Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Beverages - Wineries & Distilleries / Castle Brands Inc.

Castle Brands Inc.

rox · AMEX Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker rox
Exchange AMEX
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Beverages - Wineries & Distilleries
Employees 51-200
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FY2017 Annual Report · Castle Brands Inc.
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2017 Annual Report 

Dear Fellow Shareholder, 

January 11, 2018 

The fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 was a very positive year for Castle Brands. We continued to drive sales of 
Jefferson’s Bourbon and Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer. This resulted in strong revenue growth and improved margins. We 
reported positive net income for the first time and EBITDA, as adjusted, increased to a record level. We expect these trends 
of increasing sales and improving profitability to continue as we grow our business. 

For fiscal 2017, we reported net sales of $77.3 million, a 7.0% increase over $72.2 million in the prior fiscal year. 
Because of the focus on more profitable brands, total gross profit increased 11.0% to $31.7 million, as compared to $28.6 
million for the prior fiscal year. 

U.S.  depletions  of  Jefferson’s  bourbons  increased  18.7%  to  65,000  cases,  resulting  in  Jefferson’s  again  being 
named a “Hot Prospect” brand by Impact, a leading industry newsletter, based on accelerated sales growth in recent years. 
To support the continued growth of Jefferson’s, we acquired an additional 10,000 barrels of bourbon by expanding our 
new-fill  programs  and  purchasing  aged  bulk  bourbon.    Based  on  IWSR  data,  Jefferson’s  is  one  of  the  top-five  selling 
premium small batch bourbons in the U.S and the only leading small batch brand not owned by a major spirits company. 

Goslings Rum sales remained strong and sales of Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer increased 24.4% from the prior 
fiscal  year  to  1,387,000  cases.  In  March  2017,  Goslings  Stormy  Ginger  Beer  was  launched  in  all  of  Walmart’s 
approximately 4,500 U.S. locations. Based on IWSR and Nielsen data, Goslings is one of the top-ten selling premium 
imported rums in the U.S. and Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer is now the top selling ginger beer in the U.S. Because of the 
increasing importance of Goslings Rum and Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, we increased our interest in Gosling-Castle 
Partners, Inc. (“GCP”) to 80.1%, which also enabled consolidation for tax purposes. GCP holds the exclusive long-term 
export and distribution rights for Goslings Rum and Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer in all countries other than Bermuda.   

As we look ahead, we remain focused on maintaining this positive momentum in our business. We will continue 

to work to make Castle Brands solidly profitable and to build shareholder value.  

Mark E. Andrews, III 
Chairman of the Board 

Richard J. Lampen 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

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

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 
or 
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the transition period from       to        

Commission file number 001-32849 

Castle Brands Inc. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Florida 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

122 East 42nd Street, Suite 5000 
New York, New York 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

41-2103550 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

10168 
(Zip Code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (646) 356-0200 

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

Title of Each Class 
Common stock, $0.01 par value 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered 
NYSE MKT 

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

None. 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [  ] No [X] 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data 
File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such 
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ] 

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

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

[  ] Large accelerated filer 
[  ] Non-accelerated filer 
[  ] Emerging growth company 

[X] Accelerated filer 
[  ] Smaller reporting company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying 

with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ] 

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the September 30, 2016 closing 
price was approximately $74,623,615 based on the closing price per share as reported on the NYSE MKT on such date. The registrant had 163,122,883 
shares of common stock outstanding at June 9, 2017. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this annual report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the definitive Proxy Statement for 
the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or an amendment to this annual report on Form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
no later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year covered by this report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASTLE BRANDS INC. 
FORM 10-K 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART I 

Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

Business ........................................................................................................................................  
Risk Factors ..................................................................................................................................  
Unresolved Staff Comments .........................................................................................................  
Properties ......................................................................................................................................  
Legal Proceedings ........................................................................................................................  
Mine Safety Disclosures ...............................................................................................................  

PART II 

Item 5. 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 
Item 7A. 
Item 8. 
Item 9. 
Item 9A. 
Item 9B. 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities ...........................................................................................................................  
Selected Financial Data ................................................................................................................  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .......  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ......................................................  
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.............................................................................  
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ......  
Controls and Procedures ...............................................................................................................  
Other Information .........................................................................................................................  

PART III 

Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 

Item 13. 
Item 14. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ............................................................  
Executive Compensation ..............................................................................................................  
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder 
Matters ..........................................................................................................................................  
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ..............................  
Principal Accounting Fees and Services .......................................................................................  

Item 15. 
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ......................................................................................  
Form 10-K Summary ....................................................................................................................  
Item 16. 
SIGNATURES ....................................................................................................................................................  

PART IV 

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Item 1. Business 

Overview 

PART I 

We develop and market premium and super premium brands in the following beverage alcohol categories: rum, 
whiskey,  liqueurs,  vodka  and  tequila.  We  also  develop  and  market  related  non-alcoholic  beverage  products,  including 
Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer. We distribute our products in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia and in thirteen 
primary  international  markets,  including  Ireland,  Great  Britain,  Northern  Ireland,  Germany,  Canada,  France,  Finland, 
Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the Duty Free markets. We market the following brands, among others: 

Jefferson’s® bourbon 
Jefferson’s Reserve® 
Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® 
Jefferson’s Wine Finish Collection 
Jefferson’s The Manhattan: Barrel Finished Cocktail 
Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration 
Jefferson’s Wood Experiment 
Jefferson’s Presidential Select™ 
Jefferson’s Straight Rye whiskey 

●  Goslings rum® 
●  Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer 
●  Goslings Dark ‘n Stormy® ready-to-drink cocktail 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
●  Pallini® liqueurs 
●  Clontarf® Irish whiskey 
●  Knappogue Castle Whiskey® 
●  Brady’s® Irish Cream 
●  Boru® vodka 
●  Tierras™ tequila 
●  Celtic Honey® liqueur 
●  Gozio® amaretto 
●  The Arran Malt® Single Malt Scotch Whisky 
●  The Robert Burns Scotch Whiskeys 
●  Machrie Moor Scotch Whiskeys 

Our brands 

We market the premium and super premium brands listed below. 

Goslings rums and ginger beer. We are the exclusive global distributor (other than in Bermuda) for Goslings 
rums, including Goslings Black Seal Dark Rum, Goslings Gold Seal Rum and Goslings Old Rum. The Gosling family 
produces  these  rums  in  Bermuda,  where  Goslings  rums  have  been  under  continuous  production  and  ownership  by  the 
Gosling family for over 200 years. We hold an 80.1% controlling interest in Gosling-Castle Partners Inc., or GCP, a global 
export venture between us and the Gosling family. GCP has the exclusive long-term export and distribution rights for the 
Goslings rum products for all countries other than Bermuda. The Goslings rum brands accounted for approximately 24% 
and 26% of our revenues for our 2017 and 2016 fiscal years, respectively. We also are the exclusive global distributor 
(other  than  in  Bermuda  and  various  regional  markets)  of  Goslings  Stormy  Ginger  Beer,  an  essential  non-alcoholic 
ingredient in Goslings trademarked Dark ‘n Stormy® rum cocktail and the Goslings Dark ‘n Stormy® cocktail in a ready-
to-drink can. 

Jefferson’s  bourbons  and  rye  whiskey.  We  develop  and  market  four  premium,  very  small  batch  bourbons: 
Jefferson’s, Jefferson’s Reserve, Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea and Jefferson’s Presidential Select. Each of these four 
distinct premium Kentucky bourbons is blended in batches using select barrels of certain mash bills and ages to produce 
specific flavor profiles. We also market Jefferson’s Straight Rye Whiskey, a premium whiskey distilled from 100% North 
American rye, Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration, a blend of bourbon and rye, Jefferson’s The Manhattan: Barrel Finished 
Cocktail, a ready-to-drink cocktail, Jefferson’s Wine  Finish Collection, bourbons aged in wine barrels, and Jefferson’s 
Wood Experiment, innovative wood-finished bourbons. 

Clontarf Irish whiskeys. Our family of Clontarf Irish whiskeys currently represents a majority of our case sales 
of Irish whiskey. Clontarf, an accessible and smooth premium Irish whiskey, is distilled using quality grains and pure Irish 
spring water. Clontarf is then aged in bourbon barrels and mellowed through Irish oak charcoal. Clontarf is available in 
single malt and classic versions. 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Knappogue Castle whiskies. We developed our Knappogue Castle Whiskey, a single malt Irish whiskey, to build 
on  both  the  popularity  of  single  malt  Scotch  whisky  and  the  growth  in  the  Irish  whiskey  category.  Knappogue  Castle 
Whiskey is distilled in pot stills using malted barley and is aged twelve years. We have introduced Knappogue Twin Wood, 
the  first  Sherry  Finished  Knappogue  Castle  Whiskey.  The  whiskey  is  matured  for  sixteen  years  in  two  types  of  wood 
resulting in a perfectly balanced single malt Irish whiskey with a complex, rich taste and a slightly sweet sherry finish. 
Knappogue Castle 1951 is a pure pot-still whiskey that was distilled in 1951 and then aged for 36 years in sherry casks. 
The name comes from an Irish castle, formerly owned by Mark Edwin Andrews, the originator of the brand and the father 
of Mark Andrews, our chairman. 

Brady’s Irish Cream liqueurs. Brady’s Irish Cream, a high quality Irish cream, is made in small batches using 

Irish whiskey, dairy fresh cream and natural flavors. 

Boru vodka. Boru vodka, a premium vodka produced in Ireland, was developed in 1998 and is named after the 
legendary High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, who united the Irish clans and drove foreign invaders out of Ireland. It is five-
times distilled using pure spring water for smoothness and filtered through ten feet of charcoal made from Irish oak for 
increased purity. 

Celtic Honey liqueur. Celtic Honey is a premium brand of Irish liqueur that is a unique combination of Irish 
spirits,  cognac  and  a  taste  of  honey.  Gaelic  Heritage  Corporation  Limited,  an  affiliate  of  one  of  our  bottlers,  has  the 
exclusive rights to produce and supply us with Celtic Honey. 

Pallini liqueurs. We have the exclusive U.S. distribution rights (excluding duty free sales) for Pallini Limoncello 
and its related brand extensions. Pallini Limoncello is a premium lemon liqueur, which is served ice cold, on the rocks or 
as an ingredient in a wide variety of drinks, ranging from martinis to iced tea. It is also used in cooking, particularly for 
pastries and cakes. Pallini Limoncello is crafted from an authentic family recipe. It is made with Italy’s finest Sfusato 
Amalfitano lemons that are hand-selected for optimal freshness and flavor. There are two other flavor extensions of this 
Italian  liqueur:  Pallini  Peachcello,  made  with  white  peaches,  and  Pallini  Raspicello,  made  from  a  combination  of 
raspberries and other berries. 

Tierras tequilas. “Tequila Tierras Autenticas de Jalisco”™ or “Tierras” is an organic, super-premium, USDA 
certified organic tequila and is available as blanco, reposado and añejo. We are the exclusive U.S. importer and marketer 
of Tierras. 

Gozio amaretto. We are the exclusive U.S. distributor for Gozio amaretto, which is made from a secret recipe that 

combines selected fruits from four continents. 

Arran Scotch whiskies. In 2017, we became the exclusive U.S. distributor for the Arran Scotch whiskies. Arran 
Scotch whiskies are produced by Isle of Arran Distillers, an independent distiller of premium quality Single Malt Scotch 
whiskies. Located in the village of Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, the distillery opened in 1995 and is the only whisky 
producer on the island. The Arran portfolio includes the classic 10 Years Old, the new 18 Years Old as well as the official 
Robert Burns whiskies, endorsed by the World Burns Federation, and the limited edition Machrie Moor Scotch Whiskies. 

Our strategy 

Our  objective  is  to  continue  building  Castle  Brands  into  a  profitable  international  spirits  company,  with  a 

distinctive portfolio of premium and super premium spirits brands. To achieve this, we continue to seek to: 

● 

focus on our more profitable brands and markets. We continue to focus our distribution efforts, sales 
expertise and targeted marketing activities on our more profitable brands and markets; 

●  grow  organically.  We  believe  that  continued  organic  growth  will  enable  us  to  achieve  long-term 
profitability. We focus on brands that have profitable growth potential and staying power, such as our 
rums and whiskies, sales of which have grown substantially in recent years; 

●  build  consumer  awareness.  We  use  our  existing  assets,  expertise  and  resources  to  build  consumer 

● 

● 

awareness and market penetration for our brands; 
leverage our distribution network. Our established distribution network in all 50 U.S. states enables us 
to  promote  our  brands  nationally  and  makes  us  an  attractive  strategic  partner  for  smaller  companies 
seeking U.S. distribution; and 
selectively add new brand extensions and brands to our portfolio. We intend to continue to introduce 
new  brand  extensions  and  expressions.  For  example,  we  have  leveraged  our  successful  Jefferson’s 
portfolio by introducing a number of brand extensions. Additionally, we recently added the Arran Scotch 
whiskies to our portfolio as agency brands. We continue to explore strategic relationships, joint ventures 
and acquisitions to selectively expand our premium spirits portfolio. We expect that future acquisitions 
or agency relations, if any, would involve some combination of cash, debt and the issuance of our stock. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production and supply 

There are several steps in the production and supply process for beverage alcohol products. First, all of our spirits 
products are distilled. This is a multi-stage process that converts basic ingredients, such as grain, sugar cane or agave, into 
alcohol. Next, the alcohol is processed and/or aged in various ways depending on the requirements of the specific brand. 
For our vodka, this processing is designed to remove all other chemicals, so that the resulting liquid will be odorless and 
colorless,  and  have  a  smooth  quality  with  minimal  harshness.  Achieving  a  high  level  of  purity  involves  a  series  of 
distillations and filtration processes. 

For our spirits brands, rather than removing flavor, various complex flavor profiles are achieved through one or 
more of the following techniques: infusion of fruit, addition of various flavoring substances, and, in the case of rums and 
whiskeys, aging of the brands in various types of casks for extended periods of time and the blending of several rums or 
whiskeys to achieve a unique flavor profile for each brand. After the distillation, purification and flavoring processes are 
completed, the various liquids are bottled. This involves several important stages, including bottle and label design and 
procurement, filling of the bottles and packaging of the bottles in various configurations for shipment. 

We do not have significant investments in distillation, bottling or other production facilities or equipment. Instead, 
we have entered into relationships with several companies to provide those services to us. We believe that these types of 
arrangements allow us to avoid committing significant amounts of capital to fixed assets and permit us to have the flexibility 
to meet growing sales levels by dealing with companies whose capacity significantly exceeds our current needs. These 
relationships vary on a brand-by-brand basis as discussed below. As part of our ongoing cost-containment efforts, we intend 
to continue to review each of our business relationships to determine if we can increase the efficiency of our operations. 

Goslings rum and ginger beer 

Goslings rums have been produced by the Gosling family in Hamilton, Bermuda for over 200 years and, under 
our distribution arrangements with Gosling’s Export (Bermuda) Limited (“Gosling’s Export”), they have retained the right 
to act as the sole supplier to GCP with respect to our Goslings rum requirements. Goslings sources its rums in the Caribbean 
and transports them to Bermuda where they are blended according to proprietary recipes. The rums are then sent to a plant, 
owned and operated by a third party, in the United States, where they are bottled, packaged, stored and shipped to our third-
party warehouse. We believe that Gosling’s Export’s blending and storage facilities in Bermuda will accommodate our 
projected supply needs for the foreseeable future. We believe our third-party U.S. bottler has ample capacity to meet our 
projected bottling needs for the foreseeable future. See “Strategic brand-partner relationships.” 

Our Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer is produced, canned and/or bottled by third-party soft-drink bottlers and canners 
to Goslings’ formula and requirements. We believe these bottlers and canners have ample capacity to meet our projected 
supply needs for the foreseeable future. 

Knappogue Castle and Clontarf Irish whiskeys 

In 2012, we entered into two long-term supply agreements with Irish Distillers Limited (“IDL”), a subsidiary of 
Pernod Ricard, under which it has agreed to supply us with the aged single malt and grain whiskeys used in our Knappogue 
Castle  whiskey  products  and  all  of  our  Clontarf  Irish  whiskey  products.  The  first  supply  agreement  provides  for  the 
production of blended Irish whiskeys for us until the contract is terminated by either party in accordance with the terms of 
the agreement. IDL may terminate the contract if it provides at least six years prior notice, except for breach. Under this 
agreement, we provide IDL with a forecast of the estimated amount of liters of pure alcohol we require for the next four 
fiscal contract years and agree to purchase that amount, subject to certain annual adjustments. The second supply agreement 
provides for the production of single malt Irish whiskeys for us until the contract is terminated by either party in accordance 
with the terms of the agreement. IDL may terminate the contract if it provides at least thirteen years prior notice, except 
for breach. Under this agreement, we provide IDL with a forecast of the estimated amount of liters of pure alcohol we 
require for the next twelve fiscal contract years and agree to purchase that amount, subject to certain annual adjustments. 
We are not obligated to pay for any product not yet received. The whiskeys are then sent to Terra Limited (“Terra”) in 
Baileyboro, Ireland, where they are bottled in bottles we designed and packaged for shipment. We believe that Terra, which 
also acts as bottler for certain of our Boru vodka and as producer and bottler of our Brady’s Irish Cream (and as bottler for 
Celtic Honey, which is supplied to us by one of Terra’s affiliates), has sufficient bottling capacity to meet our current needs, 
and both Terra and IDL have the capacity to meet our projected supply needs for the foreseeable future. 

3 

Terra provides intake, storage, sampling, testing, filtering, filling, capping and labeling of bottles, case packing, 
warehousing and loading and inventory control for our Knappogue Castle and Clontarf Irish whiskeys at prices that are 
adjusted annually by mutual agreement based on changes in raw materials and consumer price indexes increases up to 
3.5%  per  annum.  This  agreement  also  provides  for  maintenance  of  product  specifications  and  minimum  processing 
procedures, including compliance with applicable food and alcohol regulations and maintenance, storage and stock control 
of all raw products and finished products delivered to Terra. Terra holds all alcohol on its premises under its customs and 
excise bond. Our bottling and services agreement with Terra will expire on June 30, 2017. We expect to continue to operate 
under the terms of the expiring contract as we negotiate a new agreement with Terra. We believe we could obtain alternative 
sources of bottling and services if we are unable to renew the existing Terra contract. 

Jefferson’s whiskeys 

Our Jefferson’s whiskey portfolio is bottled for us by Luxco, Inc. (“Luxco”), in Cleveland, OH, from our stocks 
of aged bourbon and rye. Bourbon has been in short supply in the U.S. in recent years, and we continue to actively seek 
alternate  sourcing  for  future  supply.  We  have  acquired  stocks  of  aged  bourbon,  which  we  anticipate  will  supply  our 
currently forecasted needs for the Jefferson’s brand, although there is no assurance we can source adequate amounts of 
bourbon or rye, if demand is greater than expected, at satisfactory prices. 

We are parties to a supply agreement with a bourbon distiller, which provides for the production of newly distilled 
bourbon whiskey through June 30, 2026. Under this agreement, the distiller provides us with an agreed upon amount of 
original proof gallons of newly distilled bourbon whiskey, subject to certain annual adjustments. We are not obligated to 
pay the distiller for any product not yet received. Also, if the distiller has excess inventory in any year, we have the right, 
but not the obligation, to purchase such excess. 

We have entered into another supply agreement with a bourbon distiller, which provided for the production of 
newly distilled bourbon whiskey through December 31, 2019. In March 2017, the distiller notified us that it would terminate 
this agreement effective on December 31, 2017. Under this agreement, the distiller provides us with an agreed upon amount 
of original proof gallons of newly distilled bourbon whiskey, subject to certain annual adjustments. We are not obligated 
to pay the distiller for any product not yet received. We believe we can obtain alternative sources of newly distilled bourbon 
following the termination of this agreement. 

Boru vodka 

We have a supply agreement with a leading European producer of grain neutral spirits to provide us with the 
distilled alcohol used in our Boru vodka. The supply agreement provides for the producer to produce natural spirit for us 
with specified levels of alcohol content pursuant to specifications set forth in the agreement and at specified prices through 
its  expiration  in  December  2017,  in  quantities  designated  by  us.  We  believe  that  the  producer  has  sufficient  distilling 
capacity to meet our needs for Boru vodka for the foreseeable future. In the event that we do not renew the production 
agreement, we believe that we will be able to obtain grain neutral spirits from another supplier. 

The five-times distilled alcohol is delivered from the producer to the bottling premises at Terra, where it is filtered 
in several proprietary ways, and pure water is added to achieve the desired proof. Depending on the size of the bottle, Boru 
vodka is then either bottled at Terra or shipped in bulk to the U.S. and bottled at Luxco, where we bottle certain sizes for 
the U.S. market. We believe that both Terra and Luxco have sufficient bottling capacity to meet our current needs, and 
both have the capacity to meet our anticipated future supply needs. As described above, our bottling and services agreement 
with Terra will expire on June 30, 2017. We expect to continue to operate under the terms of the expiring contract as we 
negotiate a new agreement with Terra. We believe we could obtain alternative sources of bottling and services if we are 
unable to renew the existing Terra contract. 

Brady’s Irish Cream 

Brady’s Irish Cream is produced for us by Terra. Fresh cream is combined with Irish whiskey, grain neutral spirits 
and various flavorings to our specifications, and then bottled by Terra in bottles designed for us. We believe that Terra has 
the capacity to meet our foreseeable supply needs for this brand. As described above, our bottling and services agreement 
with Terra will expire on June 30, 2017. We expect to continue to operate under the terms of the expiring contract as we 
negotiate a new agreement with Terra. We believe we could obtain alternative sources of bottling and services if we are 
unable to renew the existing Terra contract. 

Celtic Honey liqueur 

Gaelic Heritage Corporation Limited, an affiliate of Terra, has a contractual right to act as the sole supplier to us 
of Celtic Honey. Gaelic Heritage mixes the ingredients comprising Celtic Honey using a proprietary formula and then 
Terra bottles it for them in bottles designed for us. We believe that the necessary ingredients are available to Gaelic Heritage 
in  sufficient  supply and  that  Terra’s bottling capacity  is currently  adequate  to  meet  our projected supply needs for  the 
foreseeable future. See “Strategic brand-partner relationships.” 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pallini liqueurs 

Pallini SpA (“Pallini”), as successor in interest to I.L.A.R. S.p.A., an Italian company based in Rome and owned 
since 1875 by the Pallini family, produces Pallini Limoncello, Raspicello and Peachcello. Pallini bottles the liqueurs at its 
plant in Rome and ships them to us under our long-term exclusive U.S. marketing and distribution agreement. We believe 
that  Pallini  has  adequate  facilities  to  produce  and  bottle  sufficient  Limoncello,  Peachcello  and  Raspicello  to  meet  our 
projected supply needs for the foreseeable future. See “Strategic brand-partner relationships.” 

Gozio amaretto 

We are the exclusive U.S. distributor for Gozio amaretto. Gozio amaretto is produced by Distillerie Franciacorta, 
a spirits company founded in 1901 and owned by the Gozio family. The company is located in Franciacorta, in the Italian 
Region of Lombardy. We believe that Distillerie Franciacorta has sufficient capacity to meet our projected supply needs 
for the foreseeable future for this brand. 

Tierras tequilas 

Tierras is being produced for us in Mexico by Autentica Tequilera S.A. de C.V. Autentica Tequilera currently 
sources organic agave from third-parties, and together with its affiliates is in the process of cultivating its own supply of 
organic agave. Autentica Tequilera distills and bottles the tequila at its facility in the Jalisco region of Mexico. Tierras is 
available as blanco, reposado and añejo. The blanco is unaged, the reposado is aged in oak barrels at the distillery for up 
to one year, and the añejo is aged in oak barrels at the distillery for at least one year. We believe that, given the ability of 
Autentica Tequilera to purchase organic agave and its anticipated cultivation of organic agave, Autentica Tequilera has 
sufficient capacity to meet our projected supply needs for the foreseeable future for this brand. 

Arran Scotch Whiskies 

We are the exclusive U.S. distributor for the Isle of Arran premium whisky portfolio, produced by the Isle of 
Arran Distillers. The Isle of Arran Distillers is an independent distiller of premium quality Single Malt Scotch whiskeys. 
Located in the village of Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, the distillery opened in 1995 and is the only whisky producer on 
the island. The Arran’s portfolio includes the classic 10 Years Old, the new 18 Years Old as well as the official Robert 
Burns whiskeys, endorsed by the World Burns Federation, and the Machrie Moor whiskeys. We believe that the Isle of 
Arran Distillers has sufficient capacity to meet our projected supply needs for the foreseeable future for these brands. 

Distribution network 

We  believe  that  the  distribution  network  that  we  have  developed  with  our  sales  team  and  our  independent 
distributors and brokers is one of our strengths. We currently have distribution and brokerage relationships with third-party 
distributors in all 50 U.S. states, as well as distribution arrangements in approximately 20 other countries. 

U.S. distribution 

Background. Importers of beverage alcohol in the U.S. must sell their products through a three-tier distribution 
system.  Typically,  an  imported brand  is first sold  to  a U.S.  importer,  who  then  sells it  to  a network of distributors,  or 
wholesalers, covering the U.S., in either “open” states or “control” states. In the 33 open states, the distributors are generally 
large,  privately-held  companies.  In  the  17 control states, the  states  themselves  function  as  the distributor, and regulate 
suppliers such as us. The distributors and wholesalers in turn sell to individual retailers, such as liquor stores, restaurants, 
bars, supermarkets and other outlets licensed to sell beverage alcohol. In larger states such as New York, more than one 
distributor may handle a brand in separate geographical areas. In control states, importers sell their products directly to 
state liquor authorities, which distribute the products and either operate retail outlets or license the retail sales function to 
private companies, while maintaining strict control over pricing and profit. 

The  U.S.  spirits  industry  has  consolidated  dramatically  over  the  last  ten  years  due  to  merger  and  acquisition 
activity. There are currently at least twelve major spirits companies, each of which own and operate their own importing 
businesses. All companies, including these large companies, are required by law to sell their products through wholesale 
distributors in the U.S. The major companies are exerting increasing influence over the regional distributors and as a result, 
it has become more difficult for smaller companies to get their products recognized by the distributors. We believe our 
established distribution network in all 50 states allows us to overcome a significant barrier to entry in the U.S. beverage 
alcohol  market  and  enhances  our  attractiveness  as  a  strategic  partner  for  smaller  companies  lacking  comparable 
distribution. 

5 

For fiscal 2017, our U.S. sales represented approximately 90.3% of our revenues, and we expect them to remain 
relatively consistent as a percentage of our total sales in the near future. See note 16 to our accompanying consolidated 
financial statements. 

Importation. We currently hold the federal importer and wholesaler license required by the Alcohol and Tobacco 
Tax and Trade Bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department, and the requisite state license in all 50 states and the District of 
Columbia. 

Our  inventory  is  strategically  maintained  in  large  bonded  warehouses  and  shipped  nationally  by  an  extensive 

network of licensed and bonded carriers. 

Wholesalers and  distributors.  In  the  U.S.,  we  are  required  by  law  to  use  state-licensed  distributors  or,  in  the 
control states, state-owned agencies performing this function, to sell our brands to retail outlets. As a result, we depend on 
distributors for sales, for product placement and for retail store penetration. We currently have no distribution agreements 
or minimum sales requirements with any of our U.S. alcohol distributors, and they are under no obligation to place our 
products or market our brands. All of the distributors also distribute our competitors’ products and brands. As a result, we 
must  foster  and  maintain  our  relationships with  our  distributors.  Through  our  internal  sales  team,  we  have  established 
relationships for our brands with wholesale distributors in each state, and our products are currently sold in the U.S. by 
approximately 80 wholesale distributors, as well as by various state beverage alcohol control agencies. 

International distribution 

In  our  foreign  markets,  most  countries  permit  sales  directly  from  the  brand  owner  to  retail  establishments, 
including liquor stores, chain stores, restaurants and pubs, without requiring that sales go through a wholesaler tier. In our 
international markets, we rely primarily on established spirits distributors in much the same way as we do in the U.S. We 
have  engaged  an  international  beverage  alcohol  broker  to  represent  our  brands  in  approximately  twenty  international 
markets. We use Terra and other bonded warehouses and logistic providers to handle the billing, inventory and shipping 
for us for some products in certain of our non-U.S. markets. 

As  in  the  U.S.,  the  beverage  alcohol  industry  has  undergone  consolidation  internationally,  with  considerable 
realignment  of  brands  and  brand  ownership.  The  number  of  major  spirits  companies  internationally  has  been  reduced 
significantly due to mergers and brand ownership consolidation. While there are still a substantial number of companies 
owning one or more brands, most business is now done by the twelve major companies, each of which owns and operates 
its own distribution company that distributes in the major international markets. These captive distribution companies focus 
primarily on the brands of the companies that own them. 

Even though we do not utilize the direct route to market in our international operations, we do not believe that we 
are at a significant disadvantage, because the local importers/distributors typically have established relationships with the 
retail accounts and are able to provide extensive customer service, in store merchandising and on premise promotions. 
Also, even though we must compensate our wholesalers and distributors in each market in which we sell our brands, we 
are, as a result of using these distributors, still able to benefit from substantially lower infrastructure costs and centralized 
billing and collection. 

Our primary international markets are Ireland, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, France, Finland, 
Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Duty Free markets. We also have sales in other countries in continental Europe, Latin 
America, the Caribbean and Asia. For fiscal 2017, non-U.S. sales represented approximately 9.7% of our revenues. See 
note 16 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

Significant customers 

Sales to one distributor, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits and related entities, accounted for approximately 

36.6% of our consolidated revenues for fiscal 2017. 

Our sales team 

While we currently expect more rapid growth in the U.S., our primary market, international markets hold potential 

for future growth and are part of our global strategy. 

We  currently  have  a  total  sales  force  of  25  people,  including  five  regional  U.S.  vice  presidents  who  have 

significant industry experience with premium beverage alcohol brands. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our sales personnel are engaged in the day-to-day management of our distributors, which includes setting quotas, 
coordinating promotional plans for our brands, maintaining adequate levels of stock, brand education and training and sales 
calls with distributor personnel. Our sales team also maintains relationships with key retail customers through independent 
sales  calls.  They  also  schedule  promotional  events,  create  local  brand  promotion  plans,  host  in-store  tastings  where 
permitted and provide wait staff and bartender training and education for our brands. 

Advertising, marketing and promotion 

To build our brands, we must effectively communicate with three distinct audiences: our distributors, the retail 
trade and the end consumer. Advertising, marketing and promotional activities help to establish and reinforce the image of 
our brands in our efforts to build substantial brand value. We believe our execution of disciplined and strategic branding 
and marketing campaigns will continue to drive our future sales. 

We employ full-time, in-house marketing, sales and customer service personnel who work together with third 
party design and advertising firms to maintain a high degree of focus on each of our product categories and build brand 
awareness through innovative marketing activities. We use a range of marketing strategies and tactics to build brand equity 
and increase sales, including consumer and trade advertising, price promotions, point-of-sale materials, event sponsorship, 
in-store  and  on-premise  promotions  and  public  relations,  as  well  as  a  variety  of  other  traditional  and  non-traditional 
marketing techniques, including social media marketing, to support our brands. 

Besides  traditional  advertising,  we  also  employ  three  other  marketing  methods  to  support  our  brands:  public 
relations, event sponsorships and tastings. Our significant U.S. public relations efforts have helped gain editorial coverage 
for  our  brands,  which  increases  brand  awareness.  Event  sponsorship  is  an  economical  way  for  us  to  have  influential 
consumers taste our brands. We actively contribute product to trend-setting events where our brand has exclusivity in the 
brand category. We also conduct hundreds of in-store and on-premise promotions each year. 

