UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31 2021, 2023

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO

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 001-13458

SCOTT’S LIQUID GOLD-INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

Colorado

84-0920811

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

8400 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 450, Greenwood Village, CO

80111

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 373-4860

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of exchange on which registered

None

None

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.10 Par Value

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YesNo

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. YesNo

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. YesNo

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). YesNo

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

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

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Non-accelerated filerEmerging growth company

 

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YesNo

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price of the shares of common stock on June 30, 2021,2023, was $14,745,158.$2,510,508.

The number of shares of Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of March 30, 202225, 2024 was 12,734,156.13,006,162.

Certain information required by Part III is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders for fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2021.



CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, in addition to historical information. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Report that address activities, events, or developments with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, or economic performance that we expect, believe, or anticipate will or may occur in the future, or that address plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. You can typically identify forward-looking statements by the use of words, such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “assume,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “potential,” “plan,” and other similar words. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Report are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We cannot assure you that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. Forward-looking statements and our performance inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to:

disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain, including any impact of availability or costs of materials and components;
dependence on third-party vendors and on sales to major customers;
competition from large consumer products companies in the United States;
competitive factors, including any decrease in distribution of (i.e., retail stores carrying) our significant products;
new competitive products and/or technological changes;
the need for effective advertising of our products and limited resources available for such advertising;
unfavorable economic conditions;
changing consumer preferences and the continued acceptance of each of our significant products in the marketplace;
the degree of success of any new product or product line introduction by us;
the degree of success of the integration of product lines or businesses we may acquire;
changes in the regulation of our products, including applicable environmental, U.S. and international Food and Drug Administration regulations and process-audit compliance;
the loss of any executive officer or other personnel;
future losses which could affect our liquidity;
ineffective internal controls over financial reporting caused by the existing material weakness; and
and other matters discussed in this Report, including the risks described in the Risk Factors section of this Report.

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, suppliers, consumers, customers, and employees;

disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain, including any impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;

dependence on third-party vendors and on sales to major customers;

regulations, economic conditions, and tariffs in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), as well as dependence on the efforts of our exclusive distributor in the PRC to market and sell our products there;

a continued shift in the retail market from food and drug stores to mass merchandisers, club stores, dollar stores, e-commerce retailers, and subscription services;

competition from large consumer products companies in the United States;

competitive factors, including any decrease in distribution of (i.e., retail stores carrying) our significant products;

new competitive products and/or technological changes;

the need for effective advertising of our products and limited resources available for such advertising;

unfavorable economic conditions;

changing consumer preferences and the continued acceptance of each of our significant products in the marketplace;

the degree of success of any new product or product line introduction by us;

the degree of success of the integration of product lines or businesses we may acquire;

the degree of success of our conversion to outsourced manufacturing and dependence on third-party manufacturers;

changes in the regulation of our products, including applicable environmental, U.S. and international Food and Drug Administration regulations and process-audit compliance;

the loss of any executive officer or other personnel;

future losses which could affect our liquidity;

other matters discussed in this Report, including the risks described in the Risk Factors section of this Report.

We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this Report speak as of the filing date of this Report. Although we may from time to time voluntarily update our prior forward-looking statements, we undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this Report.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PART I

Item 1.

Business

1

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

43

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

87

Item 2.1C.

Cybersecurity

7

Item 2.

Properties

8

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

8

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

8

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

9

Item 6.

RESERVED

9

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

910

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

1514

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

1615

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

3839

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

3839

Item 9B.

Other Information

3840

Item 9C.

Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

3840

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

3941

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

3944

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

3947

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

3948

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

3948

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

3949

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

4150



PART I

(in thousands, except per share data)

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

Overview

Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc., a Colorado corporation, was incorporated on February 15, 1954. In this Report the terms “we”, “us”“we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. and our subsidiaries, collectively. We develop, market, and sell high-quality, high-valuehigh quality products. Our business is comprised of one segment, household products. During 2023, our family of brands included:

Scott’s Liquid Gold®;
Alpha® Skin Care;
Neoteric Diabetic Skin Care®;
Denorex®;
Zincon®;
Kids N Pets®;
Messy Pet®; and
BIZ®.

In December 2022, we sold the Prell® brand, in January 2023 we sold the Scott’s Liquid Gold® brand, and in June 2023 we sold the BIZ® and Alpha® Skin Care brands. In September 2023 we sold our wholly owned subsidiary Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc. (“Neoteric”), which included the Neoteric Diabetic Skin Care®, Denorex®, and Zincon® brands through a stock purchase agreement. We sold each of these brands to unaffiliated buyers.

Alpha® Skin Care, Neoteric Diabetic Skin Care®, Denorex®, and Zincon®brands previously comprised our health and beauty care products. Oursegment. Upon the sale of these various brands throughout 2023, our business is divided into two operating segments; household products and health and beauty care products. Our family of brands include:

Scott’s Liquid Gold®;

Alpha® Skin Care;

Prell®;

Denorex®;

Kids N Pets®; and

BIZ®.

Effective as of December 31, 2021, we sold the Dryel® brand and we are no longer distributing Batiste Dry Shampoo.

Financial Information About Segments and Principal Products

The table set forth below shows the percentage of our net sales contributed by each operating segment during 2021 and 2020:

 

% of Net Sales

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Household

 

42.8

%

 

 

43.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health and beauty care

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed

 

21.5

%

 

 

22.8

%

Manufactured

 

35.7

%

 

 

33.3

%

Total health and beauty care

 

57.2

%

 

 

56.1

%

For more financial information on our operating segments, refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.

Household Products

The principal products in ournow operates under a single household products segment include:consisting of our Kids N Pets® and Messy Pet® product lines. Kids N Pets® and Messy Pet® represent our continuing operations in all periods presented.

Scott’s Liquid Gold® Wood Care;

Scott’s Liquid Gold® Floor Restore; and

Kids N Pets® and Messy Pet®; and

BIZ® .

In conjunction with the sale of the Scott’s Liquid Gold® Wood Care has been our core product since our inception. It has been soldbrand, the Company may continue to use names “Scott’s Liquid Gold” and “SLG” for up to one year following the closing date of the agreement on January 23, 2023. On December 6, 2023, the Company signed a Second Amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement which extended the use of the aforementioned names to eighteen months following the closing date of the agreement on January 23, 2023. Following this transitional name period, the Company will only be able to use the aforementioned names in the United States for over 70 years. Unlike leading furniture polishes, our higher quality product contains natural oils that penetrate the wood’s surface to clean, replace lost moisture, minimize the appearance of scratchesconnection with retaining records and bring out the natural beauty of wood. Our Scott’s Liquid Gold® Floor Restore product isother historical or archived documents and any use required by or permitted as a quick and easy way to renew and protect hardwood floors.fair use or otherwise under applicable law.


On October 1, 2019, we acquired the Kids N Pets® brands, which includesand Messy Pet®.brands. Founded in 1989, Kids N Pets® brands are award winning,award-winning, safe, stain and odor removing products targeted toward households with children and pets. These high-quality, high-value brands currently encompass six SKUs exceptionalproducts excel at controlling odor and cleaning up kid and pet accidents, and food and drink stains while being products that parents can feel safe using around their children and pets. The primary sales channels for Kids N Pets® primary sales channel isand Messy Pet® are through retail stores such as Walmart and Home Depot, and online through propertiese-commerce retailers such as such as Amazon and Chewy.Amazon.

On July 1, 2020, we acquired BIZ® and Dryel® brands. BIZ is the top performing detergent in the market, utilizing a proprietary enzyme-based formula to fight stains and eliminate odors. It was established by Proctor & Gamble in 1968 and is sold in Powder, Liquid, and Liquid Booster Pack for a total of seven SKUs. Dryel is the market leader in the at-home dry cleaning category, representing approximately 65% of the at-home dry cleaning market in 2019.  It was established by Proctor & Gamble in 1998 and is sold primarily in a consumer starter kit with refills.

On December 23, 2021, we sold19, 2023, Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. (the “Company”), Horizon Kinetics LLC (“Horizon Kinetics”) and HKNY ONE, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Dryel® brandCompany (“Merger Sub”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), providing for the acquisition of Horizon Kinetics by the Company. The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, upon obtaining the requisite shareholder approval, (i) the Company will convert from a Colorado to a company that marketsDelaware corporation, increase its authorized shares of common stock and distributes household cleaning products. We have reflectedchange its name and (ii) Merger Sub will be merged with and into Horizon Kinetics, with Horizon Kinetics being the operations of Dryel as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 2 - “Discontinued Operations” insurviving entity (collectively, the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.“Merger”).

Health and Beauty Care Products1


The principal products in our health and beauty care products segment include:

Alpha® Skin Care products;

Prell® hair care products;

Denorex® hair care products; and

Batiste Dry Shampoo.

Our Alpha® Skin Care brand was one of the first to use alpha hydroxy acids (“AHAs”) in lines of facial care products, body lotion, and body wash. Products containing AHAs gently slough off dead skin cells to promote a healthier, more youthful appearance and help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

In 2016, we acquired the Prell®, Denorex® and Zincon® brands of hair and scalp care products. Prell® Shampoo, an iconic brand since 1947, is a classic clean shampoo for healthy hair. Our Denorex® products are dermatologist-recommended medicated hair care products to control the symptoms of dandruff and other scalp conditions. Our Zincon® product is a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo.

We were a distributor in the United States for Batiste Dry Shampoo from 2009 through 2021. Under our distribution agreement with the manufacturer of Batiste Dry Shampoo, Church & Dwight Co. Inc. (“Church & Dwight”), we were the exclusive specialty retail distributor in the United States of Batiste Dry Shampoo until our agreement expired on December 31, 2021.

Marketing and Distribution

We primarily market our products through: (1) trade promotions to support price features, displays, slotting fees and other merchandising of our products by our retail customers; (2) consumer marketing in print, social and digital media and television advertising;media; and (3) to a lesser extent, consumer incentives such as coupons and rebates.

Our products are sold nationally through our sales force and internationally (Canada and China) through independent distributors, to mass merchandisers, drugstores, supermarkets, hardware stores, e-commerce retailers, and other retail outlets and to wholesale distributors.

The table set forth below shows net sales to our significant customers from continuing operations as a percentage of consolidated net sales during 20212023 and 2020:2022:

 

% of Net Sales

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Customer 1

 

66.3

%

 

 

74.5

%

Customer 2

 

18.1

%

 

 

8.4

%

 

% of Net Sales

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Walmart Inc. ("Walmart")

 

30.9

%

 

 

29.2

%

Ulta

 

18.8

%

 

 

15.8

%

As is typical in our industry, we do not have long-term contracts with Walmart, Ulta, or any other retail customer.


Historically, we have used our websites for sales of our products directly to consumers. Beginning in January 2022, our websites redirect consumers to our e-commerce retail partners to fulfill sales of our products directly to our consumers.

Currently, our internationalInternational sales arewere historically made to distributors who arewere responsible for the selling and marketing of the products. With the sale of the Scott’s Liquid Gold® brand in January 2023, we no longer have any products and we are paiddistributed internationally.

We terminated our exclusive distribution agreement for these productssales in United States dollars.China with HK NFS Limited (“HK NFS”) on July 12, 2022 due to breaches of the distribution agreement by HK NFS.

From time to time, our customers return products to us. For our household products, we permit returns only for a limited time. For our health and beauty care products, returns are accepted for a greater period of time in order to maintain or enhance our relationship with the customer. Typically, customers are granted a credit equal to the original sale price plus a handling charge.

Manufacturing and Suppliers

On March 10, 2020, we consummated an agreement with Colorado Quality Products LLC (“Elevation”), pursuant to which Elevation (i) acquired certain of our assets, which included all fixed assets utilized in the manufacturing and warehouse operations of the Company, (ii) assumed all of the Company’s obligations under its existing real property leases, (iii) manufactured certain products of the Company for a transitional period, and (iv) paid cash consideration of $500,000 (collectively, the “Elevation Transaction”).

Subsequent to the Elevation Transaction, we identified third-party logistics and contract manufacturing partners for our product lines, and we no longer manufacture or ship any of our products directly to our retail partners.

Under our distribution agreement with Church & Dwight, we were the exclusive distributor of Batiste Dry Shampoo products in the specialty retailer channel in the United States through December 31, 2021.

Almost all of the raw and packaging materials used by the Company are purchased from third parties, some of whom are single-source suppliers. The prices we pay for materials and other commodities are subject to fluctuation. Due primarily to weather and COVID-19 related supply chain disruptions combined with increased demandthat have continued as the economy re-opens, we experienced limited supply constraints and commodity costs increases for certain raw materials and finished goods. When prices for these items change, we may or may not be able to pass the change to our customers. The Company expects continued volatility and increased cost pressures in both commodities and transportation to continue in fiscal year 2022.2024.

Competition

Both theThe household and health and beauty care product categories arecategory is highly competitive and innovative. We compete in both categories against a range of competitors, most of which are significantly larger and have greater financial resources, name recognition, innovation capabilities, and product and market diversification than us. We compete in both categories primarily on the basis of quality, brand recognition, and the distinguishing characteristics of our products. The wood care and laundry care product categories are dominated by a small number of companies that are significantly larger than us and each of these competitors produces several competing products. In the health and beauty care category, several of our competitors are also significantly larger than us and each of these competitors produces several competing products.product.

Regulation

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations that pertain to the types of consumer products that we manufacture and sell. Many chemicals used in consumer products, some of which are used in several of our product formulations, have come under scrutiny by various state governments and the federal government. These chemicals are called volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”). All of our products currently meet the most stringent VOC regulations and may be sold throughout the United States. Many of our skin care products, several of which contain AHAs, are considered cosmetics within the definition of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (the “FFDCA”). Our cosmetic products are subject to the regulations under the FFDCA and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. The relevant laws and regulations are enforced by the FDA. We believe that we are producing and marketing all of our products in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in the markets in which we participate.

Prior to the Elevation Transaction, our production facility was subject to federal, state, and local regulations governing water quality, air quality, and waste related to stationary sources and we held required permits from the state of Colorado, which implements the delegated federal programs. These programs regulate the emissions, discharges, and waste generated in the production of our products.

The laws and regulations applicable to our production facility will no longer impact us following the consummation of the Elevation Transaction.


Our advertising is subject to regulation under the Federal Trade Commission Act and related regulations, which prohibit false and misleading claims in advertising. Private and derivative labeling claims are common in this industry and can result in costly settlements and distraction of management. Changes in these regulations, or interpretations or enforcement of these regulations, could adversely affect our profitability, result in regulatory actions, or private or derivative claims.

Our international sales are primarily conducted in China and we rely on the efforts of our exclusive distributor in the PRC to market and sell our products there. As such, we may be impacted by regulations, economic conditions, and tariffs imposed by the PRC. In 2019, we were impacted by regulatory changes imposed on over-the-counter (“OTC”) products by the PRC’s National Medical Products Administration (“NMPA”).2


Employees

Employees

As of December 31, 2021,2023, we employed 278 people, who work in administrative, sales, advertising, marketing and operational functions. Through our history, we appreciate the importance of retention, growth and development of our employees. We believe we offer competitive compensation (including salary, incentive bonus, and equity) and benefits packages to our employees. We are also focused on understanding our diversity and inclusion strengths and opportunities and executing on a strategy to support further progress. We continue to focus on building a pipeline for talent to create more opportunities for workplace diversity and to support greater representation within the Company.

On December 21, 2023, the Board and the Company’s President and Principal Executive Officer, Tisha Pedrazzini, agreed that Ms. Pedrazzini would resign as the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and a director effective December 31, 2023. On December 21, 2023, the Board reduced the size of the Board to three seats and appointed David M. Arndt to the hold the position of President and Principal Executive Officer in addition to continuing to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

No contracts exist between us and any union. The compensation of our executive officers is subject to annual review by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.

Patents and Trademarks

At present, we own one patent for our Neoteric Diabetic® Healing Cream. Additionally, weWe actively use our registered trademarks for Scott’s Liquid Gold®, Alpha® Skin Care, Prell®, Denorex®, Zincon®,Neoteric Diabetic Skin Care®, Neoteric®,Kids N Pets®,and Messy Pet®, and BIZ® in the United States and have registered trademarks in a number of additional countries. Our registered trademarks protect names and logos relating to our products as well as the design of boxes for certain of our products. We transferred all registered trademarks of our Scott’s Liquid Gold® brand, Alpha® Skin Care, Denorex®, Zincon®,Neoteric Diabetic Skin Care®, and BIZ® as part of the sale of those brands in 2023.

Public Information

Our website address is www.slginc.com. The information contained on our website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available, free of charge, on our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, shareholder proxy statements on Schedule 14A, interactive data files posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You may also access and read our filings without charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy, Audit Committee Charter, Governance and Nominating Committee Charter, and Compensation Committee Charter, are all available, free of charge, on our website. The documents referenced above are available in print at no cost to any stockholder who requests them from our Corporate Secretary at 8400 East Crescent Parkway, Suite 450, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS.

The following is a discussion of certain material risks that may affect our business. These risks may negatively impact our existing business, future business opportunities, our financial condition or our financial results. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could also decline. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently see as immaterial, may also negatively impact our business.

Business and Industry Risks

A loss of one or more of our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our product sales.

For a majority of our sales, we are dependent upon a small number of major retail customers. The easy access of consumers to our products is dependent upon these major retail stores and other retail stores carrying our products. The willingness of retail customers to carry any of our products depends on various factors, including the level of sales of the product at their stores. In addition, private label products sold by retail trade chains, which are typically sold at lower prices than branded products, are a source of competition for certain of our product lines.


3


Any declines in sales of our products to consumers could result in the loss of retail customers and a corresponding decrease in the distribution of the products, as well as increased costs related to any markdown or return of our products. It is uncertain whether the consumer base served by these stores would purchase our products at other retail stores.

Our international operations in China expose us to a number of risks.

There is both cost and risk associated with establishing, developing, and maintaining international sales operations, and promoting our brand internationally. The PRC’s economic, political, and social conditions, and its government policies, could adversely affect our business. We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and any determination that we violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Our international operations also subject us to changes in trade policies and agreements and other foreign or domestic legal and regulatory requirements, including those resulting in potentially adverse tax consequences or the imposition of onerous trade restrictions such as tariffs, sanctions, and price controls. Any changes in these international trade policies could adversely affect our profitability and stock price.

A continued change in the consumer product retail market may cause our sales to decline.

Our performance depends upon the general health of the economy and of the retail environment in particular. Consumer products, such as those marketed by us, are increasingly being sold by club stores, dollar stores, mass merchandisers, e-commerce retailers and subscription services. The retail environment is changing with the growth of third-party resellers and alternative retail channels and thisthat could significantly change the way traditional retailers do business. If we are not effective in limiting these third-party resellers in selling our products, or if the alternative retail channels were to take significant market share away from traditional retailers or we are not successful in these alternative retail channels, our margins and results of operations may be negatively impacted.

In both health and beauty care and household products, ourOur competitors include some of the largest consumer products companies in the United States.

The marketsmarket in which our products compete are intensely competitive, and many of the other competitors in these markets are larger multi-national consumer products companies. These competitors have much greater financial, technical, and other resources than us, and as a result, are able to regularly introduce new products and spend considerably more on advertising. The distribution and sales of our products can be adversely impacted by the actions of our competitors, and we may have little or no ability to take action to prevent or mitigate these adverse impacts.

We have limited resources to promote our products with advertising and marketing effectiveness.

We believe the growth of our net sales is dependent upon our ability to introduce our products to current and new consumers through advertising and marketing. At present, we have limited resources compared to many of our competitors to spend on advertising and marketing our products. Advertising and marketing can be important in reaching consumers, although the effectiveness of any particular advertisement and marketing cannot be predicted. Additionally, we may not be able to obtain optimal effectiveness at our current advertising and marketing budget. Our limited resources to promote our products through advertising and marketing may adversely affect our net sales and operating results.

Sales of our existing products are affected by changing consumer preferences.

Our primary market is retail stores in the United States which sell to consumers or end users in the mass market. Consumer preferences can change rapidly and are affected by new competitive products. This situation is true for both health and beauty care and household products. Any changes in consumer preferences can materially affect the sales of our products and the results of our operations.

Our future performance and growth is dependent, in part, on the introduction of new or acquired products or businesses.

