UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 

 
FORM 10-Q
 

 
(MARK ONE)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015
 
OR
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
 
For the transition period from  ______________ to ______________
  
Commission File No. 001-33531
 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
NEVADA
46-0510685
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
 
6075 Longbow Drive, Suite 200, Boulder, Colorado
80301
 (Address of principal executive offices)
 (Zip Code)
 
(303) 444-7755
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x    No o                
 
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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x    No o

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

Large accelerated filer   o
Accelerated filer    o
 
Non-accelerated filer    o (Do not check if smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o    No x
 
Number of shares of issuer's common stock outstanding as of November 3, 2015:  7,499,966
 
 
 

 
AeroGrow International, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-Q REPORT
September 30, 2015
 
     
     
PART I   Financial Information
 
     
Item 1.
3
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
7
     
Item 2.
17
Item 3.
29
Item 4.
29
     
PART II  Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
30
Item 1A.  
30
Item 2.
30
Item 3.
30
Item 4.
30
Item 5.
30
Item 6.
31
   
32
 
 
 
 

 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Condensed Financial Statements
 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL , INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
September 30,
2015
   
March 31,
2015
 
(in thousands, except per share and share data)
 
(Unaudited)
   
(Derived from Audited Statements)
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
Cash
 
$
2,411
   
$
1,015
 
Restricted cash
   
15
     
15
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5 and $10 at September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015,  respectively
   
632
     
1,300
 
Other receivables
   
65
     
214
 
Inventory
   
4,162
     
2,603
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
1,140
     
144
 
Total current assets
   
8,425
     
5,291
 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $3,464 and $3,284 at September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively
   
752
     
525
 
Other assets
               
Intangible assets
   
2
     
2
 
Deposits
   
156
     
156
 
Total assets
 
$
9,335
   
$
5,974
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
 
$
1,698
   
$
1,641
 
Accrued expenses
   
624
     
816
 
Customer deposits
   
5
     
30
 
Deferred rent
   
2
     
1
 
Notes payable-related party
   
4,558
     
207
 
Derivative warrant liability
   
2,018
     
1,688
 
Debt associated with sale of intellectual property
   
184
     
208
 
Total current liabilities
   
9,089
     
4,591
 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders' equity
               
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
2,649,007 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015
   
3
     
3
 
Common stock, $.001 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized,
7,499,966 and 6,563,518 shares issued and outstanding at
September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively
   
7
     
6
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
84,009
     
82,101
 
Stock to be distributed for Scotts Miracle-Gro transactions
   
317
     
1,715
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(84,090
)
   
(82,442
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
246
     
1,383
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
9,335
   
$
5,974
 

See accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements.
 

AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL , INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months ended September 30,
   
Six Months ended September 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share data) 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net revenue
 
$
1,091
   
$
1,707
   
$
2,660
   
$
3,390
 
Cost of revenue
   
761
     
1,083
     
1,849
     
2,227
 
Gross profit
   
330
     
624
     
811
     
1,163
 
                                 
Operating expenses
                               
Research and development
   
143
     
115
     
274
     
198
 
Sales and marketing
   
668
     
484
     
1,301
     
1,026
 
General and administrative
   
561
     
506
     
1,235
     
1,056
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,372
     
1,105
     
2,810
     
2,280
 
                                 
(Loss) from operations
   
(1,042
)
   
(481
)
   
(1,999
)
   
(1,117
)
                                 
Other (expense) income, net
                               
Fair value changes in derivative warrant liability
   
(66
)
   
11
     
(330
)
   
(212
)
Interest expense
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Interest expense – related party
   
(58
)
   
(37
)
   
(58
)
   
(37
)
Other income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
2
 
Total other (expense), net
   
(124
)
   
(26
)
   
(388
)
   
(247
)
                                 
Net (loss)
 
$
(1,166
)
 
$
(507
)
 
$
(2,387
)
 
$
(1,364
)
Change in fair value of stock to be distributed for Scotts Miracle-Gro transactions
   
1,177
     
154
     
1,398
     
(86
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
 
$
11
   
 $
(353
)
 
 $
(989
)
 
 $
(1,450
)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted
 
$
0.00
 
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.23
)
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
   
7,500
     
6,405
     
7,102
     
6,268
 

See accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements.

  
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL , INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
   
Six months ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
(in thousands)
           
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net (loss)
 
$
(2,387
)
 
$
(1,364
)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to cash used by operations:
               
Issuance of common stock and options under equity compensation plans
   
157
     
136
 
Issuance of common stock warrants
   
-
     
37
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
   
179
     
105
 
Bad debt (recovery) expense
   
(5
)
   
(1
)
Fair value remeasurement of derivative warrant liability
   
330
     
212
 
Accretion of debt associated with sale of intellectual property
   
(24
)
   
(26
)
    SMG intellectual property royalty and branding license
   
123
     
135
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
   
673
     
(338
)
Decrease in other receivable
   
149
     
106
 
(Increase) in inventory
   
(1,559
)
   
(3,705
)
(Increase) in prepaid expense and other
   
(997
)
   
(482
)
(Increase) in deposits
   
-
     
(11
)
Increase in accounts payable
   
821
     
2,302
 
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses
   
(192
)
   
130
 
Increase in accrued interest-related party
   
58
     
37
 
(Decrease) in customer deposits
   
(25
)
   
-
 
Increase (decrease) in deferred rent
   
1
     
(3
)
Net cash used by operating activities
   
(2,698
)
 
$
(2,730
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of equipment
   
(406
)
   
(362
)
Net cash (used) by investing activities
   
(406
)
 
$
(362
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from notes payable
   
4,500
     
2,500
 
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
   
-
     
25
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
4,500
   
$
2,525
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
   
1,396
     
(567
)
Cash, beginning of period
   
1,015
     
1,707
 
Cash, end of period
 
$
2,411
   
$
1,140
 
 
See supplemental disclosures below and the accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements.
 

   
Six months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Cash paid during the year for:
           
Interest
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
    Income taxes
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
                 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Common stock issued on notes payable – related party
 
$
207
   
$
-
 
Change in fair value of SMG intellectual property royalty, branding license and shares for interest on loan
 
$
696
   
$
-
 
Change in fair value of stock dividends accrued on convertible preferred stock
 
$
495
   
$
86
 
Decrease in liability due to issuance of SMG shares for intellectual property, branding license and preferred stock dividend
 
$
887
   
$
288
 
 
 
 
 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL , INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
1.     Description of Business
 
AeroGrow International, Inc. (the “Company," “AeroGrow,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) was formed as a Nevada corporation on March 25, 2002. The Company’s principal business is developing, marketing, and distributing advanced indoor aeroponic garden systems designed and priced to appeal to the consumer gardening, cooking and small indoor appliance markets worldwide.  The Company manufactures, distributes and markets seven different models of its AeroGarden systems in multiple colors, as well as over 40 varieties of seed pod kits and a full line of accessory products through multiple channels including retail distribution via brick and mortar, storefronts and .com retail outlets, catalogue and direct-to-consumer sales primarily in the United States and Canada, as well as selected countries in Europe, Asia and Australia.

2.     Liquidity and Basis of Presentation

Interim Financial Information

The unaudited interim financial statements of the Company included herein have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim reporting including the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. These condensed statements do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for annual audited financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on June 29, 2015.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2015, the results of operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and the cash flows for the six months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The results of operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the expected results of operations for the full year or any future period. In this regard, the Company’s business is highly seasonal, with approximately 70.5% of revenues in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 (“Fiscal 2015”) occurring in the four consecutive calendar months of October through January.  Furthermore, during the six-month period ended September 30, 2015, the Company has further expanded its distribution channel and invested in necessary overhead in anticipation of the peak sales season.  The balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 is derived from the Company’s audited financial statements.

Sources of funding to meet prospective cash requirements include the Company’s existing cash balances, cash flow from operations, and borrowings under the Company’s debt arrangements.

On July 6, 2015, the Company entered into a Term Loan Agreement in the principal amount of up to $6.0 million with a wholly owned subsidiary of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (collectively with its subsidiary, “SMG” or “Scotts Miracle-Gro”).  See Note 3 “Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Current Portion – Long Term Debt” below.
 
Significant Accounting Policies
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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.  It is reasonably possible that a change in the Company’s estimates could occur in the near term as additional or new information becomes available.
 

Net Income (Loss) per Share of Common Stock

The Company computes net income (loss) per share of common stock in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260.  ASC 260 requires companies with complex capital structures to present basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”).  Basic EPS is measured as the income or loss available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS but presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common stock (e.g., convertible securities, options, and warrants) as if it had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented. Potential shares of common stock that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.  Employee stock options to purchase approximately 656,000 shares were outstanding and warrants to purchase approximately 444,000 common stock were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the effect of including such shares would have been anti-dilutive in the periods presented.   All potentially dilutive securities outstanding have been excluded for the periods presented since their effect would be antidilutive.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Concentrations of Risk

ASC 825-10-50-20   requires disclosure of significant concentrations of credit risk regardless of the degree of such risk.  Financial instruments with significant credit risk include cash deposits.  The amount on deposit with one financial institution exceeded the $250,000 federally insured limit as of September 30, 2015.  However, management believes that the financial institution is financially sound and the risk of loss is minimal.

Customers:
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company had one customer, Amazon.com, which represented 42.4% of net revenue, respectively.  For the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company had two customers, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Amazon.com that represented 30.4% and 18.4% of the Company’s net revenue, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2015, the Company had one customer, Amazon.com that represented 40.1% of the Company’s net revenue, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2014, the Company had two customers, Amazon.com and BJ’s Wholesale Club that represented 16.4% and 15.3% of the Company’s net revenue, respectively.
 
Suppliers:
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company purchased inventories and other inventory-related items from four suppliers totaling $2.2 million, $315,000, $167,000 and $149,000, representing 206.2%, 29.1%, 15.4% and 13.7% of cost of revenue, respectively, as we ramp up inventory levels for the holiday season. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company purchased inventories and other inventory-related items from six suppliers totaling $2.4 million, $982,000, $549,000, $373,000, $147,000 and $116,000, representing 218.7%, 90.6%, 50.7%, 34.4%, 13.6% and 10.7% of cost of revenue, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2015, the Company purchased inventories and other inventory-related items from one supplier totaling $2.6 million, representing 43.3% of cost of revenue. For the six months ended September 30, 2014, the Company purchased inventories and other inventory-related items from five suppliers totaling $2.8 million, $1.0 million, $549,000, $390,000 and $322,000, representing 127.1%, 47.1%, 24.7%, 17.5% and 14.5% of cost of revenue, respectively.

The Company’s primary contract manufacturers are located in China.  As a result, the Company may be subject to political, currency, regulatory, transportation, third-party labor and weather/natural disaster risks.  Although the Company believes alternate sources of manufacturing could be obtained, these risks could have an adverse impact on our operations.

