931   7,759,500   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Common stock issued for cash, net of issuance costs of $4,500  -   -   22,500   225   -   -   40,275   -   -   40,500 
Common stock issued in satisfaction of deferred revenue  -   -   62,270   622   -   -   123,917   -   -   124,539 
Exchange of 8% notes for Series B preferred stock  126,739   1,267,324   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Stock-based compensation:                                        
Common stock issued under 401(k) profit sharing plan  -   -   67,770   678   -   -   73,190   -   -   73,868 
Options and warrants  -   -   -   -   -   -   623,907   -   -   623,907 
Dividends  -   -   -   -   -   -   (60,515)  -   -   (60,515)
True-up to transfer agent’s records  -   -   (373)  (4)  -   -   4   -   -   - 
Comprehensive loss:                                        
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (7,912,512)  (7,912,512)
Other comprehensive loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (336,568)  -   (336,568)
Balance - December 31, 2017  902,670   9,026,824   43,067,546   430,674   4,411   (14,070)  80,902,967   (10,795,810)  (75,544,081)  (5,020,320)
Stock-based compensation:                                        
Common stock issued under 401(k) profit
sharing plan
  -   -   116,284   1,163   -   -   80,236   -   -   81,399 
Options and warrants  -   -   -   -   -   -   716,249   -   -   716,249 
Common stock issued for cash  -   -   1,890,993   18,911   -   -   1,304,784   -   -   1,323,695 
Beneficial conversion feature on
convertible debt issued
  -   -   -   -   -   -   227,414   -   -   227,414 
Common stock issued upon conversion
of convertible debt and interest
  -   -   1,285,517   12,855   -   -   797,020   -   -   809,875 
Dividends declared on Series B
convertible redeemable preferred stock
  -   -   -   -   -   -   (474,719)  -   -   (474,719)
Common stock issued in satisfaction
of dividends payable
  -   -   378,193   3,781   -   -   260,491   -   -   264,272 
Common stock returned to the Company
to satisfy receivable
  -   -   -   -   46,122   (32,285)  -   -   -   (32,285)
Comprehensive loss:                                        
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (5,678,418)  (5,678,418)
Other comprehensive loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (2,314,409)  -   (2,314,409)
Balance - December 31, 2018  902,670  $9,026,824   46,738,533  $467,384   50,533  $(46,355) $83,814,442  $(13,110,219) $(81,222,499) $(10,097,247)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES


Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

 

                 Accumulated       
              Additional  Other     Total 
  Common Stock  Treasury Stock  Paid-In  Comprehensive  Accumulated  Stockholders' 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Loss  Deficit  Equity 
Balance - December 31, 2014  35,745,831  $357,458   4,411  $(14,070) $62,517,913  $(7,770,214) $(49,310,464) $5,780,623 
Stock-based compensation:                                
Common stock issued under 401(k) profit sharing plan  36,700   367   -   -   73,033   -   -   73,400 
Options and warrants  -   -   -   -   1,042,135   -   -   1,042,135 
Common stock issued for cash  3,096,802   30,968   -   -   6,300,066   -   -   6,331,034 
Comprehensive loss:                                
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   (8,278,964)  (8,278,964)
Other comprehensive loss  -   -   -   -   -   (1,821,060)  -   (1,821,060)
Balance - December 31, 2015  38,879,333   388,793   4,411   (14,070)  69,933,147   (9,591,274)  (57,589,428)  3,127,168 
Common stock issued for cash  3,146,875   31,468   -   -   7,066,394   -   -   7,097,862 
Common stock issued for price modification  470,771   4,708   -   -   936,822   -   -   941,530 
Exchange of 12.5% notes for common stock  37,700   377   -   -   75,056   -   -   75,433 
Stock-based compensation:                                
Common stock issued under 401(k) profit sharing plan  30,700   307   -   -   76,443   -   -   76,750 
Options and warrants                  1,131,056   -   -   1,131,056 
Vesting of restricted stock  350,000   3,500           793,722   -   -   797,222 
Warrant modification expense                  89,549   -   -   89,549 
Comprehensive loss:                                
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   (10,042,141)  (10,042,141)
Other comprehensive loss  -   -   -   -   -   (867,968)  -   (867,968)
Balance - December 31, 2016  42,915,379  $429,153   4,411  $(14,070) $80,102,189  $(10,459,242) $(67,631,569) $2,426,461 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
       
Cash Flows from Operating Activities        
Net loss $(5,678,418) $(7,912,512)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Stock-based compensation:        
401(k) stock  63,414   81,399 
Options and warrants  716,249   623,907 
Gain on foreign currency translation  (187,660)  - 
Net realized and unrealized investment losses  18,561   16,287 
Depreciation and amortization  171,749   193,065 
Amortization of debt discount  259,709   12,217 
Provision for uncollectible assets  (163,613)  76,215 
Write-down of inventory  -   61,000 
Gain on sale of investment in subsidiary  -   (199,200)
Decrease (increase) in assets:  -   - 
Accounts receivable  281,677   (246,917)
Inventory  (191,973)  (394,728)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (255,240)  (124,378)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:  -   - 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  724,014   (511,915)
Deferred revenue  (185,147)  246,881 
Other liabilities  80,745   3,380 
Total Adjustments  1,332,485   (162,787)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities  (4,345,933)  (8,075,299)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
Purchase of property and equipment  (292,213)  (930,368)
Proceeds from sale of investment in subsidiary  -   81,114 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities  (292,213)  (849,254)
         
Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
Proceeds from loans payable  580,386   519,157 
Repayments of loans payable  (199,910)  (104,645)
Proceeds from convertible debt obligations  3,507,530   1,280,000 
Repayments of debt obligations  -   (162,500)
Dividends paid in cash  (127,502)  (60,515)
Proceeds from sale of Series B preferred stock  -   7,759,500 
Proceeds from common stock offering, net of issuance costs  1,323,695   40,500 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities  5,084,199   9,271,497 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash  (745,868)  (119,831)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash  (299,815)  227,113 
Cash - Beginning of Period  358,303   131,190 
Cash - End of Period $58,488  $358,303 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-7

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,

(unaudited) continued

 

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Cash Flows from Operating Activities        
Net loss $(10,042,141) $(8,278,964)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Stock-based compensation:        
401(k) stock  73,869   76,749 
Options and warrants  1,131,056   1,042,135 
Restricted stock  797,222   - 
Common stock price modification expense  941,530   - 
Warrant modification expense  89,549   - 
Net realized and unrealized investment losses  92,825   167,451 
Depreciation and amortization  64,853   224,580 
Provision for uncollectible assets  543,909   (49,073)
Write-down of inventory  91,479   193,146 
Prepaid compensation amortization  3,000   19,121 
Other non-cash income, net  (8,311)  - 
Decrease (increase) in assets:        
Accounts receivable  (339,739)  (206,755)
Inventory  (246,391)  (284,924)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (288,685)  (154,192)
Deposits  -   (19,266)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (186,236)  (558,249)
Deferred revenue  790,372   731,991 
Other liabilities  22,279   558,542 
Total Adjustments  3,572,581   1,741,256 
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities  (6,469,560)  (6,537,708)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
Purchase of property and equipment  (548,834)  (470,442)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities  (548,834)  (470,442)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
Proceeds from loans payable  68,001   - 
Repayments of loans payable  (35,128)  (100,000)
Repayments of debt obligations  (75,000)  (50,000)
Proceeds from common stock offering  7,097,862   6,331,034 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities  7,055,735   6,181,034 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash  (16,796)  495,036 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash  20,545   (332,080)
Cash - Beginning of Period  110,645   442,725 
Cash - End of Period $131,190  $110,645 
  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:      
Interest paid $358,114  $185,364 
Income taxes paid $-  $- 
         
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activity        
Accrued stock based compensation converted to equity $81,399  $73,868 
Debt and interest converted to equity $809,875  $1,267,324 
Common stock returned to Company to satisfy receivable $32,285  $- 
Beneficial conversion feature $227,414  $- 
Dividends declared on Series B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock $474,719  $- 
Common stock issued to satisfy dividends payable $264,272  $- 
Common stock issued in satisfaction of deferred revenue $-  $124,539 
Land purchased in exchange for note payable $-  $517,390 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-8

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

AND SUBSIDIARIES(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

(unaudited)

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:      
Interest paid $149,795  $248,567 
Income taxes paid $8  $25,049 
         
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activity        
Accrued stock based compensation converted to equity $76,750  $73,400 
Debt and interest converted to equity $75,433  $- 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1.ORGANIZATION

 

Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Algodon Wines & Luxury DevelopmentGaucho Group Holdings, Inc. (“Company”, “Algodon Partners”, “AWLD”“GGH”), a Delaware corporation that was incorporated on April 5, 1999, currently invests in, develops and operates international real estate projects. Effective October 1, 2018, the Company changed its name from Algodon Wines & Luxury Development, Inc. to Algodon Group, Inc., and effective March 11, 2019, the Company changed its name from Algodon Group, Inc. to Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc.

 

As wholly-owned subsidiaries of AWLD,GGH, InvestProperty Group, LLC (“IPG”) and Algodon Global Properties, LLC (“AGP”) operate as holding companies that invest in, develop and operate global real estate and other lifestyle businesses such as wine production and distribution, golf, tennis, and restaurants. AWLDGGH operates its properties through its ALGODON® brand. IPG and AGP have invested in two ALGODON® brand projects located in Argentina. The first project is Algodon Mansion, a Buenos Aires-based luxury boutique hotel property that opened in 2010 and is owned by the Company’s subsidiary, The Algodon – Recoleta, SRL (“TAR”). The second project is the redevelopment, expansion and repositioning of a Mendoza-based winery and golf resort property now called Algodon Wine Estates (“AWE”), the integration of adjoining wine producing properties, and the subdivision of a portion of this property for residential development. AWLD’sGGH’s wholly owned subsidiary Algodon Europe, Ltd., is a United Kingdom wine distribution company. GGH’s wholly owned subsidiary, Gaucho Group, Inc. (“GG”) is in the final stages of development for the manufacture, distribution and sale of high-end luxury fashion and accessories through a an e-commerce platform.

 

Through December 31, 2016, AWLD’sGGH’s wholly owned subsidiary, DPEC Capital, Inc. (“CAP”), was a broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) and cleared its securities transactions on a fully disclosed basis with another broker-dealer. CAP provided brokerage securities trading; private equity and venture capital investments; and advisory and other financial services to customers, including AWLDGGH and certain related affiliates. On November 29, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors determined that it was in the Company’s best interest to close down CAP and the Company ceased its broker-dealer operations on December 31, 2016. On February 21, 2017, the Company’s request to FINRA for Broker-Dealer Withdrawal (“BDW”) became effective (see Note 4 – Discontinued Operations).

 

AWLDGGH also owned approximately 96.5% of Mercari Communications Group, Ltd. (“Mercari”), a public shell corporation current in its SEC reporting obligations. On December 20, 2016 AWLDGGH entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with a Purchaser, whereby the Purchaser agreed to purchase all of AWLD’sGGH’s shares orof Mercari for $260,000. The sale of Mercari stock was completed on January 20, 2017 and AWLDGGH received net proceeds after expenses of $199,250.$199,200.

