UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20222023

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ______to_______ .

 

001-32146

Commission file number

 

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

 

New York 16-1229730

(State or other Jurisdiction of

incorporation- or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

275 Wiregrass Pkwy,

West Henrietta, NY 14586

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(585) 325-3610

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☐No No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date 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) Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See 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 filerSmaller 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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes ☐ No

 

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

 

Title of each class Ticker symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.02 par value per share DSS The NYSE American LLC

 

As of November 09, 20226, 2023 there were 139,017,172140,264,250 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.02 par value, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

DSS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION3
Item 1Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)3
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 20213
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 20214
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 20215
 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 20216
 Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements7
Item 2Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations2931
Item 4Controls and Procedures3639
   
PART IIOTHER INFORMATION3740
Item 1Legal Proceedings3740
Item 1ARisk Factors3740
Item 2Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds3740
Item 3Defaults upon Senior Securities3740
Item 4Mine Safety Disclosures3740
Item 5Other Information3740
Item 6Exhibits3740

 

2

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DSS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

 September 30, 2022  December 31, 2021  September 30, 2023 (unaudited)  December 31, 2022 
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents $22,845,000  $56,595,000  $6,897,000  $19,290,000 
Accounts receivable, net  8,989,000   5,673,000   3,136,000   7,564,000 
Inventory  8,663,000   8,261,000   3,930,000   7,721,000 
Current portion of notes receivable  12,273,000   6,310,000   9,225,000   11,719,000 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  2,898,000   3,466,000   1,215,000   1,700,000 
Total current assets  55,668,000   80,305,000   24,403,000   47,994,000 
                
Property, plant and equipment, net  16,065,000   17,674,000   12,351,000   13,391,000 
Investment in real estate, net  55,493,000   56,374,000   53,482,000   55,029,000 
Other investments  8,190,000   11,001,000   1,163,000   1,534,000 
Investment, equity method  1,326,000   1,080,000   134,000   162,000 
Marketable securities  28,083,000   14,172,000   11,064,000   27,307,000 
Notes receivable  1,704,000   5,878,000   138,000   922,000 
Other assets  1,393,000   489,000   246,000   2,699,000 
Right-of-use assets  8,459,000   498,000   7,470,000   8,219,000 
Goodwill  56,606,000   56,606,000   57,880,000   60,919,000 
Other intangible assets, net  31,893,000   38,630,000   28,220,000   30,740,000 
Total assets $264,880,000  $282,707,000  $196,551,000  $248,916,000 
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable $4,048,000  $1,920,000  $2,924,000  $5,914,000 
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue  11,627,000   21,180,000   2,701,000   19,341,000 
Other current liabilities  396,000   402,000   396,000   477,000 
Current portion of lease liability  819,000   393,000   813,000   796,000 
Current portion of long-term debt, net  6,680,000   3,916,000   46,638,000   47,161,000 
Total current liabilities  23,570,000   27,811,000   53,472,000   73,689,000 
                
Long-term debt, net  50,163,000   55,711,000   7,747,000   10,181,000 
Long term lease liability  7,991,000   120,000   7,040,000   7,820,000 
Other long-term liabilities  507,000   880,000   507,000   507,000 
Deferred tax liability, net  38,000   38,000 
                
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)  -    -  
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)  -     
                
Stockholders’ equity                
Preferred stock, $.02 par value; 47,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding (zero on December 31, 2021); Liquidation value $1,000 per share, zero aggregate. zero on December 31, 2021).  -   - 
Common stock, $.02 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 139,017,172 shares issued and outstanding (79,745,886 on December 31, 2021)  2,779,000   1,594,000 
Common stock, $.02 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 140,264,250 shares issued and outstanding (139,017,172 on December 31, 2022)  2,804,000   2,779,000 
Additional paid-in capital  317,125,000   294,685,000   317,369,000   317,126,000 
Accumulated deficit  (167,417,000)  (134,503,000)  (225,873,000)  (194,343,000)
Total stockholders’ equity  152,487,000   161,776,000   94,300,000   125,562,000 
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries  30,162,000   36,409,000   33,447,000   31,119,000 
Total stockholders’ equity  182,649,000   198,185,000   127,747,000   156,681,000 
                
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $264,880,000  $282,707,000  $196,551,000  $248,916,000 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

DSS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

 2022  2021  2022  2021  2023  2022  2023  2022 
 For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 2022  2021  2022  2021  2023  2022  2023  2022 
Revenue:                  
Printed products $5,032,000  $3,416,000  $12,650,000  $10,652,000  $3,315,000  $5,032,000  $12,976,000  $12,650,000 
Rental income  1,485,000   184,000   4,656,000   184,000   236,000   1,485,000   3,464,000   4,656,000 
Management fee income  38,000   -   38,000   -   -   38,000   -   38,000 
Net investment income  370,000   -   644,000   -   108,000   370,000   422,000   644,000 
Commission revenue  -   -   295,000   - 
Direct marketing  4,937,000   966,000   17,939,000   2,382,000   523,000   4,937,000   6,088,000   17,939,000 
Total revenue  11,862,000   4,566,000   35,927,000   13,218,000   4,182,000   11,862,000   23,245,000   35,927,000 
                                
Costs and expenses:                                
Cost of revenue  11,368,000   3,406,000   27,653,000   10,045,000   6,072,000   11,933,000   19,437,000   29,658,000 
Selling, general and administrative (including stock based compensation)  14,677,000   6,705,000   40,316,000   19,164,000 
Selling, general and administrative (including stock-based compensation)  3,213,000   14,677,000   21,036,000   40,316,000 
Total costs and expenses  26,045,000   10,111,000   67,969,000   29,209,000   9,285,000   26,610,000   40,473,000   69,974,000 
Operating loss  (14,183,000)  (5,545,000)  (32,042,000)  (15,991,000)  (5,103,000)  (14,748,000)  (17,228,000)  (34,047,000)
                                
Other income (expense):                                
Interest income  319,000   1,593,000   613,000   3,130,000   682,000   319,000   1,220,000   613,000 
Dividend income  -   -   12,000   - 
Other income (expense)  3,627,000   325,000   4,203,000   575,000   (44,000)  3,627,000   139,000   4,203,000 
Interest expense  (606,000)  (31,000)  (2,105,000)  (157,000)  (51,000)  (42,000)  (438,000)  (100,000)
Gain on extinguishment of debt  -   -   110,000   116,000   -  -   -  110,000 
Gain/(loss) on equity method investment  344,000   (1,645,000)  134,000   (2,556,000)  (6,000)  344,000   (28,000)  134,000 
Loss on investments  (14,302,000)  (2,996,000)  (10,479,000)  (10,894,000)
Gain on sale of assets  -   -   405,000   - 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes  (24,801,000)  (8,299,000)  (39,161,000)  (25,777,000)
Gain/(loss) on investments  301,000   (14,302,000)  (30,490,000)  (10,479,000)
Provision for loan losses  (1,179,000)  -   (4,936,000)  - 
Loss on sale of assets  (1,281,000)  -   (1,281,000)  405,000 
Loss from operations before income taxes  (6,681,000)  (24,802,000)  (53,030,000)  (39,161,000)
                                
Income tax benefit  -   1,624,000   -   4,315,000   -   -   (9,000)  - 
Loss from continuing operations  (24,801,000)  (6,675,000)  (39,161,000)  (21,462,000)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax  -   -   -   2,129,000 
                
Net loss  (24,801,000)  (6,675,000)  (39,161,000)  (19,333,000)  (6,681,000)  (24,802,000)  (53,039,000)  (39,161,000)
                                
Loss from continuing operations attributed to noncontrolling interest  4,587,000   77,000   6,247,000   336,000 
Loss from operations attributed to non-controlling interest  2,339,000   4,587,000   2,736,000   6,247,000 
                                
Net loss attributable to common stockholders  (20,214,000)  (6,598,000)  (32,914,000)  (18,997,000)  (4,342,000)  (20,215,000)  (50,303,000)  (32,914,000)
                                
Loss per common share:                                
Basic $(0.15) $(0.19) $(0.32) $(0.78) $(0.03) $(0.15) $(0.36) $(0.32)
Diluted $(0.15) $(0.19) $(0.32) $(0.78) $(0.03) $(0.15) $(0.36) $(0.32)
                                
Earnings per common share - discontinued operations:                
Basic $-  $-  $-  $0.08 
Diluted $-  $-  $-  $0.08 
                
Shares used in computing loss per common share:                                
Basic  134,893,360   34,888,054   102,390,079   27,203,137   140,264,250   134,893,360   139,809,113   102,390,079 
Diluted  

134,893,360

   34,888,054   102,390,079   27,203,137   140,264,250   134,893,360   139,809,113   102,390,079 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

DSS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

(unaudited)

 

        
 2022  2021  2023  2022 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net loss from continuing operations $(39,161,000) $(21,462,000) $(53,039,000) $(39,161,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash used by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization  9,351,000   2,075,000   4,150,000   9,351,000 
Stock based compensation  4,000   74,000   -   4,000 
Gain/(loss) on equity method investment  (134,000)  2,556,000 
Loss (gain) on investments  10,479,000   10,894,000 
Gain/loss on equity method investment  28,000   (134,000)
Loss on investments  30,490,000   10,479,000 
Loss on allowance for obsolescence of inventory  326,000   -   -   326,000 
Change in ROU assets and lease liabilities, net  

336,000

   - 
Change in ROU assets  749,000   (7,961,000)
Change in ROU liabilities  (763,000)  8,297,000 
Gain on extinguishment of debt  (110,000)  (116,000)  -   (110,000)
Deferred tax benefit  -   (4,315,000)
Accretion of debt discount, origination fee and prepaid interest  -   (2,287,000)
Gain on sale of assets  

(405,000

)    
Impairment of notes receivable and other investments  1,899,000   - 
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets  1,281,000   (405,000)
Impairment of notes receivable  4,936,000   1,899,000 
Decrease (increase) in assets:                
Accounts receivable  (3,316,000)  829,000   2,520,000   (3,316,000)
Inventory  (728,000)  (1,580,000)  4,368,000   (728,000)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  568,000   (277,000)  323,000   568,000 
Other assets  (904,000)  (25,000)  2,448,000   (904,000)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:                
Accounts payable  2,128,000   432,000   (2,896,000)  2,128,000 
Accrued expenses  (3,205,000)  1,808,000   (15,549,000)  (3,205,000)
Other liabilities  (379,000)  (1,054,000)  (81,000)  (379,000)
Net cash used by operating activities  (23,251,000)  (12,448,000)  (21,035,000)  (23,251,000)
                
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Purchase of property, plant and equipment  (1,349,000)  (2,816,000)  (679,000)  (1,349,000)
Purchase of real estate  (689,000)  (6,565,000)  -   (689,000)
Purchase of investment  -   (19,026,000)
Purchase of marketable securities  (14,254,000)  (8,789,000)  -   (14,254,000)
Disposal of property, plant and equipment  2,557,000   -   215,000   2,557,000 
Asset acquired with APB acquisition  -   1,235,000 
Purchase of equity investment  -   (1,276,000)
Sale of marketable securities  -   9,185,000   11,330,000   - 
Issuance of new notes receivable, net origination fees  (4,687,000)  (24,048,000)  (400,000)  (4,687,000)
Payments received on notes receivable  786,000   -   1,419,000   786,000 
Purchase of intangible assets  (180,000)  (1,115,000)  -   (180,000)
Net cash used by investing activities  (17,816,000)  (53,215,000)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities  11,885,000   (17,816,000)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Payments of long-term debt  (561,000)  (1,893,000)  (4,056,000)  (561,000)
Borrowings of long-term debt  6,360,000   7,102,000   813,000   6,360,000 
Deferred financing fees  -   (186,000)
Issuances of common stock, net of issuance costs  1,518,000   121,737,000   -   1,518,000 
Net cash provided by financing activities  7,317,000   126,760,000 
Net cash (used)provided by financing activities  (3,243,000)  7,317,000 
                
Cash flows from discontinued operations:        
Cash provided by discontinued operations  -   207,000 
Cash provided by investing activities  -   3,000,000 
Net cash used by discontinued operations  -   3,207,000 
        
Net increase (decrease) in cash  (33,750,000)  64,304,000 
Net decrease in cash  (12,393,000)  (33,750,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  56,595,000   5,183,000   19,290,000   56,595,000 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $22,845,000  $69,487,000  $6,897,000 $22,845,000 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

DSS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

(unaudited)

 Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital Deficit 
Equity
 Subsidiary Total                    
 Common Stock  Preferred Stock  Additional Paid-in  Accumulated  Total DSS  Non- controlling Interest in    Common Stock  Preferred Stock  Additional Paid-in  Accumulated  Total DSS  Non- controlling Interest in    
 Shares  Amount  Shares Amount  Capital Deficit Equity Subsidiary Total  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Equity  Subsidiary  Total 
                                      
Balance, December 31, 2022  139,017,000  $   2,779,000       -  $          -  $317,126,000  $(194,343,000) $125,562,000  $31,119,000  $156,681,000 
                                        
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses  1,247,000       25,000   -   -   243,000   -   268,000   -   268,000 
Deconsolidation of Sharing Services          -   -   -   -   18,773,000   18,773,000   5,064,000   23,837,000 
Net loss  -       -   -   -   -   (50,303,000)  (50,303,000)  (2,736,000)  (53,039,000)
Balance, September 30, 2023  140,264,000  $   2,804,000   -  $-  $317,369,000  $(225,873,000) $94,300,000  $33,447,000  $127,747,000 
                                        
Balance, December 31, 2021  79,746,000  $1,594,000   -  $-  $294,685,000  $(134,503,000) $161,776,000  $36,409,000  $198,185,000   79,746,000  $   1,594,000   -  $-  $294,685,000  $(134,503,000) $161,776,000   36,409,000  $198,185,000 
                                        
                                                                            
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses  42,924,000   858,000   -   -   16,547,000   -   17,405,000   -   17,405,000   47,924,000       858,000   -   -   16,547,000   -   17,405,000   -   17,405,000 
Stock based payments  16,347,000   327,000   -   -   5,893,000   -   6,220,000   -   6,220,000   16,347,000       327,000   -   -   5,893,000   -   6,220,000   -   6,220,000 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   (32,914,000)  (32,914,000)  (6,247,000)  (39,161,000)  -       -   -   -   -   (32,914,000)  (32,914,000)  (6,247,000)  (39,161,000)
Balance, September 30, 2022  139,017,000  $2,779,000   -  $-  $317,125,000  $(167,417,000) $152,487,000  $30,162,000  $182,649,000   139,017,000  $   2,779,000   -  $-  $317,125,000  $(167,417,000) $152,487,000  $30,162,000  $182,649,000 
                                    
Balance, December 31, 2020  5,836,000  $116,000   43,000  $1,000  $174,380,000  $(101,382,000) $73,115,000   3,430,000  $76,545,000 
Beginning balance  5,836,000  $116,000   43,000  $1,000  $174,380,000  $(101,382,000) $73,115,000   3,430,000  $76,545,000 
                                    
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses  67,340,000   1,347,000   -   -   120,434,000   -   121,781,000   -   121,781,000 
Stock based payments  -   -   -   -   (2,000)  -   (2,000)  -   (2,000)
Conversion of preferred stock  6,570,000   131,000   (43,000)  (1,000)  (130,000)  -   -   -   - 
Acquisition of American Pacific Bancorp  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   20,301,000   20,301,000 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   (18,997,000)  (18,997,000)  (336,000)  (19,333,000)
Balance, September 30, 2021  79,746,000  $1,594,000   -  $-  $294,682,000  $(120,379,000) $175,897,000  $23,395,000  $199,292,000 
Ending balance  79,746,000  $1,594,000   -  $-  $294,682,000  $(120,379,000) $175,897,000  $23,395,000  $199,292,000 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6

 

DSS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 20222023

(Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Company, incorporated in the state of New York in May 1984 has conducted business in the name of Document Security Systems, Inc. On September 16, 2021, the board of directors approved an agreement and plan of merger with a wholly owned subsidiary, DSS, Inc. (a New York corporation, incorporated in August 2020), for the sole purpose of effecting a name change from Document Security Systems, Inc. to DSS, Inc. This change became effective on September 30, 2021. DSS, Inc. maintained the same trading symbol “DSS” and updated its CUSIP number to 26253C 102.

 

DSS, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, referred to herein as “DSS,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) currently operates nine (9) distinct business lines with operations and locations around the globe. These business lines are: (1) Product Packaging, (2) Biotechnology, (3) Direct Marketing, (4) Commercial Lending, (5) Securities and Investment Management, (6) Alternative Trading (7) Digital Transformation, (8) Secure Living, and (9) Alternative Energy. Each of these business lines are in different stages of development, growth, and income generation.

 

Our divisions, their business lines, subsidiaries, and operating territories: (1) Our Product Packaging line is led by Premier Packaging Corporation, Inc. (“Premier”), a New York corporation. Premier operates in the paper board and fiber based folding carton, consumer product packaging, and document security printing markets. It markets, manufactures, and sells sophisticated custom folding cartons, mailers, photo sleeves and complex 3-dimensional direct mail solutions. Premier is currently located in its new facility in Rochester, NY, and primarily serves the US market. (2) The Biotechnology business line was created to invest in or acquire companies in the BioHealth and BioMedical fields, including businesses focused on the advancement of drug discovery and prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncological, and immune related diseases. This division is also targeting unmet, urgent medical needs, and is developing open-air defense initiatives, which curb transmission of air-borne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and influenza. (3) Direct Marketing, led by the holding corporation, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. (“Decentralized”) provides services to assist companies in the emerging growth “Gig” business model of peer-to-peer decentralized sharing marketplaces. Direct specializes in marketing and distributing its products and services through its subsidiary and partner network, using the popular gig economic marketing strategy as a form of direct marketing. Direct Marketing’s products include, among other things, nutritional and personal care products sold throughout North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. (4) Our Commercial Lending business division, driven by American Pacific Bancorp (“APB”), is organized for the purposes of being a financial network holding company, focused on acquiring equity positions in (i) undervalued commercial bank(s), bank holding companies and nonbanking licensed financial companies operating in the United States, South East Asia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, and (ii) companies engaged in—nonbanking activities closely related to banking, including loan syndication services, mortgage banking, trust and escrow services, banking technology, loan servicing, equipment leasing, problem asset management, SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) consulting services, and advisory capital raising services. (5) Securities and Investment Management was established to develop and/or acquire assets in the securities trading or management arena, and to pursue, among other product and service lines, broker dealers, and mutual funds management. Also in this segment is the Company’s real estate investment trusts (“REIT”), organized for the purposes of acquiring hospitals and other acute or post-acute care centers from leading clinical operators with dominant market share in secondary and tertiary markets, and leasing each property to a single operator under a triple-net lease. the REIT was formed to originate, acquire, and lease a credit-centric portfolio of licensed medical real estate. (6) Alternative Trading was established to develop and/or acquire assets and investments in the securities trading and/or funds management arena. Alternative Trading, in partnership with recognized global leaders in alternative trading systems, intends to own and operate in the US a single or multiple vertical digital asset exchanges for securities, tokenized assets, utility tokens, and cryptocurrency via an alternative trading platform using blockchain technology. The scope of services within this section is planned to include asset issuance and allocation (securities and cryptocurrency), FPO, IPO, ITO, PPO, and UTO listings on a primary market(s), asset digitization/tokenization (securities, currency, and cryptocurrency), and the listing and trading of digital assets (securities and cryptocurrency) on a secondary market(s). (7) Digital Transformation was established to be a Preferred Technology Partner and Application Development Solution for mid cap brands in various industries including the direct selling and affiliate marketing sector. Digital improves marketing, communications and operations processes with custom software development and implementation. (8) The Secure Living division has developed a plan for fully sustainable, secure, connected, and healthy living communities with homes incorporating advanced technology, energy efficiency, and quality of life living environments both for new construction and renovations for single and multi-family residential housing. (9) The Alternative Energy group was established to help lead the Company’s future in the clean energy business that focuses on environmentally responsible and sustainable measures. Alset Energy, Inc, the holding company for this group, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alset Solar, Inc., pursue utility-scale solar farms to serve US regional power grids and to provide underutilized properties with small microgrids for independent energy.

 

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On September 9, 2021, the Company finalized a stock purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with American Pacific Bancorp, Inc. (“APB”), which provided for an investment of $40,000,200 by the Company into APB for an aggregate of 6,666,700 shares of the APB’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share. Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the SPA, the shares issued at a purchase price of $6.00 per share. As a result of this transaction, DSS became the majority owner of APB. (see Note 5).