On December 19, 2023, the Company, Horizon Kinetics and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, providing for the acquisition of Horizon Kinetics by the Company. The proposed transaction entails important risks, including, among others: the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory clearance of the proposed transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; the inability to consummate the proposed transaction due to the failure to satisfy other conditions to complete the proposed transaction; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts our current plans and operations; the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the proposed transaction; the risk that transaction and/or integration costs are successfulgreater than expected, including as a result of conditions regulators put on any approvals of the transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; and other risks to be described in our filings with the SEC.

4


The Company’s ability to utilize its net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards may be substantially limited due to ownership changes that could occur in the marketplace.future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as well as similar state provisions. These ownership changes may limit the amount of NOL carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. Further, if the Company experiences such an ownership change and does not satisfy certain requirements in Section 382 of the Code to continue its business enterprise (which generally requires that the Company continue its historic business or use a significant portion of its historic business assets in a business for the two-year period beginning on the date of the ownership change), its NOL carryforwards may be disallowed, subject to certain exceptions. In general, an “ownership change,” as defined by Section 382 of the Code, results from a transaction or series of transactions over a three-year period resulting in an ownership change of more than 50 percent of the outstanding stock of a company by certain stockholders or public groups.

OurIn addition, our future performance and growth is partially dependent on our ability to successfully identify, develop and introduce new products and product line extensions. The successful development and introduction of new products involves substantial research, development, marketing and promotional expenditures, which we may be unable to recover if the new products do not gain widespread market acceptance.


We have pursued

Our directors, officers, and current principal stockholders own a large percentage of our common stock and could limit other stockholders’ influence over corporate decisions.

As of March 25, 2024, our directors, officers, and current stockholders holding more than 5% of our common stock collectively beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, approximately 41.2% of our outstanding common stock, with Maran Capital beneficially owning 40.3% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, these stockholders acting alone or together may continue to pursuebe capable of controlling most matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, approval of acquisitions requiring the issuance of brands or businesses. Acquisitions involve numerous potential risks, including, among other things, the successful integrationa significant amount of the acquired products or brandsCompany’s equity, approval of equity incentive plans, and realization of the full extent of expected benefits or synergies. Acquisitions could also result in additional debt, exposure to liabilities, the potential impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, or transaction costs. Anysignificant corporate transactions. The interests of these risks, shouldstockholders may not always coincide with our corporate interests or the interests of our other stockholders, and they materialize, could adversely impact our operating results.may act in a manner with which some stockholders may not agree or that may not be in the best interests of all stockholders.

Any loss of our key executives or other personnel could harm our business.

Our success has depended on the experience and continued service of our executive officers and key employees. If we fail to retain these officers or key employees, our ability to continue our business and effectively compete may be substantially diminished.

Our stock price can be volatile and can decline substantially.

Our stock is traded on the OTC Pink Market tier of the OTC Markets. The volume of trades in our stock varies from day to day but is relatively limited. As a result, any events can result in volatile movements in the price of our stock and can result in significant declines in the market price of our stock.

We rely on trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, which may not be sufficient to protect our intellectual property.

We rely on a combination of laws, such as copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality provisions and limited licenses, to establish and protect our intellectual property. We have registered U.S. and foreign country trademarks, and HK NFS Limited (“HK NFS”) has contractually agreed to undertake steps to prevent counterfeiting of our products and to otherwise protect our trademarks in the PRC.trademarks. These forms of intellectual property protection are critically important to our ability to establish and maintain our competitive position. However, it is possible that laws, contractual restrictions, and other efforts may not be sufficient to prevent misappropriation of our property or to deter others from developing similar intellectual property.

Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers, and business partners on our networks. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen, resulting in legal claims or proceedings, which could disrupt our operations and damage our reputation, adversely affect our operating results and stock price.

We may from time to time expand our business through acquisitions, which could disrupt our business.

We have completed, and may pursue in the future, acquisitions of businesses or assets that are complementary to our business. Such acquisitions involve a number of risks, including:

5


failure of the acquired businesses to achieve the results we expect;

substantial cash expenditures;

diversion of capital and management attention from operational matters;

our inability to retain key personnel of the acquired businesses;

possible impairment of substantial intangible assets if performance doesn’t meet expectations;

incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities and risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities; and

the potential disruption and strain on our existing business and resources that could result from our planned growth and continuing integration of our acquisitions.

If we fail to properly evaluate acquisitions, we may not achieve the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions, we may incur costs in excess of what is anticipated, and management resources and attention may be diverted from other necessary or valuable activities. Any acquisition may not result in short-term or long-term benefits to us. If we are unable to integrate or successfully manage any business that we acquire, we may not realize anticipated cost savings, improved efficiencies or revenue growth, which may result in reduced profitability or operating losses.


Operational Risks

Disruptions in our supply chain and other factors affecting the distribution of our finished goods inventory could adversely impact our business.

A disruption within our logistics or supply chain network could adversely affect our ability to maintain appropriate inventory or deliver products in a timely manner, which could impair our ability to meet customer demand for products and result in lost sales, increased supply chain costs, or damage to our reputation. As a result of COVID-19, we have encountered shortages of raw materials for certain of our products and delays in receiving finished goods product from contract manufacturers, which has prevented us from meeting certain customer demands for our products. Along with many other industry participants, weour contract manufacturing partners have experienced great difficulty procuring containerscertain raw materials and caps.components.

COVID-19 could also negatively impact the operations of our third-party manufacturing and logistics partners, resultingContinued increases in an adverse impactcosts as well as any impacts to our abilitypartners' abilities to meet customer demand. Disruptionfulfill sales to our supply chain and manufacturing and logistics partners is not limited to COVID-19, as other factors beyond our control could also result in a negative impact to our financial performance and condition.

COVID-19 disruptionscustomers could continue to impactaffect our ability to meet debt requirements and lead to increased debt costs.

We face the risk that raw materials for our products may not be available or that costs for these materials will increase.

Raw materials required for our products are sourced areand obtained from third party suppliers, some of which are sole source suppliers. We have no long-term contracts with such suppliers and are subject to cost increases. Manufacturers of our products may not have sufficient raw materials for production if there is a shortage in raw materials or other disruption in the supply chain or if suppliers terminate their relationships or are otherwise unable to supply raw materials. In addition, if our contract manufacturers change suppliers it could involve delays that restrict our ability to have our products manufactured or to buy products in a timely manner to meet delivery requirements of our customers. Suppliers of raw materials for our products can also be subject to the same risk with their vendors.

Manufacturing relationships with third parties.

We currently outsource our manufacturing to one or more third parties, which we intend to expand. Failure by one or more of these third parties to complete activities on schedule or in accordance with our expectations, meet their contractual or other obligations to us, or comply with applicable laws or regulations, or any disruption in the relationships between us and one or more of these third parties, could delay or prevent the development, approval, manufacturing, or commercialization of our products, could expose us to suboptimal quality of service delivery or deliverables, could result in repercussions such as missed deadlines or other timeliness issues, erroneous data and supply disruptions, and could also result in non-compliance with legal or regulatory requirements or industry standards or reputational harm, all with potential negative implications for our product pipeline and business.

Currently, as a result of COVID-19, our third-party manufacturers are having delays due to material shortages and delays and difficulty staffing workforce to keep production lines moving efficiently, which is forcing them to restructure their planning to produce products in a timely manner.

Financial and Economic Risks

Unfavorable and uncertain economic conditions could adversely affect our profitability.

Unfavorable and uncertain economic conditions in the past have adversely affected, and in the future may adversely affect, consumer demand for some of our products, resulting in reduced sales volume and a decrease in our overall profitability. Factors that can affect consumer demand for our products include inflation, slower growth or recession, rates of unemployment, consumer confidence, tighter credit, higher interest rates, health care costs, fuel and other energy costs and other economic factors affecting consumer spending behavior.

Our products are subject to truckingtransportation costs, both in delivery to us at our production facility as well as transportationshipments to our customers. As a result, we are exposed to volatility in the freight industry that could affect our costs, including changes in regulations and labor costs. Any increases in transportation costs could adversely affect our profitability if we are not able to pass those costs on to our customers.


Changes in the economic environment have resulted, and could further result, in significant impairments of certain of our goodwill and long-lived assets.

Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”),If we reviewfail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, and, as a result, investors could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could adversely affect our business and the carrying value of our goodwill onshares.

We are required to include in our annual reports filed with the SEC a report from our management regarding internal control over financial reporting. As a result, we documented and evaluated our internal control over financial reporting in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and SEC rules and regulations, which require an annual basis. We also reviewmanagement report on our internal control over financial reporting, including, among other matters, management's assessment of the carryingeffectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Failure or circumvention of our system of internal control could have an adverse effect on our business, profitability, and financial condition, and could result in regulatory actions and loss of investor confidence. Additionally, if we fail to identify and correct any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting or fail to prevent fraud, current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the value of our long-lived assets when eventsshares.

6


We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.

Based on management’s assessment, we have identified a material weakness in our controls related to our finance department lacking a sufficient number of trained professionals with technical accounting expertise to process and account for complex, non-routine transactions in accordance with GAAP. The material weakness that we previously reported was identified as of June 30, 2023, and the deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting were detailed in Item 4 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The specific factors leading to this conclusion are described in Part II – Item 9A.“Controls and Procedures” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. A material weakness is a deficiency, or changesa combination of deficiencies, in circumstances indicateinternal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim Consolidated Financial Statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

This material weakness did not result in any restatements to our Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2023, this material weakness had not been remediated. If our remedial measures are insufficient, or if additional material weakness or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting or in our disclosure controls occur in the carryingfuture, our future Consolidated Financial Statements or other information filed with the SEC may contain material misstatements and could require a restatement of our Consolidated Financial Statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, leading to a decline in the market value of these assets may not be recoverable, based on their expected future cash flows. The impact of reduced expected future cash flow could require the write-down of all or a portion of the carrying value for these assets, which would result in additional impairments, resulting in decreased earnings. During 2021, we determined that the fair values of goodwill and certain intangible assets in our Detergent, All-Purpose, and Shampoo reporting units were less than their carrying values which resulted in impairment charges.securities.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

Changes in the regulation of our products, including environmental regulations, could have an adverse effect on the distribution, cost or function of our products.

Regulations affecting our products include requirements ofGenerally, the FDA and NMPA for cosmetic products and environmental regulations. In the past, the FDA has mentioned the treatment of products with AHAs as drugs, which could make our productionmanufacture, processing, formulation, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, advertising and sale of certain Alpha® Skin Carethe Company’s products more expensive or prohibitive. Also,and the conduct of its business operations must comply with extensive federal, state and foreign laws and regulations. For example, in the past, we have been required to changeU.S., many of the formulation of ourCompany’s products to comply with environmental regulations and may be required to do so again in the future if the applicable regulations are further amended.

Labeling practices in our industry have recently experienced an increase of warning letters admonishing cosmetics manufacturers for promotional claims on their websites and product labels deemedregulated by the FDA to blurEnvironmental Protection Agency, the line between “cosmetics”Food and “drugs.” The increase of warning lettersDrug Administration (including applicable current good manufacturing practice regulations) and/or the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Company’s product claims and advertising are regulated by the FDA hasFederal Trade Commission, among other regulatory agencies. Additionally, the Company’s and its suppliers’ manufacturing and distribution operations are also triggered a wave of follow-on class action lawsuits against cosmetic manufacturerssubject to regulation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Most states have agencies that regulate in general, including manufacturersparallel to these federal agencies. Additionally, the Company could be subject to future inquiries or investigations by governmental and other regulatory bodies. Any determination that the Company’s operations or activities are not singled out via FDA warning letters. Any claims levied against usin compliance with applicable law could expose the Company to future impairment charges or significant fines, penalties or other sanctions that may result in costly settlements, distract managementa reduction in net income or otherwise adversely impact the business and have an adverse effect on our operating results.reputation of the Company.

Any adverse developments in litigation could have a material impact on us.

We are subject to lawsuits from time to time in the ordinary course of business. While we expect those lawsuits not to have a material effect on us, an adverse development in any such lawsuit or the insurance coverage for a lawsuit could materially and adversely affect our operating results.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY.

Risk Management and Strategy

The Company utilizes information systems to support a variety of business processes and activities in its operations. These systems may be subject to cyber-based attacks or breaches. Some examples of the cybersecurity threats that could negatively impact the Company are denial of service attacks, excessive port scans, firewall breach and computer virus outbreak.

Cybersecurity risk management is part of management’s annual risk assessment program. In order to manage the risks associated with cybersecurity threats, the Company maintains a risk-based cybersecurity program consisting of processes, technologies, and controls to assess, identify and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats.

7


While the Company's information systems are exposed to cybersecurity threats and risks, the Company has not experienced any material cybersecurity incidents affecting its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition, and any costs or operational impacts related to cybersecurity incidents were immaterial during the period presented.

For additional information related to the risks associated with cybersecurity threats, refer to the Information Security, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Risks section of Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Governance

The Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for providing oversight and strategic guidance to management to support the long-term interests of the Company's shareholders. The Audit Committee is the lead committee of the Board of Directors responsible for oversight of the Company’s risk-based cybersecurity program and bears the primary responsibility for oversight of this aspect of the business. As part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors annually reviews the Company's Information Security Incident Response Plan.

On a quarterly basis, or more often as applicable, any cybersecurity incidents are summarized and reported to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors which cover any identified cybersecurity incidents, results of third-party vulnerability testing, and key developments in policies.

Management’s Role Managing Risk

The Company’s cybersecurity risk management is managed by the President and Chief Financial Officer.

The Company engages with a range of third-party experts, including cybersecurity assessors, consultants, and auditors in evaluating and testing its risk management systems. These relationships enable management to leverage specialized knowledge and insights with respect to the Company’s cybersecurity strategies and processes.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.PROPERTIES.

We lease our corporate headquarter facilities in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Please see Note 87 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our facilities.

Effective November 29, 2023, the Company entered into a sublease agreement (the "Sublease") with the consent of our landlord pursuant to which the Company will sublease the premises for a term commencing on April 1, 2024 and continuing until March 31, 2027 with the option to renew until the expiration of the Lease on March 31, 2030.

Through our annual assessment conducted in December 2023, we concluded that the Sublease triggered the need for a quantitative review of the carrying values of our operating lease right-of-use assets and resulted in an impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2023.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are subject to lawsuits from time to time in the ordinary course of business. While we expect those lawsuits not to have a material effect on us, an adverse development in any such lawsuit or the lack of insurance coverage for a lawsuit could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and cash flow.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.


8


PART II

(in thousands, except per share data)

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

ITEM 5.

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

Market Information

Our $0.10 par value common stock is traded on the OTC Pink Market tier of the OTC Markets (an electronic inter-dealer quotation system) under the ticker symbol “SLGD.” Over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The high and low prices of our common stock as traded on the OTC Pink Market tier of the OTC Markets were as follows:

Three Months Ended

2021

 

 

2020

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

High

 

 

Low

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

High

 

 

Low

 

March 31

$

3.03

 

 

$

1.78

 

 

$

2.50

 

 

$

1.25

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.17

 

 

$

1.60

 

 

$

1.02

 

June 30

 

3.00

 

 

 

2.28

 

 

 

2.05

 

 

 

1.28

 

 

0.27

 

 

 

0.18

 

 

 

1.07

 

 

 

0.70

 

September 30

 

3.00

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

1.82

 

 

 

1.51

 

 

0.45

 

 

 

0.25

 

 

 

0.81

 

 

 

0.33

 

December 31

 

2.08

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

 

1.84

 

 

 

1.52

 

 

1.04

 

 

 

0.28

 

 

 

0.37

 

 

 

0.19

 

Shareholders of Record

As of March 30, 2022,25, 2024, based on inquiry, we had approximately 638612 shareholders of record.

Dividends

We did not pay any cash dividends during the two most recent fiscal years. We do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

ITEM 6. RESERVED.

ITEM 6.

9

RESERVED.


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

ITEM 7.

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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements. This Item 7 contains forward-looking statements. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risk, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those made, projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to "Item“Item 1A. Risk Factors"Factors” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, the global economy began experiencingDivestitures

On September 15, 2023, we entered into and consummated a downturn relatedStock Purchase Agreement with a buyer to the impactssell 100% of the COVID-19 global pandemic. While many businesses resumed operations towards the end of the second quarter of 2020, the effects of the pandemic have continued into 2021 and the duration of the impact still remains uncertain. We expect to see continued volatility in the economic markets and government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changing conditions and governmental responses could have impacts on our operating results for the remainder of the year or longer.

Supply Chain and Outsourcing Partners

As a result of COVID-19, we have encountered various supply chain disruptions impacting the availability of certain raw materials for our finished goods products. We have been proactively identifying alternative sources for delayed raw materials. At times, our highest demand products were impacted by supply chain disruptions, but availability continues to improve primarily as a resultoutstanding stock of our actions to mitigate such disruptions. Our third-party logistics partners are facing challenges with availability of staffing and transportation sources, which could cause product shipments to be delayed.


Health and Safety

We have taken proactive, aggressive action to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, and partners. We monitor national, state, and local health recommendations and regulations, and will implement additional protective measures as appropriate.

Customer Demand

At the onset of the pandemic, as a result of government-mandated stay-at-home orders, some of our customers were impacted and forced to cease operations. Customer closings primarily impacted revenue for our Batiste Dry Shampoo distributed products during 2020.

We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and guidance from international and domestic authorities, including federal, state, and local public health authorities and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. In these circumstances, there may be developments outside our control requiring us to adjust our operating plan. Given the dynamic nature of this situation, we cannot reasonably estimate the impacts of COVID-19 on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the future.

Distribution Agreement with Church & Dwight

Our distribution agreement with Church & Dwight Co., Inc. and ourwholly owned subsidiary Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc., was not extended beyond the Expiration Date. As a result, the distribution agreement expired on its own terms as of the Expiration Date ("Neoteric). Effective June 30, 2023, and the Company ceased to distribute Batiste Dry Shampoo products. Unless offset by increased sales of our other products, the conclusion of this distribution agreement is expected to have a material impact on our net sales and result of operations. Net sales of Batiste were $7,155 and $5,299 for the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

Sale of Dryel® Brand

On December 23, 2021,closed in July 2023, we sold the AlphaDryel®Skin Care product line to a company that markets and distributes skin care products. Effective June 30, 2023, and closed in July 2023, we sold the BIZ®product line to a company that markets and distributes laundry products. On January 23, 2023, we sold the Scott's Liquid Gold®Wood Care and Scott's Liquid Gold® Floor Restore product lines to a company that markets and distributes wood care products. On December 15, 2022, we sold the Prell®brand to a company that markets and distributes household cleaningnatural hair and skincare products. We have reflected the operations of DryelNeoteric, Alpha®Skin Care, BIZ®, Scott's Liquid Gold®and Prell® as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

See Note 23 - “Discontinued Operations” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.information on the sale of these brands.

In conjunction with the sale of the Scott’s Liquid Gold® brand, as discussed below, the Company may continue to use names “Scott’s Liquid Gold” and “SLG” for up to eighteen months following the closing date of the agreement on January 23, 2023. Following this transitional name period, the Company will only be able to use the aforementioned names in connection with retaining records and other historical or archived documents and any use required by or permitted as a fair use or otherwise under applicable law.

Executive Overview

Our Business

Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. exists to positively impact consumers’ lives in the markets we serve and create shareholder value. We develop, market, and sell high-quality high-value household and health and beauty care products nationally and internationally to mass merchandisers, drugstores, supermarkets, hardware stores, e-commerce retailers, other retail outlets, and to wholesale distributors. Our long history of selling household products has generated strong consumer and customer loyalty for our brands.

On an ongoing basis, management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor our business health and performance. These key indicators include (but are not limited to) the following:

Net sales (collectively and by operating segment);
Profitability, focusing on gross margins and net income; and
Cash flow.

Net sales (collectively and by operating segment);

Profitability, focusing on gross margins and net income; and

Cash flow.

To achieve our business and financial objectives, we focus on initiatives to drive the growth of the key indicators above. Our ability to drive and generate growth depends on consumer demand for our products and retail customers’ willingness to carry our products in a competitive marketplace. In this environment, we intend to continue to focus on our key indicators to remain competitive, sustain our current level of operations, and drive further growth in future periods.


10


During 2023, the Company achieved objectives focused on optimization, cost reduction, and modernization of our business. These included (but were not limited to) the following:

Sales of assets with low margins or limited future growth potential to optimize our product portfolio;
Payoff debt and improving cash flows from operations through optimization of cost structure;
Restructure and consolidation of business departments to facilitate greater cross-functional teamwork and workplace efficiency; and
Identification and entry into the Merger Agreement with Horizon Kinetics to pursue increased value for shareholders.