Accounts Receivable:
As of September 30, 2015, the Company had two customers, Amazon.com and Costco that represented 43.6% and 22.6% of the Company’s outstanding accounts receivable.  As of March 31, 2015, the Company had five customers, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart Stores, QVC, Costco.com and Wal-Mart.com, that represented 54.2%, 21.1%, 14.8%, 14.6% and 11.1%, respectively, of outstanding accounts receivable.  The Company believes that all receivables from these customers are collectible.
 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), as it relates to the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities. ASC 820 provides for a standard definition of fair value to be used in new and existing pronouncements. This guidance requires disclosure of fair value information about certain financial instruments (insurance contracts, real estate, goodwill and taxes are excluded) for which it is practicable to estimate such values, whether or not these instruments are included in the balance sheet at fair value. The fair values presented for certain financial instruments are estimates which, in many cases, may differ significantly from the amounts that could be realized upon immediate liquidation.
 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, i.e., exit price, in an orderly transaction between market participants.  ASC 820 also provides a hierarchy for determining fair value, which emphasizes the use of observable market data whenever available. The three broad levels defined by the hierarchy are as follows, with the highest priority given to Level 1 as these are the most reliable, and the lowest priority given to Level 3.
 
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
 
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data, including model-derived valuations.
 
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

The carrying value of financial instruments including cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximates their fair value at September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015 due to the relatively short-term nature of these instruments. 

The Company has three liabilities for which the carrying value is determined by Level 3 inputs: (1) Notes payable – related party; (2) sale of intellectual property liability; and (3) derivative warrant liability.  As discussed below in Notes 3 and 4, each of these liabilities was incurred in conjunction with the Company’s strategic alliance with Scotts Miracle-Gro.  As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company's note payable and sale of intellectual property liability were estimated using the discounted cash flow method, which is based on expected future cash flows, discounted to present value using a discount rate of 15%.  The Company also issued a derivative warrant liability that entitles, but does not obligate, Scotts Miracle-Gro to purchase a number of shares of common stock that, on a fully diluted basis, would constitute 80% of the Company’s outstanding capital stock.  The Company accounts for the warrant as a liability and measures the value of the warrant using the Monte Carlo simulation model as of the end of each quarterly reporting period until the warrant is exercised or expires.  As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of the warrant was $2.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis subsequent to initial recognition, except for the derivative warrant liability.  The table below summarizes the fair value and carry value of each Level 3 category liability: 
 
   
September 30, 2015
(in thousands)
   
March 31, 2015
(in thousands)
 
   
Fair Value
   
Carry Value
   
Fair Value
   
Carry Value
 
Liabilities
                       
Notes payable-related party
 
$
4,444
   
$
4,558
   
$
207
   
$
207
 
Derivative warrant liability
   
2,018
     
2,018
     
1,688
     
1,688
 
Sale of intellectual property liability
   
131
     
184
     
145
     
208
 
Total
 
$
6,593
   
$
6,760
   
$
2,040
   
$
2,103
 
 
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company sells its products to retailers and directly to consumers. Direct-to-consumer transactions are primarily paid by credit card.  Retailer sales terms vary by customer, but generally range from net 30 days to net 60 days.  Accounts receivable are reported at net realizable value and net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company uses the allowance method to account for uncollectible accounts receivable. The Company's allowance estimate is based on a review of the current status of trade accounts receivable, which resulted in an allowance of $5,000 and $10,000 at September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively.
 

Other Receivables

In conjunction with the Company’s processing of credit card transactions for its direct-to-consumer sales activities and as security with respect to the Company’s performance for credit card refunds and charge backs, the Company is required to maintain a cash reserve with Litle and Company, the Company’s credit card processor. This reserve is equal to 5% of the credit card sales processed during the previous six months. As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the balance in this reserve account was $65,000 and $214,000, respectively.

Advertising and Production Costs

The Company expenses all production costs related to advertising, including print, television, and radio advertisements when the advertisement has been broadcast or otherwise distributed.  The Company records media costs related to its direct-to-consumer advertisements, inclusive of postage and printing costs incurred in conjunction with mailings of direct- to-consumer catalogues, and related direct- to-consumer advertising costs, in accordance with ASC 340-20 Capitalized Advertising Costs .  As prescribed by ASC 340-20-25, direct- to-consumer advertising costs incurred are reported as assets and are amortized over the estimated period of the benefits, based on the proportion of current period revenue from the advertisement to probable future revenue.  

Advertising expense for the three and six months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
   
Six Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Direct-to-consumer
 
$
61
   
$
63
   
$
198
   
$
168
 
Retail
   
95
     
5
     
96
     
13
 
Other
   
11
     
-
     
24
     
18
 
Total advertising expense
 
$
167
   
$
68
   
$
318
   
$
199
 

As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the Company deferred $5,000 and $48,000, respectively, related to such media and advertising costs which include the catalogue cost described above.  The costs are included in the prepaid expenses and other line of the condensed balance sheets.
 
Inventory

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on the basis of standard costing, which approximates the first-in, first-out method, or market.  When the Company is the manufacturer are raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead are included in inventory costs. The Company records the raw materials at delivered cost. Standard labor and manufacturing overhead costs are applied to the finished goods based on normal production capacity as prescribed under ASC 330 Inventory Pricing .  A majority of the Company’s products are manufactured overseas and are recorded at standard cost which includes product costs for purchased and manufactured products, and freight and transportation costs for inbound freight from manufacturers.
 
   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2015
(in thousands)
   
2015
(in thousands)
 
Finished goods
 
$
3,231
   
$
1,919
 
Raw materials
   
931
     
684
 
   
$
4,162
   
$
2,603
 

The Company determines an inventory obsolescence reserve based on management’s historical experience and establishes reserves against inventory according to the age of the product. As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the Company had reserved $267,000 for inventory obsolescence.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales, net of estimated returns, when persuasive evidence of a sale exists, including the following; (i) a product is shipped under an agreement with a customer; (ii) the risk of loss and title has passed to the customer; (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
 

The Company records estimated reductions to revenue for customer and distributor programs and incentive offerings, including promotions, rebates, and other volume-based incentives.  Certain incentive programs require the Company to estimate the number of customers who will actually redeem the incentive based on historical industry experience. As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the Company had accrued $42,000 and $110,000, respectively, as its estimate for the foregoing deductions and allowances.  These expenses are included in the accrued expenses line of the condensed balance sheets.

Warranty and Return Reserves

The Company records warranty liabilities at the time of sale for the estimated costs that may be incurred under its basic warranty program. The specific warranty terms and conditions vary depending upon the product sold but generally include technical support, repair parts, and labor for periods up to one year. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of installed units currently under warranty, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims on those units, and cost per claim to satisfy the Company’s warranty obligation.  Based upon the foregoing, the Company has recorded a provision for potential future warranty costs of $101,000 and $58,000 as of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively.

The Company reserves for known and potential returns from customers and associated refunds or credits related to such returns based upon historical experience. In certain cases, retailer customers are provided a fixed allowance, usually in the 1% to 2% range, to cover returned goods and this allowance is deducted from payments made to us by such customers. As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the Company has recorded a reserve for customer returns of $29,000 and $119,000, respectively.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” Under this ASU, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The ASU defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. ASU 2015-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted and should be applied prospectively. Management does not believe the adoption of ASU 2015-11 will have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.  

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which updated (to defer the effective date by one year) previously issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which amended revenue recognition guidance to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers.  The guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The guidance also requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required about customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.   This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 using one of two prescribed retrospective methods.  Early adoption is not permitted.  We have not yet selected a transition method, nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
 
3.     Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Current Portion – Long Term Debt
 
Refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on June 29, 2015 for a detailed discussion on our previously outstanding Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Current Portion – Long Term Debt.  The following are the changes to our Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Current Portion – Long Term Debt for the periods presented.
 

As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the outstanding balance of the Company’s notes payable and debt, including accrued interest, is as follows:
 
   
September 30,
2015
(in thousands)
   
March 31,
2015
(in thousands)
 
Notes payable-related party
 
$
4,558
   
$
207
 
Derivative warrant liability (see Note 4)
   
2,018
     
1,688
 
Sale of intellectual property liability (see Note 4)
   
184
     
208
 
Total debt
   
6,760
     
2,103
 
Less notes payable and current portion – long term debt
   
6,760
     
2,103
 
Long Term Debt
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
Scotts Miracle-Gro Term Loan

On July 6, 2015, AeroGrow entered into a Term Loan Agreement in the principal amount of up to $6.0 million with Scotts Miracle-Gro.  The proceeds were made available as needed in three advances of up to $2.0 million, $2.5 million, and $1.5 million beginning in July, August, and September of 2015, respectively, with a due date of April 15, 2016.  The funding provides general working capital and is being used for the purpose of acquiring inventory to support anticipated growth as the Company expands its retail and its direct-to-consumer sales channels.  The Term Loan Agreement is secured by a lien on the assets of the Company.  Interest is charged at the stated rate of 10% per annum, but will be paid in shares of AeroGrow common stock, valued at a price per share equal to the conversion price of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (which was previously issued to Scotts Miracle-Gro in April 2013).  The accrued and unpaid interest on the Term Loan is due and payable within thirty (30) days after the Interest Payment Trigger Date (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement).  The Term Loan may be prepaid from time to time, in whole or in part, in an amount greater than or equal to $25,000, without penalty or premium.  Amounts repaid or prepaid in respect of the Term Loan may not be reborrowed.  The Term Loan Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 10, 2015.  As of September 30, 2015, the outstanding balance of the Term Loan, including accrued interest, was $4.6 million and we were current and in compliance with all terms and conditions.  

Liabilities Associated with Scotts Miracle-Gro Transaction

On April 22, 2013, the Company issued Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and a warrant to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scotts Miracle-Gro.  Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, the Company has classified the warrant as a liability at its estimated fair value.  The derivative warrant liability will be re-measured to fair value, on a recurring basis, at the end of each reporting period until it is exercised or expires.  The valuation techniques used to determine the fair value of the derivative warrant liability and the terms of the warrant are further explained in Note 4.  As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of the warrant was $2.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
 
The Company and Scotts Miracle-Gro also agreed to enter an Intellectual Property Sale Agreement, a Technology License Agreement, a Brand License Agreement, and a Supply Chain Services Agreement.  The Intellectual Property Sale Agreement and the Technology License constitute an agreement of sales of future revenues.  Since the Company received cash from Scotts Miracle-Gro and agreed to pay for a defined period a specified percentage of revenue, and because the Company has significant involvement in the generation of its revenue, the excess paid over net book value is classified as debt and is being amortized under the effective interest method.  As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, $184,000 and $208,000, respectively, was recorded as a liability on the condensed balance sheets.

4.     Scotts Miracle-Gro Transactions – Convertible Preferred Stock, Warrants and Other Transactions

Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and Related Transactions

On April 22, 2013, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Scotts Miracle-Gro.  Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, Scotts Miracle-Gro acquired 2,649,007 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) and (ii) a warrant to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Warrant,” as described in greater detail below) for an aggregate purchase price of $4.0 million.  After deducting offering expenses, including commissions and expenses paid to the Company’s advisor, net cash proceeds totaled to $3.8 million.  The Company used $950,000 of the net proceeds to repay “in full” (with concessions) the Promissory Note due to Main Power who was a former supplier of product.  
 

The Company also issued a warrant to purchase 125,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the placement agent.  This warrant has an exercise price of $1.54 per share (125% of the average closing price of the Company’s common stock during the five-day period prior to the April 22, 2013 closing date). The value of this warrant was estimated at $108,000, based on the Black-Scholes model with a stock price of $1.30, calculated exercise price of $1.54, expected life of three years, annualized volatility of 117.2% and a discount rate of 0.39%. The value of the warrant was recorded as stock issuance costs.