We support our brand marketing efforts with an assortment of point-of-sale materials. The combination of trade 
and consumer programs, supported by attractive point-of-sale materials, also establishes greater credibility for us with our 
distributors and retailers. 

Strategic brand-partner relationships 

We  forge  strategic  relationships  with  emerging  and  established  spirits  brand  owners  seeking  opportunities  to 
increase their sales beyond their home markets and achieve global growth. This ability is a key component of our growth 
strategy and one of our competitive strengths. Our original relationship with the Boru vodka brand was as its exclusive 
U.S. distributor. To date, we have also established strategic relationships for Goslings rums, Pallini liqueurs, Celtic Honey 
liqueur, the Arran Scotch Whiskies, Tierras tequilas and Gozio amaretto, as described below, and we intend to seek to 
expand our brand portfolio through similar future arrangements. 

Gosling-Castle Partners Inc./Goslings rums and ginger beer 

In 2005, we entered into an exclusive national distribution agreement with Gosling’s Export for the Goslings rum 
products. We subsequently purchased a 60% controlling interest in GCP, a strategic export venture with the Gosling family. 
In March 2017, we purchased an additional 20.1% interest in GCP and, accordingly, we now own 80.1% of GCP. Pursuant 
to an export agreement entered into between Gosling’s Export and GCP, Gosling’s Export assigned to GCP all of Gosling’s 
Export’s interest in our distribution agreement with them. GCP holds the exclusive distribution rights for Goslings rum 
products and Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer on a worldwide basis (other than in Bermuda). The export agreement expires 
in April 2030, with ten-year renewal terms thereafter, subject to specific termination rights held by each party. Under the 
export agreement, in the event Gosling’s Export decides to sell any or all of its trademarks (or other intellectual property 
rights) relating to the Goslings’ products (other than Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer) during the term of the export agreement, 
GCP has a right of first refusal to purchase said trademark(s) (and intellectual property rights, if applicable) at the same 
price being offered by a bona fide third-party offerer. If GCP does not exercise its right of first refusal, then we have an 
identical right of first refusal. In the event Gosling’s Export decides to sell any or all of its products (other than Goslings 
Stormy Ginger Beer) and/or trademark(s) (other than Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer), whether sold to an affiliate, a third 
party, GCP or us, GCP is entitled to share in the proceeds of such sale, according to a schedule specified in the export 
agreement. Also, in the event Gosling’s Export should decide to sell Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer or trademarks relating 
to Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, whether sold to an affiliate, a third party, GCP or us, then, Gosling’s Export agrees to 
share  with  GCP  an  amount  equal  to  a  certain  percentage  of  the  proceeds  of  any  such  sale  as  specified  in  the  export 
agreement.  The  Goslings,  through  Gosling  Brothers  Limited,  have  the  right  to  act  as  the  sole  supplier  to  GCP  for  our 
Goslings rum requirements. Polar Corp., the exclusive U.S. manufacturer of the ginger beer, is authorized to purchase 
product from GCP to sell directly on a non-exclusive basis to its existing customers that are grocery supermarket chains, 
drug  store  chains  or  convenience  store  chains  located  in New England and  New York  through direct  store delivery  or 
approved wholesalers, and on a limited basis to sell to liquor stores in New England that are its existing clients. See Item 
7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and Results of Operations-Recent  Developments for 
additional information regarding the March 2017 Goslings share acquisition. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pallini SpA/Pallini liqueurs 

We  have  an  exclusive  marketing  and  distribution  agreement  with  Pallini  under  which  we  distribute  Pallini 

Limoncello, Peachcello and Raspicello liqueurs in the U.S. We began shipping these products in September 2005. 

Our agreement with Pallini expires on March 31, 2021, subject to successive five-year renewals unless either party 
delivers a notice of non-renewal six months prior to the end of the term. Under the agreement, if minimum shipment targets 
are not achieved and not cured, Pallini has the right to terminate the agreement without payment of termination fees to us. 
However, if such targets are met, we have the right under the agreement to receive certain termination payments and other 
payments  upon  the  non-renewal  of  the  agreement,  certain  terminations  of  the  agreement  or  the  sale  of  the  brand.  The 
exclusive territory under the agreement is the 50 states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia. 

Autentica Tequilera S.A. de C.V./Tierras tequilas 

In February 2008,  we  entered  into  an  importation  and  marketing  agreement  with  Autentica  Tequilera  S.A. de 
C.V., under which we became the exclusive U.S. importer of Tierras. In February 2013, the agreement renewed for an 
additional five  years  in  accordance with  its terms.  During the  term, we have  the  right  to purchase  tequila  at stipulated 
prices.  Autentica  Tequilera  must  maintain  certain  standards  for  its  products,  and  we  have  input  into  the  product  and 
packaging.  We  are  required  to  prepare  periodic  reports  detailing  the  development  of  the  brand’s  sales.  Under  this 
agreement, we have rights of first refusal for any new market for Tierras (except Mexico), and any new Autentica Tequilera 
products in any market (except Mexico). We also have a right of first refusal on any sale of the Tierras brand, and a right 
to acquire up to 35% of the economic benefit of any such sale with a third-party based upon the achievement of certain 
cumulative sales targets. 

Gozio amaretto 

In November 2011, we entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Distillerie Franciacorta S.p.A. under 
which we are the exclusive distributor of Gozio amaretto in the U.S. The agreement had an initial five-year term, and has 
automatic five-year renewals unless either party delivers a notice of non-renewal six months prior to the end of the term. 
During the term, we have the right to purchase Gozio amaretto at stipulated prices and Distillerie Franciacorta Spa must 
maintain certain standards for its products. We are required to prepare periodic reports detailing the development of the 
brand’s sales and prepare annual strategic marketing and growth plans. 

Arran Scotch Whiskies 

In  February 2017,  we  entered  into  an  exclusive  distribution  agreement  with  the  Isle  of  Arran  Distillers  under 
which we are the exclusive distributors for The Arran Malt Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, the Robert Burns Single Malt 
Scotch Whisky and Blended Scotch Whisky and the Machrie Moor whiskeys in the U.S. market. The agreement has an 
initial  term  expiring  on  March  31,  2022,  and  has  automatic  five-year  renewals  upon  our  achieving  certain  minimum 
purchase requirements. During the term, we have the right to purchase Isle of Arran, Robert Burns and Machrie Moor 
products at stipulated prices and Isle of Arran must maintain certain standards for its products. We are required to prepare 
periodic reports detailing the development of the brand’s sales and prepare annual strategic marketing and growth plans. 

Intellectual property 

Trademarks are an important aspect of our business. We sell our products under a number of trademarks, which 
we own or use under license. Our brands are protected by trademark registrations or are the subject of pending applications 
for  trademark  registration  in  the  U.S.,  the  European  Union  and  most  other  countries  where  we  distribute,  or  plan  to 
distribute, our brands. The trademarks may be registered in the names of our subsidiaries and related companies. Generally, 
the term of a trademark registration varies from country to country, and, in the U.S., trademark registrations need to be 
renewed  every  ten  years.  We  expect  to  register  our  trademarks  in  additional  markets  as  we  expand  our  distribution 
territories. 

We have entered into distribution agreements for brands owned by third parties, such as the Goslings rums, the 
Pallini liqueurs, Isle of Arran whiskeys, Tierras tequilas and Gozio amaretto. The Goslings rum brands, Pallini liqueurs, 
Isle of Arran and Robert Burns Scotch whiskeys and Gozio amaretto are registered by their respective owners and we have 
the exclusive right to distribute the Goslings rums on a worldwide basis (other than in Bermuda) and the Pallini liqueur 
brands, Isle of Arran, Robert Burns and Machrie Moor Scotch whiskeys and Gozio amaretto in the U.S. Goslings also has 
a trademark for their signature rum cocktail, Dark ‘n Stormy. Autentica Tequiliera holds the registered U.S. trademark for 
Tequila Tierras Autenticas de Jalisco and its distinctive label. See “Strategic brand-partner relationships.” 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seasonality 

Our industry is subject to seasonality with seasonal holiday buying typically generating peak retail sales in the 
fourth calendar quarter (our third fiscal quarter). Historically, this holiday demand typically resulted in slightly higher sales 
for us in our third and/or fourth fiscal quarters. 

Competition 

The beverage alcohol industry is highly competitive. We believe that we compete on the basis of quality, price, 
brand recognition and distribution strength. Our premium brands compete with other alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages 
for  consumer  purchases,  retail  shelf  space,  restaurant  presence  and  wholesaler  attention.  We  compete  with  numerous 
multinational producers and distributors of beverage alcohol products, many of which have greater resources than us. 

Over the past ten years, the U.S. wine and spirits industry has undergone dramatic consolidation and realignment 
of brands and brand ownership. The number of major importers in the U.S. has declined significantly. Today there are at 
least  twelve  major  companies:  Diageo  PLC,  Pernod  Ricard  S.A.,  Bacardi  Limited,  Brown-Forman  Corporation,  Beam 
Suntory  Inc.,  Davide  Campari  Milano-S.p.A.,  Remy  Cointreau  S.A.,  LVMH  Moët  Hennessy  Louis  Vuitton  S.A, 
Constellation  Brands,  Inc.,  Proximo  Spirits,  Sazerac  Company,  Inc.,  Heaven  Hill  Brands  and  William  Grant  &  Sons 
Distillers, Ltd. 

We believe that we are sometimes in a better position to partner with small to mid-size brands than the major 
importers. Despite our relative capital position and resources, we have been able to compete with these larger companies 
in pursuing agency distribution agreements and acquiring brands by being more responsive to private and family-owned 
brands, offering flexible transaction structures and providing brand owners the option to retain local production and “home” 
market  sales. Given our  size  relative  to our  major  competitors,  most of which have  multi-billion dollar operations,  we 
believe that we can provide greater focus on smaller brands and tailor transaction structures based on individual brand 
owner preferences. However, our relative capital position and resources may limit our marketing capabilities, limit our 
ability to expand into new markets and limit our negotiating ability with our distributors. 

By focusing on the premium and super-premium segments of the market, which typically have higher margins, 
and having an established, experienced sales force, we believe we are able to gain relatively significant attention from our 
distributors  for  a  company  of  our  size.  Our  U.S.  regional  vice  presidents  provide  long-standing  relationships  with 
distributor personnel and with their major customers. Finally, the continued consolidation among the major companies is 
expected  to  create  an  opportunity  for  small  to  mid-size  wine  and  spirits  companies,  such  as  ourselves,  as  the  major 
companies contract their portfolios to focus on fewer brands. 

Government regulation 

We  are  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Federal  Alcohol  Administration  Act,  U.S.  Customs  Laws,  Internal 

Revenue Code of 1986, and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws of all fifty states. 

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulates the production, blending, 
bottling, sales and advertising and transportation of alcohol products. Also, each state regulates the advertising, promotion, 
transportation, sale and distribution of alcohol products within its jurisdiction. We are also required to conduct business in 
the U.S. only with holders of licenses to import, warehouse, transport, distribute and sell spirits. 

In Europe, we are subject to similar regulations related to the production of spirits. 

We are subject to U.S. and European regulations on the advertising, marketing and sale of beverage alcohol. These 
regulations  range  from  a  complete  prohibition  of  the  marketing  of  alcohol  in  some  countries  to  restrictions  on  the 
advertising style, media and messages used. 

Labeling of spirits is also regulated in many markets, varying from health warning labels to importer identification, 
alcohol strength and other consumer information. All beverage alcohol products sold in the U.S. must include warning 
statements related to risks of drinking beverage alcohol products. 

We are also subject to certain regulatory requirements regarding minimum aging of spirits. 

In the U.S. control states, the state liquor commissions act in place of distributors and decide which products are 
to be purchased and offered for sale in their respective states. Products are selected for purchase and sale through listing 
procedures  which  are  generally  made  available  to  new  products  only  at  periodically  scheduled  listing  interviews. 
Consumers may purchase products not selected for listings only through special orders, if at all. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The distribution of alcohol-based beverages is also subject to extensive federal and state taxation in the U.S. and 
internationally. Most foreign countries in which we do business impose excise duties on distilled spirits, although the form 
of such taxation varies from a simple application on units of alcohol by volume to intricate systems based on the imported 
or wholesale value of the product. Several countries impose additional import duty on distilled spirits, often discriminating 
between categories in the rate of such tariffs. Import and excise duties may have a significant effect on our sales, both 
through reducing the consumption of alcohol and through encouraging consumer switching into lower-taxed categories of 
alcohol. 

We believe that we are in material compliance with applicable federal, state and other regulations. However, we 
operate in a highly regulated industry which may be subject to more stringent interpretations of existing regulations. Future 
compliance costs due to regulatory changes could be significant. 

Since  we  import  distilled  spirits  products  produced  primarily  outside  the  U.S.,  adverse  effects  of  regulatory 
changes are more likely to materially affect earnings and our competitive market position rather than capital expenditures. 
Capital expenditures in our industry are normally associated with either production facilities or brand acquisition costs. 
Because we are not a U.S. producer, changes in regulations affecting production facility operations may indirectly affect 
the costs of the brands we purchase for resale, but we would not anticipate any resulting material adverse impact upon our 
capital expenditures. 

Global conglomerates with international brands dominate our industry. The adoption of more restrictive marketing 
and  sales  regulations  or  increased  excise  taxes  and  customs  duties  could  materially  adversely  affect  our  earnings  and 
competitive industry position. Large international conglomerates have greater financial resources than we do and would 
be better able to absorb increased compliance costs. 

Employees 

As of March 31, 2017, we had 55 employees, 37 of which were in sales and marketing and 18 of which were in 
management, finance and administration. As of March 31, 2017, 51 of our employees were located in the U.S. and four 
were located in Ireland. 

Geographic Information 

We operate in one business — premium beverage alcohol. Our product categories are rum and related products, 
whiskey, liqueurs, vodka and tequila. We report our operations in two geographical areas: International and U.S. See note 
16 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

Corporate Information 

We are a Florida corporation, which was incorporated in 2009. We are the successor to a Delaware corporation, 

which was incorporated in Delaware in 2003. 

Available Information 

Our corporate filings, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current 
reports  on  Form  8-K,  our  proxy  statements  and  reports  filed  by  our  officers  and  directors  under  Section  16(a)  of  the 
Exchange  Act  and  any  amendments  to  those  filings,  are  available,  free  of  charge,  on  our  investor  website, 
http://investor.castlebrandsinc.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we or our officers and directors electronically 
file or furnish such material with the SEC. You may also find our code of business conduct, nominating and corporate 
governance committee charter and audit committee charter on our website. We do not intend for information contained in 
our website, or those of our subsidiaries, to be a part of this annual report on Form 10-K. Shareholders may request paper 
copies of these filings and corporate governance documents, without charge, by written request to Castle Brands Inc., 122 
East 42nd St., Suite 5000, New York, NY 10168, Attn: Investor Relations. 

Also, you may read and copy any materials we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, at the 
SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days during the hours of 
10a.m. to 3p.m. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-
SEC-0330.  The  SEC  maintains  an  Internet  site  (http://www.sec.gov)  that  contains  reports,  proxy  and  information 
statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors 

Risks Relating To Our Business 

We have never been profitable, and believe we will continue to incur net losses for the foreseeable future. 

We have incurred losses since our inception, including a net loss  attributable to common shareholders of $0.9 
million for fiscal 2017, and had an accumulated loss of $148.2 million as of March 31, 2017. We believe that we will 
continue to incur consolidated net losses as we expect to make continued significant investment in product development 
and sales and marketing and to incur significant administrative expenses as we seek to grow our brands. We also anticipate 
that  our  cash  needs  will  exceed  our  income  from  sales  for  the  near  future.  Some  of  our  products  may  never  achieve 
widespread market acceptance and may not generate sales and profits to justify our investment. Also, we may find that our 
expansion plans are more costly than we anticipate and that they do not ultimately result in commensurate increases in our 
sales, which would further increase our losses. We expect we will continue to experience losses and negative cash flow 
from operations, some of which could be significant. Results of operations will depend upon numerous factors, some of 
which are beyond our control, including market acceptance of our products, new product introductions and competition. 
We incur substantial operating expenses at the corporate level, including costs directly related to being an SEC reporting 
company. 

Worldwide and domestic economic trends and financial market conditions could adversely impact our financial 
performance. 

The  worldwide  and  domestic  economies  have  experienced  adverse  conditions  and  may  be  subject  to  future 
deterioration.  We  are  subject  to  risks  associated  with  these  adverse  conditions,  including  economic  slowdown  and  the 
disruption, volatility and tightening of credit and capital markets. 

This global economic situation could adversely impact our major suppliers, distributors and retailers. The inability 
of suppliers, distributors or retailers to conduct business or to access liquidity could impact our ability to distribute our 
products. 

There can be no assurance that market conditions will not deteriorate in the near future. A prolonged downturn, 
worsening  or  broadening  of  the  adverse  conditions  in  the  worldwide  and  domestic  economies  could  affect  consumer 
spending patterns and purchases of our products, and create or exacerbate credit issues, cash flow issues and other financial 
hardships for us and for our suppliers, distributors, retailers and consumers. Depending upon their severity and duration, 
these  conditions  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  business,  liquidity,  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations. 

We may require additional capital, which we may not be able to obtain on acceptable terms, or at all. Our inability 
to raise such capital, as needed, on beneficial terms or at all could restrict our future growth and severely limit our 
operations. 

We have limited capital compared to other companies in our industry. This may limit our operations and growth, 
including  our  ability  to  continue  to  develop  existing  brands,  service  our  debt  obligations,  maintain  adequate  inventory 
levels,  fund  potential  acquisitions  of  new  brands,  penetrate  new  markets,  attract  new  customers  and  enter  into  new 
distribution relationships. If we have not generated sufficient cash from operations to finance additional capital needs, we 
will need to raise additional funds through private or public equity and/or debt financing. We cannot assure you that, if and 
when needed, additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If additional capital is needed and 
either unavailable or cost prohibitive, our operations and growth may be limited as we may need to change our business 
strategy to slow the rate of, or eliminate, our expansion or reduce or curtail our operations. Also, any additional financing 
we undertake could impose covenants upon us that restrict our operating flexibility, and, if we issue equity securities to 
raise capital our existing shareholders may experience dilution and the new securities may have rights, preferences and 
privileges senior to those of our common stock. 

If our brands do not achieve more widespread consumer acceptance, our growth may be limited. 

Most of our brands are early in their growth cycle and have not achieved extensive brand recognition. Also, brands 
we may acquire in the future are unlikely to have established extensive brand recognition. Accordingly, if consumers do 
not accept our brands, we will not be able to penetrate our markets and our growth may be limited. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We depend on a limited number of suppliers. Failure to obtain satisfactory performance from our suppliers or loss 
of our existing suppliers could cause us to lose sales, incur additional costs and lose credibility in the marketplace. 
We also have annual purchase obligations with certain suppliers. 

We depend on a limited number of third-party suppliers for the sourcing of all of our products, including both our 
own proprietary brands and those we distribute for others. These suppliers consist of third-party distillers, bottlers and 
producers in the U.S., Bermuda, the Caribbean and Europe. We rely on the owners of Goslings rum, Pallini liqueurs, Isle 
of Arran whiskeys, Gozio amaretto and Tierras tequila to produce their brands for us. For our proprietary products, we may 
rely on a single supplier to fulfill one or all of the manufacturing functions for a brand. For instance, IDL is the sole provider 
of our single malt, blended and grain Irish whiskeys. We do not have long-term written agreements with all of our suppliers. 
We do not currently have a long-term source for supply of aged rye and there can be no assurance we can source adequate 
amounts of aged bourbon or rye at satisfactory prices, or at all. Also, if we fail to complete purchases of products ordered 
annually, certain suppliers have the right to bill us for product not purchased during the period. The termination of our 
written or oral agreements or an adverse change in the terms of these agreements could have a negative impact on our 
business. If our suppliers increase their prices, we may not have alternative sources of supply and may not be able to raise 
the prices  of  our  products  to cover  all or  even  a portion of  the  increased costs. Also, our  suppliers’ failure  to perform 
satisfactorily or handle increased orders, delays in shipments of products from suppliers or the loss of our existing suppliers, 
especially our key suppliers, could cause us to fail to meet orders for our products, lose sales, incur additional costs and/or 
expose us  to  product  quality  issues. In  turn, this could  cause  us  to  lose  credibility  in  the  marketplace and damage  our 
relationships with distributors, ultimately leading to a decline in our business and results of operations. If we are not able 
to renegotiate these contracts on acceptable terms or find suitable alternatives, our business could be negatively impacted. 

We depend on our independent wholesale distributors to distribute our products. The failure or inability of even a 
few of our distributors to adequately distribute our products within their territories could harm our sales and result 
in a decline in our results of operations. 

We are required by law to use state licensed distributors or, in 17 states known as “control states,” state-owned 
agencies performing this function, to sell our products to retail outlets, including liquor stores, bars, restaurants and national 
chains in the U.S. We have established relationships for our brands with wholesale distributors in each state; however, 
failure to maintain those relationships could significantly and adversely affect our business, sales and growth. Over the 
past decade there has been increasing consolidation, both intrastate and interstate, among distributors. As a result, many 
states now have only two or three significant distributors. Also, there are several distributors that now control distribution 
for several states. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, sales to one distributor accounted for 36.6% of revenues. For 
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, sales to this same distributor accounted for 31.4% of revenues. As a result, if we fail 
to maintain good relations with a distributor, our products could in some instances be frozen out of one or more markets 
entirely. The ultimate success of our products also depends in large part on our distributors’ ability and desire to distribute 
our products to our desired U.S. target markets, as we rely significantly on them for product placement and retail store 
penetration. We have no formal distribution agreements or minimum sales requirements with any of our distributors and 
they are under no obligation to place our products or market our brands. Moreover, all of them also distribute competitive 
brands and product lines. We cannot assure you that our U.S. alcohol distributors will continue to purchase our products, 
commit sufficient time and resources to promote and market our brands and product lines or that they can or will sell them 
to our desired or targeted markets. If they do not, our sales will be harmed, resulting in a decline in our results of operations. 

While most of our international markets do not require the use of independent distributors by law, we have chosen 
to conduct our sales through distributors in all of our markets and, accordingly, we face similar risks to those set forth 
above with respect to our international distribution. Some of these international markets may have only a limited number 
of viable distributors. 

We  must  maintain  a  relatively  large  inventory  of  our  products,  including  aging  bourbon,  to  support  customer 
delivery requirements, and if this inventory is lost due to theft, fire or other damage or becomes obsolete, our results 
of operations would be negatively impacted. 

We  must  maintain  relatively  large  inventories  to  meet  customer  delivery  requirements  for  our  products.  In 
particular, we must maintain sufficient supplies of aging bourbon to support the Jefferson’s bourbons. We are always at 
risk of loss of that inventory due to theft, fire or other damage, and any such loss, whether insured against or not, could 
cause us to fail to meet our orders and harm our sales and operating results. Also, our inventory may become obsolete as 
we introduce new products, cease to produce old products or modify the design of our products’ packaging, which would 
increase our operating losses and negatively impact our results of operations. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If  we  are  unable  to  identify  and  successfully  acquire  additional  brands  that  are  complementary  to  our  existing 
portfolio, our growth could be limited, and, even if additional brands are acquired, we may not  realize planned 
benefits due to integration difficulties or other operating issues. 

A component of our growth strategy is the acquisition of additional brands that are complementary to our existing 
portfolio through acquisitions of such brands or their corporate owners, directly or through mergers, joint ventures, long-
term exclusive distribution arrangements and/or other strategic relationships. If we are unable to identify suitable brand 
candidates and successfully execute our acquisition strategy, our growth could be limited. Also, even if we are successful 
in acquiring additional brands, we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability levels that justify our investment in, 
or  realize  operating  and  economic  efficiencies  or  other  planned  benefits  with  respect  to,  those  additional  brands.  The 
addition of new products or businesses entails numerous risks with respect to integration and other operating issues, any 
of which could have a detrimental effect on our results of operations and/or the value of our equity. These risks include: 

●  difficulties in assimilating acquired operations or products; 
●  unanticipated costs that could materially adversely affect our results of operations; 
●  negative effects on reported results of operations from acquisition related charges and amortization of 

acquired intangibles; 

●  diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; 
● 
● 
● 

adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers, distributors and retail customers; 
risks of entering new markets or markets in which we have limited prior experience; and 
the potential inability to retain and motivate key employees of acquired businesses. 

Also,  there  are  special  risks  associated  with  the  acquisition  of  additional  brands  through  joint  venture 
arrangements. We may not have a majority interest in, or control of, future joint ventures in which we may enter. There is, 
therefore, risk that our joint venture partners may at any time have economic, business or legal interests or goals that are 
inconsistent with our interests or goals or those of the joint venture. There is also risk that our current or future joint venture 
partners may be unable to meet their economic or other obligations and that we may be required to fulfill those obligations 
alone. 

Our ability to grow through the acquisition of additional brands will also be dependent upon the availability of 
capital  to  complete  the  necessary  acquisition  arrangements.  We  intend  to  finance  our  brand  acquisitions  through  a 
combination of our available cash resources, third -party financing and, in appropriate circumstances, the further issuance 
of equity and/or debt securities; however, our ability to finance such acquisitions may be limited by the terms of our other 
equity and/or debt securities. Acquiring additional brands could have a significant effect on our financial position, and 
could  cause  substantial  fluctuations  in our quarterly  and  yearly  operating  results. Also, acquisitions  could result  in  the 
recording of significant goodwill and intangible assets on our financial statements, the amortization or impairment of which 
would reduce reported earnings in subsequent years. 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations and devaluations may have a significant adverse effect on our revenues, sales, 
costs of goods and overall financial results. 

For fiscal 2017, non-U.S. operations accounted for approximately 9.7% of our revenues. Therefore, gains and 
losses on the conversion of foreign payments into U.S. dollars could cause fluctuations in our results of operations, and 
fluctuating  exchange  rates  could  cause  reduced  revenues  and/or  gross  margins  from  non-U.S.  dollar-denominated 
international sales and inventory purchases. Also, for fiscal 2017, Euro denominated sales accounted for approximately 
6.1% of our total revenue, so a substantial change in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the Euro could have 
a  significant  adverse  effect on  our  financial  results.  Our  ability  to  acquire  spirits  and  produce  and  sell  our  products  at 
favorable prices will also depend in part on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar. We do not currently hedge against these 
risks. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, and our business and stock 
price may be adversely affected if we do not adequately address this weakness or if we have other material weaknesses 
or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. 

Our  management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over  our  financial 
reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. As disclosed in Item 9A 
of this annual report, management identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related to 
the  allocation  of  excise  taxes  and  freight  costs  to  inventory.  A  material  weakness  is  defined  as  a  deficiency,  or  a 
combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a 
material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As 
a result of this material weakness, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not 
effective  based  on  criteria  set  forth  by  the  Internal  Control-Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We are actively engaged in implementing a remediation plan 
designed to address this material weakness. If our remedial measures are insufficient to address the material weakness, or 
if other material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control are discovered or occur in the future, it may 
result in untimely or inaccurate reporting of our financial condition or results of operations. Ineffective internal controls 
could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the 
trading price of our common stock, limit our ability to access the capital markets in the future and require us to incur 
additional costs to improve our internal control systems and procedures. 

A failure of one or more of our key information technology systems, networks, processes, associated sites or service 
providers,  including  as  a  result  of  evolving  cyber  security  and  other  technological  risks,  could  have  a  material 
adverse impact on our business. 

We rely on information technology (IT) systems, networks, and services, including internet sites, data hosting and 
processing facilities and tools, hardware (including laptops and mobile devices), software and technical applications and 
platforms, some of which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used by third-parties or their vendors, to assist us in the 
management of our business. The various uses of these IT systems, networks, and services include, but are not limited to: 
hosting our internal network and communication systems; ordering and managing materials from suppliers; supply/demand 
planning; production; shipping product to customers; hosting our branded websites and marketing products to consumers; 
collecting and storing customer, consumer, employee, investor, and other data; processing transactions; summarizing and 
reporting results of operations; hosting, processing, and sharing confidential and proprietary research, business plans, and 
financial information; complying with regulatory, legal or tax requirements; providing data security; and handling other 
processes necessary to manage our business. 

Increased IT security threats and more sophisticated cyber-crime pose a potential risk to the security of our IT 
systems, networks, and services, as well as the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data. If the IT systems, 
networks, or service providers we rely upon fail to function properly, or if we suffer a loss or disclosure of business or 
other sensitive information, due to any number of causes, ranging from catastrophic events to power outages to security 
breaches,  and  our  business  continuity  plans  do  not  effectively  address  these  failures  on  a  timely  basis,  we  may  suffer 
interruptions in our ability to manage operations and reputational, competitive and/or business harm, which may adversely 
affect our business operations and/or financial condition. In addition, such events could result in unauthorized disclosure 
of  material  confidential  information,  and  we  may  suffer  financial  and  reputational  damage  because  of  lost  or 
misappropriated  confidential  information  belonging  to  us  or  to  our  partners,  our  employees,  customers,  suppliers  or 
consumers. In any of these events, we could also be required to spend significant financial and other resources to remedy 
the  damage  caused  by  a  security  breach  or  to  repair  or  replace  networks  and  IT  systems.  The  trend  toward  public 
notifications of such incidents could exacerbate the harm to our business operations or financial condition. 

Either our or our strategic partners’ failure to protect our respective intellectual property rights could compromise 
our competitive position and decrease the value of our brand portfolio. 

Our business and prospects depend in part on our, and with respect to our agency or joint venture brands, our 
strategic partners’, ability to develop favorable consumer recognition of our brands and trademarks. Although both we and 
our strategic  partners  actively apply for  intellectual  property  registrations  of our brands  and trademarks,  they  could be 
imitated in ways that we cannot prevent. Also, we rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how, concepts and formulas. 
We cannot be certain that the steps taken to protect these intellectual property rights will be sufficient to protect these 
rights. Our business could be adversely affected by the material infringement of such intellectual property rights. We are 
also  subject  to  risks  and  costs  associated  with  the  enforcement  of  our  and  our  partners’  intellectual  property  rights. 
Moreover, we may face claims of misappropriation or infringement of third parties’ rights that could interfere with our use 
of this information. Defending these claims may be costly and, if unsuccessful, may prevent us from continuing to use this 
proprietary information in the future and result in a judgment or monetary damages being levied against  us. We do not 
maintain  non-competition  agreements  with  all  of  our  key  personnel  or  with  some  of  our  key  suppliers.  If  competitors 
independently develop or otherwise obtain access to our or our strategic partners’ trade secrets, proprietary know-how or 
recipes, the appeal, and thus the value, of our brand portfolio could be reduced, negatively impacting our financial results 
and ability to develop our business. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our failure to attract or retain key executive or employee talent could adversely affect our business. 

Our success depends upon the efforts and abilities of our senior management team, other key employees, and a 
high-quality employee base, as well as our ability to attract, motivate, reward, and retain them. We do not maintain and do 
not intend to obtain key man insurance on the life of any executive or employee. Difficulties in hiring or retaining key 
executive  or  employee  talent,  or  the  unexpected  loss  of  experienced  employees  could  have  an  adverse  impact  on  our 
business performance. In addition, we could experience business disruption and/or increased costs related to organizational 
changes, reductions in workforce, or other cost-cutting measures. 