Outlook

Looking forward, we are focused on both short- and long-term strategies that we believe will enhance our financial health and deliver shareholder value. The Company entered into the Merger Agreement with the purpose of creating meaningful shareholder value for all shareholders of the combined entity.

While the marketplace in which we operatefor household products has always been highly competitive, we expect that the category challenges and the level of competition will continue to rise. We believe that some of the trends in our business and industry could adversely affect our profitability, including the following:

Changes in national and international regulations;

Changes in national and international regulations;

Changes in policies or practices of some of our key retail customers;

Changes in policies or practices of some of our key retail customers;

Rapid growth of e-commerce and alternative retail channels; and

Rapid growth of e-commerce and alternative retail channels; and

Volatility in the costs of products, transportation, and labor associated with our logistics and warehousing partners.

Inflationary impacts to the costs of products, transportation, and labor associated with our logistics and warehousing partners.

We believe our history of providing high-quality, high-value products to consumers positions us to meet the challenges in our marketplace by continuing to focus on the following key priorities in 2022:

Pursuing growth opportunities, including distributing Alpha® Skin Care, Kids N Pets®, and other products to broader markets;

Improving our processes and systems, specifically through the implementation of a new ERP;

Optimizing our inventories, supply chain, and third-party logistics partners, and operations; and

Paydown of debt and improving cash flows from operations through growth of sales and optimization of cost structure.


ResultsResults of Operations

 

For the Year Ended December 31, (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase / (Decrease)

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Net sales

$

3,403

 

 

$

2,980

 

 

$

423

 

 

 

14.2

%

Cost of sales

 

1,956

 

 

 

1,607

 

 

 

349

 

 

 

21.7

%

Gross profit

 

1,447

 

 

 

1,373

 

 

 

74

 

 

 

5.4

%

Gross margin

 

42.5

%

 

 

46.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising

 

330

 

 

 

641

 

 

 

(311

)

 

 

(48.5

%)

Selling

 

1,528

 

 

 

2,928

 

 

 

(1,400

)

 

 

(47.8

%)

General and administrative

 

3,053

 

 

 

3,059

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(0.2

%)

Intangible asset amortization

 

180

 

 

 

232

 

 

 

(52

)

 

 

(22.4

%)

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

1,471

 

 

 

4,427

 

 

 

(2,956

)

 

 

(66.8

%)

Total operating expenses

 

6,562

 

 

 

11,287

 

 

 

(4,725

)

 

 

(41.9

%)

Loss from operations

 

(5,115

)

 

 

(9,914

)

 

 

4,799

 

 

 

48.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

68

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

100.0

%

Interest expense

 

(145

)

 

 

(141

)

 

 

(4

)

 

 

(2.8

%)

Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

(5,192

)

 

 

(10,055

)

 

 

4,863

 

 

 

48.4

%

Income tax expense

 

(9

)

 

 

(63

)

 

 

54

 

 

 

85.7

%

Loss from continuing operations

 

(5,201

)

 

 

(10,118

)

 

 

4,917

 

 

 

48.6

%

Income from discontinued operations

 

5,581

 

 

 

1,267

 

 

 

4,314

 

 

 

340.5

%

Net income (loss)

$

380

 

 

$

(8,851

)

 

$

9,231

 

 

 

104.3

%

 

For the Year Ended December 31, (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase / (Decrease)

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Net sales

$

33,081

 

 

$

28,958

 

 

$

4,123

 

 

 

14.2

%

Cost of sales

 

19,082

 

 

 

16,433

 

 

 

2,649

 

 

 

16.1

%

Impairment of inventories

 

404

 

 

 

876

 

 

 

(472

)

 

 

(53.9

%)

Total cost of sales

 

19,486

 

 

 

17,309

 

 

 

2,177

 

 

 

12.6

%

Gross profit

 

13,595

 

 

 

11,649

 

 

 

1,946

 

 

 

16.7

%

Gross margin

 

41.1

%

 

 

40.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising

 

639

 

 

 

702

 

 

 

(63

)

 

 

(9.0

%)

Selling

 

9,797

 

 

 

7,546

 

 

 

2,251

 

 

 

29.8

%

General and administrative

 

4,611

 

 

 

4,724

 

 

 

(113

)

 

 

(2.4

%)

Intangible asset amortization

 

1,111

 

 

 

1,005

 

 

 

106

 

 

 

10.5

%

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

6,294

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6,294

 

 

 

100.0

%

Impairment of property and equipment

 

-

 

 

 

107

 

 

 

(107

)

 

 

(100.0

%)

Total operating expenses

 

22,452

 

 

 

14,084

 

 

 

8,368

 

 

 

59.4

%

Loss from operations

 

(8,857

)

 

 

(2,435

)

 

 

(6,422

)

 

 

(263.7

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(373

)

 

 

(216

)

 

 

(157

)

 

 

(72.7

%)

Other income

 

-

 

 

 

350

 

 

 

(350

)

 

 

(100.0

%)

Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

(9,230

)

 

 

(2,301

)

 

 

(6,929

)

 

 

(301.1

%)

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(1,008

)

 

 

707

 

 

 

(1,715

)

 

 

(242.6

%)

Loss from continuing operations

 

(10,238

)

 

 

(1,594

)

 

 

(8,644

)

 

 

(542.3

%)

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

(853

)

 

 

43

 

 

 

(896

)

 

 

(2,083.7

%)

Net loss

$

(11,091

)

 

$

(1,551

)

 

$

(9,540

)

 

 

(615.1

%)

Net loss increasedincome changed primarily due to the following:

Increase

11


Increases in gross profit due to the acquisition of BIZ in July 2020 and additional foot traffic at our retail customers from eased restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Additionally, net sales increased due to restored finished goods inventory of key products in 2021 in our household segment.

Increase in selling expenses from the acquisition of BIZ and COVID-19 driven increases in costs in transportation and labor associated with our logistics and warehousing partners.

Decrease in general and administrative expenses is due to reduced professional costs from acquisition-related expenses that were incurred in 2020 and offset by restructuring costs associated with separation of employees in 2021.

Increase in interest expense associated with our increased debt facilities. The increased debt resulting from simultaneous supply chain shortages and investment in building depleted finished goods inventories has also increased our interest expense.

Increase in income tax expense due to the establishment of a valuation allowance against our deferred tax asset.

Loss from discontinued operations due to the sale of our Dryel brand, which resulted in the recognition of a loss on the sale of the business.

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of Detergent and Shampoo reporting units.


Segment Results

The following tables show comparative net sales and cost of sales are due to increased distribution of our products sold at existing and certain new customers. The decrease in gross profit and gross margin gross profit, loss (income)are primarily due to higher costs from our manufacturers and a change in the mix of our product sales to customers.

Decrease in advertising expenses is primarily due to a reduction in personnel costs related to the creation of advertising materials due to asset divestitures.
Decrease in selling expenses is primarily due to lower logistics and warehousing costs from a consolidation of our third-party logistics partners, and a reduction in personnel costs related to asset divestitures.
Decreased intangible asset amortization from reduced carrying amounts related to impairments recognized in 2022.
Impairment of long-lived assets and internal-use software.
Results from discontinued operations, volume and percentage changes for our household and health and beauty care products between periods:

Household products

 

For the Year Ended December 31, (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase / (Decrease)

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Net sales

$

14,152

 

 

$

12,003

 

 

$

2,149

 

 

 

17.9

%

Gross profit

$

5,583

 

 

$

5,830

 

 

$

(247

)

 

 

(4.2

%)

Gross margin

 

39.5

%

 

 

48.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from operations

$

(3,963

)

 

$

52

 

 

$

(4,015

)

 

 

(7,721.2

%)

which are disclosed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Household products increase in net sales was attributable to our acquisition of BIZ. This was offset by a decrease in net sales from key product shortages, including our Scott’s Liquid Gold Wood Care product.

Gross profit and gross margin decreased due to cost increases in our manufacturing partners’ raw materials and inventory impairment related to slow moving and obsolete raw materials and finished goods.

Loss from operations was related to increases in transportation and labor associated with our logistics and warehousing partners, restructuring costs, and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in our Detergent and All-Purpose reporting units.

Health and beauty care products

 

For the Year Ended December 31, (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase / (Decrease)

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Health and beauty care net sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales- distributed products

$

7,123

 

 

$

6,834

 

 

$

289

 

 

 

4.2

%

Net sales- manufactured products

 

11,806

 

 

 

10,121

 

 

 

1,685

 

 

 

16.6

%

Total health and beauty care net sales

$

18,929

 

 

$

16,955

 

 

$

1,974

 

 

 

11.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

$

8,012

 

 

$

5,819

 

 

$

2,193

 

 

 

37.7

%

Gross margin

 

42.3

%

 

 

34.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

$

(4,894

)

 

$

(2,487

)

 

$

(2,407

)

 

 

(96.8

%)

Net sales of distributed health and beauty care products increased due to additional foot traffic at our retail customers from eased restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. This increase is offset by the conclusion of our distribution arrangement with Montagne Jeunesse in the second quarter of 2020.

Net sales of manufactured health and beauty care products increased primarily due to higher sales of our Alpha Skin Care line to e-commerce partners and China as well as higher sales of our Denorex brand due to the restoration of consistent inventory levels in 2021.

Increase in gross margin was due to increased sales of manufactured products, improved margins from outsourced manufacturing operations, and a reduction in impaired inventories in 2021.

Loss from operations was primarily due to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of our Shampoo reporting unit, inventory impairment related to slow moving and obsolete raw materials and finished goods, and increases in transportation and labor associated with our logistics and warehousing partners.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Financing Agreements

Please see Note 76 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for information on our debt facilities with UMB Bank, N.A. and La Plata Capital, LLC.Loan Agreement, which was satisfied and terminated in July 2023, and our UMB Loan Agreement, which was satisfied and terminated in February 2023.

Liquidity and Changes in Cash Flows

At December 31, 2021,2023, we had $5,467 available on our revolving credit facility with UMB, and approximately $770$3,927 in cash on hand, an increase of $765$3,878 from December 31, 2020 due to our sale of Dryel and paydown of our revolving credit facility.2022.

The following is a summary of cash provided by or used in each of the indicated types of activities:

 

For the Year Ended December 31, (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase / (Decrease)

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Operating activities

$

(861

)

 

$

(1,849

)

 

$

988

 

 

 

53.4

%

Investing activities

 

8,243

 

 

 

338

 

 

 

7,905

 

 

 

2,338.8

%

Financing activities

 

(3,504

)

 

 

290

 

 

 

(3,794

)

 

 

(1,308.3

%)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase / (Decrease)

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Operating activities

$

(322

)

 

$

3,582

 

 

$

(3,904

)

 

 

(109.0

%)

Investing activities

 

4,381

 

 

 

(10,097

)

 

 

14,478

 

 

 

143.4

%

Financing activities

 

(2,794

)

 

 

5,426

 

 

 

(8,220

)

 

 

(151.5

%)

Net cash used byNet cash used in operating activities decreased primarily related increases in costs related to supply chain and third party logistics impacted as well as investments in finished goods inventories.

Net cash provided by investing activities was primarily attributable to our sale of Dryel.

Net cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to repayments of the UMB revolving credit facility and term loan and was offset by proceeds from La Plata term loan.

The uncertainty related to the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted our loss from continuing operations and could affectpartially offset by conversion of working capital from accounts receivable and reduction in finished goods inventories.

Net cash provided by investing activities was due to the sale of our future results.Scott's Liquid Gold®, Biz®, Alpha®
Skin Care and Neoteric brands.
Net cash used in financing activities was from repayments and termination of our UMB and La Plata Loan Agreements.

The cash received from the sales of our BIZ® and Alpha® Skin Care brands in July 2023 was $3,700 and was partially used to pay off and terminate our La Plata Loan Agreement. Cash proceeds from the sale of Neoteric will be used to fund operations as we seek to grow our existing business while closing the Merger. While we believe that our business model will allow uscurrent cash reserves represent sufficient cash to generate sufficient operating cash flows,fund our operations, our liquidity has been affected by the timing ofinflationary pressures at our build of depleted finished goods inventories, while our netcustomers which have caused sales have been delayed due to supply chain shortages.decreases and higher costs on materials, logistics, and other purchases. We expect that our current cash reserves and availability under our UMB Loan Agreement and La Plata Loan Agreement will be sufficient to meet operational cash needs during the next twelve months, but further economic impacts to our sales to customers or supply chain disruptions in the short-term could limitimpact our liquidity.

12


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to use judgment and make estimates. The level of uncertainty in estimates and assumptions increases with the length of time until the underlying transactions are completed. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates. The accounting policies that are most critical in the preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are those that are both important to the presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and require significant or complex judgments and estimates on the part of management.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue recognition policy is significant because the amount and timing of revenue is a key component of our results of operations. See Note 1(m)1(k), “Revenue Recognition” in our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for additional discussion.

IntangibleLong-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is the level at which discrete financial information is available and Goodwill

reviewed by management. For fiscal year 2021,2023, the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes were its individual components, which are differentiated by their product categories. These reporting units are the level at which discrete financial information is available and reviewed by management.


Determining the fair value of the Company’s reporting units for goodwill and the fair value of its intangiblelong-lived assets requires significant estimates and judgments by management. When a quantitative analysis is performed, the Company generally uses the income approach, which requires several estimates, including future cash flows consistent with management’s strategic plans, sales growth rates, and the selection of royalty rates and a discount rate. Estimating sales growth rates requires significant judgment by management in areas such as future economic conditions, category growth rates, product pricing, consumer tastes and preferences and future expansion expectations. In selecting an appropriate royalty rate, the Company considers recent market transactions for similar brands and products. In determining an appropriate discount rate, the Company considers the current interest rate environment and its estimated cost of capital. Other qualitative factors the Company considers, in addition to those quantitative measures discussed above, include assessments of general macroeconomic conditions, industry-specific considerations and historical financial performance. The Company generally engages a third-party valuation firm to assist it in determining the fair value of intangible assets acquired in business combinations.

In determining the fair value of the Company’s reporting units, fair value is also determined using the market approach, which is generally derived from metrics of comparable publicly traded companies. As multiple valuation methodologies are used, the Company also performs a qualitative analysis comparing the fair value of a reporting unit under each method to assess its reasonableness and ensure consistency of results.

Determining the expected life of a brand requires management judgment and is based on an evaluation of several factors including market share, brand history, future expansion expectations, the level of in-market support anticipated by management, legal or regulatory restrictions and the economic environment where the products are sold.

We made revisions to the internal forecasts relating to all reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2021 due primarily to the sale of our Dryel brand and the impact of rising costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of our products. Through our annual assessments, conducted on December 31, 2021, we concluded that the changes in circumstances in these reporting units triggered the need for a quantitative review of the carrying values of goodwill and certain intangiblelong-lived assets and resulted in following impairment charges to each of our Detergent, All-Purpose, and Shampoocertain reporting units during the year ended December 31,2021,31, 2023 and resulted in the following impairment charges:2022:

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

Total

 

Detergent

$

1,085

 

 

$

593

 

 

$

1,678

 

Shampoo

 

2,966

 

 

 

1,520

 

 

 

4,486

 

All-Purpose

 

130

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

130

 

 

$

4,181

 

 

$

2,113

 

 

$

6,294

 

Inventories 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

Total

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

Total

 

All-Purpose

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

2,717

 

 

$

1,710

 

 

$

4,427

 

Corporate

 

858

 

 

 

613

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,471

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

858

 

 

$

613

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,471

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

2,717

 

 

$

1,710

 

 

$

4,427

 

InventoriesValuation

Our inventory valuation policy is significant because the costs and valuation of slow-moving or obsolete inventories are key components of our results of operations. See Note 1(f), “Inventories Valuation” in our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for additional discussion.

13


During the year ended December 31, 2021, we specifically identified slow moving and obsolete inventories, resulting in an impairment of $404.

Income Taxes

Our income taxes policy is significant because our estimate for taxes is a key component of our results of operations. See Note 1(l)1(j), “Income Taxes” in our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for additional discussion.



Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For information on recently issued accounting standards, see Note 1(q)1(p), “Recently Issued Accounting Standards,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Not applicable.


14


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.


SCOTT’S LIQUID GOLD-INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.Page

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms (PCAOB ID 572 and 166)

16

Consolidated Statements of Operations

19

Consolidated Balance Sheets

20

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

21

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

22

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

23

15


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Scott’sand Stockholders

Scott's Liquid Gold – Inc.Gold-Inc.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidatingconsolidated balance sheets of Scott’s Liquid Gold - Inc.Gold-Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20212023, and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the yearsyear then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial“consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020,2023, and the results of its consolidated operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the years then ended, December 31, 2021 and 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

The Company's management is responsible for theseThese consolidated financial statements.statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits.audit. 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 (the “SEC”) and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, 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 audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

Impairment of right of use assets

Description of the Matter

As discussed in Note 7, the Company reviews its right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of ROU assets may not be recoverable, including when there is an adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset group is being used. The Company considered a triggering event occurred related to ROU assets associated with a specific lease as the Company closed its operations in the leased premises and then subleased the location. The Company concluded that the carrying value of the ROU asset will not be recovered based on expected undiscounted future cash flows, and accordingly an impairment loss was recorded to reduce the ROU asset to its fair value. This resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $858,000 and a post impairment carrying value of the ROU asset of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Auditing the Company’s recoverability test for right of use assets was challenging due to subjective estimates and assumptions used by the Company to determine the undiscounted cash flows associated with the lease and its determined fair value. The estimate of undiscounted cash flows and fair value was subject to higher estimation uncertainty due to management’s judgments over significant assumptions, including future sublease income. Changes in these significant assumptions could have a significant effect on the undiscounted cash flows and fair value of the ROU asset.

16


How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

Our audit procedures over the Company’s impairment assessment for this ROU asset included, among others,

Obtaining an understanding of management’s process of identifying events or circumstances that may indicate the carrying amount of the right of use asset may not be recoverable.
Evaluating the completeness and accuracy of data used in the projected cash flow model and related fair value discounted cash flow model,
Assessing the reasonableness of significant assumptions in the cash flow models, including projected sublease income, current market rental market in the geographic area, assessing the lease rate used in company’s calculations of the fair value of the sublease.
Recalculating the impairment recorded based on the excess of the carrying value of the right of use asset over its estimated fair value as of December 31, 2023.

Assessment of the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As disclosed in Note 2 to the financial statements, for the year ended December 31, 2023 the Company had cash of $3.9 million, working capital of $4 million and shareholders’ equity $3.3 million. Management evaluated the Company’s liquidity within one year after the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements to determine if there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management has concluded that, based on its current plans and projections, the Company will be able to satisfy its liquidity requirements for more than one year from when these financial statements were issued. In the preparation of the liquidity assessment, management applied judgment to estimate the projected cash flows of the Company, including the following: (i) projected cash outflows, (ii) projected cash inflows, and (iii) other quantitative factors of the Company’s business including a potential sale of the Company.

We identified management’s evaluation of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and related disclosures as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments and assumptions used by management in preparing the Company’s forecasted cash flows and the risk of bias in management’s judgments and assumptions in estimating these cash flows. Auditing these judgments and assumptions required a high degree of auditor judgment and increased auditor effort required to address these matters.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

We obtained management’s cash flow forecasts covering the going concern assessment period and evaluated the reasonableness of the cash flow forecast by comparing it to historical operating results
We evaluated Managements assumptions in the preparing these forecasts and examined the underlying evidence.
We performed sensitivity analyses on the projected revenue and operating margins used in the Company’s cash flow projections to evaluate the impact on the conclusions reached by management.
We evaluated the adequacy of management’s disclosure in the financial statements regarding the Company’s liquidity by comparing to other audit evidence obtained to determine whether such information is consistent with the Company’s liquidity disclosure

Emphasis of a Matter

As discussed in Note 13 to the financial statements, on December 19, 2023, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, upon obtaining the requisite shareholder approval, the Company will be merged with another company, whereby, with the other company being the surviving entity. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.

/s/ Weinberg & Company, P.A.

Los Angeles, California

March 26, 2024

17


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022, the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the year in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Substantial Doubt Regarding Going Concern

The accompanying 2022 consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations, has experienced cash used from operations in excess of its current cash position, and has an accumulated deficit, which raised substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern as of December 31, 2022 as assessed at March 29, 2023. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The 2022 consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

Basis for Opinion

The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements. 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) (the “PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with 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 auditaudits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Impairment of Intangible Assets

Description of the Matter

At December 31, 2021, the Company’s net intangible assets was $5,160,000. As discussed in Notes 1 (i) and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, net intangible assets are assessed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates assets for potential impairment by comparing estimated future undiscounted net cash flows to the carrying amount of the asset. If the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is measured based on the difference between the carrying amount of the assets and fair value.