The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into 2,649,007 shares of the Company’s common stock ($4.0 million divided by a conversion price of $1.51 per share).  The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock bears a cumulative annual dividend of 8.0%, payable in shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $1.51 per share (subject to customary anti-dilution rights, as described in the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Certificates of Designations).  The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock does not have a liquidation preference and is entitled to vote on an “as-converted” basis with the common stock.  The stock dividend accrues from day to day and is payable in shares of our common stock within thirty days after the end of each fiscal year end.  The stock dividend issuable is recorded at the fair market value of our common stock at the end of each quarter in the equity section of the balance sheet.  The corresponding charge will be recorded below net income to arrive at net income available to common shareholders.  The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock automatically converts into the Company’s common stock: (i) upon the affirmative election of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock voting together as a single class on an as-if-converted to common stock basis; or (ii) if, at the date of exercise in whole or in part of the Warrant, the holder (or holders) of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock own 50.1% of the issued and the Company’s then-outstanding common stock, giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and such exercise of the Warrant.
 
The Warrant entitles, but does not obligate, Scotts Miracle-Gro to purchase a number of shares of common stock that, on a “fully diluted basis” (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement), constitute 80% of the Company’s outstanding capital stock (when added to all other shares owned by Scotts Miracle-Gro), as calculated as of the date or dates of exercise.  The Warrant can be exercised at any time and from time to time for a period of five years between April 22, 2016 and April 22, 2021 (the third and eighth anniversary of the closing date, respectively).  In addition, the Warrant can be exercised in any increment; there is no obligation to exercise the entire Warrant at one time.  The exercise price of the Warrant shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing:

 
(a)  
an amount equal to (i) 1.34 times the trailing twelve months “Net Sales” (which includes sales of the Company’s products by Scotts Miracle-Gro and its affiliates) minus (ii) “Debt Outstanding” net of cash (as such terms are defined in the Warrant),

by

 
(b)  
the total shares of capital stock outstanding, including outstanding in-the-money options and warrants, but not the Warrant contemplated in this Private Offering.

The Warrant expires on April 22, 2021, the eighth anniversary of the closing date.  The Warrant contains customary anti-dilution rights (for stock splits, stock dividends and sales of substantially all the Company’s assets).  Scotts Miracle-Gro also has the right to participate pro rata, based on Scotts Miracle-Gro’s percentage equity ownership in the Company (assuming the exercise of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Warrant, but not the exercise of any options outstanding under the Company’s equity compensation plans) in future issuances of the Company’s equity securities.  Upon exercise of the Warrant and demand by Scotts Miracle-Gro, the Company must use its best efforts to file a Registration Statement on Form S-3, or, if the Company is not eligible for Form S-3, on Form S-1 (collectively, the “Registration Statement”), covering the shares of the Company’s common stock covered by the Preferred Stock and the Warrant, within 120 calendar days after receipt of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s demand for registration and shall use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective as soon as possible thereafter.

The private offering and sale of the Series B Preferred Stock and Warrant was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, those under Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.  Scotts Miracle-Gro is an “accredited investor,” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.  Because the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant have not been registered under the Securities Act, they may not be reoffered or resold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.
 

The foregoing description of the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Certificates of Designations for the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, the Warrant, and the resulting transaction is only a summary, does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the applicable documents, each of which was included as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on April 23, 2013. The warrant on the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was accounted for as a liability at its estimated fair value of $2.0 million and $1.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively. The derivative warrant liability will be re-measured to fair value, on a recurring basis, at the end of each reporting period it is exercised or expires. The Company calculated the fair value of the Warrant during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 using a Monte Carlo simulation model.

In conjunction with the private offering described above, the Company and Scotts Miracle-Gro also agreed to enter an Intellectual Property Sale Agreement, a Technology License Agreement, a Brand License Agreement, and a Supply Chain Services Agreement.  The Intellectual Property Sale Agreement and the Technology License constitute an agreement of sales of future revenues. For more details regarding these agreements, please refer to Note 3 “Scotts Miracle-Gro Transactions” to the financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on June 29, 2015.  See also Note 3 for the Term Loan with Scotts Miracle-Gro.

5.      Equity Compensation Plans

For the three and six months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted options to purchase 212,000 shares of common stock under the Company’s 2005 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2005 Plan”).  For the three and six months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted options to purchase 93,000 shares of common stock under the 2005 Plan.

During the three and six months ended September 30, 2015, no options to purchase shares of common stock were cancelled or expired.  During the three and six months ended September 30 2015, no shares of common stock were issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options under the 2005 Plan.  During the three and six months ended September 30, 2014, options to purchase 2,000 shares of common stock were cancelled or expired.  During the three and six months ended September 30, 2014, we issued 16,000 and 17,000 shares of common stock, respectively,  upon exercise of outstanding stock options under the 2005 Plan.

As of September 30, 2015, unvested options to purchase an aggregate of 224,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were outstanding.  The Company will incur up to $272,000 of compensation expense in future periods if these options fully vest.  

Information regarding all stock options outstanding under the 2005 Plan as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:
 
     
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
   
OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
 
Exercise
price range
   
Options
(in thousands)
   
Weighted-average
Remaining
Contractual 
Life (years)
   
Weighted-average
Exercise Price
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
   
Options
(in thousands)
   
Weighted-average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
   
Weighted- average
Exercise Price
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
 
$ 1.01       79       2.36     $ 1.01               79       2.36     $ 1.01          
$ 1.10       50       2.50     $ 1.10               50       2.50     $ 1.10          
$ 1.21       50       2.50     $ 1.21               50       2.50     $ 1.21          
$ 1.55       212       4.88     $ 1.55               21       4.88     $ 1.55          
$ 2.20       162       2.95     $ 2.20               162       2.95     $ 2.20          
$ 2.42       10       3.02     $ 2.42               10       3.02     $ 2.42          
$ 5.31       93       3.85     $ 5.31               60       3.85     $ 5.31          
          656       3.57     $ 2.13     $ 39       432       2.96     $ 2.15     $ 39  
 
The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price and the exercise price of each in-the-money option on the last trading day of the period presented, which was September 30, 2015.

6.      Income Taxes

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements.  This interpretation defines the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.
 
 
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at the end of each period, based on enacted laws and statutory rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.  Any liability for actual taxes to taxing authorities is recorded as income tax liability. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  A valuation allowance is established against such assets where management is unable to conclude more likely than not that such asset will be realized. As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the Company recognized a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the net deferred tax asset balance and the Company has no unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions.
 
7.     Related Party Transactions

See Note 6 “Related Party Transactions” of Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on June 29, 2015 for a detailed discussion of related party transactions.

On July 6, 2015, AeroGrow entered into a Term Loan Agreement in the principal amount of up to $6.0 million with Scotts Miracle-Gro.  Interest is charged at the stated rate of 10% per annum, but will be paid in shares of AeroGrow common stock, valued at a price per share equal to the conversion price of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (which was previously issued to Scotts Miracle-Gro in April 2013).  The accrued and unpaid interest on the Term Loan is due and payable within thirty (30) days after the Interest Payment Trigger Date (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement).  See Note 3 “Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Current Portion – Long Term Debt” above.

8.     Stockholders’ Equity

A summary of the Company’s common stock warrant activity for the period from April 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015 is presented below:
 
   
Warrants Outstanding
(in thousands)
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
 
Outstanding, April 1, 2015
   
567
   
$
9.38
   
$
45
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
         
Exercised
   
-
     
-
         
Expired
   
(123
   
20.00
         
Outstanding, September 30, 2015
   
444
   
$
6.45
   
$
-
 
 
As of September 30, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding warrants to purchase its common stock:

     
Weighted Average
 
Warrants Outstanding 
(in thousands)
   
Exercise Price
   
Remaining Life (Years)
 
 
50
   
$
2.10
     
3.02
 
 
394
   
$
7.00
     
1.53
 
 
444
   
$
6.45
     
1.70
 

Preferred Stock and Preferred Stock Warrants

As discussed in Note 4, the Company also issued a warrant that entitles, but does not obligate Scotts Miracle-Gro to purchase a number of shares of common stock that, on a fully diluted basis, constitute 80% of the Company’s outstanding capital stock.  The warrant on the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was accounted for as a liability at its estimated fair value.  The warrant liability will be re-measured to fair value at the end of each reporting period until it is exercised or expires.  The tables above exclude the warrant issued to Scotts Miracle-Gro because the warrant is not issuable in any certain number of shares as discussed above.
 

As described in Note 4 above, on April 22, 2013 the Company issued 2,649,007 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share to an affiliate of Scotts Miracle-Gro as part of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Transaction.  The Securities Purchase Agreement, Certificates of Designations for the Series B Preferred Stock, Form of Warrant, Indemnification Agreement, Investor’s Rights Agreement and Voting Agreement have been filed as exhibits to a Current Report on Form 8-K that was filed with the SEC on April 23, 2013.  The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into 2,649,007 shares of common stock ($4.0 million divided by a conversion price of $1.51 per share).  The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock bears a cumulative annual dividend of 8.0%, payable in shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $1.51 per share (subject to customary anti-dilution rights, as described in the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Certificates of Designations).  As of September 30, 2015, based on the number of shares issuable to Scotts Miracle-Gro the Company has accrued $139,000 for the stock dividend.  For additional details regarding the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, see “Note 4 – Scotts Miracle-Gro Transaction” above.

9.     Subsequent Events

On October 30, 2015, the Company exercised the final draw of $1.5 million on the Term Loan Agreement entered into on July 6, 2015, in the principal amount of up to $6.0 million, with Scotts Miracle-Gro.  As disclosed in Note 3 above, the proceeds were made available as needed in three advances of up to $2.0 million, $2.5 million, and $1.5 million beginning in July, August, and September of 2015, respectively, with a due date of April 15, 2016.  
 
 
 

 
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The discussion contained herein is for the three and six months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.  The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of AeroGrow International, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “AeroGrow,” or “our”) and the notes to the financial statements included in Item 1 above in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015 (this “Quarterly Report”). The following discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including statements that include words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “will,” or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief, or current expectations regarding our strategies, plans, and objectives, our product release schedules, our ability to design, develop, manufacture, and market products, the ability of our products to achieve or maintain commercial acceptance, our ability to obtain financing necessary to fund our future operations, and our ability to continue as a going concern. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that could cause or contribute to the differences are discussed in this Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015.  Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report. The information contained in this Quarterly Report is not a complete description of our business or the risks associated with an investment in our common stock. Each reader should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we made in this Quarterly Report and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Overview

AeroGrow International, Inc. was formed as a Nevada corporation on March 25, 2002. The Company’s principal business is developing, marketing, and distributing advanced indoor aeroponic garden systems designed and priced to appeal to the consumer gardening, cooking and small indoor appliance markets worldwide.  The Company’s principal activities from its formation through March 2006, consisted of product research and development, market research, business planning, and raising the capital necessary to fund these activities. In December 2005, the Company commenced initial production of its AeroGarden system and, in March 2006, began shipping these systems to retail and catalogue customers. The Company manufactures, distributes and markets nine different models of its AeroGarden systems in multiple colors, as well as over 40 varieties of seed pod kits and a full line of accessory products through multiple channels including retail distribution, catalogue and direct-to-consumer sales primarily in the United States and Canada as well as selected countries in Europe, Asia and Australia.

