ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
OUR COMPANY
We manufacture and sell soup to grocery chains, educational institutions and our franchisees under the brand name “The Original Soupman®”. Our brand is well known throughout the industry and our Chicken Vegetable soup was rated as the best chicken soup in America by Consumer Reports.
Additional information about our Company is contained at our website, www.originalsoupman.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report. We make available on our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K on the same day those reports are filed with the SEC. The following Corporate Governance documents are also posted on our website: Code of Business Conduct, Code of Ethics for Financial Management and Corporate Trading Policy. Our phone number is (212) 768-7687 and our facsimile number is (212) 768-7055.
OUR BUSINESS
Overview of our Operations
We manufacture and sell soups in three segments under the brand name “Original Soupman”. In the grocery segment, our soups can be purchased in stores (such as Kroger, Publix, Safeway and HEB). We package our soups in Tetra Recart shelf stable cartons, allowing for maximum shelf life and freshness in every carton. The market size for this product in the US is approximately $6.4 billion annually.
In the food services segment, we sell the Original Soupman soups in bulk frozen “heat ‘n serve” pouches to our franchisees and licensed locations such as MetLife Stadium, home of the NY Jets and NY Giants. We are also selling “heat n’ serve” pouches to a national restaurant chain.
In the educational segment, we sell our bulk flash-frozen Original Soupman soups and other products to schools and colleges, such as the New York City Public school system. These additional products include vegetarian items such a Mexicali Beans, Stewed Pinto Beans and Curried Chick Peas with Tomatillos, all of which are designed to taste great, are low in fat, low in sodium and high in dietary fiber.
Licensing Arrangement with Al Yeganeh
In July 2004, International Gourmet Soups licensed the exclusive rights to use, in perpetuity, the name, slogans, and recipes of Al Yeganeh, founder of the famous soup restaurant located in New York City on 8th Ave and 55 Street. Our license allows us to manufacture and market, over 40 varieties of gourmet soups in North America under the brand “Original Soupman”.
The quality of his soup is such that Mr. Yeganeh gained a devoted local following and long lines of loyal customers outside the store that extended around the block. Mr. Yeganeh’s renowned soups abruptly went international in 1995 when they first aired the famous “soup” episode of the “Seinfeld” comedy television show, which featured a character based on Mr. Yeganeh. This episode is one of the best known and highest-rated of that phenomenally successful series, and it soon became common knowledge that the character of the irascible soup-restaurant proprietor was based-fairly or unfairly-on Mr. Yeganeh. Mr. Yeganeh has been featured on “Late Night with David Letterman,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Good Day New York,” and “The Today Show,” CNN, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” and “Your World with Neil Cavuto”, “Fox and Friends”, TIME Magazine, Consumer Reports and many other media venues.
Mr. Yeganeh was paid $150,000 upon execution of the license agreement, and received a royalty of $225,000 per year through June 30, 2014. Currently, we are obligated to pay him a royalties of 3% on our gross sales (as such term is defined in the license agreement) on the first $50 million of gross sales, 2% on gross sales over $50 million and below or equal to $75 million and 1% on gross sales thereafter. Additionally he is to receive 3% of our franchise fees (the latter amount to be donated to charities dedicated to relieving hunger). He also receives 50% of the net profits from the sale of certain merchandise. Mr. Yeganeh did not receive any payments from the Company during fiscal years 2015 and 2014. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company has not received any notices from Mr. Yeganeh, and the parties continue to operate under the terms of the license agreement. As of August 31, 2015, the Company has accrued royalties due Mr. Yeganeh of $683,042. Pursuant to the terms of the license agreement, Mr. Yeganeh received 20% of the outstanding stock of our subsidiary Kiosk Concepts, Inc., which manages our franchise operations. His ownership in Kiosk is shown on our financial statement as non-controlling interest.
In the event of a bona fide sale of all of the stock or assets of the Company, Mr. Yeganeh is to receive the lesser of 10% of the sale price less all outstanding liabilities or $10 million. The license agreement with Mr. Yeganeh does not provide for any stated termination provisions.
Tetra Recart
The Tetra Recart carton is 17 oz and is sold on grocery store shelves. Tetra Recart is far superior to regular cans, which allows us to use the finest ingredients, such as North Atlantic lobster and Maryland crab, sealing in flavor and the freshness for up to two years. Tetra Recart shelf stable packaging is more efficient to ship than canned products, easier to stock and environmentally friendly and BPA-Free.
Tetra Recart packaging enables us to sell our soups in grocery stores across the country, giving the consumer the same quality soups that our franchised and licensed restaurants serve.
Original Soupman Soups
All our soups contain a healthy, tasty and nutritious meal, giving consumers a quality product and an alternative to other soups including Campbell’s and Progresso. We have over 40 varieties of soups that we sell in our food services and educational segments and 6 that we currently sell in our grocery segment.
Our Tetra Recart available soups are Lobster Bisque, Chicken Noodle, Lentil, Crab Corn Chowder, Chicken Gumbo and Jambalaya. We created an Organic Gluten Free Lentil soup in 6-pack tetra cartons and expect to add in the near future, more organic soups, lower-sodium soups and additional varieties of soups from the over 40 we license. We provide recipes for our customers to follow, which includes putting our soup over pasta, rice or potatoes, helping them to stretch their food dollar.
Grocery Segment
Our customer list includes supermarket and grocery chains such as Kroger, Publix, Safeway, HEB, Harris Teeter, Met Foods, Weis, Vons, Price Chopper, Wegman’s, Fairway, Mariano’s and others.
We believe the supermarket industry is currently seeking new product concepts to drive incremental sales and profits in today’s economy. Our marketing strategy is to exceed our customer’s expectations for premium soup products and healthy meal replacements. We target consumers in the retail landscape that are educated, health and taste conscious, have limited time to cook and desire high quality meals for immediate consumption.
We plan to target all grocery chains as well as upscale customers such as Costco, Whole Foods, Wild Oats and Target as potential clients for our soups. In addition, we plan to expand our branded offering to soup bases, ready to use broths and dry soup mixes to compete in these growing categories.
Franchising
Our entire line of over 40 varieties of “Original Soupman” soups are sold directly to consumers by our franchisees. We currently have 11 franchise locations which including 4 co-branded locations as described below.
On July 30, 2015, we agreed on terms with The Grilled Cheese Truck Inc. (“GCT”) to become the Master Licensee of our Original Soupman franchise program nationally pending approval by New York State of the proposed Master License agreement. New York State approved the Master Franchise agreement on September 16, 2015. We believe the management team of The Grilled Cheese Truck Inc. (“GCT”) is highly qualified and can grow our franchise program significantly over the next several years. Under the terms of the agreement, we will receive 25% of all franchise fees and royalties collected by GCT on new units as well as a 25% margin on all soups sold to those stores. GCT will focus heavily on expanding SoupMobiles and Grilled Cheese Trucks (which will serve Soupman soups as part of their menu offering) across America targeting US Veterans as operators (www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com).
Our flagship Original Soupman Delicatessen & Restaurant model opened in December 2013 at Resorts in Atlantic City NJ (www.resortsac.com). This model has modified signage emphasizing the Delicatessen menu, which resulted in increased sales. We expect this store to achieve sales of $1.8 million, resulting in revenues to us of $90,000, using only 900 square feet of space. The franchisee and operating partner, Bill White, is a very experienced food operator. Mr. White also operates Famous Famiglia Pizza, H äagen Dazs, Ruby’s Diner in Resorts Atlantic City as well as other brands including Johnny Rockets and Guy Fierro’s. There are also plans by our area developer and master licensee to open full seating Al’s NY Delicatessen & Restaurants in casinos and airports, with expected sales of between $4 to $5 million annually, resulting in revenues to us of between $200,000 and $400,000 .
We have identified casinos, airports, theme parks and other tourist locals as our preferred locations for the continued expansion of our franchise restaurants and plan on vigorously pursuing marquee destinations.
Co-Branded Franchising
We will continue to identify quality partners with whom we can forge a synergistic relationship in order to expand our brand awareness and sales volume. Our location in NYC is co-branded with Tim Horton’s restaurants. Our co-brand model is available to professional franchise operators who see the need to add consumer traffic and increase their revenues while driving sales more consistently throughout the day. We currently have co-branded franchise agreements with the following organizations:
Tim Horton’s (http://www.timhortons.com)
Ranch 1 (www.ranchone.com)
Cold Stone Creamery (www.coldstonecreamery.com)
Cosimo’s Pizza in Albany NY
Co-branding enables us to expand our franchisee business more rapidly, with less risk to them or us, offering consumers a healthy lunch or dinner with more variety and brand recognition while offsetting the seasonality of our products on the overall specific restaurant sales and financial performance.
Original Soupman Mobile Franchise Program
We started an Original Soupman mobile food truck franchise program in July 2014. The franchise fee is $15,000 and the weekly royalty to us by each franchise is $200 until that franchise reaches $400,000 in annual sales at which time the royalty payment to us will be 4% of sales. This “SoupMobile” model is designed to limit the risks associated with stores and allows the franchisee the ability to move from location to location, all while still featuring our soups and a limited sandwich selection, which includes our famous Lobster Roll.
We also intend to add “bowls” to this menu, which consists of either rice or pasta topped with our soup. We have two SoupMobiles operating thus far: the first in Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey and the second in Manhattan Park on Wall Street in NYC.
Shaquille O’Neal, as one of the owners of Amongst Elite Inc., the New Jersey SoupMobile franchisee, has agreed to help drive the growth of the SoupMobile franchise program for our company.