F-9

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2.GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT’S LIQUIDITY PLANS

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company incurred losses from continuing operations of $7,799,863$5,678,418 and $6,429,560$7,806,761 during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. Cash used in operating activities was $6,469,560$4,345,838 and $6,537,708$8,075,299 for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. During the first three months of 2017, the Company raised additional capital through the sale of convertible promissory notes to accredited investors for total gross proceeds of $1,260,000, and the sale of Series B convertible preferred stock for gross proceeds $150,000. Based upon projected revenues and expenses, the Company believes that it may not have sufficient funds to operate for the next twelve months.months from the date these financial statements are made available. The aforementioned factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2.GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT’S LIQUIDITY PLANS, continued

 

The Company needs to raise additional capital in order to expandcontinue to pursue its business objectives. TheTo date, the Company has funded its operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, primarily through the sale of common stock for netfrom proceeds of $7,097,862sales of its equity interests, loans and $6,331,034, respectively, and proceeds from loans payable of $68,001 and $0, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company repaid debt obligations of $75,000 and $50,000, respectively (see Note 12 –Debt Obligations), and notes payable of $35,128 and $100,000, respectively (See Note 11 – Loans Payable).convertible notes.

 

The Company presently has enough cash on hand to sustain its operations on a month to month basis. Historically, the Company has been successful in raising funds to support its capital needs. Management believes that it will be successful in obtaining additional financing; however, no assurance can be provided that the Company will be able to do so. Further, there is no assurance that these funds will be sufficient to enable the Company to attain profitable operations or continue as a going concern. To the extent that the Company is unsuccessful, the Company may need to curtail its operations and implement a plan to extend payables and reduce overhead until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful. Such a plan could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, and ultimately the Company could be forced to discontinue its operations, liquidate and/or seek reorganization in bankruptcy. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of Algodon Wines & Luxury DevelopmentGaucho Group Holdings, Inc. and the Company’sits consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

F-10

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Use of Estimates

 

To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the Company must make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts in the financial statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The significant estimates and assumptions of the Company include the valuation of equity instruments, the useful lives of property and equipment and reserves associated with the realizability of certain assets.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

The Company accounted for its decision to close down its broker-dealer subsidiary, CAP, as discontinued operations in accordance with the guidance provided in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 360, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” and ASC Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements,” which require that only a disposal of a component of an entity, or a group of components of an entity, that represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the reporting entity’s operations and financial results shall be reported in the financial statements as discontinued operations. Accordingly, the results of operations for CAP during the periods presented are reclassified into separate line items in the statements of operations. Assets and liabilities are also reclassified into separate line items on the related balance sheets for the periods presented. There were no assets or liabilities of discontinued operations as of December 31, 2018 or 2017.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.Highly Inflationary Status in Argentina

The International Practices Task Force (“IPTF”) of the Center for Audit Quality discussed the inflationary status of Argentina at its meeting on May 16, 2018 and categorized Argentina as a country with a projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Therefore, the Company has transitioned its Argentine operations to highly inflationary status as of July 1, 2018.

For operations in highly inflationary economies, monetary asset and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Nonmonetary assets and liabilities existing on July 1, 2018 (the date that the Company adopted highly inflation accounting) were translated using the Argentina Peso to United States Dollar exchange rate in effect on June 30, 2018, which was 28.880. Income and expense accounts are translated at the weighted average exchange rate in effect during the period. Translation adjustments are reflected in loss on foreign currency translation on the accompanying statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a $187,660 gain on foreign currency translation as a result of the net monetary liability position of its Argentine subsidiaries.

F-11

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the United States Dollar.dollar. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are their local currencies (United States Dollar,dollar, Argentine Pesopeso and British Pound). There has been a steady devaluation ofpound) except for the Company’s Argentine Peso relativesubsidiaries for the six-month period from July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, as described above. Prior to the United States Dollar in recent years. Assetstransition of Argentine operations to highly inflationary status on July 1, 2018, these foreign subsidiaries translated assets and liabilities are translated intofrom their local currencies to U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date (15.9681 and 12.9441 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively), and revenueusing period end exchange rates while income and expense accounts arewere translated at a weightedthe average exchange rate forrates in effect during the year then ended (14.7590 and 9.2495 forduring the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively).

Resultingperiod. The resulting translation adjustments are made directly to accumulatedadjustment is recorded as part of other comprehensive income. Losses arising from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated inincome (loss), a currency other than the functional currencycomponent of $52,528 and $360,170 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are recognized in operating results in the consolidated statements of operations.shareholders’ deficit. The Company engages in foreign currency denominated transactions with customers and suppliers, as well as between subsidiaries with different functional currencies.

A highly inflationary economy is defined as an economy with a cumulative inflation rate of approximately 100 percent or more over a three-year period. If a country’s economy is classified as highly inflationary, the functional currency of the foreign entity operating Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in that country must be remeasured to the functional currency of the reporting entity. The official cumulative inflation rate for Argentina over the last three years approximated 90.9%, although the International Monetary Fund has concerns regarding the accuracy of the official data.non-functional currencies are recognized in earnings.

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The guidance requires other comprehensive income (loss) to include foreign currency translation adjustments.

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable primarily represent receivables from hotel guests who occupy rooms and wine sales to commercial customers. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when it determines that it is more likely than not a specific account will not be collected. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $7,001$1,681 and $5,882,$3,421, as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. Bad debt expense for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 was $10,990$367 and $93,755,$127,087, respectively. Write-offs of accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 were $6,484$422 and $10,347,$2,913, respectively.

Inventory

 

Inventories are comprised primarily of vineyard in process, wine in process, finished wine, plus food and beverage items and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value (which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation), with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out method. Costs associated with winemaking, and other costs associated with the creation of products for resale, are recorded as inventory. Vineyard in process represents the monthly capitalization of farming expenses (including farming labor costs, usage of farming supplies and depreciation of the vineyard and farming equipment) associated with the growing of grape, olive and other fruits during the farming year which culminates with the February/March harvest. Wine in process represents the capitalization of costs during the winemaking process (including the transfer of grape costs from vineyard in process, winemaking labor costs and depreciation of winemaking fixed assets, including tanks, barrels, equipment, tools and the winemaking building). Finished wines represents wine available for sale and includes the transfer of costs from wine in process once the wine is bottled and labeled. Other inventory consists of olives, other fruits, golf equipment and restaurant food.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

AND SUBSIDIARIES(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued

Inventory, continued

 

In accordance with general practice within the wine industry, wine inventories are included in current assets, although a portion of such inventories may be aged for periods longer than one year. The Company carries inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value in accordance with ASC 330 “Inventory”, and reduces the carrying value of inventories that are obsolete or in excess of estimated usage to estimated net realizable value. The Company’s estimates of net realizable value are based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market requirements. Reductions to the carrying value of inventories are recorded in cost of sales. If future demand and/or pricing for the Company’s products are less than previously estimated, then the carrying value of the inventories may be required to be reduced, resulting in additional expense and reduced profitability. During the yearsyear ended December 31, 2016 and 2015,2017, the Company recorded write-downs in the valueapproximately $61,000 of work-in-process inventory of $91,479 and $193,146write downs as a result of hailstorms.hailstorms that occurred during the year, which is included in the cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Investments in propertyProperty and equipment are recordedstated at cost. These assets are depreciatedcost, net of accumulated depreciation using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of (a) the useful life of the asset; or (b) the remaining lease term.

The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:

 

Buildings10 - 30 years
Furniture and fixtures3 - 10 years
Vineyards7 - 20 years
Machinery and equipment3 - 20 years
Leasehold improvements3 - 5 years
Computer hardware and software3 - 5 years

 

The Company capitalizes internal vineyard improvement costs when developing new vineyards or replacing or improving existing vineyards. These costs consist primarily of the costs of the vines and expenditures related to labor and materials to prepare the land and construct vine trellises. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred. The cost of properties sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts at the time of disposal and resulting gains and losses are included as a component of operating income. Real estate development consists of costs incurred to ready the land for sale, including primarily costs of infrastructure as well as master plan development and associated professional fees. Such costs will beare allocated to individual lots proportionately based on square meters and those allocated costs will be derecognized upon the sale of individual lots. Given that they are not currentlyplaced in service until they are sold, capitalized real estate development costs are currently not being depreciated. Land is an inexhaustible asset and is not depreciated.

F-13

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Stock-basedReal Estate Lots Held for Sale

As the development of a real estate lot is completed and the lot becomes available for immediate sale in its present condition, the lot is marketed for sale and is included in real estate lots held for sale on the Company’s balance sheet. Real estate lots held for sale are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying value of a real estate lot held for sale exceeds its fair value less estimated selling costs, an impairment charge is recorded. The Company did not record any impairment charge in connection with real estate lots held for sale during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017.

Convertible Debt

The Company records a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) related to the issuance of notes which are convertible at a price that is below the market value of the Company’s stock when the note is issued. The intrinsic value of the BCF is recorded as debt discount which is amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective note using the effective interest method. Beneficial conversion features that are contingent upon the occurrence of a future event are recorded when the contingency is resolved.

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company measures the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award. For employees and directors, the fair value of the award is measured on the grant date and for non-employees, the fair value of the award is generally re-measured on financial reporting dates and vesting dates until the service period is complete. The fair value amount of the shares expected to ultimately vest is then recognized over the period for which services are required to be provided in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. The estimation of stock-based awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from original estimates, such amounts are recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period that the estimates are revised. The Company considers many factors when estimating expectedaccounts for forfeitures including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementsas they occur.

 

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued

Concentrations

The Company maintains cash with major financial institutions. Cash held in US bank institutions is currently insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000 at each institution. No similar insurance or guarantee exists for cash held in Argentina bank accounts. There were aggregate uninsured cash balances of $73,633$48,929 and $45,055$146,952 at December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively.2017, respectively, of which $48,929 and $102,866, respectively, represents cash held in Argentine bank accounts.

F-14

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Foreign Operations

 

The following summarizes key financial metrics associated with the Company’s continuing operations (these financial metrics are immaterial for the Company’s operations in the United Kingdom):

 

  

As of

December 31,

 
  2016  2015 
Assets- Argentina $5,456,317  $6,254,631 
Assets- U.S.  1,285,338   634,434 
Assets of continuing operations $6,741,655  $6,889,065 
         
Liabilities- Argentina $2,883,656  $2,222,456 
Liabilities- U.S.  1,595,588   2,251,075 
Liabilities of continuing operations $4,479,244  $4,473,531 
  As of 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Assets - Argentina $5,151,626  $6,781,285 
Assets - U.S.  495,865   1,563,521 
Total Assets $5,647,491  $8,344,806 
         
Liabilities - Argentina $4,440,345  $3,743,164 
Liabilities - U.S.  2,277,569   595,138 
Total Liabilities $6,717,914  $4,338,302 

 

  For The Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Revenues- Argentina $1,478,946  $1,842,356 
Revenues- U.S.  47,129   24,329 
Revenues from continuing operations $1,526,075  $1,866,685 
         
Net Loss- Argentina $1,693,684  $2,434,321 
Net Loss- U.S.  6,106,179   3,995,239 
Net Loss from continuing operations $7,799,863  $6,429,560 

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Revenues - Argentina $3,099,608  $1,665,568 
Revenues - U.S.  -   151,734 
Total Revenues from Continuing Operations $3,099,608  $1,817,302 
         
Net Income (loss) - Argentina $(499,101) $(2,212,286)
Net loss - U.S.  (5,179,317)  (5,594,475)
Total Net Loss from Continuing Operations $(5,678,418) $(7,806,761)

 

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The guidance requires other comprehensive income (loss) to include foreign currency translation adjustments.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, the Company performs an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value, which includes estimating the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income. There were no impairments of long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017.