The sales of our products could decrease significantly if we cannot maintain listings in the control states. 

In the control states, the state liquor commissions act in place of distributors and decide which products are to be 
purchased and offered for sale in their respective states. Products selected for listing must generally reach certain volumes 
and/or profit levels to maintain their listings. Products are selected for purchase and sale through listing procedures which 
are generally made available to new products only at periodically scheduled listing interviews. Products not selected for 
listings can only be purchased by consumers in the applicable control state through special orders, if at all. If, in the future, 
we are unable to maintain our current listings in the control states, or secure and maintain listings in those states for any 
additional products we may acquire, sales of our products could decrease significantly. 

An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill or other acquired intangible assets could negatively affect our 
operating results and shareholders’ equity. 

The carrying value of goodwill represents the fair value of acquired businesses in excess of identifiable assets and 
liabilities  as  of  the  acquisition  date,  net  of  any  cumulative  impairments.  The  carrying  value  of  other  intangible  assets 
represents the fair value of trademarks, trade names and other acquired intangible assets as of the acquisition date, net of 
impairments  and  accumulated  amortization.  Goodwill  and  other  acquired  intangible  assets  expected  to  contribute 
indefinitely to our cash flows are not amortized, but must be evaluated for impairment by our management at least annually. 
If carrying value exceeds current fair value as determined based on the discounted future cash flows of the related business, 
the intangible asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value via a non-cash charge to earnings. If the value of 
goodwill or other acquired intangible assets is impaired, our earnings and shareholders’ equity could be adversely affected. 

Risks Related to Our Industry 

Demand for our products may be adversely affected by many factors, including changes in consumer preferences 
and trends. 

Consumer preferences may shift due to a variety of factors including changes in demographic and social trends, 
public health initiatives, product innovations, changes in vacation or leisure activity patterns and a downturn in economic 
conditions, which may reduce consumers’ willingness to purchase distilled spirits or cause a shift in consumer preferences 
toward beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages. Our success depends in part on fulfilling available opportunities to meet 
consumer needs and anticipating changes in consumer preferences with successful new products and product innovations. 
The competitive position of our brands could also be affected adversely by any failure to achieve consistent, reliable quality 
in the product or in service levels to customers. 

Our business performance is substantially dependent upon the continued growth of rum and whiskey sales. 

A significant part of our business is based on rum and whiskey sales, which represented approximately 61.0% and 
62.1% of our revenues for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Changes in consumer preferences regarding these categories 
of beverage alcohol products may have an adverse effect on our sales and financial condition. Given the importance of our 
rum and whiskey brands to our overall Company success, a significant or sustained decline in volume or selling price of 
these  products  would  likely  have  a  negative  effect  on  our  growth  and  our  stock  price.  Additionally,  should  we  not  be 
successful  in  our  efforts  to  maintain  and  increase  the  relevance  of  the  brands  in  the  minds  of  today’s  and  tomorrow’s 
consumer, our business and operating results could suffer. 

We face substantial competition in our industry and many factors may prevent us from competing successfully. 

We  compete  on  the  basis  of  product  taste  and  quality,  brand  image,  price,  service  and  ability  to  innovate  in 
response to consumer preferences. The global spirits industry is highly competitive and is dominated by several large, well-
funded international companies. It is possible that our competitors may either respond to industry conditions or consumer 
trends more rapidly or effectively or resort to price competition to sustain market share, which could adversely affect our 
sales and profitability. 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adverse public opinion about alcohol could reduce demand for our products. 

Anti-alcohol groups have, in the past, advocated successfully for more stringent labeling requirements, higher 
taxes and other regulations designed to discourage alcohol consumption. More restrictive regulations, negative publicity 
regarding alcohol consumption and/or changes in consumer perceptions of the relative healthfulness or safety of beverage 
alcohol  could  decrease  sales  and  consumption  of  alcohol  and  thus  the  demand  for  our  products.  This  could,  in  turn, 
significantly decrease both our revenues and our revenue growth, causing a decline in our results of operations. 

Class action or other litigation relating to alcohol abuse or the misuse of alcohol could adversely affect our business. 

Companies in the beverage alcohol industry are, from time to time, exposed to class action or other litigation 
relating to alcohol advertising, product liability, alcohol abuse problems or health consequences from the misuse of alcohol. 
It is also possible that governments could assert that the use of alcohol has significantly increased government funded 
health care costs. Litigation or assertions of this type have adversely affected companies in the tobacco industry, and it is 
possible that we, as well as our suppliers, could be named in litigation of this type. 

Also, lawsuits have been brought in a number of states alleging that beverage alcohol manufacturers and marketers 
have  improperly  targeted  underage  consumers  in  their  advertising.  Plaintiffs  in  these  cases  allege  that  the  defendants’ 
advertisements, marketing and promotions violate the consumer protection or deceptive trade practices statutes in each of 
these states and seek repayment of the family funds expended by the underage consumers. While we have not been named 
in these lawsuits, we could be named in similar lawsuits in the future. Any class action or other litigation asserted against 
us could be expensive and time-consuming to defend against, depleting our cash and diverting our personnel resources and, 
if the plaintiffs in such actions were to prevail, our business could be harmed significantly. 

Regulatory decisions and legal, regulatory and tax changes could limit our business activities, increase our operating 
costs and reduce our margins. 

Our  business  is  subject  to  extensive  regulation  in  all  of  the  countries  in  which  we  operate.  This  may  include 
regulations regarding production, distribution, marketing, advertising and labeling of beverage alcohol products. We are 
required to comply with these regulations and to maintain various permits and licenses. We are also required to conduct 
business only with holders of licenses to import, warehouse, transport, distribute and sell beverage alcohol products. We 
cannot assure you that these and other governmental regulations applicable to our industry will not change or become more 
stringent. Moreover, because these laws and regulations are subject to interpretation, we may not be able to predict when 
and to what extent liability may arise. Additionally, due to increasing public concern over alcohol-related societal problems, 
including driving while intoxicated, underage drinking, alcoholism and health consequences from the abuse of alcohol, 
various  levels  of  government  may  seek  to  impose  additional  restrictions  or  limits  on  advertising  or  other  marketing 
activities  promoting  beverage  alcohol  products.  Failure  to  comply  with  any  of  the  current  or  future  regulations  and 
requirements relating to our industry and products could result in monetary penalties, suspension or even revocation of our 
licenses and permits. Costs of compliance with changes in regulations could be significant and could harm our business, 
as we could find it necessary to raise our prices in order to maintain profit margins, which could lower the demand for our 
products and reduce our sales and profit potential. 

Also,  the  distribution  of  beverage  alcohol  products  is  subject  to  extensive  taxation  both  in  the  U.S.  and 
internationally (and, in the U.S., at both the federal and state government levels), and beverage alcohol products themselves 
are the subject of national import and excise duties in most countries around the world. An increase in taxation or in import 
or  excise  duties  could  also  significantly  harm  our  sales  revenue  and  margins,  both  through  the  reduction  of  overall 
consumption and by encouraging consumers to switch to lower-taxed categories of beverage alcohol. 

We  could  face  product  liability  or  other  related  liabilities  that  increase  our  costs  of  operations  and  harm  our 
reputation. 

Although we maintain liability insurance and will attempt to limit contractually our liability for damages arising 
from our products, these measures may not be sufficient for us to successfully avoid or limit liability. Our product liability 
insurance coverage is limited to $1.0 million per occurrence and $2.0 million in the aggregate and our general liability 
umbrella policy is capped at $10.0 million. Further, any contractual indemnification and insurance coverage we have from 
parties supplying our products is limited, as a practical matter, to the creditworthiness of the indemnifying party and the 
insured limits of any insurance provided by these suppliers. In any event, extensive product liability claims could be costly 
to defend and/or costly to resolve and could harm our reputation. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contamination  of  our  products  and/or  counterfeit  or  confusingly  similar  products  could  harm  the  image  and 
integrity of, or decrease customer support for, our brands and decrease our sales. 

The success of our brands depends upon the positive image that consumers have of them. Contamination, whether 
arising accidentally or through deliberate third-party action, or other events that harm the integrity or consumer support for 
our brands, could affect the demand for our products. Contaminants in raw materials purchased from third parties and used 
in the production of our products or defects in the distillation, fermentation or bottling processes could lead to low beverage 
quality as well as illness among, or injury to, consumers of our products and could result in reduced sales of the affected 
brand or all of our brands. We may also be required to recall products in the event of contamination or damage. Also, to 
the extent that third parties sell products that are either counterfeit versions of our brands or brands that look like our brands, 
consumers of our brands could confuse our products with products that they consider inferior. This could cause them to 
refrain from purchasing our brands in the future and in turn could impair our brand equity and adversely affect our sales 
and operations. 

Risks Relating to Owning Our Stock 

The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to resell the shares 
of our stock at prices you find attractive. 

The trading price of our common stock, as reported by the NYSE MKT, has ranged from a low of $0.65 to a high 
of $1.63 per share for the 52 week period ended March 31, 2017. We expect that the market price of our common stock 
will continue to fluctuate significantly. 

The  market  price  of  our  stock  may  fluctuate in response  to numerous factors,  many  of  which  are beyond our 

control. These factors include: 

trading prices of similar securities;  
fluctuations in stock market prices and volume; 

●  variations in quarterly operating results; 
●  general economic and business conditions; 
● 
● 
●  our announcements of significant contracts, milestones or acquisitions; 
●  our relationships with other companies, including our suppliers and distributors; 
●  our ability to obtain needed capital; 
● 

sales of common stock, conversion of securities convertible into common stock, exercise of options to 
purchase common stock or termination of stock transfer restrictions; 
changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; 
additions or departures of key personnel; 
the initiation or outcome of litigation or arbitration proceedings; and 
legislation or regulatory policies, practices or actions. 

● 
● 
● 
● 

Any one of these factors could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. Also, the stock 
market in recent years has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have materially affected the market 
prices  of  equity  securities  of  many  companies  and  that  often  have  been  unrelated  to  such  companies’  operating 
performance. These market fluctuations have adversely impacted the price of our common stock in the past and may do so 
in  the  future.  Also,  shareholders  may  initiate  securities  class  action  lawsuits  if  the  market  price  of  our  stock  drops 
significantly, which may cause us to incur substantial costs and divert our management’s time and attention. These factors, 
among others, could significantly depress the price of our common stock. 

We may not be able to maintain our listing on the NYSE MKT, which may limit the ability of our shareholders to 
sell their common stock. 

If we do not meet the NYSE MKT continued listing criteria, we may be delisted and trading of our common stock 
could be conducted in the OTC Bulletin Board or the interdealer quotation systems of the OTC Markets Group Inc. In such 
case, a shareholder likely would find it more difficult to trade our common stock or to obtain accurate market quotations 
for it. If our common stock is delisted, it will become subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “penny stock 
rules,”  which  impose  sales  practice  requirements  on  broker-dealers  that  sell  that  common  stock  to  persons  other  than 
established customers and “accredited investors.” Application of this rule could make broker-dealers unable or unwilling 
to sell our common stock and limit the ability of shareholders to sell their common stock in the secondary market. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders own a substantial percentage of our voting stock, which 
allows them to significantly influence matters requiring shareholder approval. They could make business decisions 
for us that cause our stock price to decline. 

As of June 9, 2017, our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders beneficially owned approximately 
41.8% of our common stock, including options that are exercisable within 60 days of the date of this annual report and 
assuming full exercise of such options and conversion of our 5% October 2013 convertible notes held by such persons. As 
a result, if they act in concert, they could significantly influence matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including 
the election of directors, and could have the ability to prevent or cause a corporate transaction, even if other shareholders 
oppose such action. This concentration of voting power could also have the effect of delaying, deterring, or preventing a 
change of control or other business combination, which could cause our stock price to decline. 

Provisions in our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and Florida law could make it more difficult for a third party 
to acquire us, discourage a takeover and adversely affect existing shareholders. 

Our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and the Florida Business Corporation Act contain provisions that may 
have the effect of making more difficult, delaying, or deterring attempts by others to obtain control of our company, even 
when these attempts may be in the best interests of our shareholders. These include provisions limiting the shareholders’ 
powers  to  remove  directors.  Our  articles  of  incorporation  also  authorize  our  board  of  directors,  without  shareholder 
approval, to issue one or more series of preferred stock, which could have voting and conversion rights that adversely affect 
or dilute the voting power of the holders of our common stock. Florida law also imposes conditions on certain “affiliated 
transactions” with “interested shareholders.” 

These  provisions  and  others  that  could  be  adopted  in  the  future  could  deter  unsolicited  takeovers  or  delay  or 
prevent changes in our control or management, including transactions in which shareholders might otherwise receive a 
premium for their shares over then current market prices. These provisions may also limit the ability of shareholders to 
approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests. 

Negative publicity could affect our stock price and business performance. 

Unfavorable  media  related  to  our  industry,  company,  brands,  marketing,  personnel,  operations,  business 
performance, or prospects could negatively affect our corporate reputation, stock price, ability to attract high quality talent, 
and/or the performance of our business, regardless of its accuracy or inaccuracy. Adverse publicity or negative commentary 
on social media outlets could cause consumers to avoid our brands and/or choose brands offered by our competitors, which 
could negatively affect our financial results. 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. 

Not applicable. 

Item 2. Properties 

Our executive offices are located in New York, NY, where we lease approximately 5,000 square feet of office 
space under a lease that expires in February 2020. We also lease approximately 750 square feet of office space in Dublin, 
Ireland under a lease that expires in October 2019 and approximately 1,700 square feet of office space in Houston, TX 
under a lease that expires in June 2018. 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings 

We believe that neither we nor any of our wholly-owned subsidiaries is currently subject to litigation which, in 

the opinion of our management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on us. 

We may, however, become involved in litigation from time to time relating to claims arising in the ordinary course 
of our business. These claims, even if not meritorious, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial 
resources. 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II 

Item 5. Market  for  Registrant’s Common  Equity, Related  Shareholder  Matters and  Issuer Purchases of  Equity 
Securities 

Price range of common stock 

Our common stock trades on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “ROX.” The following table sets forth the high 

and low sales prices for our common stock for the periods specified. 

Fiscal 2017 
First Quarter (April 1 — June 30, 2016) ......................       $ 
Second Quarter (July 1 — September 30, 2016) ..........       $ 
Third Quarter (October 1 — December 31, 2016) .......       $ 
Fourth Quarter (January 1 — March 31, 2017) ............       $ 

Fiscal 2016 
First Quarter (April 1 — June 30, 2015) ......................       $ 
Second Quarter (July 1 — September 30, 2015) ..........       $ 
Third Quarter (October 1 — December 31, 2015) .......       $ 
Fourth Quarter (January 1 — March 31, 2016) ............       $ 

High 

Low 

1.08      $ 
0.95      $ 
0.88      $ 
1.63      $ 

1.83      $ 
1.45      $ 
1.47      $ 
1.25      $ 

0.70   
0.74   
0.65   
0.72   

1.30   
1.03   
1.16   
0.78   

Holders 

At June 9, 2017, there were approximately 175 record holders of our common stock. 

Dividend policy 

We did not declare or pay any cash dividends in fiscal 2017 or 2016 and we do not intend to pay any cash dividends 
with  respect  to  our  common  stock  in  the  foreseeable  future.  We  currently  intend  to  retain  any  earnings  for  use  in  the 
operation of our business and to fund future growth. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at our board’s 
discretion and will depend upon our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements and such other factors as 
our board deems relevant. Further, our ability to declare and pay cash dividends is restricted by certain covenants in our 
loan agreements. 

Equity Compensation Plan Information 

The  following  table  sets  forth  information  at  March  31,  2017  regarding  compensation  plans  under  which  our 

equity securities are authorized for issuance. 

Plan category 
Equity compensation plans approved by 
security holders ...........................................       
Equity compensation plans not approved by 
security holders ...........................................       
Total ........................................................       

Number of 
securities 
to be issued 
upon 
exercise of 
outstanding 
options, 
warrants, 
restricted 
stock and 
rights 

Weighted-
average 
exercise price of 
outstanding 
options, 
warrants, 
restricted stock 
and 
rights 

Number of 
securities 
remaining 
available 
for future 
issuance 
under equity 
compensation 
plans 

15,798,558      $ 

0.78        

11,711,000   

-        
15,798,558      $ 

-        
0.78        

-   
11,711,000   

20 

 
 
 
 
    
    
  
  
       
         
    
       
         
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
    
  
 
 
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 

The selected financial data set forth below is derived from our  audited consolidated financial statements. You 
should  read  this  selected  financial  data  together  with  Item  7,  “Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere 
in this annual report on Form 10-K: 

2017 

Years ended March 31, 
2015 

2016 

2014 

2013 

Consolidated statement of operations data 
(in thousands, except per share data): 

Sales, net (1) .........................................................     $ 
Gross profit .........................................................    
Selling expense ...................................................    
Operating income (loss) (2) ..................................    

77,269      $ 
31,700     
20,122     
1,905     

72,220      $ 
28,554     
19,223     
1,006     

57,457      $ 
21,573     
15,255     
(1,078 )   

48,140      $ 
17,604     
12,530     
(1,320 )   

41,443   
14,320   
11,265   
(4,402 ) 

Income (loss) before item shown below .............    
Net change in fair value of warrant liability ........    
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes    
Income tax (expense) benefit (3) ..........................    
Net income (loss) ................................................    
Net income attributable to noncontrolling 
interests ...............................................................    
Net loss attributable to controlling interests ........    
Dividends to preferred shareholders ...................    
Net loss attributable to common shareholders ....     $ 

694     
—     
694     
(188 )   
506     

(256 )   
—     
(256 )   
(1,451 )   
(1,707 )   

(2,195 )   
—     
(2,195 )   
(1,279 )   
(3,474 )   

(3,170 )   
(5,392 )   
(8,562 )   
590     
(7,972 )   

(1,359 )   
(853 )   
—     
(853 )    $ 

(810 )   
(2,517 )   
—     
(2,517 )    $ 

(326 )   
(3,800 )   
—     
(3,800 )    $ 

(935 )   
(8,907 )   
(385 )   
(9,292 )    $ 

(5,259 ) 
302   
(4,957 ) 
118   
(4,839 ) 

(610 ) 
(5,449 ) 
(744 ) 
(6,193 ) 

Net loss per common share basic and diluted (4) ......     $ 
Weighted average shares outstanding basic and 
diluted .....................................................................    

(0.01 )    $ 

(0.02 )    $ 

(0.02 )    $ 

(0.08 )    $ 

(0.06 ) 

160,812     

159,380     

155,456     

116,511     

108,509   

(1)  Sales, net includes excise taxes of $7,646, $7,452, $6,754, $6,421 and $5,964, respectively, for fiscal 

2017 - 2013. 

(2)  Operating loss for the year ended March 31, 2013 includes a $1,716 loss on wine assets. 
(3)  Consists of federal, state and local taxes attributable to GCP, which did not file a consolidated return. 
(4)  Per share computations were impacted positively by the increase in shares outstanding in each of the 

above years. 

2017 

2016 

As of March 31, 
2015 

2014 

2013 

Selected balance sheet data 

(in thousands): 
Cash and cash equivalents ......................     $ 
Working capital ......................................       
Total assets .............................................       
Total debt ...............................................       
Total liabilities .......................................       
Total controlling shareholders’ equity ...       

611      $ 
31,171        
54,342        
34,920        
49,876        
1,987        

1,431      $ 
27,854        
48,610        
13,975        
26,540        
18,906        

1,192      $ 
24,167        
42,546        
12,789        
22,944        
17,058        

909      $ 
17,575        
35,048        
7,575        
16,586        
16,224        

439   
12,454   
31,624   
9,298   
20,207   
10,134   

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Overview 

Our  objective  is  to  continue  building  Castle  Brands  into  a  profitable  international  spirits  company,  with  a 

distinctive portfolio of premium and super premium spirits brands. To achieve this, we continue to seek to: 

● 

focus on our more profitable brands and markets. We continue to focus our distribution efforts, sales 
expertise and targeted marketing activities on our more profitable brands and markets; 

●  grow  organically.  We  believe  that  continued  organic  growth  will  enable  us  to  achieve  long-term 
profitability. We focus on brands that have profitable growth potential and staying power, such as our 
rums and whiskeys, sales of which have grown substantially in recent years; 

●  build  consumer  awareness.  We  use  our  existing  assets,  expertise  and  resources  to  build  consumer 

● 

● 

awareness and market penetration for our brands; 
leverage our distribution network. Our established distribution network in all 50 U.S. states enables us 
to  promote  our  brands  nationally  and  makes  us  an  attractive  strategic  partner  for  smaller  companies 
seeking U.S. distribution; and 
selectively add new brand extensions and brands to our portfolio. We intend to continue to introduce 
new  brand  extensions  and  expressions.  For  example,  we  have  leveraged  our  successful  Jefferson’s 
portfolio by introducing a number of brand extensions. Additionally, we recently added the Arran Scotch 
Whiskies to our portfolio as agency brands. We continue to explore strategic relationships, joint ventures 
and acquisitions to selectively expand our premium spirits portfolio. We expect that future acquisitions 
or agency relations, if any, would involve some combination of cash, debt and the issuance of our stock. 

Recent Developments 

On March 29, 2017, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement under which we acquired 201,000 shares (the 
“GCP Share Acquisition”) of the common stock of Gosling-Castle Partners Inc., or GCP, representing a 20.1% equity 
interest in GCP. GCP is a strategic global export venture between Castle Brands and the Gosling family. As a result of the 
completion of the GCP Share Acquisition, our total equity interest in GCP increased to 80.1%. The consideration for the 
GCP  Share  Acquisition  was  (i)  $20,000,000  in  cash  and  (ii)  1,800,000  shares  of  our  common  stock,  which  shares  are 
subject to an 18 month lockup covenant. As a result of the GCP Share Acquisition, GCP will file as part of our U.S. federal 
consolidated income tax group for periods subsequent to the acquisition. 

In  connection  with  the  GCP  Share  Acquisition,  we  also  entered  into  an  Amended  and  Restated  Distribution 
Agreement  and  an  Export  Agreement  Amendment.  Under  the  Amended  and  Restated  Distribution  Agreement,  our 
subsidiary,  Castle  Brands  (USA)  Corp.  (“CB-USA”),  continues  as  the  exclusive  long-term  importer  and  distributor  of 
certain beverage products, including “Goslings Rum” and “Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer” (collectively, the “Distribution 
Products”) throughout the United States, and such other markets as may be added by mutual consent of the parties (the 
“Distribution Territory”). The initial term of the Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement extends through March 
31, 2030, with automatic ten-year renewal terms thereafter, subject to specific termination rights held by each party. The 
Amended  and  Restated  Distribution  Agreement  automatically  terminates  upon  the  termination,  for  any  reason,  of  the 
Export Agreement. CB-USA will purchase Distribution Products from GCP for distribution in the Distribution Territory 
at prices set forth in the Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement, as may be mutually changed by the parties. CB-
USA is entitled to receive a net margin amount, certain reimbursement costs, and a specified fee to defray normal overhead 
costs, all as specified in the Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement. GCP will maintain primary responsibility and 
bear the costs for the overall marketing, advertising, and promotion of the Distribution Products. Also, CB-USA has a right 
of first refusal regarding the distribution of any other current or future rum or ginger beer products GCP currently maintains 
in, or adds to, its product line for sale in the Distribution Territory. 

Under the Export Agreement Amendment, GCP maintains all global distribution rights (with the exception of 
Bermuda) during the term of the Export Agreement and continues as the exclusive authorized global exporter of certain 
beverage products (the “Export Products”) in all national or international markets, except Bermuda. The Export Agreement 
Amendment, among other things, assigns to GCP global distribution and exporting rights to Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer 
and all other Goslings Ginger Beer products and extends the initial term of the Export Agreement from 15 to 25 years, 
through March 31, 2030, with ten-year renewal terms thereafter, subject to specific termination rights held by each party. 
Under the Export Agreement Amendment, in the event Gosling’s Export decides to sell any or all of its trademarks (or 
other intellectual property rights) relating to the Export Products (other than Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer) during the term 
of the Export Agreement, GCP has a right of first refusal to purchase the trademark(s) (and intellectual property rights, if 
applicable) at the same price being offered by a bona fide third-party offeror. If GCP does not exercise its right of first 
refusal, then we will acquire an identical right of first refusal. In the event Gosling’s Export decides to sell any or all of its 
Export Products and/or trademark(s), whether sold to an affiliate, a third party, GCP or us, GCP is entitled to share in the 
proceeds of such sale, as specified in the Export Agreement Amendment. A copy of the Amended and Restated Distribution 
Agreement and a Restated Export Agreement are filed as exhibits to this annual report on Form 10-K. See Note 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations overview 

We generate revenue through the sale of our products to our network of wholesale distributors or, in control states, 
state-operated agencies, which, in turn, distribute our products to retail outlets. In the U.S., our sales price per case includes 
excise  tax  and  import  duties,  which  are  also  reflected  as  a  corresponding  increase  in  our  cost  of  sales.  Most  of  our 
international sales are sold “in bond”, with the excise taxes paid by our customers upon shipment, thereby resulting in 
lower relative revenue as well as a lower relative cost of sales, although some of our United Kingdom sales are sold “tax 
paid”, as in the U.S. The difference between sales and net sales principally reflects adjustments for various distributor 
incentives. 

Our gross profit is determined by the prices at which we sell our products, our ability to control our cost of sales, 
the relative mix of our case sales by brand and geography and the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Our cost of sales 
is principally driven by our cost of procurement, bottling and packaging, which differs by brand, as well as freight and 
warehousing costs. We purchase certain products, such as Goslings rums and ginger beer, Pallini liqueurs, Arran whiskies, 
Gozio amaretto and Tierras tequila, as finished goods. For other products, such as Jefferson’s bourbons, we purchase the 
components, including the distilled spirits, bottles and packaging materials, and have arrangements with third parties for 
bottling and packaging. Our U.S. sales typically have a higher absolute gross margin than in other markets, as sales prices 
per case are generally higher in the U.S. 

Selling  expense  principally  includes  advertising  and  marketing  expenditures  and  compensation  paid  to  our 
marketing  and  sales  personnel.  Our  selling  expense,  as  a  percentage  of  sales  and  per  case,  is  higher  than  that  of  our 
competitors because of our brand development costs, level of marketing expenditures and established sales force versus 
our relatively small base of case sales and sales volumes. However, we believe that maintaining an infrastructure capable 
of supporting future growth is the correct long-term approach for us. 

While we expect the absolute level of selling expense to increase in the coming years, we expect selling expense 
as a percentage of revenues and on a per case basis to decline or remain constant, as our volumes expand and our sales 
team sells a larger number of brands. 

General and administrative expense relates to corporate and administrative functions that support our operations 
and  includes  administrative  payroll, occupancy  and  related  expenses  and professional services. We  expect  general and 
administrative expense in fiscal 2018 to be higher than fiscal 2017 due to costs associated with increased infrastructure to 
support our growth. However, we expect our general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales to decline due to 
economies of scale. 

We expect to increase our case sales in the U.S. and internationally over the next several years through organic 
growth, and through the introduction of product line extensions, acquisitions and distribution agreements. We will seek to 
maintain liquidity and manage our working capital and overall capital resources during this period of anticipated growth 
to achieve our long-term objectives, although there is no assurance that we will be able to do so. 

We continue to believe the following industry trends will create growth opportunities for us, including: 

● the divestiture of smaller and emerging non-core brands by major spirits companies as they continue to 

consolidate;

● increased barriers to entry, particularly in the U.S., due to continued consolidation and the difficulty in 

establishing an extensive distribution network, such as the one we maintain; and

● the trend by small private and family-owned spirits brand owners to partner with, or be acquired by, a 
company with global distribution. We expect to be an attractive alternative to our larger competitors for 
these brand owners as one of the few modestly-sized publicly-traded spirits companies.

Our growth strategy is based upon growing existing brands, partnering with other brands and acquiring smaller 
and emerging brands. To identify potential partner and acquisition candidates we plan to rely on our management’s industry 
experience and our extensive network of industry contacts. We also plan to maintain and grow our U.S. and international 
distribution channels so that we are more attractive to spirits companies who are looking for a route to market for their 
products. We expect to compete for foreign and small private and family-owned spirits brands by offering flexible and 
creative structures, which present an alternative to the larger spirits companies. 

We intend to finance any future brand acquisitions through a combination of our available cash resources, third 
party financing and, in appropriate circumstances, the further issuance of equity and/or debt securities. Acquiring additional 
brands could have a significant effect on our financial position, and could cause substantial fluctuations in our quarterly 
and yearly operating results. Also, the pursuit of acquisitions and other new business relationships may require significant 
management attention. We may not be able to successfully identify attractive acquisition candidates, obtain financing on 
favorable terms or complete these types of transactions in a timely manner and on terms acceptable to us, if at all. 

23 

Financial performance overview 

The following table provides information regarding our spirits case sales for the periods presented based on nine-
liter equivalent cases, which is a standard spirits industry metric (table excludes related non-alcoholic beverage products): 

Cases 
United States .......................................      
International ........................................      

341,256         
75,113         

340,782         
85,558         

310,106   
82,632   

2017 

Year ended March 31, 
2016 

2015 

Total ...............................................      

416,369         

426,340         

392,738   

Rum ....................................................      
Whiskey ..............................................      
Liqueur ...............................................      
Vodka .................................................      
Tequila ................................................      
Other spirits ........................................      

180,914         
109,223         
93,201         
31,907         
1,124         
—         

180,698         
109,990         
91,010         
43,608         
1,034         
—         

171,189   
84,713   
89,369   
46,347   
1,106   
14   

Total ...............................................      

416,369         

426,340         

392,738   

Percentage of Cases 
United States .......................................      
International ........................................      

82.0 %      
18.0 %      

79.9 %      
20.1 %      

79.0 % 
21.0 % 

Total ...............................................      

100.0 %      

100.0 %      

100.0 % 

Rum ....................................................      
Whiskey ..............................................      
Liqueur ...............................................      
Vodka .................................................      
Tequila ................................................      
Other spirits ........................................      

43.4 %      
26.2 %      
22.4 %      
7.7 %      
0.3 %      
— %      

42.5 %      
25.8 %      
21.3 %      
10.2 %      
0.2 %      
— %      

43.6 % 
21.6 % 
22.7 % 
11.8 % 
0.3 % 
0.0 % 

Total ...............................................      

100.0 %      

100.0 %      

100.0 % 

The following table provides information regarding our case sales of related non-alcoholic beverage products, 

which primarily consists of Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, for the periods presented: 

2017 

Year ended March 31, 
2016 

2015 

Cases 
United States .................................................      
International ..................................................      

1,326,140         
61,740         

1,070,173         
45,101         

682,190   
33,232   

Total ..........................................................      

1,387,880         

1,115,274         

715,422   

United States .................................................      
International ..................................................      

95.6 %      
4.4 %      

96.0 %      
4.0 %      

95.4 % 
4.6 % 

Total ..........................................................      

100.0 %      

100.0 %      

100.0 % 

Critical accounting policies and estimates 

A number of estimates and assumptions affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, amounts of sales and 
expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate 
these  estimates  and  assumptions  based  on  historical  experience  and  other  factors  and  circumstances.  We  believe  our 
estimates and assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances; however, actual results may differ from these estimates. 

We believe that the estimates and assumptions discussed below are most important to the portrayal of our financial 
condition and results of operations in that they require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments and form the 
basis for the accounting policies deemed to be most critical to our operations. 