Auditing the Company’s impairment tests for intangible assets was complex and highly judgmental due to the significant estimation in management’s assumptions to calculate the undiscounted cash flows and the fair value estimate. These assumptions can significantly affect the undiscounted cash flows and fair value of the intangible assets.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit


We evaluated the design of key controls used by management to develop their fair value estimates.

To test the Company’s impairment assessment for intangible assets, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, testing the significant assumptions discussed above, including the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used by the Company in its analyses. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to current industry and economic trends, historical financial results and other relevant factors. We involved our valuation specialists to assist in the assessment of the Company’s discount rate for the fair value estimate of intangible assets when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cashflows. We performed sensitivity analyses related to the discount rate to evaluate the change in the fair value relative to the carrying value when measuring the resulting impairment. We also assessed the historical accuracy of management's projections.


Impairment of Goodwill

Description of the Matter

At December 31, 2021, the Company’s goodwill was $1,710,000.  As discussed in Notes 1(i) and 6 of the consolidated financial statements, goodwill is tested by the Company’s management for impairment at least annually, during the fourth quarter, unless events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level.

Auditing the Company’s impairment tests for goodwill was complex and highly judgmental due to the significant estimation required in determining the fair value of the reporting units for goodwill. Specifically, the fair value estimates of the reporting units are sensitive to assumptions such as net sales growth rates, discount rate, and long-term growth rates. The fair value estimates of goodwill are affected by such factors as industry, market performance, and financial forecasts.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

We evaluated the design of key controls used by management to develop their fair value estimates.

To test the estimated fair value of the Company's reporting units, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing the methodologies used and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, including the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used by the Company in its analyses. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to current industry and economic trends, historical financial results and other relevant factors. We performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the fair value of the reporting units resulting from changes in the inputs and assumptions. We also assessed the historical accuracy of management's projections. In addition, we involved our valuation specialists to assist in our evaluation of the valuation methodology and significant assumptions described above used to develop the fair value estimates.

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2003.from 2003 to 2023.

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

Broomfield, Colorado

March 31, 202229, 2023 except for discontinued operations as disclosed in Note 3 as to which the date is March 26, 2024

Denver, Colorado



18


SCOTT’S LIQUID GOLD-INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Net sales

$

33,081

 

 

$

28,958

 

$

3,403

 

 

$

2,980

 

Cost of sales

 

19,082

 

 

 

16,433

 

 

1,956

 

 

 

1,607

 

Impairment of inventories

 

404

 

 

 

876

 

Total cost of sales

 

19,486

 

 

 

17,309

 

Gross Profit

 

13,595

 

 

 

11,649

 

Gross profit

 

1,447

 

 

 

1,373

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising

 

639

 

 

 

702

 

 

330

 

 

 

641

 

Selling

 

9,797

 

 

 

7,546

 

 

1,528

 

 

 

2,928

 

General and administrative

 

4,611

 

 

 

4,724

 

 

3,053

 

 

 

3,059

 

Intangible asset amortization

 

1,111

 

 

 

1,005

 

 

180

 

 

 

232

 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

6,294

 

 

 

-

 

Impairment of property and equipment

 

-

 

 

 

107

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

1,471

 

 

 

4,427

 

Total operating expenses

 

22,452

 

 

 

14,084

 

 

6,562

 

 

 

11,287

 

Loss from operations

 

(8,857

)

 

 

(2,435

)

 

(5,115

)

 

 

(9,914

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

68

 

 

 

-

 

Interest expense

 

(373

)

 

 

(216

)

 

(145

)

 

 

(141

)

Other income

 

-

 

 

 

350

 

Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

(9,230

)

 

 

(2,301

)

 

(5,192

)

 

 

(10,055

)

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(1,008

)

 

 

707

 

Income tax expense

 

(9

)

 

 

(63

)

Loss from continuing operations

 

(10,238

)

 

 

(1,594

)

 

(5,201

)

 

 

(10,118

)

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

(853

)

 

 

43

 

Net loss

$

(11,091

)

 

$

(1,551

)

Income from discontinued operations

 

5,581

 

 

 

1,267

 

Net income (loss)

$

380

 

 

$

(8,851

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net loss per common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

$

(0.81

)

 

$

(0.13

)

$

(0.40

)

 

$

(0.79

)

Loss from discontinued operations

$

(0.07

)

 

$

0.00

 

Net loss

$

(0.88

)

 

$

(0.13

)

Income from discontinued operations

$

0.43

 

 

$

0.09

 

Net income (loss)

$

0.03

 

 

$

(0.70

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

12,678

 

 

 

12,635

 

 

12,927

 

 

 

12,758

 

See accompanying notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements.


19


SCOTT’S LIQUID GOLD-INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except par value amounts)

December 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

$

770

 

 

$

5

 

$

3,677

 

 

$

49

 

Restricted cash

 

500

 

 

 

-

 

 

250

 

 

 

-

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

3,516

 

 

 

4,512

 

 

307

 

 

 

1,730

 

Due from buyers

 

145

 

 

 

103

 

Inventories

 

5,677

 

 

 

3,808

 

 

365

 

 

 

775

 

Income taxes receivable

 

320

 

 

 

535

 

 

-

 

 

 

239

 

Prepaid expenses

 

436

 

 

 

596

 

 

207

 

 

 

243

 

Other current assets

 

-

 

 

 

112

 

Current assets associated with discontinued operations

 

-

 

 

 

180

 

Assets of discontinued operations

 

-

 

 

 

4,261

 

Total current assets

 

11,219

 

 

 

9,748

 

 

4,951

 

 

 

7,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

7

 

 

 

18

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

-

 

 

 

969

 

Goodwill

 

1,710

 

 

 

3,823

 

Intangible assets, net

 

5,160

 

 

 

9,984

 

 

-

 

 

 

793

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

2,735

 

 

 

2,985

 

 

1,376

 

 

 

2,491

 

Other assets

 

38

 

 

 

38

 

 

40

 

 

 

47

 

Long-term assets associated with discontinued operations

 

-

 

 

 

5,991

 

Total assets

$

20,869

 

 

$

33,556

 

$

6,367

 

 

$

10,731

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

2,647

 

 

$

1,799

 

$

544

 

 

$

1,407

 

Accrued expenses

 

747

 

 

 

296

 

 

19

 

 

 

311

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

1,000

 

 

 

1,000

 

Current portion of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

 

-

 

 

 

3,384

 

Operating lease liabilities, current portion

 

251

 

 

 

249

 

 

291

 

 

 

270

 

Other current liabilities

 

-

 

 

 

67

 

Total current liabilities

 

4,645

 

 

 

3,411

 

 

854

 

 

 

5,372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion and debt issuance costs

 

1,876

 

 

 

4,521

 

Operating lease liabilities, net of current

 

2,780

 

 

 

3,032

 

 

2,221

 

 

 

2,512

 

Other liabilities

 

27

 

 

 

127

 

 

27

 

 

 

27

 

Total liabilities

 

9,328

 

 

 

11,091

 

 

3,102

 

 

 

7,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 20,000 shares; 0 shares issued and outstanding

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Common stock; $0.10 par value, authorized 50,000 shares; issued and outstanding 12,727 shares (2021) and 12,618 shares (2020)

 

1,273

 

 

 

1,262

 

Preferred Stock, no par value, authorized 20,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Common Stock; $0.10 par value, authorized 50,000 shares; issued and outstanding 13,006 shares (2023) and 12,797 shares (2022)

 

1,301

 

 

 

1,280

 

Capital in excess of par

 

7,789

 

 

 

7,633

 

 

7,956

 

 

 

7,912

 

Retained earnings

 

2,479

 

 

 

13,570

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(5,992

)

 

 

(6,372

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

11,541

 

 

 

22,465

 

 

3,265

 

 

 

2,820

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

20,869

 

 

$

33,556

 

$

6,367

 

 

$

10,731

 

See accompanying notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

20



SCOTT’S LIQUID GOLD-INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(in thousands)

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital in Excess of Par

 

 

Retained Earnings

 

 

Total

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2020

 

12,462

 

 

$

1,246

 

 

$

7,250

 

 

$

15,121

 

 

$

23,617

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital in Excess of Par

 

 

(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings

 

 

Total

 

Balance, January 1, 2022

 

12,727

 

 

$

1,273

 

 

$

7,789

 

 

$

2,479

 

 

$

11,541

 

Stock-based compensation

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

176

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

176

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

89

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

89

 

Stock options exercised

 

51

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

62

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

67

 

Restricted stock unit vesting

 

105

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

145

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

156

 

 

70

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

41

 

Net loss

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,551

)

 

 

(1,551

)

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(8,851

)

 

 

(8,851

)

Balance, December 31, 2020

 

12,618

 

 

$

1,262

 

 

$

7,633

 

 

$

13,570

 

 

$

22,465

 

Balance, December 31, 2022

 

12,797

 

 

$

1,280

 

 

$

7,912

 

 

$

(6,372

)

 

$

2,820

 

Stock-based compensation

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(9

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(9

)

 

200

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

43

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

63

 

Stock options exercised

 

45

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

57

 

Restricted stock unit vesting

 

64

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

112

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

119

 

 

9

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2

 

Net loss

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(11,091

)

 

 

(11,091

)

Balance, December 31, 2021

 

12,727

 

 

$

1,273

 

 

$

7,789

 

 

$

2,479

 

 

$

11,541

 

Net income

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

380

 

 

 

380

 

Balance, December 31, 2023

 

13,006

 

 

$

1,301

 

 

$

7,956

 

 

$

(5,992

)

 

$

3,265

 

See accompanying notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements.


21


SCOTT’S LIQUID GOLD-INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(11,091

)

 

$

(1,551

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,820

 

 

 

1,430

 

Stock-based compensation

 

110

 

 

 

332

 

Deferred income taxes

 

784

 

 

 

(229

)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations

 

834

 

 

 

-

 

Impairment of equipment

 

-

 

 

 

107

 

Impairment of inventories

 

404

 

 

 

876

 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

6,294

 

 

 

-

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

996

 

 

 

(1,817

)

Inventories

 

(2,093

)

 

 

4,256

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

272

 

 

 

(323

)

Income taxes receivable

 

215

 

 

 

170

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities

 

1,133

 

 

 

331

 

Total adjustments to net loss

 

10,769

 

 

 

5,133

 

Net cash (used) provided by operating activities

 

(322

)

 

 

3,582

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition

 

-

 

 

 

(10,529

)

Purchase of software

 

(469

)

 

 

-

 

Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations

 

4,850

 

 

 

-

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

-

 

 

 

(17

)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

-

 

 

 

500

 

Cash paid for leasehold improvements

 

-

 

 

 

(484

)

Reimbursement of leasehold improvements

 

-

 

 

 

433

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

4,381

 

 

 

(10,097

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

 

40,677

 

 

 

16,995

 

Repayments of revolving credit facility

 

(43,885

)

 

 

(13,573

)

Proceeds from term loan

 

2,000

 

 

 

3,000

 

Repayments of term loan

 

(1,583

)

 

 

(417

)

Payments for debt issuance costs

 

(60

)

 

 

(646

)

Proceeds from PPP loan

 

-

 

 

 

600

 

Repayment of PPP loan

 

-

 

 

 

(600

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

57

 

 

 

67

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(2,794

)

 

 

5,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

1,265

 

 

 

(1,089

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

5

 

 

 

1,094

 

Cash and restricted cash, end of period

$

1,270

 

 

$

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and restricted cash, end of period associated with discontinued operations

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

Cash and restricted cash, end of period associated with continuing operations

$

1,270

 

 

$

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest

$

564

 

 

$

183

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

380

 

 

$

(8,851

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

326

 

 

 

622

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of discontinued operations

 

(4,565

)

 

 

155

 

Stock-based compensation

 

65

 

 

 

130

 

Impairment of inventories

 

-

 

 

 

461

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

1,471

 

 

 

5,172

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,423

 

 

 

1,786

 

Inventories

 

967

 

 

 

194

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

1

 

 

 

82

 

Income taxes receivable

 

239

 

 

 

81

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities

 

(1,168

)

 

 

(1,681

)

Total adjustments to net income (loss)

 

(1,241

)

 

 

7,002

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(861

)

 

 

(1,849

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

Purchase of software

 

-

 

 

 

(142

)

Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations

 

8,243

 

 

 

480

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

8,243

 

 

 

338

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

Proceeds from term loans

 

250

 

 

 

-

 

Repayments on term loans

 

(1,250

)

 

 

(2,000

)

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

 

2,795

 

 

 

25,816

 

Repayments of revolving credit facility

 

(5,299

)

 

 

(23,526

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(3,504

)

 

 

290

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash

 

3,878

 

 

 

(1,221

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

49

 

 

 

1,270

 

Cash and restricted cash, end of period

$

3,927

 

 

$

49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest

$

132

 

 

$

316

 

See accompanying notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements.


22


SCOTT’S LIQUID GOLD-INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share data)

Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a)Company Background

Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc., a Colorado corporation was incorporated on February 15, 1954. Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” “we,” “our”“our,” or “us”) develop, market and sell high quality household and health and beauty care products. Our business is comprised of 2 segments;one household products segment.

On December 19, 2023, Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. (the “Company”), Horizon Kinetics LLC (“Horizon Kinetics”) and healthHKNY ONE, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”) entered into an Agreement and beauty care products.Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), providing for the acquisition of Horizon Kinetics by the Company. The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, upon obtaining the requisite shareholder approval, (i) the Company will convert from a Colorado to a Delaware corporation, increase its authorized shares of common stock and change its name and (ii) Merger Sub will be merged with and into Horizon Kinetics, with Horizon Kinetics being the surviving entity (collectively, the "Merger").

(b) Principles of Consolidation

(b)

Principles of Consolidation

Our Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

On September 15, 2023, we entered into and consummated a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with Neoteric Beauty Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Neoteric Buyer”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell 100% of the outstanding stock of our wholly owned subsidiary Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc. (“Neoteric”) to the Neoteric Buyer. Neoteric owned and operated the Denorex®, Zincon®, and Neoteric Diabetic Skin Care® brands. We have reflected the operations of the Neoteric brands as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The Neoteric brands were previously classified under our health and beauty care products segment. See Note 3 for further information.

Effective June 30, 2023, we entered into, and in July 2023 we closed, a purchase agreement with a buyer, pursuant to which we agreed to sell all of our right, title and interest in and to certain assets of the Alpha® Skin Care brand. We have reflected the operations of the Alpha® Skin Care brand as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The Alpha product line was previously classified under our health and beauty care products segment. See Note 3 for further information.

Effective June 30, 2023 we entered into, and in July 2023 closed, a purchase agreement with a buyer, pursuant to which we agreed to sell all of our right, title and interest in and to certain assets of the BIZ® brand. We have reflected the operations of the BIZ® brand as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The BIZ® product line was previously classified under our household products segment. See Note 3 for further information.

On January 23, 2023, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with a buyer, pursuant to which we agreed to sell all of our right, title and interest in and to certain assets of the Scott's Liquid Gold® brand, including the Wood Care and Floor Restore products. We have reflected the operations of the Scott's Liquid Gold® brand as discontinued operations for all periods presented, which was previously classified under our household products segment. See Note 3 for further information.

On December 23, 2021,15, 2022, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with a buyer, pursuant to which we agreed to sell to all of our right, title and interest in and to certain assets of the DryelPrell® product line. We have reflected the operations the DryelPrell® product line as discontinued operations for all periods presented, which was previously classified under our household products segment. See Note 23 for further information.

(c) Basis of Presentation

(c)

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).Commission. Certain previously reported financial information related to executive

23


salaries in the amount of $273 for the year ended December 31, 2022 has been reclassified from selling expenses to general and administrative expenses to conform to the current year’s presentation.

(d) Use of Estimates

(d)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in our financial statements of assets and liabilities, 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. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, the realization of deferred tax assets, reserves for slow moving and obsolete inventory, customer returns and allowances, intangible asset useful lives and amortization method, fair value of assets acquired in business combinations, future cash flows associated with impairment testing of goodwill, right of use and other long-lived assets, assumptions used in stock-based compensation, and stock-based compensation.realization of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from our estimates.

(e) Cash andRestricted Cash

(e)

Cash and Restricted Cash

Cash and restricted cash consist of the following:

 

December 31, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Cash

$

3,677

 

 

$

49

 

Restricted Cash

 

250

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

3,927

 

 

$

49

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

Cash

$

770

 

 

$

5

 

Restricted Cash

 

500

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

1,270

 

 

$

5

 

(f)InventoriesValuation

Inventories consist of raw materials and finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value, which is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. We specifically identify impairment write downs for slow moving and obsolete products and raw materials based upon, among other things, an assessment of historical and anticipated sales of our products. In the event that actual results differ from our estimates, the results of future periods may be impacted.

(g) Leases

During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 respectively, we specifically identified slow moving and obsolete raw material and finished goods inventories, resulting in impairment charges that are reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


(g)

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at historical cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from three to 20 years. Office furniture and office machines are estimated to have useful lives of 10 to 20 and three to five years, respectively. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Improvements that extend the useful lives of the asset or provide improved efficiency are capitalized.

(h)

Leases

Lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement of an arrangement where it is determined at inception that a lease exists. Lease assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. These assets and liabilities are initially recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term calculated using our incremental borrowing rate generally applicable to the location of the lease asset, unless the implicit rate is readily determinable. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that those options will be exercised.

Certain nonlease components, such as maintenance and other services provided by the lessor, are included in the valuation of the lease. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, which are not material to our financial statements, are not recorded on the balance sheet, and the expense for these short-term leases and for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease agreements with lease and nonlease components are combined as a single lease component.

In accordance with our accounting policy for impairment of long-lived assets, operating lease right-of-use assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset group to which the operating lease right-of-use asset is assigned may not be recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of the asset group based on forecasted undiscounted cash flows. See Note 7 “Leases” for additional information on our leases, including the operating lease right-of-use asset impairment charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023.

(h) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

(i)

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Goodwill is subject to impairment tests at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired. Other intangible assets with finite lives, such as customer relationships, trade names, and formulas, are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally ranging from 5 to 25 years.20 years. Amortization expense related to intangible assets is included in Operating Expensesoperating expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

24


Internal-use software costs recognized as an intangible asset relates to capitalizable costs of computer software obtained for internal-use as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-40-30-1. All other internal-use software costs are expensed as incurred by the Company. Amortization will be recorded straight-line overIn the second quarter of 2022, our internal-use software was implemented for its intended use with an estimated useful life of five years. Amortization expense is recorded on a straight-line basis and is included in general and administrative expenses on the software onceConsolidated Statements of Operations. During the software is ready for its intended use. As ofyear ended December 31, 20212023, as part of our annual assessment of the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets, we determined that the carrying value of the internal-use software waswould not readybe recoverable and recorded an impairment charge. See Note 5 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for its intended use. The estimated useful life for internal-use software will be determined and periodically reassessed based on considerations for obsolescence, technology, competition, and other economic factors.additional information.

(j)(i) Financial Instruments

Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash balances in the form of bank demand deposits with financial institutions that we believe are creditworthy. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is generally not material to our financial statements, based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information. We have 0no significant financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk of accounting loss, such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign currency hedging arrangements.

The recorded amounts for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

(j) Income Taxes

(k)

Purchase Accounting for Acquisitions

We apply the acquisition method of accounting for a business combination. In general, this methodology requires us to record assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. Any amount of the purchase price paid that is in excess of the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. For certain acquisitions, we also record a liability for contingent consideration based on estimated future business performance. We monitor our assumptions surrounding these estimated future cash flows and, if there is a significant change, would record an adjustment to the contingent consideration liability and a corresponding adjustment to either income or expense. We determine fair value using widely accepted valuation techniques, primarily discounted cash flow and market multiple analyses. These types of analyses require us to make assumptions and estimates regarding industry and economic factors, the profitability of future business strategies, discount rates and cash flow.


If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to an impairment charge in the future. If the contingent consideration paid for any of our acquisitions differs from the amount initially recorded, we would record either income or expense associated with the change in liability.