Licensed Soup Program
We are currently testing branding Original Soupman soups as a product in large national food and coffee chains with substantial daily foot traffic and lunch business. This only require a license agreement to purchase our soups but not require fees or royalties payments by the licensee. This program is targeted towards select successful strategic chains such as Starbuck’s (www.starbucks.com), Subway (www.Subway.com) and Tim Horton’s restaurants (www.timhortons.com) Original Soupman in the US and Canada. As of October 21, 2015, we began testing Original Soupman soups in six Subway locations.
Our licensed soup program offers the power of our brand and world famous soups to strategic partners who have a proven success in thousands of high traffic locations. We anticipate our licensed soup program to be a substantial revenue source in the coming years, allowing us to take advantage of the scale these national chains provide, as well as providing a mechanism to leverage the strong and established brand awareness these potential partners have with consumers.
Original Soupman Branded School Lunch Program
Many studies have concluded that the menus in many school lunch programs are too high in saturated fat and cholesterol and lacking in fiber, vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods. These reports show that major changes are needed to encourage the health of our nation’s youth, and to reverse the growing trends of childhood obesity, early-onset diabetes, and hypertension, among other chronic diseases, in children and teens. We have, in cooperation with the New York City Department of Education School Foods program, developed a menu of low fat, low calorie items that are high in fiber, protein and vegetable nutritionals. We have Original Soupman Mexicali Beans, Stewed Pinto Beans and Curried Chick Peas with Tomatillos as a lunch items to the NYC Schools, at elementary, middle and high school levels, in the five boroughs of NYC. There are approximately 860,000 meals served daily in the NYC School system. We plan to grow this program across the nation’s educational system with the help of Shaq and the Healthy School Foods initiative.
Our products for school lunches are a branded Original Soupman product which is sold ready to ‘heat n serve’ making it easier for cafeteria employees to prepare (no mixing and cooking). It has been well received by the students who consider it a delicious and healthy alternative meal. In addition, we believe there are many other meals, which we can prepare in a “heat-n-serve” format for schools across the country, and we are currently testing a variety of products and formulations to meet the requirements set forth by the US Department of Education.
These products meet the criteria of the Healthier US Schools Challenge (“HUSSC”).The HUSSC, which is a USDA program, is a primary component of First Lady, Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign.
High Profile Strategic Brand Champions
We have relationships with American Icons; Yankee great Reggie Jackson; Seinfeld star Jason Alexander; NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal and the actor that played the Soupman on Seinfeld, Larry Thomas.
Reggie Jackson, “Mr. October”, The Hall of Fame Great, is part of our management team in an advisory capacity to represent our brand in the media, with high profile customers and at trade shows. Reggie’s high profile and business contracts enable Original Soupman to gain high-level meetings with industry leaders. He is a door opener for our brand and a world-class ambassador for Original Soupman.
Jason Alexander played George Costanza in the famous Seinfeld “Soup” episode that portrayed Al Yeganeh’s character. We intend for him to help in increasing our sales and brand awareness because of his Seinfeld association with our brand.
Shaquille O’Neal is a future NBA Hall of Fame basketball player who is currently one of the most followed athletes on Twitter with almost 10 million followers. This social media mastery is only part of what Shaq brings to the Original Soupman team. His business acumen includes being an early investor in Google and Vitamin Water (bought out by Coca-Cola for $4 Billion) as well as starring in his own reality show and selling over a hundred million pair of ‘value-priced’ sneakers under the SHAQ brand in Wal-Mart and other retailers. In addition, Shaq is invested in several restaurant chains and has extensive relationships we believe will be fortuitous in gaining partnerships with national chains for The Original Soupman in the future. We intend for him to assist our marketing campaigns for branded Original Soupman, SoupMobile franchises and our school healthy foods programs.
Larry Thomas, the actor that played the Soupman on Seinfeld, is the lead in our marketing efforts for Original Soupman. We signed a 3-year agreement through August 31, 2018 with him to represent our Original Soupman brand at the original store in NYC, media interviews and personal appearances at grocery chains across the US as well as perform radio ads and customer sales presentation.
E-Commerce and On-Line Distribution
We are a legendary brand with extraordinary awareness. While our distribution channels continue to be built, we maintain an interactive website, which allows our loyal Soupman fans from around the world to purchase our Tetra Recart carton soups as well as our collection of licensed merchandise on our website www.originalsoupman.com and on Amazon.com. Information on our e-commerce is not incorporated by reference into this report.
THE SOUP MARKET
Soup is historically purchased by over 90% of U.S. households from the grocery channel and is a mature consumer category. (Mintel-US-SOUP-2014). The $6.4 billion grocery soup industry in the US has seen a slight decrease in overall sales due to the decrease in condensed canned soups, however the premium soup category, lead by unique varieties, natural offerings and cleaner labels, category, has experienced 16% growth in 2014. Our goal is to capture at least 2% of that market over the next five years, equivalent to $128 million in sales to grocery channel.
Supermarket Stores
The Supermarket industry consists of over 37,000 stores with 2014 total sales of $522 billion. (Statista 2015). In addition, there are over 136,000 grocery stores with similar revenue. It is our goal to capture a portion of this market.
Restaurant Industry
The restaurant industry in forecasted to be $709 billion in 2015. Within the food service industry, fast food represents $192 billion of total restaurant sales in 2014.
Health concerns are also forcing fast-food outlets and restaurants to add healthier foods to their menus while consumers want better tasting and unique offerings. We believe our soups offer superior flavor, unique varieties and a healthy alternative to other foods sold at fast food outlets and restaurants.
It is our opinion that today’s consumers are more health conscious and want lighter fare, all-natural products with varied international or exotic ingredients. They have less time for lunch and dinner, and regard quality take-home foods as supplemental or an alternative to, home cooking. These consumers are seeking “home meal replacement” choices and we believe that our soup is the perfect solution.
Nation’s Restaurant News estimates that soup currently accounts for 4% of U.S. food-service sales and that soup offerings drive consumer decision making regarding which restaurant to visit. We believe that we can benefit because of these consumer trends. These stores are seeking to increase ticket sales, consumers are seeking healthier fare, and the growing popularity of branded, upscale products will lead to an increase in the soup component of food-service sales.
Franchising
We are currently finalizing with GCT a master franchising agreement for Original Soupman branded restaurants and mobile units for locations primarily in major cities, military bases and other high-traffic locations including airports, casinos, travel plazas, tourist locations, as well as major events such as NASCAR throughout the U.S.
Franchising Terms
Our franchise fee is generally $35,000 per location and we collect a 5% royalty on all sales of products sold by the franchisee. This varies as described above for our “SoupMobile” franchise. Each franchise is for a ten-year term, which is auto-renewable if the franchisee is in compliance with our franchise requirements, which include meeting quality standards, following the procedures set forth in our operations manual, selling our soups exclusively and making prompt payments.
A typical Original Soupman Delicatessen could cost up to $200,000 or more depending on the size and location. Our flagship Original Soupman Delicatessen & Restaurant model opened in December 2013 at Resorts in Atlantic City NJ (www.resortsac.com). This model has modified signage emphasizing the Delicatessen menu, which has resulted in increased sales overall. We expect this store in approximately 900 sq. ft to achieve sales of $1,800,000, resulting in revenues to us of $90,000. This is relatively inexpensive compared to the average restaurant cost because of our simple equipment package. For example, our stores do not have fat fryers and thus the need for fire suppression systems. We believe that consumers prefer to dine in a comfortable setting with seating and we intend to continue to refine this model while co-branding Original Soupman (which only requires approximately $60,000 in capital investment), throughout the United States and Canada.
COMPETITION
We compete directly with national and regional soup wholesalers, marketer of canned and packaged soups, and regional retail soup chains. In addition, we compete indirectly with many well-established food-service companies, including fast-food restaurants, delicatessens, take-out foodservice companies, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
Our competition includes the following companies.
Regional and National Wholesale Manufacturers (kettle programs)
1. Heinz
2. Campbell Soup
3. Kettle Cuisine
4. Blount Seafood
Branded Marketers (canned, cartons, refrigerated, jarred, tetra paks)
1. Campbell’s-Stockpot, GO Soups, Selects, Gourmet Bisques, Chunky and Kettle Soups
2. Progresso - Canned Ready to Eat, Artisan Tetra Paks
3. Pacific Natural Foods - natural and organic tetra carton soups
4. Hain Food Group-Imagine Soups
5. Blount (Costco Kirkland refrigerated soups)
6. Wolfgang Puck canned soups
7. Dr MacDougal
Fast Food Chains with Proprietary Soup Sourcing
1. Hale & Hearty (local NYC)
2. Panera Bread (National)
3. Souper Salad (South West)
4. Zoup (Michigan Area)
Our franchise operations are subject to competition from every other franchise chain. There are many alternatives available to franchisees. Many of the fast food chains are more established than we are and have greater marketing and distribution resources than we have. However, we believe that the quality of our product will help us attract franchisees.
Barriers to entry are moderate in this industry. The start-up costs for equipment, supplies, and establishing distribution are significant, and it is critical that one have access to industry expertise. Due to the size and complexity of their equipment and their existing production techniques, we believe, the larger soup companies are not equipped to produce higher quality small-batch, gourmet soups. Regional producers of refrigerated gourmet soups are in general unable to freeze their product. This shortens its shelf life and therefore limits how widely the product can be distributed. In addition, there is little consumer awareness of regional brands, such as Hale & Hearty. We have not experienced these barriers to entry, as we are a low capital intense national retailer with the ability to ship frozen products nationally and even internationally, for example, to Canada.