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Revenue recognition 

We recognize revenue from product sales when the product is shipped to a customer (generally a distributor), title 
and risk of loss has passed to the customer under the terms of sale (FOB shipping point or FOB destination) and collection 
is reasonably assured. We do not offer a right of return but will accept returns if we shipped the wrong product or wrong 
quantity. Revenue is not recognized on shipments to control states in the U.S. until such time as the product is sold through 
to the retail channel. 

Accounts receivable 

We  record  trade  accounts  receivable  at  net  realizable  value.  This  value  includes  an  appropriate  allowance  for 
estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the trade accounts receivable balances and charged to 
the  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts.  We  calculate  this  allowance  based  on  our  history  of  write-offs,  level  of  past  due 
accounts based on contractual terms of the receivables and our relationships with, and economic status of, our customers. 

Inventory valuation 

Our inventory, which consists of distilled spirits, non-beverage alcohol products, dry good raw materials (bottles, 
cans, labels and caps), packaging, excise taxes, freight and finished goods, is valued at the lower of cost or market, using 
the  weighted  average  cost  method.  We  assess  the  valuation  of  our  inventories  and  reduce  the  carrying  value  of  those 
inventories that are obsolete or in excess of our forecasted usage to their estimated realizable value. We estimate the net 
realizable value of such inventories based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future 
demand and market requirements. Reduction to the carrying value of inventories is recorded in cost of goods sold. 

Goodwill and other intangible assets 

At each of March 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $0.5 million of goodwill that arose from acquisitions. Goodwill 
represents  the  excess  of  purchase  price  and  related  costs  over  the  value  assigned  to  the  net  tangible  and  identifiable 
intangible assets of businesses acquired. Intangible assets with indefinite lives consist primarily of rights, trademarks, trade 
names  and  formulations.  We  are  required  to  analyze  our  goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets  with  indefinite  lives  for 
impairment on an annual basis as well as when events and circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. 
In testing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence 
of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the estimated fair 
value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to perform a qualitative assessment and determine that 
an impairment is more likely than not, we are then required to perform a quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further 
analysis  is  required.  We  may  also  elect  not  to  perform  the  qualitative  assessment  and,  instead,  proceed  direct  to  the 
quantitative impairment test. Under the goodwill qualitative assessment, various events and circumstances that would affect 
the estimated fair value of a reporting unit are identified, including, but not limited to: prior years’ impairment testing 
results,  budget  to  actual  results,  Company-specific  facts  and  circumstances,  industry  developments,  and  the  economic 
environment. 

Under the goodwill two-step quantitative impairment test we evaluate the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite 
lived intangible assets at the reporting unit level. In the first step the fair value for the reporting unit is compared to its book 
value including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the book value, a second step is performed which 
compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the book value of the goodwill. The fair value for the 
goodwill is determined based on the difference between the fair values of the reporting units and the net fair values of the 
identifiable assets and liabilities of such reporting units. If the fair value of the goodwill is less than the book value, the 
difference is recognized as an impairment. 

Under the goodwill qualitative assessment at March 31, 2017 and 2016, various events and circumstances that 
would  affect  the  estimated  fair  value  of  each  reporting  unit  were  identified,  including,  but  not  limited  to:  prior  years’ 
impairment testing results, budget to actual results, Company-specific facts and circumstances, industry developments, and 
the economic environment. Based on this assessment, we determined that no quantitative assessment was required. We did 
not record any impairment on goodwill or other intangible assets for fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015. 

Intangible  assets  with  estimable  useful  lives  are  amortized  over  their  respective  estimated  useful  lives  to  the 
estimated  residual  values  and  reviewed  for  impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the 
carrying value may not be recoverable. We are required to amortize intangible assets with estimable useful lives over their 
respective estimated useful lives to the estimated residual values and to review intangible assets with estimable useful lives 
for impairment in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 
310, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets.” 

25 

Stock-based awards 

We  follow  current authoritative  guidance regarding  stock-based  compensation, which  requires  all share-based 
payments, including grants of stock options and restricted stock, to be recognized in the income statement as an operating 
expense, based on their fair values on the grant date. Stock-based compensation was $1.6 million, $1.4 million and $0.8 
million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair 
value of options and restricted stock granted. The assumptions used in valuing the options granted during fiscal 2017, 2016 
and 2015 are included in note 12 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

Fair value of financial instruments 

ASC 825, “Financial Instruments”, defines the fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the 
instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties and requires disclosure of the fair value of 
certain  financial  instruments.  We  believe  that  there  is  no  material  difference  between  the  fair  value  and  the  reported 
amounts of financial instruments in the balance sheets due to the short-term maturity of these instruments, or with respect 
to the debt, as compared to the current borrowing rates available to us. 

Results of operations 

The  following  table  sets  forth,  for  the  periods  indicated,  the  percentage  of  net  sales  of  certain  items  in  our 

consolidated financial statements. 

2017 

Year ended March 31, 
2016 

2015 

Sales, net ..................................................................      
Cost of sales .............................................................      

100.0 %      
59.0 %      

100.0 %      
60.5 %      

Gross profit ..............................................................      

41.0 %      

39.5 %      

Selling expense ........................................................      
General and administrative expense ........................      
Depreciation and amortization .................................      

26.0 %      
11.2 %      
1.3 %      

26.6 %      
10.2 %      
1.3 %      

100.0 % 
62.5 % 

37.5 % 

26.5 % 
11.3 % 
1.6 % 

Income (loss) from operations .................................      

2.5 %      

1.4 %      

(1.9 )% 

Income from equity investment in non-consolidated 
affiliate .....................................................................      
Foreign exchange gain (loss) ...................................      
Interest expense, net .................................................      

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes .....      
Income tax expense, net ...........................................      

Net income (loss) .....................................................      
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests .      

Net loss attributable to common shareholders .........      

0.1 %      
0.1 %      
(1.7 )%      

0.9 %      
(0.2 )%      

0.7 %      
(1.8 )%      

(1.1 )%      

0.0 %      
(0.3 )%      
(1.5 )%      

(0.4 )%      
(2.0 )%      

(2.4 )%      
(1.1 )%      

(3.5 )%      

0.0 % 
(0.0 )% 
(2.0 )% 

(3.8 )% 
(2.2 )% 

(6.0 )% 
(0.6 )% 

(6.6 )% 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
 
 
 
The following is a reconciliation of net loss attributable to common shareholders to EBITDA, as adjusted: 

Net loss attributable to common shareholders ......    $ 
Adjustments: 

Interest expense, net ..........................................      
Income tax expense, net ....................................      
Depreciation and amortization ..........................      
EBITDA income (loss) .........................................      
Allowance for doubtful accounts ......................      
Allowance for obsolete inventory .....................      
Stock-based compensation expense ..................      
Transaction fees ................................................      
Other expense (income), net ..............................      
Income from equity investment in non-
consolidated affiliate .........................................      
Foreign exchange (income) loss ........................      
Net income attributable to noncontrolling 
interests .............................................................      
EBITDA, as adjusted ............................................      

2017 

Year ended March 31, 
2016 

2015 

(852,613 )    $ 

(2,516,368 )    $ 

(3,799,742 ) 

1,335,241        
187,702        
1,030,093        
1,700,423        
123,200        
240,000        
1,577,994        
346,704        
10,660        

(51,430 )      
(83,707 )      

1,088,539        
1,450,848        
939,513        
962,532        
61,000        
200,000        
1,370,556        
—        
666        

(18,667 )      
190,867        

1,129,047   
1,278,999   
907,540   
(484,156 ) 
236,000   
281,000   
787,710   
—   
(16,602 ) 

—   
4,564   

1,359,145        
5,222,989        

809,662        
3,576,616        

325,829   
1,134,345   

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, adjusted for allowances for doubtful 
accounts and obsolete inventory, stock-based compensation expense, transaction fees, other expense (income), net, income 
from  equity  investment  in  non-consolidated  affiliate,  foreign  exchange  and  net  income  attributable  to  noncontrolling 
interests is a key metric we use in evaluating our financial performance. EBITDA, as adjusted, is considered a non-GAAP 
financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We 
consider EBITDA, as adjusted, important in evaluating our performance on a consistent basis across various periods. Due 
to  the  significance  of  non-cash  and  non-recurring  items,  EBITDA,  as  adjusted,  enables  our  Board  of  Directors  and 
management  to  monitor  and  evaluate  the  business  on  a  consistent  basis.  We  use  EBITDA,  as  adjusted,  as  a  primary 
measure,  among  others,  to  analyze  and  evaluate  financial  and  strategic  planning  decisions  regarding  future  operating 
investments  and  allocation  of  capital  resources.  We  believe  that  EBITDA,  as  adjusted,  eliminates  items  that  are  not 
indicative of our core operating performance or are based on management’s estimates, such as allowance accounts, are due 
to changes in valuation, such as the effects of changes in foreign exchange or do not involve a cash outlay, such as stock-
based compensation expense. Our presentation of EBITDA, as adjusted, should not be construed as an inference that our 
future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items or by non-cash items, such as stock-based compensation, 
which is expected to remain a key element in our long-term incentive compensation program. EBITDA, as adjusted, should 
be  considered  in  addition  to,  rather  than  as  a  substitute  for,  income  from  operations,  net  income  and  cash  flows  from 
operating activities. 

Our EBITDA, as adjusted, improved to $5.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $3.6 
million for the prior fiscal year, primarily as a result of our increased sales and gross profit. Our EBITDA, as adjusted, 
improved to $3.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2016, as compared to $1.1 million for the prior year, primarily as a 
result of our increased sales and gross profit. 

Fiscal 2017 compared with fiscal 2016 

Net sales. Net sales increased 7.0% to $77.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $72.2 
million for the prior fiscal year, primarily due to U.S. sales growth of Jefferson’s bourbons and Goslings Stormy Ginger 
Beer, partially offset by decreases in vodka and international Irish whiskey sales. For the year ended March 31, 2017, sales 
of our Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer increased 23.3% to $20.0 million. We anticipate continued growth of Goslings Stormy 
Ginger Beer in the near term due to the popularity of cocktails containing ginger beer, Goslings brand awareness and the 
distribution to large national and regional retailers and on-premise accounts, although there is no assurance that we will 
attain such results. We continue to focus on our faster growing brands and markets, both in the U.S. and internationally. 

27 

 
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
    
         
         
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below presents the increase or decrease, as applicable, in case sales by spirits product category for the 

year ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the year ended March 31, 2016: 

Increase/(decrease) 
in case sales 

Percentage 
increase/(decrease) 

Overall 

U.S. 

Overall 

U.S. 

Rum ...........................................         
Whiskey .....................................         
Liqueur.......................................         
Vodka.........................................         
Tequila .......................................         
Total ...........................................         

216        
(767 )      
2,191        
(11,701 )      
90        
(9,971 )      

2,046        
7,356        
2,213        
(11,231 )      
90        
474        

0.1 %      
(0.7 )%      
2.4 %      
(26.8 )%      
8.7 %      
(2.3 )%      

1.5 % 
9.8 % 
2.4 % 
(28.1 )% 
8.7 % 
0.1 % 

Our international spirits case sales as a percentage of total spirits case sales decreased to 18.0% for the year ended 
March 31, 2017 as compared to 20.1% for the prior fiscal year, primarily due to decreased Irish whiskey and rum sales in 
certain  international  markets  resulting  in  part  from  the  timing  of  shipments  to  large  retailers  in  Great  Britain  and 
Scandinavia. 

The following table presents the increase in case sales of related non-alcoholic beverage products for the year 

ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the year ended March 31, 2016: 

Increase 
in case sales 

Percentage 
Increase 

Overall 

U.S. 

Overall 

U.S. 

Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage 
Products .......................................       

272,606        

255,967        

24.4 %      

23.9 % 

Gross profit. Gross profit increased 11.0% to $31.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2017 from $28.6 million 
for the prior fiscal year, while gross margin increased to 41.0% for the year ended March 31, 2017 as compared to 39.5% 
for the prior fiscal year. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to increased aggregate revenue in the current period. 
During each of the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we recorded additions to allowance for obsolete and slow moving 
inventory of $0.2 million. We recorded these write-offs and allowances on both raw materials and finished goods, primarily 
in connection with label and packaging changes made to certain brands, as well as certain cost estimates and variances. 
The net charges have been recorded as an increase to cost of sales in the relevant period. Net of the allowances for obsolete 
inventories, gross margin for the year ended March 31, 2017 was 41.2% as compared to 39.8% for the prior-year period. 

Selling expense. Selling expense increased 4.7% to $20.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2017 from $19.2 
million for the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in advertising, marketing and promotion expense 
related to the timing of certain sales and marketing programs, including Goslings’ sponsorship of the 35th America’s Cup, 
and a $0.9 million increase in salaries and personnel expense due to increased staff and compensation costs, including a 
$0.2 million increase in travel and entertainment expense, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in shipping costs from 
lower sales volume. Selling expense as a percentage of net sales decreased to 26.0% for the year ended March 31, 2017 as 
compared to 26.6% for the prior fiscal year due to increased sales. 

General and administrative expense. General and administrative expense increased 17.0% to $8.6 million for the 
year ended March 31, 2017 from $7.4 million for the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a $0.5 million increase in salaries 
and personnel expense due to increased staff and compensation costs, $0.3 million increase in professional fees due to the 
GCP Share Acquisition, and a $0.1 million increase each in insurance costs, occupancy expense and stock compensation 
expense for our Board of Directors. Increased revenue for the year partially offset the increase in general and administrative 
expenses, which resulted in general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales increasing to 11.2% for the 
year ended March 31, 2017 as compared to 10.2% for the prior fiscal year. 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $1.0 million for the year ended March 31, 

2017 as compared to $0.9 million for the prior fiscal year. 

Income from operations. As a result of the foregoing, we had income from operations of $1.9 million for the year 
ended March 31, 2017 as compared to income from operations of $1.0 million for the prior fiscal year. As a result of our 
focus on our stronger growth markets and better performing brands, and expected growth from our existing brands, we 
anticipate improved results of operations in the near term as compared to prior years, although there is no assurance that 
we will attain such results. 

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Income tax expense, net. Income tax expense, net is the estimated tax expense primarily attributable to the net 
taxable income recorded by our GCP subsidiary, adjusted for changes in the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability 
during the periods, and was net expense of ($0.2) million for the year ended March 31, 2017 as compared to net expense 
of ($1.5) million for the prior fiscal year. The net tax expense for the year ended March 31, 2017 is net of a $0.4 million 
tax benefit from the change in our deferred tax liability. 

Foreign exchange gain (loss). Foreign exchange gain for the year ended March 31, 2017 was $0.1 million as 
compared to a loss of ($0.2) million for the prior fiscal year due to the net effects of fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against 
the Euro and its impact on our Euro-denominated intercompany balances due to our foreign subsidiaries for inventory 
purchases. 

Interest  expense,  net.  We  had  interest  expense,  net  of  ($1.3)  million  for  the  year  ended  March  31,  2017  as 
compared to ($1.1) million for the prior fiscal year due to balances outstanding under our credit facilities. Due to expected 
borrowings  under  credit  facilities  to  finance  additional  purchases  of  aged  whiskies  in  support  of  the  growth  of  our 
Jefferson’s  bourbons  and  other  working  capital  needs,  we  expect  interest  expense,  net  to  increase  in  the  near  term  as 
compared to prior years. 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $1.4 
million for the year ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $0.8 million for the prior fiscal year, both the result of net 
income allocated to the 40.0% noncontrolling interests in GCP. The change in noncontrolling interests from our acquisition 
of an additional 20.1% of GCP occurred at the end of March 2017 and was immaterial on our results. 

Net loss attributable to common shareholders. As a result of the net effects of the foregoing, net loss attributable 
to common shareholders improved to ($0.9) million for the year ended March 31, 2017 as compared to ($2.5) million for 
the prior fiscal year. Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, was ($0.01) per share for the year ended March 31, 
2017 as compared to ($0.02) for the prior fiscal year. 

Fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015 

Net sales. Net sales increased 25.7% to $72.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2016, as compared to $57.5 
million for the prior fiscal year, due to sales growth of our Jefferson’s portfolio and our Goslings rum and Goslings Stormy 
Ginger Beer, partially offset by decreases in sales of vodka. Also, for the year ended March 31, 2016, sales of our Goslings 
Stormy Ginger Beer increased by 400,223 cases, or 56.0%, overall, including a 388,354 case increase, or 57.0%, in U.S. 
case sales as compared to the prior year. We anticipate continued growth of Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer in the near term 
due to the popularity of cocktails containing ginger beer and Goslings brand awareness, although there is no assurance that 
we  will  attain  such  results.  We  continue  to  focus  on  our  faster  growing  brands  and  markets,  both  in  the  U.S.  and 
internationally. 

The table below presents the increase or decrease, as applicable, in case sales by spirits product category for the 

year ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended March 31, 2015: 

Increase/(decrease) 
in case sales 

Percentage 
increase/(decrease) 

Overall 

U.S. 

Overall 

U.S. 

Rum ...........................       
Whiskey .....................       
Liqueur .......................       
Vodka .........................       
Tequila .......................       
Other spirits ...............       

9,509        
25,277        
1,641        
(2,739 )      
(72 )      
(14 )      

9,452        
20,734        
2,644        
(2,068 )      
(72 )      
(14 )      

5.6 %      
29.8 %      
1.8 %      
(5.9 )%      
(6.5 )%      
(100.0 )%      

7.6 % 
38.4 % 
3.0 % 
(4.9 )% 
(6.5 )% 
(100.0 )% 

Total ...........................       

33,602        

30,676        

8.6 %      

9.9 % 

Our international spirits case sales as a percentage of total spirits case sales decreased to 20.1% for the year ended 
March 31, 2016 as compared to 21.0% for the prior year, primarily due to the timing of shipments of rum to our international 
wholesaler. 

The following table presents the increase in case sales of related non-alcoholic beverage products for the year 

ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended March 31, 2015: 

Increase 
in case sales 

Percentage 
increase 

Overall 

U.S. 

Overall 

U.S. 

Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage 
Products .......................................       

399,852        

387,983        

55.9 %      

56.9 % 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
  
     
         
         
    
     
    
 
 
 
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
    
     
  
 
 
Gross profit. Gross profit increased 32.4% to $28.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2016 from $21.6 million 
for the prior fiscal year, and our gross margin increased to 39.5% for the year ended March 31, 2016 compared to 37.5% 
for the prior year. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to increased sales volume and revenue in the current 
period,  while  the  increase  in  gross  margin  was  due  to  increased  sales  of  our  more  profitable  brands,  in  particular  the 
Jefferson’s bourbons, partially offset by increased sales of lower-margin Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer. During the year 
ended March 31, 2016, we recorded an addition to allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory of $0.2 million, as 
compared to $0.3 million for the prior fiscal year. We recorded these allowances on both raw materials and finished goods, 
primarily in connection with label and packaging changes made to certain brands, as well as certain cost variances. The net 
charges have been recorded as an increase to cost of sales in the relevant period. Net of the allowance for obsolete inventory, 
our gross margin for the year ended March 31, 2016 was 39.8% as compared to 38.0% for the prior year. 

Selling expense. Selling expense increased 26.0% to $19.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2016 from $15.3 
million for the prior year, primarily due to a $2.7 million increase in advertising, marketing and promotion expense related 
to  increased  sales  volume  and  the  timing  of  certain  sales  and  marketing  programs,  including  the  35th  America’s  Cup 
sponsorship, and a $1.3 million increase in employee costs. The increase in sales resulted in selling expense as a percentage 
of net sales remaining relatively constant at 26.6% for the year ended March 31, 2016 as compared to 26.5% for the prior 
fiscal year. 

General and administrative expense. General and administrative expense increased 13.8% to $7.4 million for the 
year ended March 31, 2016 from $6.5 million for the prior year, primarily due to a $0.5 million increase in employee 
expense, a $0.4 million increase in professional fees and a $0.4 million increase in stock-based compensation expense, 
offset by a $0.2 million decrease in provision for bad debts and a $0.1 million decrease in insurance expense. Increased 
sales resulted in general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales decreasing to 10.2% for the year ended 
March 31, 2016 as compared to 11.3% for the prior fiscal year. As a result of our becoming an accelerated filer in fiscal 
2015, we experienced increased general and administrative expense due to the costs and fees associated with the additional 
regulatory requirements. 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $0.9 million for each of the years ended March 

31, 2016 and 2015. 

Income (loss) from operations. As a result of the foregoing, results from operations improved to income of $1.0 
million for the year ended March 31, 2016 as compared to a loss of ($1.1) million for the prior year. As a result of our 
focus on our stronger growth markets and better performing brands, and expected growth from our existing brands, we 
anticipate improved results of operations in the near term as compared to prior years, although there is no assurance that 
we will attain such results. 

Income tax expense, net. Income tax expense, net is the estimated tax expense attributable to the net taxable income 
recorded by our 60% owned subsidiary, GCP, adjusted for changes in the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability during 
the periods, and was net expense of ($1.5) million for the year ended March 31, 2016 as compared to net expense of ($1.3) 
million for the prior year. 

Foreign exchange loss. Foreign exchange loss for the year ended March 31, 2016 was ($0.2) million as compared 
to a de minimis loss for the prior fiscal year due to the net effects of fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and its 
impact on our Euro-denominated intercompany balances due to our foreign subsidiaries for inventory purchases. 

Interest expense, net. We had interest expense, net of ($1.1) million for each of the years ended March 31, 2016 
and  2015  due  to  balances  outstanding  under  our  credit facilities.  Due  to  expected  borrowings  under  credit  facilities  to 
finance additional purchases of aged whiskies in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbons and other working 
capital needs, we expect interest expense, net to increase in the near term as compared to prior years. 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was ($0.8) 
million for the year ended March 31, 2016 as compared to ($0.3) million for the prior year, both the result of allocated net 
income recorded by our 60% owned subsidiary, GCP. 

Net loss attributable to common shareholders. As a result of the net effects of the foregoing, net loss attributable 
to common shareholders improved to ($2.5) million for the year ended March 31, 2016 as compared to ($3.8) million for 
the prior year. Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, was ($0.02) per share for each of the years ended March 31, 
2016 and 2015. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity and capital resources 

Overview 

Since our inception, we have incurred significant operating and net losses and have not generated positive cash 
flows from operations. For the year ended March 31, 2017, we had net income of $0.5 million, and used cash of $1.7 
million  in  operating  activities.  As  of  March  31,  2017,  we  had  cash  and  cash  equivalents  of  $0.6  million  and  had  an 
accumulated deficit of $148.2 million. 

Existing Financing 

We  and  our  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  CB-USA,  are  parties  to  an  Amended  and  Restated  Loan  and  Security 
Agreement (as amended, the “Loan Agreement”) with ACF FinCo I LP (“ACF”), which provides for availability (subject 
to certain terms and conditions) of a facility (the “Credit Facility”) to provide us with working capital, including capital to 
finance purchases of aged whiskeys in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbons, in the amount of $19.0 million, 
including a sublimit in the maximum principal amount of $7.0 million to permit us to acquire aged whiskey inventory (the 
“Purchased Inventory Sublimit”) subject to certain conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement. The Credit Facility matures 
on July 31, 2019 (the “Maturity Date”). The monthly facility fee is 0.75% per annum of the maximum Credit Facility 
amount (excluding the Purchased Inventory Sublimit). 

Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, we and CB-USA may borrow up to the lesser of (x) $19.0 million and (y) the 
sum of the borrowing base calculated in accordance with the Loan Agreement and the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. We 
and CB-USA may prepay the Credit Facility in whole or the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, in whole or in part, subject to 
certain prepayment penalties as set forth in the Loan Agreement. The Purchased Inventory Sublimit replaced our bourbon 
term loan (the “Bourbon Term Loan”), which was paid in full in May 2015. 

In  connection  with  the  Loan  Agreement,  we  entered  into  a  Reaffirmation  Agreement  with  (i)  certain  of  our 
officers, including John Glover, our Chief Operating Officer, T. Kelley Spillane, our Senior Vice President - Global Sales, 
and Alfred J. Small, our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Secretary and (ii) certain junior lenders 
of ours, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust, an entity affiliated with Phillip Frost, M.D., a director of ours and a 
principal shareholder of ours, Mark E. Andrews, III, a director of ours and our Chairman, an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen, 
a director of ours and our President and Chief Executive Officer, an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn, a former director of ours, 
Dennis Scholl, a former director of ours, and Vector Group Ltd., a more than 5% shareholder of ours, of which Richard 
Lampen is an executive officer, Henry Beinstein, a director of ours, is a director and Phillip Frost, M.D. is a principal 
shareholder,  which,  among  other  things,  reaffirms  the  existing  Validity  and  Support  Agreements  by  and  among  each 
officer, us and ACF. 

ACF required as a condition to entering into an amendment to the Loan Agreement in August 2015 that ACF enter 
into a participation agreement with certain related parties of ours, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust ($150,000), 
Mark  E.  Andrews,  III  ($50,000),  Richard  J.  Lampen  ($100,000),  Brian  L.  Heller,  our  Special  Counsel  and  Assistant 
Secretary ($42,500), and Alfred J. Small ($15,000), to allow for the sale of participation interests in the Purchased Inventory 
Sublimit  and  the  inventory  purchased  with  the  proceeds  thereof.  The  participation  agreement  provides  that  ACF’s 
commitment to fund each advance of the Purchased Inventory Sublimit shall be limited to seventy percent (70%), up to an 
aggregate  maximum  principal  amount  for  all  advances  equal  to  $4.9  million.  Under  the  terms  of  the  participation 
agreement, the participants receive interest at the rate of 11% per annum. We are not a party to the participation agreement. 
However,  we  and  CB-USA  are  party  to  a  fee  letter  with  the  junior  participants  (including  the  related  party  junior 
participants) pursuant to which we and CB-USA were obligated to pay the junior participants a closing fee of $18,000 on 
the effective date of the amendment to the Loan Agreement and are obligated to pay a commitment fee of $18,000 on each 
anniversary  of  the  effective  date  until  the  junior  participants’  obligations  are  terminated  pursuant  to  the  participation 
agreement. 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We may borrow up to the maximum amount of the Credit Facility, provided that we have a sufficient borrowing 
base  (as  defined  in  the  Loan  Agreement).  The  Credit  Facility  interest  rate  (other  than  with  respect  to  the  Purchased 
Inventory Sublimit) is the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 3.00%, (b) the LIBOR Rate 
plus 5.50% and (c) 6.0%. The interest rate applicable to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit is the rate, that when annualized, 
is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 4.25%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 6.75% and (c) 7.50%. Interest is payable monthly 
in arrears, on the first day of every month on the average daily unpaid principal amount of the Credit Facility. After the 
occurrence and during the continuance of any “Default” or “Event of Default” (as defined under the Loan Agreement) we 
are required to pay interest at a rate that is 3.25% per annum above the then applicable Credit Facility interest rate. The 
Loan Agreement contains EBITDA targets allowing for further interest rate reductions in the future. The Credit Facility 
currently bears interest at 6.5% (reflecting a discount for achieving one such EBITDA target) and the Purchased Inventory 
Sublimit currently bears interest at 8.25%. We are required to pay down the principal balance of the Purchased Inventory 
Sublimit  within  15  banking  days  from  the  completion  of  a  bottling  run  of  bourbon  from  our  bourbon  inventory  stock 
purchased with funds borrowed under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit in an amount equal to the purchase price of such 
bourbon. The unpaid principal balance of the Credit Facility, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and all fees, costs and 
expenses payable in connection with the Credit Facility, are due and payable in full on the Maturity Date. In addition to 
closing fees, ACF receives facility fees and a collateral management fee (each as set forth in the Loan Agreement). Our 
obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured by the grant of a pledge and a security interest in all of our assets. 

In  January  2017,  we  acquired  $1.0  million  in  aged  bulk  bourbon  purchased  under  the  Purchased  Inventory 
Sublimit. Certain related parties, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust ($51,500), Richard J. Lampen ($34,333), Mark 
E. Andrews, III ($17,167), Brian L. Heller ($14,592) and Alfred J. Small ($5,150), were junior participants in the Purchased 
Inventory Sublimit with respect to such purchase. 

The Loan Agreement contains standard borrower representations and warranties for asset-based borrowing and a 
number of reporting obligations and affirmative and negative covenants. The Loan Agreement includes negative covenants 
that, among other things, restrict our ability to create additional indebtedness, dispose of properties, incur liens, and make 
distributions or cash dividends. At March 31, 2017, we were in compliance, in all material respects, with the covenants 
under the Loan Agreement. 

In March 2017, we issued a promissory note to Frost Nevada Investments Trust (the “Holder”), an entity affiliated 
with Phillip Frost, M.D., in the aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million (the “Subordinated Note”). The purpose of the 
Subordinated Note was to finance the GCP Share Acquisition. The Note bears interest quarterly at the rate of 11% per 
annum. The principal and interest accrued thereon is due and payable in full on March 15, 2019. All claims of the Holder 
to principal, interest and any other amounts owed under the Subordinated Note are subordinated in right of payment to all 
indebtedness of the Company existing as of the date of the Subordinated Note. The Subordinated Note contains customary 
events of default and may be prepaid by the Company, in whole or in part, without penalty, at any time. 

In December 2009, GCP issued a promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $0.2 million to Gosling’s 
Export in exchange for credits issued on certain inventory purchases. This note matures on April 1, 2020, is payable at 
maturity, subject to certain acceleration events, and calls for annual interest of 5%, to be accrued and paid at maturity. 

We have arranged various credit facilities aggregating €0.3 million or $0.3 million (translated at the December 
31,  2016  exchange  rate)  with  an  Irish  bank,  including  overdraft  coverage,  creditors’  insurance,  customs  and  excise 
guaranty, and a revolving credit facility. These facilities are payable on demand, continue until terminated by either party, 
are subject to annual review, and call for interest at the lender’s AA1 Rate minus 1.70%. We have deposited €0.3 million 
or $0.3 million (translated at the March 31, 2017 exchange rate) with the bank to secure these borrowings. 

In  October  2013,  we  issued  an  aggregate  principal  amount  of  $2.1  million  of  unsecured  5%  convertible 
subordinated notes (the “Convertible Notes”). We used a portion of the proceeds to finance the acquisition of additional 
bourbon inventory in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbon brand. 

The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5% per annum and mature on December 15, 2018. The Convertible 
Notes, and accrued but unpaid interest thereon, are convertible in whole or in part from time to time at the option of the 
holders thereof into shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), at a conversion price of 
$0.90 per share (the “Conversion Price”). The Convertible Notes may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without 
penalty  or  premium,  but  with  payment  of  accrued  interest  to  the  date  of  prepayment.  The  Convertible  Notes  contain 
customary events of default, which, if uncured, entitle each noteholder to accelerate the due date of the unpaid principal 
amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Note purchasers included certain 
related parties of ours, including an affiliate of Dr. Phillip Frost ($500,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000), an affiliate 
of Richard J. Lampen ($50,000) and Vector Group Ltd. ($200,000). 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We may forcibly convert all or any part of the Convertible Notes and all accrued but unpaid interest thereon if (i) 
the average daily volume of the Common Stock (as reported on the principal market or exchange on which the Common 
Stock is listed or quoted for trading) exceeds $50,000 per trading day and (ii) the volume weighted average price of the 
Common Stock for at least twenty (20) trading days during any thirty (30) consecutive trading day period exceeds 250% 
of the then-current Conversion Price. Any forced conversion will be applied ratably to the holders of all Convertible Notes 
based on each holder’s then-current note holdings. 