(l)

Income Taxes

Income taxes reflect the tax effects of transactions reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and consist of taxes currently payable plus deferred income taxes related to certain income and expenses recognized in different periods for financial and income tax reporting purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases. A valuation allowance is established when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which related temporary differences become deductible. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Taxes are reported based on tax positions that meet a more-likely-than-not standard and that are measured at the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Differences between financial and tax reporting which do not meet this threshold are required to be recorded as unrecognized tax benefits or expense. We classify penalty and interest expense related to income tax liabilities as an income tax expense. There are 0no significant interest and penalties recognized in the Consolidated Statements of IncomeOperations or accrued on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(k) Revenue Recognition

The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was -10.9% and 30.9% respectively, which can differ from the statutory income tax rate due to permanent book-to-tax differences. During the year ended 2021, the Company established a valuation allowance on our deferred tax asset, which is reflected in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The valuation allowance represents our determination that, more likely than not, we will be unable to realize the value of such assets at this time due to the uncertainty of future profitability.

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into U.S. federal law the CARES Act, which is aimed at providing emergency assistance and health care for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and generally supporting the U.S. economy. The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. In particular, under the CARES Act, NOLs arising in 2018, 2019, and 2020 taxable years may be carried back to each of the preceding five years to generate a refund. The tax impact of the carryback of 2020 and 2019 losses were recorded in the first quarter 2021 and 2020 income tax provisions, respectively. We elected to defer our portion of social security tax payments, and we paid this liability in the third quarter of 2021.

(m)

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue recognition policy is significant because the amount and timing of revenue is a key component of our results of operations. Certain criteria are required to be met in order to recognize revenue. If these criteria are not met, then the associated revenue is deferred until it is met. When consideration is received in advance of the delivery of goods or services, a contract liability is recorded. Our revenue contracts are identified when purchase orders are received and accepted from customers and represent a single performance obligation to sell our products to a customer.

Net sales reflect the transaction prices for contracts, which include products shipped at selling list prices reduced by variable consideration. Variable consideration includes estimates for expected customer allowances, promotional programs for consumers, and sales returns. Based on our customer-by-customer history, our variable consideration estimates are generally accurate and subsequent adjustments are generally immaterial.

25


Variable consideration is primarily comprised of customer allowances. Customer allowances primarily include reserves for trade promotions to support price features, displays, slotting fees, and other merchandising of our products to our customers. Promotional programs for consumers primarily include coupons, rebates, and certain other promotional programs, and do not represent a significant portion of variable consideration. The costs of customer allowances and promotional programs for consumers are estimated using either the expected value or most likely amount approach, depending on the nature of the allowance, using all reasonably available information, including our historical experience and current expectations. Customer allowances and promotional programs for consumers are reflected in the transaction price when sales are recorded. We may adjust our estimates based on actual results and consideration of other factors that cause allowances. In the event that actual results differ from our estimates, the results of future periods may be impacted.


Sales returns are generally not material to our financial statements, and do not comprise a significant portion of variable consideration. Estimates for sales returns are based on, among other things, an assessment of historical trends, information from customers, and anticipated returns related to current sales activity. These estimates are established in the period of sale and reduce our revenue in that period.

Sales are recorded at the time that control of the products is transferred to customers. In evaluating the timing of the transfer of control of products to customers, we consider several indicators, including significant risks and rewards of products, our right to payment, and the legal title of the products. Based on the assessment of control indicators, sales are generally recognized when products are delivered to customers.

We have also established an allowance for doubtful accounts. We estimate this allowance based upon, among other things, an assessment of the credit risk of specific customers and historical trends. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate to absorb any losses which may arise. In the event that actual losses differ from our estimates, the results of future periods may be impacted.

Customer allowances for trade promotions and allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31 were as follows:

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Trade promotions

$

41

 

 

$

46

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

9

 

 

 

9

 

 

$

50

 

 

$

55

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

Trade promotions

$

1,242

 

 

$

2,153

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

14

 

 

 

183

 

 

$

1,256

 

 

$

2,336

 

(l) Advertising Costs

(n)

Advertising Costs

We expense advertising costs as incurred.

(m) Stock-Based Compensation

(o)

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for share based payments by recognizing compensation expense based upon the estimated fair value of the awards on the date of grant. We determine the estimated grant-date fair value of stock options with only service conditions using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. In order to calculate the fair value of the options, certain assumptions are made regarding the components of the model, including the estimated fair value of underlying common stock, risk-free interest rate, volatility, expected dividend yield and expected option life. Changes to the assumptions could cause significant adjustments to the valuation. We recognize compensation costs ratably over the vesting period using the straight-line method, which approximates the service period.

The Company issues restricted stock unit ("RSUs") awards with restrictions that lapse upon the passage of time (service vesting) and satisfaction of market conditions targeted to our Company’s stock price. For those restricted stock unitRSU awards with only service vesting, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the service period. For awards with both market and service conditions, the Company starts recognizing compensation cost over the requisite service period, with the effect of the market conditions reflected in the calculation of the award's fair value at grant date. The Company values awards with only service vesting requirements based on the grant date share price. The Company values awards with market and service conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation. The Company determines the requisite service period for awards with both market and service conditions based on the longer of the explicit service period and the derived service period. Stock awards that contain market vesting conditions are included in the computations of diluted EPSearnings per share reflecting the average number of shares that would be issued based on the highest 30-day average market price at the end during the reporting periods, if their effect is dilutive. If the condition is based on an average of market prices over some period of time, the corresponding average for the period is used.

26


(n) Operating Costs and Expenses Classification

(p)

Operating Costs and Expenses Classification

Cost of sales includes costs associated with purchasing finished goods from contract manufacturers, labor, freight-in, quality control, repairs, maintenance, and other indirect costs. We classify freight-out as selling expenses. Other selling expenses consist primarily of costs for sales and sales support personnel, brokerage commissions and promotional costs. Freight-out costs included in selling expenses totaled $3,580$228 and $2,601,$162, for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively.

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of wages and benefits associated with management and administrative support departments, business insurance costs, professional fees, office facility related expenses and other general support costs.


On April 29, 2021, the Company announced that Mark E. Goldstein, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a member of the Board of Directors, retired effective as of April 26, 2021.2021. In connection with Mr. Goldstein’s retirement, the Company and Mr. Goldstein entered into a Separation Agreement, Waiver and Release (the “Separation Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company will pay Mr. Goldstein $720$720 in severance payments (equal to 18 months base salary) over a period of 30 months and reimbursement for the costs of continuing health benefits for a period of 18 months. Severance costs of $805$805 were recognized in the second quarter of 2021 and are included in general and administrative expenses. Final payments associated with the Separation Agreement were satisfied in the fourth quarter of 2023. Accrued severance costs are included in accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.Sheets as of December 31, 2022.

(o) Supplier Finance Programs

(q)

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In March 2020,September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)2022-04, “Liabilities-Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): FacilitationDisclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations.” This ASU requires a buyer that uses supplier finance programs to make annual disclosures about the programs’ key terms, the balance sheet presentation of related amounts, the confirmed amount outstanding at the end of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” (“ASU 2020-04”).period and associated roll-forward information. The purpose of ASU 2020-04 is to provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. This guidance primarily provides temporary optional expedients which simplify the accounting for contract modifications to existing debt agreements expected to arise from the market transition from LIBOR to alternative reference rates. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. An entity may elect to apply amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The optional expedients were available to be used upon issuance of this guidance but we have not yet applied the guidance because we have not yet modified any of our existing contracts for reference rate reform. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01 which clarifies the scope of Topic 848, allowing derivatives affected by the discounting transition to apply certain optional expedients and exceptions for contract modifications and hedge accounting. ASU 2021-01 also adds background on the discounting transition and adds implementation guidance to clarify which optional expedients may be applied to derivative instruments. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2020-04 on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

(r)

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”). The new guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. An entity that elects to early adopt the amendments in an interim period should reflect any adjustments as of the beginning of the annual period that includes that interim period. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 20212023, except for the roll-forward information, which is effective beginning on January 1, 2024. This guidance has not had and didis not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

During 2022, we entered into an agreement with a third-party financial institution and an agreement with an insurance agency which allows us to obtain extended payment terms for our insurance policies. The insurance policies can be canceled by the Company at any time with 10 days’ notice. The financial institution may cancel this agreement after providing 10 days’ notice if the Company does not pay any installment payment according to the terms of the agreement. We do not provide any forms of guarantees under these agreements. Payments of our obligations are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Outstanding confirmed amounts are $0 and $218 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which will be recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements as payments are due.

(p) Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-09") enhancing the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 addresses investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 are applied on a prospective basis, though retrospective application is permitted. We are in the process of evaluating its impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Other recent accounting pronouncements and guidance issued by the FASB, its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future financial statements.

Note 2. Liquidity

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.

Primarily due to a decline in net sales, disruption of our international sales to China, and increases in costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of our products, the Company sustained significant losses from operations in several reporting periods since 2019, had experienced cash used in operations in excess of its current cash position, and had an accumulated deficit as of December

27


31, 2022. As such, the Company previously believed at December 31, 2022 that it would require additional liquidity to continue its operations over the next 12 months.

As a result of the sales of our various brands as disclosed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we fully repaid all long-term debt, and as of December 31, 2023, have a cash balance of $3,927, working capital of $4,097, and shareholders’ equity of $3,265. While, absent any other actions, our operating activities are still expected to result in negative cash flows, we now expect to have enough liquidity to finance operations for the next 12 months. Management has implemented actions to reduce the Company’s operating expenses through asset sales, consolidation of vendors, personnel reductions, and will continue to pursue additional actions to further reduce operating losses. In addition, the Company has entered into the Merger Agreement with Horizon Kinetics, which is expected to significantly change the nature of our operations (see Note 13 "Subsequent Events").

The ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on the Company attaining and maintaining profitable operations in the future or raising additional capital to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing, or cause substantial dilution for our stockholders, in case of equity financing, or grant unfavorable terms in licensing future licensing agreements.

Note 2.3. Discontinued Operations

Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc.

On September 15, 2023, we entered into and consummated a Stock Purchase Agreement with Neoteric Beauty Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell 100% of the outstanding stock of our wholly owned subsidiary Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc. ("Neoteric") to the Neoteric Buyer. Neoteric owned and operated the Denorex®, Zincon®, and Neoteric Diabetic Skin Care® brands. The closing consideration paid to the Company was $1,750, with an initial deposit of $175 paid on September 5, 2023. The operations of the Neoteric brands have been classified as income from discontinued operations for all periods presented. As part of the Stock Purchase Agreement, we agreed to maintain at least $250 in accounts at our primary bank for a period of nine months following closing which is designated as restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Concurrent with the entry into the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a transition services agreement with the Neoteric Buyer where both parties would perform certain identified services related to the operations of the brands contemplated in the Stock Purchase Agreement. This transition services agreement has a term of 90 days which can be extended by the Neoteric Buyer for up to three additional 30 day periods or extended as consented by both parties.

Alpha® Skin Care

Effective June 30, 2023, we entered into, and in July 2023 we closed, a purchase agreement with a buyer, pursuant to which we agreed to sell all of our right, title and interest in and to certain assets of the Alpha® Skin Care brand. The Company received payments of $2,500 and $200 in July 2023 and August 2023, respectively, representing total consideration for the sale of the Alpha Skin Care brand in the amount of $2,700. The operations of Alpha® have been classified as income from discontinued operations for all periods presented. Concurrent with the entry into the Alpha® Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a transition services agreement with the buyer where both parties would perform certain identified services related to the operations of the brands contemplated in the Alpha® Purchase Agreement. This transition services agreement had a term of 90 days which could be extended by the buyer for up to three additional 30 day periods or extended as consented by both parties, and concluded in accordance with the end of its term during the first quarter of 2024.

BIZ®

Effective June 30, 2023, we entered into, and in July 2023 we closed, a purchase agreement with a buyer, pursuant to which we agreed to sell all of our right, title and interest in and to certain assets of the BIZ® brand. The transactions contemplated by the BIZ® Purchase Agreement were consummated on July 7, 2023. The total consideration paid to us was $1,000, plus an amount equal to the value of the BIZ® inventory, valued at $946 as of the effective date of the agreement, subject to post-close adjustment. The operations of BIZ® have been classified as income from discontinued operations for all periods presented. Concurrent with the entry into the BIZ® Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a transition services agreement with the buyer where both parties would perform certain identified services related to the operations of the brands contemplated in the BIZ® Purchase Agreement. This transition services agreement had a term of 90 days which could be extended by the buyer for up to three additional 30 day periods or extended as consented by both parties, and was concluded in accordance with the end of its term on December 31, 2023.

28


Scott's Liquid Gold® Wood Care and Scott's Liquid Gold® Floor Restore

On January 23, 2023, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with a buyer, pursuant to which we agreed to sell all of our right, title and interest in and to certain assets of the Scott's Liquid Gold® Wood Care and Scott's Liquid Gold® Floor Restore product lines. The total consideration paid to us was $800, plus an amount equal to the value of the Scott's Liquid Gold® Wood Care and Scott's Liquid Gold® Floor Restore inventory of $1,136, subject to post-close adjustment. The Company may continue to use the name “Scott’s Liquid Gold” and “SLG” in a manner consistent with all past and current practices for a period of eighteen months following the closing date of the asset purchase agreement, at which point the Company may only use the aforementioned names in connection with retaining records and other historical documentation. Concurrent with the entry into the asset purchase agreement, the Company entered into a transition services agreement with the buyer where both parties would perform certain identified services related to the operations of the brands contemplated in the asset purchase agreement, and was concluded in accordance with the end of its term on July 22, 2023.

Additionally, the buyer will pay a royalty equal to 2% of gross sales for two years after the closing date (the "Scott's Liquid Gold® Royalty"). The Scott's Liquid Gold® Royalty resulted in recognition of a gain upon the sale of assets. Because the Scott's Liquid Gold® Royalty is variable consideration and is contingent on the outcome of future events that are largely outside of the Company’s control, the variable consideration from the Scott's Liquid Gold® Royalty was initially fully constrained and no amount was included in the results from discontinued operations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we assessed the variable consideration and concluded that the volatility of external factors continue to exist and, as a result, consideration for the Scott's Liquid Gold® Royalty continues to be recognized as received from the buyer. The constraint on the variable consideration will be reassessed at each subsequent reporting period. We have reflected the operations of the Scott's Liquid Gold® product lines as discontinued operations.

Prell®

On December 23, 2021,15, 2022, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with a buyer, pursuant to which we agreed to sell to all of our right, title and interest in and to certain assets of the Dryel®Prell® product line. The total consideration paid to us was $4,850,$150, plus an amount equal to the value of the DryelPrell® inventory of $440,$330, subject to post-close adjustment. Additionally, the buyer will pay a royalty equal to At closing, $5003% of the total consideration is held in escrowcollections on net sales for a twelve-month period followingfour years after the closing date (the “Prell® Royalty”). The Prell® Royalty resulted in recognition of a gain upon the sale of assets. Because the Prell® Royalty is variable consideration and is contingent on the outcome of future events that are largely outside of the Company’s control, the variable consideration from the Prell® Royalty was initially fully constrained and no amount was included in the results from discontinued operations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we assessed the variable consideration and concluded that the volatility of external factors continue to exist and, as a result, consideration continues to be released ratably in four installments in 2022. This consideration is reflectedrecognized as Restricted Cashreceived from the buyer. The constraint on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021. Dryel generated approximately $2,800 of net sales in the trailing twelve-month period ending December 31, 2021.

Under ASC 360, a long-lived asset group shouldvariable consideration will be classified as held for sale if all of the established criteria are met. The sale of Dryel did not meet these criteria in either of the years ending December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, because we had not established an active program to locate a buyer and because the brand was not being marketed for sale. All efforts between the buyer and the Company occurred during the fourth quarter of 2021. As a result, there was no adjustment to fair value under ASC 360 guidance related to held for sale assets, and the difference between the consideration paid to us and the carrying amount of all assets is reflected in the loss on sale of discontinued operations.

reassessed at each subsequent reporting period. We have reflected the operations


of the Dryel®Prell® product line as discontinued operations. Concurrent with the entry into the asset purchase agreement, the Company entered into a transition services agreement with the buyer where both parties would perform certain identified services related to the operations of the brands contemplated in the asset purchase agreement and was concluded in accordance with the end of its term on June 15, 2023.

29


Our consolidated balance sheetsConsolidated Balance Sheets and consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of operationsOperations report discontinued operations separate from continuing operations. Our consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of equityEquity and statementsStatements of cash flowsCash Flows combine the results of continuing and discontinued operations. A summary of financial information related to our discontinued operations is as follows:

Reconciliation of the Line Items Constituting Pretax Loss from Discontinued Operations to the After-Tax Loss from Discontinued Operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:

 

2023

 

 

Neoteric

 

 

Alpha®

 

 

BIZ®

 

 

Scott's Liquid Gold®

 

 

Prell®

 

 

Total

 

Net sales

$

2,173

 

 

$

851

 

 

$

2,283

 

 

$

114

 

 

$

6

 

 

$

5,427

 

Cost of sales

 

1,164

 

 

 

284

 

 

 

1,577

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

72

 

 

 

3,173

 

Gross profit

 

1,009

 

 

 

567

 

 

 

706

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

(66

)

 

 

2,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising

 

-

 

 

 

55

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

56

 

Selling

 

342

 

 

 

141

 

 

 

436

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

947

 

General and administrative

 

47

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

103

 

Intangible asset amortization

 

14

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

26

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

606

 

 

 

349

 

 

 

245

 

 

 

(12

)

 

 

(66

)

 

 

1,122

 

Gain on sale of discontinued operations

 

1,501

 

 

 

1,585

 

 

 

692

 

 

 

787

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,565

 

Interest expense

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(88

)

 

 

(18

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(106

)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

$

2,107

 

 

$

1,934

 

 

$

849

 

 

$

757

 

 

$

(66

)

 

$

5,581

 

 

2022

 

 

Neoteric

 

 

Alpha®

 

 

BIZ®

 

 

Scott's Liquid Gold®

 

 

Prell®

 

 

Total

 

Net sales

$

2,606

 

 

$

2,232

 

 

$

4,680

 

 

$

4,072

 

 

$

3,140

 

 

$

16,730

 

Cost of sales

 

1,265

 

 

 

1,312

 

 

 

3,437

 

 

 

1,838

 

 

 

1,977

 

 

 

9,829

 

Gross profit

 

1,341

 

 

 

920

 

 

 

1,243

 

 

 

2,234

 

 

 

1,163

 

 

 

6,901

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling

 

471

 

 

 

529

 

 

 

1,467

 

 

 

807

 

 

 

832

 

 

 

4,106

 

General and administrative

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

14

 

Intangible asset amortization

 

46

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

74

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

47

 

 

 

167

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

194

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

551

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

745

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

630

 

 

 

391

 

 

 

(849

)

 

 

1,427

 

 

 

270

 

 

 

1,869

 

Loss on sale of discontinued operations

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(155

)

 

 

(155

)

Interest expense

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(176

)

 

 

(217

)

 

 

(54

)

 

 

(447

)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

$

630

 

 

$

391

 

 

$

(1,025

)

 

$

1,210

 

 

$

61

 

 

$

1,267

 

The following table presents the cash flows from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31:

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations

$

1,599

 

 

$

2,271

 

Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations

$

8,243

 

 

$

480

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Net sales

$

2,827

 

 

$

1,314

 

Cost of sales

 

1,482

 

 

 

601

 

Gross profit

 

1,345

 

 

 

713

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling

 

625

 

 

 

285

 

General and administrative

 

34

 

 

 

-

 

Intangible asset amortization

 

492

 

 

 

246

 

Income from discontinued operations before tax

 

194

 

 

 

182

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(398

)

 

 

(126

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

185

 

 

 

(13

)

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Loss on sale of discontinued operations

 

(834

)

 

 

-

 

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$

(853

)

 

$

43

 

30


There were no capital expenditures, depreciation expense, or significant operating and investing noncash items related to discontinued operations during the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively.

Reconciliation of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities of the Discontinued Operations to Amounts Presented Separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of:

 

December 31, 2022

 

 

Neoteric

 

 

Alpha®

 

 

BIZ®

 

 

Scott's Liquid Gold®

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

$

322

 

 

$

1,268

 

 

$

1,092

 

 

$

1,235

 

 

$

3,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets, net

 

113

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

231

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

344

 

Assets of discontinued operations

$

435

 

 

$

1,268

 

 

$

1,323

 

 

$

1,235

 

 

$

4,261

 

There were no assets of discontinued operations related to Prell® in the above table. There were no assets of discontinued operations related to Neoteric, Alpha®,BIZ®,Scott's Liquid Gold®, or Prell® as of December 31:
31, 2023.