In April 2013, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement and strategic alliance with a wholly owned subsidiary of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (collectively with its subsidiary, “SMG” or “Scotts Miracle-Gro”). Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, we issued (i) 2.6 million shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock); and (ii) a warrant to purchase shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $4.0 million.  In addition, as part of the strategic alliance, we entered into several other agreements with Scotts Miracle-Gro, including: (i) an Intellectual Property Sale Agreement; (ii) a Technology Licensing Agreement; (iii) a Brand License Agreement; and (iv) a Supply Chain Management Agreement.
  
Pursuant to the Intellectual Property Agreement, we agreed to sell all intellectual property associated with our hydroponic products (the “Hydroponic IP”), other than the AeroGrow and AeroGarden trademarks, free and clear of all encumbrances, to Scotts Miracle-Gro for $500,000.  Scotts Miracle-Gro has the right to use the AeroGrow and AeroGarden trademarks in connection with the sale of products incorporating the Hydroponic IP.   In addition to the working capital infusion of approximately $4.5 million from the Securities Purchase Agreement and Intellectual Property Sale Agreement, the strategic alliance allows us to use the globally recognized and highly trusted Miracle-Gro brand name.  We believe that the strategic alliance also gives Scotts Miracle-Gro an entry into the burgeoning indoor gardening market, while providing AeroGrow a broad base of support in marketing, distribution, supply chain logistics, R&D, and sourcing.   We intend to use our strategic alliance with Scotts Miracle-Gro to re-establish our presence in the retail and international sales channels.
 

On July 6, 2015, the Company entered into a Term Loan Agreement in the principal amount of up to $6.0 million with Scotts Miracle-Gro. The proceeds were made available as needed in three advances of up to $2.0 million, $2.5 million, and $1.5 million beginning in July, August, and September of 2015, respectively, with a due date of April 15, 2016.  The Term Loan Agreement is secured by a lien on the assets of the Company.  Interest is charged at the stated rate of 10% per annum, but will be paid in shares of AeroGrow common stock, valued at a price per share equal to the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock, (which was previously issued to Scotts Miracle-Gro in April 2013) up to 30 days after the date the Term Loan is paid in full.  The funding provides general working capital and is being used for the purpose of acquiring inventory to support anticipated growth as the Company expands its retail and its direct-to-consumer sales channels.   See Note 3 “Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Current Portion – Long Term Debt” to our condensed financial statements.
 
Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014

Summary Overview
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, total revenue of $1.1 million decreased 36.1%, or $616,000, relative to the same period in the prior year.  The decrease was primarily due to over $500,000 of in-store retail channel sales for tests that were not repeated this year.  This was offset by a $109,000 or 30.4% increase in sales at Amazon.com and other online retailers, consistent with our current strategy to build through online retailers while refocusing in-store tests, primarily in the culinary channel.  In addition, we shipped over $1.3 million in future revenue to QVC during the September quarter, but this revenue was not able to be recognized in the quarter on a GAAP basis due to return provisions in the agreement.  We anticipate that quarterly sales results during the first six months of our fiscal year (April-September), may continue to be inconsistent as the company tests various retail channel strategies in an effort to optimize sales and profitability throughout the year.  Sales in our direct-to-consumer channel also decreased 26.2%, or $200,000, primarily due to our increased presence on Amazon.com and other select online retail distribution channels.  In addition, we curtailed our aggressive price strategy during our slow summer season in an effort to re-establish higher prices in the marketplace.  Finally, we continue to experience an anticipated decline in sales of replacement compact fluorescent grow bulbs as our LED products become more popular.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, AeroGarden sales decreased by 55.1% from the prior year period due to the large AeroGarden retail sale in the prior year period that was not repeated in the current year.  The prior year sales were load in amounts for those retailers that carried the items in-store during the holiday season. Seed pod kit and accessory sales increased by 19.5% over prior year period as our established base of AeroGardeners continues to grow.  AeroGarden sales represented 49.7% of total revenue, as compared to 70.7% in the prior year period.  This percentage decrease, on a product line basis, was attributable to sales to newly acquired retail accounts in the period year period which were not repeated in the current year period.  Seed pod kit and accessory sales increased as a percent of the total to 56.0% from 29.9% due to the increased consumer base of AeroGarden users as well as the decrease in gardens this quarter.

During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we spent $167,000 in advertising expenditures, a $99,000 or 147.2% year-over-year increase compared to the same period ended September 30, 2014. This was primarily due to a $95,000 expenditure with Amazon.com in support of their Prime Day program in July 2015.  The advertising expenditures were divided as follows:
 
 
·
Direct-to-consumer advertising decreased $2,000 to $61,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2015, primarily reflecting a reallocation of spending on pay-per-click and digital display advertising campaigns.  Efficiency, as measured by dollars of direct-to-consumer sales generated per dollar of related advertising expense continued to be strong, although the ratio decreased 24.1% to $9.26 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to $12.19 for the same period in Fiscal 2015.

 
·
Retail advertising increased to $95,000 from $5,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, as we incurred promotional programs with Amazon.com.
 
 
·
In addition, during the quarter some of our marketing expenditures were in support of advertising and promotional initiatives that are designed to promote the fall and holiday sales season.
 
Our gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was 30.2%, down from 36.5% in the prior year period.  During the quarter we experienced lower margins due to one-time costs in our fulfillment process associated with product improvements as we readied some existing products for sale in the coming holiday season.
 
 
In aggregate, our total operating expenses increased 24.2% or $267,000 year-over-year, principally to support new product introductions and anticipated future growth.  Gross spending increased in the following areas:
 
 
·
A $99,000 increase in advertising for promotional programs with Amazon.com to further drive product awareness;
 
·
A $56,000 increase in sales and marketing personnel to promote the retail sales channel;
 
·
An $18,000 increase in market research as we drive to understand purchase intent in our customer and prospect bases;  
 
·
A $23,000 increase in travel in support of considerable new product development and numerous marketing initiatives, namely market research and consumer advertising; and
 
·
A $63,000 increase in a variety of other areas including depreciation expense on new tooling from products introduced in the prior year, courier expense on new product prototypes, legal fees and new product testing and certification.
 
As a result of efforts to prepare for growth combined with lower revenue due to timing of load-in orders, our operating loss was $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to an operating loss of $481,000 in the prior year period.

Other income and expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 totaled to a net other expense of $124,000, as compared to net other expense of $26,000 in the prior year period.  The net other expense in the current period includes $66,000 of non-cash expense relating to the fair value revaluation of the warrant held by Scotts Miracle-Gro.  For the three months ended September 30, 2014, net other expense included $11,000 of non-cash income relating to the fair value revaluation of the warrant held by Scotts Miracle-Gro.

The net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2015 declined to $1.2 million, as compared to the $507,000 net loss in the prior year.  The increased net loss is due to lower overall sales, which are a result not repeating a prior year sales promotion to large retailers and an increase in current year operating expenses to meet current and future demand.
 
The following table sets forth, as a percentage of sales, our financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and the three months ended September 30, 2014:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net revenue
           
Direct-to-consumer
   
51.7
%
   
44.8
%
Retail
   
48.3
%
   
54.5
%
International
   
0.0
%
   
0.7
%
Total net revenue
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
                 
Cost of revenue
   
69.8
%
   
63.5
%
Gross profit
   
30.2
%
   
36.5
%
                 
Operating expenses
               
Research and development
   
13.1
%
   
6.8
%
Sales and marketing
   
61.2
%
   
28.3
%
General and administrative
   
51.5
%
   
29.6
%
Total operating expenses
   
125.8
%
   
64.7
%
Loss from operations
   
(95.6
)%
   
(28.2
)%

Revenue
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, revenue totaled $1.1 million, a year-over-year decrease of 36.1% or $616,000, from the three months ended September 30, 2014.

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
Net Revenue
 
2015
   
2014
 
Direct-to-consumer
 
$
564
   
$
764
 
Retail
   
527
     
930
 
International
   
-
     
13
 
Total
 
$
1,091
   
$
1,707
 
 

Direct-to-consumer sales for the three months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $564,000, down $200,000 or 26.2%, from the prior year period.  The decrease in sales to direct-to-consumer channels was caused by competition with our online retail partners as we continue to support the retail online sales models and our decision not to discount sales prices in our traditional slow season.  Additionally, as our AeroGardens with LED lighting systems continue to grow in popularity, our sales of certain accessories, such as light bulbs, will decline.

Sales to retailer customers for the three months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $527,000, down $403,000 from the prior-year period, principally reflecting prior year sales to newly acquired retail accounts that were not repeated in the current year, and partially offset by growth in the existing Amazon.com and Costco.com accounts.  The prior year sales included load-in sales for those retailers that carried the items in-store during the holiday season.

Our products consist of AeroGardens, and seed pod kits and accessories.  A summary of the sales of these two product categories for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 is as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Product Revenue
           
AeroGardens
 
$
542
   
$
1,207
 
Seed pod kits and accessories
   
611
     
511
 
Other
   
(62
   
(11
Total
 
$
1,091
   
$
1,707
 
% of Total Revenue
               
AeroGardens
   
49.7
%
   
70.7
%
Seed pod kits and accessories
   
56.0
%
   
29.9
%
Other
   
(5.7
)%
   
(0.6
)%
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%

AeroGarden sales decreased $665,000, or 55.1%, from the prior year period, reflecting decreased retail channel sales as we did not repeat a prior year sales promotion to larger retailers during the period ended September 30, 2015 and decreased sales of AeroGardens in our Direct-to-Consumer channel based on our decision not to discount sales prices in our traditional slow season.  The increase in seed pod kit and accessory sales, from $511,000 to $611,000, principally reflects the increase in our established base of AeroGardens.  For the three months ended September 30, 2015, sales of seed pod kits and accessories represented 56.0% of total revenue, as compared to 29.9% in the prior year period, which is a result of not repeating an AeroGarden retail sales promotion in the prior period and the increased consumer base of AeroGardens.  Other revenue which is comprised primarily of grow club revenue, shipping revenue, accruals and deductions decreased as a percent of the total to (5.7)% from (0.6)% in the prior year period due to lower shipping revenue as a percentage of sales and higher deductions and accruals for new retail accounts.
 
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $761,000, a decrease of $322,000 from the three months ended September 30, 2014, due to decreased revenue.  Cost of revenue includes product costs for purchased and manufactured products, freight costs for inbound freight from manufacturers, costs related to warehousing and the shipping of products to customers, credit card processing fees for direct sales, and duties and customs applicable to imported products. As a percent of total revenue, cost of revenue represented 69.8% of revenue as compared to 63.5% for the quarter ended September 30, 2014.  The increase in costs as a percent of revenue reflected the increase in seed usage and scrapped inventory due to product flaws on our newly developed products.