EMPLOYEES
We currently have six full time employees and one part time employee.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Not required because the Company is a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
Our primary offices are located at 1110 South Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10314. We currently rent approximately 400 square feet of office space in Staten Island, New York for monthly rent of $3,340. We believe our current offices will be adequate for the foreseeable future.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Soupman, Inc. is a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Mark Hellner and four other plaintiffs in New York State Supreme Court (Case Index No. 6083/2014). The plaintiffs are holders of a series of notes issued by the Company and are seeking repayment of the notes with interest. The plaintiffs have prevailed in the action and on December 23, 2014 submitted a proposed judgment in the amount of $263,941. The Court received the proposed judgment and did not immediately enter the judgment. Instead, in early January 2015 the court requested that counsel attempt to agree on the prejudgment interest calculations due and then present a stipulated judgment. To date, no such agreement has been reached. No assurance can be given as to when the judgment in this case will be entered. In addition, the entry of this judgment could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its business operations.
On October 9, 2015, the Company settled two suits brought about by Penny Fern Hart (“Hart”) for $2,100,000. Hart dropped her suits against the Company and the Company completed the delivery of 2,750,000 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock in satisfaction of $1,100,000 in indebtedness to her. In addition, the Company agreed to pay the balance due her of $1,000,000 over three years at 5% per annum interest as follows: $10,000 per month for twelve months, $25,000 over the then next 23 months and a lump sum final payment of $305,000.
On October 15, 2015, the Company settled a suit brought about by Gourmet Sales and Marketing, LLC (“GSM”), by agreeing to pay GSM $50,000, $15,000 of which was paid on the date of settlement and $35,000 of which will be paid over twelve equal monthly payments of $2,917.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Our common stock has traded on the over the counter market under the symbol “SOUP” since February 1, 2011. The following table states the range of the high and low sales prices of our common stock for each of the calendar quarters during the years ended August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014. These quotations represent inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown, or commission, and may not represent actual transactions. As of November 1, 2015, there were approximately 700 stockholders of record of our common stock; this number does not include beneficial owners from whom shares are held by nominees in street name.
Dividend Policy
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock to date, and do not anticipate paying such cash dividends in the near future. Whether we declare and pay dividends is determined by our board of directors at their discretion, subject to certain limitations imposed under Delaware corporate law. The timing, amount and form of dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
Equity Compensation Plan
The following table sets forth information about the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The following unregistered securities were issued by the Company between September 1, 2015 and December 15:
·
1,250,000 shares of common stock for services having an aggregate fair value of $50,000 based on $0.04 per share;
·
170,001 shares of common stock for services having an aggregate fair value of $20,000 based on the quoted closing trading prices on the date of issue;
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1,500,000 shares of common shares for services having an aggregate fair value of $120,000 based on the quoted closing trading price on the date of issue;
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2,374,000 shares of its Series B preferred stock at $0.20 per shares for cash proceeds of $474,800; and
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2,750,000 shares of its Series B preferred stock at $0.40 per share for the conversion of $1,100,000 of the Company’s debt.
The securities issued upon conversion of certain debt were issued pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
Not required because the Company is a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended August 31, 2015 found in this report and other information set forth herein or in our Current Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition to historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Where possible, we have tried to identify these forward looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “intends,” or similar expressions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements due to important factors and risks.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report and other documents that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future performance, our business, our beliefs and our management’s assumptions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including forward-looking information concerning pharmacy sales trends, prescription margins, number and location of new store openings, outcomes of litigation, and the level of capital expenditures, industry trends, demographic trends, growth strategies, financial results, cost reduction initiatives, acquisition synergies, regulatory approvals, and competitive strengths. Words such as “expect,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “sustain”, “on track”, “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “assume,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are often used to identify such forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in our reports that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.
OVERVIEW
Description of the Company
Unless otherwise stated, the terms "we," "us", "our" and the "company" refer to Soupman, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
We manufacture and sell soups under the brand name “Original Soupman”. Our soups can be purchased in stores (such as Kroger, Publix, Safeway and HEB) in shelf stable Tetra Recart packaging allowing for maximum shelf life and freshness in every carton. The annual market size for soup sales to grocery and chain stores in the US is approximately $6.4 billion.
We also sell our Original Soupman soups in flash-frozen “heat ‘n serve” pouches to our franchisees (such as the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut) and to educational institutions (such as the New York City Public school system). In addition to our soups, we sell to our educational institution customers, various vegetarian items such a Mexicali Beans, Stewed Pinto Beans and Curried Chick Peas with Tomatillos, which are low in fat, low in sodium and high in dietary fiber.
Executive Summary
This Executive Summary provides significant highlights from the discussion and analysis that follows.
·
Cash on hand increased over 4,200%.
·
Accounts payable decreased by approximately 11%, due primarily to the conversion, by certain vendors, of amounts owed them into shares of our stock.
·
Debt decreased by approximately 1.7 million or approximately 28%, due primarily to the conversion, by certain note holders, of amounts owed them into shares of our stock.
·
Sales decreased approximately 40%, due primarily to a recall of our Lobster Bisque product (solely because of a misprint on the ingredients label / the quality of and safety of the soup was not at issue) and lower sales to our franchisees because of capital constraints, which affected our ability to produce our soups. We do not anticipate these issues in 2016.
·
Gross margin for sales to our grocery store soups increase 10.1%, from approximately 24.8% in 2014 to 34.9% in 2015.
·
Gross margin for sales to our franchise store locations increased 9.7% from approximately 16% in 2014 to 25.7% in 2015.
·
Administrative expenses decreased approximately 49%, due primarily to reductions in, stock issued for services, legal fees, compensation, commissions and stock based compensation.
·
Net loss decreased approximately 12%, due in part to higher margins and lower administrative expenses.
·
Loss per share decreased from $0.08 per shares in 2014 to $0.05 per share in 2015.
Year-over-year comparability of earnings and earnings per share
The following items affected the comparability of year-over-year earnings and earnings per share:
·
In 2015, we reversed $607,739 in compensation expenses incurred in the current and prior periods relating to forfeited awards.
·
In 2015, we incurred a $204,313 expense relating to certain debt holders converting their debt into shares of the Company’s stock.
·
In 2015, we posted a gain of the settlement of accounts payable of $141,540.
·
In 2014, we incurred a $274,600 expense relating to the conversion of convertible notes into stock.
·
In 2014, we incurred a $165,000 expense relating to the issuance of a forbearance agreement.
·
In 2014, we incurred a $158,400 expense relating to the non-payment of certain debts.
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
We own 80% controlling interest in KIOSK; the remaining 20% is owned by Al Yeganeh, from whom we license our soup recipes. The noncontrolling interests' share in the net loss was included in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations.
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Recall
On September 22, 2014, we recalled our Lobster Bisque soup, due solely to a misprint on the ingredients label. The quality of and safety of the soup was never called into question; it was made to our quality specifications and as always, safe to eat. Nonetheless, the recall resulted in a loss of customers and extra costs, because some stores did not simply return the product to be relabeled, but rather destroyed the soups, which ultimately increased our cost of sales and cost of sales as a percentage of sales.
The destroyed product, credits given and customers lost negatively affected our sales, cost of sales and gross margins in the second half of 2015. We are continuing to work to get our distribution back in all accounts lost due to the Lobster Bisque recall.
Results of Operations - Year ended August 31, 2015 and 2014
There were no unusual or infrequent events or transactions, or significant economic changes that materially affected the amount of reported income or expenses from operations and nor is the Company aware of any known uncertainties that it reasonably expects will have a material impact income or expenses from operations, other than in the normal course of business such as seasonality.
The following table summarizes our operating results for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014; all amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousandth.
Soup sales
Soup sales accounted for approximately 91% and 95% of overall revenue for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, while franchise revenues accounted for the remaining 9% and 5%, respectively. Our year-over-year revenues decreased approximately 38%, attributable to a recall stemming from a labeling issue on one of our soups (see “Recall”) above, and lower sales to our franchisees because of capital constraints, which affected our ability to produce our soups.
The following table summarizes our soup sales for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014; all amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousandth. Soup sales are net of slotting fees (a fee charged by supermarkets in order to have the product placed on their shelves) and sales discounts (early payment discounts). In 2015, we also netted credits given because of the recall.
Our decrease in our grocery store sales is attributable to the recall, as noted above. Our decrease in our sales to our franchisees was primarily due to a lack of capital necessary to produce adequate varieties of our soups. We have already taken steps to rectify this issue, and do not anticipate this issue in 2016.
Expenses netted against sales
Slotting fees, early payment discounts (and in 2015 costs related to the recall) relate only to grocery store sales. The following table summarizes grocery store gross sales, and the amounts netted against them; all amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousandth.
Cost of Sales
The following table summarizes our cost of sales for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014; all amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousandth. Cost of sales represents costs associated with soup sales only; the Company has no cost of sales associated with franchise activities.
Cost of sales as a percent of soup sales (net of slotting, early payment discounts and recall related charge backs) was approximately 100% and 96% for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Cost of sales as a percent of soup sales exclusive of slotting, early payment discounts and recall related charge backs was approximately 76% and 87% for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The recall greatly affected our margins in grocery stores. However, overall, our manufacturing and ingredient costs for our soups were lower in 2015 as compared to 2014. These factors increased our year-over-year margins for sales to our educational institutions and franchisees approximately 7%.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue was approximately 97% in 2015 and 121% in 2014. Operating expenses decreased approximately 50% or 1.9 million in 2015 as compared to 2014. The decrease was primarily due to the reduction in stock based compensation, stock issued for services, legal fees, compensation, commissions and legal fees.