In November 2014, we entered into a distribution agreement (the “2014 Distribution Agreement”) with Barrington 
Research Associates, Inc. (“Barrington”) as sales agent, under which we may issue and sell over time and from time to 
time,  to  or  through  Barrington,  shares  (the  “Shares”)  of  our  Common  Stock  having  a  gross  sales  price  of  up  to  $10.0 
million. 

Sales of the Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement may be effected by any method permitted by law 
deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including 
without limitation directly on the NYSE MKT LLC or any other existing trading market for the Common Stock or through 
a market maker, up to the amount specified, and otherwise to or through Barrington in accordance with the placement 
notices  delivered  by  us  to  Barrington.  Also,  with  our  prior  consent,  some  of  the  Shares  issued  pursuant  to  the  2014 
Distribution Agreement may be sold in privately negotiated transactions. 

No shares were issued in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 under the 2014 Distribution Agreement. As of June 
9, 2017, Shares having a gross sales price of up to approximately $4.7 million remained available for issuance pursuant to 
the 2014 Distribution Agreement. 

Liquidity Discussion 

As of March 31, 2017, we had shareholders’ equity of $4.5 million as compared to $22.2 million at March 31, 
2016. This decrease in shareholders’ equity was due to our $0.4 million total comprehensive income for the year ended 
March 31, 2017, offset by our $22.4 million GCP Share Acquisition (comprised of $20 million in cash and 1.8 million 
shares of Common Stock), partially offset by the exercise of stock options and stock-based compensation expense of $1.6 
million. 

We had working capital of $31.2 million at March 31, 2017 as compared to $27.9 million at March 31, 2016, 
primarily due to a $4.1 million increase in inventory, a $2.1 million increase in prepaid expenses and a $1.1 million increase 
in accounts receivable, which was partially offset by net income of $0.5 million, a $2.2 million increase in accounts payable 
and accrued expenses, stock based compensation expense of $1.6 million, a $0.8 million increase in due to related parties 
and depreciation and amortization expense of $1.0 million. 

As of March 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $0.6 million, as compared to $1.4 
million as of March 31, 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to the funding of our operations and working capital 
needs. At March 31, 2017 and 2016, we also had approximately $0.3 million of cash restricted from withdrawal and held 
by a bank in Ireland as collateral for overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, revolving credit and other working capital 
purposes. 

The following may materially affect our liquidity over the near-to-mid term: 

continued cash losses from operations; 

● 
●  our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing should it be required; 
● 

an  increase  in  working  capital  requirements  to  finance  higher  levels  of  inventories  and  accounts 
receivable; 

●  our ability to maintain and improve our relationships with our distributors and our routes to market; 
●  our ability to procure raw materials at a favorable price to support our level of sales; 
●  potential acquisitions of additional brands; and 
● 

expansion into new markets and within existing markets in the U.S. and internationally. 

We continue to implement sales and marketing initiatives that we expect will generate cash flows from operations 
in the next few years. We seek to grow our business through expansion to new markets, growth in existing markets and 
strengthened distributor relationships. As our brands continue to grow, our working capital requirements will increase. In 
particular, the growth of our Jefferson’s brands requires a significant amount of working capital relative to our other brands, 
as we are required to purchase and hold ever increasing amounts of aged bourbon to meet growing demand. While we are 
seeking solutions to our long-term bourbon supply needs, we are required to purchase and hold several years’ worth of 
aged bourbon in inventory until such time as it is aged to our specific brand taste profiles, increasing our working capital 
requirements and negatively impacting cash flows. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We may also seek additional brands and agency relationships to leverage our existing distribution platform. We 
intend to finance any such brand acquisitions through a combination of our available cash resources, borrowings and, in 
appropriate circumstances, additional issuances of equity and/or debt securities. Acquiring additional brands could have a 
significant effect on our financial position, could materially reduce our liquidity and could cause substantial fluctuations 
in our quarterly and yearly operating results. We continue to control expenses, seek improvements in routes to market and 
contain production costs to improve cash flows. 

We  intend  to  restructure  a  portion  of  our  debt,  including  the  Convertible  Notes  and  Subordinated  Note,  by  a 
combination of expanding and extending the Loan Agreement and Credit Facility with ACF, extending the term of the 
existing notes, converting some or all of the debt to equity or paying down the debt with funds that may be raised 2014 
Distribution Agreement. If we are unable to restructure or refinance our debt, or are unable to raise equity on terms that are 
acceptable to us, it could have a significant effect on our financial position, could materially reduce our liquidity and could 
cause substantial fluctuations in our quarterly and yearly operating results. 

As of March 31, 2017, we had borrowed $13.1 million of the $19.0 million available under the Credit Facility, 
including  $3.5  million  of  the  $7.0  million  available  under  the  Purchased  Inventory  Sublimit,  leaving  $2.3  million  in 
potential  availability  for  working  capital  needs  under  the  Credit  Facility  and  $3.5  million  available  for  aged  whiskey 
inventory purchases. As of June 9, 2017, we had borrowed $13.1 million of the $19.0 million available under the Credit 
Facility, including $3.1 million of the $7.0 million available under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, leaving $2.0 million 
in potential availability for working capital needs under the Credit Facility and $3.9 million available for aged whiskey 
inventory purchases. We believe our current cash and working capital, the availability under the Credit Facility and the 
additional  funds  that  may  be  raised  under  the  2014  Distribution  Agreement  will  enable  us  to  fund  our  losses  until  we 
achieve profitability, ensure continuity of supply of our brands, and support new brand initiatives and marketing programs 
through at least June 2018. 

Cash flows 

The following table summarizes our primary sources and uses of cash during the periods presented: 

2017 

Year ended March 31, 
2016 
(in thousands) 

2015 

Net cash provided by (used in): 

Operating activities .....................................................     $ 
Investing activities ......................................................       
Financing activities .....................................................       

(1,723 )    $ 
(20,374 )      
21,281        

(2,854 )    $ 
(990 )      
4,087        

Effect of foreign currency translation .........................       

(3 )      

(4 )      

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents ..     $ 

(819 )    $ 

239      $ 

(8,852 ) 
(495 ) 
9,627   

3   

283   

Operating activities. A substantial portion of available cash has been used to fund our operating activities. In 
general,  these cash  funding requirements  are  based  on  operating  losses, driven  chiefly  by  the  costs in  maintaining  our 
distribution system and our sales and marketing activities. We have also utilized cash to fund our inventories. In general, 
these cash outlays for inventories are only partially offset by increases in our accounts payable to our suppliers. 

On average, the production cycle for our owned brands is up to three months from the time we obtain the distilled 
spirits and other materials needed to bottle and package our products to the time we receive products available for sale, in 
part due to the international nature of our business. We do not produce Goslings rums or ginger beer, Pallini liqueurs, Arran 
Scotch whiskies, Tierras tequila or Gozio amaretto. Instead, we receive the finished product directly from the owners of 
such brands. From the time we have products available for sale, an additional two to three months may be required before 
we sell our inventory and collect payment from customers. Further, our inventory at March 31, 2017 included significant 
additional stores of aged bourbon purchased in advance of forecasted production requirements. We expect to use the aged 
bourbon in the normal course of future sales, generating positive cash flows in future periods. 

During the year ended March 31, 2017, net cash used in operating activities was $1.7 million, consisting primarily 
of a $4.3 million increase in inventory, a $2.1 million increase in prepaid expenses and a $1.2 million increase in accounts 
receivable.  These uses  of  cash were  partially offset  by  $0.5  million  in net income,  a $2.2  million  increase  in  accounts 
payable and accrued expenses, stock based compensation expense of $1.6 million, a $0.8 million increase in due to related 
parties and depreciation and amortization expense of $1.0 million. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
 
 
 
 
 
During the year ended March 31, 2016, net cash used in operating activities was $2.9 million, consisting primarily 
of a net loss of $1.7 million, a $6.5 million increase in inventory, a $0.6 million decrease in due to related parties and a 
$0.1 million increase in prepaid expenses and supplies. These uses of cash were partially offset by a $3.2 million increase 
in accounts payable and accrued expense, a $0.1 million increase in due from affiliates, stock based compensation expense 
of $1.4 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $0.9 million. 

During the year ended March 31, 2015, net cash used in operating activities was $8.9 million, consisting primarily 
of a $7.2 million increase in inventory, a net loss of $3.5 million, a $0.3 million increase in other assets and a $1.7 million 
increase in accounts receivable. These uses of cash were partially offset by a $1.3 million increase in accounts payable and 
accrued  expenses,  a  $0.1  million  decrease  in  prepaid  expenses,  stock  based  compensation  expense  of  $0.8  million, 
depreciation and amortization expense of $0.9 million, a provision for obsolete inventories of $0.3 million and $0.3 million 
in deferred income tax expense, net. 

Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $20.4 million for the year ended March 31, 2017, 
consisting  of  the  $20.0  million  cash  consideration  used  in  the  GCP  Share  Acquisition  and  $0.4  million  used  in  the 
acquisition of fixed and intangible assets. 

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.0 million for the year ended March 31, 2016, representing a $0.5 

million investment in Copperhead Distillery and $0.5 million used in the acquisition of fixed and intangible assets. 

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2015, representing $0.5 million 

used in the acquisition of fixed and intangible assets. 

Financing activities.  Net  cash provided by financing  activities  for  the  year  ended March 31, 2017  was  $21.3 
million,  consisting  of  $20.0  million  in  proceeds  from  the  issuance  of  the  11%  Subordinated  Note,  $1.0  million  in  net 
proceeds from the Credit Facility and $0.3 million from the exercise of stock options. 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended March 31, 2016 was $4.1 million, consisting primarily 
of $3.1 million in net proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement, $2.0 
million in net proceeds from the Credit Facility and $0.4 million from the exercise of Common Stock options, partially 
offset by $0.7 million paid on the Bourbon Term Loan and $0.6 million in dividends paid to non-controlling interests of 
GCP. 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended March 31, 2015 was $9.6 million, consisting of $8.2 
million in net proceeds from the Credit Facility, $3.1 million in net proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock under 
our distribution agreements with Barrington, $0.6 million in proceeds from the exercise of 2011 Warrants and $0.2 million 
in proceeds from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by the $1.25 million repayment of a junior loan and the $1.3 
million paid on the Bourbon Term Loan. 

Obligations and commitments 

The table sets forth our contractual commitments as of March 31, 2017: 

Contractual Obligations 

Less than 1 
year 

Payments due by period 

     1 - 3 years 

     4 - 5 years 

     After 5 years      

Total 

(In thousands) 

Long-term debt obligations (1)    $ 
Supply agreements (2) .............      
Operating leases (3) .................      
Total ................................    $ 

3,211     $ 
3,613       
385       
7,209     $ 

38,216     $ 
3,720       
682       
42,618     $ 

212     $ 
3,048       
-       
3,260     $ 

-     $ 
9,494       
-       
9,494     $ 

41,639   
19,875   
1,067   
62,581   

Interest payments are based on current interest rates at March 31, 2017. Debt principal and debt interest represent 
principal and interest to be paid on our revolving credit facility based on the balance outstanding as of March 31, 2017. 
Interest on the revolving credit facility is calculated using the prevailing rates as of March 31, 2017. Our estimate assumes 
that we will maintain the same levels of indebtedness and financial performance through the credit facility’s maturity in 
July 2019. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      
      
  
 
 
 
(1)  Long-term debt obligations. For more information concerning our long-term debt, see “Liquidity and 

Capital Resources” above and note 8 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

(2)  Supply  agreements.  For  a  discussion  of  our  supply  agreements,  see  note  14  to  our  accompanying 

consolidated financial statements. 

(3)  Operating leases. For a discussion of our operating leases, please see note 14 E to our accompanying 

consolidated financial statements. 

Currency Translation 

The functional currencies for our foreign operations are the Euro in Ireland and the British Pound in the United 
Kingdom. With respect to our consolidated financial statements, the translation from the applicable foreign currencies to 
U.S. Dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue 
and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are 
recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. 

Where in this annual report we refer to amounts in Euros or British Pounds, we have for your convenience also in 
certain cases provided a conversion of those amounts to U.S. Dollars in parentheses. Where the numbers refer to a specific 
balance sheet account date or financial statement account period, we have used the exchange rate that was used to perform 
the conversions in connection with the applicable financial statement. In all other instances, unless otherwise indicated, the 
conversions have been made using the exchange rates as of March 31, 2017, each as calculated from the Interbank exchange 
rates as reported by Oanda.com. On March 31, 2017, the exchange rate of the Euro and the British Pound in exchange for 
U.S. Dollars was €1.00 = U.S.$1.06816 (equivalent to U.S.$1.00 = €0.93618) and £1.00 = U.S.$1.24866 (equivalent to 
U.S.$1.00 = £0.80086). 

These conversions should not be construed as representations that the Euro and British Pound amounts actually 

represent U.S. Dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. Dollars at the rates indicated. 

Impact of inflation 

We believe that our results of operations are not materially impacted by moderate changes in the inflation rate. 
Inflation and changing prices did not have a material impact on our operations during fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015. Severe 
increases  in  inflation,  however,  could  affect  the  global  and  U.S.  economies  and  could  have  an  adverse  impact  on  our 
business, financial condition and results of operations. 

Recent accounting pronouncements 

We discuss recently issued and adopted accounting standards in the “Accounting standards adopted” and “Recent 

accounting pronouncements” sections of note 1 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

This annual report includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities 
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to the discussion of our 
business strategies and our expectations concerning future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources 
and  to  analyses  and  other  information  that  are  based  on  forecasts  of  future  results  and  estimates  of  amounts  not  yet 
determinable.  We  use  words  such  as  “may”,  “will”,  “should”,  “expects”,  “intends”,  “plans”,  “anticipates”,  “believes”, 
“estimates”, “seeks”, “predicts”, “could”, “projects”, “potential” and similar terms and phrases, including references to 
assumptions, in this report to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made based on 
expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties, risks and factors relating to 
our operations and business environments, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, 
that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed or implied by these forward-looking 
statements. These risks and other factors include those listed under “Risk Factors” and as follows: 

●  our history of losses; 
● 

recent worldwide and domestic economic trends and financial market conditions could adversely impact 
our financial performance; 

●  our potential need for additional capital, which, if not available on acceptable terms or at all, could restrict 

our future growth and severely limit our operations; 

●  our brands could fail to achieve more widespread consumer acceptance, which may limit our growth; 
●  our dependence on a limited number of suppliers, who may not perform satisfactorily or may end their 
relationships with us, which could result in lost sales, incurrence of additional costs or lost credibility in 
the marketplace; 

●  our annual purchase obligations with certain suppliers; 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
● 

the failure of even a few of our independent wholesale distributors to adequately distribute our products 
within their territories could harm our sales and result in a decline in our results of operations; 

● 

●  our  need  to  maintain  a  relatively  large  inventory  of  our  products  to  support  customer  delivery 
requirements, which could negatively impact our operations if such inventory is lost due to theft, fire or 
other damage; 
the potential limitation to our  growth if we are unable to identify and successfully acquire additional 
brands that are complementary to our existing portfolio, or integrate such brands after acquisitions; 
currency exchange rate fluctuations and devaluations may significantly adversely affect our revenues, 
sales, costs of goods and overall financial results; 

● 

●  our business and stock price may be adversely affected if we have material weaknesses or significant 

● 

● 

● 

● 
● 

● 
● 

● 

deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting; 
the possibility that we or our strategic partners will fail to protect our respective trademarks and trade 
secrets, which could compromise our competitive position and decrease the value of our brand portfolio; 
the possibility that we cannot secure and maintain listings in control states, which could cause the sales 
of our products to decrease significantly; 
an impairment in the carrying value of our goodwill or other acquired intangible assets could negatively 
affect our operating results and shareholders’ equity; 
changes in consumer preferences and trends could adversely affect demand for our products; 
there is substantial competition in our industry and the many factors that may prevent us from competing 
successfully; 
adverse changes in public opinion about alcohol could reduce demand for our products; 
class action or other litigation relating to alcohol misuse or abuse could adversely affect our business; 
and 
adverse  regulatory  decisions  and  legal,  regulatory  or  tax  changes  could  limit  our  business  activities, 
increase our operating costs and reduce our margins. 

We  assume  no  obligation  to  publicly  update  or  revise  these  forward-looking  statements  for  any  reason,  or  to 
update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in, or implied by, these forward-looking 
statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

Market risk 

We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in market rates and prices, including movements in interest 
rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or 
speculative purposes. In the future, we may enter into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes 
in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, although we do not currently have any such instruments in place. The 
following is additional information about the market risks we are exposed to and how we manage these risks: 

Interest rate risk 

Interest on our Credit Facility (other than with respect to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit) is charged at the rate 
that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 3.00%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 5.50% and (c) 6.00%. The 
interest rate applicable to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit is the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime 
Rate plus 4.25%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 6.75% and (c) 7.50%. As of March 31, 2017, we had $13.1 million outstanding 
under the Credit Facility, including $3.5 million under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, none of which is currently being 
hedged. Interest on our foreign revolving credit facilities is charged at the lender’s AA1 Rate minus 1.70%. As of March 
31, 2017, we had nothing outstanding under our foreign revolving credit facilities. 

A hypothetical one percentage point (100 basis points) increase in the interest rate being charged on the $13.1 
million  of  unhedged  debt  outstanding  under  our  Credit  Facility,  including  the  Purchased  Inventory  Sublimit,  and  our 
foreign  revolving  credit facilities  at  March  31,  2017 would  have  an  impact  of  approximately  $133,386 on  our  interest 
expense for the year. 

Foreign exchange rate risk 

The majority of our sales, net and expenses are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, in the year ended March 31, 
2017,  Euro  denominated  sales  accounted  for  approximately  6.1%  of  our  sales,  net.  We  also  incur  expenses  in  foreign 
currencies, primarily the Euro. In the year ended March 31, 2017, Euro denominated expenses accounted for approximately 
8.6% of our expenses. A substantial change in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the Euro could have a 
significant adverse effect on our financial results. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to 
the Euro and British pound would have had an impact of approximately $319,801 on our income from operations for the 
year ended March 31, 2017. 

If we do not enter into hedging arrangements, the more we expand our business outside the United States, the 
more our financial results will be exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. In the past, we have entered into forward contracts 
from time to time to reduce our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. We recognize derivative contracts in the balance 
sheet at fair value, and reflect any net gains and losses currently in earnings. At March 31, 2017 and 2016, we had no 
forward contracts outstanding. Gain or loss on foreign currency forward contracts, which was de minimis during the periods 
presented, is included in other income and expense. 

The functional currencies for our foreign operations are the Euro in Ireland and the British Pound in the United 
Kingdom. With respect to our consolidated financial statements, the translation from the applicable foreign currencies to 
U.S. Dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue 
and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are 
recorded  as  a  component  of  other  comprehensive  income.  The  effect  of  foreign  currency  translation  was  a  loss  of 
($114,878)  for  the  year  ended  March  31,  2017,  income  of  $92,131  for  the  year  ended  March  31,  2016  and  a  loss  of 
($561,009) for the year ended March 31, 2015. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to the 
Euro and British pound would have had an impact of approximately $280,000 for the year ended March 31, 2017 as a result 
of foreign currency translation. 

Commodity price risk 

We currently are not exposed to commodity price risks. We do not purchase the basic ingredients such as grain, 
sugar  cane  or  agave  that  are  converted  into  alcohol  through  distillation.  Instead,  we  have  relationships  with  various 
companies to provide distillation, bottling or other production services for us. These relationships vary on a brand-by-brand 
basis. 

As of March 31, 2017, we did not have any hedging arrangements in place to protect our exposure to commodity 

price fluctuations. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Index to Financial Statements 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm .....................................................................................  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and 2016 ..................................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 .................................  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 .  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 .....................  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 ................................  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .............................................................................................................  

Page 
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44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 

39 

 
 
  
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders 
Castle Brands Inc. 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Castle  Brands  Inc.  and  subsidiaries  (the 
“Company") as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, 
shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2017. The financial 
statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Company’s  management.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these 
financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its 
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period March 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America. 

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, based on criteria established 
in the 2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission  (“COSO”),  and  our  report  dated  June  14,  2017  expressed  an  adverse  opinion  on  the  Company’s  internal 
control over financial reporting. 

/s/ EisnerAmper LLP 

New York, New York 
June 14, 2017 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 

March 31, 2017 

March 31, 2016 

Current Assets 

ASSETS 

Cash and cash equivalents .................................................................................     $ 
Accounts receivable — net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $302,275 
and $245,238 at March 31,2017 and 2016, respectively ....................................    
Due from shareholders and affiliates .................................................................    
Inventories— net of allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory of 
$312,711 and $331,008 at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively ...................    
Prepaid expenses and other current assets .........................................................    

611,048      $ 

1,430,532   

11,460,432     
—     

29,801,080     
3,674,923     

10,410,571   
3,279   

25,740,192   
1,611,797   

Total Current Assets ..........................................................................................    

45,547,483     

39,196,371   

Equipment — net ...............................................................................................    

909,780     

876,255   

Intangible assets — net of accumulated amortization of $8,035,018 and 
$7,372,585 at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively .......................................    
Goodwill ............................................................................................................    
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate, at equity ............................................    
Restricted cash ...................................................................................................    
Other assets ........................................................................................................    

6,387,330     
496,226     
570,097     
331,455     
99,773     

7,048,302   
496,226   
518,667   
345,076   
129,486   

Total Assets .......................................................................................................     $ 

54,342,144      $ 

48,610,383   

Current Liabilities 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 

Accounts payable ...............................................................................................     $ 
Accrued expenses ..............................................................................................    
Due to shareholders and affiliates ......................................................................    

7,549,942      $ 
4,668,708     
2,158,318     

5,652,260   
4,352,170   
1,338,072   

Total Current Liabilities.....................................................................................    

14,376,968     

11,342,502   

Long-Term Liabilities 

Credit facility, net (including $412,269 and $312,813 of related-party 
participation at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively) ...................................    
Note payable – 11% Subordinated note .............................................................    
Notes payable – 5% Convertible notes (including $1,100,000 of related party 
participation at March 31, 2017 and 2016) ........................................................    
Notes payable – GCP Note ................................................................................    
Deferred tax liability ..........................................................................................    
Other .................................................................................................................    

13,033,075     
20,000,000     

1,675,000     
211,580     
558,766     
20,666     

11,917,694   
—   

1,675,000   
211,580   
1,204,000   
—   

Total Liabilities ..................................................................................................    

49,876,055     

26,350,776   

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11) 

Equity 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued 
and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and 2016 ....................................................    
Common stock, $.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 
2017 and 2016, 162,945,805 and 160,474,777 shares issued and outstanding at 
March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively .............................................................    
Additional paid-in capital ..................................................................................    
Accumulated deficit ...........................................................................................    
Accumulated other comprehensive loss .............................................................    

—     

—   

1,629,458     
150,889,613     
(148,223,822 )   
(2,308,672 )   

1,604,748   
166,866,671   
(147,371,209 ) 
(2,193,794 ) 

Total controlling shareholders’ equity ...............................................................    

1,986,577     

18,906,416   

Noncontrolling interests .....................................................................................    

2,479,512     

3,353,191   

Total Equity .......................................................................................................    

4,466,089     

22,259,607   

Total Liabilities and Equity ...................................................................................     $ 

54,342,144      $ 

48,610,383   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

41 

 
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
      
  
    
  
  
      
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
      
  
    
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
      
  
    
  
  
      
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
      
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
      
  
    
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
      
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
    
 
 
CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 

Sales, net* .......................................................................     $ 
Cost of sales* ..................................................................       

2017 
77,269,131      $ 
45,568,774        

2016 
72,220,368      $ 
43,666,798        

2015 
57,457,421   
35,884,632   

Gross profit .....................................................................       

31,700,357        

28,553,570        

21,572,789   

Selling expense ...............................................................       
General and administrative expense ...............................       
Depreciation and amortization ........................................       

20,122,490        
8,642,775        
1,030,093        

19,222,659        
7,385,851        
939,513        

15,254,818   
6,488,336   
907,540   

Income (loss) from operations ........................................       

1,904,999        

1,005,547        

(1,077,905 ) 

Other (expense) income, net ...........................................       
Income from equity investment in non-consolidated 
affiliate ............................................................................       
Foreign exchange gain (loss) ..........................................       
Interest expense, net ........................................................       

(10,660 )      

(666 )      

16,602   

51,430        
83,706        
(1,335,241 )      

18,667        
(190,867 )      
(1,088,539 )      

—   
(4,564 ) 
(1,129,047 ) 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes ............       
Income tax expense, net ..................................................       

694,234        
(187,702 )      

(255,858 )      
(1,450,848 )      

(2,194,914 ) 
(1,278,999 ) 

Net income (loss) ............................................................       
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests ........       

506,532        
(1,359,145 )      

(1,706,706 )      
(809,662 )      

(3,473,913 ) 
(325,829 ) 

Net loss attributable to common shareholders ................     $ 

(852,613 )    $ 

(2,516,368 )    $ 

(3,799,742 ) 

Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, 
attributable to common shareholders ..............................     $ 

(0.01 )    $ 

(0.02 )    $ 

(0.02 ) 

Weighted average shares used in computation, basic 
and diluted, attributable to common shareholders ..........       

160,811,957        

159,380,223        

155,456,341   



*

Sales, net and Cost of sales include excise taxes of $7,645,789, $7,451,569 and $6,754,453 for the years 
ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

42 

 
  
  
    
    
  
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
 
 
 
CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

Net income (loss) ............................................................     $ 
Other comprehensive (loss) income: 

2017 

Years ended March 31, 
2016 
(1,706,706 )    $ 

506,532      $ 

2015 
(3,473,913 ) 

Foreign currency translation adjustment .....................       

(114,878 )      

92,131        

(561,009 ) 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income: ......................       

(114,878 )      

92,131        

(561,009 ) 

Comprehensive income (loss) .....................................     $ 

391,654      $ 

(1,614,575 )    $ 

(4,034,922 ) 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

43 

 
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
 
 
CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 

Additional 

Accumulated 
Other 

Common Stock 

     Paid-in 
     Amount       Capital 

   Shares 

    Accumulated     Comprehensive     Noncontrolling      Total 
     Equity 
     Deficit 

Interests 

    (Loss) Income     
(1,724,916 )   $ 

(561,009 )     

BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2014 .................     151,841,133     $ 1,518,411     $ 157,485,965     $ (141,055,099 )   $ 
Net (loss) income.........................................     
(3,799,742 )     
Foreign currency translation adjustment .....     
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance 
costs .............................................................      2,537,924       
Exercise of common stock warrants ...........      1,657,802       
Surrender of common stock in connection 
with exercise of common stock warrant .....     
Conversion of 5% convertible notes and 
accrued interest thereon ...............................     
Exercise of common stock options .............     
Stock-based compensation ..........................     

25,379        3,108,189       
613,387       
16,578       

446,400       
216,213       
787,710       

501,574       
677,127       

5,017       
6,771       

(27,902 )     

(30,971 )     

(279 )     

2,217,700     $ 19,935,191   
325,829        (3,473,913 ) 
(561,009 ) 

         3,133,568   
629,965   

(31,250 ) 

451,417   
222,984   
787,710   

BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2015 .................     157,187,658     $ 1,571,877     $ 162,626,893     $ (144,854,841 )   $ 

(2,285,925 )   $ 

2,543,529     $ 21,094,663   

Net (loss) income.........................................     
Foreign currency translation adjustment .....     
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance 
costs of $124,876 .........................................      2,119,282       
Exercise of common stock options .............      1,079,602       
Common stock issued under 2013 
incentive compensation plan .......................     
Subsidiary dividend paid to non-
controlling interests .....................................     
Stock-based compensation ..........................     

88,235       

21,193        3,105,920       
364,184       
10,796       

882       

119,118       

(600,000 )     
         1,250,556       

(2,516,368 )     

92,131       

809,662        (3,199,836 ) 
92,131   

         3,127,113   
374,980   

120,000   

(600,000 ) 
         1,250,556   

BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2016 .................     160,474,777     $ 1,604,748     $ 166,866,671     $ (147,371,209 )   $ 

(2,193,794 )   $ 

3,353,191     $ (22,259,607 ) 

Net (loss) income.........................................     
Foreign currency translation adjustment .....     
Common stock issuance costs .....................     
Exercise of common stock options .............     
Common stock issued in connection with 
the acquisition of an additional 20.1% of 
noncontrolling interests ...............................      1,800,000       
Effect of acquisition of an additional 
20.1% of noncontrolling interests ...............     
Stock-based compensation ..........................     

671,028       

6,710       

(14,355 )     
244,479       

18,000        2,430,000       

         (20,215,176 )     
         1,577,994       

(852,613 )     

1,359,145       

(114,878 )     

506,532   
(114,878 ) 
(14,355 ) 
251,189   

         2,448,000   

(2,232,824 )     (22,448,000 ) 
         1,577,994   

BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2017 .................     162,945,805     $ 1,629,458     $ 150,889,613     $ (148,223,822 )   $ 

(2,308,672 )   $ 

2,479,512     $  4,466,089   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

44 

 
  
  
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
    
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
  
    
        
        
        
        
        
        
    
  
    
        
        
        
        
        
        
    
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
  
    
        
        
        
        
        
        
    
  
    
        
        
        
        
        
        
    
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
  
    
        
        
        
        
        
        
    
 
 
CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 
Net income (loss) ...................................................................................     $ 

506,532       $ 

(1,706,706 )    $ 

(3,473,913 ) 

2017 

Years ended March 31, 
2016 

2015 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in 
operating activities: ............................................................................    
Depreciation and amortization ......................................................    
Provision for doubtful accounts ....................................................    
Amortization of deferred financing costs .....................................    
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense, net ..................................    
Net income from equity investment in non-consolidated affiliate    
Effect of changes in foreign currency translation .........................    
Stock-based compensation expense ..............................................    
Addition to provision for obsolete inventories .............................    
Changes in operations, assets and liabilities: 

Accounts receivable ..................................................................    
Due from affiliates ....................................................................    
Inventory ...................................................................................    
Prepaid expenses and supplies ..................................................    
Other assets ...............................................................................    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses ..................................    
Accrued interest ........................................................................    
Due to related parties ................................................................    
Other liabilities .........................................................................    

1,030,093      
123,200      
160,681      
(645,235 )   
(51,430 )   
(83,706 )   
1,577,994      
240,000      

(1,182,011 )   
3,279      
(4,344,791 )   
(2,066,856 )   
(60,117 )   
2,217,652      
10,579      
820,247      
20,666      

939,513      
61,000      
177,127      
(129,152 )   
(18,667 )   
190,867      
1,370,556      
200,000      

85,040      
135,471      
(6,498,338 )   
(117,258 )   
(92,260 )   
3,163,818      
10,579      
(625,812 )   
—      

907,540   
(49,984 ) 
166,942   
288,178   
—   
4,564   
787,710   
281,000   

(1,671,925 ) 
(23,462 ) 
(7,223,601 ) 
77,587   
(272,000 ) 
1,321,722   
—   
27,642   
—   

Total adjustments .................................................................................    

(2,229,755 )   

(1,147,516 )   

(5,378,087 ) 

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES ........................    

(1,723,223 )   

(2,854,222 )   

(8,852,000 ) 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
Purchase of equipment ...........................................................................    
Acquisition of intangible assets .............................................................    
Investment in consolidated entity...........................................................    
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate, at equity ................................    
Change in restricted cash........................................................................    

(364,740 )   
(2,740 )   
(20,000,000 )   
—      
(7,040 )   

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES ..........................    

