Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Report. This Report contains certain forward-looking statements and the Company's future operating results could differ materially from those discussed herein. Certain statements contained in this Report, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates," "expects" and the like, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). However, as the Company intends to issue “penny stock,” as such term is defined in Rule 3a51-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act, the Company is ineligible to rely on these safe harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to announce publicly the results of any revisions of the forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect future events or developments.
Introduction
The Company was incorporated in the State of Nevada on September 9, 2004 as Arch Management Services Inc. A change of control of the Company occurred on June 5, 2006 and the Company changed its name from “Arch Management Services Inc.” to “Tiger Ethanol International Inc.” on November 24, 2006. On February 11, 2008 the Company changed its name to “Tiger Renewable Energy Ltd.” Another change of control of the Company occurred on June 4, 2009. On August 10, 2009, the Company changed its name to “Cono Italiano, Inc.” and its symbol changed to CNOZ.
Our principal business address is 10 Main Street, Keyport, NJ 07735 and our telephone number is 877-330-2666.
Our Business
The Company was previously involved in the production of ethanol from agricultural products. The Company’s board of directors determined that it was in our best interest to initiate a complete and total withdrawal from the ethanol business as of January 31, 2009. The Company subsequently began seeking new business opportunities.
We identified Cono Italiano (Delaware) as a business venture that would be suitable for future operation. On November 12, 2009, we entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Cono Italiano (Delaware) pursuant to which we acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Cono Italiano (Delaware) and we now operate Cono Italiano (Delaware) as a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Company.
In March 2006 Cono Italiano LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, entered into an agreement with Kono Italia S.R. L., an Italian company doing business as “Pizza Hands.” Kono Italia S.R.L owns the designs, recipes and technology for the “Pizza Cono,” a food product for quick service restaurants consisting of a cone shaped pizza dough. Cono Italiano (Delaware), as the successor to Cono Italiano, LLC, holds a distribution agreement for North America from Kono Pizza in Italy. This distribution agreement grants the licensee an exclusive license to exploit this product in the United States, Canada and Mexico for a twenty-five (25) year term. The product is patented in the United States and Europe as is the cone production machine which is proprietary. In 2007 Cono Italiano, LLC introduced the product into the North American market by building an alliance with Center Plate, a food service provider to stadiums and arenas throughout North America. At the present time, the Company has no contractual agreements with Center Plate.
Cono Italiano (Delaware) was formed through the merger of Cono Italiano LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, and Janex International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, on January 14, 2008. The combined entity changed its name to “Cono Italiano, Inc.” on that date.
Cono Italiano is licensed to distribute a food product called the “Pizza Cono.” This Pizza Cone is designed to be a drip free, spill free cone-shaped pizza made of a proprietary dough and filled with freshly selected ingredients. The Company intends that the Pizza Cone will be distributed through the fast food market (the fast food market is generally defined as restaurants selling food and drinks for immediate consumption either on the premises in designated eating areas, or for consumption elsewhere). The Pizza Cone will be distributed to quick-service restaurants, takeaways, mobile and street vendors, and leisure locations. These establishments include typical fast food chains, supermarkets, convenience stores, entertainment facilities and sports arenas. In addition, the Pizza Cone will be sold at stores that sell frozen packaged products for use at home.
On July 9, 2008, Cono Italiano (Delaware) entered into a distribution and licensing agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with Pino Gelato, Inc., a South Carolina corporation presently involved in retail sales of Italian gelato and sales of franchises for the sale of gelato. Under the terms of the Distribution Agreement, we granted to Pino Gelato, Inc. the rights in the United States, Canada and Mexico to sell and distribute our products through immediate consumption retail channels, such as a restaurant, snack bar, kiosk, or other similar setting. The Distribution Agreement included the right to market Pizza Cones and establish Pizza Cone and Pino Gelato Cafes. Cono Italiano (Delaware) received $100,000 in cash in consideration for such Distribution Agreement. As an inducement to buy the distribution and franchise rights by Pino Gelato, Inc. the Company issued 375,000 shares of common stock to Pino Gelato. The Distribution Agreement was terminated on December 22, 2010. Cono Italiano (Delaware) now directly retains the distribution rights regarding the sale of products, both for sale to retail channels and on a wholesale basis to stores that sell frozen packaged products.