The following table summarizes components of our operating expenses that are 5% or greater than our total operating expenses in 2015 or 2014; all amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousandth. See “Year-over-year comparability of earnings and earnings per share” above as to the effect of certain transaction on this table.
Other Income (Expense)
Other expense in 2015 included interest expense of approximately $1,297,000. Other income in 2014 included a change in the fair value of derivatives of approximately $2,105,000 and interest expense of approximately $1,505,000.
Operating Loss
Our operating loss decreased approximately 12% in 2015 from 2014, due to the many factors discussed above. Our basic and diluted net loss per shares decrease by $0.03 per share in 2015 as compared to 2014.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We expect foreseeable liquidity and capital resource requirements to be met through anticipated cash flows from operations; long-term borrowings; short-term borrowings, including commercial paper; and cash and cash equivalents. We believe that our sources of financing will be adequate to meet our future requirements.
We used cash in operations of approximately $1,549,000 in 2015, compared to approximately $1,790,000 in 2014.
Borrowings in 2015 were approximately $2.9 million in 2015, compared to $2.7 million in 2014. The net proceeds for issuances were used to fund operations in both years.
The following table summarizes our working capital for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014; all amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousandth.
At August 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $611,000 as compared to approximately $14,000 at August 31, 2014. Since August 31, 2015, we have raised additional capital of $474,800 through the sale of preferred stock. Our year-over-year working capital deficit decreased approximately $2.5 million, primarily due to a decrease in debt of approximately $1.7 million and a decrease in accounts payable of approximately $554,000.
Current and Future Financing Needs
We have incurred a stockholders’ deficit of approximately $8 million through August 31, 2015 and have incurred a net loss of approximately $3 million for 2015 and $3.4 million in 2014. We have incurred negative cash flow from operations since inception and have primarily financed our operations through the sale of stock and the issuance of notes. At August 31, 2015, we had short-term debt of approximately $4.4 million and a working capital deficit of approximately $8.1 million. These factors raise doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The opinion of our independent registered accounting firm for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 is unqualified, however the opinion does state that there is substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
We expect to spend capital in connection with implementing our business strategy, including the promotion of our new shelf stable Tetra Pak, our advertising and marketing campaign, and fees in connection with regulatory compliance and corporate governance. The actual amount of funds we will need to operate is subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our control. We do not have sufficient cash to operate our business at the current level for the next twelve months and insufficient cash to achieve our business goals. If our anticipated sales for the next few months do not meet our expectations, our existing resources will not be sufficient to meet our cash flow requirements. Furthermore, if our expenses exceed our anticipations, we will need additional funds to implement our business plan. We will not be able to fully establish our business if we do not have adequate working capital so we will need to raise additional funds, whether through a stock offering or otherwise.
While we believe we will require approximately $3 million to implement our full business strategy, we believe that if we are able to raise no less than $1.5 million, it will be sufficient to support our operations for the next 12 months. If we are unable to raise the entire $3 million, we will be forced to reduce our marketing and promotion efforts and potentially the size of our operations as well, unless current sales increase enough to support implementing our full business plan. We believe that at $5 million in sales, our operations would be self-sustaining and cash flow positive. We use co-packers to manufacture our products, have no brick and mortar, rent very modest space and only have 4 full time employees therefore, many of our fixed costs are minimal and will remain unchanged regardless of how much money we are able to raise. If we are forced to reduce our marketing and promotion efforts and/or size of our operations because we are unable to raise the entire $3 million, and current sales do not increase enough to support implementing our full business plan, our revenues will likely be less than had we been able to implement our full program, and as a direct result our income may suffer, and may not be sufficient to cover our negative cash flow, negatively affecting our liquidity.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Judgments, estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and various other factors, including expectations about future events, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of significant accounting policies.
The Company considers its use of estimates, its revenue recognition policy and management’s, judgments and assumptions as critical.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any unconsolidated special purpose entities and, we do not have significant exposure to any off-balance sheet arrangements. The term “off-balance sheet arrangement” generally means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party, under which we have: (i) any obligation arising under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest; or (ii) a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not required because the Company is a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Soupman, Inc.
New York, New York
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Soupman, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of August 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatements. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits include consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of August 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their consolidated operations and cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company incurred net losses for the year ended August 31, 2015 and has a working capital deficit as of August 31, 2015. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are described in Note 13. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
MALONEBAILEY, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
Houston, Texas
December 15, 2015
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders 'Deficit
For the Years Ended August 31, 2015 and 2014
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders 'Deficit (Continued)
For the Years Ended August 31, 2015 and 2014
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Company (fka/ Passport Arts, Inc.) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on December 2, 2008. On January 31, 2011, the Company reincorporated in Delaware and changed its name to Soupman, Inc.
The Company manufactures and sells a variety of soups to grocery chains and franchisees.
Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year-end is August 31.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Soupman, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary The Original Soupman, Inc. (“OSM”), OSM’s wholly-owned subsidiary, International Gourmet Soups, Inc. (“IGS”), and IGS’s 80%-owned subsidiary Kiosk Concepts, Inc. (“Kiosk”) (collectively “Soupman” or “the Company”.)
The Company reports the non-controlling interests in Kiosk on its statement of equity as a component separate from the Company’s equity and on its statement of operations as a component separate from the Company’s income.
All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Uses of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions impact both assets and liabilities, including but not limited to: net realizable value of accounts receivable and inventory, estimated useful lives and potential impairment of property and equipment, estimates used in the valuation of intangible assets and potential impairment thereof, estimates of fair value of share based payments, estimates of fair value of warrants issued and recorded as debt discount, estimates of tax liabilities, estimates of the probability and potential magnitude of contingent liabilities and assumptions used to calculate volatility for the company’s derivative liabilities.
Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could have since changed or could change in the near term due to one or more future non-conforming events. Accordingly, actual results could differ significantly from estimated results.
Risks and Uncertainties
The Company’s operations are subject to risk and uncertainties including financial, operational, regulatory and other risks including the potential risk of business failure. These conditions may limit our access to capital. See Note 13 - Going Concern.
The Company has experienced, and in the future expects to continue to experience, variability in its sales and earnings. The factors expected to contribute to this variability include, among others, (i) the uncertainty associated with the success of franchisees, (ii) the cyclical nature of the soup business, (iii) general economic conditions and (iv) the related volatility of prices pertaining to the cost of sales.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company minimizes credit risk associated with cash by periodically evaluating the credit quality of its primary financial institution(s). The balance at times may exceed federally insured limits; at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the balances did not exceed the federally insured limit. The Company has no cash equivalents.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company recognizes an allowance for losses on accounts receivable in an amount equal to the estimated probable losses net of recoveries. The allowance is based on an analysis of historical bad debt experience, current receivables aging, and expected future write-offs, as well as an assessment of specific identifiable customer accounts considered at risk or uncollectible.
Inventory
Inventory consists of soup and is stated at the lower of cost or market.
Loss Contingencies
The Company is subject to the possibility of various losses arising from the ordinary course of business. Each quarter (or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate) the Company considers the likelihood of a loss or impairment of an asset or the incurrence of a liability, as well as its ability to estimate the amount of loss in determining loss contingencies. An estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and is reviewed each quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful live of the respective asset(s). Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
Intangible Assets
Amortization of identifiable intangible assets is provided utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the respective asset(s) and are reviewed quarterly for impairment or if an indicator(s) of a potential impairment exist.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company measures assets and liabilities at fair value based on an expected exit price as defined by the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements, which represents the amount that would be received on the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability, as the case may be, in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value may be based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis whereby inputs, used in valuation techniques, are assigned a hierarchical level.
The following are the hierarchical levels of inputs to measure fair value:
●
Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
●
Level 2 - Inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
●
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
The Level 3 valuation relates to derivative liabilities measured using management's estimates of fair value as well as other significant inputs, such as volatility and risk free interest rate, which may be unobservable. See Note 8.
The Company has determined the estimated fair value amounts presented in these financial statements using available market information and appropriate methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. The estimates presented in the financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Fair value estimates are based upon pertinent information available. The Company has determined that the carrying value of all financial instruments approximates fair value. The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and debt. The carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments generally approximated their fair values as of August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Derivative Liabilities
Fair value accounting requires bifurcation of embedded derivative instruments, such as ratchet provisions or conversion features in convertible debt or equity instruments, and measurement of their fair value. In determining the appropriate fair value, the Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model. In assessing the convertible debt instruments, management determines if the convertible debt host instrument is conventional convertible debt and further if there is a beneficial conversion feature requiring measurement. If the instrument is not considered conventional convertible debt, the Company will continue its evaluation process of these instruments as derivative financial instruments.
Once derivative liabilities are determined, they are adjusted to reflect fair value at the end of each reporting period. Any increase or decrease in the fair value is recorded in results of operations as a change in fair value of derivatives. In addition, the fair value of freestanding derivative instruments such as warrants, are also valued using the Black-Scholes pricing model.
Debt Issue Costs
The Company may record debt issue costs in connection with raising funds through the issuance of debt. These costs may be paid in the form of cash or warrants, the fair value of which is determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model.