(20,374,520 )   

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
Net proceeds from (payments on) credit facility ...................................    
Proceeds from 11% Subordinated note ..................................................    
Payments on Bourbon term loan ............................................................    
Payments on Junior loan ........................................................................    
Net (payments on) proceeds from foreign revolving credit facility ......    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock .............................................    
Payments for costs of stock issuance .....................................................    
Subsidiary dividend paid to non-controlling interests ...........................    
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants ...............................    
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options .................................    

1,044,531      
20,000,000      
—      
—      
—      
—      
(14,355 )   
—      
—      
251,189      

(466,462 )   
(23,885 )   
—      
(500,000 )   
(257 )   

(990,604 )   

1,965,050      
—      
(744,900 )   
—      
(34,743 )   
3,251,989      
(124,876 )   
(600,000 )   
—      
374,980      

(333,742 ) 
(160,109 ) 
—   
—   
(929 ) 

(494,780 ) 

8,170,507   
—   
(1,270,100 ) 
(1,250,000 ) 
21,278   
3,319,915   
(186,347 ) 
—   
598,715   
222,984   

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES .............    

21,281,365      

4,087,500      

9,626,952   

EFFECTS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION .............    
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH 
EQUIVALENTS ...................................................................................    
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — BEGINNING ...................    

(3,106 )   

(3,745 )   

(819,484 )   
1,430,532      

238,929      
1,191,603      

2,930   

283,102   
908,501   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — ENDING ..........................     $ 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: 
Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: 

Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition of 
additional 20.1% of noncontrolling interests ....................................     $ 
Surrender of common stock in connection with exercise of 
common stock warrant .......................................................................     $ 
Conversion of 5% convertible note, and accrued interest thereon, 
to common stock ................................................................................     $ 

611,048       $ 

1,430,532       $ 

1,191,603   

2,448,000       $ 

—       $ 

—       $ 

—       $ 

—       $ 

—       $ 

—   

31,250   

451,417   

937,973   
293,525   

Interest paid ............................................................................................     $ 
Income taxes paid ...................................................................................     $ 

1,159,667       $ 
1,553,377       $ 

894,099       $ 
1,079,387       $ 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

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CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

A.  Description of business — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Castle Brands 
Inc. (“the Company”), its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, Castle Brands (USA) Corp. (“CB-USA”) 
and  McLain  &  Kyne,  Ltd.  (“McLain  &  Kyne”),  the  Company’s  wholly-owned  foreign  subsidiaries, 
Castle  Brands  Spirits  Group  Limited  (“CB-IRL”)  and  Castle  Brands  Spirits  Marketing  and  Sales 
Company  Limited,  and  the  Company’s  80.1%  ownership  interest  in  Gosling-Castle  Partners  Inc. 
(“GCP”),  with  adjustments  for  income  or  loss  allocated  based  upon  percentage  of  ownership.  The 
accounts of the subsidiaries have been included as of the date of acquisition. All significant intercompany 
transactions and balances have been eliminated. 

B.  Organization and operations — The Company is principally engaged in the importation, marketing and 
sale of premium and super premium rums, whiskey, liqueurs, vodka, tequila and related non-alcoholic 
beverage products in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. 

C.  Brands — Rum and Ginger Beer — Goslings rums, a family of premium rums with a 200-year history, 
including the award-winning Goslings Black Seal rum, for which the Company is, through its export 
venture GCP, the exclusive marketer outside of Bermuda, and Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, an essential 
non-alcoholic ingredient in Goslings trademarked Dark ‘n Stormy ® rum cocktail. 

Whiskey —Premium small batch bourbons: Jefferson’s, Jefferson’s Reserve, Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration, 
Jefferson’s  Ocean  Aged  at  Sea,  Jefferson’s  Wine  Finish  Collection,  Jefferson’s  Wood  Experiments  and  Jefferson’s 
Presidential  Select,  Jefferson’s  Rye,  an  aged  rye  whiskey,  and  Jefferson’s  The  Manhattan:  Barrel  Finished  Cocktail,  a 
ready-to-drink  cocktail;  the  Clontarf  Irish  whiskeys,  a  family  of  premium  Irish  whiskeys,  available  in  single  malt  and 
classic pure grain versions; Knappogue Castle Whiskey, a vintage-dated premium single-malt Irish whiskey; Knappogue 
Castle 1951, a pure pot-still whiskey that has been aged for 36 years, Knappogue Twin Wood, the first Sherry Finished 
Knappogue Castle Whiskey; and the Arran Scotch Whiskeys: the single malts, including the 10 Years Old, the 18 Years 
Old and special finishes, as well as the official Robert Burns whiskeys. 

Liqueur — Pallini Limoncello, Raspicello and Peachcello premium Italian liqueurs, pursuant to an exclusive U.S. 
marketing arrangement; Brady’s Irish Cream, a premium Irish cream liqueur; Celtic Honey, a premium Irish liqueur; and 
Gozio amaretto, a premium Italian liqueur, pursuant to a U.S. distribution agreement. 

Vodka — Boru vodka, an ultra-pure, five-times distilled and specially filtered premium vodka. Boru is produced 

in Ireland. 

Tequila — a USDA certified organic, super-premium tequila, Tequila Tierras Autenticas de Jalisco or Tierras. 

The Company is the exclusive U.S. importer and marketer of Tierras, which is available as blanco, reposado and añejo. 

D.  Cash and cash equivalents — The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with a maturity at 

date of acquisition of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 

E.  Equity  investments  -  Equity  investments  are  carried  at  original  cost  adjusted  for  the  Company’s 
proportionate  share  of  the  investees’  income,  losses  and  distributions.  The  Company  assesses  the 
carrying value of its equity investments when an indicator of a loss in value is present and records a loss 
in value of the investment when the assessment indicates that an other-than-temporary decline in the 
investment exists. The Company classifies its equity earnings of equity investments as a component of 
net income or loss. 

F.  Trade accounts receivable — The Company records trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. 
This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect anticipated 
losses on the trade accounts receivable balances. The Company calculates this allowance based on its 
history of write-offs, level of past due accounts based on contractual terms of the receivables and its 
relationships with and economic status of its customers. For the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 
2015, the Company recorded an addition to allowances for doubtful accounts of $123,200, $61,000 and 
$236,000, respectively. 

G.  Revenue  recognition  —  Revenue  from  product  sales  is  recognized  when  the  product  is  shipped  to  a 
customer (generally a distributor), title and risk of loss has passed to the customer in accordance with the 
terms of sale (FOB shipping point or FOB destination), and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue is 
not  recognized  on  shipments  to  control  states  in  the  United  States  until  such  time  as  product  is  sold 
through to the retail channel. 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
H.  Inventories — Inventories are comprised of distilled spirits, dry good raw materials (bottles, labels, corks 
and  caps), packaging,  finished  goods,  excise  taxes  and freight and  are  valued  at  the  lower of  cost or 
market, using the weighted average cost method. The Company assesses the valuation of its inventories 
and  reduces  the  carrying  value  of  those  inventories  that  are  obsolete  or  in  excess  of  the  Company’s 
forecasted usage to their estimated net realizable value. The Company estimates the net realizable value 
of such inventories based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, 
expected  future  demand  and  market  requirements.  A  change  to  the  carrying  value  of  inventories  is 
recorded in cost of goods sold. See Note 3. 

During the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded an  addition to allowances for 
obsolete  and  slow  moving  inventory  of  $240,000,  $200,000  and  $281,000,  respectively.  The  Company  recorded  these 
allowances and write-offs on both raw materials and finished goods, primarily in connection with spoilage and slow moving 
inventory, label and packaging changes made to certain brands, as well as adjustments to estimated freight costs and excise 
taxes and certain cost variances. The charges have been recorded as increases to Cost of Sales in the respective years. 

I.  Revisions  to  March  31,  2016  Balance  Sheet  —  The  Company  has  revised  its  March  31,  2016 
consolidated  balance  sheet  for  an  error  in  the  historical  carrying  value  of  inventory.  The  Company 
determined  that  inventory  at  March  31,  2016  was  overstated  by  $1,493,130,  the  cumulative  result of 
changes  in  estimated  freight  costs  and  excise  taxes  and  certain  cost  variances  in  prior  years.  The 
Company assessed the materiality of this error on previously issued consolidated financial statements 
and concluded that the error was immaterial to any one year. As a result, inventory was decreased by 
$1,493,130 with accumulated deficit increased by $1,493,130 at March 31, 2016 on the accompanying 
consolidated balance sheet. 

J.  Equipment —  Equipment  consists  of  office  equipment,  computers  and  software  and  furniture  and 
fixtures. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related depreciation is removed 
from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the statement of operations. Equipment 
is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 
three to five years. 

K.  Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets  —  Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  purchase  price  including 
related costs over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses 
acquired. Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but 
instead  are  tested  for  impairment  annually,  or  more  frequently  if  circumstances  indicate  a  possible 
impairment may exist. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective 
estimated  useful  lives,  generally  on  a  straight-line  basis,  and  are  reviewed  for  impairment  whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. 

Under  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  Accounting  Standards  Codification  (“ASC”)  350, 
“Intangibles - Goodwill and Other”, impairment of goodwill must be tested at least annually by comparing the fair values 
of the applicable reporting units with the carrying amount of their net assets, including goodwill. An entity may first assess 
qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If determined to 
be necessary, the two-step impairment test shall be used. The required two-step approach uses accounting judgments and 
estimates  of  future operating results.  Changes  in  estimates  or  the  application of  alternative  assumptions  could produce 
significantly different results. The estimates that most significantly affect the fair value calculation are related to revenue 
growth, cost of sales, selling and marketing expenses and discount rates. Impairment testing is done at the reporting level. 
If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the unit’s fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in 
an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over its implied fair value. The implied fair value of 
goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination with the fair 
value of the reporting unit deemed to be the purchase price paid. Rights, trademarks, trade names and formulations are 
indefinite lived intangible assets not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment at least annually. The impairment 
test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the asset group allocated to each reporting unit with its allocated carrying 
amount. 

Under the goodwill qualitative assessment at March 31, 2017 and 2016, various events and circumstances that 
would  affect  the  estimated  fair  value  of  each  reporting  unit  were  identified,  including,  but  not  limited  to:  prior  years’ 
impairment testing results, budget to actual results, Company-specific facts and circumstances, industry developments, and 
the  economic  environment.  Based  on  this  assessment,  the  Company  determined  that  no  quantitative  assessment  was 
required. 

L. 

Impairment and disposal of long-lived assets — Under ASC 310, “Accounting for the Impairment or 
Disposal of Long-lived Assets”, the Company periodically reviews whether changes have occurred that 
would require revisions to the carrying amounts of its definite lived, long-lived assets. When the sum of 
the  expected  future  cash  flows  is  less  than  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset,  an  impairment  loss  is 
recognized based on the fair value of the asset. There were no impairments recorded during the years 
ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M.  Shipping  and  handling  —  The  Company  reflects  as  inventory  costs  freight-in  and  related  external 
handling charges relating to the purchase of raw materials and finished goods. These costs are charged 
to cost of sales at the time the underlying product is sold. The Company also incurs shipping costs in 
connection with its various marketing activities, including the shipment of point of sale materials to the 
Company’s regional sales managers and customers, and the costs of shipping product in connection with 
its various marketing programs and promotions. These shipping charges are included in selling expense 
and were $2,347,121, $2,635,430 and $2,574,471 for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively. 

N.  Excise taxes and duty — Excise taxes and duty are computed at standard rates based on alcohol proof 
per gallon/liter and are paid after finished goods are imported into the United States or other relevant 
jurisdiction  and  then  transferred  out  of  “bond.”  Excise  taxes  and  duty  are  recorded  to  inventory  as  a 
component  of  the  cost  of  the  underlying  finished  goods.  When  the  underlying  products  are  sold  “ex 
warehouse”, the sales price reflects the taxes paid and the inventoried excise taxes and duties are charged 
to cost of sales. 

O.  Distributor charges and promotional goods — The Company incurs charges from its distributors for a 
variety of transactions and services rendered by the distributor, including product depletions, product 
samples  for  various  promotional  purposes,  in-store  tastings  and  training  where  legal,  and  local 
advertising where legal. Such charges are reflected as selling expense as incurred. Also, the Company 
has entered into arrangements with certain of its distributors whereby the purchase of a particular product 
or products by a distributor is accompanied by a percentage of the sale being composed of promotional 
goods or as a predetermined discount percentage of dollars off invoice. In such cases, the cost of the 
promotional goods is charged to cost of sales and dollars off invoice are a reduction to revenue. 

P.  Foreign currency — The functional currency for the Company’s foreign operations is the Euro in Ireland 
and  the  British  Pound  in  the  United  Kingdom.  Under  ASC  830,  “Foreign  Currency  Matters”,  the 
translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. Dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts 
using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a 
weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as 
a  component  of  other  comprehensive  income.  Gains  or  losses  resulting  from  foreign  currency 
transactions are shown as a separate line item in the consolidated statements of operations. 

Q.  Fair  value  of  financial  instruments  —  ASC  825,  “Financial  Instruments”,  defines  the  fair  value  of  a 
financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction 
between willing parties and requires disclosure of the fair value of certain financial instruments. The 
Company believes that there is no material difference between the fair-value and the reported amounts 
of  financial  instruments  in  the  Company’s  balance  sheets  due  to  the  short  term  maturity  of  these 
instruments, or with respect to the Company’s debt, as compared to the current borrowing rates available 
to the Company. 

The  Company’s  investments  are  reported  at  fair  value  in  accordance  with  authoritative  guidance,  which 

accomplishes the following key objectives: 

●  Defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an 

orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; 

●  Establishes a three-level hierarchy (“valuation hierarchy”) for fair value measurements; 
●  Requires consideration of the Company’s creditworthiness when valuing liabilities; and 
●  Expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value. 

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the 
measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of 
input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the valuation hierarchy are as follows: 

●  Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or 

liabilities in active markets. 

●  Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in 
active  markets,  and  inputs  that  are  directly  or  indirectly  observable  for  the  asset  or  liability  for 
substantially the full term of the financial instrument. 

●  Level  3  —  inputs  to  the  valuation  methodology  are  unobservable  and  significant  to  the  fair  value 

measurement. 

48 

  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R.

Income taxes — Under ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for 
the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts 
of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance is provided to the 
extent a deferred tax asset is not considered recoverable.

The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC 740 and as of March 31, 2017, the Company had reserves for 
uncertain  tax  positions  (including  related  interest  and  penalties)  for  various  state  and  local  tax  issues  of  $20,666.  The 
Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in general and administrative expense. 

S. Research and development costs — The costs of research, development and product improvement are 

charged to expense as incurred and are included in selling expense.

T. Advertising — Advertising and marketing costs are expensed when the advertising first appears in its 
respective  medium.  Advertising  expense,  which  is  included  in  selling  expense,  was  $4,486,796, 
$4,960,301 and $3,184,392 for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

U. Use of estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted 
Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect 
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of  the  financial  statements,  and  the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the  reporting 
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates include the accounting for items such 
as evaluating annual impairment tests, derivative instruments and equity issuances, warrant valuation,
stock-based compensation, allowances for doubtful accounts and inventory obsolescence, depreciation, 
amortization and expense accruals.

V. Recent accounting pronouncements — In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation —
Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” ASU 2017-09 provides guidance 
about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply 
modification  accounting.  This  guidance  is  effective  for  the  Company  as  of  April  1,  2018,  with  early 
adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the 
adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial 
condition.

In  February  2017,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2017-05,  “Other  Income  —  Gains  and  Losses  from  the 
Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition 
Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets.” ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope 
and accounting of a financial asset that meets the definition of an “in-substance nonfinancial asset” and 
defines the term “in-substance nonfinancial asset.” ASU 2017-05 also adds guidance for partial sales of 
nonfinancial assets. This guidance is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2018, with early adoption 
permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption 
of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the 
Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350).” ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment 
test. This guidance is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The 
Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance 
will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying 
the  Definition  of  a  Business.”  This  ASU,  which  must  be  applied  prospectively,  provides  a  narrower 
framework to be used to determine if a set of assets and activities constitutes a business than under current 
guidance and is generally expected to result in greater consistency in the application of ASC Topic 805, 
Business  Combinations.  This  guidance  is  effective  for  the  Company  as  of  April  1,  2018,  with  early 
adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the 
adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial 
condition. 

In  November  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2016-18,  “Statement  of  Cash  Flows  (Topic  230): 
Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (the “Task Force”).” The new 
standard requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of 
cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. 
Entities will also be required to reconcile such total to amounts on the balance sheet and disclose the 
nature of the restrictions. This guidance is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2018, with early 
adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the 
adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial 
condition. 

49 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other 
than Inventory.” This ASU removes the prohibition against the immediate recognition of the current and 
deferred  income  tax  effects  of  intra-entity  transfers  of  assets  other  than  inventory.  This  guidance  is 
effective  for  the  Company  as  of  April  1,  2018,  with  early  adoption  permitted.  Entities  must  apply  a 
modified  retrospective  basis  through  a  cumulative-effect  adjustment  to  retained  earnings  as  of  the 
beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine 
the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows 
and financial condition. 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain 
Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”, which provides guidance on eight cash flow classification issues 
with the objective of reducing differences in practice. The new standard is effective for the Company as 
of April 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Adoption is required to be on a retrospective basis, unless 
impracticable  for  any  of  the  amendments,  in  which  case  a  prospective  application  is  permitted.  The 
Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance 
will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

In  March  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2016-09,  “Improvements  to  Employee  Share-Based  Payment 
Accounting”,  which  simplifies  several  aspects  of  the  accounting  for  employee  share-based  payment 
transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and statutory tax withholding requirements, as 
well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for the Company as 
of April 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the 
adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial 
condition. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases.” The new standard establishes a right-of-use 
(ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for 
all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with 
classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is 
effective for the Company as of April 1, 2019. A modified retrospective transition approach is required 
for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest 
comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The 
Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance 
will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): 
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which amends the guidance 
in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Changes to the current 
guidance primarily affect the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value 
option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the ASU 
clarifies guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets 
resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The new standard is effective for 
the Company as of April 1, 2018, and upon adoption, an entity should apply the amendments by means 
of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet at the beginning of the first reporting period in 
which the guidance is effective. Early adoption is not permitted except for the provision to record fair 
value changes for financial liabilities under the fair value option resulting from instrument-specific credit 
risk in other comprehensive income. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine 
the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows 
and financial condition. 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of 
Inventory”, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to 
the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling prices in 
the  ordinary  course  of  business,  less  reasonably  predictable  costs  of  completion,  disposal,  and 
transportation. The new guidance must be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for the Company 
as of April 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company determined that the adoption of this 
guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial 
condition. 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, to clarify 
the  principles  for  recognizing  revenue.  This  guidance  includes  the  required  steps  to  achieve  the  core 
principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to 
customers  in  an  amount  that  reflects  the  consideration  to  which  the  entity  expects  to  be  entitled  in 
exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2018. 
The  Company  is  currently  evaluating  the  new  guidance  to  determine  the  impact  the  adoption  of  this 
guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, 
if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial 
statements. 

W.  Accounting  standards  adopted  —  In  January  2017,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2017-03,  “Accounting 
Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures”. The 
amendments  in  ASU  2017-03  provide  additional  detail  surrounding  disclosures  required  related  to 
adoption of new pronouncements. The ASU is effective for the periods of each related pronouncement. 
The Company adopted this guidance beginning with its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 
ended  March  31,  2017.  The  Company  determined  that  the  adoption  of  this  guidance  did  not  have  a 
material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

In  November  2015,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2015-17,  “Balance  Sheet  Classification  of  Deferred 
Taxes.” ASU 2015-17 simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes by requiring deferred tax assets and 
liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for public companies 
for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal 
years. The guidance may be adopted prospectively or retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. 
The  Company  elected  to  adopt  ASU  2015-17  early,  and  applied  it  retrospectively  as  allowed  by  the 
standard.  The  adoption  of  ASU  2015-17  did  not  have  a  material  effect  on  the  Company’s  results  of 
operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combination (Topic 805): Simplifying 
the  Accounting  for  Measurement  Period  Adjustments”,  which  requires  adjustments  to  provisional 
amounts initially recorded in a business combination that are identified during the measurement period 
to be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This includes 
any effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects as a result of the 
change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition 
date.  ASU  2015-16  also  requires  the  disclosure  of  the  nature  and  amount  of  measurement-period 
adjustments recognized in the current period, including separately the amounts in current-period income 
statement line items that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the 
provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The guidance became effective for 
the Company beginning April 1, 2016. The Company will apply the guidance prospectively for all future 
business combinations. 

In June, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): 
Presentation  and  Subsequent  Measurement  of  Debt  Issuance  Costs  Associated  with  Line-of-Credit 
Arrangements  - Amendments  to SEC  Paragraphs Pursuant  to Staff  Announcement”  at June 18, 2015 
EITF Meeting. This update addresses presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs 
related to line of credit arrangements. Commitment fees paid to the lender represent the benefit of being 
able to access capital over the contractual term, and therefore, are not in the scope of the new guidance 
and it is appropriate to present such fees as an asset on the balance sheet, regardless of whether or not 
there are outstanding borrowings under the revolver. The Company adopted this guidance beginning with 
its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. The Company determined 
that the adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, 
cash flows and financial condition. 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” 
(“ASU  2015-03”),  which  requires  that  debt  issuance  costs  related  to  a  recognized  debt  liability  be 
presented  in  the  balance  sheet  as  a  direct  deduction  from  the  carrying  amount  of  that  debt  liability, 
consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are 
not affected. Upon adoption, the Company applied the new guidance on a retrospective basis and adjusted 
the balance sheet of each individual period presented to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the 
new guidance, reclassifying $100,049 and $170,895 in debt issuance costs from Other Assets to Credit 
Facility,  net  at  March  31,  2017  and  2016,  respectively,  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance 
Sheet. 

In  August  2014,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2014-15,  “Disclosure  of  Uncertainties  about  an  Entity’s 
Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”, which requires management to assess a company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. Before 
this new standard, there was minimal guidance in U.S. GAAP specific to going concern. Under the new 
standard,  disclosures  are  required  when  conditions  give  rise  to  substantial  doubt  about  a  company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the financial statement issuance date. This 
guidance was effective for the Company beginning with its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal 
year ended March 31, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance beginning with its Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. The Company determined that the adoption of this 
guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial 
condition. 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 2 — BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE 

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common 
shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive 
common  shares  that  were  outstanding  during  the  period  that  are  not  anti-dilutive.  Potentially  dilutive  common  shares 
consist  of  incremental  shares  issuable  upon  exercise  of  stock  options  and  warrants  or  conversion  of  convertible  notes 
outstanding. In computing diluted net loss per share for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, no adjustment 
has been made to the weighted average outstanding common shares as the assumed exercise of outstanding options and 
warrants and the assumed conversion of convertible notes is anti-dilutive. 

Potential common shares not included in calculating diluted net loss per share are as follows: 

Stock options ...........................................       
Warrants to purchase common stock.......       
5% Convertible notes ..............................       

2017 
15,798,558        
—        
1,861,111        

Years ended March 31, 
2016 
13,508,086        
—        
1,861,111        

2015 
11,988,188   
120,000   
1,861,111   

Total ........................................................       

17,659,669        

15,369,197        

13,969,299   

NOTE 3 — INVENTORIES 

Raw materials – net ..............................     $ 
Finished goods – net .............................       

March 31, 

2017 
16,714,225      $ 
13,086,855        

2016 
11,976,561   
13,763,631   

Total .....................................................     $ 

29,801,080      $ 

25,740,192   

As of March 31, 2017, and 2016, 9% and 11%, respectively, of raw materials and 7% and 5%, respectively, of 

finished goods were located outside of the United States. 

In the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company acquired $6,900,819, $5,441,432 and $5,333,763 

of aged bourbon whiskey, respectively, in support of its anticipated near and mid-term needs. 

The Company estimates the allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory based on analyses and assumptions 

including, but not limited to, historical usage, expected future demand and market requirements. 

Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market. 

NOTE 4 — EQUITY INVESTMENT 

Investment in Gosling-Castle Partners Inc., consolidated 

In March 2017, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with Gosling’s 
Limited (“GL”) and E. Malcolm B. Gosling (“Gosling,” and together with GL, the “Sellers”). Pursuant to the terms of the 
Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired an additional 201,000 shares (the “GCP Share Acquisition”) of the common 
stock of GCP, representing a 20.1% equity interest in GCP. GCP is a strategic global export venture between the Company 
and the Gosling family. As a result of the completion of the GCP Share Acquisition, the Company’s total equity interest in 
GCP increased to 80.1%. The consideration for the GCP Share Acquisition was (i) $20,000,000 in cash and (ii) 1,800,000 
shares of common stock of the Company. 

The  Company  accounted  for  this  transaction  in  accordance  with  ASC  810  “Consolidation,”  and  in  particular 
section 810-10-45. Under the relevant guidance, a parent accounts for such changes in its ownership interest in a subsidiary 
as equity transactions. The parent cannot recognize a gain or loss in consolidated net income or comprehensive income for 
such transactions and is not permitted to step up a portion of the subsidiary's net assets to fair value for the additional 
interests  acquired.  Any  difference  between  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  paid  and  the  amount  by  which  the 
noncontrolling interest is adjusted shall be recognized in equity attributable to the parent. As a result, the Company reduced 
the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest by $2,232,824, with the $20,215,176 excess of the cash and stock paid 
over  the  adjustment  to  the  carrying  amount  of  the  noncontrolling  interest  recognized  as  a  decrease  in  the  Company’s 
additional paid-in capital. 

52 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
     
         
         
    
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
     
         
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For  the  years  ended  March  31,  2017,  2016  and  2015,  GCP  had  pretax  net  income  on  a  stand-alone  basis  of 
$3,762,130, $3,475,006 and $814,573, respectively. The Company allocated a portion of this net income, or $1,359,145, 
$809,662  and  $325,829,  to  non-controlling  interest  for  the  years  ended  March  31,  2017,  2016  and  2015,  respectively. 
Combined with the effects of income tax expense, net, allocated to noncontrolling interests as described in Note 1.Q Income 
Taxes, the cumulative balance allocated to noncontrolling interests in GCP was $2,479,512 and $3,353,191 at March 31, 
2017 and 2016, respectively, as shown on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 

As the GCP Share Acquisition occurred at the end of the fiscal year, the additional income attributable to the 
change in ownership is immaterial and is not presented in these consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 
31, 2017. 

In September 2015, GCP declared and paid a $1,500,000 cash dividend to its shareholders. The Company recorded 
60% of this dividend, or $900,000, as a return of capital and a reduction of its investment in GCP, and allocated 40% of 
this dividend, or $600,000, to noncontrolling interests and a reduction in the additional paid-in capital of GCP. GCP neither 
declared nor paid a dividend in the year ended March 31, 2017. 

Investment in Copperhead Distillery Company, equity method 

In  June  2015,  CB-USA  purchased  20%  of  Copperhead  Distillery  Company  (“Copperhead”)  for  $500,000. 
Copperhead owns and operates the Kentucky Artisan Distillery. The investment was part of an agreement to build a new 
warehouse to store Jefferson’s bourbons, provide distilling capabilities using special mash-bills made from locally grown 
grains and create a visitor center and store to enhance the consumer experience for the Jefferson’s brand. The investment 
has been used for the construction of a new warehouse in Crestwood, Kentucky dedicated to the storage of Jefferson’s 
whiskies.  The Company has accounted for this investment  under  the  equity method of  accounting. For  the  year  ended 
March 31, 2017, the Company recognized $51,430 of income from this investment; for the initial period ended March 31, 
2016,  the  Company  recognized  $18,667  of  income  from  this  investment.  The  investment  balance  was  $570,097  and 
$518,667 at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

NOTE 5 — EQUIPMENT, NET 

Equipment consists of the following: 

Equipment and software ........................................    $ 
Furniture and fixtures ............................................   
Leasehold improvements ......................................   

Less: accumulated depreciation ............................   

March 31, 

2017 

2016 

$ 

2,536,064  
112,397  
42,730  

2,691,191  
1,781,411  

2,796,064  
112,676  
42,730  

2,951,470  
2,075,215  

Balance .................................................................    $ 

909,780  

$ 

876,255  

Depreciation  expense  for  the  years  ended  March  31,  2017,  2016  and  2015  totaled  $366,381,  $280,702  and 

$249,683, respectively. 

NOTE 6 — GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

The carrying amount of goodwill was $496,226 at each of March 31, 2017 and 2016. 

Intangible assets consist of the following: 

March 31, 

2017 

2016 

Definite life brands ...............................................    $ 
Trademarks ...........................................................   
Rights ....................................................................   
Product development.............................................   
Patents ...................................................................   
Other .....................................................................   

Less: accumulated amortization ............................   

Net ........................................................................   
Other identifiable intangible assets — indefinite 
lived* ....................................................................   

$ 

170,000  
631,693  
8,271,555  
186,668  
994,000  
55,460  
10,309,376  
8,035,018  

2,274,358  

$ 

4,112,972  
6,387,330  

$ 

170,000  
631,693  
8,271,555  
185,207  
994,000  
55,460  
10,307,915  
7,372,585  

2,935,330  

4,112,972  
7,048,302  

* Other  identifiable  intangible  assets  —  indefinite  lived  consists  of  product  formulations  and  the 

Company’s relationships with its distillers.

53 

Accumulated amortization consists of the following: 

March 31, 

2017 

2016 

Definite life brands ........................................     $ 
Trademarks ....................................................       
Rights ............................................................       
Product development .....................................       
Patents ...........................................................       
Accumulated amortization .............................     $ 

170,000      $ 
367,294        
6,617,062        
37,478        
843,184        
8,035,018      $ 

170,000   
331,366   
6,065,111   
29,188   
776,920   
7,372,585   

Amortization  expense  for  the  years  ended  March  31,  2017,  2016  and  2015  totaled  $663,712,  $658,811  and 

$655,769, respectively. 

Estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows: 

Years ending March 31, 
2018 ......................................................................       $ 
2019 ......................................................................         
2020 ......................................................................         
2021 ......................................................................         
2022 ......................................................................         

Amount 

246,884   
228,551   
190,384   
188,246   
183,769   

Total ......................................................................       $ 

1,037,834   

NOTE 7 — RESTRICTED CASH 

At March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had €310,305 or $331,455 (translated at the March 31, 2017 exchange 
rate) and €303,890 or $345,076 (translated at the March 31, 2016 exchange rate), respectively, of cash restricted from 
withdrawal and held by a bank in Ireland as collateral for overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, customs and excise 
guaranty and a revolving credit facility as described in Note 8A below. 

NOTE 8 — NOTES PAYABLE AND CAPITAL LEASE 

Notes payable consist of the following: 

Foreign revolving credit facilities (A) ............     $ 
Note payable – GCP note (B) .........................       
Credit facility (C) ...........................................       
5% Convertible notes (D) ...............................       
11% Subordinated Note (E) ............................       

March 31, 

2017 

2016 

—      $ 
211,580        
13,133,124        
1,675,000        
20,000,000        

—   
211,580   
12,088,594   
1,675,000   
—   

Total .................................................................     $ 

35,019,704      $ 

13,975,174   

A.  The Company has arranged various credit facilities aggregating €310,305 or $331,455 (translated at the 
March 31, 2017 exchange rate) with an Irish bank, including overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, 
customs and excise guaranty, a revolving credit facility and Company credit cards. These credit facilities 
are payable on demand, continue until terminated by either party, are subject to annual review, and call 
for interest at the lender’s AA1 Rate minus 1.70%. The balance on the credit facilities included in notes 
payable totaled €0 at each of March 31, 2017 and 2016. 