Gross Margin
Our gross margin varies based upon the factors affecting net revenue and cost of revenue as discussed above, as well as the mix of our revenue that comes from the retail, direct-to-consumer, and international channels.  In a direct-to-consumer sale, we recognize as revenue the full consumer purchase price for the product.  In retail and international sales, by comparison, we recognize as revenue the wholesale price for the product which we charge to the retailer or international distributor.  Media costs associated with direct sales are included in sales and marketing expenses.   As a result, retail and international sales generally have lower gross margins than direct-to-consumer sales.  The gross margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 was 30.2% as compared to 36.5% for the quarter ended September 30, 2014.  The decrease in our gross margin was primarily attributable to the increase in warehouse costs and some one-time charges such as rework.
 
 
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing costs for the three months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $668,000, as compared to $484,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 38.1%, or $184,000.  Sales and marketing costs include all costs associated with the marketing, sales, operations, customer support, and sales order processing for our products, and consisted of the following:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Advertising
 
$
167
   
$
68
 
Personnel
   
386
     
330
 
Sales commissions
   
(5)
     
3
 
Trade shows
   
8
     
-
 
Market research
   
16
     
-
 
Travel
   
42
     
26
 
Other
   
54
     
57
 
   
$
668
   
$
484
 
 
Advertising expense is principally comprised of the costs of development, production, printing, and postage for our catalogue mailing and web media costs for search and affiliate web marketing programs, and developing and employing other forms of advertising.  Each of these are key components of our integrated marketing strategy because they help build awareness of, and consumer demand for, our products, in addition to generating direct-to-consumer sales.  Advertising expense totaled $167,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, a year-over-year increase of 147.2%, or $99,000, due to our participation in various promotional programs to increase product awareness of our cobranded product line with the Miracle-Gro AeroGarden trade name, along with growth in our web-based advertising programs.

Sales and marketing personnel costs include salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits and other payroll costs for our sales, operations, customer service, graphics and marketing departments.  For the three months ended September 30, 2015, personnel costs for sales and marketing were $386,000, up $56,000 or 17.0% from the three months ended September 30, 2014.  The increase reflected increased headcount necessary sales to retailers and through our direct-to-consumer channel, which we refer to as our “Direct Response” channel, beginning in the fall of 2015.  Personnel expenses include all related payroll and equity-based compensation expenses.

Other marketing expenses increased year-over-year principally because of a market research programs, promotional items and new products that were initiated during the current year quarter.

General and Administrative
General and administrative costs for the three months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $561,000, as compared to $506,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 10.9%, or $55,000.  The decrease is attributable to expenses associated with legal fees and depreciation expense.

Research and Development
Research and development costs for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 totaled $143,000, an increase of $28,000 from the quarter ended September 30, 2014.  The increase reflects the support of new product development activities, including the ongoing expenses related to shipping samples of new products, certification and testing of the LED products, as required by our retail partners.

Operating Loss and EBITDA
Our operating loss for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.0 million, an increased loss of $561,000 from the operating loss of $481,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  The increased loss reflected lower sales in both our retail and direct-to-consumer channels, as we strategically decided to focus on specific retail partners, along with higher operating expenses, as discussed in greater detail above.
 

As a non-U.S. GAAP measure of our operating performance, we track earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) as an indicator of our ability to generate cash, which we define as operating profit or loss, excluding the non-cash depreciation, amortization, Scott’s Miracle-Gro intellectual property royalty and branding license, common stock warrant expense and stock based compensation expense incurred during the period (“Adjusted EBITDA”).  As calculated in the table below, our Adjusted EBITDA loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 totaled $822,000, which was $571,000 less favorable than the $251,000 Adjusted EBITDA loss recorded during the prior year quarter.

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Loss from operations
 
$
(1,042
)
 
$
(481
)
Add back non-cash items:
               
Depreciation
   
99
     
61
 
Amortization
   
-
     
-
 
Stock based compensation
   
83
     
83
 
Common stock warrant expense
   
-
     
18
 
Scott’s Miracle-Gro intellectual property royalty and branding license
   
38
     
68
 
Total non-cash items
   
220
     
230
 
 Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
(822
)
 
$
(251

The U.S. GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA is income (loss) from operations. The non-U.S. GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings. Adjusted EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with U.S. GAAP and has important limitations as an analytical tool. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net earnings and is defined differently by different companies, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
 
Net Loss
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a net loss of $1.2 million as compared to a net loss of $507,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014.
 
Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014

Summary Overview
For the six months ended September 30, 2015, total revenue of $2.7 million was down 21.5%, or $730,000, relative to the same period in the prior year.  The decrease was primarily due to over $800,000 of in-store retail channel sales for tests that were not repeated this year.  This was offset by a $427,000, or 73.8%, increase in sales at Amazon.com and other online retailers, consistent with our current strategy to build through online retailers while refocusing in-store tests, primarily in the culinary channel.  In addition, we shipped over $1.3 million in future revenue to QVC during the September quarter, but this revenue was not able to be recognized in the quarter on a GAAP basis due to return provisions in the agreement.  We anticipate that quarterly sales results during the first six months of our fiscal year (April-September), may continue to be inconsistent as we test various retail channel strategies in an effort to optimize sales and profitability throughout the year.  Sales in our direct-to-consumer channels decreased, by 15.5%, or $281,000, primarily due to our increased presence on Amazon.com and other select online retail distribution channels.  In addition, we curtailed our aggressive price strategy during our slow summer season in an effort to re-establish higher prices in the marketplace.  Finally, we continue to experience in anticipated decline in sales of replacement compact fluorescent grow bulbs as our LED products become more popular.

For the six months ended September 30, 2015, AeroGarden sales decreased by 29.1% from the prior year period and seed pod kit and accessory sales increased by 2.3% over prior year period.  AeroGarden sales represented 59.2% of total revenue, as compared to 65.5% in the prior year period.  This percentage decrease, on a product line basis, was attributable to not repeating retail a significant sale in the current year period as was done in the prior year period.  Seed pod kit and accessory sales increased as a percent of the total to 43.5% from 33.4% in the prior year period as a result of the growth in higher AeroGarden sales in the prior periods.  
 

During the six months ended September 30, 2015, we spent $308,000 in advertising expenditures, a year-over-year increase of $109,000, or 55.2%, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2014. This increase was primarily due to a $95,000 expenditure with Amazon.com in support of their Prime Day program in July 2015.  These expenditures were divided as follows:
 
 
·
Direct-to-consumer advertising increased $30,000 to $198,000 during the six months ended September 30, 2015, primarily reflecting increased spending on pay-per-click and digital display advertising campaigns.  Efficiency, as measured by dollars of direct-to-consumer sales per dollar of related advertising expense decreased to $7.70 for the six months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to $10.78 for the same period in Fiscal 2015.

 
·
Retail advertising increased to $96,000 from $13,000 for the six months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively for various promotional programs with Amazon.com.
 
 
·
In addition, during the six-month period some of our marketing expenditures were in support of advertising and promotional initiatives that will benefit the fall and holiday selling season.

Our gross margin for the six months ended September 30, 2015, was 30.5%, down from 34.3% in the prior year period.    In addition, we experienced one-time charges from rework and warranty expenses.  We anticipated these low margins and believe they will be temporary as we engage new manufacturers with lower unit costs.  We also increased our warranty reserves in support of significantly higher AeroGarden sales over the last year, correlating to our warranty of AeroGardens as one-time costs in our fulfillment process associated with product improvements as we readied some existing products for sale in the coming holiday season.

In aggregate, our total operating expenses increased 23.2%, or $530,000, year-over-year, principally to support new product introductions and anticipated growth.  Gross spending increased in the following areas:
 
 
·
A $110,000 increase in advertising for promotional programs with Amazon.com to further drive product awareness;
 
·
A $120,000 increase in sales and marketing personnel to promote the retail sales channel;
 
·
A $62,000 increase in market research as we drive to understand purchase intent in our customer and prospect base;  
 
·
A $48,000 increase in travel as we are preparing for the upcoming peak selling season;   and
 
·
A $140,000 increase in a variety of other areas including depreciation expense on new tooling from products introduced in the prior year, legal fees, courier expenses on new products and testing and certification.
 
As a result of efforts to prepare for growth, our operating loss was $2.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to an operating loss of $1.1 million in the prior year period.
 
Our operating loss increased $882,000 to $2.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2015, from $1.1 million in the prior year period, primarily as a result of efforts to drive higher sales.  The first six months of the year are our seasonally slowest sales period by a significant margin, and the loss is consistent with our internal projections during our slower selling months.

Other income and expense for the six months ended September 30, 2015 totaled to a net other expense of $388,000, as compared to net other expense of $247,000 in the prior year period.  The net other expense in the current year period includes $330,000 of non-cash expenses relating to the fair value revaluation of the warrant held by Scotts Miracle-Gro.  The net other expense in the prior year period included a fair value revaluation of the warrant of $212,000.

The net loss for the six months ended September 30, 2015 was $2.4 million, as compared to the $1.4 million loss in the prior year.  The net loss reflected the increased operating expenses and decreased margins due to sales into the retail channel and an increase in advertising dollars spent.  The increased net loss is due to lower overall sales, which are a result of sales promotions offered to retail outlets in the prior year period that were not repeated in the current year period and an increase in operating expenses to meet current and future demand.
 

The following table sets forth, as a percentage of sales, our financial results for the six months ended September 30, 2015, and the six months ended September 30, 2014:
 
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net revenue
           
Direct-to-consumer
   
57.4
%
   
53.3
%
Retail
   
42.6
%
   
46.0
%
International
   
0.0
%
   
0.7
%
Total net revenue
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
                 
Cost of revenue
   
69.5
%
   
65.7
%
Gross profit
   
30.5
%
   
34.3
%
                 
Operating expenses
               
Research and development
   
10.3
%
   
5.8
%
Sales and marketing
   
48.9
%
   
30.3
%
General and administrative
   
46.4
%
   
31.2
%
Total operating expenses
   
105.6
%
   
67.3
%
Loss from operations
   
(75.1
)%
   
(33.0
)%
 
Revenue
For the six months ended September 30, 2015, revenue totaled $2.7 million, a year-over-year decrease of 21.5% or $730,000, from the six months ended September 30, 2014.

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
Net Revenue
 
2015
   
2014
 
Direct-to-consumer
 
$
1,526
   
$
1,807
 
Retail
   
1,134
     
1,560
 
International
   
-
     
23
 
Total
 
$
2,660
   
$
3,390
 

Direct-to-consumer sales for the six months ended September 30, 2015, totaled $1.5 million, down $281,000 or 15.5%, from the prior year period. The decrease in sales to direct-to-consumer channels was caused by the competition with our online retail partners as we continue to support the retail online sales models.  Additionally, as our AeroGardens with LED lighting systems continue to grow in popularity, our sales of certain accessories, such as light bulbs, will decline.

Sales to retailer customers for the six months ended September 30, 2015, totaled $1.1 million, down $426,000, or 27.3%, from the prior-year period, principally reflecting prior year sales to newly acquired retail accounts that were not repeated in the current year, partially offset by growth in the existing Amazon.com and Costco.com accounts.

International sales for the six months ended September 30, 2015, totaled zero, a decline of $23,000.  Sales in both periods principally reflect the timing of reorders from existing international distributors, as well as our continued focus on building the North American retail market.
 