 

On SeptemberMay 13, 2021, Sentinel Brokers, LLC. (“Sentinel LLC”), subsidiary of the Company finalizedentered into a shareholderstock purchase agreement between its subsidiary, DSS Financial Management,(“Sentinel Agreement”) to acquire a 24.9% equity position of Sentinel Brokers Company, Inc. (“DFMI”) and HR1 Holdings Limited (“HR1”Sentinel Co.”), a company incorporatedregistered in the British Virgin Islands, forstate of New York, and in December 2022, Sentinel LLC exercised this option to increase its equity position to 75%. In May of 2023, Sentinel LLC acquired an additional 5% increasing its equity position to 80.1%. Sentinel is a broker-dealer operating primarily as a fiduciary intermediary, facilitating intuitional trading of municipal and corporate bonds as well as preferred stock, and is registered with the purpose of operatingSecurities and Exchange Commission, is a vehicle for private and institutional investors seeking a highly liquid investment fund with attractive risk adjusted returns relative to market unpredictability and volatility. Under the terms of this agreement, 4000 shares or 40%member of the Company’s subsidiary Liquid Asset Limited Management LimitedFinancial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“LVAM”FINRA”), and is a Hong Kong company was transferred to HR1 whereas at the conclusionmember of the transaction DFMI would own 60% of LVAM and HR1 would own 40%. LVAM executes within reliable platforms and broad market access and uses proprietary systems and algorithms to trade liquid exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stocks, futures or crypto. Aimed at providing consistent returns while offering the unique ability to liquidate the portfolio within 5 to 10 minutes under normal market conditions, LVAM provides an array of advanced tools and products enabling customers to explore multiple opportunities, strengthen and diversify their portfolios, and meet their individual investing goalsSecurities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).

On December 23, 2021, DSS purchased 50,000,000 shares at $0.06 per share of Sharing Services Global Corporation (“SHRG”) via a private placement. With this purchase, DSS increased its ownership of voting shares from approximately 47% of SHRG to approximately 58%. SHRG aims to build shareholder value by developing or acquiring businesses that increase the Company’s product and services portfolio, business competencies and geographic reach. Currently, the Company, through its subsidiaries, markets and distributes its health and wellness and other products primarily in the United States, Canada, and the Asia Pacific region using a direct selling business model. SHRG markets its products and services through its independent sales force, using its proprietary websites, including: www.elevacity.com and www.thehappyco.com. SHRG, headquartered in Plano, Texas, was incorporated in the State of Nevada on April 24, 2015, and is an emerging growth company. SHRG Common Stock is traded, under the symbol “SHRG,” in the OTCQB Market, an over-the-counter trading platforms market operated by OTC Markets Group Inc.

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments, unless otherwise indicated) necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position as of September 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, and the results of our consolidated operations for the interim periods presented. We follow the same accounting policies when preparing quarterly financial data as we use for preparing annual data. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes included in our latest annual report on Form 10-K, and 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20212022 (“Form 10-K”, “Form 10-K/A”), and our other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DSS, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Deconsolidation of Sharing Services Global Corporation - On May 4, 2023, the Company distributed approximately 280 million shares of SHRG beneficially held by DSS and Decentralized Sharing Systems in the form of a dividend to the shareholders of DSS common stock. Upon completion of this distribution, DSS will retain an ownership interest in SHRG of approximately 7%. Immediately prior to this distribution, DSS owned approximately 81% of the issued and outstanding common shares of SHRG. As a result, SHRG, whose operations represented a significant portion of our Direct Marketing segment, was deconsolidated from our consolidated financial statements effective as of May 1, 2023 (the “Deconsolidation”). The consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023, therefore includes one month of activity related to SHRG prior to the Deconsolidation. Subsequent to April 30, 2023 the assets and liabilities of SHRG are no longer included within our consolidated balance sheets. Any discussions related to results, operations, and accounting policies associated with SHRG refer to the periods prior to the Deconsolidation.

Upon Deconsolidation, we recognized a loss before income taxes of approximately $29,196,000 which is recorded within gain/loss investments in our consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. Subsequent to the Deconsolidation, we accounted for our equity ownership interest in SHRG as a marketable security and at the quoted price stock price of SHRG, valued at approximately $148,000 at September 30, 2023.

Reclassifications - Certain amounts on the accompanying condensed consolidated cash flows and condensed consolidated statements of operations have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

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Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to the accounts receivable, convertible notes receivable, inventory, fair values of investments, intangible assets and goodwill, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, fair values of options and warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock, preferred stock, deferred revenue and income taxes, among others. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.

Reclassifications- Certain amounts on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for the year ended December 31, 2021, have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation, as have certain amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

 

Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. Amounts included in cash equivalents in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are money market funds whose adjusted costs approximate fair value.

Accounts/Rents Receivable - The Company extends credit to its customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally does not require collateral. Payment terms are generally 30 days but up to net 105 for certain customers. The Company carries its trade accounts receivable at invoice amounts and its rent receivables at contract amounts, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon management’s estimates that include a review of the history of past write-offs and collections and an analysis of current credit conditions. In estimating expected losses in the accounts receivable portfolio, customer-specific financial data and macro-economic assumptions are utilized to project losses over a reasonable and supportable forecast period. Assumptions and judgment are applied to measure amounts and timing of expected future cash flows, collateral values and other factors used to determine the customers’ abilities to pay.

At September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company established a reserve for doubtful accounts of approximately $2,706,000 and $29,000, respectively. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable.

 

Notes receivable, unearned interest, and related recognition - The Company records all future payments of principal and interest on notes as notes receivable, which are then offset by the amount of any related unearned interest income. For financial statement purposes, the Company reports the net investment in the notes receivable on the consolidated balance sheet as current or long-term based on the maturity date of the underlying notes. Such net investment is comprised of the amount advanced on the loans, adjusting for net deferred loan fees or costs incurred at origination, amounts allocated to warrants received upon origination, and any payments received in advance. The unearned interest is recognized over the term of the notes and the income portion of each note payment is calculated so as to generate a constant rate of return on the net balance outstanding. Net deferred loan fees or costs, together with discounts recognized in connection with warrants acquired at origination, are accreted as an adjustment to yield over the term of the loan.

 

Investments – Investments in equity securities with a readily determinable fair value, not accounted for under the equity method, are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. For equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, the investment is recorded at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus adjustments related to observable transactions for the same or similar securities, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

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For equity method investments, the Company regularly reviews its investments to determine whether there is a decline in fair value below book value. If there is a decline that is other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to fair value. See Note 68 for further discussion on investments.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

 

● Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

● Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

 

● Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

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The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheet of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaids, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Marketable securities classify as a Level 1 fair value financial instrument. The fair value of notes receivable approximates their carrying value as the stated or discounted rates of the notes do not reflect recent market conditions. The fair value of revolving credit lines notes payable and long-term debt approximates their carrying value as the stated or discounted rates of the debt reflect recent market conditions. The fair value of investments where the fair value is not considered readily determinable, are carried at cost.

 

Inventory – Inventories consist primarily of paper, pre-printed security paper, paperboard, fully prepared packaging, air filtration systems, and health and beauty products which and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Packaging work-in-process and finished goods included the cost of materials, direct labor and overhead. At the closing of each reporting period, the Company evaluates its inventory in order to adjust the inventory balance for obsolete and slow-moving items. An allowance for obsolescence of approximately $434,00057,000 and $388,000742,000 associated with the inventory at our Premier subsidiary for September 30, 2023 and our former SHRG subsidiary was recorded as of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively. Write-downs2022. Write- downs and write-offs are charged to cost of revenue.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill - The Company monitors the carrying value of long-lived assets for potential impairment and tests the recoverability of such assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If a change in circumstance occurs, the Company performs a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, the Company will determine whether impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which the Company can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, the Company measures any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value.

 

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Business Combinations

Acquisitions- Business combinations and non-controlling interests are recorded in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. Under the guidance, the assets and liabilities of the acquired business are recorded at their fair values at the date of acquisition and all acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values is recorded as goodwill. If the fair value of the assets acquired exceeds the purchase price and the liabilities assumed, then a gain on acquisition is recorded. The application of business combination accounting requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions. See Note 5 regarding the acquisitions.

 

Acquisition of assets are recorded at their relative fair value based on total accumulated costs of the acquisition. Direct acquisition-related costs are capitalized as a component of the acquired assets. This includes all costs related to finding, analyzing and negotiating a transaction. The allocation of the purchase price is an area that requires judgment and significant estimates. Tangible and intangible assets include land, building and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, acquired above market and below market leases, in-place lease value (if applicable). Acquisition-date fair values of assets and assumed liabilities are determined based on replacement costs, appraised values, and estimated fair values using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers and that use appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates and available market information.

(Loss) Earnings Per Common Share - The Company presents basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share. Basic (loss) earnings per share reflect the actual weighted average of shares issued and outstanding during the period. Diluted (loss) earnings per share are computed including the number of additional shares from outstanding warrants, stock options and preferred stock that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential shares had been issued and is calculated utilizing the treasury stock method. In a loss period, the calculation for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share is the same, as the impact of potential common shares is anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, potential dilutive instruments include both warrants and options of 0 and 11,5970 shares, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, potential dilutive instruments include both warrants and options of 29,3140 and 13,59611,597 shares, respectively.

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Concentration of Credit Risk - The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk as a result of any non-performance by the financial institutions.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, one customer accounted for 13% of our consolidated revenue. As of September 30, 2022, this same customer2023, two customers accounted for approximately 35%21% and 7% of our consolidated revenue and these two customers approximately 32% and 15% of our consolidated trade accounts receivable balance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, this customerAs of December 31, 2022, two customers accounted for approximately 31%14% and 6% of our consolidated revenue and these two customers approximately 57%36% and 17% of our consolidated trade accounts receivable balance.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, vendor 1 accounted for 43% and vendor 2 accounted for 21% of our consolidated inventory purchases. As of September 30, 2021, vendor 1 accounted for 76% of our consolidated inventory purchases.

 

Income Taxes - The Company recognizes estimated income taxes payable or refundable on income tax returns for the current year and for the estimated future tax effect attributable to temporary differences and carry-forwards. Measurement of deferred income items is based on enacted tax laws including tax rates, with the measurement of deferred income tax assets being reduced by available tax benefits not expected to be realized. We recognize penalties and accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

 

Recent Accounting PronouncementsAllowance For Loans And Lease Losses - In June 2016,On January 1, 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326)”,Company adopted amended accounting guidance “ASU No.2016-13 – Credit Losses” which requires entities to measure all expectedan allowance for credit losses forto be deducted from the amortized cost basis of financial assets heldto present the net carrying value at the reporting date based on historical experience,amount that is expected to be collected over the contractual term of the asset considering relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replacesforecasts that affect the existing incurredcollectability of the reported amount. In estimating expected losses in the loan and lease portfolio, borrower-specific financial data and macro-economic assumptions are utilized to project losses over a reasonable and supportable forecast period. Assumptions and judgment are applied to measure amounts and timing of expected future cash flows, collateral values and other factors used to determine the borrowers’ abilities to repay obligations. After the forecast period, the company utilizes longer-term historical loss model and is applicableexperience to estimate losses over the measurementremaining contractual life of the loans. Prior to 2023, the allowance for credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective forrepresented the Company for fiscal years,amount that in management’s judgment reflected incurred credit losses inherent in the loan and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently assessinglease portfolio as of the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.balance sheet date. See Note 6.

 

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Going Concern - The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. This basis of accounting contemplates the recovery of our assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the specific amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities, which might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern. While the Company has approximately $6.9 million in cash, the Company has incurred operating losses as well as negative cash flows from operating and investing activities over the past two years.

Aside from its $6.9 million in cash as of September 30, 2023, the Company believes it can continue as a going concern, due to its ability to generate operating cash through the sale of its $11.1 million of Marketable Securities, and the anticipated receipts of principal and interest on its Notes receivable of approximately $6.3 million through September 30, 2024. Also, our subsidiary Impact BioMedical is in the process of an IPO in which DSS projects to maintain a minimum of 55% ownership. Proceeds of which are expected to pay in part, amounts utilized by DSS for Impact BioMedical expenses. This is expected to close in the fourth quarter 2023. Additionally, we are in negotiations with Pinnacle Bank to extend our note payable, approximating $40.2 million through November 2024. This related note payable is currently in default; however the Company is in the process of renegotiating the terms of this note with Pinnacle, which is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter.

The Company’s management intends to take actions necessary to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning these matters include, among other things, continued growth among our operating segments, and tightly controlling operating costs and reducing spending growth rates wherever possible to return to profitability. In addition, the Company has taken steps, and will continue to take measures, to materially reduce the expenses and cash burn at all corporate and business line levels.

At the Company’s current operating levels and capital usage, we believe that without any further acquisition or investments, our $6.9 million in aggregate cash, as of September 30, 2023, along with the $11.1 million of Marketable Securities, and the anticipated receipts of principal and interest on its Notes receivable of approximately $6.3 million through September 30, 2024, would allow us to fund our nine business lines current and planned operations through September 30, 2024. Based on this, the Company has concluded that substantial doubt of its ability to continue as a going concern has been alleviated.

2. Revenue

The Company recognizes its products and services revenue based on when the title passes to the customer or when the service is completed and accepted by the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for shipped product or service provided. Sales and other taxes billed and collected from customers are excluded from revenue. The Company recognizes rental income associated with its REIT, net of amortization of favorable/unfavorable lease terms relative to market and includes rental abatements and contractual fixed increases attributable to operating leases, where collection has been considered probable, on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease. The Company recognizes net investment income from its investment banking line of business as interest owed to the Company occurs. The Company generates revenue from its direct marketing line of business primarily through internet sales and recognizes revenue as items are shipped.

As of September 30, 2022,2023, the Company had no unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of greater than one year. Pursuant to Topic 606, the Company has applied the practical expedient with respect to disclosure of the deferral and future expected timing of revenue recognition for transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations. The Company elected the practical expedient allowing it to not recognize as a contract asset the commission paid to its salesforce on the sale of its products as an incremental cost of obtaining a contract with a customer but rather recognize such commission as expense when incurred as the amortization period of the asset that the Company would have otherwise recognized is one year or less.

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Accounts Receivable

The Company extends credit to its customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally does not require collateral. Payment terms are generally 30 days but up to net 105 for certain customers. The Company carries its trade accounts receivable at invoice amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon management’s estimates that include a review of the history of past write-offs and collections and an analysis of current credit conditions. At September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, the Company established a reserve for doubtful accounts of approximately $42,000 and $20,000 respectively. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable.

 

Sales Commissions

 

Sales commissions are expensed as incurred for contracts with an expected duration of one year or less. There were no sales commissions capitalized as of September 30, 2022.2023.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Costs incurred by the Company related to shipping and handling are included in cost of products sold. Amounts charged to customers pertainingrelating to these costs are reflected as revenue.

 

See Note 1215 for disaggregated revenue information.

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3. Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following as of:

Schedule of Inventory

  September 30, 2023  December 31, 2022 
Finished Goods $2,894,000  $6,779,000 
Work in Process  79,000   403,000 
Raw Materials  1,014,000   1,281,000 
Inventory Gross $3,987,000  $8,463,000 
Less allowance for obsolescence  (57,000)  (742,000)
Inventory Net $3,930,000  $7,721,000 

3.4. Notes Receivable

 

Note 1

On October 15, 2020, APB entered into a loan agreement with (“Note 1”) with Borrower 1. Note 1, not to exceed the principal sum of $200,000, has an interest rate of 12%, and matures on October 15, 2022. The outstanding principal and interest as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximated $0 and $39,000, respectively and is classified as a Current portion of notes receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021. The outstanding balance of $39,000 was converted to equity in Borrower 1.

Note 2

 

On February 8, 2021, the Company entered into a convertible promissory note (“Note 2”1”) with Borrower 2,1, a company registered in Gibraltar. The Company loaned the principal sum of $800,000, with principal and interest at a rate of 4%, due in one year from the date of issuance. The outstanding principal and interest as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximated $0 and $829,000, respectively, and is classified as a Current portion of notes receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021. Borrower 21 repaid the principal and interest in full in April 2022.

 

Note 3

On February 21, 2021, Impact BioMedical, Inc. a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a promissory note (“Note 3”) with an individual. The Company loaned the principal sum of $206,000, with interest at a rate of 6.5%, and maturity date of August 19, 2022. This note was amended to extend the maturity date to February 19, 2024.Monthly payments are due on the twenty-first day of each month and continuing each month thereafter until February 19, 2024, at which time all accrued interest and the entire remaining principal shall be due and payable in full. This note is secured by certain real property situated in Collier County, Florida. The outstanding principal and interest as of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021 approximated $206,000 and $197,000 respectively, with $16,000 classified in Current portion of notes receivable and $190,000 classified as Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Note 4, related party

On May 13, 2021, and later amended in April 2022, Sentinel Brokers, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company entered a revolving credit promissory note (“Note 4”) with Borrower 4, a company registered in the state of New York, of which Sentinel Brokers, LLC., owns 24.9% of the company’s outstanding common stock. The Note 4 has an aggregate principal balance up to $3,000,000, to be funded at request of Borrower 4. Note 4, which incurs interest at a rate of 6.65% is payable in areas until the principal is paid in full at the maturity date of May 13, 2023. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there was $309,000 and $0, respectively, and is included in Current portion of notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Note 52

 

On May 14, 2021, DSS Pure Air, Inc. a subsidiary of the Company entered into a convertible promissory note (“Note 5”2”) with Borrower 5,2, a company registered in the state of Texas. Note 53 has an aggregate principal balance up to $5,000,000, to be funded at the request of Borrower 5.2. Note 5interest accrues2, which incurs interest at a rate of 6.5%6.65% due quarterly, and has a maturity date of May 14,1, 2023. Note 52 contains an optional conversion clause that allows the Company to convert all, or a portion of all, into newnewly issued member units of Borrower 52 with the maximum principal amount equal to 18% of the total equity position of Borrower 52 at conversion.conversion. The outstanding principal and interest as of September 30, 20222023, and December 31, 2021,2022, approximated $5,333,0005,544,000 and $5,081,0005,420,000, respectively, which is included in Current portion ofcurrent notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2023, the Company has a reserve of $2,884,000 against the principal and interest outstanding. This note is currently in default and its terms are currently being re-negotiated.

 

Note 63

 

On September 23, 2021, APB entered into refunding bond anticipatory note (“Note 6”3”) with Borrower 6,3, which operates as a conservation and reclamation district pursuant to Chapter 3891, Texas Special District Local Laws Code;Code ; Chapter 375, Texas Local Government Code; and Chapter 49, Texas Water Code. The District Note was in the sum of $3,500,000 and incurs interest at a rate of 4.15%5.59% per annum. Principal and interest are due in full on September 22, 2022, and later amended to extend the maturity date to September 19, 2024. This note may be redeemed prior to maturity with 10 days written notice to APB at a price equal to principal plus interest accrued on the redemption date. At maturity, the outstanding principal and interest of $3,645,000 of Note 6 was converted into a new note with interest accruing at approximately 5.6% per year with a maturity date of September 21, 2023. The outstanding principal and interest of $3,650,0003,854,000 and $3,540,0003,701,000 of the Note 6 is included in Currentthe current portion of notes receivable on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, respectively.

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Note 74

 

On October 25, 2021, APB entered into a loan agreement (“Note 7”4”) with Borrower 7,4, a company registered in the state of Utah. Note 74 has an initial aggregate principal balance up to $1,000,000, to be funded at the request of Borrower 7,4, with an option to increase the maximum principal borrowing to $3,000,000. Note 7,4, which incurs interest at a rate of 8.0%8.0% with principal and interest due at the maturity date of October 25, 2022. This note contains an optional conversion feature allowing APB to convert the outstanding principal to a 10% membership interestinterest.. APB, as holder of Note 7,4, has the right to elect one member to the Board of Managers. TheThis note is in default and the outstanding principal and interest of approximately $937,000884,000 and $784,000was reserved for fully as of the note is included in Current portion of notes receivable on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The maturity date of Note 7 is in the process of being extended.2022.

 

Note 85

 

On June 13, 2019,May 14, 2021, APB extended the credit (“Note 8”5”) to an individual (“Borrower 8”5”) in the form of atwo promissory notenotes for $250,000,and $10,000 respectively, bearing interest at 15%12.5, with a maturity date of May 15, 2020. On June 5, 2020, the Company further extended the same credit in the form of a promissory note for $250,000, bearing interest at 15%, with a maturity date of May 14, 2021. On August 30, 2021, the Company further extended the same credit in the form of a promissory note for $250,000, bearing interest at 12.5%%, with a maturity date of May 15, 2023. The modification agreement is effective May 14, 2021. This promissory note iswas secured by a deed of trust on a tract of land, which is approximately 315 acres, and located in Coke County, Texas. The outstanding principal and interest for both notes were paid in full during the third quarter of approximately2023. $256,000252,000 isand $9,000 are included in Current portion of notes receivable on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2022 and $260,000 is in included in NotesNote receivable at December 31, 2021.2022.