Segment Information

 

The FASB has established standards for reporting information on operating segments of an enterprise in interim and annual financial statements. TheSince GG is not yet operational, the Company currently operates in one segment which is the business of real estate development in Argentina. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker reviews the Company’s operating results on an aggregate basis and manages the Company’s operations as a single operating segment.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Revenue Recognition

 

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASC Topic 606 provides a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, and gains and losses arising from transfers of non-financial assets including sales of property and equipment, real estate, and intangible assets. The Company adopted ASC Topic 606 for all applicable contracts using the modified retrospective method, requires a cumulative-effect adjustment, if any, as of the date of adoption. The adoption of ASC Topic 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the date of adoption, and therefore a cumulative-effect adjustment was not required.

The Company earns revenues from itsthe sale of real estate lots and sales of food and wine as well as hospitality, food & beverage, broker-dealer and other related services. The Company recognizes revenue when goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In determining when and how revenue is recognized from contracts with customers, the Company performs the following five-step analysis: (i) identification of contract with customer; (ii) determination of performance obligations; (iii) measurement of the transaction price; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.

The following table summarizes the revenue recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations:

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Real estate sales $1,467,714  $- 
Hotel rooms and events  882,213   850,645 
Restaurants  277,652   314,822 
Winemaking  315,741   471,374 
Golf, tennis and other  156,288   180,461 
Total revenues $3,099,608  $1,817,302 

Revenue from real estate lot sales is recorded when the lot is deeded, and legal ownership of the lot is transferred to the customer. Revenue from the sale of food, wine and agricultural products is recorded when the customer obtains control of the goods purchased. Revenues from rooms, food and beverage,hospitality and other operating departmentsservices are recognized as earned at the point in time of sale or rendering of service. Cash received in advancethat the related service is rendered, and the performance obligation has been satisfied.

The timing of the sale or renderingCompany’s revenue recognition may differ from the timing of servicespayment by its customers. A receivable is recorded aswhen revenue is recognized prior to payment and the Company has an unconditional right to payment. Alternatively, when payment precedes the provision of the related services, the Company records deferred revenue onuntil the consolidated balance sheets.performance obligations are satisfied. Deferred revenues associated with real estate lot sale deposits are recognized as revenues (along with any outstanding balance) when the lot sale closes, and the deed is provided to the purchaser. Other deferred revenues primarily consist of deposits accepted by the Company in connection with agreements to sell barrels of wine. These wine, advance deposits received for grapes and other agricultural products, and hotel deposits. Wine barrel and agricultural product advance deposits are recognized as revenues (along with any outstanding balance) when the barrel of wineproduct is shipped to the purchaser. Hotel deposits are recognized as revenue upon occupancy of rooms, or the provision of services.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

During the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company recognized approximately $1,146,017 of revenue related to the sale of real estate lots which was included in deferred revenues as of December 31, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company did not recognize any revenue related to performance obligations satisfied in previous periods. Contracts related to the sale of wine, agricultural products and hotel services have an original expected length of less than one year. The Company has elected not to disclose information about remaining performance obligations pertaining to contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, as permitted under the guidance.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had deferred revenue of $995,327 and $1,685,725, respectively, associated with real estate lot sale deposits, and had $43,165 and $46,939, respectively, of deferred revenue related to hotel deposits. Sales taxes and value added (“VAT”) taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis within revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued

Revenue Recognition, continued

The Company operates within a single operating segment, because all of its operations are in support of the Company’s branding strategy and its associated real estate development initiatives. However, the Company does track revenues from continuing operations associated with its different products and services, as follows:

  For The Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Hotel rooms and events $846,245  $851,389 
Restaurants  317,258   519,255 
Winemaking  246,918   372,035 
Agricultural  25,647   13,336 
Golf, tennis and other  90,007   110,670 
Total revenues $1,526,075  $1,866,685 

Revenues from the Company’s broker-dealer are included in income from discontinued operations for the periods presented.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for both the expected impact of differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities and for the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. The Company additionally establishes a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets.

 

Net Loss per Common Share

 

Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the impact of common shares, if dilutive, resulting from the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants and the conversion of convertible instruments.

 

The following securities are excluded from the calculation of weighted average dilutive common shares because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

 

 December 31,  For the Years Ended 
 2016 2015  December 31, 
      2018  2017 
Options  8,024,265   8,939,436   9,499,265   9,234,265 
Warrants  1,901,480   1,382,186   1,229,630   1,465,296 
Series B convertible preferred stock  9,026,700   9,026,700 
Convertible debt(1)  4,631,356   - 
Total potentially dilutive shares  9,925,745   10,321,622   24,386,951   19,726,261 

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.(1)At December 31, 2017, $20,000 of convertible debt was convertible into common stock at a 10% discount to the price used for the sale of the of the Company’s common stock in a future private placement offering.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 was $57,987$156,006 and $92,050,$151,749, respectively.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified in order to conform to current year presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported results of operations or loss per share.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605 - Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”) and most industry-specific guidance throughout the ASC.ASC 605. The standard requires that an entity recognizesrecognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expectswe expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance in ASU 2014-09 was revised in July 2015 to be effective for interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 and should be applied on a transitional basis either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application. To allow entities additional time to implement systems, gather data and resolve implementation questions, theIn 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral ofadditional ASUs that clarify the Effective Date, in August 2015, to deferimplementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations (ASU 2016-08), on identifying performance obligations and licensing (ASU 2016-10), and on narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients (ASU 2016-12) as well as on the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for one year, which is fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost. Under the updated guidance, an entity should measure inventory that is within scope at the lower of costrevenue recognition criteria and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory that is measured using last-in, last-out (“LIFO”)other technical corrections (ASU 2016-20). This ASU isThese new standards became effective for annualon January 1, 2018 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016.were adopted using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of ASU 2015-11ASC Topic 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.statements as of the date of adoption, and therefore a cumulative-effect adjustment was not required.

 

In February 2016, the FinancialFASB issued Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).(“ASU 2016-02”), which increases2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease liabilities on the balance sheetpayments (the lease liability) and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use (ROU) asset forrepresenting its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability for the corresponding lease obligation for leases with terms of more than twelve months. Both the ROU asset and lease liability will initially be measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Subsequent measurement, including the presentationFor leases with a term of expenses12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and cash flows, will depend on the classification of the lease as either a finance or an operating lease. Accounting byliabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors will remain largely unchanged from current U.S. GAAP. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018,are required to recognize and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied as ofmeasure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The CompanyThis amendment is currently evaluating the impact that the provisions of ASU 2016-02 will have on the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued

New Accounting Pronouncements, continued

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The amendments are effective for public companies for annual periodsfiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Severalfiscal years. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10 “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” in July 2018, and ASU No. 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842) - Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors” in December 2018. ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-20 provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classificationguidance issued in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows all entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to choose an additional (and optional) transition method of awards as either equity or liabilities;adoption, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and (c) classificationrecognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the statementperiod of cash flows.adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and its adoption of ASU 2016-09 is not expected towill have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, or disclosures.

In April 2016,primarily as the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligationsresult of recording right-of-use assets and Licensing. The amendments in this update clarify the following two aspects to Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The entity first identifies the promised goods or services in the contract and reduce the cost and complexity. An entity evaluates whether promised goods and services are distinct. Topic 606 includes implementation guidance on determining whether an entity’s promise to grant a license provides a customer with either a right to use the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied at a point in time) or a right to access the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied over time). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-10 on its consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“Update 2016-12”), amending Update 2014-09. The amendments do not change the core principles of Update 2014-09, but clarify matters related to assessment of a collectability criterion, presentation of sales and other taxes collected from customers, non-cash consideration, contract modifications at transition and completed contracts at transition. The requirements for these standards relating to Topic 606 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the updated requirements on its consolidated financial statements.current operating leases.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)” which provides guidance on the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows in order to reduce diversity in practice. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluatingadoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material effect on the impact of adopting this standard on itsCompany’s consolidated financial statements.statements and related disclosures.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On February 22, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, ‘Other“Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Topic 610-20)”, which requires that all entities account for the derecognition of a business in accordance with ASC 810, including instances in which the business is considered in substance real estate. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted.The Company is currently evaluatingadoption of the impactprovisions of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standard-setting bodies that doASU 2017-05 did not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718); Scope of Modification Accounting”. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. If the value, vesting conditions or classification of the award changes, modification accounting will apply. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

On June 20, 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, which expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2018-07 on July 1, 2018. The results of applying ASU 2018-07 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). ASU 2018-09 provides amendments to a wide variety of topics in the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification, which applies to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 do not require transition guidance and were effective upon adoption.issuance of ASU 2018-09. However, many of the amendments do have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted ASU 2018-09 effective January 1, 2019. The ASU 2018-09 will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework (Topic 820). The updated guidance improves the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The updated guidance if effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any removed or modified disclosures. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4.DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

On November 29, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors determined that it was in the Company’s best interest to close down CAP and the Company ceased isits broker-dealer operations December 31, 2016. On February 21, 2017, the Company’s request to FINRA for Broker-Dealer Withdrawal (“BDW”) became effective.

Results of Discontinued Operations

 

Summarized operating results of discontinued operations are presented in the following table:

 

 For the Year Ended 
 

For The Years Ended

December 31,

  

December 31,
2017

 
 2016 2015    
Revenues $12,192  $141,460  $- 
Gross profit $12,192  $141,460   - 
Operating expenses $(2,254,551) $(1,991,049)  (105,772)
Interest income, net $81  $185   21 
Loss from discontinued operations $(2,242,278) $(1,849,404) $(105,751)

 

Revenues from discontinued operations includes non-cash warrant revenues from affiliates of $22,972 and $63,546, as well as unrealized losses on affiliate warrants of $92,824 and $184,530 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.5. INVENTORY

 

Operating expenses from discontinued operations includes non-cash warrant and stock compensation totaling, in the aggregate, $284,092 and $403,159 for the years endedInventory at December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively.2017 is comprised of the following:

 

Summarized assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are presented in the following table:

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Related party receivable $155,420  $96,792 
Advances and loans to registered representatives, net of allowance of $513,520 and $118,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively  -   189,612 
Forgivable loans receivable  -   233,190 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  52,734   105,449 
Prepaid commissions, net of allowance of $0 and $57,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively  -   143,387 
Total current assets of discontinued operations $208,154  $768,430 
         
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $44,104  $56,796 
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations $44,104  $56,796 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Vineyard in process $232,436  $349,458 
Wine in process  747,862   865,762 
Finished wine  11,003   63,964 
Other  42,594   109,482 
Total $1,033,895  $1,388,666 

 

F-18F-20
 

 

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5.INVENTORY

6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Inventory at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is comprised of the following:

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Vineyard in process $239,978  $180,582 
Wine in process  741,158   826,851 
Finished wine  128,461   104,159 
Other  76,592   72,676 
Total $1,186,189  $1,184,268 

6.PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment consist of the following:

 

 December 31,  December 31, 
 2016 2015  2018  2017 
Buildings $2,911,847  $3,305,715  $1,971,057  $2,793,972 
Real estate development  930,671   939,551   606,757   1,057,002 
Land  386,794   481,431   502,949   881,035 
Furniture and fixtures  441,944   508,642   337,048   448,432 
Vineyards  358,868   442,707   200,217   308,204 
Machinery and equipment  563,703   562,551   492,205   617,907 
Leasehold improvements  164,375   164,375   164,375   164,375 
Computer hardware and software  75,105   82,043   216,082   161,788 
  5,833,307   6,487,015   4,490,690   6,432,715 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization          (1,518,326)  (1,899,825)
  (1,861,574)  (2,032,046)
Property and equipment, net $3,971,733  $4,454,969  $2,972,364  $4,532,890 

 

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment was $168,236$197,729 and $393,717$286,695 for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, of which $64,853$171,749 and $224,580$193,065 was recorded as expense in the accompanying statement of operations, and $103,383$25,980 and $169,137$93,630 was capitalized to inventory, respectively. Most of ourthe Company’s property and equipment is located in Argentina and the gross cost being depreciated declined year-over-year due toasset costs and accumulated depreciation reported in US dollars are impacted by the devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the United StatesU.S. dollar.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

As of December 31, 2018, real estate development costs in the aggregate of $123,060, incurred in connection with twelve real estate lots that were completed during the period were transferred from property and equipment to real estate lots held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements7. PREPAID FOREIGN TAXES

 

7.