Our products consist of AeroGardens, and seed pod kits and accessories.  A summary of the sales of these two product categories for the six months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 is as follows:

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Product Revenue
 
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
AeroGardens
 
$
1,574
   
$
2,220
 
Seed pod kits and accessories
   
1,158
     
1,132
 
Other
   
(72
   
38
 
Total
 
$
2,660
   
$
3,390
 
% of Total Revenue
               
AeroGardens
   
59.2
%
   
65.5
%
Seed pod kits and accessories
   
43.5
%
   
33.4
%
Other
   
(2.7)
%
   
1.1
%
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
 
 
AeroGarden sales decreased $646,000, or 29.1%, from the prior year period, reflecting decreased retail channel sales and decreased sales of gardens in our direct-to-consumer channel.  The increase in seed pod kit and accessory sales, which increased by $26,000, or 2.3%, principally reflects the increase in our established base of AeroGardens.  For the six months ended September 30, 2015, sales of seed pod kits and accessories represented 43.5% of total revenue, as compared to 33.4% in the prior year period.  The increase is due to not repeating a significant AeroGarden retail sales promotions in the prior year.  Other revenue, which is comprised primarily of grow club revenue, shipping revenue, accruals and deductions, decreased as a percent of the total to (2.7)% from 1.1% in the prior year period due to lower shipping revenue as a percentage of sales and higher deductions and accruals for new retail accounts.

Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue for the six months ended September 30, 2015, totaled $1.8 million, a decrease of $378,000, from the six months ended September 30, 2014, due to decreased revenues.  Cost of revenue includes product costs for purchased and manufactured products, freight costs for inbound freight from manufacturers, costs related to warehousing and the shipping of products to customers, credit card processing fees for direct sales, and duties and customs applicable to imported products. As a percent of total revenue, cost of revenue represented 69.5% of revenue as compared to 65.7% for the six months ended September 30, 2014.  
 
Gross Margin
Our gross margin varies based upon the factors affecting net revenue and cost of revenue as discussed above, as well as the mix of our revenue that comes from the retail, direct-to-consumer, and international channels.  In a direct-to-consumer sale, we recognize as revenue the full consumer purchase price for the product.  In retail and international sales, by comparison, we recognize as revenue the wholesale price for the product which we charge to the retailer or international distributor.  Media costs associated with direct sales are included in sales and marketing expenses.   As a result, retail and international sales generally have lower gross margins than direct-to-consumer sales.  The gross margin for the six months ended September 30, 2015, was 30.5% as compared to 34.3% for the six months ended September 30, 2014.  The decrease in our gross margin was primarily attributable to the increased percentage of sales to retailers, the additional costs of establishing new manufacturers into the supply chain and one-time costs in our fulfillment process associated with product improvements as we readied some existing products for sale in the coming holiday season.  We anticipated these low margins and believe they will be temporary because we have brought new manufacturers on-line that have provided us with lower unit costs.   
 
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing costs for the six months ended September 30, 2015, totaled $1.3 million, as compared to $1.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 26.8%, or $275,000.  Sales and marketing costs include all costs associated with the marketing, sales, operations, customer support, and sales order processing for our products, and consisted of the following:

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Advertising
 
$
308
   
$
199
 
Personnel
   
761
     
641
 
Sales commissions
   
7
     
7
 
Trade shows
   
8
     
-
 
Market research
   
34
     
-
 
Travel
   
80
     
55
 
Other
   
103
     
124
 
   
$
1,301
   
$
1,026
 
 
Advertising expense totaled $308,000 for the six months ended September 30, 2015, a year-over-year increase of 55.2%, or $109,000, because we continued to participate in various promotional programs to increase product awareness of our cobranded product line with the Miracle-Gro AeroGarden trade name, along with growth in our web-based advertising programs.

Sales and marketing personnel costs include salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits and other payroll costs for our sales, operations, customer service, graphics and marketing departments.  For the six months ended September 30, 2015, personnel costs for sales and marketing were $761,000, up from $641,000 for the six months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 18.7%.  The increase reflected increased headcount necessary to drive what we anticipate will be increased sales to retailers and through our Direct Response channel beginning in the fall of 2015.  Personnel expenses include all related payroll and equity-based compensation expenses.
 

Other marketing expenses increased year-over-year because of increases in a variety of spending categories, including more focused market research and travel costs.

General and Administrative
General and administrative costs for the six months ended September 30, 2015, totaled $1.2 million, as compared to $1.1 million for the six months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 16.9%, or $179,000.  The increase is attributable to expenses associated with legal fees, IT troubleshooting contracted services and additional depreciation expense for the new fixed assets at our new manufacturers.
 
Research and Development
Research and development costs for the six months ended September 30, 2015, totaled $274,000, an increase of 38.5%, or $76,000, from the six months ended September 30, 2014.  The increase reflects the support of new product development activities, including the ongoing courier expenses related to shipping new products from the manufacturer to the headquarters and ongoing certification and testing of the LED products introduced in the prior year and the support of new product development activities.

Operating Loss and EBITDA
Our operating loss for the six months ended September 30, 2015, was $2.0 million, an increase of $882,000 from the operating loss of $1.1 million for the six months ended September 30, 2014.  The increased operating loss was attributable to operating expenses to support current and future growth in both the retail distribution and direct-to consumer channels.

As a non-U.S. GAAP measure of our operating performance, we track earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) as an indicator of our ability to generate cash, which we define as operating income or loss, excluding the non-cash depreciation, amortization, Scott’s Miracle-Gro intellectual property royalty and branding, common stock warrant expense and stock based compensation expense incurred during the period (“Adjusted EBITDA”).  As calculated in the table below, our Adjusted EBITDA loss for the six months ended September 30, 2015, totaled $1.5 million, which was an $836,000 decline over the $704,000 Adjusted EBITDA loss recognized during the prior year period.

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Loss from operations
 
$
(1,999
)
 
$
(1,117
)
Add back non-cash items:
               
Depreciation
   
179
     
105
 
Amortization
   
-
     
-
 
Stock based compensation
   
157
     
136
 
Common stock warrant expense
   
-
     
37
 
Scott’s Miracle-Gro intellectual property royalty and branding license
   
123
     
135
 
Total non-cash items
   
459
     
413
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
(1,540
)
 
$
(704
)

The U.S GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA is income (loss) from operations. The non-U.S. GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss). Adjusted EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with U.S. GAAP and has important limitations as an analytical tool. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net earnings and is defined differently by different companies, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Net Loss
The net loss for the six months ended September 30, 2015 was $2.4 million, as compared to $1.4 million net loss in the prior–year period as discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

After adjusting the net loss for non-cash items and changes in operating assets and liabilities, the net cash used by operating activities totaled $2.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to cash used of $2.7 million in the prior year period.
 

Non-cash items, comprising depreciation, amortization, bad debt (recoveries) allowances, change in fair value of the Scotts Miracle-Gro warrant liability and non-cash compensation expense, totaled to a net gain of $760,000 for the six months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to a net gain of $599,000 in the prior year period.  The increase principally reflected non-cash charges arising from the change in fair value on the derivative warrant liability, depreciation and non-cash compensation expenses.

Changes in current assets used net cash of $1.7 million during the six months ended September 30, 2015, principally from increases in inventory and in prepaid assets related to the deposits and purchases of cobranded AeroGardens as we ramp up for our peak sales season, which historically begins in the third fiscal quarter.

As of September 30, 2015, the total inventory balance was $4.2 million, representing approximately 127 days of sales activity, and 503 days of sales activity, at the average daily rate of product cost expensed during the twelve months and three months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.  The days in inventory calculation based on the three months of sales activity can vary greatly due to the seasonality of our sales, which are at a seasonal low during the quarter ended September 30.

Current operating liabilities increased $663,000 during the six months ended September 30, 2015, principally because of an increase in accounts payable.  Accounts payable as of September 30, 2015, totaled $1.7 million, representing approximately 33 days of daily expense activity, and 73 days of daily expense activity, at the average daily rate of expenses incurred during the twelve months and three months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Net investment activity used $406,000 of cash in the current year period, principally because of the purchases of equipment as we change our supply manufacturers and introduce new products.

Net financing activity provided net cash of $4.5 million during the six months ended September 30, 2015, principally due the Term Loan agreement with Scotts Miracle-Gro.

As of September 30, 2015, we had a cash balance of $2.4 million, of which $15,000 was restricted as collateral for various corporate obligations.  This compares to a cash balance of $1.0 million as of March 31, 2015, of which $15,000 was restricted.  The increase in cash is primarily attributable to the Term Loan agreement with Scotts Miracle-Gro and the timing of inventory purchases as we prepare for the peak selling season.

As of September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the outstanding balance of our notes payable and debt, including accrued interest, was as follows:
 
   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2015
 
Notes payable-related party
 
$
4,558
   
$
207
 
Derivative warrant liability (see Note 4)
   
2,018
     
1,688
 
Sale of intellectual property liability (see Note 4)
   
184
     
208
 
Total debt
   
6,760
     
2,103
 
Less notes payable and current portion – long term debt
   
6,760
     
2,103
 
Long Term Debt
 
$
-
   
$
-
 

Cash Requirements

We generally require cash to:
 
 
·
fund our operations and working capital requirements,
 
·
develop and execute our product development and market introduction plans,
 
·
execute our sales and marketing plans,
 
·
fund research and development efforts, and
 
·
pay debt obligations as they come due.
 
At this time, we do not expect to enter into capital leases to finance major purchases.  In addition, we do not currently have any binding commitments with third parties to obtain any material amount of equity or debt financing other than the financing arrangements described in this report.
 
 
Assessment of Future Liquidity and Results of Operations

Liquidity
To assess our ability to fund ongoing operating requirements, we developed assumptions regarding operating cash flow.  Critical sources of funding, and key assumptions and areas of uncertainty include:
 
 
·
our cash of $2.4 million ($15,000 of which is restricted as collateral for our various corporate obligations) as of September 30, 2015,
 
·
our cash of $1.8 million ($15,000 of which is restricted as collateral for our various corporate obligations) as of November 3, 2015,
 
·
continued support of, and extensions of credit by, our suppliers and lenders, including, but not limited to, the Term Loan of up to $6.0 million from Scotts Miracle-Gro,
 
·
our historical pattern of increased sales between September and March, and lower sales volume from April through August,
 
·
the level of spending necessary to support our planned initiatives, and
 
·
our sales to consumers, retailers, and international distributors, and the resulting cash flow from operations, which will depend in great measure on the success of our direct-to-consumer sales initiatives, and the acceptance of the product at our various retail distribution customers.
 
On July 6, 2015, the Company entered into a Term Loan Agreement in the principal amount of up to $6.0 million with Scotts Miracle-Gro.  The proceeds will be made available as needed in three advances of up to $2.0 million, $2.5 million, and $1.5 million beginning in July, August, and September of 2015, respectively, with a due date of April 15, 2016.  The Term Loan Agreement is secured by a lien on the assets of the Company.  Interest will be charged at the stated rate of 10% per annum, but will be paid in shares of AeroGrow common stock, valued at a price per share equal to the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Conversion Price on the date the Term Loan is paid in full.  The funding will provide general working capital and was used for the purpose of acquiring inventory to support anticipated growth as the Company expands its retail and its direct-to-consumer sales channels.  The first advance of $2.0 million, as noted above was borrowed in July 2015, followed by an additional $2.5 million in September and an additional $1.5 million in October.  See Note 3 “Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Current Portion – Long Term Debt” to our condensed financial statements.