Debt Discount
The Company records debt discounts in connection with raising funds through the issuance of debt. These costs are amortized over the original term of the debt and recorded as interest expense. If a conversion of the underlying debt occurs, a proportionate share of the unamortized amounts is immediately expensed.
Original Issue Discount
For certain convertible debts, the Company provides the debt holder with an original issue discount. The original issue discount is recorded as debt discount, reducing the face amount of the note and is amortized over the original term of the debt and recorded to interest expense.
Share-Based Payments
Generally, all forms of share-based payments, including stock option grants, warrants and restricted stock grants and stock appreciation rights issued to employees are accounted for under ASC 718 and are measured at their fair value on the awards’ grant date, based on estimated number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Share-based compensation awards issued to non-employees for services rendered are accounted for under ASC 505-50 and are recorded at either the fair value of the services rendered or the fair value of the share-based payment, whichever is more readily determinable.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
Fair value of stock options and warrants, is generally determined using a Black-Scholes pricing model, which incorporates assumptions about expected volatility, risk free rate, dividend yield, and expected life. Compensation cost for share-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recorded when all of the following have occurred: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) the asset(s) are transferred to the customer without further obligation by the Company, (3) the sales price to the customer is fixed or determinable, and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.
The Company recognizes soup revenue when the product(s) are received by the customer and the risk of ownership is transferred to the customer. Sales discounts and promotions, such as “buy one, get one free”, and slotting fees are netted against soup revenue. For the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded incentives of $522,013 and $285,415. The Company does not offer a right of return.
Revenues from individual franchise sales are recognized when substantially all significant services that are to be provided by the Company have been performed. Royalty fees are charged to the franchisee at 5% of the franchisee's gross sales and are recorded when charged.
The Company charges its franchisees an advertising fee equal to ½% of their sales revenue and initially carries this fee as a liability, which is included as a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities. This advertising fee is expensed as advertising dollars are spent.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales represents costs directly related to the production and manufacturing of the Company’s products.
Soup sold is typically shipped directly to the customer from the Company’s third party manufacturer and the associated costs are shown as a component of cost of sales.
Advertising
The Company expenses advertising costs when incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings/loss per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net loss attributable to the Company that is available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding the effects of any potentially dilutive securities. Diluted EPS gives effect to all dilutive potential of shares of common stock outstanding during the period including stock warrants, using the treasury stock method (by using the average stock price for the period to determine the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise of warrants), and convertible debt, using the if-converted method. Diluted EPS excludes all dilutive potential of shares of common stock if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
The Company has the following potential common stock equivalents at August 31, 2015 and 2014:
Certain of the outstanding convertible debt and warrants contain ratchet provisions that would cause variability in the exercise price at the balance sheet date. As a result, common stock equivalents may change at each reporting period.
The Company reflected a net loss for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014; therefore, the effect of considering any common stock equivalents would have been anti-dilutive; consequently, a separate computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share is not presented.
Non-controlling Interest
In December 2009, OSM acquired 80% of Kiosk, which it reported the third party’s 20% as a noncontrolling interest. As part of the Company’s merger in December 2010 with OSM, the Company began to report this noncontrolling interest on its financial statements.
Concentrations
Accounts Receivable
The following table shows significant concentrations in our accounts receivable at August 31, 2015 and 2014.
Vendors
The following table shows significant concentrations in our purchases for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
Sales
The following table shows significant concentrations in our revenues for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires that the Company recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) results from the change in net deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all deferred tax assets will not be realized.
In addition, ASC Topic 740-20, “Income Taxes - Intraperiod Tax Allocation” requires management to assess the need to accrue or disclose uncertain tax positions for proposed potential adjustments from various federal and state authorities who regularly audit the Company in the normal course of business. In making these assessments, management must often analyze complex tax laws of multiple jurisdictions. The accounting guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company records the related interest expense and penalties, if any, as tax expense in the tax provision.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the FASB issued amended guidance that simplifies how entities test indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment. After assessment of certain qualitative factors, if it is determined to be more likely than not that an indefinite-lived asset is impaired, entities must perform the quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, the quantitative test becomes optional. The amended guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of the fiscal 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not affect the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Note 2 - Accounts Receivable / Accounts Receivable - Related Parties
Accounts receivable consisted of the following at August 31, 2015 and 2014.
For the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, related party accounts receivables represented amounts owed to the Company by franchises for soup sold to locations owned or operated by directors of the Company. Related-parties receivable consisted of the following at August 31, 2015 and 2014.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
At August 31, 2015, the Company took a 100% reserve against its accounts receivable franchisees nonrelated parties and a 100% reserve against its accounts receivable franchisees related parties, and recorded a total bad debt expense of $241,581, which included a direct write-off of $176,570. At August 31, 2014, the Company took a 47% reserve against its accounts receivable franchisees related party, recording a reserve of $178,633.
The Company’s accounts receivable reserves and the recordation of bad debt expense related solely to the Company’s franchisees. These reserves were taken due to the age of the receivables; however, since the Company has personal guarantees from each of its franchisees, the Company fully intends on collecting these receivables in the near term, in which case they will record the payments as other income.
Note 3 - Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses consist of the following at August 31, 2015 and 2014.
Note 4 - Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following at August 31, 2015 and 2014.
Depreciation expense for the year ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, was $5,048 and $7,458.
There were no impairment charges taken during the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Note 5 - Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the following at August 31, 2015 and 2014.
Amortization expense for the year ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, was $9,401 and $18,922.
There were no impairment charges taken during the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
The estimated useful lives of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:
The estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets for the years ended August 31 is as follows:
Note 6 - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
(A)
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
For the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company recorded a gain of $188,769 on the settlement of certain accounts payable and accrued interest.
(B)
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Related Parties
Related Parties accounts payable consists of the following at August 31, 2015 and 2014:
For the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company recorded a loss of $47,229 on the settlement of certain related party accounts payable.
Note 7 - Debt
Debt consists of the following at August 31, 2015 and 2014:
Debt in default consists of secured and unsecured notes totaling $2,586,597 and $2,546,597 at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
The corresponding debts above are more fully discussed below:
(A)
Unsecured Convertible Debt - Derivative Liabilities
During the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company issued new derivative debt, the terms and amounts of which are set out below:
Total derivative debt at August 31, 2015 and 2014 consists of the following.
Holders of derivative debt have the option to convert all or part of the note’s principal plus accrued interest into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion price(s) and terms set out above.
During the year ended August 31, 2014, the Company paid $158,400 as a non-payment of debt penalty against these debts; no non-payment of debt penalties were paid during the year ended August 31, 2015.
During the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company converted the debt principal of $56,973 into 1,050,000 shares of its common stock. In addition, during the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company offered to lower the exercise price on convertible debt to $0.04 per share to induce holders of the Company’s derivative debt to convert. This offer was conditioned on the Company raising at least $1 million and required a mandatory conversion if this and one other condition occurred. On June 18, 2015, all conditions were met, and the Company converted the debt principal of $783,739 into 23,313,730 shares of its Series B stock. Extinguishment accounting was applied; as a result, the Company reclassed $202,131 of derivative debt to additional paid in capital. See Note 8.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
At August 31, 2015, the Company reclassed all of its remaining convertible debts and warrants to derivative debt due to tainting. See Note 8.
(B)
Unsecured Convertible Debt - Non-derivatives
During the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company incurred an expense of $204,313 and $0 in connection with the settlement of unsecured convertible debt.
During the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company issued unsecured convertible debt (that was not recorded as a derivative liability), the terms and amounts of which are set out below:
Holders of convertible non-derivative debt have the option to convert all or part of the note’s principal plus accrued interest into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion price(s) and terms set out above.
In connection with Series 5 debt and for the year ended August 31, 2014, the Company incurred $27,500 in debt issue costs; the Company incurred no debt issue cost for the year ended August 31, 2015.
In connection with the Series 5 debt, and for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred an original issue discount of $0 and $74,270, respectively (which was recorded as debt discount).
In connection with its series 7 debt, and for the years ended August 31, 2014 the Company issued 900,000 share of its common stock with a fair value of $270,000; there was no series 7 debt incurred during the year ended August 31, 2015.
During the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company modified certain debts, cancelling 523,000 warrants that were exercisable at $0.80 and issuing 826,500 3-year warrants exercisable at $0.35 cents. Extinguishment accounting was applied; as a result, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $17,723.
This offer was conditioned on the Company raising at least $1 million and required a mandatory conversion if this and one other condition occurred. On June 18, 2015, all conditions were met, and the Company converted the debt principal of
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
$817,250 into 20,431,250 shares of its Series B stock. Because the stock price was $0.05 per share on that date, the Company incurred an expense of $204,313 in connection with the settlement of said debt.
(C)
Unsecured Demand Debt
Unsecured demand notes consist of the following at August 31, 2015 and 2014:
Unsecured demand notes consisted of the following at August 31, 2015 and 2014:
(D)
Secured Debt
Secured debt consisted of the following activity and terms for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014:
For the year ended August 31, 2014, the Company derecognized $290,902 in debt associated with the deconsolidation of a VIE.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
(E)
Debt discount
The Company records debt discount relating to its derivative debt to the extent of gross proceeds raised in its debt financing transactions, and immediately expenses the remaining value of the derivative if it exceeded the gross proceeds of the note. The Company recorded a derivative expense of $527,270 and $0 for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and includes this amount in the change in fair value of derivatives on its statement of operations and statement of cash flow.