B.  In December 2009, GCP issued a promissory note (the “GCP Note”) in the aggregate principal amount 
of $211,580 to Gosling’s Export (Bermuda) Limited in exchange for credits issued on certain inventory 
purchases. The GCP Note matures on April 1, 2020, is payable at maturity, subject to certain acceleration 
events, and calls for annual interest of 5%, to be accrued and paid at maturity. At each of March 31, 2017 
and 2016, $10,579 of accrued interest was converted to amounts due to affiliates. At each of March 31, 
2017 and 2016, $211,580 of principal due on the GCP Note was included in long-term liabilities. 
C.  In August 2011, the Company and CB-USA entered into a loan agreement with Keltic Financial Partners 
II, LP (“Keltic”), which, as amended, provides for availability (subject to certain terms and conditions) 
of a facility of up to $19.0 million (the “Credit Facility”) for the purpose of providing the Company with 
working capital. 

54 

 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
       
    
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
     
         
    
  
     
         
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  September  2014,  the  Company  and  CB-USA  entered  into  an  Amended  and  Restated  Loan  and  Security 
Agreement (as amended, the “Amended Agreement”) with ACF FinCo I LP (“ACF”), as successor in interest to Keltic, in 
order to amend certain terms of the Credit Facility and the Bourbon Term Loan (defined below). Among other changes, 
the  Amended  Agreement  modified  certain  aspects  of  the  existing  Credit  Facility,  including  increasing  the  maximum 
amount of the Credit Facility from $8,000,000 to $12,000,000 and increasing the inventory sub-limit from $4,000,000 to 
$6,000,000. In addition, the term of the Credit Facility was extended from December 31, 2016 to July 31, 2019. The Credit 
Facility interest rate is the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 3.00%, (b) the LIBOR Rate 
plus 5.50% and (c) 6.00%. As of March 31, 2017, the Credit Facility interest rate was 6.5%. The monthly facility fee is 
0.75% per annum of the maximum Credit Facility. The Amended Agreement contains EBITDA targets allowing for further 
interest rate reductions in the future. The Company paid ACF an aggregate $120,000 amendment fee in connection with 
the execution of the Amended Agreement. 

In connection with the amendment, the Company and CB-USA entered into the following ancillary agreements: 
(i)  a  Reaffirmation  Agreement  with  (a)  certain  officers  of  the  Company  and  CB-USA,  including  John  Glover,  the 
Company’s Chief Operating Officer, T. Kelley Spillane, the Company’s Senior Vice President - Global Sales, and Alfred 
J. Small, the Company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, (b) certain participants 
in the Bourbon Term Loan and (c) certain junior lenders to the Company, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust, an 
entity affiliated with Phillip Frost, M.D., a director and principal shareholder of the Company, Mark E. Andrews, III, a 
director of the Company and the Company’s Chairman, an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen, a director of the Company and 
the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn, a former director of the Company, 
Dennis Scholl, a former director of the Company, and Vector Group Ltd., a more than 5% shareholder of the Company, of 
which Richard Lampen is an executive officer, Henry Beinstein, a director of the Company, and Phillip Frost M.D., a 
principal shareholder and director, which, among other things, reaffirms the existing Validity and Support Agreements by 
and among each officer, the Company, CB-USA and ACF, as successor-in-interest to Keltic; (ii) an Amended and Restated 
Term Note; and (iii) an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note. 

In connection with the Amended Agreement, on September 22, 2014, ACF entered into an amendment to that 
certain Subordination Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2013 (as amended, the “Subordination Agreement”), by and among 
ACF, as successor-in-interest to Keltic, and certain junior lenders to the Company; neither the Company nor CB-USA is a 
party to the Subordination Agreement. 

In August 2015, the Company and CB-USA entered into a First Amendment (the “Loan Agreement Amendment”) 
to the Amended Agreement. Among other changes, the Loan Agreement Amendment increased the amount of the Credit 
Facility from $12,000,000 to $19,000,000, including a sublimit in the maximum principal amount of $7,000,000 to permit 
the Company to acquire aged whiskey inventory (the “Purchased Inventory Sublimit”) subject to certain conditions set 
forth in the Amended Agreement. The maturity date remained unchanged at July 31, 2019. The Company and CB-USA 
are permitted to prepay the Credit Facility in whole or the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, in whole or in part, subject to 
certain prepayment penalties as set forth in the Loan Agreement Amendment. The Purchased Inventory Sublimit replaces 
the Bourbon Term Loan, which was paid in full in the normal course of business. The Purchased Inventory Sublimit interest 
rate is the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 4.25%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 6.75% and 
(c) 7.50%. As of March 31, 2017, the interest rate applicable to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit was 8.25%. The monthly 
facility fee remains 0.75% per annum of the maximum principal amount of the Credit Facility (excluding the Purchased 
Inventory Sublimit). Also, the Company must pay a monthly facility fee of $2,000 with respect to the Purchased Inventory 
Sublimit  until all obligations  with respect  thereof  are  fully  paid  and  performed.  The  Company paid ACF  an  aggregate 
$45,000 commitment fee in connection with the Loan Agreement Amendment. 

In  connection  with  the  Loan  Agreement  Amendment,  the  Company  and  CB-USA  entered  into  the  following 
ancillary agreements: (i) a Reaffirmation Agreement with (a) certain officers of the Company and CB-USA, including John 
Glover, T. Kelley Spillane and Alfred J. Small and (b) certain junior lenders to the Company, including Frost Gamma 
Investments Trust, Mark E. Andrews, III, an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen, an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn, Dennis Scholl 
and Vector Group Ltd., which, among other things, reaffirms the existing Validity and Support Agreements by and among 
each officer, the Company, CB-USA and ACF and (ii) an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note. 

ACF  also  required  as  a  condition  to  entering  into  the  Loan  Agreement  Amendment  that  ACF  enter  into  a 
participation agreement with certain related parties of the Company, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust, Mark E. 
Andrews,  III,  Richard  J.  Lampen  and  Alfred  J.  Small,  to  allow  for  the  sale  of  participation  interests  in  the  Purchased 
Inventory Sublimit and the inventory purchased with the proceeds thereof. The participation agreement provides that ACF’s 
commitment to fund each advance of the Purchased Inventory Sublimit shall be limited to seventy percent (70%), up to an 
aggregate maximum principal amount for all advances equal to $4,900,000. Neither the Company nor CB-USA is a party 
to the participation agreement. However, the Company and CB-USA are party to a fee letter with the junior participants 
(including the related party junior participants) pursuant to which the Company and CB-USA were obligated to pay the 
junior participants a closing fee of $18,000 on the effective date of the Loan Agreement Amendment and are obligated to 
pay a commitment fee of $18,000 on each anniversary of the effective date until the junior participants’ obligations are 
terminated pursuant to the participation agreement. 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company and CB-USA are referred to individually and collectively as the Borrower. Pursuant to the Loan 
Agreement Amendment, the Company and CB-USA may borrow up to the lesser of (x) $19,000,000 and (y) the sum of 
the borrowing base calculated in accordance with the Amended Agreement and the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. For the 
year ended March 31, 2017, the Company paid interest at 6% through December 14, 2016, then 6.25% through March 15, 
2017, then 6.5% through March 31, 2017 on the Amended Agreement. For the year ended March 31, 2016, the Company 
paid interest at 6% through August 9, 2015, then 5.75% through December 15, 2015, then 6% through March 31, 2016 on 
the Amended Agreement. For the year ended March 31, 2017, the Company paid interest at 7.75% through December 14, 
2016, and then at 8.0% through March 15, 2017, then 8.25% through March 31, 2017 on the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. 
For the year ended March 31, 2016, the Company paid interest at 7.5% through December 15, 2015, and then at 7.75% 
through March 31, 2016 on the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. Interest is payable monthly in arrears, on the first day of 
every  month  on  the  average  daily  unpaid  principal  amount  of  the  Credit  Facility.  After  the  occurrence  and  during  the 
continuance of any “Default” or “Event of Default” (as defined under the Amended Agreement), the Borrower is required 
to pay interest at a rate that is 3.25% per annum above the then applicable Credit Facility interest rate. There have been no 
Events of Default under the Credit Facility. ACF also receives a collateral management fee of $1,000 per month (increased 
to $2,000 after the occurrence of and during the continuance of an Event of Default) in addition to the facility fee with 
respect to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. The Amended Agreement contains standard borrower representations and 
warranties for asset-based borrowing and a number of reporting obligations and affirmative and negative covenants. The 
Amended  Agreement  includes  negative  covenants  that,  among  other  things,  restrict  the  Borrower’s  ability  to  create 
additional indebtedness, dispose of properties, incur liens and make distributions or cash dividends. The obligations of the 
Borrower under the Loan Agreement Amendment are secured by the grant of a pledge and security interest in all of the 
assets of the Borrower. At March 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance, in all respects, with the covenants under the 
Amended Agreement. 

In  August 2015,  the  Company used $3,000,000 of  the  Purchased  Inventory  Sublimit to  acquire  aged  bourbon 
inventory. Frost Gamma Investments Trust ($150,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000), Richard J. Lampen ($100,000) 
and Alfred J. Small ($15,000) each acquired participation interests in the Purchased Inventory Sublimit and the inventory 
purchased with the proceeds thereof. In January 2017, the Company acquired $1,030,000 in aged bulk bourbon under the 
Purchased Inventory Sublimit with additional borrowings from certain related parties of the Company, including Frost 
Gamma  Investments  Trust  ($51,500),  Richard  J.  Lampen  ($34,333),  Mark  E.  Andrews,  III  ($17,167),  Brian  L.  Heller 
($14,592), and Alfred J. Small ($5,150), as junior participants in the Purchased Inventory Sublimit with respect to such 
purchase. Under the terms of the participation agreement, the participants receive interest at the rate of 11% per annum. 

At March 31, 2017 and 2016, $13,133,124 and $12,088,594, respectively, due on the Credit Facility was included 
in  long-term  liabilities.  At  March  31,  2017  and  2016,  there  was  $5,866,876  and  $6,911,406,  respectively,  in  potential 
availability under the Credit Facility. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-03, the Company included $100,049 
and $170,895 of debt  issuance  costs at  March 31, 2017  and 2016,  respectively,  as direct  deductions from  the  carrying 
amount of the related debt liability. 

D.  In October 2013, the Company entered into a 5% Convertible Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement 
(the “Note Purchase Agreement”) with the purchasers party thereto, under which the Company issued an 
aggregate  initial  principal  amount  of  $2,125,000  of  unsecured  subordinated  notes  (the  “Convertible 
Notes”). The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5% per annum, payable quarterly, until their 
maturity date of December 15, 2018. The Convertible Notes, and accrued but unpaid interest thereon, 
are convertible in whole or in part from time to time at the option of the holders thereof into shares of 
the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.90 per share (the “Conversion Price”). The 
Convertible Notes may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without penalty or premium, but with 
payment of accrued interest to the date of prepayment. The Convertible Notes contain customary events 
of default, which, if uncured, entitle each note holder to accelerate the due date of the unpaid principal 
amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, the Convertible Notes. 

The purchasers of the Convertible Notes included related parties of the Company, including an affiliate of Dr. 
Phillip Frost ($500,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000), an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen ($50,000), an affiliate of Glenn 
Halpryn ($200,000), Dennis Scholl ($100,000), and Vector Group Ltd. ($200,000). 

The Company may forcibly convert all or any part of the Convertible Notes and all accrued but unpaid interest 
thereon if (i) the average daily volume of the Company’s common stock (as reported on the principal market or exchange 
on which the common stock is listed or quoted for trading) exceeds $50,000 per trading day and (ii) the volume weighted 
average price of the common stock for at least twenty (20) trading days during any thirty (30) consecutive trading day 
period exceeds 250% of the then-current Conversion Price. Any forced conversion will be applied ratably to the holders of 
all Convertible Notes issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement based on each holder’s then-current note holdings. 

In connection with the Note Purchase Agreement, each purchaser of the Convertible Notes was required to execute 
a joinder to the subordination agreement, by and among ACF and certain other junior lenders to the Company; the Company 
is not a party to the Subordination Agreement. 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At each of March 31, 2017 and 2016, $1,675,000 of principal due on the Convertible Notes was included in long-

term liabilities, respectively. 

E.  In March 2017, the Company issued a promissory note to Frost Nevada Investments Trust (the “Holder”), 
an  entity  affiliated  with  Phillip  Frost,  M.D.,  in  the  aggregate  principal  amount  of  $20,000,000  (the 
“Subordinated Note”). The purpose of Company’s issuance of the Subordinated Note was to finance the 
GCP Share Acquisition. The Subordinated Note bears interest quarterly at the rate of 11% per annum. 
The principal and interest incurred thereon shall be due and payable in full on March 15, 2019. All claims 
of  the  Holder  to  principal,  interest  and  any  other  amounts  owed  under  the  Subordinated  Note  are 
subordinated  in  right  of  payment  to  all  indebtedness  of  the  Company  existing  as  of  the  date  of  the 
Subordinated Note. The Subordinated Note contains customary events of default and may be prepaid by 
the Company, in whole or in part, without penalty, at any time. 

Payments due on notes payable are as follows: 

Years ending March 31, 
2018 .......................................................................................     $ 
2019 .......................................................................................       
2020 .......................................................................................       
2021 .......................................................................................       
Thereafter ..............................................................................       

Amount 

—   
21,675,000   
13,133,124   
211,580   
—   

Total ......................................................................................     $ 

35,019,704   

NOTE 9 — EQUITY 

Equity distribution agreement — In November 2014, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement 
(the “2014 Distribution Agreement”) with Barrington Research Associates, Inc. (“Barrington”), as sales agent, under which 
the Company may issue and sell over time and from time to time, to or through Barrington, shares (the “Shares”) of its 
common stock having a gross sales price of up to $10,000,000. 

Sales of the Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement, if any, may be effected by any method permitted 
by law deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including 
without limitation directly on the NYSE MKT LLC or any other existing trading market for the common stock or through 
a market maker, up to the amount specified, and otherwise to or through Barrington in accordance with the placement 
notices delivered by the Company to Barrington. Also, with the prior consent of the Company, some of the Shares may be 
sold  in  privately  negotiated  transactions.  Under  the  2014  Distribution  Agreement,  Barrington  will  be  entitled  to 
compensation of 2.0 % of the gross proceeds from the sale of all of the Shares sold through Barrington, as sales agent, 
pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement. Also, the Company will reimburse Barrington for certain expenses incurred 
in connection with the matters contemplated by the 2014 Distribution Agreement, up to an aggregate of $50,000, plus up 
to an additional $7,500 per calendar quarter related to ongoing maintenance; provided, however, that such reimbursement 
amount  shall  not  exceed  8%  of  the  aggregate  gross  proceeds  received  by  the  Company  under  the  2014  Distribution 
Agreement. 

During the  year  ended  March 31,  2017, no  shares were  issued under  the  2014 Distribution Agreement. As of 
March 31, 2017, Shares having a gross sales price of up to approximately $4.7 million remained available for issuance 
pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement. 

During the year ended March 31, 2016, the Company sold 2,119,282 Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution 

Agreement, with total gross proceeds of $3,251,989, before deducting sales agent and issuance costs of $124,876. 

From  November  2014  through  March  31,  2015,  the  Company  sold  1,290,581  Shares  pursuant  to  the  2014 
Distribution Agreement, with total gross proceeds of $2,088,674, before deducting sales agent and offering expenses of 
$122,149. 

In  November  2013,  the  Company  entered  into  an  Equity  Distribution  Agreement  (the  “2013  Distribution 
Agreement”) with Barrington, as sales agent, under which the Company could issue and sell over time and from time to 
time, to or through Barrington, Shares of its common stock having a gross sales price of up to $6.0 million. 

In the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company sold 1,247,343 Shares pursuant to the 2013 Distribution 
Agreement, with total gross proceeds of $1,231,241, before deducting sales agent and offering expenses of $64,198. No 
Shares  were  sold  in  the  nine-month  period  from  July  1,  2014  through  March  31,  2015  under  the  2013  Distribution 
Agreement. 

57 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
     
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The 2013 Distribution Agreement expired in August 2014 upon the expiration of the Company’s Registration 

Statement on Form S-3 under which the shares were sold. 

Convertible Notes conversion - In the year ended March 31, 2015, Convertible Note holders converted $450,000 

of Convertible Notes and $1,417 of accrued interest thereon into 501,574 shares of common stock. 

Subsidiary dividend - In September 2015, GCP declared and paid a $1,500,000 cash dividend to its shareholders. 
The Company allocated 40% of this dividend, or $600,000, to non-controlling interests. No dividends were declared or 
paid in the year ended March 31, 2015. 

GCP Acquisition - As described in Note 4, in March 2017, the Company issued 1,800,000 shares of Common 

Stock to the Sellers in connection with the GCP Acquisition. 

NOTE 10 — FOREIGN CURRENCY FORWARD CONTRACTS 

The  Company  enters  into  forward  contracts  from  time  to  time  to  reduce  its  exposure  to  foreign  currency 
fluctuations. The Company recognizes in the balance sheet derivative contracts at fair value, and reflects any net gains and 
losses currently in earnings. At March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no forward contracts outstanding. Gain or loss 
on foreign currency forward contracts, which was de minimis during the periods presented, is included in other income 
and expense. 

NOTE 11 — PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 

The Company accounts for taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, which requires the recognition 
of tax benefits or expense on the temporary differences between the tax basis and book basis of its assets and liabilities. 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years 
in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. 

The Company’s income tax expense for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 consists primarily of 
federal  and  state  and  local  taxes  attributable  to  GCP,  which  does  not  file  a  consolidated  income  tax  return  with  the 
Company. Effective with the acquisition of the additional 20.1% of GCP as described in Note 4, GCP will file as part of 
the U.S. federal consolidated income tax group for periods subsequent to the acquisition. 

The components of income before the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows: 

Year Ended 

Year Ended 

March 31, 2017     

March 31, 2016     

Domestic Operations .................     $ 
Foreign Operations ....................       
Total ..........................................     $ 

945,985      $ 
(251,663 )      
694,322      $ 

(385,672 )    $ 
129,814        
(255,858 )    $ 

Year Ended 
March 31, 2015   
(2,285,380 ) 
90,466   
(2,194,914 ) 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of the following: 

Year Ended 

Year Ended 

March 31, 2017     

March 31, 2016     

Year Ended 
March 31, 2015   

Current provision (benefit) 

Federal ........................................................................     $ 
State ............................................................................       
Foreign ........................................................................       
Total current provision (benefit) .....................................     $ 

1,617,000      $ 
(784,000 )      
-        
833,000      $ 

1,183,000      $ 
397,000        
-        
1,580,000      $ 

Deferred provision (benefit) 

Federal ........................................................................     $ 
State ............................................................................       
Foreign ........................................................................       
Total deferred provision (benefit) ...................................     $ 

(540,000 )    $ 
9,702        
(115,000 )      
(645,298 )    $ 

(148,152 )    $ 
19,000        
-        
(129,152 )    $ 

608,589   
382,232   
-   
990,821   

214,958   
73,220   
-   
288,178   

Total provision (benefit) .................................................       
Federal ........................................................................     $ 
State ............................................................................       
Foreign ........................................................................       
Total provision (benefit) .................................................     $ 

1,077,000      $ 
(774,298 )      
(115,000 )      
187,702      $ 

1,034,848      $ 
416,000        
-        
1,450,848      $ 

823,547   
455,452   
-   
1,278,999   

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
     
         
         
    
  
     
         
         
    
         
         
    
 
 
The effective income tax rate varies from the current statutory federal income tax rate of 34% as follows: 

2017 
% 

Years ended March 31, 
2016 
% 

2015 
% 

Computed expected tax benefit, at 34% ............   
Permanent items ................................................   
Share based compensation .................................   
Change in valuation allowance* ........................   
Effect of foreign operations ...............................   
Increase in unrecognized tax benefit .................   
Intercompany profit ...........................................   
Other ..................................................................   
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit .......   

(34.00 ) 
(29.70 ) 
(48.46 ) 
73.68  
(67.87 ) 
(1.65 ) 
0.0  
(2.34 ) 
83.31  

(34.00 ) 
176.0  
0.00  
371.5  
12.20  
0.00  
13.90  
0.0  
27.5  

(34.00 ) 
3.10  
0.00  
81.8  
1.8  
0.00  
2.60  
0.0  
3.0  

Effective tax rate................................................   

(27.03 )%  

567.10 %  

58.30 % 

* Change in valuation allowance includes state NOL and deferred tax true-ups.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are as follows: 

March 31, 

2017 

2016 

Deferred income tax assets: 

Foreign currency transactions ....................................    $ 
Accounts receivable ...................................................   
Inventory ....................................................................   
Share based compensation .........................................   
U.S. federal and state net operating losses .................   
Foreign net operating losses .......................................   
Other ..........................................................................   

$ 

-  
112,000  
1,204,000  
665,000  
29,374,000  
1,511,000  
245,000  

144,000  
103,000  
857,000  
679,000  
33,585,000  
2,003,000  
2,000  

Total gross assets .......................................................   
Less: Valuation allowance .........................................   

33,111,000  
(32,621,000 )  

37,373,000  
(37,355,000 ) 

Total deferred tax asset ..............................................    $ 

490,000  

$ 

18,000  

Deferred income tax liability: 

Intangible assets .........................................................    $ 
Fixed assets ................................................................   
Other ..........................................................................   

(994,000 )   $ 
(6,000 )  
(48,766 )  

(1,222,000 ) 
-  
-  

Total deferred tax liability..........................................   

(1,048,766 )  

(1,222,000 ) 

Net deferred tax liability ............................................    $ 

(558,766 )   $ 

(1,204,000 ) 

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 tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent 
upon the generation of future taxable income in those periods in which temporary differences become deductible and/or 
net operating loss carryforwards can be utilized. The Company considers the level of historical taxable income, scheduled 
reversal of temporary differences, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in determining whether a 
valuation allowance is warranted. Based on historic operating losses and projected future income, the Company concluded 
that its net deferred tax assets are not realizable on a more-likely-than-not basis. As such, the Company maintained a full 
valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. The Company’s valuation allowance decreased by $4,734,000 during 
fiscal 2017. 

59 

In accordance with ASC 350-10, the Company does not amortize indefinite lived-intangible assets for financial 
reporting purposes. The deferred tax liability of $559,000 relates to the tax effects of differences between the financial 
reporting and tax basis of intangible assets. 

As  of  March  31,  2017,  the  Company  had  U.S.  federal  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  of  approximately 
$83,446,000 for U.S. tax purposes, which expire in Fiscal 2023 through 2037, if not utilized. The annual utilization of the 
net operating loss carryforwards may be limited in future years due to the “change in ownership provisions” set forth in 
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company also has Irish net operating loss carryforwards of approximately 
$12,092,000, which have an indefinite life. 

As of March 31, 2017, the Company has not provided for U.S. federal and foreign withholding taxes on any excess 
of financial reporting over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries, as such earnings are indefinitely reinvested 
overseas. Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and under certain 
other  circumstances.  Due  to  the  complexities  of  the  tax  laws  and  assumptions  that  would  have  to  be  made,  it  is  not 
practicable to estimate the amounts of income tax provisions that may be required. 

A  reconciliation  of  the  beginning  and  ending  amount  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits,  excluding  interest  and 

penalties, is as follows: 

Balance at March 31, 2016 ......................................................................     $ 
Additions based on tax positions taken in the current and prior years ....       
Settlements ..............................................................................................       
Decreases based on tax positions taken in prior years .............................       
Other ........................................................................................................       
Balance at March 31, 2017 ......................................................................     $ 

-   
18,000   
-   
-   
-   
18,000   

Of  the  amounts  reflected  above  at  March  31,  2017,  the  entire  amount  would  reduce  our  effective  tax  rate  if 
recognized. The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to income tax matters in general and administrative 
expenses.  For  the  year  ended  March  31,  2017,  interest  and  penalties  on  unrecognized  tax  benefits  were  $2,000.  The 
Company does not believe that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the 
next 12 months. 

Tax years 2013 through 2017 remain open to examination by federal and state tax jurisdictions. The Company 
has various foreign subsidiaries for which tax years 2011 through 2017 remain open to examination in certain foreign tax 
jurisdictions. 

NOTE 12 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 

Stock Incentive Plan — In July 2003, the Company implemented the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2003 Plan”), 
which provides for awards of incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights for 
its officers, employees, consultants and directors to attract and retain such individuals. Stock option grants under the Plan 
are granted with an exercise price at or above the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant, 
generally vest over a three to five year period and expire ten years after the grant date. 

As established, there were 2,000,000 shares of common stock available for distribution under the 2003 Plan. In 
January 2009, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the 2003 Plan to increase the number of shares 
available under the 2003 Plan from 2,000,000 to 12,000,000 and to establish the maximum number of shares issuable to 
any one individual in any particular year. As of August 2013, no new awards may be issued under the 2003 Plan. 

In October 2012, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan (“2013 Plan”) 
which provides for an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s stock for awards of incentive and non-qualified 
stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights for its officers, employees, consultants and directors to attract 
and retain such individuals. In February 2017, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the 2013 Plan to 
increase  the  number  of  shares  available  under  the  2013  Plan  from  10,000,000  to  20,000,000.  As  of  March  31,  2017, 
8,289,000 shares had been issued under the 2013 Plan, with 11,711,000 shares remaining available for issuance. 

Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $1,577,994, 
$1,370,556 and $787,710, respectively, of which $495,775, $493,666 and $178,137, respectively, is included in selling 
expense and $1,082,219, $876,890 and $609,573, respectively, is included in general and administrative expense for the 
years  ended  March  31,  2017,  2016  and  2015,  respectively.  At  March  31,  2017,  total  unrecognized  compensation  cost 
amounted to approximately $3,348,495, representing 6,546,375 unvested options. This cost is expected to be recognized 
over a weighted-average period of 2.35 years. There were 671,028, 1,079,602 and 677,127 options exercised during the 
years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company did not recognize any related tax benefit for the 
years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, as the effects were de minimis. 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Options — A summary of the options outstanding under the 2003 and 2013 Plans is as follows: 

2017 

Years ended March 31, 
2016 

2015 

  Weighted  
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

  Weighted  
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

Shares 

Shares 

  Weighted  
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

Shares 

Outstanding at beginning of year ................................      13,508,086      $ 
Granted .......................................................................  
Exercised ....................................................................  
Forfeited .....................................................................  

3,280,000  
(671,028 )  
(318,500 )  

0.79  
0.91  
0.37  
3.44  

  11,988,188      $ 
2,622,500  
  (1,079,602 )  
(23,000 )  

0.58  
1.63  
0.35  
4.30  

  11,174,007      $ 
2,525,000  
(677,127 )  
  (1,033,692 )  

0.51  
1.04  
0.33  
1.10  

Outstanding and expected to vest at end of period ......  

  15,798,558     $ 

0.78  

  13,508,086     $ 

0.79  

  11,988,188     $ 

0.58  

Exercisable at period end ............................................  

9,285,121     $ 

0.55  

7,931,813     $ 

0.53  

7,064,133     $ 

0.49  

Weighted average fair value of grants during the 
period ..........................................................................  

  $ 

0.57  

  $ 

1.07  

  $ 

0.65  

The following table summarizes activity pertaining to options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2017: 

Range of 
Exercise Prices 
$0.01 — $0.25 ..................................................   
$0.26 — $0.40 ..................................................   
$0.41 — $1.00 ..................................................   
$1.01 — $1.50 ..................................................   
$1.51 — $2.00 ..................................................   
$6.01 — $7.00 ..................................................   

Options Outstanding 

Options Exercisable 

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Life in 
Years 

1.48  
4.32  
8.40  
7.88  
7.99  
0.22  

6.34  

Shares 

303,100  
7,132,458  
5,299,500  
586,000  
2,471,500  
6,000  

15,798,558  

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

$ 

0.22  
0.34  
0.98  
1.24  
1.69  
6.93  

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 

$ 

403,354  
8,223,876  
644,688  
121,620  
—  
—  

Shares 

303,100  
6,783,396  
1,137,250  
391,000  
664,375  
6,000  

9,285,121  

$ 

0.55  

$  9,393,538  

Total stock options exercisable as of March 31, 2017 were 9,285,121. The weighted average exercise price of 
these options was $0.55. The weighted average remaining life of the options outstanding was 6.33 years and of the options 
exercisable was 4.87 years. 

The following summarizes activity pertaining to the Company’s unvested options for the years ended March 31, 

2017, 2016 and 2015: 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

Shares 

Unvested at March 31, 2014 ...........................................................................................   

5,662,560  

$ 

Granted ...........................................................................................................................   
Canceled or expired ........................................................................................................   
Vested .............................................................................................................................   

2,525,000  
(954,083 )  
(2,309,422 )  

Unvested at March 31, 2015 ...........................................................................................   

4,924,055  

$ 

Granted ...........................................................................................................................   
Canceled or expired ........................................................................................................   
Vested .............................................................................................................................   

2,622,500  

(12,000 )  
(1,958,282 )  

Unvested at March 31, 2016 ...........................................................................................   

5,576,273  

$ 

Granted ...........................................................................................................................   
Canceled or expired ........................................................................................................   
Vested .............................................................................................................................   

3,280,000  
(138,250 )  
(2,171,648 )  

Unvested at March 31, 2017 ...........................................................................................   

6,546,375  

$ 

0.32  

1.04  
0.44  
0.41  

0.70  

1.63  
0.97  
0.70  

1.17  

0.91  
0.55  
0.94  

1.11  

61 

    
The fair value of each award under the 2003 and 2013 Plans is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes 
option pricing model and is affected by assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. The use of 
an option pricing model also requires the use of a number of complex assumptions including expected volatility, risk-free 
interest rate, expected dividends, and expected term. Expected volatility is based on the Company’s historical volatility 
and the volatility of a peer group of companies over the expected life of the option. The expected term and vesting of the 
options  represents  the  estimated  period  of  time  until  exercise.  The  expected  term  was  determined  using  the  simplified 
method available under current guidance. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at 
the time of grant for the expected term of the option. The Company has not paid dividends on its common stock in the past 
and does not plan to pay any dividends on its common stock in the near future. Current authoritative guidance also requires 
the Company to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise these estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if 
actual  forfeitures  differ  from  those  estimates.  The  Company  estimates  forfeitures  based  on  its  expectation  of  future 
experience while considering its historical experience. 

The fair value of options at grant date was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model utilizing the 

following weighted average assumptions: 

Risk-free interest rate .................................       
Expected option life in years ......................       
Expected stock price volatility ...................       
Expected dividend yield .............................       

2017 
1.37% - 1.89 %      
5.5 - 6.25         
68% - 69 %      
0 %      

March 31, 
2016 
1.39% - 1.81 %      
5.5 - 6.25         
70% - 73 %      
0 %      

2015 
1.47% - 1.76 % 
5.5 - 6.25   
74% - 77 % 
0 % 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan - In February 2017, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2017 Employee 
Stock Purchase Plan (“2017 ESPP”) which provides for an aggregate of 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s stock reserved 
for issuance over the term of the 2017 ESPP. The purpose of the 2017 ESPP is to provide incentives for present and future 
employees of the Company and any designated subsidiary to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company through the 
purchase of shares of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2017, no shares had been acquired under the 2017 
ESPP. 