Based on these facts and assumptions, we believe our existing cash and cash equivalents, along with the Term Loan Agreement and the cash generated by our anticipated results from operations, will be sufficient to meet our needs for the next twelve months.  

Results of Operations
There are several factors that could affect our future results of operations.  These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
 
·
the effectiveness of our consumer marketing efforts in generating both direct-to-consumer sales, and sales to consumers by our retailer customer,
 
·
uncertainty regarding the impact of macroeconomic conditions on consumer spending,
 
·
uncertainty regarding the capital markets and our access to sufficient capital to support our current and projected scale of operations,
 
·
the seasonality of our business, in which we have historically experienced higher sales volume during the fall and winter months (September through March),
 
·
a continued, uninterrupted supply of product from our third-party manufacturing suppliers in China, and
 
·
the success of the Scotts Miracle-Gro relationship.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than our headquarter facility lease commitment incurred in the normal course of business, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements or liabilities, guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interest in transferred assets, and have not entered into any contracts for financial derivative such as futures, swaps, and options.
 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk
 
Our interest income is most sensitive to fluctuations in the general level of U.S. interest rates. As such, changes in U.S. interest rates affect the interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, and the value of those investments. Due to the short-term nature of our cash equivalents and investments, we have concluded that a change in interest rates does not pose a material market risk to us with respect to our interest income. Our debt carries fixed interest rates and therefore changes in the general level of market interest rates will not impact our interest expense during the terms of our existing debt arrangements.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We transact business primarily in U.S. currency.  Although we purchase our products in U.S. dollars, the prices charged by our suppliers in Asia are predicated upon their cost for components, labor and overhead. Therefore, changes in the valuation of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Chinese currency may cause our manufacturers to raise prices of our products which could reduce our profit margins.
  
In future periods, it is possible that we could be exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on accounts receivable from sales and net monetary assets denominated in foreign currencies and liabilities.  To date, however, virtually all of our transactions have been denominated in U.S. dollars.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon and as of the date of that evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls
 
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could have significantly affected those controls during the three months ended September 30, 2015.
 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, future results, and the trading price of our common stock. In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should also carefully consider the factors described in “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015, which could materially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, future results, and the trading price of our common stock.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.
 
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
Exhibit
Number
 
 
Description
     
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated June 25, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.3
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated November 3, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.4
 
Certificate of Change to Articles of Incorporation, dated January 31, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.5
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated July 27, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.6
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated February 24, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.7
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, certified May 3, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 12, 2010
3.8
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated May 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 10, 2012)
3.9
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 26, 2008)
3.10
 
Amendment to Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, filed July 6, 2009)
3.11
 
Amendment No. 2 to Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 23, 2013)
3.12
 
Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, filed July 6, 2009)
3.13
 
Certificate of Amendment to Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designations, certified June 21, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.11 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter year ended June 30, 2010, filed August 12, 2010)
3.14
 
Amendment Number 2 to Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designations, as filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on April 6, 2012 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 16, 2012)
3.15
 
Certificates of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 23, 2013)
4.1
 
Form of Certificate of Common Stock of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 5, 2007)
4.2
 
Form of 2007 September Offering Investor Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 5, 2007)
4.3
 
Form of 2007 September Offering Agent Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 5, 2007)
10.1
 
Term Loan and Security Agreement by and among the Company and SMG Growing Media, Inc. dated July 6, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 10, 2015)
10.2*
 
10.3*
 
10.4*
 
10.5*
 
10.6*
 
31.1*
 
31.2*
 
32.1*
 
32.2*
 
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.
 
 
SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
       
 
AeroGrow International, Inc.
 
       
Date:  November 9, 2015
 
/s/ J. Michael Wolfe
 
 
By: J. Michael Wolfe
 
 
Its: President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director
     
       
     
       
Date:  November 9, 2015
 
/s/Grey H. Gibbs
 
 
By: Grey H. Gibbs
 
 
Its: Senior Vice President Finance and Accounting
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
32

 
 
EXHIBIT 10.2

FIRST AMENDMENT TO BRAND LICENSE AGREEMENT
 
THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO BRAND LICENSE AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is effective as of ___________, 2015, by and between OMS INVESTMENTS, INC. , a Delaware corporation (“ Licensor ”), and AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Nevada corporation (“ Licensee ”).
 
WHEREAS , Licensor and Licensee entered into that certain Brand License Agreement dated April 22, 2013 (the “ Agreement ”), pursuant to which Licensor grants to Licensee a license to use certain trademarks in connection with the manufacture, marketing and sale of Licensed Products; and
 
WHEREAS , the Parties now desire to expand the Territory and to amend and modify the Agreement, as more fully described herein.
 
NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
1.   Capitalized Terms .  Any capitalized term used but not defined in this Amendment has the meaning set forth in the Agreement.
 
2.   Definition of Additional Territory .  The following definition shall be added to Section 1 of the Agreement:
 
Additional Territory ” means the countries or regions that may be added from time to time by the parties in an Additional Territory Term Sheet, in the form set forth on Exhibit E , attached hereto and incorporated herein.
 
3.   Definition of Original Territory .  The following definition shall be added to Section 1 of the Agreement:
 
Original Territory ” means North America.
 
4.   Definition of Territory .  The definition of Territory in Section 1.17 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
Territory ” means (a) the Original Territory and (b) any Additional Territory.
 
5.   Calculation of License Fees .  The Parties acknowledge and agree that the calculation of the Annual License Fee is based upon the Net Sales of the Licensed Products.
 
6.   Accounting for and Payment of License Fees .
 
(a)   The second sentence of Section 6.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
 
 

 
 
For the first four (4) Contract Years, fees due under this Agreement related to the Original Territory, including, but not limited to, the Annual License Fee for Net Sales into the Original Territory, shall be payable by the Licensee to the Licensor, or an affiliate designated in writing by the Licensor, in shares of the Licensee’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“ Common Stock ”), at the then-current Series B Preferred Conversion Price, and fees must be paid in accordance with U.S. tax laws and any other relevant tax laws.
 
(b)   The last sentence of Section 6.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
For all sales in any Additional Territory and, as it relates to the Original Territory, for the fifth Contract Year and any subsequent Contract Years (i.e., 4/1/17 forward), fees due under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the Annual License Fee, shall be payable by the Licensee to the Licensor in cash (U.S. dollars), and such fees must continue to be paid in accordance with U.S. tax laws and any other relevant tax laws.
 
7.   Guaranteed Minimum License Fees .  Section 6.4 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
6.4             Guaranteed Minimum License Fees.   If the license fees due to the Licensor for the fourth Contract Year (i.e., 4/1/16 – 3/31/17) for Net Sales in the Original Territory of the Licensed Products under the Licensed MG Trademarks are less than $500,000, then the Licensee shall pay the Licensor in stock the difference between $500,000 and the license fees due, and this guaranteed minimum fee shall be paid at the same time the license fee is paid.  If the license fees due to the Licensor for the fifth Contract Year (i.e., 4/1/17 – 3/31/18) or any subsequent Contract Year for Net Sales in the Original Territory of Licensed Products under the Licensed MG Trademarks are less than $1,000,000, then the Licensee shall pay the Licensor in cash the difference between $1,000,000 and the license fees due, and this guaranteed minimum license fee shall be paid at the same time that the license fee is paid.
 
8.   Termination .  Section 14.3(b) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
(b)           In whole or in part as to a specific Territory as follows:
 
 
(i)
If Licensee fails to sell and commercially distribute in the Original Territory an amount of Licensed Products under the Licensed MG Trademarks equivalent to $5,000,000 in gross sales of Licensed Products for any Contract Year, and such default is not cured within thirty (30) business days following Licensee’s receipt of written notice of such default, then this Agreement and the license granted hereunder may be terminated in whole upon written notice by Licensor sent to Licensee after expiration of the thirty (30) day period and effective upon receipt of such notice, without prejudice to any and all other rights and remedies Licensor may have hereunder or by law provided.
 
 
2

 
 
 
(ii)
If Licensee fails to sell and commercially distribute in any Additional Territory an amount of Licensed Products under the Licensed MG Trademarks equivalent to the amount in gross sales of Licensed Products set forth in an Additional Territory Term Sheet within the time period set forth in such Additional Territory Term Sheet, and such default is not cured within thirty (30) business days following Licensee’s receipt of written notice of such default, then the license granted with respect to such Additional Territory may be terminated upon written notice by Licensor sent to Licensee after expiration of the thirty (30) day period and effective upon receipt of such notice, without prejudice to any and all other rights and remedies Licensor may have hereunder or by law provided.
 
9.   Exhibit E .  The attached Exhibit E shall be added to the Agreement.
 
10.   Ratification .  Except as otherwise modified by this Amendment, all of the terms and conditions of the Agreement are hereby ratified and shall remain in full force and effect.
 
11.   Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts.
 
12.   Merger .  The Agreement, as amended solely by this Amendment, constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to its subject matter and supersede all previous amendments and addenda, and all previous or contemporaneous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.
 
(Signature Page Follows)
 
 
 
3

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized representatives as of the date hereof.

OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                 
Title:                                                                  
Date:                                                                 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                
Title:                                                                 
Date:                                                                  
   

 

 
 
 

 

EXHIBIT E
FORM OF ADDITIONAL TERRITORY TERM SHEET

BRAND LICENSE AGREEMENT
ADDITIONAL TERRITORY TERM SHEET NO. ___

This Additional Territory Term Sheet No. ____ (this “ Term Sheet ”) dated _______________, 20__ (the “ Term Sheet Effective Date ”) is attached to, and made a part of, the Brand License Agreement (“ Brand License ”) by and between OMS Investments, Inc. (“ Licensor ”) and AeroGrow International, Inc. (“ Licensee ”) dated April 22, 2013.

Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth in the Brand License.

Additional Territory:
                                                                           
 
Termination Rights (for purposes of Section 14.3(b)(ii)):
A minimum of $________________ in annual gross sales on or before ____________, 20__, and for each subsequent Contract Year.
 
Retailers/Channels of Trade:
                                                                           
   
Additional Terms:
 

This Term Sheet incorporates all the rights, duties, and obligations extended to both parties under the Brand License relating to the subject matter herein.  This Term Sheet and the Brand License shall be read together and any conflict in terms shall be resolved with deference to the terms contained in this Term Sheet.

OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                
Title:                                                                 
Date:                                                                 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                
Title:                                                                 
Date:                                                                 
   



 
 

 
 
 
EXHIBIT 10.3
 
BRAND LICENSE AGREEMENT
ADDITIONAL TERRITORY TERM SHEET NO. 1

This Additional Territory Term Sheet No. 1 (this “ Term Sheet ”) dated _______________, 2015 (the “ Term Sheet Effective Date ”) is attached to, and made a part of, the Brand License Agreement (“ Brand License ”) by and between OMS Investments, Inc. (“ Licensor ”) and AeroGrow International, Inc. (“ Licensee ”) dated April 22, 2013.

Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth in the Brand License.

Additional Territory:
United Kingdom
 
Termination Rights (for purposes of Section 14.3(b)(ii)):
A minimum of $3,000,000 in annual gross sales on or before March 31, 2019, and for each subsequent Contract Year.
 