 

Note 9, related party6

 

On October 7,27, 2021, HWH World, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company entered into a revolving loan commitment (“Note 9”6”) with Borrower 9,8, a company registered in Taiwan. Note 9 has an principal balance of $52,000 and incurred no interest through the maturity date of December 31,2021. The outstanding principal and interest at September 30, 20222023 and December 31, 20212022 is $61,0000 and $52,00063,000, respectively, and iswas included in the Current portion of notes receivable.Notes receivable current portion. This note was amended in April 2022 to extendhas been written-off during the maturity date through Aprilthird quarter 2023. The Chief Operating Officer of DSS is the sole shareholder of Borrower 9.

 

Note 107

 

On December 28, 2021, APB entered into a promissory note (“Note 10”7”) with Borrower 10,7, a company registered in the state of California. Note 107 has ana principal balance of $700,000. Note 10,7, which incurs interest at a rate of 12.0%12.0% with principal and interest due at the maturity date of December 28, 2022. On December 29, 2022, the maturity date of this note was extended to May 31, 2023. The outstanding principal and interest of $759,000404,000 and $700,000701,000 of Note 10 is included in the Current portion of notes receivable on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021.2022, respectively. This note has been extended to November 30, 2023.

 

Note 118

 

On January 24, 2022, APB and Borrower 118 entered into a promissory note (“Note 11”8”) in the principal sum of $100,000 with interest of 6%6%, due annually, and maturing in January 2024.2024. The outstanding principal and interest at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 approximates $104,000100,000 and $106,000, respectively, and is included in Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet.

 

Note 129

 

On March 2, 2022, APB and Borrower 12,9, a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Korea entered into a promissory note (“Note 12”9”). Under the terms of Note 12,9, APB at its discretion, may lend up to the principal sum of $893,000 with an interest rate of 8%8%, and matures in March 2024, with interest payable quarterly. The outstanding principal and interest at September 30, 2023 is $440,000, net of $9,00 of unamortized origination fees. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2022 is $887,000874,000, net of which $446,00025,000 is included in Current notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.of unamortized origination fees.

13

 

Note 1310

 

On May 9, 2022, DSS PureAir and Borrower 52 entered into a promissory note (“Note 13”10”) in the principal sum of $210,000 with interest of 10%10%, is due in three quarterly installments beginning on August 9, 2022, with the first two payment consisting of interest only. All unpaid principal and interest isare due on February 9, 2023.2023. The outstanding principal and interest at September 30, 20222023 approximates $218,000224,000, and is included in Currentcurrent portions of notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2022 approximates $213,000 and is included in current portions of notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet. The due date of this loan is currently being re-negotiated.

 

Note 14, related party11

 

On August 29, 2022, DSS Financial Management Inc. (“DSSFM”)Inc and Borrower 11 entered into subordinated loan agreementa promissory note (“Note 14”11”) with Borrower 14, a broker/dealer, of which DSSFM owns 24.9% of the company’s outstanding common stock, in the principal sum of $100,000 with interest of 8%8%, is due at maturity date ofin three quarterly installments beginning on September 14, 2022. All unpaid principal and interest is due on August 29, 2025. The outstanding principal and interest at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 approximates $101,00099,000, and $100,000, respectively, and is included in Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet, of which $68,000 is included in the Current portion of notes receivable and $31,000 is included in the Notes receivable at September 30, 2023.

Note 12

On July 26, 2022, APB and Borrower 12 entered into a promissory note (“Note 12”) in the principal sum of $1,000,000 with interest of 8%. All unpaid principal and interest due on July 26, 2024. The outstanding principal and interest on September 30, 2023, approximates $929,000, net of $30,000 of unamortized origination fees and is included in Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2022 approximates $924,000, net of $66,000 of unamortized origination fees and is included in Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet.

 

Note 13

On June 15, 2022, Decentralized and Borrower 13 entered into a convertible promissory note (“Note 13”) in the principal sum of $27,000,000 with interest of 8%, with an optional conversion into shares of Borrower 13 at a conversion price of $0.03, maturing on June 14, 2024, with interest due quarterly. In December 2022, this note was fully reserved for. On August 31, 2023, the full value of the outstanding principal and interest of this note was exchanged for 26,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Beginning on September 1, 2028, these Series D Preferred Shares may be redeemed in the amount of $1,000 per share. Due to the lack of liquidity of these shares, the Company has placed no value on these shares.

Note 14

On February 19, 2021, Impact BioMedical, Inc, a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a promissory note (Note 14) with Borrower 14. The Company loaned the principal sum of $206,000, with interest at a rate of 6.5%, and maturity date of August 19, 2022 later amended to February 19, 2024. Monthly payments are due on the twenty-first day of each month and continuing each month thereafter until February 19, 2024. This note is secured by certain real property situated in Collier County, Florida. The outstanding principal and interest as of September 30, 2023, approximated $204,000 and is classified in current notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The outstanding principal and interest as of December 31, 2022 approximated $206,000 with $16,000 classified in Current portion of notes receivable and $190,000 classified as Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Note 15

 

On July 26, 2022, APBMay 8, 2023, DSS Financial Management Inc and Borrower 15 entered into a revolving credit promissory note (Note 15) with Borrower(“Note 15 for“) in the principal sum up toof $1,000,000102,000 which accrueswith interest at the prime rate plus 8%2 per year and maturing on % (July 26, 202410.5. Interest payments are due quarterly beginning on% at September 30, 2022. Principal and any unpaid interest is due upon maturity.2023) with a maturity date of May 7, 2026. The outstanding principal and interest at September 30, 20222023 approximates $917,000104,000, with approximately $44,000 of principal and accrued interest classified as Current portion notes receivable, and the remaining balance of approximately $60,000 is recorded as notes receivable, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

14

Note 16

On June 27, 2023, Decentralized and Borrower 16 entered into a convertible promissory note (“Note 16”) in the principal sum of $1,400,000 with a discount of $300,000 and interest rate of 10% and maturity date of September, 1, 2024. The outstanding principal, interest, and associated discount was fully reserved for as of September 30, 2023.

Note 17

On March 31,2023, DSS Biohealth Security, Inc and Borrower 17 entered into a promissory note (“Note 17”) in the principal sum of $140,000 and interest rate floating daily to Wall Street Journal Prime rate per annum (8.5% at September 31, 2023) with the total outstanding principal and interest due at the maturity date of March 31, 2025. The outstanding principal and interest at September 30, 2023 approximates $130,000. Of the total financed, approximately $83,000 of principal and accrued interest is classified as Current portion of notes receivable and the remaining balance of approximately $46,500 is recorded as Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Note 18

On September 28, 2023, APB and Borrower 18 entered into a promissory note (“Note 18”) in the principal sum of $400,000 with interest of 5%. All unpaid principal and interest due on November 12, 2023. The outstanding principal and interest on September 30, 2023, approximates $401,000 and is included in Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet.

 

13

Note 19

On August 11, 2022, APB and Borrower 19 entered into a promissory note (“Note 19”) in the principal sum of $1,430,000 with interest of 8%. All unpaid principal and interest due on August 12, 2024. The outstanding principal and interest on September 30, 2023, approximates $1,102,000, net of $375,000 of unamortized origination fees and is included in Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet. The outstanding principal, interest, and associated fees were fully reserved for as of September 30, 2023.

 

4.5. Financial Instruments

 

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities

 

The following tables show the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable securities by significant investment category as of September 30, 2022,2023, and December 31, 2021:2022:

 

Schedule of Cash and Marketable Securities by Significant Investment Category

 2023 
 2022     

Unrealized

Gain/

  Fair Cash and Cash Marketable 
 Adjusted Cost  Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
  Fair
Value
  Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
  Marketable
Securities
  Investments  Cost  (Loss)  Value  Equivalents  Securities 
Cash $21,151,000  $-  $21,151,000  $21,151,000  $-  $-  $6,827,000  $-  $6,827,000  $6,827,000  $- 
Level 1                                            
Money Market Funds  1,694,000   -    1,694,000   1,694,000   -   -   70,000   -   70,000   70,000   - 
Marketable Securities  32,498,000   (4,415,000)  28,083,000   -   28,083,000   -   19,103,000   (8,039,000)  11,064,000   -   11,064,000 
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Level 2                        
Warrants  3,318,000   (2,246,000  1,072,000   -   -   1,072,000 
Convertible securities  1,023,000   (725,000)   298,000   -   -   298,000 
                        
Total $59,684,000  $(7,386,000 $52,298,000  $22,845,000  $28,083,000  $1,370,000  $26,000,000  $(8,039,000) $17,961,000  $6,897,000  $11,064,000 

 

  2021 
   

Adjusted

Cost

  

Unrealized

Gain/(Loss)

  

Fair

Value

  

Cash and

Cash

Equivalents

  

Marketable

Securities

  Investments 
Cash  $50,286,000  $-  $50,286,000  $50,286,000  $-  $- 
Level 1                         
Money Market Funds  $6,309,000   -   6,309,000   6,309,000   -   - 
Marketable Securities  $12,993,000   1,544,000   14,537,000   -   14,537,000   - 
Level 2                         
Warrants  $3,318,000   -   3,318,000   -   -   3,318,000 
Convertible securities  $1,023,000   -   1,023,000   -   -   1,023,000 
Total  $73,929,000  $1,544,000  $75,473,000  $56,595,000  $14,537,000  $4,341,000 

14
  2022 
     

Unrealized

Gain/

  Fair  Cash and Cash  Marketable    
  Cost  (Loss)  Value  Equivalents  Securities  Investments 
Cash $19,226,000  $-  $19,226,000  $19,226,000  $-  $- 
Level 1                        
Money Market Funds  64,000   -   64,000   64,000   -   - 
Marketable Securities  36,263,000   (3,659,000)  27,307,000   -   27,307,000   - 
Level 2                        
Warrants  3,318,000   -   140,000   -   -   140,000 
Convertible securities  1,023,000   -   39,000   -   -   39,000 
Total $59,894,000  $(3,659,000) $46,776,000  $19,290,000  $27,307,000  $179,000 

 

The Company typically invests with the primary objective of minimizing the potential risk of principal loss. The Company’s investment policy generally requires securities to be investment grade and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. Fair values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio.

 

15

5.6. AcquisitionsProvision for Credit Losses

 

Sharing Services Global Corp. (“SHRG”)Effective December 31, 2022, the Company adopted amended accounting guidance “ASU No.2016-13 – Credit Losses” for the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments and other financial assets. That guidance requires an allowance for credit losses to be deducted from the amortized cost basis of financial assets to present the net carrying value that is expected to be collected over the contractual term of the assets considering relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The guidance replaced the previous incurred loss model for determining the allowance for credit losses.

 

As of December 31, 2022, and through September 30, 2020,2023 we have reviewed the entire loan portfolio as well as all financial assets of the Company classifiedfor the purpose of evaluating the loan portfolio and the loan balances, including a review of individual and collective portfolio loan quality, loan(s) performance, including past due status and covenant defaults, assessment of the ability of the borrower to repay the loan on the loan terms, whether any loans should be placed on nonaccrual or returned to accrual, any concentrations in any single borrower and/or industry that we might need to further manage, and if any specific or general loan loss reserve should be established for the entire loan portfolio or for any specific loan.

We analyzed the loan loss reserve from three basis: general loan portfolio reserves; industry portfolio reserves, and specific loan loss reserves. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded a Loan loss reserve of approximately $1,179,000 and $4,936,000, respectively.

General Loan Portfolio Reserve - Based upon a relatively young loan portfolio that are relatively new loans to generally credit worthy borrowers, we do not believe that a substantial general loan portfolio reserve is due at this time. However, we do recognize that some inherent risks are in all loan portfolios, thus we recorded a general contingent portfolio reserve of $145,000 and $199,000 or approximately ¼ of 1% of the loan portfolio loan balance as of December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Industry Portfolio Reserves - Given the relatively young loan portfolio and a diversification of the portfolio over several different loan products, the risk is reduced. Accordingly, we have not recorded a discretionary reserve as of December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2023.

Specific Loan Reserves - Previously, we had identified credit weaknesses and borrower repayment weakness in the Borrow 4 loan, which has a current principal and interest balance of $884,000. As of December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2023 we have recorded a specific loan loss reserve for the full balance due the Company. As of December  31, 2022 and September 30, 2023, the Company reserved for principal and interest of $27,831,000 for Borrower 13. As of September 30, 2023, the Company identified credit weakness in borrower 2 and has placed a reserve approximating $2,884,000 against the outstanding principal and interest. As of September 30, 2023, the Company identified credit weakness in borrower 16 and placed a reserve of $1,291,000 against the outstanding principal and interest. The Company identified credit weakness in Borrower 19 and has placed a reserve of $1,477,000 against the outstanding principal and interest.

7. Disposal of assets

On July 1st, 2023, The Company intended to sell its investment in Sharing Services Global Corp. (“SHRG”), a publicly traded company, as marketable equity security and measured it at fair value with gains and losses recognized in other income. In July 2020, through continued acquisitionsubsidiary, HWH World, Inc. to SHRG. The proposed transaction had the Company sell 1,000 shares of common stock, representing all the issued and outstanding common stock shares of HWH World for the sum $706,000 representing the gross proceeds of the sale of HWH inventory less cost of goods sold. The parties involved amended the terms of this agreement during the third quarter of 2023 from that of equity transaction to the purchase of inventory and assumption of certain liabilities by SHRG. The amended agreement identified the purchase price approximating $758,000 to be paid from amongst other things, the gross proceeds generated by the sale of the inventory acquired. The value of the inventory sold approximates $698,000 and the value of the liabilities assumed by SHRG as detailed below, part of this transaction is approximately $59,000. Further, the Company obtained greater than 20%agreement includes payment of 1% royalty, starting November 1, 2023, being defined as 1% of the gross sale price of all Seller’s new products made and sold outside of existing inventory on the schedule, for a period ending October 31, 2033. ownership of SHRG, and thus has theThere is substantial doubt regarding SHRG’s ability to exercise significant influence over it. Duringsell and pay for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company began to account for its investment in SHRG using the equity method in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures recognizing our share of SHRG’s earnings and losses within our consolidated statement of operations. Through a series of transactions, DSS increased its ownership of voting shares in SHRG to approximately 58% on December 23, 2021. The 58% ownership of SHRG meets the definition of a business with inputs, processes, and outputs,inventory acquired, and therefore, the Company has concludeddetermined not to accountrecord a receivable for the purchase price. A net loss approximating $639,000 associated with this transaction has been recorded during the third quarter of 2023 and is included in accordance withLoss/Gain on sale of assets on the acquisition methodconsolidated statement of accounting under Topic 805 and began consolidating the financial results of SHRG as of December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, SHRG had total current assets of $operations.

28,494,000 and total assets of $

16

45,660,000. Also as of December 31, 2021 SHRG had total current liabilities of $10,418,000 and total liabilities of $22,463,000.

 

On January 24, 2022,July 1st, 2023, The Company sold 100% of the Company exercised equity in its subsidiary HWH Holdings, Inc, a Texas corporation (HWHH) to SHRG for a purchase price approximating $50,000,000259,000 warrants received. This amount is to be paid from gross proceeds generated by the sale of the inventory acquired as part of the transaction. This transaction was later amended during the third quarter of 2023 to assign the purchase of HWHH from SHRG to Ascend Management Pte., Ltd. (“Ascend”), a consulting agreement with SHRG atSingaporean limited company. There is substantial doubt regarding Ascend’s ability to sell and pay for the exercise price of $0.0001, bring its ownership percentage of voting shares to approximately 65%. The acquisition of SHRG meets the definition of a business with inputs, processes, and outputs,inventory acquired, and therefore, the Company has concludeddetermined not to accountrecord a receivable for the purchase price. A net loss approximating $617,000 associated with this transaction has been recorded during the third quarter of 2023 and is included in accordance withLoss/Gain on sale of assets on the acquisition methodconsolidated statement of accounting under Topic 805. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, SHRG incurred $1,632,000 of losses of which, $702,000 is attributed to non-controlling interest.operations.

 

We are currently in the process of completing the purchase price accounting and related allocations associated with the acquisition of SHRG. The Company is in the process of completing valuations and useful lives for certain assets acquired in the transaction. We expect the preliminary purchase price accounting to be completed during the year ending December 31, 2022.

15

6.8. Investments

 

Alset International Limited, related party

 

The Company owns 127,179,311127,179,291 shares or approximately 4%4% of the outstanding shares of Alset International Limited (“Alset Intl”), a company incorporated in Singapore and publicly listed on the Singapore Exchange Limited. This investment is classified as a marketable security and is classified as long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets as the Company has the intent and ability to hold the investments for a period of at least one year. The Chairman of the Company, Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alset Intl. Mr. Chan is also the majority shareholder of Alset Intl as well as the largest shareholder of the Company. The fair value of the marketable security as of September 30, 2022,2023, and December 31, 2021,2022, was approximately $3,370,0003,726,000 and $4,909,0003,319,000, respectively. During the nine monthsnine-month ended September 30, 20222023 and September 30, 2021,2022, the Company recorded unrealized gain of approximately $407,000 and loss on this investment of approximately $1,539,000 and $967,000, respectively.

 

West Park Capital, Inc.

 

On October 10, 2019, the Company entered into a convertible promissory note (“TBD Note”) with Century TBD Holdings, LLC (“TBD”), a Florida limited liability company. The Company loaned the principal sum of $500,000, of which up to $500,000 and all accrued interest can be paid by an “Optional Conversion” of such amount up to 19.8% (non-dilutable) of all outstanding membership interest in TBD. This TBD Note accrues interest at 6% and matures on October 9, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, this TBD Note had outstanding principal and interest of approximately $537,000 and was classified as Current portion of notes receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. On December 30, 2020, the Company signed a binding letter of intent with West Park Capital, Inc (“West Park”) and TBD where the parties agreed to prepare a note and stock exchange agreement whereby DSS will assign the TBD Note to West Park and West Park shall issue to DSS a stock certificate reflecting 7.5%7.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of West Park. This note and stock exchange agreement was finalized during the first quarter 2022 and valued at approximately $500,000 and is included in Investments on the consolidated balance sheet on December 31, 2022 and as of September 30, 2022. The remaining $2023.

37,000 is included in gain (loss) on investments on the consolidated statement of operations at September 30, 2022.

17

 

BMI Capital International LLC

 

On September 10, 2020, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary DSS Securities, Inc. entered into membership interest purchase agreement with BMI Financial Group, Inc. a Delaware corporation (“BMIF”) and BMI Capital International LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“BMIC”) whereas DSS Securities, Inc. purchased 14.9%14.9% membership interests in BMIC for $100,000. DSS Securities also had the option to purchase an additional 10%10% of the outstanding membership interest which it exercised for $100,000 in January of 2021 and increased its ownership to 24.9%24.9%. Upon achieving greater than 20%20% ownership in BMIC during the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company is currently accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting per ASC 323. The Company’s portion of net loss in BMIC during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, approximated $10,0006,000. and $28,000, respectively

 

BMIC is a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). The Company’s chairman of the board and another independent board member of the Company also have ownership interest in BMIC.

 

16

BioMed Technologies Asia Pacific Holdings Limited

 

On December 19, 2020, Impact BioMedical, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with BioMed Technologies Asia Pacific Holdings Limited (“BioMed”), a limited liability company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase 525 ordinary shares or 4.99%4.99% of BioMed at a purchase price of approximately $632,000. The Subscription Agreement provides, among other things, the Company has the right to appoint a new director to the board of BioMed. With respect to an issuance of shares to a third party by BioMed, the Company will have the right of first refusal to purchase such shares, as well as customary tag-along rights. In connection with the Subscription Agreement, Impact Biomedical entered into an exclusive distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with BioMed, to directly market, advertise, promote, distribute, and sell certain BioMed products, which focus on manufacturing natural probiotics, to resellers. This investment is valued at cost as it does not have a readily determined fair value.

BioMed focuses on manufacturing natural probiotics, pursuant to which the Company will directly market, advertise, promote, distribute and sell certain BioMed products to resellers. The products to be distributed by the Company include BioMed’s PGut Premium Probiotics®, PGut Allergy Probiotics®, PGut SupremeSlim Probiotics®, PGut Kids Probiotics®, and PGut Baby Probiotics®.