PREPAID FOREIGN TAXES

Prepaid foreign taxes, net, of $337,917$369,590 and $360,015$342,312 at December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, consists primarily of prepaid value added tax (“VAT”) credits. VAT credits are recovered through VAT collections on subsequent sales of products by the Company. Prepaid VAT tax credits do not expire. Prepaid foreign taxes also include Argentine minimum presumed income tax (“MPIT”) credits, which are deemed unrealizable and are fully reserved. MPIT credits expire after ten years.

 

In assessing the realization of the prepaid foreign taxes, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the prepaid foreign taxes will not be realized. Management considers the historical and projected revenues, expenses and capital expenditures in making this assessment. Based on this assessment, management has recorded a valuation allowance related to prepaid foreign taxesMPIT credits of $421,656$228,613 and $457,447$392,593 as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

 

8.INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSF-21

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8. INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or developed by the Company. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

Level 1 - Valued based on quoted prices at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities trading in active markets. Financial instruments in this category generally include actively traded equity securities.

 

Level 2 - Valued based on (a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; (c) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or (d) from market corroborated inputs. Financial instruments in this category include certain corporate equities that are not actively traded or are otherwise restricted.

 

Level 3 - Valued based on valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs is not readily observable. Included in this category are certain corporate debt instruments, certain private equity investments, and certain commitments and guarantees.

Investments – Related Parties at Fair Value:

As of December 31, 2016 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Warrants- Affiliates $-  $-  $42,688  $42,688 
                 
As of December 31, 2015  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Warrants- Affiliates $-  $-  $127,202  $127,202 

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

As of December 31, 2018 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Warrants - Affiliates $     -  $      -  $7,840  $7,840 

 

8.INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, continued
As of December 31, 2017 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Warrants - Affiliates $      -  $      -  $26,401  $26,401 

 

A reconciliation of Level 3 assets is as follows:

 

  Warrants 
    
Balance - December 31, 2014 $294,653 
Received  63,997 
Allocated to employees as compensation  (44,800)
Unrealized loss  (186,648)
Balance - December 31, 2015  127,202 
Received  27,703 
Allocated to employees as compensation  (19,392)
Unrealized loss  (92,825)
Balance - December 31, 2016 $42,688 
     
Accumulated unrealized loss related to investments at fair value at December 31, 2016 $(53,372)
  Warrants 
Balance - December 31, 2016 $42,688 
Unrealized loss  (16,287)
Balance - December 31, 2017  26,401 
Unrealized loss  (18,561)
Balance - December 31, 2018 $7,840 

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

It had been the Company’s policy to distribute part or all of the warrants CAP earned, through serving as placement agent on various private placement offerings for a related but independent entity under common management, to registered representatives or other employees who provided investment banking services. There was no compensation expense recorded related to distributed warrants for the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2018. Warrants retained by the Company are marked-to-market at each reporting date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Unrealized losses on affiliate warrants of $18,561 were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018 and $16,287 for the year ended December 31, 2017 are included in revenues on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

The fair value of the warrants was determined based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected share price volatility. Given that such shares were not publicly-traded, the Company developed an expected volatility figure based on a review of the historical volatilities, over a period of time, of similarly positioned public companies within the industry. Warrants retained by the Company are marked to market at each reporting date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

 

The Company’s short-term financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, advances and loans to registered representatives,employees, accounts payable, accrued expenses, other liabilities, loans payable and debt obligations. The carrying valuevalues of these instruments approximate fair value, as they bear terms and conditions comparable to market, for obligations with similar terms and maturities.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES9. ACCRUED EXPENSES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9.ACCRUED EXPENSES

 

Accrued expenses are comprised of the following:

 

 December 31,  December 31, 
 2016 2015  2018  2017 
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes $1,030,015  $1,405,977  $149,019  $463,604 
Accrued taxes payable  79,926   97,428 
Accrued taxes payable - Argentina  292,535   63,550 
Accrued interest  270,761   255,497   404,239   255,481 
Other accrued expenses  311,041   116,385   339,574   217,886 
Accrued expenses, current  1,691,743   1,875,287   1,185,367   1,000,521 
Accrued payroll tax obligations, non-current  344,127   399,119   57,786   247,515 
Total accrued expenses $2,035,870  $2,274,406  $1,243,153  $1,248,036 

 

During May 2015, the Company entered into a payment plan, under which it agreed to pay its Argentine payroll tax obligations over a period of 36 months. The current portion of payments due under the plan is $226,078$113,670 and $230,506 as of December 31, 2016,2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in accrued compensation and payroll taxes above. The non-current portion of accrued expenses represents payments under the plan that are scheduled to be paid after twelve months. The Company incurred interest expenses of $52,209 and $113,679 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to this payment plan.

 

10.DEFFERED REVENUESF-23

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10. DEFERRED REVENUES

 

Deferred revenues are comprised of the following:

 

 December 31,  December 31, 
 2016 2015  2018  2017 
Real estate lot sales deposits $1,652,180  $1,175,990  $995,327  $1,685,725 
Other  232,426   208,327   43,165   46,939 
Total $1,884,606  $1,384,317  $1,038,492  $1,732,664 

 

The Company accepts deposits in conjunction with agreements to sell real estate building lots at Algodon Wine Estates in the Mendoza wine region of Argentina. These lot sale deposits are generally denominated is USin U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 20162018, and 2015,2017, the Company had executed agreements to sell real estate building lots for aggregate proceeds of $3,541,512$3,725,867 and $2,924,983,$3,667,423, respectively. To date, twenty-onetwenty-five lots have been sold. TheRevenue is recorded when the sale closes, and the deeds are issued. During 2018, the Company expects to closeclosed on the sale of theseall 25 lots and record the deeds during 2017. To date, no deeds have been issued.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementsrecorded revenue of $1,468,000.

 

11.LOANS PAYABLE

11. LOANS PAYABLE

 

On March 6, 2016, the Company entered into a short-term loan payable in exchange for proceeds of $34,701 (ARS $500,000) which was used to pay certain payroll and payroll tax obligations. The loan matured on May 6, 2016 and bore interest of 10% over term of the loan. All principal and interest due under the loan payable was repaid in full on May 6, 2016.

On November 7, 2016,31, 2017, the Company received a bank loan in the amount of $33,300$519,156 (ARS $500,000)$8,000,000) (the “2017 Loan”). The 2017 Loan bears interest at 24.18% per annum and is due on March 1, 2021. Principal and interest will be paid in forty-two monthly installments beginning on October 1, 2017 and ending on March 1, 2021. The Company incurred interest expense on this loan of $85,116 and $100,115 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During 2018, the Company defaulted on certain 2017 Loan payments, and as a result, the 2017 Loan is payable upon demand as of December 31, 2018. Of the decrease in principal of $243,438 on the 2017 Loan during the year ended December 31, 2018, $49,206 resulted from principal payments made and $194,232 resulted from the effect of fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate during the period.

On August 19, 2017, the Company purchased 845 hectares of land adjacent to its existing property at AWE. The Company paid $100,000 at the date of purchase and executed a note payable in the amount of $600,000, denominated in U.S. dollars (the “Land Loan”) with a stated interest rate of 0% and with quarterly payments of $50,000 beginning on December 18, 2017 and ending August 18, 2021. At the date of purchase, the Company took possession of the property, with full use and access, but will not receive the deed to the property until after $400,000 of the purchase price has no stated maturity datebeen paid. The Company imputed interest on the note at 7% per annum and recorded a discounted note balance of $517,390 on August 19, 2017, which is being amortized over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. Amortization of the note discount in the amount of $32,295 and $12,217 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is recorded as interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The balance on the note was $461,902, net of debt discount of $38,098 on December 31, 2018, of which $227,111 (net of discount of $22,889) is included in loans payable, net, current and $234,791 (net of discount of $15,209) is included in loans payable, net, non-current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

On January 25, 2018 the Company received a bank loan in the amount of $525,000 (the “2018 Loan”), denominated in U.S. dollars. The 2018 Loan bears interest at 6.75% per annum and was due on January 25, 2023. Pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Loan, principal and interest is to be paid in 60 equal monthly installments of $10,311, beginning on February 23, 2018. During 2018, the Company defaulted on certain 2018 Loan payments, and as a result, the 2018 Loan is payable upon demand as of December 31, 2018. The Company incurred interest expense of $33,420 on this loan during the year ended December 31, 2018.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

On June 4, 2018 the Company received a loan in the amount of $55,386 (ARS $1,600,000) which bears interest at 10% per month and is due upon demand of the lender (the “Demand Loan”). Interest is paid monthly. The Company incurred interest payments are due monthly. During theexpense on this loan of $23,427 during year ended December 31, 2016, the Company paid interest of $6,470 (ARS $100,000) related to this loan. No principal payments have been made on this loan.2018. The decrease in the principal balance of the loan at December 31, 2016Demand Loan during the period is related to the fluctuationresult of changes in the foreign currency exchange ratesrate during the period.

12.

Future minimum principal payments under the loans payable are as follows:

  Total 
Years ending December 31, Payment 
2019  893,995 
2020  150,000 
2021  100,000 
2022  - 
2023  - 
  $1,143,995 

The Company’s loans payable are summarized below:

  December 31, 2018  December 31, 2017 
  Gross
Principal
Amount
  Debt Discount  Loans
Payable,
Net of Debt
Discount
  Gross
Principal
Amount
  Debt Discount  Loans Payable,
Net of Debt
Discount
 
                   
Demand Loan $10,647  $-  $10,647  $-  $-  $- 
2018 Loan  464,739   -   464,739   -   -   - 
2017 Loan  168,609   -   168,609   412,047   -   412,047 
Land Loan  500,000   (38,098)  461,902   550,000   (70,393)  479,607 
Total Loans Payable  1,143,995   (38,098)  1,105,897   962,047   (70,393)  891,654 
Less: current portion  893,995   (22,889)  871,106   287,838   (31,114)  256,724 
Loans Payable, non-current $250,000  $(15,209) $234,791  $674,209  $(39,279) $634,930 

12. CONVERTIBLE DEBT OBLIGATIONS

8% Notes

 

During an offering that ended on September 30, 2010, IPGthe Company issued convertible notes with an interest rate of 8% and an amended maturity date of March 31, 2011 (the “8% Notes”“2010 Debt Obligations”). During 2017, the Company repaid the remaining principal balance of $162,500, such that as of December 31, 2017, there is no principal balance owed on the 2010 Debt Obligations. Accrued interest of $279,735 and $255,481 owed on the 2010 Debt Obligations remained outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company incurred interest expense of $24,254 and $37,219 during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015, principal of $75,000 and $50,000, respectively was repaid in cash. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 the Company accrued interest expense of $49,877 and $32,127,2017, respectively, on the 8% Notes. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, principal of $162,500 and $237,500, respectively, and accrued2010 Debt Obligations. Accrued interest of $270,761 and $220,884, respectively, remained outstanding. The notes matured on March 31, 2011 and are no longer convertible. Interest continues to accrue based on the interest rate stated above.2010 Debt Obligations is not convertible.