NOTE 13 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

A.  Pallini S.p.A. (“Pallini”), as successor in interest to I.L.A.R. S.p.A., is a shareholder in the Company and 
one of the officers of Pallini served as a director of the Company until March 26, 2015. In January 2011, 
CB-USA  entered  into  an  agreement  (“New  Agreement”)  with  Pallini  regarding  the  importation  and 
distribution of certain Pallini brand products. The terms of the New Agreement were effective as of April 
1, 2010. 

Pallini is no longer a related party effective April 1, 2015. For the year ended March 31, 2015, the Company 

purchased goods from Pallini for $3,840,446. 

B.  In  November  2008,  the  Company  entered  into  a  management  services  agreement  with  Vector  Group 
Ltd., a more than 5% shareholder, under which Vector Group agreed to make available to the Company 
the services of Richard J. Lampen, Vector Group’s executive vice president, effective October 11, 2008 
to serve as the Company’s president and chief executive officer and to provide certain other financial 
and accounting services, including assistance with complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002. In consideration for such services, the Company agreed to pay Vector Group an annual fee 
of $100,000, plus any direct, out-of-pocket costs, fees and other expenses incurred by Vector Group or 
Mr.  Lampen  in  connection  with  providing  such  services,  and  to  indemnify  Vector  Group  for  any 
liabilities arising out of the provision of the services. The agreement is terminable by either party upon 
30 days’ prior written notice. For the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Vector Group was 
paid  $110,846,  $85,396  and  $135,475,  respectively,  under  this  agreement.  These  charges  have  been 
included in general and administrative expense. 

C.  In November 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to reimburse Ladenburg Thalmann Financial 
Services Inc. (“LTS”) for its costs in providing certain administrative, legal and financial services to the 
Company. For the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, LTS was paid $128,625, $131,054 and 
$210,875, respectively, under this agreement. Mr. Lampen, the Company’s president and chief executive 
officer and a director, is the president and chief executive officer and a director of LTS and four other 
directors of the Company serve as directors of LTS, including Phillip Frost, M.D. who is the Chairman 
and principal shareholder of LTS. 

D.  As  described  in  Note  8C,  in  March  2013,  the  Company  entered  into  a  Participation  Agreement  with 
certain related parties. As described in Notes 8D and 8E, in October 2013 and March 2017, the Company 
entered into various notes with certain related parties. 

E.  As described in Note 4 in March 2017, the Company issued 1,800,000 shares of Common Stock to the 

Sellers and paid $20,000,000 to the Sellers in connection with the GCP Acquisition. 

62 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 14 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

A.  The  Company  has  entered  into  a  supply  agreement  with  an  Irish  distiller  (“Irish  Distillery”),  which 
provides for the production of blended Irish whiskeys for the Company until the contract is terminated 
by either party in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Irish Distillery may terminate the 
contract  if  it  provides  at  least  six  years  prior  notice  to  the  Company,  except  for  breach.  Under  this 
agreement, the Company provides the Irish Distillery with a forecast of the estimated amount of liters of 
pure alcohol it requires for the next four fiscal contract years and agrees to purchase 90% of that amount, 
subject  to  certain  annual  adjustments.  For  the  contract  year  ending  June  30,  2017,  the  Company  has 
contracted to purchase approximately €900,386 or $961,756 (translated at the March 31, 2017 exchange 
rate) in bulk Irish whiskey, of which €837,164, or $894,225, has been purchased as of March 31, 2017. 
For  the  contract  year  ending  June  30,  2018,  the  Company  has  contracted  to  purchase  approximately 
€1,017,189 or $1,086,520 (translated at the March 31, 2017 exchange rate) in bulk Irish whiskey. The 
Company is not obligated to pay the Irish Distillery for any product not yet received. During the term of 
this  supply  agreement,  the  Irish  Distillery  has  the  right  to  limit  additional  purchases  above  the 
commitment amount. 

B.  The Company has also entered into a supply agreement with the Irish Distillery, which provides for the 
production of single malt Irish whiskeys for the Company until the contract is terminated by either party 
in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  agreement.  The  Irish  Distillery  may  terminate  the  contract  if  it 
provides at least thirteen years prior notice to the Company, except for breach. Under this agreement, the 
Company provides the Irish Distillery with a forecast of the estimated amount of liters of pure alcohol it 
requires for the next twelve fiscal contract years and agrees to purchase 80% of that amount, subject to 
certain annual adjustments. For the contract year ending June 30, 2017, the Company has contracted to 
purchase approximately €394,961 or $421,882 (translated at the March 31, 2017 exchange rate) in bulk 
Irish whiskey, of which €313,081, or $334,421, has been purchased as of March 31, 2017. For the year 
ending June 30, 2018, the Company has contracted to purchase approximately €442,274 or $472,420 
(translated at the March 31, 2017 exchange rate) in bulk Irish whiskey. The Company is not obligated to 
pay the Irish Distillery for any product not yet received. During the term of this supply agreement, the 
Irish Distillery has the right to limit additional purchases above the commitment amount. 

C.  The  Company  has  entered  into  a  supply  agreement  with  a  bourbon  distiller,  which  provides  for  the 
production of newly distilled bourbon whiskey through December 31, 2019. Under this agreement, the 
distiller provides the Company with an agreed upon amount of original proof gallons of newly distilled 
bourbon whiskey, subject to certain annual adjustments. For the contract year ended December 31, 2016, 
the Company contracted and purchased approximately $2,053,750 in newly distilled bourbon. For the 
contract year ending December 31, 2017, the Company originally contracted to purchase approximately 
$2,464,500 in newly distilled bourbon, none of which had been purchased as of March 31, 2017. The 
Company is not obligated to pay the distiller for any product not yet received. During the term of this 
supply  agreement,  the  distiller  has  the  right  to  limit  additional  purchases  to  ten  percent  above  the 
commitment amount. In March 2017, the distiller notified the Company of its intent to terminate the 
contract  under  its  terms  after  the  2017  contract  year,  and  to  limit  the  purchase  amount  for  the  2017 
contract year to the 2016 contract year amount. 

D.  The Company has a distribution agreement with an international supplier to be the sole-producer of Celtic 

Honey, one of the Company’s products, for an indefinite period. 

E.  The Company leases office space in New York, NY, Dublin, Ireland and Houston, TX. The New York, 
NY lease began on May 1, 2010 and expires on February 29, 2020 and provides for monthly payments 
of $26,255. The Dublin lease commenced on March 1, 2009 and extends through October 31, 2019 and 
provides for monthly payments of €1,500 or $1,602 (translated at the March 31, 2017 exchange rate). 
The Houston, TX lease commenced on April 27, 2015 and extends through June 26, 2018 and provides 
for monthly payments of $3,440. The Company has also entered into non-cancelable operating leases for 
certain office equipment. 

Future minimum lease payments for leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows: 

Years ending March 31, 
2018 ..............................................................................     $ 
2019 ..............................................................................       
2020 ..............................................................................       

Amount 

384,994   
360,982   
321,514   

Total ..............................................................................     $ 

1,067,490   

In addition to the above annual rental payments, the Company is obligated to pay its pro-rata share of utility and 
maintenance expenses on the leased premises. Rent expense under operating leases amounted to approximately $477,460, 
$335,047 and $359,714 for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in general and 
administrative expense. 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
     
    
 
 
F.  As described in Note 8C, in August 2011, the Company and CB-USA entered into the Credit Facility, as 
amended in July 2012, March 2013, August 2013, November 2013, August 2014, September 2014 and 
August 2015. 

G.  Except as set forth below, the Company believes that neither it nor any of its subsidiaries is currently 
subject to litigation which, in the opinion of management after consultation with counsel, is likely to 
have a material adverse effect on the Company. 

The Company may become involved in litigation from time to time relating to claims arising in the ordinary course 
of its business. These claims, even if not meritorious, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial 
resources. 

NOTE 15 — CONCENTRATIONS 

A.  Credit Risk — The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents balances at various large financial 
institutions that, at times, may exceed federally and internationally insured limits. The Company has not 
experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk. 
B.  Customers — Sales to one customer, the Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of America, Inc. family of 
companies, accounted for approximately, 36.6%, 39.9% and 29.7% of the Company’s net sales for the 
years  ended  March  31,  2017,  2016  and  2015,  respectively,  and  approximately  29.3%  and  38.6%  of 
accounts receivable at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

NOTE 16 — GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 

The  Company  operates  in  one  reportable  segment  —  the  sale  of  premium  beverage  alcohol.  The  Company’s 
product categories are rum, whiskey, liqueurs, vodka, tequila and ginger beer, a related non-alcoholic beverage product. 
The Company reports its operations in two geographic areas: International and United States. 

The consolidated financial statements include revenues and assets generated in or held in the U.S. and foreign 
countries. The following table sets forth the amounts and percentage of consolidated sales, net, consolidated income from 
operations,  consolidated  net  income  (loss)  attributable  to  common  shareholders,  consolidated  income  tax  expense  and 
consolidated assets from the U.S. and foreign countries and consolidated sales, net by category. 

2017 

Years ended March 31, 
2016 

2015 

Consolidated Sales, net: 

International ...................................................    $  7,528,766        9.7 %   $  9,302,134        12.9 %   $  7,938,393        13.8 % 
United States ..................................................      69,740,365        90.3 %     62,918,234        87.1 %     49,519,028        86.2 % 

Total Consolidated Sales, net .........................    $ 77,269,131       100.0 %   $ 72,220,368       100.0 %   $ 57,457,421       100.0 % 

Consolidated Income (Loss) from Operations:      
International ...................................................    $ 
17,172        (1.6 )% 
United States ..................................................       2,115,099       111.0 %      1,039,815       103.4 %      (1,095,077 )     101.6 % 

(210,100 )     (11.0 )%   $ 

(34,268 )      (3.4 )%   $ 

Total Consolidated Income (Loss) from 
Operations ......................................................    $  1,904,999       100.0 %   $  1,005,547       100.0 %   $ (1,077,905 )     100.0 % 

Consolidated Net Loss Attributable to 
Common Shareholders: 

International ...................................................    $ 
United States ..................................................      

(109,164 )      12.8 %   $ 
(101,453 )      2.7 % 
(743,449 )      87.2 %      (2,527,858 )     100.5 %      (3,698,289 )      97.3 % 

11,490        (0.5 )%   $ 

Total Consolidated Net Loss Attributable to 
Common Shareholders ...................................    $ 

Income tax (expense), net: 

(852,613 )     100.0 %   $ (2,516,368 )     100.0 %   $ (3,799,742 )     100.0 % 

United States ..................................................    $ 

(187,702 )     100.0 %   $ (1,450,848 )     100.0 %   $ (1,278,999 )     100.0 % 

Consolidated Sales, net by category: 

Whiskey .........................................................    $ 28,339,770        36.7 %   $ 26,009,839        36.0 %   $ 19,147,028        33.3 % 
Rum ...............................................................      18,759,610        24.3 %   $ 18,858,554        26.1 %   $ 16,998,034        29.6 % 
Liqueurs .........................................................       8,386,705        10.9 %      8,567,121        11.9 %      8,756,376        15.2 % 
Vodka .............................................................       1,569,004        2.0 %      2,364,429        3.3 %      2,413,994        4.2 % 
Tequila ...........................................................      
208,845        0.4 % 
Ginger beer ....................................................      20,004,029        25.9 %     16,222,095        22.5 %      9,933,144        17.3 % 

198,330        0.3 %     

210,012        0.3 %     

Total Consolidated Sales, net .........................    $ 77,269,131       100.0 %   $ 72,220,368       100.0 %   $ 57,457,421       100.0 % 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
        
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
  
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
        
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
  
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
  
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
  
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
  
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
  
  
         
    
 
 
As of March 31, 

2017 

2016 

Consolidated Assets: 

International ......................................     $ 
3,234,536        
United States .....................................        51,107,608        

6.0 %    $ 

2,786,333        
94.0 %       45,824,050        

5.7 % 
94.43 % 

Total Consolidated Assets ................     $  54,342,144        

100.0 %    $  48,610,383        

100.0 % 

NOTE 17 — QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited) 

Fiscal 2017: 

1st 

2nd 

3rd 

4th 

Sales, net .............................................................     $  16,750,925      $  19,627,791      $  18,309,539      $  22,580,876   

Gross profit .........................................................       

6,716,115        

7,727,260        

7,670,240        

9,586,742   

Net (loss) income ................................................     $ 

(595,703 )    $ 

(489,854 )    $ 

892,364      $ 

699,725   

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling 
interests ...............................................................       

Net (loss) income attributable to common 
Stockholders .......................................................     $ 

(170,116 )      

(210,856 )      

(469,798 )      

(508,375 ) 

(765,819 )    $ 

(700,710 )    $ 

422,566      $ 

191,350   

Net (loss) income per common share, basic, 
attributable to common shareholders ..................     $ 
Net (loss) income per common share, diluted, 
attributable to common shareholders ..................     $ 
Weighted average shares used in computation, 
basic, attributable to common shareholders ........        160,521,947         160,698,696         160,963,862         161,065,685   
Weighted average shares used in computation, 
diluted, attributable to common shareholders .....        160,521,947         160,698,696         165,245,935         165,878,218   

(0.00 )    $ 

(0.00 )    $ 

(0.00 )    $ 

(0.00 )    $ 

0.00      $ 

0.00      $ 

0.00   

0.00   

Fiscal 2016: 

1st 

2nd 

3rd 

4th 

Sales, net .............................................................     $  16,513,079      $  18,536,509      $  17,207,372      $  19,963,408   

Gross profit .........................................................       

6,627,314        

7,056,402        

6,702,095        

8,167,759   

Net (loss) income ................................................     $ 

(850,144 )    $ 

(682,057 )    $ 

(595,911 )    $ 

421,406   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling 
interests ...............................................................       

Net (loss) income attributable to common 
stockholders ........................................................     $ 

(273,518 )      

(329,214 )      

(211,792 )      

4,862   

(1,123,662 )    $ 

(1,011,271 )    $ 

(807,703 )    $ 

426,268   

Net (loss) income per common share, basic, 
attributable to common shareholders ..................     $ 
Net (loss) income per common share, diluted, 
attributable to common shareholders ..................     $ 
Weighted average shares used in computation, 
basic, attributable to common shareholders ........        157,535,571         159,774,811         160,031,891         160,167,121   
Weighted average shares used in computation, 
diluted, attributable to common shareholders .....        157,535,571         159,774,811         160,031,891         167,331,808   

(0.01 )    $ 

(0.01 )    $ 

(0.01 )    $ 

(0.01 )    $ 

(0.01 )    $ 

(0.01 )    $ 

0.00   

0.00   

65 

  
  
  
  
  
     
  
     
         
          
         
    
  
     
         
          
         
    
 
 
  
     
       
       
       
  
     
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
 
  
     
      
      
      
     
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
       
         
         
         
    
 
 
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

None. 

66 

 
 
 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

The  Company has  established disclosure  controls and procedures  that are designed  to  ensure  that information 
required  to  be  disclosed  in  reports  filed  or  submitted  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended  (the 
“Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms 
of  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  and,  as  such,  is  accumulated  and  communicated  to  the  Company’s 
management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate to allow 
timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management, together with our CEO and CFO, evaluated the effectiveness 
of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of March 31, 
2017. Based on their evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that, due to a material weakness in our internal control over 
financial reporting as described below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2017. In 
light of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, we analyzed the underlying data used for the 
allocation of excise taxes and freight costs to inventory, prior to filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

These  additional  procedures  have  allowed  us  to  conclude  that,  notwithstanding  the  material  weakness  in  our 
internal control over financial reporting, the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report fairly present, in all 
material  respects,  the  Company’s  financial  position,  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows  for  the  periods  presented  in 
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The  Company’s  management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over 
financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a 
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation  of 
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the CEO and CFO, we conducted 
an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017 based upon Internal 
Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(“COSO”). 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, 
such  that  there  is  a  reasonable  possibility  that  a  material  misstatement  of  the  Company’s  annual  or  interim  financial 
statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 

As of  March 31,  2017, we did not maintain  effective  internal  controls  over  the  allocation of  excise  taxes  and 
freight costs to inventory because certain internal controls over the reconciliation of excise taxes and freights costs allocated 
to inventory were not operating effectively. 

The  errors  arising  from  the  underlying  deficiency  are  not  material  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements 
reported in any interim or annual period and therefore, did not result in a revision to previously filed Consolidated Financial 
Statements. However, this control deficiency could result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim Consolidated 
Financial Statements that would not be prevented or detected in a timely manner. Accordingly, we have determined that 
this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness. 

Because of this material weakness, management concluded that we did not maintain effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, based on criteria described in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 
issued by COSO. 

The independent registered public accounting firm, EisnerAmper LLP, has issued an adverse audit report on the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, which is included in this 
Form 10-K in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” 

(c) Remediation of the Material Weakness

Since the identification of the material weakness, management has begun implementing a remediation plan to 

address the control deficiency underlying the material weakness. The remediation plan includes: 

● Implementing  specific  reconciliation  and  review  procedures  on  a  quarterly  as  well  as  annual  basis 

designed to ensure inventory is being accurately costed.

Management plans to have its enhanced review procedures in place and operating in the second quarter of the 
Company’s fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. Management intends to remediate this material weakness by March 31, 
2018,  assuming  the  Company  has  sufficient  opportunities  to  conclude,  through  testing,  that  the  enhanced  control  is 
operating effectively. 

67 

(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

There  have  been  no  changes  in  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that  occurred  in  the  fourth  fiscal 
quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

(d) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders 
Castle Brands Inc. 

We have audited Castle Brands Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as 
of  March  31,  2017,  based  on  criteria  established  in  the  2013  Internal  Control  -  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the 
Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (“COSO”).  The  Company’s  management  is 
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of 
internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control 
over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting based on our audit. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 
effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an 
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing 
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a 
reasonable basis for our opinion. 

An  entity’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance 
regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. An entity’s internal control over financial reporting includes 
those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly 
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the entity; (ii) 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  entity  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of 
management and directors of the entity; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of 
unauthorized  acquisition,  use,  or  disposition  of  the  entity’s  assets  that  could  have  a  material  effect  on  the  financial 
statements. 

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls 
may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures 
may deteriorate. 

A  material  weakness  is a  control  deficiency,  or  combination of deficiencies,  in  internal control  over  financial 
reporting,  such  that  there  is  a  reasonable  possibility  that  a  material  misstatement  of  the  Company’s  annual  or  interim 
financial  statements  will  not  be  prevented  or  detected  on  a  timely  basis.  The  following  material  weakness  has  been 
identified and included in management’s assessment under Item 9A. The material weakness related to controls over the 
allocation of excise taxes and freight costs to inventory and was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent 
of the audit tests applied in our audit of the March 31, 2017 financial statements, and this report does not affect our report 
dated June 14, 2017, on those financial statements. 

In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described above on the achievement of the objectives 
of the control criteria, Castle Brands Inc. has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 
31, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO. 

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United  States),  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  the  Company  as  of  March  31,  2017  and  2016,  and  the  related 
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years 
in  the  three-year  period  ended  March  31,  2017,  and  our  report  dated  June  14,  2017  expressed  an  unqualified  opinion 
thereon. 

/s/ EisnerAmper LLP 

New York, New York 
June 14, 2017 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Item 9B. Other Information 

None. 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

PART III 

This information will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this report, and incorporated 
herein by reference or, alternatively, by amendment to this Form 10-K under cover of Form 10-K/A no later than the end 
of such 120 day period. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

This information will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this report, and incorporated 
herein by reference or, alternatively, by amendment to this Form 10-K under cover of Form 10-K/A no later than the end 
of such 120 day period. 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters 

Information regarding equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 5 of this annual report on Form 10-K and is 

incorporated herein by reference. 

The other information required by this Item 12 will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2017 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered 
by this report, and incorporated herein by reference or, alternatively, by amendment to this Form 10-K under cover of Form 
10-K/A no later than the end of such 120 day period. 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

This information will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this report, and incorporated 
herein by reference or, alternatively, by amendment to this Form 10-K under cover of Form 10-K/A no later than the end 
of such 120 day period. 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

This information will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this report, and incorporated 
herein by reference or, alternatively, by amendment to this Form 10-K under cover of Form 10-K/A no later than the end 
of such 120 day period. 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

(a)  The following documents are filed as part of this Report: 

PART IV 

1.  Financial Statements — See Index to Financial Statements at Item 8 on page 39 of this annual report 

on Form 10-K. 

2.  Financial Statement Schedules — Omitted because they are not applicable or not required. 
3.  Exhibits — The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this annual 

report on Form 10-K: 

(b) 
Exhibit 
Number   
1.1 

Exhibit 
  Equity  Distribution  Agreement,  dated  November  20,  2014,  between  Castle  Brands  Inc.  and  Barrington 
Research Associates, Inc., as sales agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to our current report on 
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 21, 2014) 

2.1 

  Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 29, 2017, by and among Castle Brands Inc., Gosling’s Limited, and 
E. Malcolm B. Gosling (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with 
the SEC on March 30, 2017) 

3.1 

  Composite Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our annual 

report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 filed with the SEC on June 30, 2014) 

3.2 

  Bylaws  of  the  Company  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Appendix  E  to  our  definitive  proxy  statement  on 

Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on December 30, 2009) 

4.1 

  Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Post-Effective Amendment 

No. 1 to Form S-8 (File No. 333-160380) filed with the SEC on March 10, 2010) 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

  Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2014, by and among ACF 
FinCo I LP, the Company and Castle Brands (USA) Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our 
current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 24, 2014) 

  Amended  and  Restated  Revolving  Credit  Note,  dated  as  of  August  7,  2015,  in  favor  of  ACF  FinCo  I  LP 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 10, 
2015) 

  5% Convertible Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2013, among the Company 
and the parties set forth on the signature pages attached thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our 
current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 25, 2013) 

4.5 

  Form of 5% Subordinated Convertible Note Due 2018, issued by the Company (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 1, 2013) 

4.6 

4.7 

  First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2015, by 
and  among  ACF  FinCo  I  LP,  the  Company  and  Castle  Brands  (USA)  Corp.  (incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 10, 2015) 

  Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 17, 2015, 
by and among ACF FinCo I LP, the Company and Castle Brands (USA) Corp. (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 18, 2015) 

4.8 

  11% Subordinated Note due 2019, issued by the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our 

current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2017) 

10.1 

  Restated Export Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2017, between  Gosling-Castle Partners Inc. and Gosling’s 

Export (Bermuda) Limited*(3) 

10.2 

  Amended and Restated National Distribution Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2017, by and between Castle 

Brands (USA) Corp. and Gosling-Castle Partners Inc.* (3) 

10.3 

  Stockholders’ Agreement, dated February 18, 2005, by and among Gosling-Castle Partners Inc. and the persons 

listed on Schedule I thereto (Exhibit 10.5)(1) 

10.4 

10.5 

10.6 

  Agreement, dated as of January 12, 2011, between Pallini SpA and Castle Brands (USA) Corp. (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 18, 2011) (2) 
  Supply Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, between Irish Distillers Limited and Castle Brands Spirits 

Group Limited and Castle Brands (USA) Corp. (Exhibit 10.8)(1)(2) 

  Amendment No. 1 to Supply Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2005, to the Supply Agreement, dated as 
of January 1, 2005, among Irish Distillers Limited and Castle Brands Spirits Group Limited and Castle Brands 
(USA) Corp. (Exhibit 10.9)(1) 

10.7 

10.8 

  Letter Agreement, dated November 7, 2008, between Castle Brands Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 12, 2008) 
  Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 

our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2013) 

10.9 

  Form of Castle Brands Inc. Stock Option Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our 

current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 16, 2006)# 

10.10 

  Employment Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2017, by and between Castle Brands Inc. and Alfred J. Small 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 7, 
2017)# 

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.11 

10.12 

10.13 

10.14 
10.15 
10.16 

  Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of February 26, 2010, by and between Castle 
Brands Inc. and Mark Andrews (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed 
with the SEC on March 1, 2010)# 

  Employment  Agreement,  dated  as  of  April  7,  2017,  by  and  between  Castle  Brands  Inc.  and  T.  Kelley  Spillane 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 7, 2017)# 
  Reaffirmation Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2015, by and among the Company, Castle Brands (USA) Corp., the 
officers signatory thereto and certain junior lenders to the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 
our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 10, 2015) 

  Castle Brands Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.29)(1)# 
  Amendment to Castle Brands Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.30)(1)# 
  Amendment No. 2 to Castle Brands Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to 
our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2009 filed with the SEC on June 29, 2009)# 

10.18 
10.19 

  Form of Restricted Stock Agreement*# 
  Employment Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2017, by and between Castle Brands Inc. and John Glover (incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 7, 2017)# 

10.20 

10.21 

10.22 

  Form of Validity and Support Agreement, dated as of August 19, 2011, among Keltic Financial Partners II, LP, the 
Company, Castle Brands (USA) Corp. and the officer signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 25, 2011) 

  Employment  Agreement,  dated  as  of  April  7,  2017,  by  and  between  Castle  Brands  Inc.  and  Alejandra  Peña 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 7, 2017)# 
  Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of May 11, 2012, by and 
between Castle Brands Inc. and Mark Andrews (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our current report on 
Form 8-K filed on May 17, 2012)# 

10.23 

10.24 

  Castle  Brands  Inc.  2013  Stock  Incentive  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  A  to  our  definitive  proxy 
statement on Schedule 14A for the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on September 11, 2012)# 
  Amendment No. 1 to the Castle Brands Inc. 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to 

our registration statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on March 23, 2017)# 

10.25 

10.26 

10.27 

10.28 

  Amendment  to  Fourth  Amended  and  Restated  Employment  Agreement,  dated  as  of  January  24,  2014,  by  and 
between Castle Brands Inc. and Mark Andrews (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on 
Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2014)# 

  Extension and Amendment Agreement, dated as of October 24, 2015, by and between Castle Brands (USA) Corp. 
and Pallini S.p.A. (f/k/a Pallini Internazionale S.r.l.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report 
on Form 8-K filed on October 29, 2015)(2) 

  Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2016, by and between 
Castle Brands Inc. and Mark Andrews (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K 
filed on February 3, 2016)# 

  Castle Brands Inc. 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to our definitive 
proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on January 11, 
2017)# 

10.29 

  Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders Agreement, dated March 29, 2007, by and among Gosling-Castle Partners Inc. 

and the persons listed on Schedule I thereto* 

21.1 
23.1 
31.1 

  List of Subsidiaries* 
  Consent of EisnerAmper LLP* 
  Certification of CEO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002* 

31.2 

  Certification of CFO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002* 

32.1 

  Certification  of  CEO  and  CFO  Pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section  1350,  as  Adopted  Pursuant  to  Section  906  of  the 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* 
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document.* 
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. * 
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. * 
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. * 
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. * 
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. * 

*  Filed herewith 
#  Management Compensation Contract 
(1)  Previously filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-128676), which 

was declared effective on April 5, 2006, and incorporated by reference herein. 

(2)  Confidential portions of this document are omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment that 

has been granted by the Commission, and have been filed separately with the Commission. 

(3)  Confidential portions of this document are omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment and 

have been filed separately with the Commission. 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary 

None. 

72 

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, thereunto duly authorized, on June 14, 2017. 

SIGNATURES 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. 

By:  /s/ ALFRED J. SMALL 
Alfred J. Small  
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial 
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer (Principal 
Financial Officer and Principal Accounting 
Officer) 

POWER OF ATTORNEY 

Each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Richard J. Lampen and Alfred J. 
Small, such person’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such 
person and in such person’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this report 
on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform 
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes 
as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that any said attorney-in-fact and agent, or 
any substitute or substitutes of any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. 

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. 

Signature 

Title 

/s/ RICHARD J. LAMPEN 
Richard J. Lampen 

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

/s/ ALFRED J. SMALL 
Alfred J. Small 

/s/ MARK ANDREWS 
Mark Andrews 

/s/ JOHN F. BEAUDETTE 
John F. Beaudette 

/s/ HENRY C. BEINSTEIN 
Henry C. Beinstein 

/s/ PHILLIP FROST, M.D. 
Phillip Frost, M.D. 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial 
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer (Principal 
Financial Officer and Principal Accounting 
Officer) 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

/s/ DR. RICHARD M. KRASNO 
Dr. Richard M. Krasno 

Director 

/s/ STEVEN D. RUBIN 
Steven D. Rubin 

/s/ MARK ZEITCHICK 
Mark Zeitchick 

Director 

Director 

73 

Date 

June 14, 2017 

June 14, 2017 

June 14, 2017 

June 14, 2017 

June 14, 2017 

June 14, 2017 

June 14, 2017 

June 14, 2017 

June 14, 2017 

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN 

The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock from March 31, 2012 
through March 31, 2017 to the cumulative total return for (i) the Russell 2000 Index (the ‘‘Russell 2000 Index’’) and (ii) a 
peer group that we selected that consists of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage companies. The peer group is comprised 
of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc., Craft Brew Alliance Inc., Scheid Vineyards Inc., Crimson Wine Group, Ltd. and 
Jones Soda Co. (the ‘‘Peer Index’’). Total return values were calculated based on cumulative total return assuming the 
investment, at the closing price on March 31, 2012, of $100 in each of our common stock, the Russell 2000 Index, and the 
Peer Index. In calculating total annual shareholder return, reinvestment of dividends, if any, is assumed. The indices are 
included for comparative purpose only. They do not necessarily reflect management’s opinion that such indices are an 
appropriate  measure  of  the  relative  performance  of  our  common  stock.  This  graph  is  not  ‘‘soliciting  material,’’  is  not 
deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference in any of our filings 
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before 
or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing. 

CORPORATE INFORMATION 

OFFICERS 

TRANSFER AGENT 

Richard J. Lampen 
President and  
Chief Executive Officer 

John S. Glover 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Operating Officer 

Continental Stock Transfer 
and Trust Company 
1 State Street 
30th Floor 
New York, NY 10004 
212.509.4000 

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 

Alfred J. Small 
Senior Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer,  
Treasurer and Secretary 

T. Kelley Spillane
Senior Vice President—
Global Sales

Alejandra Peña 
Senior Vice President— 
Marketing 

Brian L. Heller, Esq. 
General Counsel and 
Assistant Secretary 

DIRECTORS 

Mark Andrews, Chairman 
John F. Beaudette 
Henry C. Beinstein 
Phillip Frost, M.D. 
Dr. Richard M. Krasno 
Richard J. Lampen 
Steven D. Rubin 
Mark Zeitchick 

122 East 42nd Street 
Suite 5000 
New York, NY 10168 
646.356.0200 

COMMON STOCK 

Castle Brands Inc.'s  
common stock trades on  
the NYSE American under the 
symbol ROX. 

AUDITORS 

EisnerAmper LLP 
New York 

COUNSEL 

Greenberg Traurig, P.A. 
Miami 

ANNUAL REPORT 
ON FORM 10-K 

Copies of our Annual  
Report on Form 10-K, as  
amended, for the fiscal  
year ended March 31, 2017  
can be accessed via our  
website at: 
http://investor.castlebrandsinc.com/ann
uals-proxies.cfm 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Copies of our filings with  
the U.S. Securities and  
Exchange Commission and  
other information may be  
obtained at our investor  
relations website:  
http://investor.castlebrandsinc.com/ or 
by contacting: 

Castle Brands Inc. 
122 East 42nd Street 
Suite 5000 
New York, NY 10168 
Attention: Investor Relations 
646.356.0200