Retailers/Channels of Trade:
Licensee may only sell to retailers that sell exclusively through the e-commerce channel of trade, including online and television sales ( e.g. , Amazon, QVC).  Licensee may expand to the online presence of those brick and mortar stores that Licensor approves in advance in writing, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
 
Additional Terms:
None.

This Term Sheet incorporates all the rights, duties, and obligations extended to both parties under the Brand License relating to the subject matter herein.  This Term Sheet and the Brand License shall be read together and any conflict in terms shall be resolved with deference to the terms contained in this Term Sheet.

OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                 
Title:                                                              
Date:                                                              
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                  
Name:                                                                 
Title:                                                               
Date:                                                                  
   





 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT 10.4
 
FIRST AMENDMENT TO TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AGREEMENT
 
THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is effective as of ___________, 2015, by and between OMS INVESTMENTS, INC. , a Delaware corporation (“ OMS ”), and AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Nevada corporation (“ AeroGrow ”).
 
WHEREAS , OMS and AeroGrow entered into that certain Technology License Agreement dated April 22, 2013 (the “ Agreement ”), pursuant to which OMS grants to AeroGrow a license to use certain Hydroponic IP in connection with the manufacture, marketing and sale of Licensed Products; and
 
WHEREAS , the Parties now desire to expand the Territory and to amend and modify the Agreement, as more fully described herein.
 
NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
1.   Capitalized Terms .  Any capitalized term used but not defined in this Amendment has the meaning set forth in the Agreement.
 
2.   Definitions .  The following definitions shall be added to Section 1 of the Agreement:
 
Additional Territory ” means the countries or regions that may be added from time to time by the parties in an Additional Territory Term Sheet, in the form set forth on Exhibit A , attached hereto and incorporated herein.
 
Original Territory ” means North America.
 
3.   Definition of Territory .  The definition of Territory in Section 1 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
Territory ” means (a) the Original Territory and (b) any Additional Territory.
 
4.   Form of Payment .
 
(a)   The first sentence of Section 3.3 of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
Royalties and other fees due under this Agreement related to the Original Territory and accrued in Contract Years 1-4 shall be payable by AeroGrow to OMS, or to an OMS Affiliate designated in writing by OMS, in shares of AeroGrow’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“ Common Stock ”), at the then-current Series B Preferred Conversion Price, and such fees must be paid in accordance with U.S. tax laws and any other relevant tax laws.
 
 
 

 
 
(b)   The last sentence of Section 3.3 of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
For all sales in the Additional Territories and, as it relates to the Original Territory, for the fifth Contract Year and any subsequent Contract Years (i.e., 4/1/17 forward), royalties and other fees due under this Agreement shall be payable by AeroGrow to OMS, or to an OMS Affiliate designated in writing by OMS, in cash (U.S. dollars), and such fees must continue to be paid in accordance with U.S. tax laws and any other relevant tax laws.
 
5.   Termination .  Section 8.3(b) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
(b)           In whole or in part as to a specific Territory as follows:
 
 
(i)
If AeroGrow fails to sell and commercially distribute in the Original Territory an amount of Licensed Products equivalent to $5,000,000 in gross sales of Licensed Products for which Royalties are due under Section 3.1 for any Contract Year, and such default is not cured within thirty (30) business days following AeroGrow’s receipt of written notice of such default, then this Agreement and the license granted hereunder may be terminated in whole upon written notice by OMS sent to AeroGrow after expiration of the thirty (30) day period and effective upon receipt of such notice, without prejudice to any and all other rights and remedies OMS may have hereunder or by law provided.
 
 
(ii)
If AeroGrow fails to sell and commercially distribute in any Additional Territory an amount of Licensed Products equivalent to the amount in gross sales of Licensed Products set forth in an Additional Territory Term Sheet within the time period set forth in such Additional Territory Term Sheet, and such default is not cured within thirty (30) business days following AeroGrow’s receipt of written notice of such default, then the license granted with respect to such Additional Territory may be terminated upon written notice by OMS sent to AeroGrow after expiration of the thirty (30) day period and effective upon receipt of such notice, without prejudice to any and all other rights and remedies OMS may have hereunder or by law provided.
 
6.   Exhibit A .  The attached Exhibit A shall be added to the Agreement.
 
 
2

 
 
7.   Ratification .  Except as otherwise modified by this Amendment, all of the terms and conditions of the Agreement are hereby ratified and shall remain in full force and effect.
 
8.   Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts.
 
9.   Merger .  The Agreement, as amended solely by this Amendment, constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to its subject matter and supersede all previous amendments and addenda, and all previous or contemporaneous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.
 
(Signature Page Follows)
 
 
 
 
3

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized representatives as of the date hereof.

OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                
Title:                                                              
Date:                                                                 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                  
Name:                                                                 
Title:                                                               
Date:                                                                  
   
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF ADDITIONAL TERRITORY TERM SHEET

TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AGREEMENT
ADDITIONAL TERRITORY TERM SHEET NO. ___

This Additional Territory Term Sheet No. ____ (this “ Term Sheet ”) dated _______________, 20__ (the “ Term Sheet Effective Date ”) is attached to, and made a part of, the Technology License Agreement (“ Technology License ”) by and between OMS Investments, Inc. (“ OMS ”) and AeroGrow International, Inc. (“ AeroGrow ”) dated April 22, 2013.

Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth in the Technology License.

Additional Territory:
                                                                             
 
Termination Rights (for purposes of Section 8.3(b)(ii)):
A minimum of $________________ in annual gross sales on or before ____________, 20__, and for each subsequent Contract Year.
 
Retailers/Channels of Trade:
                                                                             
   
Additional Terms:
 

This Term Sheet incorporates all the rights, duties, and obligations extended to both parties under the Technology License relating to the subject matter herein.  This Term Sheet and the Technology License shall be read together and any conflict in terms shall be resolved with deference to the terms contained in this Term Sheet.

OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                 
Title:                                                              
Date:                                                                 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                  
Name:                                                                 
Title:                                                               
Date:                                                               



 

 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT 10.5
 
TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AGREEMENT
ADDITIONAL TERRITORY TERM SHEET NO. 1

This Additional Territory Term Sheet No. 1 (this “ Term Sheet ”) dated _______________, 2015 (the “ Term Sheet Effective Date ”) is attached to, and made a part of, the Technology License Agreement (“ Technology License ”) by and between OMS Investments, Inc. (“ OMS ”) and AeroGrow International, Inc. (“ AeroGrow ”) dated April 22, 2013.

Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth in the Technology License.

Additional Territory:
United Kingdom
 
Termination Rights (for purposes of Section 8.3(b)(ii)):
A minimum of $3,000,000 in annual gross sales on or before March 31, 2019, and for each subsequent Contract Year.
 
Retailers/Channels of Trade:
AeroGrow may only sell to retailers that sell exclusively through the e-commerce channel of trade, including online and television sales ( e.g. , Amazon, QVC).  AeroGrow may expand to the online presence of those brick and mortar stores that OMS approves in advance in writing, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
 
Additional Terms:
None.

This Term Sheet incorporates all the rights, duties, and obligations extended to both parties under the Technology License relating to the subject matter herein.  This Term Sheet and the Technology License shall be read together and any conflict in terms shall be resolved with deference to the terms contained in this Term Sheet.

OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                 
Title:                                                                 
Date:                                                                 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                  
Name:                                                                 
Title:                                                               
Date:                                                                  
   





 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT 10.6

FIRST AMENDMENT
TO
WARRANT
TO
PURCHASE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
 
THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO WARRANT TO PURCHASE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK (this “ Amendment ”) is effective as of ___________, 2015, by and between SMG GROWING MEDIA, INC. , an Ohio corporation (the “ Warrantholder ”), and AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Nevada corporation (the “ Company ”).
 
WHEREAS , the Company delivered to the Warrantholder a Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock, dated April 22, 2013 (the “ Warrant ”), pursuant to which Warrantholder has the right to purchase from the Company additional shares of Common Stock of the Company;
 
WHEREAS , the Company and the Warrantholder’s affiliate, OMS Investments, Inc., have amended the Technology License Agreement to expand the territory of the license to the United Kingdom and China (the “ Territory Expansion ”);   and
 
WHEREAS , the Parties now desire to amend and modify the Warrant to account for the Territory Expansion, as more fully described herein.
 
NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
1.   Capitalized Terms .  Any capitalized term used but not defined in this Amendment has the meaning set forth in the Warrant.
 
2.   Definition of Adjusted Net Sales .  The definition of Adjusted Net Sales within the definition of Exercise Price in Section 1 of the Warrant shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
 
Adjusted Net Sales ” means (A) the net sales of the Company under U.S. GAAP plus , (B) the cost to The Scotts Company LLC or its Affiliates for the products that exploit the Hydroponic IP (as defined in the Technology License Agreement dated April 22, 2013, between the Company and OMS Investments, Inc.) (the “ Technology License Agreement ”) but are not included in the net sales of the Company minus , (C) the net sales of the Company resulting from sales from any additional territory added under the terms of the Technology License Agreement.
 
3.   Ratification .  Except as otherwise modified by this Amendment, all of the terms and conditions of the Warrant are hereby ratified and shall remain in full force and effect.
 
4.   Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts.
 
 
 

 
 
5.   Merger .  The Warrant, as amended solely by this Amendment, constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to its subject matter and supersede all previous amendments and addenda, and all previous or contemporaneous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.
 
(Signature Page Follows)
 
 
 
 
 
2

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized representatives as of the date hereof.

SMG GROWING MEDIA, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                
Title:                                                              
Date:                                                              
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
By:                                                                 
Name:                                                                
Title:                                                              
Date:                                                                 
   




 

 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT 31.1
 
CERTIFICATIONS OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT

I, J. Michael Wolfe certify that:

1.             I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015 of AeroGrow International, Inc.;

2.             Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.             Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.             The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)           Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)           Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
 
(c)           Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)           Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.             The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)           All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)           Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date:  November 9, 2015
By:
/s/ J. Michael Wolfe
   
J. Michael Wolfe
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
(Principal Executive Officer)


 
EXHIBIT 31.2
 
CERTIFICATIONS OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT

I, Grey H. Gibbs, certify that:

1.            I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015 of AeroGrow International, Inc.;

2.             Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.             Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.             The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)           Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)           Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
 
(c)           Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)           Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.             The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)           All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)           Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date:  November 9, 2015
By:
/s/Grey H. Gibbs 
 
Grey H. Gibbs
 
Senior Vice President Finance and Accounting
(Principal Accounting Officer)



 
 
EXHIBIT 32.1
 
CERTIFICATIONS OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
UNDER SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT

 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of AeroGrow International, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I, J. Michael Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the period covered by this Report.

     
Date:  November 9, 2015
By:
/s/ J. Michael Wolfe
 
J. Michael Wolfe
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 



 
EXHIBIT 32.2
 
CERTIFICATIONS OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
UNDER SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
 
 
            In connection with the Quarterly Report of AeroGrow International, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I, Grey H. Gibbs, Vice President Finance and Accounting of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
 (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
 (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the period covered by this Report.
 
     
Date:  November 9, 2015
By:
 /s/Grey H. Gibbs
 
Grey H. Gibbs
 
Senior Vice President Finance and Accounting
(Principal Accounting Officer)