12.5% Notes

During an offering that ended on October 31, 2011, AWLD issued convertible notes with an interest rate of 12.5% and an amended maturity date of August 29, 2012 (the “12.5% Notes”). As of December 31, 2015, principal of $50,000 and accrued interest of $34,613, remained outstanding. On January 1, 2016, principal and interest of $50,000 and $25,433, respectively, related to the 12.5% Notes were exchanged for 37,700 shares of the Company’s common stock at $2.00 per share, in connection with a one-time offer that was not pursuant to the original terms of the note. An additional $9,180 of accrued interest related to the 12.5% Notes was derecognized during the first quarter of 2016. As of December 31, 2016, there is no principal or interest outstanding related to the 12.5% Notes.

The Company’s debt obligations consist of the following:

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  Principal  Interest(1)  Total  Principal  Interest(1)  Total 
                   
8% Notes $162,500  $270,761  $433,261  $237,500  $220,884  $458,384 
12.5% Notes  -   -   -   50,000   34,613   84,613 
Total $162,500  $270,761  $433,261  $287,500  $255,497  $542,997 

[1] Accrued interest is included as a component of accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On December 31, 2017, the Company sold a convertible promissory note in the amount of $20,000 to an accredited investor. From February 2, 2018 through April 26, 2018, the Company sold additional convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,026,730 (together, the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes mature 90 days from the date of issuance, bear interest at 8% per annum and are convertible into the Company’s common stock at $0.63 per share, which represented a 10% discount to the price used for the sale of the Company’s common stock at the commitment date. The conversion option represented a beneficial conversion feature in the amount of $227,414 which was recorded as a debt discount with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital. Debt discount is amortized over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. The Company incurred total interest expense of $317,427 and $7,324 related to this debt during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $227,414 and $0 represented amortization of debt discount, respectively.

On June 30, 2018, principal and interest of $794,875 and $15,000, respectively, owed on the Convertible Notes were converted into 1,285,517 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.63 per share. The remaining principal balance owed on the Convertible Notes of $1,251,854 is past due as of December 31, 2018.

Between June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018, the Company sold convertible promissory notes (the “Gaucho Notes”) in the amount of $1,480,800 to accredited investors. The Gaucho Notes, as amended, bear interest at 7% per annum and mature and became due on March 31, 2019. The Company is currently negotiating an extension of the maturity date of the Gaucho notes. The Gaucho Notes and related accrued interest are convertible into GG common stock at the option of the holder, at a price representing 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of GG common stock. The Company incurred total interest expense of $18,786 related to the Gaucho Notes during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Company’s debt obligations as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized below:

  December 31, 2018  December 31, 2017 
  Principal  Interest [1]  Total  Principal  Interest [1]  Total 
                   
2010 Debt Obligations $-  $279,735  $279,735  $-  $255,481  $255,481 
Convertible Notes  1,251,854   75,013   1,326,867   20,000   -   20,000 
Gaucho Notes  1,480,800   18,787   1,499,587   -   -   - 
Total Debt Obligations $2,732,654  $373,535  $3,106,189  $20,000  $255,481  $275,481 

13.INCOME TAXES[1]Accrued interest is included as a component of accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. (See Note 9 – Accrued Expenses)

F-26

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

13. INCOME TAXES

 

The Company files tax returns in United States (“U.S.”) Federal, state and local jurisdictions, plus Argentina and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”).

 

United States and international components of income before income taxes were as follows:

 

 For The Years Ended 
 December 31,  For the Years Ended 
 2016 2015  December 31, 
      2018  2017 
United States $(8,624,371) $(5,837,026) $(5,171,150) $(5,654,598)
International  (1,417,770)  (2,441,938)  

(507,269

)  (2,257,914)
Income before income taxes $(10,042,141) $(8,278,964) $(5,678,419) $(7,912,512)

 

The income tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following:

 

 For The Years Ended  For the Years Ended 
 December 31,  December 31, 
 2016  2015  2018  2017 
Federal                
Current $-  $-  $-  $- 
Deferred  (2,668,414)  (1,849,290)  (979,625)  5,378,411 
                
State and local                
Current  -   -   -   - 
Deferred  (824,069)  (571,104)  1,839,145  (2,099,305)
                
Foreign                
Current  -   -   -   - 
Deferred  404   135,468   1,590   19,576 
                
  (3,492,079)  (2,284,926)  861,109  3,298,682 
Change in valuation allowance  3,492,079   2,284,926   (861,109  (3,298,682)
Income tax provision (benefit) $-  $-  $-  $- 

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

13.INCOME TAXES, continued

For the years ended December 31, 20162018 and December 31, 2015,2017, the expected tax expense (benefit) based on the statutory rate is reconciled with the actual tax expense (benefit) as follows:

 

  For The Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
U.S. federal statutory rate  (34.0)%  (34.0)%
State taxes, net of federal benefit  (8.2)%  (6.9)%
Permanent differences  4.5%  2.8%
Write-off of deferred tax asset  4.6%  2.3%
Foreign minimum presumed income tax credit  0.0%  1.6%
Foreign rate differential  0.0%  1.3%
Shift in state and local rate  (2.3)%  0.0%
Other  0.6%  5.3%
Change in valuation allowance  34.8%  27.6%
         
Income tax provision (benefit)  0.0%  0.0%

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
U.S. federal statutory rate  (21.0)%  (34.0)%
State taxes, net of federal benefit  (3.1)%  (11.0)%
Permanent differences  0.7%  1.8%
Write-off of deferred tax asset  3.9%  1.6%
Change in tax rates  0.0%  86.0%
Prior period adjustments  33.4%  (3.0)%
Other  1.3%  0.3%
Change in valuation allowance  (15.2)%  (41.7)%
         
Income tax provision (benefit)  0.0%  0.0%

 

As of December 31, 20162018 and December 31, 2015,2017, the Company’s deferred tax assets consisted of the effects of temporary differences attributable to the following:

 

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Net operating loss $21,887,309  $18,480,962 
Stock based compensation  1,845,969   1,678,231 
Argentine tax credits  455,032   455,436 
Accruals and other  263,122   563,390 
Receivable allowances  429,084   247,811 
Total deferred tax assets  24,880,516   21,425,831 
Valuation allowance  (24,861,306)  (21,369,226)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance  19,210   56,604 
Excess of book over tax basis of warrants  (19,210)  (56,604)
Net deferred tax assets $-  $- 

  For the Years Ended 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Net operating loss $18,734,230  $19,315,973 
Stock based compensation  1,120,521   1,381,564 
Argentine tax credits  433,407   439,541 
Accruals and other  4,991   5,708 
Receivable allowances  415,662   428,814 
Total deferred tax assets  20,708,810   21,571,600 
Valuation allowance  (20,701,515)  (21,562,624)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance  7,295   8,976 
Excess of book over tax basis of warrants  (7,295)  (8,976)
Net deferred tax assets $-  $- 

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

As of December 31, 20162018, the Company hadestimates that approximately $48,433,000, $54,568,000$62,000,000, $53,600,000 and $33,922,000$30,100,000 of gross U.S. federal, state and local net operating losslosses (“NOL”NOLs”) carryovers which may be carried forward for 20 yearsavailable to offset future taxable income. Approximately $56,700,000 of the federal NOLs will expire from 2019 to 2037 and begin to expire in 2019.approximately $5,400,000 have no expiration. These NOL carryovers are subject to annual limitations under Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code whenbecause there iswas a greater than 50% ownership change, as determined under the regulations. Based on our analysis, there was a change of controlregulations, on or about June 30, 2012 and we2012. We have determined that, due to thethose annual limitations under Section 382, approximately $6,315,000 of NOLs will expire unused and are not included in the available NOLs stated above. Therefore, we have reduced the related deferred tax asset for U.S. NOL carryovers by approximately $2,810,000 from June 30, 2012 forward. The Company’s U.S. NOL’s generated through the date of the ownership change on June 30, 2012 are subject to an annual limitation of approximately $1,004,000. To date, no additional annual limitations have been triggered, but the Company remains subject to the possibility that a future greater than 50% ownership change could trigger additional annual limitation on the usage of NOLs.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

13.INCOME TAXES, continued

As of December 31, 2016,2018, the Company had approximately $462,000$465,000 of gross U.K. NOL carryovers which do not expire. Finally, as of December 31, 2016,expire and the Company had approximately $455,000$433,000 of Argentine tax credits which may be carried forward 10 years and begin to expire in 2017.

Foreign earnings are assumed to be permanently reinvested. U.S. federal income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiary.2018.

 

In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the future generation of taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and taxing strategies in making this assessment. Based on this assessment, management has established a full valuation allowance against all of the net deferred tax assets for each period, since it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 increased2018 decreased by approximately $3,492,000$900,000 and $2,285,000, respectively.for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased by approximately $3,300,000.

 

Management has evaluated and concluded that there were no material uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017. The Company does not expect any significant changes in its unrecognized tax benefits within twelve months of the reporting date. The Company has U.S. tax returns subject to examination by tax authorities beginning with those filed for the year ended December 31, 2012.2015 (or the year ended December 31, 1999 if the Company were to utilize its NOLs). No tax audits were commenced or were in process during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company’s policy is to classify assessments, if any, for tax related interest as interest expense and penalties as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

14.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted in December 2017 making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include but are not limited to (a) the reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017; (b) the transition of U.S. international tax taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system; and (c) a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. The transition tax is based on total post-1986 earnings and profits which were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. At December 31, 2018, the Company did not have any undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. As a result, no additional income or withholding taxes have been provided for. The Company does not anticipate any impacts of the global intangible low taxed income (“GILTI”) and base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) and as such, the Company has not recorded any impact associated with either GILTI or BEAT. The change in tax law required the Company to remeasure existing net deferred tax assets using the lower rate in the period of enactment resulting in an income tax expense of approximately $6.8 million which is fully offset by the corresponding tax benefit of $6.8 million from the reduction in the valuation allowance in the year ended December 31, 2017.

SAB 118 recognizes that a registrant’s review of certain income tax effects of the Tax Act may be incomplete at the time financial statements are issued for the reporting period that includes the enactment date, including interim periods therein. Specifically, SAB 118 allows a company to report provisional estimates in the reporting period that includes the enactment date if the company does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or fully analyzed for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. The provisional estimates would be adjusted during a measurement period not to exceed 12 months from the enactment date of the Tax Act, at which time the accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act is required to be completed. The Company has completed its accounting for the income tax effects of the enactment of the Tax Act and made no changes to the provisional amounts previously recorded. 

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Assets

 

Accounts receivable – related parties of $493,531$71,650 and $237,119$851,016 at December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, represents the net realizable value of advances made to related, but independent, entities under common management.management, of which $4,644 and $724,591 represents amounts owed to the Company in connection with expense sharing agreements as described below.

 

See Note 8 – Investments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a discussion of the Company’s investment in warrants of a related, but independent, entity.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

14.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS, continued

Expense Sharing

On April 1, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with a related, but independent, entity under common management, of which AWLD’s CEOGGH’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and AWLD’s CFOGGH’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) is an executive officer,Chief Financial Officer, to share expenses such as office space, support staff and other operating expenses. The agreement was amended on January 1, 20152017 to update forreflect the current use of personnel, office space, professional services and material.services. During the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the Company recorded a contra-expense of $437,074 and $342,299, respectively, related to the reimbursement of general and administrative expenses as a result of the agreement. The entity owed $4,644 and $724,591, respectively, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, under such and similar prior agreements.