As part of Cono Italiano (Delaware)’s marketing strategy, Cono Italiano (Delaware) paid $8,500 in September of 2008 to develop retail packaging and conducted a photo shoot for the product in October of 2008 at a cost of $1,500.
There have been five licenses sold to date and there are currently five such cafes in operation, located in South Carolina, Tennessee, Pittsburgh and Ohio. These cafes are presently selling the Pizza Cone product.
Since March of 2009, Cono Italiano (Delaware)’s marketing and distribution efforts have also included giving free samples of its product away at the Indianapolis Speedway, presenting the product to potential distributors at a trade show, and selling the product at an Italian festival in Indianapolis.
In July of 2008, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Brown and Ramona Fantini of Pino Gelato formed a manufacturing entity, Edesia Emprise, LLC, to produce and manufacturer the "Cones." Mitchell Brown transferred his ownership interests in Edesia Emprise, LLC to his father, Gene Brown, later that month. The Company contracted with a third party manufacturer for this project in January of 2009, and cancelled such agreement in October of 2009.
On November 11, 2009, Cono Italiano (Delaware) and Edesia Emprise, LLC entered into a Master Manufacturing Agreement. Pursuant to this Master Manufacturing Agreement, Edesia Emprise, LLC will produce the Company’s Pizza Cono product. Cono Italiano (Delaware) has agreed to pay Edesia Emprise, LLC the costs of production plus fifteen percent (15%). This Master Manufacturing Agreement has a five (5) year term and will automatically renew unless cancelled by one of the parties pursuant to its terms. This Master Manufacturing Agreement is exclusive within the United States. Edesia Emprise, LLC may either produce this product directly or through a subcontractor. On December 8, 2009, the Company was advised that Edesia Emprise had entered into its first subcontract agreement with Sunrise Baking Acquisition Company, based in Brooklyn, New York.
Financial Information in this Report
The acquisition of Cono Italiano (Delaware) by our Company is for accounting purposes treated as a reverse acquisition where Cono Italiano (Delaware) is the accounting survivor. As such, all financial information discussed and presented herein is the historical and current information pertaining only to Cono Italiano (Delaware) except as otherwise indicated. The financial statements and notes included as part of this Report pertain only to Cono Italiano (Delaware) as the accounting survivor and disregard the historical financial statements filed by our Company prior to the acquisition of Cono Italiano (Delaware).
In connection with the acquisition of Cono Italiano (Delaware), the Company changed its fiscal year end from January 31st to December 31st.
Revenues
From inception through June 30, 2011, the Company has had total sales of $33,994. In the six month period ended June 30, 2011, Cono Italiano (Delaware) had total sales of $0, compared to total sales of $5,054 in the six month period ended June 30, 2010. In the three month period ended June 30, 2011, Cono Italiano (Delaware) had total sales of $0, compared to total sales of $2,527 in the three month period ended June 30, 2010. The decline in revenue from the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 is attributable to the cancellation of the Pino Gelato Distribution Agreement in December of 2010.