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

$

-

 

 

$

180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

-

 

 

 

1,457

 

Intangible assets, net

 

-

 

 

 

4,719

 

Total assets

$

-

 

 

$

6,356

 

The following summarizes the carrying values of goodwill, intangible assets and the resulting lossin the gain on sale of discontinued operations associated with DryelNeoteric, Alpha®,BIZ®,Scott's Liquid Gold®, and Prell® at the date of disposition:

 

Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

 

Neoteric

 

 

Alpha®

 

 

BIZ®

 

 

Scott's Liquid Gold®

 

 

Total

 

 

Prell®

 

 

Total

 

Inventories

$

150

 

 

$

1,115

 

 

$

946

 

 

$

1,149

 

 

$

3,360

 

 

$

330

 

 

$

330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade names

 

59

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

145

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

204

 

 

 

152

 

 

 

152

 

Formulas

 

40

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

71

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

111

 

 

 

153

 

 

 

153

 

Non-compete agreement

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Intangible assets, net

 

99

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

219

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

318

 

 

 

305

 

 

 

305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale

 

1,750

 

 

 

2,700

 

 

 

1,857

 

 

 

1,936

 

 

 

8,243

 

 

 

480

 

 

 

480

 

Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations

$

1,501

 

 

$

1,585

 

 

$

692

 

 

$

787

 

 

$

4,565

 

 

$

(155

)

 

$

(155

)

Customer relationships

$

2,663

 

Trade names

 

1,064

 

Formulas and batching processes

 

488

 

Non-compete

 

12

 

Goodwill

 

1,457

 

 

$

5,684

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of Dryel

 

4,850

 

Loss on sale

$

(834

)


Note 3.4. Inventories

Inventories, consisting of materials, labor and overhead at December 31 were comprised of the following:

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Finished goods

$

365

 

 

$

677

 

Raw materials

 

-

 

 

 

98

 

 

$

365

 

 

$

775

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Finished goods

$

5,499

 

 

$

3,583

 

Raw materials

 

1,186

 

 

 

1,151

 

Impairment of raw materials

 

(1,008

)

 

 

(746

)

 

$

5,677

 

 

$

3,988

 

Note 4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment at December 31 were comprised of the following:

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Office furniture and equipment

$

151

 

 

$

151

 

Other

-

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

151

 

 

 

185

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(144

)

 

 

(167

)

 

$

7

 

 

$

18

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $11 and $17, respectively.

Note 5. Acquisition

On June 25, 2020, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “CR Brands Purchase Agreement”) with CR Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“CR Brands”), and Sweep Acquisition Company, a Delaware corporation (“Sweep” and together with CR Brands, “Sellers”), pursuant to which we agreed to purchase from Sellers substantially all of the assets, properties, rights and interests of Sellers primarily used in the business of designing, formulating, marketing and selling laundry care products to retail and wholesale customers under the BIZ® and Dryel® brand names. The transactions contemplated by the CR Brands Purchase Agreement were consummated on July 1, 2020 (the “CR Brands Acquisition”).  The Company concluded that the CR Brands Acquisition qualified as a business combination under ASC 805. The total cash consideration paid for the CR Brands Acquisition was $10,529. The CR Brands Acquisition included contingent consideration we valued at $35. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we determined that the initial contingent consideration was no longer likely to be realized. This adjustment is recorded to general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The acquisition and related financial information are part of our household segment.

(a)

Purchase Price Allocation

The following summarizes the aggregate fair values of the assets acquired as part of the CR Brands Acquisition:

Inventories

$

1,279

 

Intangible assets

 

7,235

 

Goodwill

 

2,050

 

Total assets acquired

$

10,564

 

Intangible assets for the CR Brands Acquisition consist of the following:

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

Useful Life

 

Customer relationships

$

4,500

 

 

 

9 years

 

Trade names

 

1,780

 

 

 

20 years

 

Formulas and batching processes

 

930

 

 

 

8 years

 

Non-compete

 

25

 

 

 

5 years

 

 

$

7,235

 

 

 

 

 


(b)

Pro Forma Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes selected unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2020, as if the BIZ had been completed on January 1, 2020.

 

2020

 

Net sales

$

32,402

 

Net loss

 

(1,393

)

This selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data is included only for the purpose of illustration and does not necessarily indicate what the operating results would have been if the BIZ had been completed on that date. Moreover, this information does not indicate what our future operating results will be. The information for 2020 prior to the acquisition of BIZ is based on prior accounting records maintained by CR Brands. In some cases, CR Brands’ accounting policies may differ materially from accounting policies adopted by the Company following acquisition of BIZ.

The pro forma amounts above reflect the application of accounting policies and adjustment of the results of the CR Brands Acquisition to reflect: (1) the additional amortization that would have been charged to the acquired intangible assets; (2) additional interest expense relating to the borrowings on our Chase line of credit and UMB term loan and revolving credit facility, respectively; and (3) the tax impacts.

Note 6.5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

There were no carrying amounts of goodwill as of and during the year ended December 31, 2023. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 20202022 were as follows:

 

Detergent

 

 

Shampoo

 

 

All-Purpose

 

 

Total

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2020

$

-

 

 

$

1,520

 

 

$

1,710

 

 

$

3,230

 

 

Additions

 

593

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

593

 

 

Impairment

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

 

593

 

 

 

1,520

 

 

 

1,710

 

 

 

3,823

 

 

Additions

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

Impairment

 

(593

)

 

 

(1,520

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(2,113

)

 

Balance, December 31, 2021

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,710

 

 

$

1,710

 

 

31


Goodwill related to the disposition of Dryel is included in long-term assets associated with discontinued operations on the consolidated balance sheets. The goodwill impairment charges related to our Detergent and Shampoo reporting units are more fully described below.

 

All-Purpose

 

Balance, January 1, 2022

$

1,710

 

Additions

 

-

 

Impairment

 

(1,710

)

Balance, December 31, 2022

$

-

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

As of December 31, 2021

 

 

As of December 31, 2020

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount

 

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

 

Net Carrying Value

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount

 

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

 

Net Carrying Value

 

Intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships

$

2,103

 

 

$

329

 

 

$

1,774

 

 

$

7,655

 

 

$

2,118

 

 

$

5,537

 

Trade names

 

1,850

 

 

 

151

 

 

 

1,699

 

 

 

3,872

 

 

 

781

 

 

 

3,091

 

Formulas and batching processes

 

1,370

 

 

 

452

 

 

 

918

 

 

 

1,369

 

 

 

319

 

 

 

1,050

 

Internal-use software (not placed in service)

 

756

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

756

 

 

 

286

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

286

 

Non-compete agreement

 

48

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

20

 

 

$

6,127

 

 

$

967

 

 

$

5,160

 

 

$

13,230

 

 

$

3,246

 

 

$

9,984

 

 

As of December 31, 2023

 

 

As of December 31, 2022

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount

 

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

 

Net Carrying Value

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount

 

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

 

Net Carrying Value

 

Intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internal-use software

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

898

 

 

$

105

 

 

$

793

 


The change in the net carrying amounts of intangible assets during 20212023 was primarily due to cash paid for our internal-use software, the impact of impairment charges related to intangible assetsinternal-use software in our Shampoo and Detergent reporting units more fully described below and amortization expense. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022 was $1,111$179 and $1,005,$232, respectively.

Estimated There is no estimated amortization expense for 20222024 and subsequent years is as follows:years.

2022

$

420

 

2023

 

420

 

2024

 

419

 

2025

 

416

 

2026

 

416

 

Thereafter

 

2,313

 

Total

$

4,404

 

During the year 2023, we continued to experience a significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization and revised internal forecasts relating to all reporting units due to sales of brands, which resulted in an impairment charge to our internal use software in our Corporate reporting unit through our annual assessments conducted on December 31, 2023, we concluded that the changes in circumstances in this reporting unit triggered the need for a quantitative review of the carrying values of the intangible assets and resulted in impairment charges to our Corporate reporting unit.

During the second quarter of 2022, we experienced a significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization and revised internal forecasts relating to all reporting units due to inflationary related pressures at our customers which have caused sales decreases, which resulted in impairment charges to goodwill and certain intangible assets in our All-Purpose reporting unit. We made revisions to the internal forecasts relating to all reporting units during the fourth quarter of 20212022 due primarily to the sale of our DryelPrell® brand andas well as the impact of rising costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of our products. Through our annual assessments conducted on December 31, 2021, The Company2022, we concluded that the changes in circumstances in these reporting units triggered the need for a quantitative review of the carrying values of goodwill and certain intangible assets and resulted in an impairment charge to our All-Purpose reporting unit.

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred the impairment charges to each of our Detergent, All-Purpose, and Shampoo reporting units during the year ended December 31,2021, and resulted in the following impairment charges:reporting units:

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

Total

 

Detergent

$

1,085

 

 

$

593

 

 

$

1,678

 

Shampoo

 

2,966

 

 

 

1,520

 

 

 

4,486

 

All-Purpose

 

130

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

130

 

 

$

4,181

 

 

$

2,113

 

 

$

6,294

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

Total

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

Total

 

All-Purpose

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

2,717

 

 

$

1,710

 

 

$

4,427

 

Corporate

 

858

 

 

 

613

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,471

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

858

 

 

$

613

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,471

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

2,717

 

 

$

1,710

 

 

$

4,427

 

The Company used the income approach and market approach to determine the fair value of the reporting units that required significant judgments and estimates by management regarding several key inputs, including future cash flows consistent with management’s strategic plans, sales growth rates and the selection of royalty rate and a discount rate, among others. Estimating sales growth rates requires significant judgment by management in areas such as future economic conditions, category and industry growth rates, product pricing, consumer tastes and preferences and future expansion expectations.

Note 7.6. Long-Term Debt and Line-of-Credit

UMB Loan Agreement

On July 1, 2020, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the(as amended, the “UMB Loan Agreement”) with UMB Bank, N.A. (“UMB”) and we terminated our Credit Agreement, dated June 30, 2016, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (as amended, the “Prior Credit Agreement”). Under the UMB Loan Agreement we obtained a $3,000$3,000 term loan, with equal monthly payments fully amortized over three years and interest at which was repaid in full in the LIBOR Rate + 4.50% with a floorsecond quarter of 5.50%,2022, and a revolving credit facility, with a maximum commitment of $7,000 with$4,000 bearing interest at the LIBOR Rateone-month term SOFR rate + 3.75%,6.83% with a floor of 4.75%7.75%.

32


The UMB Loan Agreement was terminated on February 27, 2023 and the revolving credit facility will terminatewas paid in full on July 1, 2023, unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement.February 28, 2023. The loans arewere secured by all of the assets of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. With UMB, we are assessingUnamortized loan costs were $0 and $100 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Amortization of loan costs for the impactyear ended December 31, 2023 was $100, including $83 that were expensed as a result of the discontinuationtermination of LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate on the UMB Loan Agreement. We believe it will not be material asAmortization of loan costs for the Company.year ended December 31, 2022 was $197.

La Plata Loan Agreement

On November 9, 2021 we entered into the Fourth Amendment to the UMB Loan and Security Agreement (“Fourth Amendment”), effective September 30, 2021, which, among other things, amends our tangible net worth and cumulative cash flow after debt service requirements, as well as the timing in which the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio is applicable.

In conjunction with the sale of Dryel, on December 23, 2021, we entered into a Consent to Sale with UMB under which we were required to pay all proceeds of the sale against our UMB revolving credit facility and pay down the outstanding principal on our term loan with UMB to $1,000.

The UMB Loan Agreement requires compliance with affirmative, negative, and financial covenants, as determined on a monthly basis. The UMB Loan Agreement also contains covenants typical of transactions of this type, including among others, limitations on the our ability to: create, incur or assume any indebtedness or lien on our assets; pay dividends or make other distributions; redeem, retire or acquire outstanding common stock, options, warrants or other rights; make fundamental changes to our


corporate structure or business; make investments or sell assets; or engage in certain other activities as set forth in the UMB Loan Agreement.

The Company was in compliance with the UMB Loan Agreement financial covenants as of December 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, our UMB term loan and UMB revolving credit facility had an outstanding balance of $214 and $1,000 , respectively, with an all-in interest rate of 7.50% and 6.75%, respectively. UMB unamortized loan costs were $297 as of December 31, 2021.

On November 9, 2021, we entered into a loan and security agreement (the(as amended, the “La Plata Loan Agreement”) with La Plata Capital, LLC (“La Plata”). Under the La Plata Loan Agreement, we obtained a $2,000$2,000 term loan that bears interest at 14%14% and a maturity date$250 term loan that bears interest at 15%. We repaid $1,000 of November 9, 2023. Interest-only payments are required on a monthly basis beginning in January 2022 and ending on December 1, 2022. Beginning on January 1, 2023, monthly principal payments of $30 are required in addition to accrued and unpaid interest. All remaining unpaid principal and interest are fully due on November 9, 2023.

The La Plata Loan Agreement requires compliance with affirmative, negative, and financial covenants, as determined on a monthly basis beginning in July 2022. The La Plata Loan Agreement is secured by all of the assets of the Company and all of its subsidiaries, subordinate to the security of the UMB Loan Agreement. In conjunction with this agreement, we also entered into an intercreditor and subordination agreement with UMB and La Plata, effective November 9, 2021.

The Company was in compliance withagainst the La Plata Loan Agreement financial covenantsduring the first quarter of 2022.

Unamortized loan costs were $0 and $20 as of December 31, 2021.

As of2023 and December 31, 2021, our2022, respectively. Amortization of loan costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $20 and $21, respectively.

On July 7, 2023, the La Plata term loan had an outstanding balance of $2,000.loans were paid in full and the La Plata unamortized loan costs were $41 as of December 31, 2021.Loan Agreement was terminated.

Note 7. Leases

As of December 31, 2021, the total principal payments due on our outstanding debt were as follows:

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

 

Term Loan

 

 

Total

 

2022

$

-

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

$

1,000

 

2023

 

214

 

 

 

2,000

 

 

 

2,214

 

Total minimum principal payments

$

214

 

 

$

3,000

 

 

$

3,214

 

Note 8. Leases

We have entered into leasesa lease for our corporate headquarters and office equipment with a remaining lease terms up to 10term of 7 years. Some of these leases includeThis lease includes both lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for as a single lease component as we have elected the practical expedient to combine these components for all leases. As most of the leases dolease does not provide an implicit rate, we calculated the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities using our secured incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date. We currently do not have any finance leases outstanding.

OnAs part of our continued cost savings initiative in response to negative future recurring cash flows, on November 29, 2023, the Company entered into a sublease agreement with a third party, effective April 1, 2024 through March 11, 2020, we executed31, 2027, with an office lease for a new corporate headquarters. As of that date, we hadoption to extend through the right to control the useremainder of the lease term in March 2030. The sublease calls for annual base rent of $280 for the first year with increases of approximately 2.5% each year thereafter. This action caused us to assess the carrying value of our operating lease right-of-use asset which qualified ascompared to the undiscounted cash flows of the sublease and resulted in recording an impairment expense during the fourth quarter of 2023 in the amount of $858. The operating lease.lease impairment charges reduce the carrying value of the associated right of use asset to the estimated fair value. There were was no initial direct costs associated with our new office impairment charge to the operating lease and our deposit is fully refundable.right-of-use asset during the year ended December 31, 2022.


Information related to leases was as follows:

 

2023

 

2022

 

Operating lease information:

 

 

 

 

Operating lease cost

$

406

 

$

400

 

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 

406

 

 

400

 

Net assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average remaining lease term in years

 

6.92

 

 

7.92

 

Weighted average discount rate

 

5.1

%

 

5.1

%

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Operating lease information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease cost

$

411

 

 

$

355

 

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 

411

 

 

 

61

 

Net assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

 

-

 

 

 

3,156

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average remaining lease term in years

 

8.91

 

 

 

9.86

 

Weighted average discount rate

 

5.1

%

 

 

5.1

%

Future minimum annual lease payments are as follows:

2024

 

413

 

2025

 

420

 

2026

 

427

 

2027

 

434

 

2028

 

441

 

Thereafter

 

864

 

Total minimum lease payments

$

2,999

 

Less imputed interest

 

(487

)

 

 

 

Total operating lease liability

$

2,512

 

2022

 

399

 

2023

 

406

 

2024

 

413

 

2025

 

420

 

2026

 

427

 

Thereafter

 

1,739

 

Total minimum lease payments

$

3,804

 

Less imputed interest

 

(773

)

 

 

 

 

Total operating lease liability

$

3,031

 

33


Note 9.8. Income Taxes

The provision for income tax attributable to continuing operations for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

2021

 

 

2020

 

Current provision (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Current provision:

 

 

 

 

Federal

$

60

 

 

$

(458

)

$

(1

)

 

$

63

 

State

 

(21

)

 

 

(28

)

 

10

 

 

 

-

 

Total current provision (benefit)

 

39

 

 

 

(486

)

Deferred provision (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current provision

 

9

 

 

 

63

 

Deferred provision:

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

740

 

 

 

(141

)

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

State

 

229

 

 

 

(80

)

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Total deferred provision (benefit)

 

969

 

 

 

(221

)

Provision (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total deferred provision

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Provision:

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

800

 

 

 

(599

)

 

(1

)

 

 

63

 

State

 

208

 

 

 

(108

)

 

10

 

 

 

-

 

Total provision (benefit)

$

1,008

 

 

$

(707

)

Total provision

$

9

 

 

$

63

 

The current tax provision related to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022 was $0$0 and $21,$58, respectively. The deferred tax (benefit)benefit related to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022 was ($185)$0 and ($8)$45, respectively. These amounts are combined with amounts related to continuing operations on the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of cash flows.Cash Flows.


Income tax expense at the statutory tax rate is reconciled to the overall income tax expense for the years ended December 31 as follows:

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Federal income tax from continuing operations at statutory rates

$

(1,090

)

 

$

(2,129

)

State income taxes, net of federal tax effect

 

(64

)

 

 

(89

)

Permanent differences

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Rate difference in NOL Carryback

 

-

 

 

 

57

 

Other

 

(77

)

 

 

22

 

Change in state tax rate

 

-

 

 

 

149

 

Income taxes from discontinued operations

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Change in valuation allowance

 

1,240

 

 

 

2,053

 

Provision for income taxes

$

9

 

 

$

63

 

The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was (.18%) and (.62%) respectively, which can differ from the statutory income tax rate due to various factors, including the establishment and change in a valuation allowance. During the year ended 2021, the Company established a valuation allowance on our deferred tax asset, which is reflected in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The valuation allowance represents our determination that, more likely than not, we will be unable to realize the value of such assets at this time due to the uncertainty of future profitability.

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Federal income tax at statutory rates

$

(1,939

)

 

$

(480

)

State income taxes, net of federal tax effect

 

(179

)

 

 

(75

)

Permanent differences

 

(6

)

 

 

2

 

Nondeductible stock-based compensation

 

-

 

 

 

5

 

Rate difference in NOL Carryback

 

11

 

 

 

(167

)

Other

 

3

 

 

 

8

 

Change in valuation allowance

 

3,118

 

 

 

-

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

$

1,008

 

 

$

(707

)

34


ASC 740 requires that the tax benefit of net operating losses, temporary differences and credit carryforwards be recorded as an asset to the extent that management assesses that realization is "more“more likely than not." Realization of the future tax benefits is dependent on the Company's ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward period. The net deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 20212023 and 20202022 are comprised of the following:


2021

 

 

2020

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating loss carryforwards

$

531

 

 

$

42

 

$

3,885

 

 

$

2,744

 

Accounts receivable

 

30

 

 

 

176

 

 

30

 

 

 

20

 

Inventories

 

410

 

 

 

238

 

 

31

 

 

 

173

 

Accrued vacation and bonus

 

161

 

 

 

60

 

 

4

 

 

 

67

 

Intangibles and Goodwill

 

1,771

 

 

 

322

 

 

395

 

 

 

335

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

697

 

 

 

801

 

 

554

 

 

 

610

 

Other

 

168

 

 

 

59

 

 

264

 

 

 

231

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

3,768

 

 

 

1,698

 

 

5,163

 

 

 

4,180

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

(629

)

 

 

(729

)

 

(303

)

 

 

(546

)

Prepaid expenses

 

(21

)

 

 

-

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(22

)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(650

)

 

 

(729

)

 

(311

)

 

 

(568

)

Net deferred tax asset, before allowance

 

3,118

 

 

 

969

 

 

4,852

 

 

 

3,612

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance

 

(3,118

)

 

 

-

 

 

(4,852

)

 

 

(3,612

)

Net deferred tax asset

$

-

 

 

$

969

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 20212023 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Expiration Years

 

 

 

Expiration Years

Net operating losses, federal (After December 31, 2017)

$

17,531

 

 

Do not expire

Net operating losses, state (After December 31, 2017)

$

2,198

 

 

Do not expire

$

3,481

 

 

Do not expire

Tax credits, federal

$

4

 

 

2042

$

8

 

 

2042

The Company’s ability to utilize its net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards may be substantially limited due to ownership changes that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as well as similar state provisions. These ownership changes may limit the amount of NOL carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. Further, if the Company experiences such an ownership change and does not satisfy certain requirements in Section 382 of the Code to continue its business enterprise (which generally requires that the Company continue its historic business or use a significant portion of its historic business assets in a business for the two-year period beginning on the date of the ownership change), its NOL carryforwards may be disallowed, subject to certain exceptions. In general, an “ownership change,” as defined by Section 382 of the Code, results from a transaction or series of transactions over a three-year period resulting in an ownership change of more than 50 percent of the outstanding stock of a company by certain stockholders or public groups.