The Company had an expense sharing agreement with a different related entity to share expenses such as office space and other clerical services which was terminated in August 2017. The owners of more than 5% of that entity include (i) GGH’s chairman, and (ii) a more than 5% owner of GGH. During each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company was entitled to receive $124,428$0 and $126,766,$10,640, respectively, in reimbursement of general and administrative expenses as a result of the agreement. The entity owed $363,389 and $177,755, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, under such and similar prior agreements. The amount owed to the Company at December 31, will be repaid in installments through October 1, 2018, pursuant to a repayment schedule agreed upon by the Company and the related entity on March 24, 2017.

The Company has an expense sharing agreement with a related entity to share expenses such as office space and other clerical services. The owners of more than 5% of that entity include (i) AWLD’s chairman, and (ii) a more than 5% owner of AWLD. During each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company was entitled to receive $15,960 in reimbursement of general and administrative expenses as a result of the agreement. The entity owed $396,067and $380,472$396,116 to the Company under the expense sharing agreement asat each of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively,2017 of which $387,000 and $376,000, respectively,the entire balance is deemed unrecoverable and reserved.

Other Relationships15. BENEFIT CONTRIBUTION PLAN

An investor and a greater than 5% stockholder of the Company is affiliated with a company that imported wines for AWE to the United States through December 31, 2015.

15.BENEFIT CONTRIBUTION PLAN

 

The Company sponsors a 401(k) profit-sharing plan (“401(k) Plan”) that covers substantially all of its employees in the United States. The 401(k) Plan provides for a discretionary annual contribution, which is allocated in proportion to compensation. In addition, each participant may elect to contribute to the 401(k) Plan by way of a salary deduction.

 

A participant is always fully vested in their account, including the Company’s contribution. For the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the Company recorded a charge associated with its contribution of approximately $74,000$63,414 and $77,000,$81,399, respectively. This charge has been included as a component of general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company issues shares of its common stock to settle these obligations based on the fair market value of its common stock on the date the shares are issued (shares were issued at $2.50$0.70 and $2.00$1.09 per share during 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.)

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

16.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

16. TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY

Amended and Restated Certification of Designation

On February 28, 2017, the Company filed an Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the state of Delaware, decreasing the number of shares of the Company’s preferred stock designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to 10,097,330 shares.

 

Authorized Shares

The Company is authorized to issue up to 80,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share effective September 30, 2013. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, there were 42,915,37946,738,532 and 38,879,33343,067,546 shares of common stock issued, and 42,910,96246,687,999 and 38,874,92243,063,135 shares outstanding, respectively.

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 11,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which 10,097,330 shares are designated as Series A convertible preferred stock, and 902,670 shares are designated as Series B convertible preferred stock (See Note 18 – Subsequent Events.stock. As of December 31, 20162018, and 2015,2017, respectively, there were 902,670 shares of Series B preferred stock outstanding. There were no shares of Series A preferred stock outstanding.outstanding at December 31, 2018 or 2017, and no additional shares of Series A preferred stock are available to be issued.

Equity Incentive Plans

 

The Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2008 Plan”), was approved by the Company’s Board and stockholders on August 25, 2008. The 2008 Plan providesprovided for grants for the purchase of up to an aggregate 9,000,000 shares, including incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted and unrestricted stock, loans and grants, and performance awards. As of December 31, 2016,2018, there are 1,875,7350 shares available for issuance under the 2008 Plan.

 

On July 11, 2016, the Board of Directors adopted the 2016 Stock Option Plan (the “2016 Plan”)., which was approved by the Company’s shareholders on September 28, 2017. Under the 2016 Plan, 1,224,308 shares of common stock of the Company arewere authorized for issuance, with an automatic annual increase on January 1 of each year equal to 2.5% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on such date, on a fully diluted basis. During the yearyears ended December 31, 2016,2018 and 2017, options for the exercise of 900,0001,500,000 and 1,395,000 shares have beenwere granted under the 2016 plan, and as of December 31, 2016,2018, there are 324,3080 shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan.

On July 27, 2018, the Board of Directors determined that no additional awards shall be granted under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2008 Plan”) or the 2016 Stock Option Plan (the “2016 Plan”), and that no additional shares will be automatically reserved for issuance on each January 1 under the evergreen provision of the 2016 Plan.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

On July 27, 2018, the Board of Directors adopted the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders on September 28, 2018. The 2018 Plan provides for grants for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares, including incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted and unrestricted stock, loans and grants, and performance awards. The number of shares available under the 2018 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each year by the amount equal to 2.5% of the total number of shares outstanding on such date, on a fully diluted basis. Further, any shares subject to an award issued under the 2018 Plan, the 2016 Plan or the 2008 Plan that are canceled, forfeited or expired shall be added to the total number of shares available under the 2018 Plan. On September 20, 2018, the Company granted options for the purchase of 1,500,000 shares of common stock under the 2018 Plan (see Stock Options, below) such that 0 shares were available to be issued under the 2018 Plan as of December 31, 2018. On January 1, 2017,2019, the number of shares available under the plan was automatically increased by 1,072,7741,394,131 shares, forand on January 31, 2019, 1,350,000 options were granted under the 2018 Plan, such that a total of 1,397,08244,131 shares available.are currently available to be issued under the plan.

 

Under all plans, (1)the 2018 Plan, awards may be granted to employees, consultants, independent contractors, officers and directors; (2)directors or any affiliate of the Company as determined by the Board of Directors. The maximum term of any award granted under the 2018 shall be ten years from the date of grant; (3)grant, and the exercise price of any award shall not be less than the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, except that any incentive stock option granted under the 2018 Plan to a person owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s common stock must be exercisable at a price of no less than 110% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.

On October 5, 2018, GGH, as the sole stockholder of GG, and the Board of Directors of GG approved the Gaucho 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Gaucho Plan”). The 2018 Gaucho Plan provides for grants for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 8,000,000 shares of GG’s common stock, including incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, performance awards and other stock-based awards. On December 18, 2018, the Company granted options for the purchase of 6,495,000 shares of GG’s common stock. As of December 31, 2018, there are 1,505,000 shares of GG’s common stock available to be issued under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.

Application for Quotation on OTC Bulletin BoardSeries B Preferred Stock

 

On January 20, 2016 FINRA clearedFebruary 28, 2017, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the state of Delaware, designating 902,670 shares of the Company’s requestpreferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B”) at a par value of $0.01 per share.

The Series B shares were offered for sale to submit quotationsaccredited investors pursuant to a private placement memorandum dated March 1, 2017. The offering ended on December 4, 2017. During the OTC Bulletin Board and in OTC Link. In addition,year ended December 31, 2017, the Company submitted its applicationsold 775,931 shares of Series B at $10.00 per share for quotation ongross proceeds of $7,759,500 and issued 126,739 shares of Series B in connection with the OTCQB marketplace, which was approved on March 7, 2016. The first trade on the over-the-counter market occurred on September 23, 2016.conversion of certain convertible promissory notes (see Note 12 – Convertible Debt Obligations).

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

16.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, continued

Preferred Stock

Pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation 10,097,330 shares of the Company’s preferred stock is designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (see Note 18 – Subsequent Events). The Series AB stockholders are entitled to cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 8% of the Series B liquidation value (equal to face value of $10 per share), as defined, payable when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors. TheCumulative dividends earned by the Series A PreferredB stockholders were $724,108 and $345,079 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared dividends in the amount of $474,719. During 2018, the Company issued 378,193 shares of common stock valued at $0.70 per share, or $264,272, in satisfaction of certain dividends payable and paid cash dividends of $127,502. Dividends payable of $85,945 are included in the current portion of other liabilities at December 31, 2018. Cumulative unpaid dividends in arrears related to the Series B totaled $546,355 and $284,564 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Each share of Series B stock is convertible into common stock on a one-for-one basis, and each holder of Series A Preferred stock is entitled to the number of votes determined by dividing $10 by the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date that the Series B shares were issued, up to a maximum of ten votes per share of Series B stock. Each Series B share is convertible at the option of the holder into 10 shares of the Company’s common stock and is automatically converted into common stock upon the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national securities exchange. On the second anniversary of the December 4, 2017 termination of the Series B offering, if the Series B has not previously automatically converted to common stock upon the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national exchange, the Company will redeem all then-outstanding Series B shares at a price equal to the numberliquidation value of whole$10 per share, plus all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends. As a result of this redemption feature and the fact that the Series B shares of common stock into which such holder’scontain a substantive conversion option, the Series B shares of Series A Preferred could then be converted. The are no additional shares of Series A Preferred stock available to be issued.classified as temporary equity.

Common Stock

On June 30, 2015,January 7, 2017, the Company issued 36,70025,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share for gross cash proceeds of $50,000 and paid $5,000 of placement agent fees and issued warrants to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share related to this transaction.

On or about January 17, 2017, at the request of the investor, the Company cancelled 2,500 shares of its common stock previously issued to one accredited investor and refunded the investor the full purchase price of the securities, which was $5,000. Warrants to purchase 250 shares of common stock and commissions in the amount of $500 were returned by DPEC Capital, Inc. to the Company.

On March 31, 2017, the Company issued 67,770 shares of common stock at $1.09 per share to settle its 20142016 obligation, (an aggregate of $73,400$73,868) representing the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions)contributions to the Company’s 401(k) profit-sharing plan.

On July 1, 2017, the Company issued 62,270 shares of its common stock valued in the aggregate at $124,539 to refund a real estate lot sale deposit in the amount of $82,500, which had been recorded as deferred revenue, and recorded $42,039 of interest expense related to this transaction.

During March 2018, the Company issued 116,284 shares of common stock at $0.70 per share to settle its 2017 obligation, (an aggregate of $81,399) representing the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) profit-sharing plan.

 

During 2015,the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 2,821,942sold 1,890,993 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share for cash proceeds of $5,643,884, and issued 274,860 shares of common stock at $2.50 per share for cash proceeds of $687,150.

On January 1, 2016, the Company issued 37,700 shares of the Company’s common stock at $2.00 per share in exchange for principal and interest of $75,433 due under the 12.5% Notes (see Note 12 – Debt Obligations).

On March 31, 2016, the Company issued 30,700 shares of common stock at $2.50 per share to settle its 2015 obligation, (an aggregate of $76,750 representing the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions), to the Company’s 401(k) profit-sharing plan.

During 2016, the Company issued 1,608,200 shares of common stock at $2.50 per share and 1,538,675 shares of common stock at $2.00$0.70 per share for aggregate cash proceeds of $7,097,862.

On June 1, 2016, the Company issued an additional 470,771 common shares for no consideration, to investors who had purchased shares between December 2015 and May 2016 at a price of $2.50 per share, in order to effectively reduce the per share price to $2.00 per share. The Company recorded a charge of $941,530 related to the issuance of these shares during the year ended December 31, 2016, which is recorded as common stock price modification expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.$1,323,695.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

16.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, continued

Restricted Stock Awards

On January 11, 2016, the Company issued 350,000 shares of restricted stock with a grant date value of $875,000 to Maxim Group, LLC (“Maxim”), in connection with entering into an agreement with Maxim for general financial advisory and investment banking services. The shares vested 11.11% in connection with the execution of the agreement, and vest 11.11% monthly thereafter. The shares are marked to market when they vest, and unvested shares are marked to market at each reporting period, with the current fair value expensed over the vesting period. During the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, the Company recognized $797,222 of stock-based compensation expense related to the vesting of this award, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The shares are fully vested and there is no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to these shares as of December 31, 2016.