For the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company reclassed any remaining unamortized debt discount relating to debts converted to shares of the Company’s preferred Series B stock; see Note 7(A). There was no such reclassification in 2014.
Note 8 - Derivative Liabilities
The Company identified conversion features embedded within convertible debt and/or warrants issued during the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 (see Note 7(A)).
The fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities at August 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows.
The Company recorded a derivative expense of $527,270 which is included in fair value at the commitment date in the above table, and included this amount in the change in fair value of derivatives on its statement of operations and statement of cash flow. For the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company reclassified derivatives liabilities of $202,131 to additional paid in capital on notes that had been converted to stock; see Note 7(A).
The fair value at the commitment and re-measurement dates for convertible debt and warrants that are treated as derivative liabilities were based upon the following management assumptions for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014:
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
Modification of underlying debt
During the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company negotiated modifications to certain of its underlying unsecured notes, which had an embedded conversion feature. For each modification, the Company compared the value of both the old and new convertible debt as well as the fair value of any new warrants granted in the modification. For each debt, the Company determined whether the present value of the cash flows associated with the new debt exceeded the present value of the old debt by more than 10%, and if so, applied extinguishment accounting; for all other notes, modification accounting was applied. For the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the Company recorded $0 and $10,750 as debt discount relating to its debt modifications and losses of $198,132 and $147,893, respectively.
Note 9 - Deferred Franchise Revenue
Deferred franchise revenues result from payments received from new franchises prior to the Company’s performance under the terms of the franchise agreements. Often these payments are made before stores locations have been identified. No franchises were sold in 2015; one new franchise was sold in 2014.
Note 10 - Stockholders’ Deficit
During the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company expensed $157,354 in stock based compensation and offset this amount to APIC. This amount is comprised of compensation expenses relating to certain contractual commitments.
(A)
Series A - Convertible Preferred Stock
Holders of the Company’s Series A preferred shares have no voting rights and receive no dividends, but receive $1.00 per share in the case of liquidation of the Company. This series of shares convert on a 1:1 basis at par value ($0.001) into shares of the Company’s common stock. In the event that shares are issued, the Company will evaluate for beneficial conversion features.
Series A convertible preferred stock consists of the following activity for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014:
No gain or loss was recorded in the conversion of preferred to common stock.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
(B)
Series B - Convertible Preferred Stock
During the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company authorized 20,000,000 shares of Series B - convertible preferred stock. Holders of the Company’s preferred shares receive no dividends, but have 10 votes per share. This series of shares convert on a 1:10 basis at par value ($0.001) into shares of the Company’s common stock. In the event that shares are issued, the Company will evaluate for beneficial conversion features.
Series B convertible preferred stock consists of the following activity for the year ended August 31, 2015:
During the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company converted certain debts to equity; see Notes 7(A) and 7(B).
(C)
Common Stock
For the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company issued the following shares of common stock:
Unless otherwise indicated, fair value for the share issued was based upon the quoted closing trading price on the dates shares were issued.
The corresponding stock issuances above are more fully discussed below:
1 - No expenses were paid in connection with shares issued.
2 - Includes 404,866 issued for accrued payroll in 2015.
3 - Shares issued for debt and accrued interest of $105,972 include $22,000 for the fair market value of shares given to settle debt, which is included in “Gain on settlement of debt” on the Company’s cash flow under cash used in operations, and $83,972 for the conversion of debt and accrued interest to common stock, which is shown as a non-cash transaction.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
4 - Shares issued in connection with non-payment within 3-months (in 2014) on certain convertible notes; see Note 7(B).
5 - Shares issued in connection with a modification in 2014 to a 2013 forbearance agreement in 2013; see Note 7(D). The fair value of these shares was recorded as other expense.
6 - Reversal of stock issued in error.
7 - Shares issued on a one for one (1 for 1) basis in connection with the conversion of Series A preferred shares; no gain or loss incurred on conversion.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2105, and pursuant to ASC 718, the company reversed prior period compensation expenses of $562,434 and current period expenses of $45,305 relating to forfeited awards. There was no such reversal during fiscal 2014.
(D)
Stock Options
There were no stock options issued for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014.
The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014:
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
The following is a summary of the Company’s unvested stock options at August 31, 2015 and 2014.
The Company had no expenses for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 related to vested options.
(E)
Stock Warrants
The following is a summary of the Company’s stock warrant activity for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014; warrants that were not exercised during the term of the warrants are shown in the below table as forfeited:
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
The Company is obligated to pay the minority stockholder of Kiosk an amount equal to 3% of its gross soup sales on the first $50,000,000 in sales, 2% of sales between $50,000,000 and $75,000,000, and 1% of sales thereafter, in perpetuity. The Company was obligated to pay the minority stockholder a minimum against these sales of $225,000 per year through June 30, 2014 provided certain services to the Company were rendered. For the years ended August 31, 2015, and 2014, the Company recorded these payments as royalty expense.
On January 18, 2013, the Company granted 200,000 stock options to a consultant, having a grant date fair value of $147,588; these options have an exercise price of $0.75 and a life of 10 years. Fifty thousand (50,000) of these options vested on the grant date and fifty thousand (50,000) vested on the second anniversary of the grant date (January 18, 2014). The remaining one hundred thousand (100,000) options vest as follows: 10,000 shares vest and are then exercisable for every $1,000,000 in qualifying revenues received by the Company in connection with the consultants’ successful introduction of customers. As of August 31, 2015, none of these 100,000 shares have been earned.
Litigations, Claims and Assessments
Soupman, Inc. is a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Mark Hellner and four other plaintiffs in New York State Supreme Court (Case Index No. 6083/2014). The plaintiffs are holders of a series of notes issued by the Company and are seeking repayment of the notes with interest. The plaintiffs have prevailed in the action and on December 23, 2014 submitted a proposed judgment in the amount of $263,941. The Court received the proposed judgment and did not immediately enter the judgment. Instead, in early January 2015 the court requested that counsel attempt to agree on the prejudgment interest calculations due and then present a stipulated judgment. To date, no such agreement has been reached. No assurance can be given as to when the judgment in this case will be entered. In addition, the entry of this judgment could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its business operations.
On October 9, 2015, the Company settled two suits brought about by Penny Fern Hart (“Hart”) for $2,100,000. Hart dropped her suits against the Company and the Company completed the delivery of 2,750,000 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock in satisfaction of 1,100,000 in indebtedness to her. In addition, the Company agreed to pay the balance due her of $1,000,000 over three years at 5% per annum interest as follows: $10,000 per month for twelve months, $25,000 over the then next 23 months and a lump sum final payment of $305,000.
On October 15, 2015, the Company settled a suit brought about by Gourmet Sales and Marketing, LLC (“GSM”), by agreeing to pay GSM $50,000, $15,000 of which was paid on the date of settlement and $35,000 of which will be paid over twelve equal monthly payments of $2,917.
Note 12 - Income Taxes
There was no income tax expense for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 due to the Company’s net losses.
At August 31, 2015, the Company has a net operating loss carry-forward of approximately $27.9 million available to offset future taxable income, which partially expiring in 2031. The current tax effect should the entire NOL be used is approximately $10.8 million. Utilization of future net operating losses may be limited due to potential ownership changes under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Company’s tax expense differs from the “expected” tax expense for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, (computed by applying the Federal Corporate tax rate of 34% to loss before taxes and 7.1% for New York State Corporate Taxes, the blended rate used was 38.69%).
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
The valuation allowance at August 31, 2014 was approximately 10.8 million. The net change in valuation allowance during the year ended August 31, 2015 was an increase of approximately $1.6 million. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on consideration of these items, management has determined that enough uncertainty exists relative to the realization of the deferred income tax asset balances to warrant the application of a full valuation allowance as of August 31, 2015.
The effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets at August 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
At August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the Company did not record any liabilities for uncertain tax positions and the Company does not anticipate that it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits as of August 31, 2015 will significantly change within the next 12 months.
Note 13 - Going Concern
As reflected in the accompanying financial statements, for the year ended August 31, 2015 the Company had a net loss of approximately $3 million, net cash used in operations of approximately $1.5 million, working capital deficit of approximately $8.1 million and a stockholders’ deficit of approximately $8.0 million. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The ability of the Company to continue its operations is dependent on management's plans, which may include the raising of capital through debt and/or equity markets with some additional funding from other traditional financing sources, including term notes, until such time that funds provided by operations are sufficient to fund working capital requirements. The Company may need to incur liabilities with certain related parties to sustain the Company’s existence.
The Company will require additional funding to finance the growth of its current and expected future operations as well as to achieve its strategic objectives. The Company believes its current available cash along with anticipated revenues will be insufficient to meet its cash needs for the near future. There can be no assurance that financing will be available in amounts or terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.
In response to these problems, management has taken the following actions:
·
seeking additional third party convertible debt financing
·
seeking to increase sales and distribution of Tetra Pak products;
·
seeking to open new franchise locations; and
·
allocating sufficient resources to continue advertising and marketing efforts
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Soupman, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
August 31, 2015 and 2014
Note 14 - Subsequent Events
Since August 31, 2015, the Company issued:
·
1,250,000 shares of common stock for services having an aggregate fair value of $50,000 based on $0.04 per share
·
170,001 shares of common stock for services having an aggregate fair value of $20,000 based on the quoted closing trading prices on the date of issue.