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes is based on a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We recognize in our consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained as of the adoption date, based on the technical merits of the position. Each year we perform a comprehensive review of our material tax positions.

We believeA valuation allowance has been provided as there is uncertainty that it is more likely than not we will not realize all the tax benefits of the deferred tax assets within the allowable carryforward period. Therefore, an appropriate valuation allowance has been provided.will be realized. The valuation allowance as of December 31, 2021,2023 and 2022, respectively, primarily relates to net operating loss carryforwards. The increase in the valuation allowance during the year ended December 31, 2021, was primarily due to the establishment of the valuation allowance.carryforwards, goodwill, and intangible assets.

Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits in income tax expense. As we had 0no uncertain tax benefits during 20212023 and 2020,2022, we had 0no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in either year.


We and our subsidiaries are subject to the following material taxing jurisdictions: United States and Colorado. The tax years that remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service are 20182020 and years thereafter. The tax years that remain open to examination by the State of Colorado are 20172019 and years thereafter.

35


Note 10.9. Shareholders’ Equity

In 2015, we adopted, and shareholders approved, an equity incentive plan for our employees, officers and directors (the “2015 Plan”).

UnderOn May 11, 2023, we granted 200 shares of restricted stock to two directors all of which vested on the 2015 Plan,grant date with a fair value of $40.

On March 2, 2022, we awarded 60granted 15 shares of restricted stock to one executive all of which vested on the grant date with a fair value of $18.

On January 18, 2022, we granted 25 RSUs to our 3 independent directorsan employee (the “2020 Director“2022 Individual Employee Grant”) on October 2, 2020.The 2020 Directorwith a grant date fair value of $10. The 2022 Individual Employee Grant vested one-third on the initial grant date, October 2, 2020, and the remaining two-thirds will vest on each anniversary of the grant date.

On October 2, 2020, we awarded 240 RSUs to executivesDuring 2023 and employees (the “2020 Employee Grant”). On November 9, 2021, we awarded 107 RSUs to executives and employees (the “2021 Employee Grant”). The 2020 Employee Grant vested one-third on the initial grant date, October 2, 2020, and the remaining two-thirds will vest on each anniversary of the grant date. The 2021 Employee Grant vests in thirds on each anniversary of the grant date.

During 2021 and 2020,2022, we did 0tnot grant any options to acquire shares of our common stock.

Compensation cost related to stock options recognized in operating results (included in general and administrative expenses) totaled $54$0 and $80$10 for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively. Approximately $12$0 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock options is expected to be recognized over the next two years, depending on the vesting provisions of the options. There was 0no tax benefit from recording the non-cash expense as it relates to the options granted to employees, as these were qualified stock options which are not normally tax deductible.

Compensation cost related to RSUs totaled $56$25 and $252$79 for the year ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively. Approximately $277$24 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested RSUs is expected to be recognized over the next three years.year.

Stock option activity under the 2015 Plan is as follows:

 

Number of Options

 

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

2015 Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maximum number of shares under the plan

 

2,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2021

 

307

 

 

$

1.80

 

 

2.6 years

 

 

45

 

Granted

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled/Expired

 

(158

)

 

$

2.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2022

 

149

 

 

$

1.42

 

 

2.7 years

 

 

45

 

Exercisable, December 31, 2022

 

149

 

 

$

1.32

 

 

2.7 years

 

 

45

 

Available for issuance, December 31, 2022

 

1,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled/Expired

 

(137

)

 

$

1.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2023

 

12

 

 

$

1.61

 

 

2.8 years

 

 

-

 

Exercisable, December 31, 2023

 

12

 

 

$

1.61

 

 

2.8 years

 

 

-

 

Available for issuance, December 31, 2023

 

1,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Options

 

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

2015 Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maximum number of shares under the plan

 

2,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2019

 

675

 

 

$

1.66

 

 

3.3 years

 

$

231

 

Granted

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(51

)

 

$

1.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled/Expired

 

(154

)

 

$

1.33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2020

 

470

 

 

$

1.80

 

 

3.3 years

 

$

125

 

Exercisable, December 31, 2020

 

389

 

 

$

1.71

 

 

3.4 years

 

$

125

 

Available for issuance, December 31, 2020

 

1,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(45

)

 

$

1.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled/Expired

 

(118

)

 

$

2.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2021

 

307

 

 

$

1.80

 

 

2.6 years

 

$

45

 

Exercisable, December 31, 2021

 

289

 

 

$

1.76

 

 

2.7 years

 

$

45

 

Available for issuance, December 31, 2021

 

1,693

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36



A summary of additional information related to the options outstanding as of December 31, 20212023 under the 2015 Plan is as follows:

Range of Exercise Prices

 

Number of Options

(in thousands)

 

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

 

Number of Options
(in thousands)

 

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

2015 Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1.20-$1.25

 

 

94

 

 

3.7 years

 

$

1.25

 

 

 

4

 

 

1.6 years

 

$

1.25

 

$1.26-$1.38

 

 

40

 

 

4.9 years

 

$

1.26

 

 

 

-

 

 

0 years

 

$

-

 

$1.80-$2.25

 

 

173

 

 

1.5 years

 

$

2.15

 

 

 

8

 

 

3.4 years

 

$

1.80

 

Total

 

 

307

 

 

2.6 years

 

$

1.66

 

 

 

12

 

 

2.8 years

 

$

1.61

 

Under our 2015 Plan, we have 1,3351,988 shares available for future equity grants, which comprises our maximum shares available under the plan less all options and RSUs granted.

We have an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“Plan”) to provide retirement benefits for our employees. The Plan is designed to invest primarily in our common stock and is non-contributory on the part of our employees. Contributions to the Plan are discretionary as determined by our Board of Directors. We expense the cost of contributions to the Plan. As of December 1, 2021, we terminated the Plan. NaN contributions were made to the Plan in 2021 and 2020. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, a total of 14 and 355 shares of our common stock, respectively, have been allocated and earned by our employees.

Note 11.10. Earnings per Share

Per share data is determined by using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Common equivalent shares are considered only for diluted earnings per share, unless considered anti-dilutive. Common equivalent shares, determined using the treasury stock method, result from stock options with exercise prices that are below the average market price of the common stock.

Basic earnings per share include no dilution and are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential of securities that could share in our earnings.

A reconciliation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands) for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Common shares outstanding, beginning of the period

 

12,797

 

 

 

12,727

 

Weighted average common shares issued

 

130

 

 

 

31

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

12,927

 

 

 

12,758

 

Dilutive effect of common share equivalents

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

12,927

 

 

 

12,758

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Common shares outstanding, beginning of the period

 

12,618

 

 

 

12,462

 

Weighted average common shares issued

 

60

 

 

 

173

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

12,678

 

 

 

12,635

 

Dilutive effect of common share equivalents

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

12,678

 

 

 

12,635

 

Common stock equivalents (in thousands) that have been excluded from the calculation of earnings per share as of December 31 because they would have been anti-dilutive are as follows:

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Stock options

 

12

 

 

 

148

 

Restricted stock units

 

14

 

 

 

77

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Stock options

 

188

 

 

 

261

 

Note 12. Income from Distribution Agreement Termination

On May 8, 2020, we entered into a settlement agreement with Montagne Jeunesse (“MJ”), the manufacturer of 7th Heaven skin care sachets, wherein both parties agreed to terminate our exclusive distribution agreement (the “Termination Agreement”). During the year ended December 31, 2020, we received 2 transition payments totaling $350, which is included in other income on the consolidated statements of operations. Further, $1.0 million of inventory was repurchased by MJ during the year ended December 31, 2020.


Note 13.11. Segment Information

Segments

We operatepreviously operated in 2two different segments: household products and health and beauty care products. We have chosenchose to organize our business around these segments based on differences in the products sold. Accounting policies for our segments arewere the same as those described in Note 1. We evaluateevaluated segment performance based on segment income or loss before income taxes.from operations.

The following provides information onIn the third quarter of 2023, in conjunction with the divestitures of brands, the Company's health and beauty care segment was discontinued and the Company now has one reportable household products segment. These divestitures are described in Note 3. All balances and results of operations related to our segmentshealth and beauty care segment have been reclassified as of anddiscontinued operations for all periods presented in the years ended December 31:
Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2021

 

 

Household Products

 

 

Health and Beauty Care Products

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 

Net sales

$

14,152

 

 

$

18,929

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

33,081

 

Loss from continuing operations

 

(3,963

)

 

 

(4,894

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(8,857

)

Identifiable assets

 

13,207

 

 

 

6,398

 

 

 

1,264

 

 

 

20,869

 

Capital and intangible asset expenditures

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

469

 

 

 

469

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,202

 

 

 

618

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,820

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

Household Products

 

 

Health and Beauty Care Products

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 

Net sales

$

12,003

 

 

$

16,955

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

28,958

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

52

 

 

 

(2,487

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(2,435

)

Identifiable assets

 

20,413

 

 

 

11,068

 

 

 

2,075

 

 

 

33,556

 

Capital and intangible asset expenditures

 

10,529

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

10,546

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

802

 

 

 

628

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,430

 

37


Corporate assets noted above are comprised of our income tax receivable and internal-use software.Customers

Customers

Net sales to significant customers were the following for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively:

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Customer 1

$

2,291

 

 

$

2,184

 

Customer 2

$

626

 

 

$

248

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Walmart

$

11,102

 

 

$

8,829

 

Ulta

 

6,764

 

 

 

4,790

 

Outstanding accounts receivable from significant customers represented the following percentages of our total accounts receivable as of December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively:

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Walmart

 

51.7

%

 

 

39.7

%

Ulta

 

2.9

%

 

 

16.4

%


 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Customer 1

 

67.2

%

 

 

32.7

%

A loss of any of our significant customers could have a material adverse effect on us because it is uncertain whether our consumer base served by these customers would purchase our products at other retail outlets. Our distribution agreement with HK NFS renewed on January 1, 2022 and is effective for a one-year term. This agreement automatically renews for additional successive one-year terms unless and until either party provides notice of nonrenewal at least 90 days before the end of the then-current term. No long-term contracts exist between us and our other significant customers.

Geographic Area Information

There were no sales from continuing operations to different geographic areas for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. There were no long-lived assets held outside the United States as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Note 14.12. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is routinely subject to lawsuits from time to time in the ordinary course of business that generally arise from the manufacture, processing, formulation, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, advertising and sale of our products. The Company must comply with extensive federal and state laws and regulations. As of December 31, 2021,2023, the Company had no material commitments or contingencies.

Note 15.13. Subsequent Events

On December 19, 2023, the Company, Horizon Kinetics and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, providing for the acquisition of Horizon Kinetics by the Company. The Company performed a review of events subsequentMerger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the balance sheet date through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that there were no such events requiring recognition or disclosureconditions set forth in the financial statements.Merger Agreement, upon obtaining the requisite shareholder approval, (i) the Company will convert from a Colorado to a Delaware corporation, increase its authorized shares of common stock and change its name and (ii) Merger Sub will be merged with and into Horizon Kinetics, with Horizon Kinetics being the surviving entity.

 


38


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

None.

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

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2021,2023, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures arewere not effective as of December 31, 2021.2023 due to the material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting described below.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 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 the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021,2023, based on the criteria for effective internal control described in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its assessment,our evaluation, our management concluded that the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2021.2023 because there is a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. The material weakness identified, as described below, did not result in the restatement of any previously reported financial statements or any related financial disclosure, nor does management believe that it had any effect on the accuracy of the Company’s financial statements for the current reporting period.

This Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits us to provide only management’s report in this Report.

Management’s report shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

Material Weakness

A material weakness is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the registrant’s financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness that we previously reported was identified as of June 30, 2023 related to our finance department lacking a sufficient number of trained professionals with technical accounting expertise to process and account for complex, non-routine transactions in accordance with GAAP. The deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting were detailed in Item 4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

39


The Company is continuing the process of remediating its control deficiencies. However, the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting that has been identified will not be remediated until we are able to add a sufficient number of trained professionals to our finance department, who have technical accounting expertise to process and account for complex, non-routine transactions in accordance with GAAP, our control is implemented and operates for a period of time, is tested, and the Company is able to conclude that such internal controls are operating effectively. The Company cannot provide assurance that these procedures will be successful in identifying material errors that may exist in the financial statements. The Company cannot make assurances that it will not identify additional material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting in the future. Management plans, as capital becomes available to the Company, to increase the accounting and financial reporting staff and provide future investments in the continuing education and public company accounting training of our accounting and financial professionals.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

ThereOther than the material weakness referenced above, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 20212023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.

None.



40


PART III

(in thousands)

For Part III, except as set forth below, the information set forth in our definitive Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2021,2023, is hereby is incorporated by reference into this Report.

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

DIRECTORS

Rimmy Malhotra, 49, is the Founder, President, and Chief Investment Officer of Nicoya Capital Management, LLC, an investment partnership focused on small capitalization companies whose partners include family offices, entrepreneurs, and high net-worth individuals. He currently serves as a Director and Vice Chairman of HireQuest Inc. (Nasdaq: HQI), an asset light staffing franchisor and Director of Optex Systems (Nasdaq: OPXS), an optical systems manufacturer. He is the Chair of Optex Systems’ Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and sits on its Audit and Compensation Committees. He also sits on the Audit and Compensation Committees of HireQuest, Inc. He holds an M.B.A. from the Wharton School in Finance, an M.A. in International Affairs from the University of Pennsylvania where he is a Lauder Fellow, and a B.S. & B.A. in Computer Science and Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

Mr. Malhotra brings to the board extensive corporate governance and public company director experience and qualifies as a financial expert.

Daniel J. Roller, 43, is the Founder, President, and Chief Investment Officer of Maran Capital Management, LLC, a Denver-based investment firm he founded in 2015. Maran Capital is focused on making concentrated, fundamentally driven, long-term oriented investments in publicly traded small capitalization companies. Mr. Roller has 20 years of investment research and management experience and has advised numerous public and private companies on topics such as M&A, capital allocation, corporate governance, and strategy. Mr. Roller holds a B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Duke University.

Mr. Roller brings to the board extensive experience in finance and investment management.

John D. McAnnar, 41, is the Chief Legal Officer, Vice President, and Secretary of HireQuest, Inc. He has fulfilled the former two roles for both the Company, and its predecessor, HireQuest, LLC, since 2014. His work involves a range of legal, operational, and risk management functions in different realms, including mergers and acquisitions, securities, employment, insurance and finance, workers’ compensation, and intellectual property.

Mr. McAnnar brings to the board extensive corporate governance and public company director experience.

In January 2021, Mr. Malhotra, Ms. Pedrazzini, and Mr. Roller were nominated as directors, pursuant to an agreement between the Company and Maran Capital Management, which has now expired. In July 2023, Mr. McAnnar was appointed as a director.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

During 2023, the Company had two executive officers: Mr. Arndt and Ms. Pedrazzini, until her resignation in December 2023. Biographical information concerning Mr. Arndt is as follows:

David M. Arndt, 39, began serving as President and Principal Executive Officer in December 2023. He has also held the titles of Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary since October 2021. Mr. Arndt was employed by the Company beginning in 2017, serving as the VP of Finance of the Company since April 2021 and, prior to that, serving as Director of FP&A and Treasury, Controller, and Director of Financial Reporting. Before joining the Company, Mr. Arndt was employed by EKS&H LLLP (now Plante & Moran, PLLC) for seven years, serving in a number of positions, including Audit Manager, and serving several clients in the manufacturing and consumer products industries.

The executive officers of the Company are approved annually and serve as determined by the Board.

There are no family relationships among the executive officers or directors of the Company.

41


BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND ROLE IN RISK OVERSIGHT

The Board is actively involved in assessing and managing risks that could affect the Company. Part of the Board’s role is to periodically assess the processes utilized by management with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including identification by management of the primary risks of the Company’s business, and the implementation by management of appropriate systems to address such risks. The Board fulfills these responsibilities either directly, through delegation to committees of the Board, or, as appropriate, through delegation to individual directors. When the Board determines to delegate any risk management oversight responsibilities, typically such delegation is made to the standing committees of the Board.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Although the Company is not listed on NASDAQ or any other exchange, and is not subject to the independence requirements of any exchange, the Board has elected to apply NASDAQ’s definition of independence to determine whether members of the Board are independent.

All members of the Board are independent, other than Mr. Roller, who may be deemed to no longer be independent as a result of the payment to Maran Capital Management, LLC, in the fourth quarter of 2023. In connection with the Merger, it is anticipated that the number of directors will be increased to seven and that only one existing board member will continue on the board following the consummation of the Merger.

DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Board had nine regular meetings, three Compensation Committee meetings, two Governance and Nomination Committee meetings, and five Audit Committee meetings. No member of the Board attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board or of committees for which such member served during the year ended December 31, 2023. The independent members of the Board met without management present at least once each quarter and the Board Chairperson served as chair for such meetings. On July 20, 2023, John D. McAnnar joined the Board of Directors.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities include appointing the independent auditor for the Company, pre-approving all audit and non-audit services, overseeing the implementation of new accounting standards, approving related party transactions and assisting the Board in monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, the independent auditor’s qualifications, independence and performance and the Company’s compliance with legal requirements. The Audit Committee consists of three directors, Mr. Malhotra (Chairperson), Mr. Roller, and Mr. McAnnar. Each member of the committee is independent, other than Mr. Roller, who may be deemed to no longer be independent as a result of the payment to Maran Capital Management, LLC, in the fourth quarter of 2023. Mr. McAnnar was added to the committee in July 2023. During 2023, the members of the audit committee were Mr. Malhotra (Chairperson), Mr. Roller, and Mr. McAnnar. Mr. Malhotra has the professional experience deemed necessary to qualify as an audit committee financial expert under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Compensation Committee

The primary responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include, without limitation, overseeing the development of a compensation philosophy for the Company, reviewing the compensation packages for executive officers and engaging and overseeing compensation consultants and advisers. The Compensation Committee also determines the fees paid to the non-employee directors, with input from the Company’s executive officers. During 2023, the Compensation Committee consisted of two directors; Mr. Malhotra (Chairperson) and Mr. Roller. Each member of the committee is independent, other than Mr. Roller, who may be deemed to no longer be independent as a result of the payment to Maran Capital Management, LLC, in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Governance and Nominating Committee

The primary responsibilities of the Governance and Nominating Committee (the “GNC”) include, without limitation, determining the appropriate composition of the Board, developing criteria for director nominees, assisting with identifying, interviewing, and recruiting director candidates, reviewing and considering shareholder recommended candidates, annually presenting to the Board a list of nominees for election to the Board, conducting Board and committee evaluations and reviewing the Company’s overall governance structure and charter documents. The GNC may form and delegate authority to subcommittees and may delegate authority to one or more designated members of the committee. The GNC consists of two directors, Mr. Malhotra and Mr. Roller. Each member of the committee is independent, other than Mr. Roller, who may be deemed to no longer be independent as a result of the payment to Maran Capital Management, LLC, in the fourth quarter of 2023.

42


In considering an incumbent director whose term of office is to expire, the GNC reviews the director’s overall service during the person’s term, the number of meetings attended, level of participation and quality of performance. In the case of new directors, the directors on the Board are asked for suggestions as to potential candidates, discuss any candidates suggested by a shareholder of the Company and apply the criteria stated below. The GNC is authorized to engage a professional search firm to locate potential director nominees but has not done so.