On or about October 28, 2016, the Company terminated its agreement with Maxim. In connection with the termination, the Company is currently in negotiations with Maxim for a return of a portion of the 350,000issued 378,193 shares of common stock previously issuedin satisfaction of preferred stock dividends (see Series B Preferred Stock, above), and 1,285,517 shares of common stock in satisfaction of convertible debt obligations (see Note 12 – Convertible Debt Obligations).

Treasury Stock

On May 19, 2018, a former employee transferred 46,122 shares of the Company’s common stock to Maxim but there can be no assurance that any shares will be returned.the Company, as payment of a $32,285 receivable from the former employee.

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

For the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the Company recorded $867,968$2,314,409 and $1,821,060,$336,568, respectively, of foreign currency translation adjustments as accumulated other comprehensive loss.income (loss), primarily related to fluctuations in the Argentine peso to United States dollar exchange rates (see Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Highly Inflationary Status in Argentina).

Warrants

 

Warrants

During 2015,On January 7, 2017, in connection with the sale of its common stock,equity securities, the Company issued five-year warrants to CAP,its subsidiary, DPEC Capital who acted as a placement agent, tofor the purchase 342,642of 2,500 shares of the Company’sits common stock at $2.00 per share, and 16,000share. On January 17, 2017, due to the refund to an investor, warrants to purchase 250 shares of the Company’s common stock at $2.50 per share. Similarly, during 2016,and commissions in the Company issued five-year warrantsamount of $500 were returned by DPEC Capital, Inc. to CAP for the purchase of 194,694 shares of the Company’s common stock at $2.00 per share and 172,307 shares of the Company’s common stock at $2.50 per share.Company. CAP, in turn, awarded such warrants to its registered representatives and recorded $262,113 and $259,901$1,105 of stock-based compensation expense for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which is recorded2017, within discontinued operations in the accompanying statementsstatement of operations (see Note 4 – Discontinued Operations).

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

16.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, continued

Warrants, continued

No warrants were granted during the year ended December 31, 2018. Warrants granted during 2016 and 2015the year ended December 31, 2017 had a weighted average grant date value of $0.80 and $0.84, respectively, and were$0.52, valued using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with the following assumptions:

 

  

For The Years Ended

December 31,

 
  2016  2015 
Risk free interest rate  1.01 - 1.93%  1.37 - 1.63%
Expected term (years)  5.00   5.00 
Expected volatility  44.0% - 46.0%  45.9% - 47.0%
Expected dividends  0%  0%
Forfeiture rate  5.0%  5.0%
Risk free interest rate1.92%
Expected term (years)5.00
Expected volatility44.0%
Expected dividends0.0%
Forfeiture rate5.0%

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The expected term of warrants represents the contractual term of the warrant. Given that the Company’s shares were not publicly traded through September 30,23, 2016, the Company developed an expected volatility based on a review of the historical volatilities, over a period of time equivalent to the contractual term of the warrant, of similarly positioned public companies within its industry. The risk-free interest rate was determined from the implied yields from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with a remaining term consistent with the contractual term of the warrants.

Pursuant to the Company’s Investor Relations Consulting Agreement (see Note 17 – Commitments and Contingencies – Commitments), the Company granted five-year warrants for the purchase of 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to MZCHI on April 18, 2016 and granted five-year warrants for the purchase of an additional 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on October 18, 2016 (collectively, the “IR Warrants”). The warrants, as granted, had an exercise price of $2.50 per share, and vested three months from the date of grant. As of the effective date of the agreement, the IR Warrants had an aggregate value of $103,500, and the unvested warrants are subject to mark to market adjustments at each reporting and vest date, and which is amortized through the vesting period for each respective grant. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded $73,393 of stock-based compensation related to the amortization of the IR Warrants, which is recorded within general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

On October 8, 2016, the IR Warrants were amended such that the exercise price was adjusted from $2.50 per share to $2.00 per share. The Company recorded warrant modification expense of $21,001 related to the modification of the IR Warrants.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

16.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, continued

Warrants, continued

 

A summary of warrants activity during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 is presented below:

 

 Number of Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years Intrinsic Value  Number of Warrants  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years  Intrinsic Value 
Outstanding, December 31, 2014  1,069,674  $2.26         
Outstanding, December 31, 2016  1,901,480  $2.20         
Issued  358,642   2.00           2,250        2.00                   
Exercised  -   -           -   -         
Cancelled  (46,130)  1.59           (438,434)  2.30                
Outstanding, December 31, 2015  1,382,186   2.10         
Outstanding, December 31, 2017  1,465,296   2.17         
Issued  519,294   2.17           -             
Exercised  -   -           -             
Cancelled ��-   -           (235,666)  2.30         
Outstanding, December 31, 2016  1,901,480  $2.20   2.79  $- 
Outstanding, December 31, 2018  1,229,630  $2.15   1.9  $- 
                                
Exercisable, December 31, 2016  1,901,480  $2.20   2.79  $- 
Exercisable, December 31, 2018  1,229,630  $2.15   1.9  $- 

 

A summary of outstanding and exercisable warrants as of December 31, 20162018 is presented below:

 

Warrants OutstandingWarrants Outstanding Warrants Exercisable Warrants Outstanding Warrants Exercisable 
Exercise Price Exercisable Into Outstanding Number of Warrants 

Weighted Average Remaining

Life In Years

 Exercisable Number of Warrants 
Exercise PriceExercise Price Exercisable Into Outstanding Number of Warrants Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years Exercisable Number of Warrants 
$2.00  Common Stock  739,629   2.8   739,629      2.00  Common Stock  741,879       2.0   741,879 
$2.30  Preferred Stock  973,544   1.6   973,544 2.30  Common Stock  299,444   0.5   299,444 
$2.50  Common Stock  188,307   4.0   188,307 2.50  Common Stock  188,307   2.2   188,307 
   Total  1,901,480       1,901,480    Total  1,229,630       1,229,630 

F-35

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

16.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, continued

Modification of CAP Warrants

On June 1, 2016, in connection with the issuance of common stock for the purpose of modifying the investor price per share see Common Stock, above), the Company modified CAP Warrants granted between December 2015 and May 2016, such that the exercise price was adjusted from $2.50 per share to $2.00 per share, and the aggregate number of shares available to be purchased in connection with the warrants was increased from 198,807 to 245,883 shares. The Company recorded warrant modification expense of $68,548 related to the modification of the CAP Warrants.

 

Stock Options

On November 17, 2017, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 1,395,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2016 Plan, of which options for the purchase of an aggregate of 940,000 shares of common stock were granted to certain employees of the Company, options for the purchase of an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock were granted to two members of the Board of Directors, and options for the purchase 355,000 shares of common stock were granted to Company consultants. The options had an exercise price of $1.10 per share and vest 25% at the first anniversary of date of grant, with the remaining shares vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following three years. The options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $452,120, of which options granted to employees and members of the Board of Directors had a grant date fair value of $337,064, which will be recognized ratably over the vesting period, and options granted to consultants had an aggregate grant date fair value of $115,056, which was re-measured on financial reporting dates and vesting dates using the Black Scholes model. Upon the adoption of the ASU 2018-07 on July 1, 2018, the Company remeasured the fair value of all outstanding stock options that had been granted to non-employees. Pursuant to ASU 2018-07, existing stock options granted to non-employees will no longer be revalued.

On February 12, 2018, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 1,330,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2016 Plan, to certain employees of the Company. The options had an exercise price of $0.77 per share and vest 25% at the first anniversary of date of grant, with the remaining shares vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following three years. The options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $623,011, which will be recognized ratably over the vesting period.

On September 20, 2018, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2018 Plan, of which options for the purchase of 1,350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to certain employees of the Company and options for the purchase of 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to consultants. The options had an exercise price of $0.539 per share and vest 25% at the first anniversary of date of grant, with the remaining shares vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following three years. The options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $253,023, which will be recognized ratably over the vesting period.

 

The Company has computed the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

In The weighted average grant date fair value per share of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $0.10 and $0.32, respectively. Assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model the Company used the following assumptions:during years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are as follows:

 

 For the Years Ended 
 For The Years Ended
December 31,
 December 31, 
  2016  2015  2018  2017 
Risk free interest rate  0.84% - 1.26%  1.06% - 1.10%  2.96%  2.06%
Expected term (years)  3.25 - 3.5   2.53 - 3.59   3.6 - 5.0   3.5-4.5 
Expected volatility  44.0% - 46.1%  45.9% - 46.1%  43.53%  42.30%
Expected dividends  0%  0%  0.00%  0.00%
Forfeiture rate  5.0%  5.0%

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Until September 23, 2016, there was no public trading market for the shares of AWLDGGH common stock underlying the Company’s 2001 Plan and 2008 Plan and 2016 Plan. Accordingly, the fair value of the AWLDGGH common stock was estimated by management based on observations of the cash sales prices of AWLDGGH equity securities. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate will be adjusted periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the previous estimate, when it is material. The expected term of options granted to consultants represents the contractual term, whereas the expected term of options granted to employees and directors was estimated based upon the “simplified” method for “plain-vanilla” options. Given that the Company’s shares were not publicly traded, through September 30, 2016, the Company developed an expected volatility based on a review of the historical volatilities, over a period of time equivalent to the expected term of the options, of similarly positioned public companies within its industry. The risk-free interest rate was determined from the implied yields from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with a remaining term consistent with the expected term of the options. The Company estimated forfeitures related to options at an annual rate of 5% for options outstanding at December 31, 2016.

On June 15, 2015, the Company granted five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 2,211,890 shares of common2018. There were 2,830,000 and 1,395,000 stock to employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company, pursuant to the 2008 Plan. Options to purchase an aggregate of 2,201,890 shares had an exercise price of $2.20 per share and an option to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock had an exercise price of $3.30 per share. The options vest over a four year period with one-fourth vesting on June 8, 2016 and the remainder vesting quarterly thereafter. The options had an aggregate grant date value of $1,409,900, of which, options granted to employees, officers and directors had an aggregate grant date fair value of $1,251,384, which will be recognized ratably over the vesting period, while options granted to consultants had an aggregate grant date value of $158,516, which will be re-measured on financial reporting dates and vesting dates until the service period is complete.

On July 19, 2016, the Company granted five-year options to purchase a total of 400,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.20 to two members of the Company’s Board of Directors pursuant to the 2016 Plan. The options vested one-third on the date of grant and one-third on each of the two anniversaries subsequent to the date of grant. The options had an aggregate grant date value of $239,421.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

16.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, continued

Stock Options, continued

On October 20, 2016, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to an employee of the Company and five-year options for the purchase of an aggregate 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to Company consultants, under the 2016 Plan. The options had an exercise price of $2.20 and vested 25% at the date of grant and 25% on each of the three anniversaries subsequent to the date of the grant. The options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $302,025, of which options granted to an employee had a grant date fair value of $60,405, which will be recognized ratably over the vesting period, and options granted to consultants had an aggregate grant date fair value of $241,620 which will be re-measured on financial reporting dates and vesting dates until the service period is complete.

In applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the Company used the following assumptions:

  

For The Years Ended

December 31,

 
  2016  2015 
Risk free interest rate  0.84% - 1.267%  1.06 - 1.10%
Expected term (years)  3.25 – 3.50   2.53 – 3.59 
Expected volatility  44.0% - 46.1%  45.9% - 46.1%
Expected dividends  0%  0%
Forfeiture rate  5.0%  5.0%

The weighted average grant date fair value per share of options granted during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015 was $0.60 and $0.64,2017, respectively.

During April 2015, in connection with certain employee separation agreements, the Company modified options to purchase an aggregate of 132,671 shares of common stock, such that (a) previously vested options to purchase 68,671 shares of common stock will remain outstanding and exercisable until their original expiration dates, notwithstanding the termination and (b) an unvested option to purchase 64,000 shares of common stock will become vested immediately and will remain outstanding and exercisable until its original expiration date, notwithstanding the termination. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded incremental stock-based compensation expense of $40,300 in connection with the modification of the options.

 

During the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $795,550$716,249 and $782,234,$622,802, respectively, related to stock option grants, which is reflected as general and administrative expenses (classified in the same manner as the grantees’ wage compensation) in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2016,2018, there was $1,976,179$1,049,807 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock option grants that will be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years, of which $566,392 of unrecognized expense is subject to non-employee mark-to-market adjustments.

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

16.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, continued

Stock Options, continued2.78 years.

 

A summary of options activity during the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 is presented below:

 

      Weighted     Number of Options  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years  Intrinsic Value 
    Weighted Average             
    Average Remaining    
 Number of Exercise Life Intrinsic 
 Options Price In Years Value 
Outstanding, December 31, 2014  7,806,836  $2.85         
Outstanding, December 31, 2016  8,024,265          2.39                             
Granted  2,211,890   2.20           1,395,000   1.10         
Exercised  -   -           -   -         
Expired  (643,836)  2.95           (75,000)  3.85         
Forfeited  (435,454)  2.51           (110,000)  2.39         
Outstanding, December 31, 2015  8,939,436   2.70         
Outstanding, December 31, 2017  9,234,265   2.18         
Granted  900,000   2.20           2,830,000   0.65         
Exercised  -   -           -   -         
Expired  (1,771,421)  3.85           (2,505,000)  2.49         
Forfeited  (43,750)  2.32           (60,000)  1.62         
Outstanding, December 31, 2016  8,024,265  $2.39   3.0  $- 
Outstanding, December 31, 2018  9,499,265  $1.65   2.5  $- 
                                
Exercisable, December 31, 2016  5,166,099  $2.45   2.4  $- 
Exercisable, December 31, 2018  5,232,035  $2.25   1.3  $- 

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following table presents information related to stock options as of December 31, 2016:2018:

 

Options OutstandingOptions Outstanding Options ExercisableOptions Outstanding Options Exercisable 
  Weighted  
  Outstanding Average Exercisable 
Exercise Number of Remaining Life Number of 
Exercise
Price
Exercise
Price
 Outstanding
Number of
Options
 Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
in Years
 Exercisable
Number of
Options
 
Price Options In Years Options         
$4.32   3,066,890   4.3   1,070,954 0.54   1,500,000   -   0 
$0.77   1,320,000   -   0 
$1.10   1,370,000        3.9   342,500 
$2.20   3,071,890   1.5   2,679,160 
$2.48   2,237,375   0.7   2,210,375 
1.91   4,847,375   1.9   3,991,395     9,499,265   1.3   5,232,035 
3.44   10,000   3.4   3,750 
1.49   25,000   1.5   25,000 
0.29   75,000   0.3   75,000 
    8,024,265   2.4   5,166,099 

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

17. COMMITMENTS AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsCONTINGENCIES

 

17.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Matters

 

The Company is involved in litigation and arbitrations from time to time in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any such pending or threatened litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. However, as is inherent in legal proceedings, there is a risk that an unpredictable decision adverse to the Company could be reached. Notwithstanding the above, in connection with the routine audit of DPEC capital commenced in November 2016, the Company has promptly responded to requests from the SEC regarding the reported unregistered sales of the Company’s securities. The Company records legal costs associated with loss contingencies as incurred. Settlements are accrued when, and if, they become probable and estimable.

Employment Agreement

 

On September 28, 2015, the Companywe entered into a newan employment agreement with itsScott Mathis, our CEO (the “Employment Agreement”). Among other things, the Employment Agreementagreement provides for a three-year term of employment at an annual salary of $401,700 (subject to a 3% cost-of-living adjustment per year), bonus eligibility, paid vacation and specified business expense reimbursements. The Employment Agreementagreement sets limits on the CEO’sMr. Mathis’ annual sales of AWLDGGH common stock. The CEOMr. Mathis is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of the Employment Agreementagreement and following his termination for any reason, for a period of twelve months. Upon a change of control (as defined by the Employment Agreement)agreement), all of the CEO’sMr. Mathis’ outstanding equity-based awards will vest in full and his employment term resets to two years from the date of the change of control. Following the CEO’sMr. Mathis’s termination for any reason, the CEOMr. Mathis is prohibited from soliciting Company clients or employees for one year and disclosing any confidential information of AWLDGGH for a period of two years. The Employment Agreementagreement may be terminated by the Company for cause or by the CEO for good reason, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. On September 20, 2018, the Board of Directors extended the Employment Agreement.Agreement on the same terms for a period of 120 days. On January 31, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company extended Scott Mathis’ employment agreement through April 30, 2019. All other terms of the Employment Agreement remain the same.

 

Effective September 29, 2015, the CEO resigned his position as President and Secretary for DPEC Capital, Inc. but remained on as a director and non-executive chairman. The same day, Mr. Fasano was appointed President and Secretary in addition to his continuing role as Chief Compliance Officer of DPEC Capital, Inc.

F-38

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

17.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, continued

Consulting Agreements

On or about January 11, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) to provide general financial advisory and investment banking services to the Company. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Maxim will receive a monthly cash fee of $7,500 for the duration of the agreement, which may be terminated by either party at any time after nine months, or upon 30 days prior written notice to the other party. In connection with the agreement, the Company issued 350,000 shares of restricted common stock valued at $2.50 per share to Maxim (see Note 16 – Stockholders’ Equity). On or about October 28, 2016, the Company terminated its agreement with Maxim.

The Company entered into an Investor Relations Consulting Agreement effective April 8, 2016 (the “IR Agreement”) with MZHCI LLC (“MZHCI”) to provide consulting services with respect to financial markets and exchanges, competitors, business acquisitions and other related matters in exchange for consideration of $6,500 of cash per month plus five-year warrants for the purchase of up to 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share (see Note 16 – Stockholders’ Equity – Warrants).

 

Importer Agreement

 

The Company entered into an agreement (the “Importer Agreement”) with an importer (the “Importer”) effective June 1, 2016, pursuant to which the Company has engaged the Importer as its sole and exclusive importer, distributor and marketing agent of wine in the United States for certain minimum sales quantities at prices mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Importer. The Importer Agreement terminates on December 31, 2020 and is automatically renewable for an indefinite number of successive three year terms. The Importer Agreement may bethree-year terms, unless terminated by the Company or the Importer for cause, as defined in the Importer Agreement.

Lease Commitments

The Company leases office space in New York City under an operating lease (as amended) which expiredexpires on August 31, 2015. During July 2015, the Company entered into the second amendment of this lease (the Second Lease Amendment). Pursuant to the terms of the Second Lease Amendment, annual rent for the New York City office is increased from $156,000 to $217,800 effective September 1, 2015, is subject to modest specified annual rent increases, and the lease is extended through August 31, 2020.

Future minimum payments on these operating leases are as follows:

For The Years Ended

December 31,

 Amount 
    
2017 $226,577 
2018  233,375 
2019  240,376 
2020  163,424 
Total $863,752 

Rent expense for this property was $211,271 and $192,237 for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015 was $189,928 and $139,107,2017, respectively, net of reimbursements under expense sharing agreementsallocation to affiliates (see Note 14 – Related Party Transactions – Expense Sharing).

Future minimum payments on this operating lease are as follows:

For the Years Ending   
December 31, Amount 
    
2019 $240,376 
2020  163,424 
Total $403,800 

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.Reverse Stock Split

On December 12, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a five-for-one reverse stock split, to be effective upon the Company’s uplisting to a national stock exchange.

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Stock Options

On January 31, 2019, the Board of Directors of GGH granted options to certain employees as consideration for their services to GGH, which included options to acquire 450,000 shares of common stock to GGH’s Chief Executive Officer and options to acquire 75,000 shares to GGH’s Chief Financial Officer all at an exercise price of $0.385 per share. The options vest 25% at the first anniversary of the date of grant, with the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments over the following three years. The options expire on January 31, 2024.

In addition, in connection with services provided by two members of the Board of Directors of GGH, the Board also granted options to acquire 50,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.385 per share. The options vest 25% at the first anniversary of the date of grant, with the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments over the following three years. The options expire on January 31, 2024.

GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

18.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Gaucho Notes

In January 2019, management of GG gave the option to the noteholders of extending the maturity date from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019 of their specific convertible promissory notes. All of the noteholders retain their right, but not the obligation, to convert the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG. As of February 11, 2019, all noteholders representing have agreed to the extension of the maturity date on their convertible notes, except for noteholders holding notes in the amount of $10,500 which have matured.

Between January 1, 2019 and March 4, 2019, GG has sold convertible promissory notes in the total amount of $751,000 to accredited investors. The maturity date of the notes is March 31, 2019, and at the option of the holder, the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest can be converted into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG.

On March 13, 2019, the Company issued 181,185 shares of common stock at $0.35 per share to employees for the year ended December 31, 2018 of the 401(k) profit sharing plan.

Common Stock

Between February 8, 2019 and March 27, 2019, GGH sold a total of 2,527,857 shares of its common stock to accredited investors for total gross proceeds of $884,750.

 

Management has evaluated all subsequent events to determine if events or transactions occurring through the date that the consolidated financial statements were issued, require adjustment to or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

 

The Argentine Peso to United States Dollar exchange rate was 15.5365, 15.968143.370, 37.569 and 12.944118.593 at March 28, 2017,31, 2019, December 31, 20162018 and December 31, 2015,2017, respectively.

Issuance of Convertible Notes

Between January 27, 2017 and February 27, 2017, the Company sold convertible promissory notes to accredited investors for total gross proceeds to the Company of $1,260,000. The notes have a 90-day maturity, pay 8% annual interest and are convertible into the Company’s Series B preferred stock at a conversion price of $10 per share, beginning fifteen days after being notified of the Series B preferred offering.

On March 28, 2017, a convertible promissory note in the amount of $400,000 was converted into 40,000 shares of the Company’s Series B preferred stock.

Amended and Restated Certification of Designation

On February 28, 2017, the Company filed an Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the state of Delaware, decreasing the number of shares of the Company’s preferred stock designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to 10,097,330 shares.

Series B Preferred Stock

On February 28, 2017, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the state of Delaware, designating 902,670 shares of the Company’s preferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B”) at a par value of $0.01 per share.

The Series B stockholders are entitled to cash dividends at an annual rate of 8% of the Series B liquidation value, as defined, payable when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors. Each share of Series B stock is entitled the number of votes determined by dividing $10 by the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date that the Series B shares were issued, up to a maximum of ten votes per share of Series B stock.

Each Series B share is convertible at the option of the holder into 10 shares of the Company’s common stock and is automatically converted into common stock upon the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national securities exchange. On the second anniversary of the termination of the Series B offering, the Company will redeem all then-outstanding shares of Series B shares at a price equal to the liquidation value per share, plus all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends.

On March 24, 2017, the Company sold 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at $10.00 per share for gross proceeds of $150,000.