·
1,500,000 shares of common shares for services having an aggregate fair value of $120,000 based on the quoted closing trading price on the date of issue;
·
2,374,000 shares of its Series B preferred stock at $0.20 per shares for cash proceeds of $474,800
·
2,750,000 shares of its Series B preferred stock at $0.40 per share for the conversion of $1,100,000 of the Company’s debt. These shares were part of a settlement agreement, dated October 9, 2015 with Penny Fern Hart; see Note 11, Litigations, Claims and Assessments. The settlement agreement provides that the $1,000,000 balance of the senior debt held by Hart will be payable over three years bearing a 5% annual interest rate, with a balloon payment due upon maturity, and settles all outstanding litigation between the parties.
On November 16, 2015, the Company entered into a Master License Agreement (“MLA”) with The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“GCT”). Under the terms of the agreement, GTC is to pay the Company $500,000 for the MLA. As part of the agreement, GTC considered its $100,000 note with the Company as paid in full, and the Company agreed to apply the $100,000 towards the MLA. To date, the Company has received an additional $100,000 towards the MLA, and GTC is obligated to pay the remaining $300,000 in tranches of $150,000 due January 2016, with the remaining $150,000 due in three equal installments in May 2016, November 2016 and May 2017.
Soupman, Inc. is a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Perry Trebach in New York State Supreme Court (Case Index No. 606634/2015). The plaintiffs is a holder of a series of notes issued by the Company and is seeking repayment of the notes with interest. The damages sought total $719,347.82, together with pre-judgment interest at the twenty-four (24%). The Company has filed an answer to the complaint, which contains various affirmative defenses.
On October 15, 2015, the Company settled a suit brought about by Gourmet Sales and Marketing, LLC (“GSM”), by agreeing to pay GSM $50,000, $15,000 of which was paid on the date of settlement and $35,000 of which will be paid over twelve equal monthly payments of $2,917.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods. Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Chief Executive Officer (“PEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“PFO”) have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(c) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the report that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and in order to be effective we must have additional personnel engaged in the reporting process to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our PEO and PFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report.
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the issuer’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
1.
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer;
2.
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the registrant; and
3.
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the issuer’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the year ended August 31, 2015, based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
Based upon their evaluation, the PEO and PFO have concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of August 31, 2015.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b) CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during our fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following individuals serve as the directors and executive officers of the Company. All directors of our company hold office until the next annual meeting of our shareholders or until their successors have been elected and qualified. The executive officers of our company are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until their death, resignation or removal from office.
Our directors and executive officers, their ages, positions held, and durations of such are as follows:
Business Experience
The following is a brief account of the business experience of our directors and executive officers during at least the past five years, including their principal occupations and employment during the period, and the name and principal business of the organization in which such occupations or employment were carried on.
Jamieson Karson, Chairman of the Board and CEO
Mr. Karson is the former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Steven Madden, LTD. (NASDAQ SYMBOL: “SHOO”) the global footwear, accessories and apparel company. After Steve Madden, Mr. Karson was a partner at Lightship Partners, which is a retail consulting firm. He also holds a law degree and was Senior Counsel at Dentons, the largest law firm in the world, where he specialized in corporate securities, corporate governance and crisis management.
We selected Mr. Karson to serve on our board because of his significant executive leadership, operational experience, his strong corporate governance expertise through his prior business experience and prior public company experience.
James Shipp, Chief Operating Officer, Director
Mr. Shipp is experienced in securities operations clearing, compliance and in IT platforms for securities processing. He has over 10 years of executive experience at SunGard Data Systems, ADP and Citibank and 25 years plus experience within broker dealer operations and financial services securities clearing and settlement technology. He is currently head of Business Development at Able Venture Group LLC. He earned an associate’s degree at S.U.N.Y. Delhi.
We selected Mr. Shipp to serve on our board because of his compliance background with publicly traded companies.
Daniel Rubano, Sr. Vice President Franchise, Secretary
Mr. Rubano joined our management team as Senior Vice President of Franchise Development and Operations, Secretary and a member of the Board of Directors in January 2010. He has over 25 years of franchise and restaurant experience. He was a member of Soup Kitchen International Board of Directors from 2003 until 2006. For the four years before joining our company, he was President of Ranch*1, a grilled chicken franchise, and for the last two years before joining us, President of Johnny's NY Pizza, a full service restaurant franchise, and Rollerz Wraps, a quick service salad and wrap franchise, all owned by Kahala Corporation. Prior to that, he held various positions within Kahala Corporation which included; Vice President of Blimpie/Hess Account, Director of Operations, and Franchise Sales. Kahala Corporation is the franchisor of over 3,000 restaurants under the names of Cold Stone Creamery, Ranch*1, Blimpie, Surf City Squeeze, Taco Time, Johnny's NY Pizza, Samurai Sam’s, The Great Steak and Potato Co., N'rgize and Frulatti Café. He was previously the Director of Franchise Operations for Ranch*1 from November 1996 through August 2001. Mr. Rubano brings to the board substantial experience in and perspective on consumer marketing, business operations and the food industry and extensive knowledge of our industry, having served in senior corporate positions in various food companies.
We selected Mr. Rubano to serve on our board because of his broad understanding of the operational, financial and strategic issues facing companies in our industry.
Robert Bertrand, President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
Mr. Bertrand is our President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. He has held that position since inception of the Company. He has been the President and Chief Financial Officer of The Original Soupman, Inc. and Soup Kitchen International since November 2004. For the two years prior to this, he was the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of a startup manufacturer of healthy, indulgent chocolate products sold under the brand name of “SOBE.” From 2000 to 2002, he was a partner in Bullard Financial, Inc., a financial services company specializing in strategic financial planning for small businesses, their owners, and their officers. Mr. Bertrand spent 20 years with two publicly traded companies, Industrial Acoustics Company, Inc. (from 1990 to 2000) and Bairnco Corporation (from 1980 to 1990), starting as accounting manager and ultimately ending up as CFO and Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration. In 1977, he started his professional career with Singer & Lusardi, a medium-sized CPA firm located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Mr. Bertrand holds a BS in Accounting from Northeastern University and a Masters from Columbia University.
Ronald Crane, Director
Ron Crane has more than 30 years of experience as a practicing attorney in various areas of the law including real estate, contracts and talent agreement and licensing. As Senior Counsel and the practice head in the Advertising and Intellectual Property areas at Omnicom Group Inc., the world’s largest global strategic holding company in the areas of advertising, marketing and corporate communication.
We selected Mr. Crane to serve on our board because he brings to the board extensive advertising and marketing knowledge. In addition, his legal background aids us in the protection of our intellectual property.
Rocco Fiorentino, Director
Rocco Fiorentino brings more than 25 years of franchise industry experience as President and CEO of The Benetrends Group and its subsidiaries. He also is an active member of the Board of Directors for Swiss Farm Stores and Saxbys Coffee, franchisors of drive thru grocery stores and coffee shops, respectively.
Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA) and is co-chairman of IFA’s Membership Committee. Before adding these stellar accolades to his resume, Fiorentino served as President and CEO of Freedom Rings, LLC, was an area developer and multi-unit franchisee for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and was Chairman of the Multi-Unit Franchise Conference from 2003 to 2005. As a veteran franchise expert, Fiorentino is a frequent speaker and moderator on franchise matters at the IFA Conference and the Multi-Unit Franchise Conference, and has authored a variety of articles on franchiser financing.
We selected Mr. Fiorentino to serve on our board because of his extensive franchise experience. His successful management experience provides him with a broad understanding of issues faced by growing companies.
Randy Beller, Director
Randy Beller was a 30-year member of the New York Stock Exchange who was founder and CEO of Beller Securities Corporation and is a widely recognized expert in floor brokerage and broker dealer securities operations clearing and settlement. He earned a bachelor’s degree at S.U.N.Y. Fredonia.
We selected Mr. Beller to serve on our board because of his 30+ years of investment banking experience.
Directorships of Other Reporting Companies
None of our directors or executive officers are directors or officers of other reporting companies.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between our directors and executive officers.
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our board of directors acts as our audit committee. Our Board of Directors has determined that both Mr. Karson and Mr. Shipp qualify as “audit committee financial experts” as that term is used in Section 407 of Regulation S-K.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act 1934 requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities of broadcaster. Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by the SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. These filings are publicly available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us and our review of the SEC’s website, we believe that during fiscal year ended August 31, 2015, all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than 10% percent beneficial owners were complied with, except that for Jamieson Karson, a Form 3 Report was inadvertently filed late.
Code of Business Conduct
We have established and maintain a Code of Business Conduct, which is applicable to all employees, officers, and directors. Our policy is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. It also communicates our expectations of our employees and helps enable us to provide accurate and timely disclosure in our filings with the SEC and other public communications. In addition, the policy incorporates guidelines pertaining to topics such as environmental compliance, health and safety compliance; diversity and non-discrimination; vendor relations, employee privacy; and business continuity.
Our Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics for Financial Management are posted on our website, www.original soupman.com.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Summary Compensation Table
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth information concerning the compensation paid to or earned by:
(1)
our principal executive officer and principal financial officer;
(2)
each of our three most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 and 2014; and
(3)
up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided under (2) but for the fact that the individual was not serving as our executive officer at the end of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015, whom we will collectively refer to as the named executive officers of our company, except that no disclosure is provided for any named executive officer, other than our principal executive officers and principal financial officer, whose total compensation did not exceed $100,000 for the respective fiscal year.
Notes:
(1)
Mr. Karson’s 2015 base salary was $57,333 (for services from his hire date to the end of the fiscal year), of which $5,538 was paid in cash, $33,333 was paid in stock and the balance of $18,462 has been accrued and is reported as related party accounts payable in note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8 -Financial Statements”. In future years Mr. Karson’s compensation will be $344,000 of which $144,000 will be paid in cash and $200,000 in stock.