The GNC seeks candidates for nomination to the position of director who have excellent decision-making ability, business experience, particularly experience relevant to consumer products, personal integrity, diverse backgrounds and who meet such other criteria as may be determined by the GNC. While the Company and the GNC value a diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds, the GNC does not have a formal policy regarding the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees.

The GNC will take into consideration a director nominee submitted to the Company by a shareholder; provided that the shareholder submits the director nominee and reasonable supporting material concerning the nominee by the due date set forth in the Company’s Bylaws and the rules of the SEC then in effect.

Committee Charters

Each of the committees described above (Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and GNC) operate under a written charter adopted by the Board, a copy of which is available at the Company’s website at www.slginc.com; provided that the Company does not incorporate by reference herein information presented at such website.

DIRECTOR ATTENDANCE AT COMPANY ANNUAL MEETINGS

The Company does not have a policy regarding attendance by members of the Board at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders. The Company has always encouraged its directors to attend its annual meeting. All directors who were then serving attended the Company’s most recent annual meeting of shareholders.

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH DIRECTORS

The Board values open dialogue with shareholders and encourages shareholder participation at the Company’s annual meeting each year. The Board believes that, in appropriate cases, Board-level participation in individual or group meetings with shareholders on matters of significance can be an effective means of promoting mutual understanding and enabling the Board to be informed as to shareholder perspectives.

Shareholders who wish to meet with Board members should send a request to the attention of the Audit Committee Chair of the Company at 8400 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 450, Greenwood Village, CO, 80111. Any shareholder request should:

explain whether the person(s) making the request is (are) a shareholder or a representative of shareholders and the level of shareholdings held or represented;
identify the persons wishing to attend the meeting;
provide a description of the topics proposed to be discussed; and
describe any intention or arrangements for communicating the nature and results of the meeting to other persons or groups.

The Board has the right to decline requests for any meetings requested by shareholders for any reason it deems appropriate, including where the proposed topics are not appropriate and in order to limit the number of such meeting requests to a reasonable level and prioritize acceptances based on the interests of all shareholders. The full text of the Company’s Shareholder Engagement Policy is available at the Company’s website at www.slginc.com; provided that the Company does not incorporate by reference herein information presented at such website.

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS POLICY

The Company has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy (“Code of Conduct”) that reflects long-standing positions of the Company and contains additional provisions that address the Company’s expectations relating to ethical business conduct. The Code of Conduct applies to all employees, including executive officers, and to directors. The Code of Conduct concerns, among other things, compliance with applicable law, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, trading restrictions imposed on persons who are aware of material non-public information, a prohibition on taking corporate opportunities, competing fairly and honestly, diversity as an asset, the Company’s efforts to provide a safe and healthful work environment, recordkeeping, confidentiality, proper use of Company

43


assets and payments to government personnel. A copy of the Code of Conduct may be obtained free of charge at the Company’s website at www.slginc.com; provided that the Company does not incorporate by reference herein information presented at such website.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The Company’s compensation packages to the executive officers, as determined by the Compensation Committee, are designed to enable the Company to recruit, retain and motivate a talented group of people who contribute to the Company’s success. The packages are also intended to synchronize executive compensation with the Company’s performance, motivate executive officers to achieve the Company’s business objectives, provide performance incentives and minimize undue risk to the Company. In 2023, the Company’s President provided input regarding compensation packages of the executive officers other than herself.

In determining the executive compensation presented, the Committee considered, among other things, the following matters:

Overview

The objectives of the Company’s compensation program;

ITEM 12.

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

What the compensation program is designed to reward;
Each element of compensation;
How the Company determines the amount (and, where applicable, the formula) for each element; and
How each compensation element and the Company’s decisions regarding that element fit into the Company’s overall compensation objectives and affect decisions regarding other elements.

Specific Factors

Services performed and time devoted to the Company by the executive;
Amounts paid to executives in comparable companies;
The size and complexity of the Company’s business;
Successes achieved by the executive;
The executive’s abilities;
The executive’s tenure;
The Company’s financial results;
Prevailing economic conditions;
Compensation paid to other employees of the Company; and
The amount previously paid to the executive.

The Compensation Committee also takes into account the results of the previous say-on-pay proposals. At the most recent planned Annual Meeting, there were not present in person or represented by proxy a sufficient number of shares of the Company's common stock to constitute a quorum. Accordingly, the Company was unable to conduct any business at the Annual Meeting, including a say-on-pay advisory vote.

In March 2022, the Company awarded 15,000 shares of common stock to Ms. Pedrazzini, all of which vested upon issuance.

The Compensation Committee has adopted a cash based annual incentive plan pursuant to which the named executive officers could achieve cash bonuses based on both individual and Company performance; however, the Company did not achieve the performance targets for the year ended December 31, 2023. In recognition of their efforts in maintaining sufficient capital during a challenging operating environment in order to position the company for future growth, Ms. Pedrazzini and Mr. Arndt each received cash bonuses of $120,000 and $107,500, respectively, which were awarded in July 2023. The Compensation Committee will use its discretion to make awards to members of the management team in 2024 based on individual and Company performance.

44


The following Summary Compensation Table shows the annual and other compensation of the named executive officers of the Company during the year ended December 31, 2023, for services in all capacities provided to the Company and its subsidiaries for the past two years.

Name and Principal

 

 

 

 

Salary

 

 

Bonus

 

 

Stock Awards

 

 

Option Awards

 

Non-equity incentive plan compensation

 

Non-qualified deferred compensation earnings

 

All Other Compensation

 

Total

 

Position

 

Year

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$(1)

 

 

$(1)

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

 

(c)

 

 

(d)

 

 

(e)

 

 

(f)

 

(g)

 

(h)

 

(i)

 

(j)

 

Tisha Pedrazzini

 

 

2023

 

 

 

240,000

 

 

 

120,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

360,000

 

Former President

 

2022

 

 

 

240,000

 

 

 

15,132

 

 

 

17,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

272,832

 

David M. Arndt

 

 

2023

 

 

 

205,000

 

 

 

107,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

312,500

 

President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Corporate Secretary

 

2022

 

 

 

205,000

 

 

 

15,132

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

220,132

 

_____________________

(1)
Amounts shown in the “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” columns are the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards and stock options computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC 718”). For information on the valuation assumptions for the stock options, please refer to Note 1 of the Company’s Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. These amounts do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by the officers in the future.

STOCK PLANS

The Company’s 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) includes 2,000,000 authorized common shares and provides for the issuance of stock awards consisting of incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restrictive stock or restrictive stock units, performance share awards and performance compensation awards. Eligible persons under the 2015 Plan are full-time and part-time employees and non-employee directors. Under the 2015 Plan, stock awards vest upon a change in control in certain circumstances.

Equity Grants in 2023

There were no equity grants to executive officers in 2023.

Equity Grants in 2022

In March 2022, the Company awarded 15,000 shares of common stock to Ms. Pedrazzini.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2023

Option Awards

Stock Awards

Name
(a)

 

Number of securities underlying unexercised options
#
 Exercisable
(b)

 

 

Number of securities underlying unexercised options
#
 Unexercisable (c)

 

Equity incentive plan awards: Number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options
#
 (d)

 

Option exercise price
$
 (e)

 

 

Option expiration date
(f)

 

Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested
#
(g)

 

 

Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested
$
(h)

 

 

Equity incentive plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested
#
(i)

 

Equity incentive plan awards: Market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested
$
(j)

David M. Arndt

 

 

7,536

 

(1)

 

 

 

1.80

 

 

Jun. 9, 2027

 

 

5,833

 

(2)

 

5,425

 

 

 

_____________________

45


(1)
These options were granted on May 9, 2017, vested 1/48 per month from the date of grant, vested fully on May 9, 2021. In the event Mr. Arndt is terminated without cause or good reason during the 18-month period following a change in control, the options would become fully vested and immediately exercisable.
(2)
These restricted stock units were granted on November 9, 2021, which vest one-third over the next three years on the anniversary of the grant date. In the event Mr. Arndt is terminated without cause or good reason during the 18-month period following a change in control, the restricted stock units would become fully vested.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

On March 31, 2023, Mr. Arndt entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company for 12 months, with compensation of $205,000. The initial term of the agreements is one year. While Mr. Arndt’s existing employment agreement will not be renewed past March 31, 2024, his annual salary, should he remain in the roles of President and Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer after March 31, 2024, is expected to remain at $205,000.

STOCK OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Each non-employee director must hold the number of shares of Common Stock equal in value to at least the annual cash compensation of such director. Directors have five years within which to satisfy initial stock ownership requirements and thereafter, one year to increase their ownership following any increase in cash compensation to directors. Our non-employee directors are in compliance with the foregoing stock ownership requirements. For information regarding current beneficial ownership of shares by our non-employee directors, see the table “Security Ownership of Management.”

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

For 2023, annual director fees were maintained to award annual compensation of $36,000.

In May 2023, the Company awarded 100,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Malhotra and Mr. Roller, respectively, under the Company’s 2015 Plan.

The following table shows the annual and other compensation of the non-employee directors for services to the Company for 2023:

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR 2023

 

Name
(a)

 

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
($)
(b)

 

 

Stock Awards
($)
(1) 
(c)

 

 

Option Awards
($)
(1) 
(d)

 

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
($)
(e)

 

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings
($)
(f)

 

All Other Compensation
($)
(g)

 

 

Total
($)
(j)

 

Rimmy Malhotra

 

 

36,000

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

 

56,000

 

Daniel J. Roller (2)

 

 

36,000

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

120,000

 

 

 

176,000

 

John McAnnar (3)

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

(1)
Amounts shown in the “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” columns are the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards and stock options computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC 718”). For information on the valuation assumptions for the stock options, please refer to Note 1 of the Company’s Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. These amounts do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by the officers in the future.
(2)
In October 2023, the Company agreed to pay $200,000 to Maran Capital Management, LLC ("Maran"), of which Mr. Roller is the Founder, President, and Chief Investment Officer, comprised of $80,000 for certain legal and other expenses incurred by Maran related to the Company between February 2021 and September 2023, and $120,000 in consideration of the significant support received by the Company from Maran in sourcing, structuring, and negotiating the various asset divestitures aforementioned in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. This transaction was approved by independent directors that did not include Mr. Roller.
(3)
On July 20, 2023, John D. McAnnar joined the Board of Directors and Audit Committee.

46


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


The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of March 25, 2024 (except as otherwise indicated) by (i) each person or entity known by us to beneficially own more than five percent of our Common Stock, (ii) each director, (iii) each executive officer for whom compensation information is given in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement, and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group. As of March 25, 2024 we had 13,006,162 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1)

 

 

 

Percent of Class

 

 

Maran Capital Management, LLC
Daniel J. Roller
250 Fillmore Street, Suite 150
Denver, Colorado 80206

 

 

5,244,150

 

(2)

 

 

40.3

 

%

Rimmy Malhotra
8400 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 450
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

 

 

100,000

 

 

 

*

 

 

John D. McAnnar
8400 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 450
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

David M. Arndt

 

 

16,211

 

(3)

 

*

 

 

Tisha Pedrazzini

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

*

 

 

All Directors and executive officers as a group

 

 

5,360,361

 

(3)

 

 

41.2

 

%

_____________________

* Less than 1%.

(1)
Beneficial owners listed have sole voting or disposition power with respect to the shares shown unless otherwise indicated.
(2)
As reported on Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on July 20, 2023 by (i) Maran Partners Fund, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“MPF”), (ii) Maran Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“MCM”), (iii) Maran Partners GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“MPGP”), (iv) Maran SPV GP, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company ("MSGL"), (v) Maran SPV, LP, a Delaware limited partnership ("MSL"), and (vi) Mr. Roller. Mr. Roller is the managing member of MCM and the managing member of MPGP, which is the general partner of MPF and managing member of MSGL, and MSGL is the general partner of MSL.
(3)
This item includes 7,536 underlying stock options granted by the Company and exercisable currently or within 60 days of March 25, 2024 for Mr. Arndt.

The following table provides certain information with respect to all of the Company’s equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2023.

 

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Plan Category

 

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)

 

 

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights (b)

 

 

Number of securities remaining available for issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a) and (c))

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

 

12,000

 

 

$

1.61

 

 

 

1,988,000

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

12,000

 

 

$

1.61

 

 

 

1,988,000

 

47


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Mark Goldstein

On April 29, 2021, the Company announced that Mark E. Goldstein, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a member of the Board of Directors, retired effective as of April 26, 2021. In connection with Mr. Goldstein’s retirement, the Company and Mr. Goldstein entered into a Separation Agreement, Waiver and Release, (the “Separation Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company willwould pay Mr. Goldstein $720$720,000 in severance payments (equal to 18 months base salary) over a period of 30 months and reimbursement for the costs of continuing health benefits for a period of 18 months. Severance payments to Mr. Goldstein concluded in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Maran Capital Management

In October 2023, the Company agreed to pay $200,000 to Maran Capital Management, LLC ("Maran"), comprised of $80,000 for certain legal and other expenses incurred by Maran related to the Company between February 2021 and September 2023, and $120,000 in consideration of the significant support received by the Company from Maran in sourcing, structuring, and negotiating the various asset divestitures aforementioned in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. This transaction was approved by independent directors that did not include Mr. Roller.

The Company has indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers, which provide for indemnification and advancement of expenses to the full extent permitted by law in connection with any proceeding in which the person is made a party because the person is a director or officer of the Company.

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving or rejecting related party transactions.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

COMPANY ACCOUNTANTS

Disclosure of Auditor Fees

The following is a description of the fees billed to the Company by its independent auditors for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 Audit and Non-Audit Fees

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Audit fees

 

$

261,000

 

 

$

225,000

 

Tax fees

 

 

32,500

 

 

 

36,500

 

All other fees

 

 

500

 

 

 

500

 

Total

 

$

294,000

 

 

$

262,000

 

Audit fees are for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and the review of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Tax fees primarily include tax compliance, tax advice, including the review of, and assistance in the preparation of, federal and state tax returns. All other fees are for permitted advisory services.

Policy on Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent public accountants. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year, and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services. The Audit Committee has delegated limited pre-approval authority to its chairperson. The chairperson is required to report any decisions to pre-approve such services to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting. All of the audit and non-audit services disclosed in the table above were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

48


ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

The following documents are filed as part of this 10-K:

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.a)

Financial Statements

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Plante & Moran, PLLC; Denver, Colorado; PCAOB ID #166)

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements can be found under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Exhibits

Exhibit Number

b)

Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed or furnished with this Form 10-K or incorporated herein by reference.

Exhibit No.

Document

3.1

Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended and restated through May 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007.

3.2

Bylaws, as amended through July 13, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2011.

4.1

Description of Registrant’s Securities, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

10.1*

Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. Health and Accident Plan, Plan Document and Summary Plan Description Amended and Restated Effective October 1, 2003 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

10.2*

Scott’s Liquid Gold & Affiliated Companies Employee Benefit Health and Welfare Plan Amendment #1-2004 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.


Exhibit Number

Document

10.3*

Form of Indemnification Agreement for executive officers and directors incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

10.4*10.2*

Employment Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2014, between Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. and Mark Goldstein incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 28, 2014.

10.5*

Form of 2005 Stock Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

10.6*

Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its annual meeting of shareholders held on June 4, 2015 filed on April 27, 2015.

10.7*10.3*

Form of 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan Incentive Stock Option Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 30, 2016.

10.8*10.4*

Form of 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 30, 2016.

10.9*10.5*

Form of Director RSU Award Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 20, 2019.

10.10*

Form of Executive Officer RSU Award Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 20, 2019.

10.11*

Form of Executive Officer RSU Award Agreement, dated October 2, 2020

10.12*

Employee at Will, Non-Disclosure, Non-Compete, and Development Assignment Agreement, dated May 2, 2018, between the Company and Kevin A. Paprzycki incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.210.11 of the Company’s CurrentCompany's Annual Report on Form 8-K10-K, filed on May 3, 2018.March 31, 2022.

10.13*10.6*

Amendment to Employee At Will, Non-Disclosure, Non-Compete and Development Assignment Agreement, dated June 25, 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2020.

10.14*

Employee at Will, Non-Disclosure, Non-Compete,Agreement, effective March 31, 2023, by and Development Assignment Agreement, dated May 14, 2021, between the CompanyScott's Liquid Gold-Inc. and Tisha Pedrazzini incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.110.7 of the Company’s CurrentCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-Q10-K, filed on May 14, 2021.March 29, 2023.

10.15*10.7*

Employment Agreement, dated as of November 11, 2021,effective March 31, 2023, by and between Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. and David Arndt incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.410.8 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 15, 2021.

10.16

Distribution Agreement, effective January 1, 2018, between Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc. and HK NFS Limited, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Company’sCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on April 2, 2018.March 29, 2023.

10.1710.8

Asset Purchase Agreement, by and among SLG Chemicals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc., Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. and Paramount Chemical Specialties, Inc., dated October 1, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2019.

10.1810.9

Asset Purchase Agreement, by and between Scott’sScott's Liquid Gold-Inc. and Colorado Quality Products LLC,AFAM Concept, Inc. dated December 3, 2019,15, 2022, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.110.11 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 5, 2019.

10.19

Asset Purchase Agreement, by and between Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. and CR Brands, Inc., dated June 25, 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2020.

10.20

Asset Purchase Agreement, by and between Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc. and Iron Out, Inc. d/b/a Summit Brands., dated December 23, 2021.

10.21

Loan and Security Agreement, dated July 1, 2020, UMB Bank, N.A., Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc., SLG Chemicals, Inc., and Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2020.


Exhibit Number

Document

10.22

First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 26, 2021, UMB Bank, N.A., Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc., SLG Chemicals, Inc., and Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Company’sCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 29, 2021.2023.

10.2310.10

Second Amendment to LoanStock Purchase Agreement, by and Security Agreement, dated June 25, 2021, UMB Bank, N.A., Scott’sbetween Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc., SLG Chemicals, Inc., and Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc.,Beauty Holdings, LLC, dated September 15, 2023, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 25, 2021.

10.24

Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated August 13, 2021, UMB Bank, N.A., Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc., SLG Chemicals, Inc., and Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 13, 2021.

10.25

Consent and Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 15, 2021, UMB Bank, N.A., Scott’s Liquid Gold-Inc., SLG Chemicals, Inc., and Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’sCompany's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 15, 2021.7, 2023.

10.2610.11

LoanAsset Purchase Agreement, dated November 9, 2021, by and between La Plata Capital, LLC, and Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc., and Nakoma Brands dated January 23, 2023, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.210.12 of the Company’s QuarterlyCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-Q10-K, filed on November 15, 2021.March 29, 2023.

10.2710.12

Security Agreement dated November 9, 2021,and Plan of Merger, by and between La Plata Capital, LLC, andamong Scott's Liquid Gold-Inc., Horizon Kinetics LLC, and HKNY ONE, LLC dated December 19, 2023, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32.1 of the Company’s QuarterlyCompany's Current Report on Form 10-Q8-K filed on November 15, 2021.December 26, 2023.

49


Exhibit No.

Document

21

List of Subsidiaries incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

23.1

Consent of Plante & Moran, PLLC.

2423.2

Consent of Weinberg & Company, P.A.

24

Powers of Attorney.

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the President.President and Chief Financial Officer.

31.232.1**

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.

32.1**

Section 1350 Certification.

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.With Embedded Linkbase Documents

101.CAL104

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

*

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**Furnished, not filed.

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY.

None.

SIGNATURES

ITEM 16.

FORM 10-K SUMMARY.

None.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

SCOTT’S LIQUID GOLD-INC.,

a Colorado corporation

By:

By:

/s/ Tisha Pedrazzini

Tisha Pedrazzini, President

(Principal Executive Officer)

By:

/s/ David M. Arndt

David M. Arndt, President, Principal Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer)

Date:

March 31, 202226, 2024

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date

Name and Title

Signature

March 31, 202226, 2024

Tisha Pedrazzini,David M. Arndt,

Director and President

 /s/ Tisha Pedrazzini

March 31, 2022

Leah S. Bailey, DirectorPresident, Principal Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer

Tisha Pedrazzini for herself and as /s/ David M. Arndt

March 31, 202226, 2024

Rimmy R. Malhotra, Director

David M. Arndt for himself and as

March 26, 2024

Daniel J. Roller, Director

Attorney-in-Fact for the named directors

March 31, 202226, 2024

Daniel J. Roller,John D. McAnnar, Director

who constitute all of the members of the

the Board of Directors and for the named officers

50

42