From inception through June 30, 2011, the Company’s gross profits have been $24,871. The Company’s gross profits for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 were $0, which was a decrease from $5,054 for the six month period ended June 30, 2010. In each of the six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, the Company had no cost of sales. The Company’s gross profits for the three month period ended June 30, 2011 were $0, which was a decrease from $2,527 for the three month period ended June 30, 2010. In each of the three month periods ended June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, the Company had no cost of sales.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Through June 30, 2011, Cono Italiano (Delaware) has accrued total liabilities of $1,178,076 in the course of developing its operations. The Company’s expenditures are expected to increase as the Company expands its operations, expends additional funds on marketing, administration and new staff, and commences the payment of salaries to existing officers and directors (although the Company’s officers and directors have agreed that they will not receive any salary through December 31, 2011). Total liabilities increased from $1,164,948 at December 31, 2010 to $1,178,076 at June 30, 2011. As of June 30, 2011, the Company’s liabilities included, in part, $724,975 due to an officer of the Company, $135,508 in accounts payable, $163,021 in accrued legal expenses and $52,020 in accrued interest.
The total assets of Cono Italiano (Delaware) decreased from $212,064 on December 31, 2010 to $134,403 at June 30, 2011. This included $39,937 due from a related party, which was a decrease from $78,937 at December 31, 2010. Prepaid expenses were $83,087 as of June 30, 2011, which was a decrease from $120,226 on December 31, 2010. Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, were $9,649 as of June 30, 2011, a decline from $12,236 as of December 31, 2010.
As of June 30, 2011, Cono Italiano (Delaware) had $1,730 in cash and cash equivalents, as compared to $665 as of December 31, 2010. The main source of the Company’s cash has been loans from an officer; our Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Brown, was owed $724,975 as of June 30, 2011, which total loan amount increased from $695,025 at December 31, 2010.
From inception through June 30, 2011, the Company’s total expenses have been $1,990,161. Total expenses for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 were $199,359, which included general and administrative expenses of $157,236, selling and direct expenses of $31,038 and interest expenses of $11,085. This was an increase from the six month period ended June 30, 2010, in which total expenses were $104,994, consisting of general and administrative expenses of $93,949 and interest expenses of $11,045. Total expenses for the three month period ended June 30, 2011 were $68,472, which included general and administrative expenses of $31,980, selling and direct expenses of $31,038 and interest expenses of $5,454. This was an increase from the three month period ended June 30, 2010, in which total expenses were $56,336, consisting of general and administrative expenses of $50,734 and interest expenses of $5,602.
From inception through June 30, 2011, the Company’s selling expenses have been $215,908, compensation expenses have been $420,005, general and administrative expenses have been $1,162,394, interest expenses were $64,549 and the loss on the impairment of a license right was $130,505.
The Company’s net loss from inception through June 30, 2011 has been $1,965,290. The net loss for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 was $199,359, which was an increase from $99,940 for the six month period ended June 30, 2010. The net loss for the three month period ended June 30, 2011 was $68,472, which was an increase from $53,809 for the three month period ended June 30, 2010.
The Company’s management believes that Cono Italiano will need additional capital to conduct business, grow and expand the Company. The terms and condition of any which we may receive financing could have a material adverse affect on our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
On November 9, 2009, Cono Italiano (Delaware) entered into a Commitment Letter, pursuant to which, one of our shareholders, Lara Mac has agreed to provide financing to Cono Italiano, Inc., with such funds as the Company’s Board of Directors shall deem to be sufficient to maintain the Company’s ordinary course of business operations (the “Commitment Amount”). Lara Mac is wholly owned by Mitch Brown, our Chief Executive Officer. We may draw on the Commitment Amount in monthly tranches in accordance with our operating requirements as set forth in our business plan. The available Commitment Amount will be reduced by the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company which are derived from the issuance of any equity securities and Company gross revenues. Draws on the Commitment Amount will be made on terms of unsecured notes, with interest set on each note as of the date of the draw at prime rate plus two percent per annum. The notes will mature and become repayable thirty calendar days after demand at any time following the earlier of (a) December 31, 2010 or (b) the date upon which we are in receipt of revenues or proceeds from the sales of equity securities. We will give Lara Mac customary representations and warranties regarding the good standing of our Company and status of progress in respect of our Company business plan prior to each draw on the Commitment Amount, and we will provide certifications and covenants regarding use of proceeds of each draw, which will be in customary forms reasonably requested by Lara Mac as determined by reference to similar lenders making similar loans to similar companies. Lara Mac will not be required to make any loans under the Commitment Amount to us if we are unable to make the representations, warranties, certifications or covenants, or if we are in breach of any previously given representations, warranties, certifications or covenants. If we breach any of the notes, the default rate will be 15% per annum and Lara Mac may seek recourse against our company for repayment of all of the notes. As of June 30, 2011, there had been no borrowings under the Commitment Letter.