(2)
Mr. Shipp’s 2015 base salary was $18,750 (for services from his hire date to the end of the fiscal year), of which $3,846 was paid in cash and the balance of $14,904 has been accrued and is reported as related party accounts payable in note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8 -Financial Statements”. In future years, Mr. Shipp’s compensation will be $150,000 of which $100,000 will be paid in cash and $50,000 in stock.
(3)
Mr. Sugarman’s 2015 base salary was $62,500, which upon his resignation, was paid in stock. His 2014 base Salary was $150,000, all of which was accrued and is reported as related party account payable in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8 - Financial Statements”.
(4)
Mr. Rubano’s 2015 base salary was $70,000, of which $21,601 was paid in cash, $24,334 in stock and $24,065 was accrued and is reported as related party account payable in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8 -Financial Statements”. Mr. Rubano’s 2014 base salary was $70,000, of which $3,000 was paid in cash and $67,000 was accrued and is reported as related party account payable in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8 -Financial Statements”.
(5)
Mr. Bertrand’s 2015 base salary was $170,000, of which $120,998 was paid in cash, $9,939 in stock and $39,063 was accrued and is reported as related party accounts payable in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8 - Financial Statements” Mr. Bertrand’s 2014 base salary was $170,000, of which $100,211 was paid in cash and $69,789 was accrued and is reported as related party accounts payable in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8 - Financial Statements”.
(6)
All other compensation is comprised of medical premiums paid for Mr. Rubano and Mr. Bertrand and car allowances for all named executive officers.
Employment Agreements
Jamieson Karson Employment Agreement
Mr. Karson will receive 416,667 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock monthly each month for the first year of employment. The total shares granted Year 1, if employed for the entire year, will be 5,000,000 shares.
Beginning on the 13th month anniversary of his employment agreement, and for each month thereafter that Mr. Karson is employed by the Company up and through July 15, 2017, Mr. Karson will receive restricted common stock of the Company on the 15th day of each month, equal to the number of shares that equals $16,666.67, based on the closing stock price on the 15th day of each month.
Mr. Karson will also receive:
A one- time bonus of 400,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock if the Company’s stock trades at 25 cents or higher for 10 trading days in a 30-day period during the term of this agreement.
·
A one- time bonus of 100,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock if the Company’s stock trades at $1.00 or higher for 10 trading days in 30-day period during the term of this agreement.
·
A one-time bonus of 50,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock if the Company stock trades at $2.00 or higher for 10 trading days in a 30-day period during the term of this agreement.
·
A one- time bonus of 25,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock if the Company’s stock trades at $4.00 or higher for 10 trading days in a 30-day period during the term of this agreement.
·
In addition, for every new incremental $1 million in sales annually Mr. Karson will receive 5,000 restricted common shares of the Company’s stock, with a maximum amount of 500,000 shares (based on a cap of $100 million in sales).
·
The Company also agreed to reimburse Mr. Karson for his reasonable and/pre-approved business expenses and to donate $10,000 worth of its common restricted stock to a charity of Mr. Karson’s choice.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information relating to equity awards outstanding at the end of Fiscal 2015 for each Named Executive Officer.
Aggregated Options Exercised in Last Fiscal Year
No stock options have been exercised by any director or executive officer since the date of the grant.
Compensation of Directors
The following table sets forth information for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 regarding the compensation of our directors who at August 31, 2015 were not also named executive officers or material employees.
Notes:
(1)
Mr. Crane was appointed as an independent, non-employee member of the board on August 22, 2013. Pursuant to his agreement, he received 150,000 $0.50 5-year warrants. Previously Mr. Crane served on the Company’s board of advisors, where he received 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in 2011.
(2)
Mr. Fiorentino was appointed as an independent, non-employee member of the board on August 22, 2013. Previously Mr. Fiorentino served on the Company’s board of advisors, where he received 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in 2011 and 25,000 shares in 2012.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock and Series B preferred stock as of November 30, 2015, for:
·
each stockholder known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock or Series B preferred stock;
·
each of our directors;
·
each of our named executive officers; and
·
all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the following table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock or Series B preferred stock that they beneficially own, subject to any contractual voting limitations.
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 73,887,342 shares of common stock and 22,890,051 shares of Series B preferred stock outstanding at November 30, 2015. In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed all shares of common stock to be outstanding, subject to options, restricted stock units (RSUs) or other convertible securities held by that person or entity that are currently exercisable or releasable or that will become exercisable or releasable within 60 days of November 30, 2015. We did not deem these shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the following table is c/o Soupman, Inc., 1110 South Avenue, #100, Staten Island, NY 10314.
* Less than 1%
1.
Based on 73,887,342 share of common stock as of November 30, 2015.
2.
Based on 22,890,051 shares of Series B preferred stock outstanding at November 30, 2015. Each share of Series B preferred stock is convertible into ten (10) shares of common stock and entitled to ten (10) votes per share.
3.
Based on a total of 302,787,852 votes. Percentage of total voting power represents voting power with respect to all shares of our common stock and Series B preferred stock, as a single class. The holders of our Series B preferred stock are entitled to ten votes per share, and holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share.
4.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 2,500,002 shares of common stock owned as of November 30, 2015 and 833,333 shares of common stock to be issued within 60 days of November 30, 2015, pursuant to his employment agreement.
5.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 225,000 shares of common stock owned as of November 30, 2015 and 100,000 stock warrants that the beneficial owner has the right to exercise on the date hereof.
6.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 57,500 shares of common stock as of November 30, 2015 and 150,000 stock warrants that the beneficial owner has the right to exercise on the date hereof.
7.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 175,000 shares of Series B preferred stock that has right to 1,750,000 votes.
8.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 2,402,178 shares of common stock owned as of November 30, 2015 and 250,000 stock options that the beneficial owner has the right to exercise on the date hereof.
9.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 6,499,492 shares of common stock owned as of November 30, 2015 and 250,000 stock options that the beneficial owner has the right to exercise on the date hereof.
10.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 3,971,835 shares of common stock owned as of November 30, 2015 and 250,000 stock options that the beneficial owner has the right to exercise on the date hereof.
11.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 4,500,440 shares of Series B preferred stock that has a right to 45,004,400 votes.
12.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 1,250,000 shares of Series B preferred stock that has a right to 12,500,000 votes.
13.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 2,755,000 shares of common stock and 1,040,194 shares of Series B preferred stock convertible into 10,401,940 shares of common stock. Based on a 9.99% ownership blocker, does not include 4,741,179 shares of preferred Series B stock convertible into 47,411,790 shares of common stock.
14.
Beneficial ownership of common stock consists of 468,498 shares of Series B preferred stock convertible into 4,684,980 shares of commons stock. Based on a 4.99% blocker, does not include 1,531,502 shares of preferred series B stock, convertible into 15,315,020 shares of common stock.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
In July 2010, Al Yeganeh’s famous soup restaurant on 8th Ave and 55 Street in New York City reopened as a franchise location after being shuttered closed by Al for six years. Daniel Rubano, a Director and Senior Vice President is the owner of this franchise which has paid or has accrued to the Company royalties of $ 31,876 and $38,542 during the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively and owes $35,327 as of August 31, 2014.
Lloyd Sugarman, our former Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of the Board, is also a franchise owner from whom royalties due the Company were $52,252 and $48,765 during the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Daniel Rubano, our Senior VP of Franchise Development, is also an owner a franchise owner, from whom royalties due the Company were $24,363 and $25,182 during the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Ronald Crane, Rocco Fiorentino, and Randy Beller are independent directors under applicable SEC regulations.
Our board of directors reviews on an on-going basis for potential conflicts of interest, and approves if appropriate, all “related party transactions, which include all transactions required to be disclosed pursuant to SEC Regulation S-K, Item 404.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
MaloneBailey, LLP serves as our current independent registered public accounting firm.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees including expenses billed to us for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014.
(1)
Audit fees and expenses were for professional services rendered for the audit and reviews of the consolidated financial statements of the Company, professional services rendered for issuance of consents and assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)(1)
The following financial statements are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
1.
Independent Auditor’s Reports
2.
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2015 and 2014
3.
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014
4.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014
5.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014
6.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
*
Filed herewith
(1)
Incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form S-1 filed on October 26, 2009
(2)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2010
(3)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 8, 2015
(4)
Incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form S-8 filed on February 2, 2011
(5)
Incorporated by reference from our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on April 19, 2011
(6)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 25, 2011
(7)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 21, 2011
(8)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 13, 2012
(9)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2012
(10)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2013
(11)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013
(12)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2015
(13)
Incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 20, 2015.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned.
SOUPMAN, INC.
Date: December 15, 2015
By:
/s/ Robert Bertrand
Robert Bertrand
President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: December 15, 2015
By:
/s/ Jamieson Karson
Jamieson Karson
Chairman and C
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: December 15, 2015
By:
/s/ Robert Bertrand
Robert Bertrand
President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: December 15, 2015
By:
/s/ Ron Crane
Ron Crane
Director
Date: December 15, 2015
By:
/s/ Rocco Fiorentino
Rocco Fiorentino
Director
Date: December 15, 2015
By:
/s/ James Steven Shipp
James Steven Shipp
Director
Date: December 15, 2015
By:
/s/ Randy Beller
Randy Beller
Director