 

Under the terms of the Distribution Agreement, the Company will have exclusive rights to distribute the products within the United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea and non-exclusive distribution rights in all other countries. In exchange, the Company agreed to certain obligations, including mutual marketing obligations to promote sales of the products. This agreement is for ten years with a one year auto-renewal feature.

 

Vivacitas Oncology, Inc.

 

On March 15, 2021, the Company, through one of its subsidiaries, entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Vivacitas Agreement #1”) with Vivacitas Oncology Inc. (“Vivacitas”), to purchase 500,000 shares of its common stock at the per share price of $1.00, with an option to purchase 1,500,000 additional shares at the per share price of $1.00. This option will terminate upon one of the following events: (i) Vivacitas’ board of directors cancels this option because it is no longer in the best interest of the Company; (ii) December 31, 2021;2022; or (iii) the date on which Vivacitas receives more than $1.00$1.00 per share of the Company’s common stock in a private placement with gross proceeds of $500,000. Under the terms of the Vivacitas Agreement #1, the Company will be allocated two seats on the board of Vivacitas. On March 18, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Alset EHome International, Inc. (“Seller”), a related party, to purchase from the Seller’s its wholly owned subsidiary Impact Oncology PTE Ltd. (“IOPL”) for a purchase price of $2,480,000. The acquisition of IOPL has been treated as an asset acquisition as IOPL does not meet the definition of a business as defined in Topic 805. IOPL owns 2,480,000 shares of common stock of Vivacitas along with the option to purchase an additional 250,000shares of common stock. The Sellers largest shareholder is Mr. Chan Heng Fai Ambrose, Chan, the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors and its largest shareholder.

 

On April 1, 2021, the Company entered into an additional stock purchase agreement with Vivacitas (“Vivacitas Agreement #2”), whereas Vivacities wished to employ the service of the Chief Business Officer of Impact Biomedical, and in return for the services of this individual, Vivacitas shall issue to the Company, the aggregate purchase price for the Class A Common Shares of Vivacitas at the value of $1.00$1.00 per share shall be $120,000 to be paid in twelve (12) equal monthly installments for the period between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

18

 

On July 22, 2021, the Company exercised 1,000,000 of the available options under the Vivacitas Agreement #1 for $1,000,000. This, along with the shares received as part Vivacitas Agreement #2 increased the Company’s equity position in Vivacitas to approximately 120,00016 shares or 16%% as of September 30,December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021,2022, the fair valueCompany determined to impair 100% of the Company’sits investment in Vivacitas, is not readily available, and therefore is recorded at cost in the amount of $4,100,000 and $4,035,000, respectively.

17

Sentinel Brokers Company, Inc.

On May 13, 2021, a Sentinel Brokers, LLC., subsidiary of the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement (“Sentinel Agreement”) to acquire a 24.9% equity position of Sentinel Brokers Company, Inc. (“Sentinel”), a company registered in the state of New York, for the purchase price of $300,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company contributed and additional $750,000 capital into Sentinel, increasing its total capital investment to $1,050,000 as of September 30, 2021. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company as the option to purchase an additional 50.1% of the outstanding Class A Common Shares. Upon the exercising of this option, but no earlier than one year following the effective date the Sentinel Agreement, Sentinel has the option to sell the remaining 25% to the Company. In consideration of purchase price investment in Sentinel, the Company is entitled to an additional 50.1% of the net profits of Sentinel. The Company currently accounts for its investment in Sentinel using the equity method in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures recognizing our share of Sentinel’s earnings and losses within our consolidated statement of operations., as it currently owns 24.9% of Sentinel. The Company’s portion of net gain in Sentinel for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 approximated $143,000

Sentinel is a broker-dealer operating primarily as a fiduciary intermediary, facilitating intuitional trading of municipal and corporate bonds as well as preferred stock, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).

 

Stemtech Corporation (Sharing Services Global Corp)

In September 2021, the Company,Company’s former subsidiary SHRG, Stemtech Corporation (“Stemtech”) and Globe Net Wireless Corp. (“GNTW”) entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) pursuant to which the CompanySHRG invested $1.4 million in Stemtech in exchange for: (a) a Convertible Promissory Note in the amount of $1.4 million in favor of the Company (the “Convertible Note”) and (b) a detachable Warrant to purchase shares GNTW common stock (the “GNTW Warrant”). Stemtech is a subsidiary of GNTW. As an inducement to enter into the SPA, GNTW agreed to pay to the CompanySHRG an origination fee of $500,000, payable in shares of GNTW’s common stock. The Convertible Note matures on September 9, 2024, bears interest at the annual rate of 10%10%, and is convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of GNTW’s common stock at a conversion rate calculated based on the closing price per share of GNTW’s common stock during the 30-day period30-dayperiod ended September 19, 2021. The GNTW Warrant expires on September 13, 2024 and conveys the right to purchase up to 1.4 million shares of GNTW’s common stock at a purchase price calculated based on the closing price per share of GTNW’s common stock during the 10-day period ended September 13, 2021. In September 2021, GNTW issued to the Company 154,173 shares of its common stock, or less than 1% of the shares of GNTW then issued and outstanding, in payment of the origination fee. In November 2021, Globe Net Wireless Corp. changed its corporate name to Stemtech Corporation. In connection therewith, the investee’s common stock is now traded under the symbol “STEK”.

The CompanySHRG carries its investment in the Convertible Note, the GNTW Warrant and the shares of GNTW common stock at fair value in accordance with GAAP. During the three and six months endedAs of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 the Company recognized losses, before income tax, of $8.6 million and $3.7 million in connection with its investment in the Convertible Note, the GNTW Warrant and the shares of GNTW common stock.

Convertible Note, were valued at $MojiLife, LLC0, and $44,000 and $0 and $39,000, respectively.

 

In September 2021, the CompanySHRG entered into a Membership Unit Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the CompanySHRG acquired a 30.75%30.75% equity interest in MojiLife, LLC, a limited liability company organized in the State of Utah, in exchange for $1,537,000. MojiLife is an emerging growth distributor of technology-based consumer products for the home and car. MojiLife’s products include esthetically attractive, cordless scent diffusers for the home or for the car, as well as proprietary home cleaning products and accessories. On a quarterly basis, SHRG evaluates the recoverability of its investments and reviews current economic trends to determine the adequacy of its allowance for impairment losses based on each investee financial performance data and other relevant information. An estimate for impairment losses is recognized when recovery in full of SHRG’s investment is no longer probable. Investment balances are written off against the allowance after the potential for recovery is considered remote. In March of 2022, SHRG impaired the MojiLife investment as the evaluation at such time determined the investment was not fully recoverable and 100% valuation was reserved.

 

7.9. Acquisitions

Sentinel Brokers Company, Inc.

On May 13, 2021, Sentinel Brokers, LLC. (“Sentinel LLC”), subsidiary of the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement (“Sentinel Agreement”) to acquire a 24.9% equity position of Sentinel Brokers Company, Inc. (“Sentinel Co.”), a company registered in the state of New York, for the purchase price of $300,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company contributed an additional $750,000 capital into Sentinel, increasing its total capital investment to $1,050,000 as of September 30, 2021. Up to and through November 30, 2022, Sentinel LLC accounted for its investment in Sentinel Co. using the equity method in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures recognizing our share of Sentinel’s earnings and losses within our consolidated statement of operations. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company had the option to purchase an additional 50.1% of the outstanding Class A Common Shares. In December 2022, Sentinel LLC exercised this option to increase its equity position to 75%. In May 2023, the Company acquired an additional 5% equity position of Sentinel Co. to increase its ownership percentage to 80%. The acquisition of Sentinel Co. meets the definition of a business with inputs, processes, and outputs, and therefore, the Company has concluded to account for this transaction in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting under Topic 805.

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The following summary, prepared on a proforma basis, combines the consolidated results of operations of the Company with those of Sentinel Co as if the acquisition took place on January 1. The pro forma consolidated results include the impact of certain adjustments.

Schedule of Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information

  2022 (unaudited) 
Revenue $49,076,804 
Net loss $(61,680,088)
Basic loss per share $(0.55)
Diluted loss per share $(0.55)

We are currently in the process of completing the purchase price accounting and related allocations associated with the acquisition of Sentinel Co. Assets included in this acquisition are cash of $3,977,000, receivables of $344,000 and fixed assets of $1,000. Goodwill of approximately $1,274,000 was also recorded. The Company is in the process of completing valuations and useful lives for certain assets acquired in the transaction. We expect the purchase price accounting to be completed during the year ending December 31, 2023.

Sentinel is a broker-dealer operating primarily as a fiduciary intermediary, facilitating intuitional trading of municipal and corporate bonds as well as preferred stock, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).

10. Short-Term and Long-Term Debt

 

DSS, Inc.

 

Promissory Notes -On March 2, 2020, AMRE entered into a $200,000 unsecured promissory note with LVAMPTE, a related party. The Note calls for interest to be paid annually on March 2 with interest fixed at 8.0%8.0%. As further incentive to enter into this Note, AMRE granted LVAMPTE warrants to purchase shares of common stock of AMRE (the “Warrants”). The amount of the warrants granted is the equivalent of the Note Principal divided by the Exercise Price. The Warrants are exercisable for four years and are exercisable at $5.00 per share (the “Exercise” Price). In March 2022, this debt was converted into equity in AMRE, and LVAMPTE exercised the warrants for $200,000 (see the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity) The holder is a related party owned by the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors.

 

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On March 16, 2021, American Medical REIT, Inc. received loan proceeds in the amount of approximately $110,000 under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) with a fixed rate of 1%1% and a 60-month maturity term. The PPP, established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), provides for loans to qualifying businesses for amounts up to 2.5 times of the average monthly payroll expenses of the qualifying business. These funds were used for payroll, benefits, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding principal and interest approximatedof approximately $111,000 is included in long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet. During the nine monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2022, the PPP loan was forgiven in full and recorded as a gain on extinguishment of debt on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

On May 20, 2021, Premier Packaging entered into master loan and security agreement (“BOA Note”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“BOA”) to secure financing approximating $3,710,000 to purchase a new Heidelberg XL 106-7+L printing press. The aggregate principal balance outstanding under the BOA Note shall bear interest at a variable rate on or before the loan closing. At closing, the interest rate shall be fixed for the duration of the Loan. As of September 30, 2022,2023, and December 31, 2021,2022, the outstanding principal on the BOA Note was $3,521,0003,053,000 and $3,339,0003,406,000, respectively and had an interest rate of 4.63%. The outstanding balance at December 31, 2021 is included in Long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2022,2023, $468,000491,000 was included in Currentthe current portion of long-term debt, net, and the remaining balance of approximately $3,053,0002,562,000 recorded as Long-termlong-term debt, net The BOA Note contains certain covenants that are analyzed annual.annually. As of September 30, 2022,2023, Premier is in compliance with these covenants.

 

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On June 18,August 1, 2021, AMRE Shelton, LLC., (“AMRE Shelton”) a subsidiary of AMRE, entered into a loan agreement (“Shelton Agreement”) with Patriot Bank, N.A. (“Patriot Bank”) in an amount up to $6,155,000,with the amount financed approximating $5,105,000. The Shelton Agreement contains monthly payments of principal and an initial interest of 4.25%. The interest will be adjusted commencing on July 1, 2026 and continuing for the next succeeding 5 year5-year period shall be determined one month prior to the change date and shall be an interest rate equal to two hundred fifty (250) basis points above the Federal Home Loan Bank Boston 5-Year/25-Year amortizing advance rate, but in no event less than 4.25%4.25% for the term of 120 months with a balloon payment approximating $2,829,000due at term end. The affective interest rate at December 31, 2022 was 4.25%. The funds borrowed were used to purchase a 40,000square foot, 2.0 story, Class A+ multi-tenant medical office building located on a 13.62-acre site. The purchase price has been allocated as $13.62 4,640,000, $1,600,000, and $acre site (See Note 5). As325,000 for the facility, land, and tenant improvements, respectively. Also included in the value of the property is $585,000 of intangible assets with an estimated useful life of approximating 3 years. The net book value of these assets as of September 30, 2022,2023 approximated $4,652,000. Of the total balance due netfinanced, approximately $102,000 of deferred financing costs of $79,000 is $4,821,000. $216,000principal and accrued interest is classified as Currentcurrent portion of long-term debt, net, and the remaining balance of approximately $4,605,000 4,590,000recorded as Long-term debt.long-term debt, net of $56,000 in deferred financing costs.

 

On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered into loan agreement with BMIC (“BMIC Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal amount of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be adjusted at the maturity date. The BMIC Loan matures on October 12, 2022, and contains an auto renewal period of ninethree months. As of September 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, $3,068,000512,000 and $3,000,000, respectively, isare included in Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered into a loan agreement with Lee Wilson Tsz Kin (“Wilson Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal amount of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be calculated at the maturity date. The Wilson Loan matures on October 12, 2022, and contains an auto renewal period of nine months. This loan was funded during March 2022. As of September 30, 2023 $1,997,000 is included in the Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2022 $3,000,000 is included in the Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

On November 2, 2021, AMRE LifeCare entered into a loan agreement (“LifeCare Agreement”) with Pinnacle Bank, (“Pinnacle Bank”) in the amount of $40,300,000. The LifeCare Agreement supported the acquisition of three medical facilities located in Fort Worth, Texas, Plano, Texas, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a purchase price of $62,000,000. These assets are classified as investments, real estate on the consolidated balance sheet. The purchase price has been allocated as $32,100,000, $12,100,000, and $1,500,000 for the facility, land and site improvements, respectively. Also included in the value of the property is $15,901,000 of intangible assets with estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 11 years. The net book value of the assets acquired as of December 31, 2022 is approximately $52,407,000. The LifeCare Agreement calls for the principal amount of the in equal, consecutive monthly installments based upon a twenty-five (25)(25) year amortization of the original principal amount of the LifeCare Agreement at an initial rate of interest equal to the interest rate determined in accordance as of July 29, 2022 provided, however, such rate of interest shall not be less than 4.28%4.28%, with the first such installment being payable on August 29, 2022 and subsequent installments being payable on the first day of each succeeding month thereafter until the maturity date, at which time any outstanding principal and interest is due in full.full. The affective interest rate at December 31, 2022 was 8.46%. The maturity date of November 2, 2023, may be extended to November 2, 2024. As of December 31, 2021,2022, the outstanding principal and interest of the LifeCare agreement approximates $39,448,00040,193,000, net of deferred financing costs of $1,002,000270,000. As of September 30, 2022,2023, the outstanding principal and interested approximates $40,462,000, net of deferred financing costs of $352,000 24,000approximates $40,133,000 is included in Currentcurrent portion of long-term debt, on the consolidated balance sheet. This agreement contains certain covenants that are analyzed on an annual basis, starting December 31, 2021 AtInterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 AMREapproximated $2,672,000 and $952,000, respectively. The LifeCare agreement is currently in default. The Company is in compliance with all covenants.the process of remediating the related issues and continues to negotiate the extension of the loan.

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In November 2021, AMRE entered into a convertible promissory note (“Alset Note”) with Alset International Limited (“Alset International”), a related party, for the principal amount of $8,350,000. The Alset Note accrues interest at 8%8% per annum and matures in December 2023, with interest due quarterly and the principal due at maturity. Principal and interest of approximately $8,805,000 is included in long-term debt, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet on June 30,December 31, 2022. On May 17, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the issuance of up to 21,366,177 Shares our Common Stock to Alset International to purchase the Convertible Promissory Note issued by American Medical REIT, Inc. with a principal amount of $8,350,000 and accrued but unpaid interest of $367,000119,000 through May 15,December 31, 2022. This transaction was finalized in July 2022 and is eliminated upon consolidation into DSS. Interest expense for this note totaled $625,000 in September 2023 and $346,000 in December 2022.

 

On March 17, 2022, AMRE Winter Haven, LLC (“AMRE Winter Haven”) and Pinnacle Bank (“Pinnacle”) entered into a term loan (“Pinnacle Loan”) whereas Pinnacle lent to AMRE Winter Haven the principal sum of $2,990,000, maturing on March 7, 2024 to acquire a medical facility located in Winter Haven, Florida for a purchase price of $4,500,000. The assets acquired are classified as investments, real estate on the consolidated balance sheet. The purchase price has been allocated as $3,200,000, $1,000,000, and $222,000 for the facility, land and site and tenant improvements, respectively. Also included in the value of the property is $29,000 of intangible assets with an estimated useful life of approximately 5 years. The net book value of the assets acquired as of December 31, 2022 is approximately $4,450,000. Payments are to be made in equal, consecutive installments based on a 25-year25-year amortization period with interest at 4.28%4.28%. The first installment is due January 1, 2023. This agreementThe Pinnacle Loan contains certain covenants that are analyzed on an annual basis, starting December 31, 2021to be tested annually. At September 30, 2022,2023, AMRE is in compliance with all covenants. The outstanding principal and interest, net of debt issuance costs of $104,00035,000, approximates $2,904,0002,966,000 and is included in Long-termlong-term debt, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2022.

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Sharing Services Global Corporation

In October 2017, Sharing Services issued a Convertible Promissory Note in the2023. The outstanding principal amountand interest, net of $ 50,000 (the “Note”) to HWH International, Inc. (“HWH” or the “Holder”), a related party. HWH is affiliated with Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, who became a Director of the Company in April 2020. The Note is convertible into 333,333 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Concurrent withdebt issuance of the Note, the Company issued to HWH a detachable stock warrant to purchase up to an additional 333,333 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, at an exercise pricecosts of $0.15 per share. Under the terms of the Note and the detachable stock warrant, the Holder is entitled to certain financing rights. If the Company enters into more favorable transactions with a third-party investor, it must notify the Holder and may have to amend and restate the Note and the detachable stock warrant to be identical. On August 9, 2022, HWH and the Company executed an agreement to settle the Note and cancel the related stock warrant for $78,635.6260,000, which amount representsapproximates $2,952,000 and is included in long-term debt, net on the principal plus accrued interest. The Company made the payment to HWH on August 9,accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022. Interest expense equaled $24,000 for September 2023 and $153,000 in December 2022.

 

In December 2019, SHRGOn March 30, 2023, Premier Packaging, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with Union Bank & Trust Company for the principal amount of $790,000 and shall accrued interest at the rate of 7.44%. Principal and interest shall be repaid in the approximate amount of $14,000 through March 2029. This loan is collateralized by a Bobst Model Novacut and is guaranteed by DSS, Inc. As of September 30, 2023, the outstanding principal and interest approximates $746,000 of which $112,000 was included in the current portion of long-term debt, net, and the holderremaining balance of the SHRGapproximately $100,000634,000 convertible note dated April 13, 2018 (the “April 2018Note”) entered into an amendment to the underlying promissory note. Pursuant to the amendment, the parties extended the maturity date of the note to April 2021. In addition, after giving effect to the amendment, the April 2018 Note is non-interest bearing. All other terms of the April 2018 Note remain unchanged. This Note was repaid in full during March 2022.recorded as long-term debt.

 

A summary of scheduled principal payments of long-term debt, not including revolving lines of credit, subsequent to September 30, 2023, are as follows:

Schedule of Notes Payable and Long-term Debt

Year Amount 
2024  46,952,000 
2025  859,000 
2026  901,000 
2027  947,000 
2028  1,200,000 
Thereafter  3,526,000 

8.11. Lease Liability

 

The Company has operating leases predominantly for operating facilities. As of September 30, 2022,2023, the remaining lease terms on our operating leases range from less than one to twelve years. Renewal options to extend our leases have not been exercised due to uncertainty. Termination options are not reasonably certain of exercise by the Company. There is no transfer of title or option to purchase the leased assets upon expiration. There are no residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. There are no significant finance leases as of September 30, 2022.2023.

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Future minimum lease payments as of September 30, 2022,2023, are as follows:

 

Maturity of Lease Liability:

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments

    
  Totals 
2022  284,000 
2023  1,132,000 
2024  908,000 
2025  877,000 
2026  890,000 
2027  904,000 
After  5,768,000 
Total lease payments  10,763,000 
Less: Imputed Interest  (1,953,000)
Present value of remaining lease payments $8,810,000 
     
Current $819,000 
Noncurrent $7,991,000 
     
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)  14.9 
     
Weighted-average discount rate  4.3%

  Totals 
2024  1,275,000 
2025  861,000 
2026  839,000 
2027  808,000 
2028  824,000 
After  4,916,000 
Total lease payments  9,523,000 
Less: Imputed Interest  (1,670,000)
Present value of remaining lease payments $7,853,000 
     
Current $813,000 
Noncurrent $7,040,000 
     
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)  13.3 
     
Weighted-average discount rate  4.3%

 

In March of 2022, Premier Packaging began leasing its relocated manufacturing facilities to West Henrietta, New York. This lease contains an escalating payment clause, ranging from $61,000 per month to $78,000 per month, over the twelve yeartwelve-year term of the lease. Total cash paid for leases during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and nine months ended September 30, 2023 are $319,000 and $948,000, respectively.

 

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9.12. Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Ronaldi Litigation

In April 2019 DSS commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, Monroe County, Index No. E2019003542, against Jeffrey Ronaldi, our former Chief Executive Officer. The New York action sought a declaratory judgment that, contrary to informal claims made by him, Mr. Ronaldi’s employment agreement with us expired by its terms and that he is not entitled to any cash bonuses or other unpaid amounts. The lawsuit also sought an injunction against Mr. Ronaldi from interfering with any of DSS’ IP litigation. Mr. Ronaldi subsequently commenced an action against DSS in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, on November 8, 2019, under case number 37-2019-00059664-CU-CO-CTL, in which he alleged that DSS terminated his employment in April 2019 in order to avoid paying him certain employment-related amounts. DSS was successful in dismissing the California case and consolidating it with the action pending in Monroe County, New York. Mr. Ronaldi asserted counterclaims in the Monroe County, New York action similar to those he originally brought in California. Mr. Ronaldi claimed that his termination violated an alleged employment agreement or implied-in-fact employment agreement and that he should have remained employed through 2019. Mr. Ronaldi seeks to recover: (i) $144,658 in wages from April 11, 2019 through December 31, 2019; (ii) $769 in alleged unpaid based salary for time worked before April 11, 2019; (iii) $15,385 in alleged paid time off compensation; (iv) $3,077 in alleged unpaid sick time compensation; (v) $26,077 in waiting-time penalties; (vi) $91,000 in unspecified expense reimbursement; (vii) $300,000 in alleged cash bonuses ($100,000 per year) based on DSS’s performance in 2017, 2018 and 2019; and (viii) a $450,000 performance bonus based on the result of certain alleged net proceeds from patent infringement litigation. He further claimed an interest in any recovery in DSS Technology Management v. Apple, Inc., Case No. 4:14-cf05330-HSG.

Additionally, on March 2, 2020, DSS and DSSTM filed a second litigation action against Jeffrey Ronaldi in the State of New York, Supreme Court, County of Monroe, Document Security Systems, Inc. and DSS Technology Management, Inc. vs. Jeffrey Ronaldi, Index No.: 2020002300, alleging acts of self-dealing and conflicts of interest while he served as CEO of both DSS and DSS TM. Mr. Ronaldi filed a Notice of Removal of this civil litigation to the United States District Court for the Western District of New York where it was assigned Case No. 6:20-cv-06265-EAW.

Both pieces of Ronaldi litigation were settled and were discontinued with prejudice as of October 19, 2022.

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Maiden Biosciences Litigation

On February 15, 2021, Maiden Biosciences, Inc. (“Maiden”) commenced an action against DSS, Inc. (“DSS”), Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. (“Decentralized”), HWH World, Inc. (“HWH”), RBC Life International, Inc. (RBC International) (together, the “DSS Defendants”), Frank D. Heuszel (“Heuszel”), RBC Life Sciences, Inc (“RBC”), Steven E. Brown, Clinton Howard, and Andrew Howard (collectively, “Defendants”). The lawsuit is currently pending in the United States District Court Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, and is styled and numbered Maiden Biosciences, Inc. v. Document Security Stems, Inc., et al., Case No. 3:21-cv-00327.

This lawsuit relates to two promissory notes executed by RBC in the 4th quarter of 2019 in favor of Decentralized and HWH, totaling approximately $1,000,000. Maiden, a 2020 default judgment creditor of RBC, in the principal amount of $4,329,000, now complains about those notes, the funding of those notes, the subsequent default of those notes by RBC, and HWH and Decentralized’s subsequent Article 9 foreclosure or deed-in-lieu debt conveyances. In the instant lawsuit, Maiden first asserted claims against Defendants for unjust enrichment, fraudulent transfer under the Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (“TUFTA”), and violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”). Maiden also sought a judgment from the court declaring: “(1) Defendants lacked a valid security interest in RBC and RBC Subsidiaries’ assets and therefore lacked the authority to sell the assets during the public foreclosure sale; (2) Defendant Heuszel’s low bid at the public foreclosure sale was invalid and void; (3) the public foreclosure sale was conducted in a commercially unreasonable manner; and (4) Defendants do not have the legal authority to transfer RBC and RBC’s Subsidiaries assets to Heuszel and HWH.” Maiden sought to recover from Defendants: (1) treble damages or, alternatively, damages in the amount of their underlying judgment plus the other creditors’ claims or the value of the assets transferred, whichever is less, plus punitive or exemplary damages; (2) pre- and post-judgment interest; and (3) attorneys’ fees and cost.

On March 30, 2021, Defendants DSS, Decentralized, HWH, RBC International, and Heuszel filed a motion to dismiss seeking to dismiss Maiden’s unjust enrichment, exemplary damages, and RICO claims against DSS, Decentralized, HWH, RBC Life International, Inc., and Heuszel, as well as Maiden’s fraudulent transfer claims against DSS and RBC International. On August 9, 2021, the Court then entered an order granting in part the motion to dismiss filed on behalf of DSS, Decentralized, HWH, RBC International, and Heuszel. Among other things, the Court held that Maiden failed to plausibly plead certain causes of action, including (1) the civil RICO claim against DSS, Decentralized, HWH, RBC International, and Heuszel, (2) the TUFTA claim against DSS, and (3) the unjust enrichment claim against DSS and RBC International. Notably, the Court declined the request to dismiss the TUFTA claim against RBC International. On September 3, 2021, Maiden filed its first amended complaint, asserting a single cause of action against the DSS Defendants, Heuszel, and RBC for an alleged TUFTA violation.

Generally, Maiden sought the same relief requested in its original complaint. Maiden, however, abandoned its request for treble damages. On September 17, 2021, the DSS Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint seeking to dismiss Maiden’s TUFTA claim to the extent it seeks to avoid a transfer of assets owned by any of RBC’s subsidiaries, including but not limited to RBC Life Sciences USA, Inc. (“RBC USA”). Further, the motion to dismiss sought the dismissal of Maiden’s TUFTA claim against Heuszel. On November 19, 2021, the Court granted the motion to dismiss in part, dismissing Maiden’s claim against Heuszel and determined Maiden failed to plead that it was a creditor of RBC USA or RBC’s other subsidiaries. However, the Court permitted Maiden to replead once again.

On December 17, 2021, Maiden filed its second amended complaint which now asserts a single TUFTA claim against only the DSS Defendants, RBC, and RBC USA. During the discovery period, the Parties conducted written discovery, production of documents, and depositions of fact witnesses and expert witnesses. The discovery period closed on August 9, 2022. The DSS Defendants have engaged Stout Risius Ross, LLC to provide expert opinions regarding the value of the assets at issue. On August 15, 2022, the DSS Defendants filed a motion to exclude Maiden’s designated expert. The DSS Defendants’ motion to exclude is still before the Court for determination. Currently, the Company is preparing for trial which is set for December 5, 2022 on the Court’s two-week docket. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position at trial that Maiden should recover nothing on account of its TUFTA claim.

In addition to the foregoing, we may become subject to other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business and have not been finally adjudicated. Adverse decisions in any of the foregoing may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or our financial condition. The Company accrues for potential litigation losses when a loss is probable and estimable.

License Agreement

On March 19, 2022, Impact BioMedical entered into a License Agreement (“Equivir License”) with a third-party (“Licensee”) where the Licensor is granted the right, amongst other things, to develop, commercialize, and sell the Company’s Equivir technology. In exchange, the Licensee shall pay the Company a royalty of 5.5%5.5% of net sales. Under the terms of the Equivir Agreement, the Company shall reimburse the Licensee for 50% of the development costs provided that the development costs shall not exceed $1,250,000. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, no liability has been recorded in relation to the Equivir License as development of the Equivir technology has not begun and no reasonable amount can be estimated.estimated.

 

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10.13. Stockholders’ Equity

 

Sales of Equity transactions

 

On February 28, 2022, DSS entered into an Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Amendment”) with its shareholder Alset EHome International Inc. (“AEI”), pursuant to which the Company and AEI have agreed to amend certain terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 25, 2022 (the “SPA”). Pursuant to the SPA, AEI had agreed to purchase up to 44,619,423 shares of the Company’s common stock for a purchase price of $0.3810 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $17,000,000. Pursuant to the Amendment, the number of shares of the common stock of the Company that the AEI will purchase has been reduced to 3,986,877 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $1,519,000. This transaction was completed on March 9, 2022. In addition, the Company’s Executive Chairman and a significant stockholder, Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and largest shareholder of AEI.

 

On March 10, 2022, the Company issued894,084 shares of common stock to Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan pursuant to his employment agreement. These shares were issued in consideration of $340,000 due under this employment agreement.

 

On May 5, 2022, the Company issued 63,205 shares of common stock to Mr. Frank Heuszel, CEO of DSS, pursuant to his employment agreement. These shares were issued in consideration of $29,000 due under this employment agreement.

 

On May 25, 2022, the Company issued 15,389,995 shares of common stock to Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan pursuant to his employment agreement. These shares were issued in consideration of $5,847,0005,848,000 due under this employment agreement.

 

On May 17, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the issuance of up to 21,366,177 Shares of our Common Stock to Alset International, a related party, to purchase the Convertible Promissory Note issued by American Medical REIT, Inc. with a principal amount of $8,350,000 and accrued but unpaid interest of $367,000 through May 15, 2022. This transaction was finalized in July 2022.

 

On May 17, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the acquisition of62,122,908 shares of True Partners Capital Holdings Limited (“True Partners”), a company publicly traded on the Hong Kong stock exchange in exchange for 17,570,948 shares of DSS stock.stock value on the agreed upon date of February 18, 2022 which was approximately $0.41 per share. The True Partner shares were acquired from Alset EHome International, Inc. (“Alset EHome”), a related party. Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, our director, and Executive Chairman, is also Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and the largest beneficial owner of the outstanding shares of Alset EHome. This transaction was completed with the transfer of DSS share to Alset EHome on July 1, 2022 with2022.

On April 10, 2023, the issuanceCompany issued 1,247,078 shares of common stock to Mr. Frank Heuszel, CEO of DSS, pursuant to his employment agreement. These shares which were valued at $0.34 per share,issued to Alset EHome.settle a previously recorded liability of approximately $268,000

.

 

Stock-Based Compensation -

The Company records stock-based payment expense related to options and warrants based on the grant date fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 718. Stock-based compensation includes expense charges for all stock-based awards to employees, directors, and consultants. Such awards include option grants, warrant grants, and restricted stock awards. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, the Company’sCompany did not have stock compensation approximated $associated with these items, and 4,000.5,333 options were forfeited.

Impact BioMedical, Inc. Equity Transactions –

On August 8, 2023 DSS BioHealth Securities, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the sole shareholder of Impact BioMedical Inc. , distributed to the shareholders of DSS on record as of July 10, 2023 4 shares of Impact Bio’s stock for 1 share they owned of DSS stock. Each share of Impact BioMedical distributed as part of the distribution will not be eligible for resale until 180 days from the date Impact BioMedical’s initial public offering becomes effective under the Securities Act, subject to the discretion of the Company to lift the restriction sooner.

 

On October 31, 2023, Impact BioMedical effected a reverse stock split of 1 for 55. As of December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2023, there were 3,877,282,251 shares of common stock issued and outstanding which was converted to 70,496,041 shares. Also on October 31, 2023, DSS BioHealth Securities, Inc., the largest shareholder of Impact BioMedical converted 60,496,041 shares of Common Stock into 60,496,041 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Shares, reducing its ownership of the Company’s Common Stock from approximately 88% to approximately 12%

11.14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

The following table summarizes supplemental cash flows for the nine-months ended September 30, 2022,2023, and 2021:2022:

 

Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 2022  2021  2023  2022 
          
Cash paid for interest $1,907,000  $139,000  $3,432,000  $1,907,000 
                
Non-cash investing and financing activities:                
Termination of right of use lease asset $-  $(744,000)
Termination of right of use lease liability $-  $744,000 
Shares received for loan origination fee $-  $(3,000,000)
Shares received for prepaid loan interest $-  $(2,440,000)
Notes receivable converted to equity investments $

1,940,000

  

$

-  $-  $1,940,000 
Shares issued for the acquisition of marketable securities $

7,169,000

  

$

- 
Shares issued for acquisition of marketable security $-  $7,169,000 
Shares issued for the acquisition of notes receivable $

8,717,000

  

$

-

  $-  $8,717,000 
Right of use asset addition $9,895,000  $-  $-  $9,895,000 
Shares issued in lieu of bonus cash $6,216,000  $-  $268,000  $6,216,000 

 

2324

12.15. Segment Information

The Company’s nine businesses lines are organized, managed, and internally reported as five operating segments. One of these operating segments, Product Packaging, is the Company’s packaging and printing group. Product Packaging operates in the paper board folding carton, smart packaging, and document security printing markets. It markets, manufactures, and sells mailers, photo sleeves, sophisticated custom folding cartons, and complex 3-dimensional direct mail solutions. These products are designed to provide functionality and marketability while also providing counterfeit protection. A second, Biotechnology, invests in, or acquires companies in the biohealth and biomedical fields, including businesses focused on the advancement of drug discovery and prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncological, and immune related diseases. This division is also developing open-air defense initiatives, which curb transmission of air-borne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and influenza. Biotechnology is also targeting unmet, urgent medical needs. A third operating segment, Securities, and Investment Management (“Securities”) was established to develop and/or acquire assets and investments in the securities trading and/or funds management arena. Further, Securities, in partnership with recognized global leaders in alternative trading systems, intends to own and operate in the US a single or multiple vertical digital asset exchanges for securities, tokenized assets, utility tokens, stable coins and cryptocurrency via a digital asset trading platform using blockchain technology. The scope of services within this section is planned to include asset issuance and allocation (securities and cryptocurrency), FPO, IPO, ITO, PPO, STO and UTO listings on a primary market(s), asset digitization/tokenization (securities, currency, and cryptocurrency), and the listing and trading of digital assets (securities and cryptocurrency) on a secondary market(s). Also in this segment is the Company’s real estate investment trust (“REIT”), organized for the purposes of acquiring hospitals and other acute or post-acute care centers from leading clinical operators with dominant market share in secondary and tertiary markets, and leasing each property to a single operator under a triple-net lease. the REIT was formed to originate, acquire, and lease a credit-centric portfolio of licensed medical real estate. The fourth segment, Direct, provides services to assist companies in the emerging growth gig business model of peer-to-peer decentralized sharing marketplaces. It specializes in marketing and distributing its products and services through its subsidiary and partner network, using the popular gig economic marketing strategy as a form of direct marketing. Direct marketing products include, among other things, nutritional and personal care products sold throughout North America, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe.Europe (see Note 1, Deconsolidation of Sharing Services Global Corporation). The fifth business line, Commercial Banking, is organized for the purposes of being a financial network holding company, focused providing commercial loans and on acquiring equity positions in (i) undervalued commercial bank(s), bank holding companies and nonbanking licensed financial companies operating in the United States, South East Asia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, and (ii) companies engaged in—nonbanking activities closely related to banking, including loan syndication services, mortgage banking, trust and escrow services, banking technology, loan servicing, equipment leasing, problem asset management, SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) consulting, and advisory capital raising services. From this financial platform, the Company shall provide an integrated suite of financial services for businesses that shall include commercial business lines of credit, land development financing, inventory financing, third party loan servicing, and services that address the financial needs of the world Gig Economy.

Our segment structure presented below represents a change from the prior year for the inclusion of our Biotechnology, Securities, and Commercial Lending segments and the removal of our Plastics segment, Digital Group and IP Technology Management segment as the Plastics segment was discontinued in 2020, DSS Digital was sold and discontinued in May 2021 and activities surrounding our IP Technology Management segment have significantly decreased. The amounts for these segments have been included in the Corporate reporting segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, as necessary, below for reconciliation purposes.

Approximate information concerning the Company’s operations by reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20222023 and 20212022 is as follows. The Company relies on intersegment cooperation and management does not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the results contained herein:

Schedule of Operations by Reportable Segment

                      
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Product Packaging  Commercial Lending  Direct Marketing  Biotechnology  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Revenue $4,707,000  $370,000  $4,956,000  $-  $1,646,000  $183,000  $11,862,000 
Depreciation and amortization  168,000   -   41,000   278,000   2,423,000   17,000   2,927,000 
Interest expense  42,000   -   193,000   -   371,000   -   606,000 
Interest income  -   -   3,000   94,000   79,000   143,000   319,000 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations  (1,077,000)  221,000   (15,379,000)  (909,000)  (3,182,000)  (4,475,000)  (24,801,000)
Capital expenditures  300,000   -   73,000   -   -   -   373,000 
Identifiable assets  24,035,000   48,121,000   39,979,000   57,225,000   81,766,000   13,754,000   264,880,000 

                      
Three Months Ended September 30,2021 Product Packaging  Commercial Lending  Direct Marketing  Biotechnology  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Revenue $3,416,000  $-  $966,000  $-  $184,000  $-  $4,566,000 
Depreciation and amortization  152,000   -   100,000   278,000   135,000   74,000   739,000 
Interest expense  11,000   -   -   -   37,000   (17,000)  31,000 
Stock based compensation  1,000   -   -   -   -   12,000   13,000 
Income tax benefit  -   -   -   -   -   1,624,000   1,624,000 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations  358,000   64,000   (1,304,000)  (647,000)  (835,000)  (4,311,000)  (6,675,000)
Capital expenditures  1,399,000   -   -   -   186,000   55,000   1,640,000 
Identifiable assets  24,752,000   60,388,000   43,695,000   55,848,000   11,376,000   23,017,000   219,076,000 

                      
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Product Packaging  Commercial Lending  Direct Marketing  Biotechnology  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Revenue $11,876,000  $644,000  $18,000,000  $94,000  $4,817,000  $496,000  $35,927,000 
Depreciation and amortization  525,000   -   248,000   835,000   7,637,000   106,000   9,351,000 
Interest expense  100,000   -   193,000   -   1,812,000   -   2,105,000 
Stock based compensation  1,000   -   -   -   -   3,000   4,000 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations  (755,000)  638,000   (19,102,000)  (2,198,000)  (8,334,000)  (9,410,000)  (39,161,000)
Capital expenditures  1,242,000   -   88,000   -   15,000   4,000   1,349,000 
Identifiable assets  24,035,000   48,121,000   39,979,000   57,225,000   81,766,000   13,754,000   264,880,000 

                      
Nine Months Ended September 30,2021 Product Packaging  Commercial Lending  Direct Marketing  Biotechnology  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Revenue $10,652,000  $-  $2,382,000  $-  $184,000  $-  $13,218,000 
Depreciation and amortization  459,000   -   419,000   835,000   134,000   228,000   2,075,000 
Interest expense  49,000   -   2,000   1,000   87,000   18,000   157,000 
Stock based compensation  2,000   -   -   -   -   40,000   42,000 
Income tax benefit  -   -   -   -   -   4,315,000   4,315,000 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations  641,000   64,000   (9,088,000)  (1,955,000)  (1,066,000)  (10,058,000)  (21,462,000)
Capital expenditures  2,621,000   -   6,000   -   6,750,000   4,000   9,381,000 
Identifiable assets  24,752,000   60,388,000   43,695,000   55,848,000   11,376,000   23,017,000   219,076,000 
                      
Three Months Ended Product  Commercial  Direct             
September 30, 2023 Packaging  Lending  Marketing  Biotechnology  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Revenue $3,378,000  $108,000  $523,000  $-  $

173,000

  $-  $4,182,000 
Interest expense  51,000   -   -   -   -   -   51,000 
Interest income  -   -   660,000   6,000   16,000   -   682,000 
Net Loss (income) from operations  (579,000)  (24,000)  (1,010,000)  (1,151,000)  (2,166,000)  (1,751,000)  (6,681,000)
Capital expenditures  67,000   -   -  -   -   -   67,000 
Identifiable assets  21,554,000   39,446,000   7,102,000   49,816,000   69,498,000   9,135,000   196,551,000 

 

2425

                      
Three Months Ended Product  Commercial  Direct             
September 30, 2022 Packaging  Lending  Marketing  Biotechnology  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Revenue $4,707,000  $370,000  $4,956,000  $-  $1,646,000  $183,000  $11,862,000 
Depreciation and amortization  168,000   -   41,000   278,000   2,423,000   17,000   2,927,000 
Interest Expense  42,000   -   193,000   -   371,000   -   606,000 
Interest income  -   -   3,000   94,000   79,000   143,000   319,000 
Net income (loss) from operations  (1,077,000)  221,000   (15,379,000)  (909,000)  (3,182,000)  (4,476,000)  (24,802,000)
Capital expenditures  300,000   -   73,000   -   -   -   373,000 
Identifiable assets  24,035,000   48,121,000   39,979,000   57,225,000   81,766,000   13,754,000   264,880,000 

                      
Nine Months Ended Product  Commercial  Direct             
September 30, 2023 Packaging  Lending  Marketing  Biotechnology  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Revenue $13,038,000  $422,000  $6,088,000  $-  $3,697,000  $-  $23,245,000 
Interest expense  137,000   -   (6,000)  -   307,000   -   438,000 
Interest income  -   -   945,000   149,000   126,000   -   1,220,000 
Net income (loss) from operations  (88,000)  (1,800,000)  (32,272,000)  (5,933,000)  (8,606,000)  (4,340,000)  (53,039,000)
Capital expenditures  596,000   -   -   17,000   66,000   -  679,000 
Identifiable assets  21,554,000   39,446,000   7,102,000   49,816,000   69,498,000   9,135,000   196,551,000 

                      
Nine Months Ended Product  Commercial  Direct             
September 30, 2022 Packaging  Lending  Marketing  Biotechnology  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Revenue $11,876,000  $644,000  $18,000,000  $94,000  $4,817,000  $496,000  $35,927,000 
Depreciation and Amortization  525,000   -   248,000   835,000   7,637,000   106,000   9,351,000 
Interest expense  100,000   -   193,000   -   1,812,000   -   2,105,000 
Stock based compensation  1,000   -   -   -   -   3,000   4,000 
Net income (loss) from operations  (755,000)  638,000   (19,102,000)  (2,198,000)  (8,334,000)  (9,410,000)  (39,161,000)
Capital expenditures  1,242,000   -   88,000   -   15,000   4,000   1,349,000 
Identifiable assets  24,035,000   48,121,000   39,979,000   57,225,000   81,766,000   13,754,000   264,880,000 

26

 

The following tables disaggregate our business segment revenues by major source:

 

Printed Products Revenue Information:

Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue

Printed Products Revenue Information:   
   
Three months ended September 30, 2022   
Three months ended September 30, 2023   
Packaging Printing and Fabrication $4,888,000  $3,293,000 
Commercial and Security Printing  144,000   22,000 
Total Printed Products $5,032,000  $3,315,000 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2021   
Three months ended September 30, 2022   
Packaging Printing and Fabrication $3,373,000  $4,888,000 
Commercial and Security Printing  43,000   144,000 
Total Printed Products $3,416,000  $5,032,000 

Nine months ended September 30, 2023   
Packaging Printing and Fabrication $12,539,000 
Commercial and Security Printing  347,000 
Total Printed Products $12,976,000 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2022   
Packaging Printing and Fabrication $12,357,000 
Commercial and Security Printing  293,000 
Total Printed Products $12,650,000 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2021   
Packaging Printing and Fabrication $10,428,000 
Commercial and Security Printing  224,000 
Total Printed Products $10,652,000 

Direct Marketing

 

Direct Marketing   
   
Three months ended September 30, 2022   
Three months ended September 30, 2023   
Direct Marketing Internet Sales $4,937,000  $523,000 
Total Direct Marketing $4,937,000  $523,000 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2021   
Three months ended September 30, 2022   
Direct Marketing Internet Sales $966,000  $4,937,000 
Total Direct Marketing $966,000  $4,937,000 

Nine months ended September 30, 2023   
Direct Marketing Internet Sales $6,088,000 
Total Direct Marketing $6,088,000 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2022   
Direct Marketing Internet Sales $17,939,000 
Total Direct Marketing $17,939,000 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2021   
Direct Marketing Internet Sales $2,382,000 
Total Direct Marketing $2,382,000 
27

 

Rental Income

25

 

Rental Income   
   
Three months ended September 30, 2022   
Three months ended September 30, 2023   
Rental income $1,485,000  $236,000 
Total Rental Income $1,485,000  $236,000 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2021   
Three months ended September 30, 2022   
Rental income $184,000  $1,485,000 
Total Rental Income $184,000  $1,485,000 

Nine months ended September 30, 2023   
Rental income $3,464,000 
Total Rental Income $3,464,000 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2022   
Rental income $4,656,000 
Total Rental Income $4,656,000 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2021   
Rental income $184,000 
Total Rental Income $184,000 

Net Investment Income

 

Management Fee Income   
    
Three months ended September 30, 2022   
Management fee income $38,000 
Total Rental Income $38,000 
Three months ended September 30, 2023   
Net Investment Income $108,000 
Total Investment Income $108,000 

Three months ended September 30, 2022   
Net Investment Income $370,000 
Total Rental Income $370,000 

Nine months ended September 30, 2023   
Net investment income $422,000 
Total Management fee income $422,000 

Nine months ended September 30, 2022   
Net Investment Income $644,000 
Total Management fee income $644,000 

Commission Income

 

Three months ended September 30, 20212023
Commission income$Management fee income-$-
Total Rental Incomecommission income$-$-

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2022   
Management fee income $38,000 
Total Management fee income $38,000 
Three months ended September 30, 2022
Commission income$-
Total commission income$-

Nine months ended September 30, 2023    
Commission income $295,000 
Total commission income $295,000 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 20212022
Commission income$Management fee income-$-
Total Management feecommission income$-$-

Net Investment Income   
    
Three months ended September 30, 2022   
Net Investment Income $370,000 
Total Investment Income $370,000 

Three months ended September 30, 2021
Net Investment Income$-
Total Rental Income$-

Nine months ended September 30, 2022   
Net investment income $644,000 
Total Management fee income $644,000 

Nine months ended September 30, 2021
Net Investment Income$-
Total Management fee income$-

 

2628

13.16. Related Party Transactions

 

The Company owns 127,179,311127,179,291 shares or approximately 4% of the outstanding shares of Alset International Limited (“Alset Intl”), a company incorporated in Singapore and publicly listed on the Singapore Exchange Limited. This investment is classified as a marketable security and is classified as long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets as the Company has the intent and ability to hold the investments for a period of at least one year. The Chairman of the Company, Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alset Intl. Mr. Chan is also the majority shareholder of Alset Intl as well as the largest shareholder of the Company. The fair value of the marketable security as of September 30, 2022,2023, and December 31, 2021,2022, was approximately $3,370,0003,726,000 and $4,909,0003,319,000, respectively. During the nine monthsnine-month ended September 30, 20222023 and September 30, 2021,2022, the Company recorded unrealized gain of approximately $281,000 and loss on this investment of approximately $1,539,000 and $967,00075,000, respectively.

 

On March 2, 2020, AMRE entered into a $200,000 unsecured promissory note with LVAMPTE, a related party. The Note calls for interest to be paid annually on March 2 with interest fixed at 8.0%8.0%. As further incentive to enter into this Note, AMRE granted LVAMPTE warrants to purchase shares of common stock of AMRE (the “Warrants”). The amount of the warrants granted is the equivalent of the Note Principal divided by the Exercise Price. The Warrants are exercisable for four years and are exercisable at $5.00 per share (the “Exercise” Price). In March 2022, this debt was converted into equity in AMRE, and LVAMPTE exercised the warrants for $200,000 (see the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity) The holder is a related party owned by the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors.

 

On March 18, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Alset EHome International, Inc. (“Seller”), a related party, to purchase fromacquire the Seller’s its wholly owned subsidiary Impact Oncology PTE Ltd. (“IOPL”)Ltd for athe purchase price of $2,480,000. The acquisition to effectively purchase ownership of IOPL has been treated as an asset acquisition as IOPL does not meet the definition of a business as defined in Topic 805. IOPL owns 2,480,000 shares of common stock of Vivacitas along with theVivacitas. This agreement includes an option to purchase an additional 250,000 shares of common stock. As a result of these two transactions, which were closed on March 21, 2021, and March 29, 2021, respectively, the Company owns an approximate 15.7% equity position in Vivacitas. The SellersSeller’s largest shareholder is Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors and its largest shareholder.

On or about August 28, 2020, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, DSS Securities, Inc. entered into a corporate venture to form and operate a real estate title agency, under the name of Alset Title Company, Inc, a Texas corporation (“ATC”). DSS Securities, Inc. shall own 70% of this venture with the other two shareholders being attorneys necessary to the state application and permitting process. The Company’s CEO, who is a licensed attorney, has a stated non-compensated 15% ownership interest in the venture. There was minimal activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

On September 9,July 22, 2021, the Company finalized a stock purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with American Pacific Bancorp (“APB”), which provided for an investment of $exercised 40,000,0001,000,000 by the Company into APB for an aggregate of 6,666,700 shares of the APB’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share. Subject toavailable options under the terms and conditions contained in the SPA, the shares issued at a purchase price of $6.00 per share. As a result of this transaction, DSS owns approximately 53% of APB, and as a result its operating results will be included in theVivacitas Agreement #1. The Company’s financial statements beginning September 9, 2021. The Company incurred approximately $36,000 in cost associated with the acquisition of APB which were recorded as general and administrative expenses. The acquisition of APB meets the definition of a business with inputs, processes and outputs, and therefore, the Company has concluded to account for this transaction in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting under Topic 805. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, APB had net income of $645,000, of which, $306,000 is attributable to non-controlling interest. The next largest shareholder of APB is Alset EHome International, Inc. (“AEI”). AEI’s Chairman and CEO, Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, and a member of the AEI’s Board of Directors, Wu Wai Leung William, each serve on both the AEI Board and the Board of the Company. The CEO of the Company, Mr. Frank D. Heuszel, also has an approximate 2%current equity position of APB. APB and the company in which APB owns marketable securities share a common director.Vivacitas approximates 16

%.

On October 7, 2021, HWH World, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company entered into a revolving loan commitment (“Note 9”) with Borrower 9, a company registered in Taiwan. Note 9 has an principal balance of $52,000 and incurred no interest through the maturity date of December 31,2021. The outstanding principal at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is $61,000 and $52,000, respectively, and is included in the Current portion of notes receivable. This note was amended in April 2022 to extend the maturity date through April 2023.

27

 

On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered into loan agreement with BMIC (“BMIC Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal amount of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be adjusted at the maturity date. The BMIC Loan matures on October 12, 2022, and contains an auto renewal period of three months. As of September 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, $3,068,000512,000 and $3,000,000, respectively, isare included in Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered into a loan agreement with Lee Wilson Tsz Kin (“Wilson Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal amount of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be calculated at the maturity date. The Wilson Loan matures on October 12, 2022, and contains an auto renewal period of nine months. This loan was funded during March 2022. As of September 30, 2023 $1,997,000 is included in the Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2022 $3,000,000 is included in the Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

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In November 2021, AMRE entered into a convertible promissory note (“Alset Note”) with Alset International Limited (“Alset International”), a related party, for the principal amount of $8,350,000. The Alset Note accrues interest at 8%8% per annum and matures in December 2023, with interest due quarterly and the principal due at maturity.maturity. Principal and interest of approximately $8,805,000 is included in long-term debt, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet on June 30,December 31, 2022. On May 17, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the issuance of up to 21,366,177 Shares our Common Stock to Alset International to purchase the Convertible Promissory Note issued by American Medical REIT, Inc. with a principal amount of $8,350,000 and accrued but unpaid interest of $367,000119,000 through May 15,December 31, 2022. This transaction was finalized in July 2022 and is eliminated upon consolidation into DSS. Interest expense for this note totaled $625,000 in September 2023 and $346,000 in December 2022.

 

On February 28, 2022, DSS entered into an Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Amendment”) with its shareholder Alset EHome International Inc. (“AEI”), pursuant to which the Company and AEI have agreed to amend certain terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 25, 2022 (the “SPA”). Pursuant to the SPA, AEI had agreed to purchase up to 44,619,423 shares of the Company’s common stock for a purchase price of $0.3810 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $17,000,000. Pursuant to the Amendment, the number of shares of the common stock of the Company that the AEI will purchase has been reduced to 3,986,877 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $1,519,000. This transaction was completed on March 9, 2022. In addition, the Company’s Executive Chairman and a significant stockholder, Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and largest shareholder of AEI.

On May 13, 2021, and later amended in April 2022, Sentinel Brokers, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company entered a revolving credit promissory note (“Note 4”) with Borrower 4, a company registered in the state of New York and related party. Note 4 has an aggregate principal balance up to $3,000,000, to be funded at request of Borrower 4. Note 4, which incurs interest at a rate of 6.65% is payable in areas until the principal is paid in full at the maturity date of May 13, 2023. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there was $309,000 and $0, respectively, outstanding on the, and is included in current notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. During the three months ended September 30, 2022, Sentinel Brokers converted approximately $1,364,000 of Note 4 into 13.64 preferred shares of Borrower 4.

 

In October 2017, Sharing Services issued a Convertible Promissory Note in the principal amount of $ 50,000 (the “Note”) to HWH International, Inc. (“HWH” or the “Holder”), a related party. HWH is affiliated with Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, who became a Director of the Company in April 2020. The Note is convertible into 333,333 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Concurrent with issuance of the Note, the Company issued to HWH a detachable stock warrant to purchase up to an additional 333,333 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, at an exercise price of $0.15 per share. Under the terms of the Note and the detachable stock warrant, the Holder is entitled to certain financing rights. If the Company enters into more favorable transactions with a third-party investor, it must notify the Holder and may have to amend and restate the Note and the detachable stock warrant to be identical. On August 9, 2022, HWH and the Company executed an agreement to settle the Note and cancel the related stock warrant for $78,635.62, which amount represents the principal plus accrued interest. The Company made the payment to HWH on August 9, 2022.

 

On May 17, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the issuance of up to 21,366,177 Shares our Common Stock to Alset International Limited (“Alset International”), a related party, to purchase the Convertible Promissory Note issued by American Medical REIT, Inc. with a principal amount of $8,350,000 and accrued but unpaid interest of $367,400 through May 15, 2022. This transaction was finalized in July 2022.

On May 17, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the acquisition of 62,122,908 shares of True Partners Capital Holdings Limited (“True Partners”), a company publicly traded on the Hong Kong stock exchange in exchange for 17,570,948 shares of DSS stock. The True Partner shares were acquired from Alset EHome International, Inc. (“Alset EHome”), a related party. Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, our director and Executive Chairman, is also Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and the largest beneficial owner of the outstanding shares of Alset EHome. This transaction was completed with the transfer of DSS shareshares to Alset EHome on July 1, 2022 with the issuance of DSS shares, which were valued at $0.34$0.34 per share, to Alset EHome.

On May 17, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the issuance of up to 21,366,177 shares of our Common Stock to Alset International, a related party, to purchase the Convertible Promissory Note issued by American Medical REIT, Inc. with a principal amount of $8,350,000 and accrued but unpaid interest of $367,000 through May 15, 2022. This transaction was finalized in July 2022.

 

14.17. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events and transactions through November 14, 2023, the date that the condensed consolidated financial statements were available to be issued and noted no subsequent events requiring financial statement recognition or disclosure other than what was identified below:

On October 20,31, 2023, Impact BioMedical effected a reverse stock split of 1 for 55. As of June 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, Sentinel Brokers, LLC. enteredthere were 3,877,282,251 shares of common stock issued and outstanding which was converted to 70,496,041 shares. Also on October 31, 2023, DSS BioHealth Securities, Inc., the Impact’s largest shareholder and a wholly-owned subsidiary of DSS, converted 60,496,041 shares of Common Stock into an on demand promissory note with Borrower 4, a related party, in the amount60,496,041 shares of $Series A Convertible Preferred Shares, reducing its ownership of Impact’s common stock from approximately 1,000,00088% to approximately 12%. This note accrues interest at 8% per year with principal and interest due in full on April 20, 2023.

 

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ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained herein this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “1995 Reform Act”). Except for the historical information contained herein, this report contains forward-looking statements (identified by words such as “estimate”, “project”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “believe”, “hope”, “strategy” and similar expressions), which are based on our current expectations and speak only as of the date made. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

The Company, incorporated in the state of New York in May 1984 has conducted business in the name of Document Security Systems, Inc. On September 16, 2021, the board of directors approved an agreement and plan of merger with a wholly owned subsidiary, DSS, Inc. (a New York corporation, incorporated in August 2020), for the sole purpose of effecting a name change from Document Security Systems, Inc. to DSS, Inc. This change became effective on September 30, 2021. DSS, Inc. maintained the same trading symbol “DSS” and updated its CUSIP number to 26253C 102.

 

DSS, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, referred to herein as “DSS,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) currently operates nine (9) distinct business lines with operations and locations around the globe. These business lines are: (1) Product Packaging, (2) Biotechnology, (3) Direct Marketing, (4) Commercial Lending, (5) Securities and Investment Management, (6) Alternative Trading (7) Digital Transformation, (8) Secure Living, and (9) Alternative Energy. Each of these business lines are in different stages of development, growth, and income generation.

 

Our divisions, their business lines, subsidiaries, and operating territories: (1) Our Product Packaging line is led by Premier Packaging Corporation, Inc. (“Premier”), a New York corporation. Premier operates in the paper board and fiber based folding carton, consumer product packaging, and document security printing markets. It markets, manufactures, and sells sophisticated custom folding cartons, mailers, photo sleeves and complex 3-dimensional direct mail solutions. Premier is currently located in its new facility in Rochester, NY, and primarily serves the US market. (2) The Biotechnology business line was created to invest in or acquire companies in the BioHealth and BioMedical fields, including businesses focused on the advancement of drug discovery and prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncological, and immune related diseases. This division is also targeting unmet, urgent medical needs, and is developing open-air defense initiatives, which curb transmission of air-borne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and influenza. (3) Direct Marketing, led by the holding corporation, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. (“Decentralized”) provides services to assist companies in the emerging growth “Gig” business model of peer-to-peer decentralized sharing marketplaces. Direct specializes in marketing and distributing its products and services through its subsidiary and partner network, using the popular gig economic marketing strategy as a form of direct marketing. Direct Marketing’s products include, among other things, nutritional and personal care products sold throughout North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. (4) Our Commercial Lending business division, driven by American Pacific Bancorp (“APB”), is organized for the purposes of being a financial network holding company, focused on acquiring equity positions in (i) undervalued commercial bank(s), bank holding companies and nonbanking licensed financial companies operating in the United States, South East Asia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, and (ii) companies engaged in—nonbanking activities closely related to banking, including loan syndication services, mortgage banking, trust and escrow services, banking technology, loan servicing, equipment leasing, problem asset management, SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) consulting services, and advisory capital raising services. (5) Securities and Investment Management was established to develop and/or acquire assets in the securities trading or management arena, and to pursue, among other product and service lines, broker dealers, and mutual funds management. Also in this segment is the Company’s real estate investment trust (“REIT”), organized for the purposes of acquiring hospitals and other acute or post-acute care centers from leading clinical operators with dominant market share in secondary and tertiary markets, and leasing each property to a single operator under a triple-net lease. the REIT was formed to originate, acquire, and lease a credit-centric portfolio of licensed medical real estate. (6) Alternative Trading was established to develop and/or acquire assets and investments in the securities trading and/or funds management arena. Alt. Trading, in partnership with recognized global leaders in alternative trading systems, intends to own and operate in the US a single or multiple vertical digital asset exchanges for securities, tokenized assets, utility tokens, and cryptocurrency via an alternative trading platform using blockchain technology. The scope of services within this section is planned to include asset issuance and allocation (securities and cryptocurrency), FPO, IPO, ITO, PPO, and UTO listings on a primary market(s), asset digitization/tokenization (securities, currency, and cryptocurrency), and the listing and trading of digital assets (securities and cryptocurrency) on a secondary market(s). (7) Digital Transformation was established to be a Preferred Technology Partner and Application Development Solution for mid cap brands in various industries including the direct selling and affiliate marketing sector. Digital improves marketing, communications and operations processes with custom software development and implementation. (8) The Secure Living division has developed a plan for fully sustainable, secure, connected, and healthy living communities with homes incorporating advanced technology, energy efficiency, and quality of life living environments both for new construction and renovations for single and multi-family residential housing. (9) The Alternative Energy group was established to help lead the Company’s future in the clean energy business that focuses on environmentally responsible and sustainable measures. Alset Energy, Inc, the holding company for this group, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alset Solar, Inc., pursue utility-scale solar farms to serve US regional power grids and to provide underutilized properties with small microgrids for independent energy.

 

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On February 8, 2021, DSS Securities announced that it entered into a joint venture (“JV”) with Coinstreet Partners (“Coinstreet”), a global decentralized digital investment banking group and digital asset financial service firm, and GSX Group (“GSX”), a global digital exchange ecosystem for the issuance, trading, and settlement of tokenized securities, using its proprietary blockchain solution. The JV leverages the operational strengths and assets of three key leaders in their field, combining traditional capital market experience, Fintech innovations, and business networks from three continents, North America, Europe, and Asia, to capitalize on unique digital asset opportunities. The JV reported that it intended to first pursue a digital securities exchange license in the US. Moving forward, this JV will be the key operational company building and operating a digital securities exchange that utilizes the GSX STACS blockchain technology, serving corporate issuers and investors in the sector.

 

On February 25, 2021, DSS Securities announced its acquisition of an equity interest in WestPark Capital, Inc.(“WestPark”) and an investment in BMI Capital International LLC (“BMICI”). DSS Securities executed two separate transactions that were designed to grow the securities division by signing a binding note and stock exchange letter of intent to own 7.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of WestPark and acquiring 24.9% of BMICI through a purchase agreement. WestPark is a full-service investment banking and securities brokerage firm which serves the needs of both private and public companies worldwide, as well as individual and institutional investors. BMI is a private investment bank specializing in corporate finance advising, raising equity, and venture services, providing a global “one-stop” corporate consultancy to listed companies. From corporate finance to professional valuation, corporate communications to event management, BMICI services companies in the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Canada, and Australia.

 

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On March 1, 2021, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. (“Decentralized”) announced that it increased its investment in Sharing Services Global Corporation (“Sharing Services” or “SHRG”), a publicly traded company dedicated to maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition and development of innovative companies, products, and technologies in the direct selling industry, through a $30 million convertible promissory note dated April 5, 2021. Decentralized’s financing was made as an investment that would help accelerate Sharing Services sales and growth, as well as international expansion, with the expectation that such capital reserves would help make Sharing Services a dominant player in the global marketplace over the next two years. It was reported that the new $30 million investment would have the potential to exponentially increase Sharing Services sales channels and substantially expand its product portfolio, and to position Sharing Services to capitalize on consolidation and roll up opportunities of other direct selling companies. In the joint announcement, Sharing Services reported that the additional funding would now allow it to accelerate its global expansion with a direct focus on the Asian markets, and specifically in countries such as South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In accordance with the April 5, 2021, convertible promissory note, SHRG issued to the Company 27,000,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock, including 15,000,000 shares in payment of the loan origination fee and 12,000,000 shares in prepayment of interest for the first year. As of and through SeptemberJune 30, 2020, the Company classified its investment in Sharing Services Global Corp. (“SHRG”), a publicly traded company, as marketable equity security and measured it at fair value with gains and losses recognized in other income. In July 2020, through continued acquisition of common stock, as detailed below, the Company obtained greater than 20% ownership of SHRG, and thus has the ability to exercise significant influence over it. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company began to account for its investment in SHRG using the equity method in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures recognizing our share of SHRG’s earnings and losses within our consolidated statement of operations. Through a series of transactions, DSS increased its ownership of voting shares in SHRG to approximately 58% on December 23, 2021. The 58% ownership of SHRG meets the definition of a business with inputs, processes, and outputs, and therefore, the Company has concluded to account for this transaction in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting under Topic 805 and began consolidating the financial results of SHRG as of December 31, 2021. On January 24, 2022, the Company exercised 50,000,000 warrants received as part of a consulting agreement with SHRG at the exercise price of $0.0001, bringbringing its ownership percentage of voting shares to approximately 65%. During the fourth quarter of 2022, SHRG purchased back a significant number of its outstanding voting shares, increasing the Company’s ownership percentage of voting shares to approximately 73% at December 31, 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, DSS converted both interest due from SHRG on notes receivable and warrants in SHRG shares into newly issued common stock of SHRG totaling 84,619,047 shares, increasing DSS ownership of voting shares to approximately 80% at March 31, 2023. On May 4, 2023, the Company distributed approximately 280 million shares of SHRG beneficially held by DSS and Decentralized Sharing Systems in the form of a dividend to the shareholders of DSS common stock. Upon completion of this distribution, DSS will retain an ownership interest in SHRG of approximately 7%. The Company, via three (3) of the Company’s existing board members, currently holds four (4) of the five (5) SHRG board of director seats. Mr. John “JT” Thatch, DSS’s Lead Independent Director and as well the CEO of SHRG is on the SHRG Board, along with Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, DSS’s Executive Chairman of the board of directors (joined the SHRG Board effective May 4, 2020), and Mr. Frank D. Heuszel, the CEO of the Company (joined the SHRG Board effective September 29, 2020).

 

On March 15, 2021, the Company, through one of its subsidiaries, DSS BioMedical International, Inc. entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Vivacitas Oncology Inc. (“Vivacitas”), to purchase 500,000 shares of its common stock at the per share price of $1.00, with an option to purchase 1,500,000 additional shares at the per share price of $1.00. In addition, under the terms of the Agreement, the Company will be allocated two seats on the board of Vivacitas. On March 18, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Alset EHome International, Inc. (“Seller”) to acquire the Seller’s wholly owned subsidiary Impact Oncology PTE Ltd for the purchase price of $2,480,000 to effectively purchase ownership of 2,480,000 shares of common stock of Vivacitas. This agreement includes an option to purchase an additional 250,000 shares of common stock. As a result of these two transactions, which were closed on March 21, 2021, and March 29, 2021, respectively, the Company owns an approximate 15.7% equity position in Vivacitas. The Seller’s largest shareholder is Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors and its largest shareholder. On July 22, 2021, the Company exercised 1,000,000 of the available options under the Vivacitas Agreement #1. The Company’s current equity position in Vivacitas approximates 16%.

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On April 21, 2021, the Company announced its wholly owned subsidiary, Premier Packaging Corporation’s intentions to relocate from its current 48,000 square-foot manufacturing facility from Victor, NY to a new 105,000 square-foot facility in the Town of Henrietta, NY approximately 15 miles from its Victor location by the end of 2021. In connection with this relocation, Premier Packaging has entered into an agreement to sell its current Victor location and closed on the transaction in March 2022.

On May 13, 2021, Sentinel Brokers, LLC., a subsidiary of the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement (“Sentinel Agreement”) to acquire a 24.9% equity position of Sentinel Brokers Company, Inc. (“Sentinel”), a company registered in the state of New York, for the purchase price of $300,000. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company ashas the option to purchase an additional 50.1% of the outstanding Class A Common Shares. Upon the exercising of this option, but no earlier than one year following the effective date of the Sentinel Agreement, Sentinel has the option to sell the remaining 25% to the Company. In consideration of purchase price investment in Sentinel, the Company is entitled to an additional 50.1% of the net profits of SentinelSentinel. In December 2022, the Company exercised its option to obtain the additional 50.1% of Sentinel’s common stock and began consolidating its results affective December 1, 2022.

On May 14,19, 2021, the Company announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, DSS PureAir, Inc., a Texas corporation (“DSS PureAir”), closed on a Securities Purchase Agreement with Puradigm LLC, a Nevada limited liability corporation (“Puradigm”). Pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, DSS PureAir agreed to provide Puradigm a secured convertible promissory note in the maximum principal amount of $5,000,000.00 (the “Puradigm Note”). The Puradigm Note has a two-year term with interest at 6.65% payable quarterly. All, or part of the Puradigm Note principal balance can be converted at the sole discretion of DSS PureAir for up to an 18% membership interest in Puradigm LLC. The Puradigm Note is secured by all the assets of Puradigm under a security agreement with Puradigm.

The outstanding principal and interest as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximated $5,333,000 and $5,081,000, respectively, which is included in Current portion of notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

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On June 18, 2021, AMRE Shelton, LLC., (“AMRE Shelton”) a subsidiary of AMRE financed the purchase of a 40,000 square foot, 2.0 story, Class A+ multi-tenant medical office building located on a 13.62-acre site in Shelton, Connecticut (See Note 7). In accordance with Topic 805, the acquisition of the medical acquired has been determined to be an acquisition of assets as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. This property was appraised at approximately $7,150,000, of which $6,027,000 and $815,000 waswere allocated to the facility and land, respectively. Also includeincluded in the value of the property is $308,000 of intangible assets with an estimated useful life of 11 years. Contained within the sale-purchase agreement for this facility, is a $1,500,000 earnout due to the seller if certain criteria are met. As of September 30, 2022,2023, no liability has been recorded for this earnout as management determined it is currently remote.

 

On September 9, 2021, the Company finalized a stock purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with American Pacific Bancorp (“APB”), which provided for an investment of $40,000,000$40,000,200 by the Company into APB for an aggregate of 6,666,700 shares of the APB’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share. Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the SPA, the shares issued at a purchase price of $6.00 per share. As a result of this transaction, DSS became the majority owner of APB. APB is organized for the purposes of being a financial network holding company, focused providing commercial loans and on acquiring equity positions in (i) undervalued commercial bank(s), bank holding companies and nonbanking licensed financial companies operating in the United States, South East Asia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, and (ii) companies engaged in—nonbanking activities closely related to banking, including loan syndication services, mortgage banking, trust and escrow services, banking technology, loan servicing, equipment leasing, problem asset management, SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) consulting, and advisory capital raising services. From this financial platform, the Company shall provide an integrated suite of financial services for businesses that shall include commercial business lines of credit, land development financing, inventory financing, third party loan servicing, and services that address the financial needs of the world Gig Economy.

 

On September 13, 2021, the Company finalized a shareholder agreement and joint venture between its subsidiary, DSS Financial Management, Inc. (“DFMI”) and HR1 Holdings Limited (“HR1”), a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, for the purpose to operate a vehicle for private and institutional investors seeking a highly liquid investment fund with attractive risk adjusted returns relative to market unpredictability and volatility. Under the terms of this agreement, 4000 shares or 40% of the Company’s subsidiary Liquid Asset Limited Management Limited (“LVAM”), a Hong Kong company was transferred to HR1 whereas at the conclusion of the transaction DFMI would own 60% of LVAM and HR1 would own 40%. LVAM executes within reliable platforms and broad market access and uses proprietary systems and algorithms to trade liquid exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stocks, futures or crypto. Aimed at providing consistent returns while offering the unique ability to liquidate the portfolio within 5 to 10 minutes under normal market conditions, LVAM provides an array of advanced tools and products enabling customers to explore multiple opportunities, strengthen and diversify their portfolios, and meet their individual investing goals.

 

On April 7, 2021, the Company entered into a transfer and assignment agreement (“RIA Agreement”) between DSS Securities, Inc. (“DSSS”) and AmericaFirst Capital Management, LLC (“Advisor”), a California limited liability company and the registered investment advisor (“RIA”) to all the funds within the AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds Trust (“Trust”). In September of 2021, with the approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees and its shareholders, and with the consideration of $600,000 paid, DSSS became the new registered investment advisor to the Trust. Upon the completion of the transfer, the Trust was renamed to the DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Trust. The DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Trust is a Delaware business trust established in 2012. The Trust currently consists of 4 mutual funds managed by DSS Wealth Management, Inc.: The DSS AmericaFirst Income Trends Fund, DSS AmericaFirst Defensive Growth Fund, DSS AmericaFirst Risk-On Risk-Off Fund, and DSS AmericaFirst Large Cap Buyback Fund. The funds seek to outperform their respective benchmark indices by applying a quantitative rules-based approach to security selection. The DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds is a suite of mutual funds managed by DSS Wealth Management, Inc. that will expand into numerous investment platforms including additional mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, unit investment trusts and closed-end funds. We see substantial growth opportunities in each of these platforms as we are committed to building and expanding upon an experienced distribution infrastructure. For DSSS services rendered in its role as RIA, the Trust shall pay a fee for each fund calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets. The $600,000 consideration given is recorded as an Other intangible asset, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30,March 31, 2022. As the RIA Agreement has no defined period, this asset has been deemed an infinite life asset and no amortization has been taken.

On November 4, 2021, AMRE LifeCare Portfolio, LLC. (“AMRE LifeCare”), a subsidiary of AMRE, acquired three medical facilities located in Fort Worth, Texas, Plano, Texas, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a purchase price of $62,000,000. In accordance with Topic 805, the acquisition of the medical facility has been determined to be an acquisition of assets as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. These assets are classified as investments, real estate on the consolidated balance sheet. The purchase price has been allocated as $32,100,000, $12,100,000, and $1,500,000 for the facility, land and site improvements respectively. Also include in the value of the property is $16,321,000 of intangible assets with estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 11 years. All assets were allocated on a relative fair value basis.

On December 21, 2021, AMRE Winter Haven, LLC. (“AMRE Winter Haven”), a subsidiary of AMRE, acquired a medical facility located in Winter Haven, Florida for a purchase price of $4,500,000. In accordance with Topic 805, the acquisition of the medical facility has been determined to be an acquisition of assets as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. These assets are classified as investments, real estate on the consolidated balance sheet. The purchase price has been approximately allocated as $3,200,000, $1,000,000, and $222,000 for the facility, land and site and tenant improvements respectively. Also include in the value of the property is $29,000 of intangible assets with an estimated useful life of approximating 5 years. All assets were allocated on a relative fair value basis.

 

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On December 23, 2021, DSS purchased 50,000,000 shares at $0.06 per share of Sharing Services Global Corporation (“SHRG”) via a private placement. With this purchase, DSS increased its ownership of voting shares from approximately 47% of SHRG to approximately 58%. On January 24, 2022, the Company exercised 50,000,000 warrants received as part of a consulting agreement with SHRG at the exercise price of $0.0001, bringingbring its ownership percentage of voting shares to approximately 65%. SHRG aims to build shareholder value by developing or acquiring businesses that increase the Company’s product and services portfolio, business competencies and geographic reach. Currently, the Company, through its subsidiaries, markets and distributes its health and wellness and other products primarily in the United States, Canada, and the Asia Pacific region using a direct selling business model. The Company markets its products and services through its independent sales force, using its proprietary websites, including: www.elevacity.com and www.thehappyco.com. The Company, headquartered in Plano, Texas, was incorporated in the State of Nevada on April 24, 2015, and is an emerging growth company. The Company’s Common Stock is traded, under the symbol “SHRG,” in the OTCQB Market, an over-the-counter trading platforms market operated by OTC Markets Group Inc.

 

On May 17, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the issuance of up to 21,366,177 Shares our Common Stock to Alset International Limited (“Alset International”), a related party, to purchase the Convertible Promissory Note issued by American Medical REIT, Inc. with a principal amount of $8,350,000 and accrued but unpaid interest of $367,400 through May 15, 2022. This transaction was finalized in July 2022.

On May 17, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the acquisition of 62,122,908 shares of True Partners Capital Holdings Limited (“True Partners”), a company publicly traded on the Hong Kong stock exchange in exchange for 17,570,948 shares of DSS stock. The True Partner shares were acquired from Alset EHome International, Inc. (“Alset EHome”), a related party. Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, our director and Executive Chairman, is also Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and the largest beneficial owner of the outstanding shares of Alset EHome. This transaction was completed with the transfer of DSS share to Alset EHome on July 1, 2022 with the issuance of DSS shares, which were valued at $0.34 per share, to Alset EHome.

On August 25, 2022, DSS PureAir, a subsidiary of the Company finalized an asset purchase agreement with Celios Corporation (“Celios”) to acquire inventory, patents associated with that inventory, and other intangible assets from Celios for $900,000. In accordance with Topic 805, the acquisition of the inventory and related patents acquired has been determined to be an acquisition of assets as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. The inventory acquired was valued at $491,000, while the related patents were valued at $340,000 with an estimated remaining useful life of 20 years. 

The five reporting segments are as follows:

 

Premier Packaging:

Premier Packaging Corporation provides custom packaging services and serves clients in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, consumer goods, beverage, specialty foods, confections, photo packaging and direct marketing industries, among others. The group also provides active and intelligent packaging and document security printing services for end-user customers. In addition, the division produces a wide array of printed materials, such as folding cartons and paperboard packaging, security paper, vital records, prescription paper, birth certificates, receipts, identification materials, entertainment tickets, secure coupons, and parts tracking forms. The division also provides resources and production equipment for our ongoing research and development of security printing, brand protection, consumer engagement and related technologies. Premier is nearing completion of its facility expansion with operations expected to begin at the new 105,000 sq. ft. facility in early March 2022.

 

For over 25 years, Premier has been a market leader in providing solutions for paperboard packaging from consumer retail packaging and heavy mailing envelopes, to sophisticated custom folding cartons and complex three-dimensional direct mail solutions. Premier’s innovative products and design team delivers packaging that provides functionality, marketability, and sustainability, with its fiber-based packing solutions providing an alternative to traditional plastic packaging.

 

Since 2019, we have accelerated the transformation of Premier’s operations, investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, people, and processes to increase its capacity, improve quality and delivery, and to ensure it has the resources to support its growing customer base and their evolving supply chain demands.

 

Commercial Lending: (“Commercial Lending”) through its operating company, American Pacific Bancorp (“APB”) provides an integrated suite of financial services for businesses that include commercial business lines of credit, land development financing, inventory financing, third party loan, servicing, and services that address the financial needs of the world Gig Economy. APB intends to continue to develop and expand its lending platform to serve the small to mid-size commercial borrower and to continue to acquire equity positions of commercial banks in the US to develop its lending network and to provide global banking services to clients worldwide, including servicing markets with limited access to traditional US banking services. APB’s target customers are businesses with annual revenues of $5 million to $50+ million, including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, importers, and service companies. APB has expertise in, and services tailored for, specific industries, including beverage, food and agribusiness, technology, healthcare, government, higher education, clean technology, and environmental services.

 

Biotechnology: (“Biotech”) This sector, through its subsidiary Impact BioMedical, Inc. targets unmet, urgent medical needs and expands the borders of medical and pharmaceutical science. Impact drives mission-oriented research, development, and commercialization of solutions for medical advances in human wellness and healthcare. By leveraging technology and new science with strategic partnerships, Impact Bio provides advances in drug discovery for the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncology and immuno-related diseases. Other exciting technologies include a breakthrough alternative sugar aimed to combat diabetes and functional fragrance formulations aimed at the industrial and medical industry.

 

34

The business model of BioHealth and Impact BioMedical revolves around two methodologies – Licensing and Sales Distribution.

 

1) Impact develops valuable and unique patented technologies which will be licensed to pharmaceutical, large consumer package goods companies and venture capitalists in exchange for usage licensing and royalties.

 

2) Impact utilizes the DSS ecosystem to leverage its sister companies that have in place distribution networks on a global scale. Impact will engage in branded and private labelling of certain products for sales generation through these channels. This global distribution model will give direct access to end users of Impact’s nutraceutical and health related products.

 

32

Securities and Investment Management: (“Securities”) Securities was established to develop and/or acquire assets in the securities trading or management arena, and to pursue, among other product and service lines, real estate investment funds, broker dealers, and mutual funds management. This business sector has already established the following business lines and associated products and services:

 

 REIT Management Fund:In March 2020, DSS Securities formed AMRE (“American Medical REIT”) and its management company AAMI (“AMRE Asset Management, Inc.) Through AAMI/AMRE, a medical real estate investment trust, fulfills community needs for quality healthcare facilities while enabling care providers to allocate their capital to growth and investment in their contemporary clinical and critical care businesses. Urban and suburban communities are in need of modern healthcare facilities that provide a range of medical outpatient services. The funds ultimate product is an investor opportunity in a managed medical real estate investment trust.
   
 Real Estate Title Services:Alset Title Company, Inc. provides buyers, sellers, and brokers alike confidence during big real estate transactions, not just in a transaction, but in the property itself. Through bundled services, Alset Title Company, Inc. provides it all from title searches and insurance to escrow agent assistance.

 Sentinel: Sentinel primarily operates as a financial intermediary, facilitating institutional trading of municipal and corporate bonds as well as preferred stock, and accelerates the trajectory of the DSS digital securities business.
   
 WestPark: WestPark, a company we hold a minority interest in, is a full-service investment banking and securities brokerage firm which serves the needs of both private and public companies worldwide, as well as individual and institutional investors.
   
 BMI: BMI is a private investment bank specializing in corporate finance advising, raising equity, and venture services, providing a global “one-stop” corporate consultancy to listed companies. From corporate finance to professional valuation, corporate communications to event management, BMI services companies in the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Canada, and Australia.
   
 DSS AmericaFirst: DSS AmericaFirst is a suite of mutual funds managed by DSS Wealth Management. DSS AmericaFirst expects to expand into numerous investment platforms including additional mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, unit investment trusts, and closed-end funds. DSS AmericaFirst currently consists of four mutual funds that seek to outperform their respective benchmark indices by applying a quantitative rules-based approach to security selection.

 

Direct Marketing: (“Direct”) Through its holding company, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries and partners, including Sharing Services Global Corporation provide an array of products and services, through an independent contractor network.licensing agreements.

 

35

For example, Decentralized’s wholly owned subsidiary, HWH World, Inc. promotes products and services that fulfill its corporate position of health, wealth, and happiness. The HWH Marketplace through its brands desires to help its customers become the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves. For the health component, the company offers herbal alternatives of nutraceutical, consumables and topicals, dietary supplements, beauty and skin care products, personal care, gut health products, aloe vera based supplements, and other wellness products. As to the wealth component, the company is developing educational tools to its users to better manage individual finances and savings programs to help its consumers find each consumer’s individual financial goal. As to the happiness component, the company is working with other partners to either acquire or partner in products and/or services to allow its consumers to enjoy and healthy living, including a global travel membership network.

Further, Sharing Services, through its subsidiary Elevacity, markets and distributes health and wellness products under the “Elevate” brand, primarily in the United States and Canada. Sharing Services markets its products and services through its independent contractor distribution system and using its proprietary website: www.elevacity.com. In February 2021, the Company launched its new business brand, “The Happy Co.,” at its Elevacity division. Elevacity as several well-known and signature products, including its top product lines of “Happy Coffees” and “Nootropic Beverages”. Elevacity also sells a “healthy shake”, a “Keto Coffee Booster”, “Energy Caps”, “XanthoMax© Happy Caps”, “Wellness Vitamin Patches”, various beauty and skin care products, and other wellness products.

Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.2022.

 

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes contained in this Quarterly Report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and 10K/A for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022.

 

Revenue

 Three months ended September 30, 2022  Three months ended September 30, 2021  % Change  Nine months ended September 30, 2022  Nine months ended September 30, 2021  % Change  Three months ended
September 30,
2023
  Three months ended
September 30,
2022
  % Change  Nine months ended
September 30,
2023
  Nine months ended
September 30,
2022
  % Change 
                          
Printed products $      5,032,000  $      3,416,000   47% $      12,650,000  $      10,652,000   19% $3,315,000  $5,032,000   -34% $12,976,000  $12,650,000   3%
Rental income  1,485,000   184,000   707%  4,656,000   184,000   2430%  236,000   1,485,000   -84%  3,464,000   4,656,000   -26%
Management fee income  38,000   -   N/A   38,000   -   N/A   -   38,000   -100%  -   38,000   -100%
Net investment income  370,000   -   N/A   644,000   -   N/A   108,000   370,000   -71%  422,000   644,000   -34%
Commission revenue  -   -   N/A   295,000   -N/A     
Direct marketing  4,937,000   966,000   411%  17,939,000   2,382,000   653%  523,000   4,937,000   -89%  6,088,000   17,939,000   -66%
                                                
Total Revenue $11,862,000  $4,566,000   160% $35,927,000  $13,218,000   172% $4,182,000  $11,862,000   -65% $23,245,000  $35,927,000   -35%

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, total revenue increased 160%decreased 65% and 172%35% respectively, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.2022. Revenues from the sale of Printed products decreased 34% during three months but increased 47% and 19%3% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, as compared to the same period in 2021,2022 due primarily due to effortsorders expected to meet customer demands after manufacturing down time that occurredship during Q1 2022 relatedthe 3rd quarter 2023 being pushed to relocating Premier’s manufacturing plant during Q1 2022.the 4th quarter 2023. The decreases in Rental income, increased 707%$236,000, and 2430%$3,464,000 respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and $1,485,000, and $4,656,000, respectively for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, as comparedis driven by the tenants at AMRE LifeCare being unable to the same periodmake full rental payments on a monthly basis. The decreases in 2021 as it represented new revenue stream beginning in June 2021. Net investment income of $108,000 for three months ended September 30, 2023 and $422,000 for nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to $370,000 and $644,000 for the three and nine months ended representsSeptember 30, 2022 is due to a new revenue stream beginning in September 2021 for the Company associated with our Commercial Lending business segment.number of loans made going on non-accrual as borrowers have struggled to make expect payments. The Company’s Direct Marketing revenues increased 411%decreased 89% and 653%66% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20222023 as compared to 20212022 due primarily to the increase sales in our Asian markets, and the inclusionDeconsolidation of SHRG revenue for the period January 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022.as described in Note 1.

 

3336

Costs and expenses

 Three months ended September 30, 2022  Three months ended September 30, 2021  % Change  Nine months ended September 30, 2022  Nine months ended September 30,2021  % Change  Three months ended
September 30,
2023
  Three months ended
September 30,
2022
  % Change  Nine months ended
September 30,
2023
  Nine months ended
September 30,
2022
  % Change 
                          
Cost of revenue, inclusive of depreciation and amortization $11,368,000  $3,406,000   234% $27,653,000  $10,045,000   175%
Cost of revenue                        
Printed products $3,871,000  $5,174,000   -25% $10,952,000  $11,201,000   -2%
Securities  1,922,000   3,541,000   -46%  6,046,000   10,837,000   -44%
Direct marketing  271,000   2,926,000   -91%  2,077,000   7,160,000   -71%
Other  8,000   292,000   -97%  362,000   460,000   -21%
Sales, general and administrative compensation  6,968,000   3,242,000   115%  20,117,000   9,569,000   111%  1,132,000   6,968,000   -84%  7,493,000   20,177,000   -63%
Professional fees  2,919,000   1,245,000   134%  6,416,000   3,444,000   86%  1,139,000   2,919,000   -61%  3,248,000   6,416,000   -49%
Stock based compensation  -   13,000   -100%  4,000   42,000   -90%  -   -   N/A   -   4,000   -100%
Sales and marketing  3,110,000   1,060,000   193%  9,952,000   2,586,000   285%  483,000   3,110,000   -84%  3,534,000   9,952,000   -64%
Rent and utilities  295,000   42,000   602%  632,000   175,000   261%  156,000   295,000   -47%  656,000   632,000   4%
Research and development  331,000   190,000   74%  705,000   645,000   9%  239,000   331,000   -28%  684,000   705,000   -3%
Other operating expenses  1,054,000   913,000   15%  2,430,000   2,703,000   -10%  64,000   1,054,000   -94%  5,421,000   

2,431,000

   123%
                                                
Total costs and expenses $26,045,000  $10,111,000   158% $67,969,000  $29,209,000   133% $9,285,000  $26,610,000   -65% $40,473,000  $69,974,000   -42%

 

Costs of revenue inclusive include all direct costs of depreciationthe Company’s printed products, including its packaging and amortizationprinting sales and its direct marketing sales, materials, direct labor, transportation, and manufacturing facility costs. In addition, this category includes all direct costs of direct marketing and printed products revenues, including materials, direct labor, transportation, manufacturing facility costs and depreciation. Costs of goods sold increased 234% and 175% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively as compared to the same periods in 2021. This increase is driven primarily by an increase in depreciation and amortization associated with assets acquired bythe Company’s technology sales, services and licensing including hardware and software that are resold, third-party fees, and fees paid to inventors or others because of technology licenses or settlements, if any. Cost of revenue for our Securities operating segments is comprised mainly of our REIT line of business as well as increases in manufacturing costsand includes all direct cost associated with the products soldmaintenance and upkeep of the related facilities, depreciation, amortization, and the costs to acquire the facilities. Our Commercial Lending operating segment has costs of revenue associated with the impairment of notes receivable for those amounts at risk of collection. Total costs of revenue decreased 49% for three-months ended September 2023 as partcompared to 2022 and decreased 34% for nine-months ended September 2023 as compared to September 2022 primarily related to the Deconsolidation of our Direct Marketing, and Packaging and Printing segments,SHRG as described in particular, increases in freight, paper, and overhead costs.Note 1.

 

Sales, general and administrative compensation costs, excluding stock-based compensation, increased 115%decreased 84% and 111%63% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20222023 as compared to the same periods in 20212022 due primarily due to additional head count associated with the inclusionDeconsolidation of SHRG compensation costs for the beginning on January 1, 2022.as described in Note 1.

 

Professional fees increased 134%decreased 61% and 86%49%, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, as compared to the same periods in 20212022 respectively, primarily due to an increasea decrease in legal fees associated with the direct marketing segment, accounting fees, and due diligence fees related to potential acquisitions.

 

Stock based compensation includes expense charges for all stock-based awards to employees, directors, and consultants. Such awards include option grants, warrant grants, and restricted stock awards. StockThere was no stock based compensation decreased 100% and 90% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the same periods in 2021 respectively, driven by the expiration of options awarded to employees no longer with the Company.2023.

 

Sales and marketing which include internet and trade publication advertising, travel and entertainment costs, sales-broker commissions, and trade show participation expenses. Sales and marketing increased 193%decreased 84% and 261%64% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 20222023 as compared to the same periods in 20212022 respectively, is a result ofdue primarily to the commissions paid to brokers associated with the Company’s Direct Marketing segment, and in particular, the inclusionDeconsolidation of SHRG financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.as described in Note 1.

 

Rent and utilities increased 602% and 261%decreased 47% during the three andmonths period but increased 4% for nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, as compared to the same period in 20212022 respectively, primarily due to a newend of the lease in Tennessee for AMRE office space and California for the Company’s DSS Wealth Management subsidiary. The company rented additional space at our facility leaseleased in Houston, Texas started during the first quarter of 20212022 as well as Premier Packaging’s leased facility beginning in March 2022.

 

Research and development costs increased 74%decreased 28% and 9%3% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, as compared to the same period in 20212022 respectively, due to a increasedecrease in such activities at our Impact Biomedical, Inc. subsidiary.

 

Other operating expenses consist primarily of equipment maintenance and repairs, office supplies, IT support, and insurance costs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, other operating expenses decreased 94% but increased 15% and decreased 10%123% as compared to the same period in 20212022 respectively, due to increased software costs associated with enhancementsprimarily to the Company’s ERP system as well as new software implement as part ofreserves put against rent receivables during the Company’s Direct Marketing segment and increased D&O insurance premiums.nine months ended September 30, 2023 at our AMRE subsidiary approximating $3.4 million.

3437

Other Income (Expense)

  Three months ended September 30, 2022  Three months ended September 30, 2021  % Change  Nine months ended September 30, 2022  Nine months ended September 30,2021  % Change 
                   
Interest Income $319,000  $1,593,000   -80% $613,000  $3,130,000   -80%
Interest Expense  (606,000)  (31,000)  1855%  (2,105,000)  (157,000)  1241%
Other Income (expense)  3,627,000   325,000   1016%  4,203,000   575,000   631%
Loss on investments  (14,302,000)  (2,996,000)  377%  (10,479,000)  (10,894,000)  -4%
Gain/(loss) on equity method investment  344,000   (1,645,000)  -121%  134,000   (2,556,000)  -105%
Gain/(Loss) on extinguishment of debt  -   -   N/A   110,000   116,000   -5%
Gain on disposal of operations, net of taxes  -   -   N/A   405,000   -   N/A 
                         
Total other income $(10,618,000) $(2,754,000)  -286% $(7,119,000) $(9,786,000)  27%

  Three months ended
September 30,
2023
  Three months ended
September 30,
2022
  % Change  Nine months ended
September 30,
2023
  Nine months ended
September 30,
2022
  % Change 
                   
Interest Income $682,000  $319,000   114% $1,220,000  $613,000   99%
Dividend Income  -   -   N/A   12,000   -   N/A 
Interest Expense  (51,000)  (42,000)  21%  (438,000)  (100,000)  338%
Other Income (expense)  (44,000)  3,627,000   -101%  44,000   4,203,000   -99%
Loss on investments  301,000   (14,302,000)  -102%  (30,490,000)  (10,479,000)  191%
Gain/(loss) on equity method investment  (6,000)  344,000   -102%  (28,000)  134,000   -121%
Gain/(Loss) on extinguishment of debt  -   -   N/A   -   110,000   -100%
Provision for loan losses  (1,179,000)  -   N/A   (4,936,000)  -   N/A 
Loss on disposal of operations, net of taxes  (1,281,000)  -   N/A   (1,281,000)  405,000   -415%
                         
Total other income $(1,578,000) $(10,054,000)  -84% $(35,897,000) $(5,114,000)  602%

 

Interest income is recognized on the Company’s money markets, and a portion of notes receivable, identified in Note 4.

 

Other income (expense)expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is driven by the impairment of investments and notes receivables for SHRG approximating $1,745,000, offset by income tax benefits at SHRG approximating $4,109,000$1,745,000. No similar activity occurred in 2023.

 

Interest expenseexpenses increased 1855%21% and 1241%338% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, as compared to the same period in 2021,2022, due to increasingdecreasing debt balances, in particular within our REIT business line.balances.

 

Loss on investments consists of net realized losses on marketable securities which are recognized as the difference between the purchase price and sale price of the common stock investment. Also included areinvestment, and net unrealized losses on marketable securities which are recognized on the change in fair market value on our common stock investment. Also included is a loss approximating $29.2 million associated with the Deconsolidation of SHRG (see Note 1).

 

Loss on equity method investment is the Company’s prorated portion of earnings on its investments treated under the equity method of account for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.2023.

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt consists of funds received by AAMI in April 2020, byDuring the SBA Paycheck Protection Program of $116,000. As of January 8, 2021, this note was forgiven in full. Also, during the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022, SHRG’s $110,000 SBA Paycheck Protection Program was forgiven in full.

 

GainLoss on sale of assetsis driven by the Company’s gainloss on the sale of Premier’s manufacturing facilityequity of HWH Holdings Inc and loss on sale of assets of HWH World as identified in Victor, NY, as well as other capital assets.Note 7.

 

Net Loss from Continuous Operations

  Three months ended September 30, 2022  Three months ended September 30, 2021  % Change  Nine months ended September 30, 2022  Nine months ended September 30,2021  % Change 
                   
Loss from continuing operations $(24,801,000) $(6,675,000)  -272% $(39,161,000) $(21,462,000)  -82%
                         
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax  -   -   NA   -   2,129,000   100%
Net loss $(24,801,000) $(6,675,000)  -272% $(39,161,000) $(19,333,000)  -103%

  Three months ended
September 30,
2023
  Three months ended
September 30,
2022
  % Change  Nine months ended
September 30,
2023
  Nine months ended
September 30,
2022
  % Change 
                   
Loss from continuing operations $(6,681,000) $(24,802,000)  73% $(53,039,000) $(39,161,000)  -35%
                         
Net loss $(6,681,000) $(24,802,000)  73% $(53,039,000) $(39,161,000)  -35%

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, the Company recorded net losses of $24,801,000$6,681,000 and $39,161,000,$53,039,000, respectively as compared to net losses of $6,675,000$24,802,000 and $21,462,000,$39,161,000, respectively for September 30, 2021.2022. The increasedecrease in net loss during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022,2023, is driven by the Deconsolidation of SHRG as compared to the same periodsdescribed in 2021 primarily reflect the performance of Company investments.Note 1.

3538

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

The Company has historically met its liquidity and capital requirements primarily through the sale of its equity securities and debt financings.financing. As of September 30, 20222023 the Company had cash of approximately $22.8$6.9 million. As of September 30, 2022,2023, the Company believes that it has sufficient cash to meet its cash requirements for at least the next 12 months from the filing date of this Annual Report. In addition, the Company believes that it will have access to sources of capital from the sale of its equity securities and debt financings.financing. The deconsolidation of SHRG and sale of HWH Holdings, Inc, two companies with historical losses, will also is expected to improve future cash flows.

Cash Flow from Continuing Operating Activities

 

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Net cash used infrom continuing operating activities was $21,035,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to $23,251,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to $12,448,0002022. This fluctuation is driven by increases in net loss and decrease in inventory of $5,270,000, accounts receivable of $2,520,000 off-set by accrued expenses of $15,549,000 during 2023.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities was $11,885,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. This increase is driven by an increase in2023 as compared to net loss of $4,833,000 as well as an increase in accounts receivable of $4,146,000.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities wasof $17,816,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to $53,215,0002022. This fluctuation is driven by the sale of marketable securities approximating $11,330,000 during 2023 versus the purchase of marketable securities approximating $14,254,000 during 2022.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Net cash used from financing activities was $3,243,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.2023 and represents payment of debt of $4,056,000 offset by borrowings of debt of $813,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we purchased $1,349,000 in property, plant, and equipment, purchased $14,254,000 in marketable securities, and issued $4,687,000 in new notes receivable. This was offset by cash received on the disposal of assets approximating $2,557,000.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Netnet cash provided fromby financing activities was $7,317,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to $126,760,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we borrowed $6,360,00driven by borrowings of long-term debt had new issuancesof $6,360,000 and issuance of common stock in the amount of $1,518,000. This was offset by payments of debt of $561,000.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, an effect on our financial condition, financial statements, revenues, or expenses.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. The financial statements as of December 31, 2021, describe the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the financial statements. There have been no material changes to such critical accounting policies as of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.2023.

 

ITEM 4 - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures for the quarter ended September 30, 2022,2023, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation and on the material weaknesses disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 20212022 which remained as of September 30, 2022,2023, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that as of September 30, 2022,2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is being recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that our disclosure controls are not effectively designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is being accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management has also concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective. In connection with management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting described above, the following weakness have been identified in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021: (1) the Company did not maintain a sufficient complement of qualified accounting personnel and controls associated with segregation of duties over complex transactions, and (2) there was no systematic method of documenting that timely and complete monthly reconciliation and closing procedures take place.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

Plan for Remediation of Material Weaknesses

 

As discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, the Company has a remediation plan and is committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment and believes that these remediation efforts will represent significant improvements in our controls. The Company has started to implement these steps, however, some of these steps will take time to be fully integrated and confirmed to be effective and sustainable. Additional controls may also be required over time. Until the remediation steps set forth above are fully implemented and tested, the material weaknesses described above will continue to exist.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

While changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2022,2023, as the Company began implementation of the remediation steps described above, we believe that there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2022,2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

See commentary in Note 912 Commitments and Contingencies.

 

ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes to the discussion of risk factors previously disclosed in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022.

 

ITEM 2 - UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

On January 25, 2022, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Alset EHome International, Inc. (the “January 25, 2022 SPA”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue to Alset EHome International, Inc. (“AEI”) up to 44,619,423 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”) for a purchase price of $0.3810 per share. On February 28, 2022, the Company entered into an Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company and AEI agreed to amend certain terms of the January 25, 2022 SPA. Pursuant to the Amendment, the number of shares of the common stock of the Company that the AEI will purchase has been reduced from 44,619,423 to 3,986,877 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $1,519,000.

 

On January 18, 2022, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with AEI, pursuant to which AEI sold to the Company 100% of the shares of common stock of its wholly owned subsidiary True Partner International Limited (HK) (“TP”), and all of TP’s 62,122,908 ordinary shares of True Partner Capital Holding Limited, for a purchase price of 11,397,080 newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock. This agreement was terminated on February 25, 2022. On February 28, 2022, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Alset EHome International Inc. (the “True Partner Revised Stock Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which AEI has agreed to sell a subsidiary holding 62,122,908 shares of stock of True Partner Capital Holding Limited in exchange for 17,570,948 shares of common stock of the Company.On July 7, 2022, the Company issued 17,570,948 shares to Alset EHome International Inc. (“AEI”).

 

ITEM 3 - DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4 - MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit Number Exhibit Description
   
3.1 ArticlesCertificate of Incorporation *
   
3.2 Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws *
3.3Amendment 1 to Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws
   
10.1 Revolving Credit Promissory NoteSecurities Purchase Agreement between APBDecentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. and Borrower 15 dated July 26, 2022.Sharing Services Global Corporation for the sale of HWH Holdings, Inc.
   
10.2 AssetSecurities Purchase Agreement between DSS PureAirDecentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. and CeliosSharing Services Global Corporation dated August 25, 2022for the sale of HWH World, Inc.
   
10.3Subordinated Loan Agreement between DSS Financial Management and Borrower 14 dated August 29, 2022
10.4Agreement between HWH and DSS dated August 9, 2022

31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.*
   
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer. *
   
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
32.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)*

 

*Filed herewith.

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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.

 

 DSS, INC.
  
November 14, 20222023By:/s/ Frank D. Heuszel
  Frank D. Heuszel
  Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
   
November 14, 20222023By:/s/ Todd D. Macko
  Todd D. Macko
  Chief Financial Officer

 

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