The independent auditor's reports of EFP Rotenberg, LLP for the year ended December 31, 2010 contained "going concern" qualifications, noting that there was an accumulated deficit of $1,765,931 at December 31, 2010. Cono Italiano (Delaware)’s auditors expressed the opinion that such entity’s continued existence is dependent upon its ability to raise capital. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should Cono Italiano (Delaware) be unable to continue as a going concern.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of the financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures. Though we evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, our actual results may differ from these estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updated (ASU) No. 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” which amends ASC 820, “Fair Value Measures and Disclosures.” ASU No. 2010-06 amends the ASC to require disclosure of transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and also require more detailed disclosure about the activity within Level 3 fair value measurements. The changes to the ASC as a result of this update are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 (January 1, 2010 for the Company), except for the requirements related to Level 3 disclosures, which are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010 (January 1, 2011 for the Company). This guidance requires new disclosures only, and had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation related to non-employees is recognized as compensation expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and is based on the fair value of the services received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more readily determinable. The Company’s accounting policy for equity instruments issued to consultants and vendors in exchange for goods and services follows the provisions of FASB ASC 505, “Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees.” The measurement date for the fair value of the equity instruments issued is determined at the earlier of (i) the date at which a commitment for performance by the consultant or vendor is reached or (ii) the date at which the consultant or vendor’s performance is complete. In the case of equity instruments issued to consultants, the fair value of the equity instrument is recognized over the term of the consulting agreement.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any off balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company's financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4: Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2011, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and this information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management identified a material weakness (as defined in Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Standard No. 2) in our internal control over financial reporting regarding a lack of adequate segregation of duties and concluded that such controls were not effective as of June 30, 2011.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company is in the process of improving its internal control over financial reporting in an effort to remediate this material weakness by improving period-end closing procedures and requiring all period-end recurring and non-recurring adjustments be reviewed by the Chief Financial Officer.
As of June 30, 2011, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION Item 1: Legal Proceedings
The Company is not, and has not been during the period covered by this Quarterly Report, a party to any legal proceedings.
Item 1A: Risk Factors
Not Applicable.
Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3: Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not Applicable.
Item 4: Reserved
Not Applicable.
Item 5: Other Information
On January 28, 2011 Joseph Masselli was relieved of his position of President and Chief Operating Officer of Cono Italiano Inc. On March 15, 2011 Mr. Masselli’s service as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors terminated. On July 21, 2011, the Company and Mr. Masselli entered into a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which Eight Million (8,000,000) shares of the Company’s common stock formerly owned by Mr. Masselli would be cancelled. Mr. Masselli was also granted an option that, in the event of the sale of the Company, Mr. Masselli shall be entitled to receive Eight Million (8,000,000) shares of the Company’s common stock.
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit No. | | Description of Exhibits |
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Exhibit 31.1 | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Exhibit 31.2 | | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Exhibit 32.1 | | Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Exhibit 32.2 | | Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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.
| CONO ITALIANO, INC. | |
| (Registrant) | |
| | |
Dated: August 18, 2011 | | |
| By: | /s/ Mitchell Brown | |
| | Name: | Mitchell Brown | |
| | Title: | Principal Executive Officer | |
| | | | |
Dated: August 18, 2011 | | | | |
| By: | /s/ Alex J. Kaminski | |
| | Name: | Alex J. Kaminski | |
| | Title: | Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer | |