December 31, 2017 DOC


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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 December 31, 2017

OR

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

For the transition period from ________to _________

Commission file number 001-34719

S&W SEED COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Nevada
27-1275784
  (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

106 K Street, Suite 300
Sacramento, California    95814

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

(559) 884-2535
(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)

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

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     YES  x     NO  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer    ¨

Accelerated filer    ¨

Non-accelerated filer    ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company    x

Emerging growth company    ¨

      If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ¨

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES    ¨        NO    x

      As of February 8, 2018, 24,336,913 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding.



S&W SEED COMPANY
Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page No.
     
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited):
 
     
           Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017
4
     
           Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
5
     
           Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
6
     
           Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
7
     
           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
8
     
           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9
     
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
35
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
57
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
57
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
58
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors
58
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
58
     
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
58
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
58
     
Item 5. Other Information
58
     
Item 6. Exhibits
59

1


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to, any statements concerning projections of revenue, margins, expenses, tax provisions, earnings, cash flows and other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding our ability to raise capital in the future; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market acceptance relating to our products or services or our ability to expand our grower or customer bases or to diversify our product offerings; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of expectation or belief; any statements regarding our ability to retain key employees; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "designed," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will," "would," and similar expressions or variations intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the following:

  • whether we are successful in securing sufficient acreage to support the growth of our alfalfa seed business,
  • our plans for expansion of our business (including through acquisitions) and our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into our operations;
  • the continued ability of our distributors and suppliers to have access to sufficient liquidity to fund their operations;
  • trends and other factors affecting our financial condition or results of operations from period to period;
  • the impact of crop disease, severe weather conditions, such as flooding, or natural disasters, such as earthquakes, on crop quality and yields and on our ability to grow, procure or export our products;
  • the impact of pricing of other crops that may be influence what crops our growers elect to plant;
  • whether we are successful in aligning expense levels to revenue changes;
  • whether we are successful in monetizing our stevia business;
  • the cost and other implications of pending or future legislation or court decisions and pending or future accounting pronouncements; and
  • other risks that are described herein or updated from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

2


You are urged to carefully review the disclosures made concerning risks and uncertainties that may affect our business or operating results, which include, among others, those listed in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on September 20, 2017.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Many factors discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, some of which are beyond our control, will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, these statements are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from the forward-looking statements. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of a forward-looking statement in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements represent our views as of, and speak only as of, the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and such statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms "we," "us," "our," "the Company," "S&W" and "S&W Seed" refer to S&W Seed Company and its subsidiaries or, as the context may require, S&W Seed Company only. Our fiscal year ends on June 30, and accordingly, the terms "fiscal 2018," "fiscal 2017" and "fiscal 2016" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to the respective fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, with corresponding meanings to any fiscal year reference beyond such dates. Trademarks, service marks and trade names of other companies appearing in this report are the property of their respective holders.

 

 

 

3


Part I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

S&W SEED COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)

      December 31,     June 30,
      2017     2017
ASSETS            
             
CURRENT ASSETS            
     Cash and cash equivalents   $ 5,454,694    $ 745,001 
     Accounts receivable, net     25,250,475      23,239,325 
     Inventories, net     70,486,985      31,489,945 
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,500,066      1,249,921 
          TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS     102,692,220      56,724,192 
             
Property, plant and equipment, net     13,630,123      13,581,576 
Intangibles, net     33,810,687      34,939,079 
Goodwill     10,292,265      10,292,265 
Other assets     1,568,286      1,563,176 
          TOTAL ASSETS   $ 161,993,581    $ 117,100,288 
             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES            
     Accounts payable   $ 32,831,640    $ 7,157,745 
     Accounts payable - related parties     117,164      331,694 
     Deferred revenue     55,442      880,326 
     Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     2,671,495      2,733,718 
     Lines of credit, net     27,592,603      27,399,784 
     Current portion of contingent consideration obligation         2,500,000 
     Current portion of long-term debt, net     358,864      10,309,664 
          TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES     63,627,208      51,312,931 
             
Long-term debt, net, less current portion     13,203,191      1,096,155 
Derivative warrant liabilities         2,836,600 
Other non-current liabilities     781,629      632,947 
             
          TOTAL LIABILITIES     77,612,028      55,878,633 
             
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            
     Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized;            
          no shares issued and outstanding        
     Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized;            
          24,353,300 issued and 24,328,300 outstanding at December 31, 2017;            
          18,004,681 issued and 17,979,681 outstanding at June 30, 2017;     24,353      18,004 
     Treasury stock, at cost, 25,000 shares     (134,196)     (134,196)
     Additional paid-in capital     108,568,030      83,312,518 
     Accumulated deficit     (18,653,679)     (16,436,286)
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (5,422,955)     (5,538,385)
          TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     84,381,553      61,221,655 
          TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 161,993,581    $ 117,100,288 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


S&W SEED COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
      December 31,     December 31,
      2017     2016     2017     2016
Revenue   $ 20,532,796    $ 24,225,744    $ 31,244,512    $ 36,475,317 
                         
Cost of revenue     15,860,629      19,005,270      24,236,757      29,311,580 
                         
Gross profit     4,672,167      5,220,474      7,007,755      7,163,737 
                         
Operating expenses                        
     Selling, general and administrative expenses     2,446,955      2,592,059      5,361,035      5,047,263 
     Research and development expenses     855,164      748,571      1,597,081      1,490,113 
     Depreciation and amortization     870,981      842,454      1,759,233      1,677,151 
     Disposal of property, plant and equipment gain     (15,413)         (81,776)    
                         
          Total operating expenses     4,157,687      4,183,084      8,635,573      8,214,527 
                         
Income (loss) from operations     514,480      1,037,390      (1,627,818)     (1,050,790)
                         
Other expense                        
     Foreign currency loss (gain)     7,472      (2,837)     22,030      (6,483)
     Change in derivative warrant liabilities     341,199      (959,200)     (431,300)     168,500 
     Change in contingent consideration obligations         57,282          164,363 
     Loss on equity method investment                 49,249 
     Interest expense - amortization of debt discount     33,100      381,660      67,099      981,118 
     Interest expense - convertible debt and other     383,894      295,042      731,623      647,584 
                         
Income (loss) before income taxes     (251,185)     1,265,443      (2,017,270)     (3,055,121)
     Provision (benefit) for income taxes     148,702      106,485      200,123      (996,923)
Net income (loss)   $ (399,887)   $ 1,158,958    $ (2,217,393)   $ (2,058,198)
                         
Net income (loss) per common share:                        
     Basic   $ (0.02)   $ 0.07    $ (0.11)   $ (0.12)
     Diluted   $ (0.02)   $ 0.01    $ (0.11)   $ (0.12)
                         
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                        
     Basic     21,130,960      17,821,547      20,643,973      17,467,370 
     Diluted     21,130,960      17,996,221      20,643,973      17,467,370 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


S&W SEED COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
      December 31,     December 31,
      2017     2016     2017     2016
                         
Net income (loss)   $ (399,887)   $ 1,158,958    $ (2,217,393)   $ (2,058,198)
                         
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes     (41,223)     (448,784)     115,430      (243,621)
                         
Comprehensive income (loss)   $ (441,110)   $ 710,174    $ (2,101,963)   $ (2,301,819)

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


S&W SEED COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)

      Common Stock     Treasury Stock     Additional
Paid-In
    Accumulated     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
    Total
Stockholders'
      Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Loss     Equity
                                                 
Balance, June 30, 2016     17,086,111    $ 17,086      (25,000)   $ (134,196)   $ 78,282,461    $ (4,614,244)   $ (5,789,663)   $ 67,761,444 
                                                 
Stock-based compensation - options, restricted stock, and RSUs                     578,659              578,659 
Net issuance to settle RSUs     41,270      41              (75,124)             (75,083)
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of principal and                                                 
     interest of convertible debentures     684,321      684              3,160,589              3,161,273 
Exercise of stock options, net of withholding taxes     161,781      162              601,921              602,083 
Other comprehensive loss                             (243,621)     (243,621)
Net loss                         (2,058,198)         (2,058,198)
Balance, December 31, 2016     17,973,483    $ 17,973      (25,000)   $ (134,196)   $ 82,548,506    $ (6,672,442)   $ (6,033,284)   $ 69,726,557 
                                                 
Balance, June 30, 2017     18,004,681    $ 18,004      (25,000)   $ (134,196)   $ 83,312,518    $ (16,436,286)   $ (5,538,385)   $ 61,221,655 
                                                 
Stock-based compensation - options, restricted stock, and RSUs                     451,033              451,033 
Net issuance to settle RSUs     88,619      89              (113,777)             (113,688)
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of fees and expenses     6,260,000      6,260              22,512,956              22,519,216 
Reclassification of warrants upon expiration of repricing provisions                     2,405,300              2,405,300 
Other comprehensive income                             115,430      115,430 
Net loss                         (2,217,393)         (2,217,393)
Balance, December 31, 2017     24,353,300    $ 24,353      (25,000)   $ (134,196)   $ 108,568,030    $ (18,653,679)   $ (5,422,955)   $ 84,381,553 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

7


S&W SEED COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

      Six Months Ended
      December 31,
      2017     2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
     Net loss   $ (2,217,393)   $ (2,058,198)
     Adjustments to reconcile net loss from operating activities to net cash used in operating activities            
          Stock-based compensation     451,033      578,659 
          Bad debt expense     20,547     
          Depreciation and amortization     1,759,233      1,677,151 
          Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment     (81,776)    
          Change in deferred tax asset         (1,034,439)
          Change in foreign exchange contracts     100,864      234,286 
          Change in derivative warrant liabilities     (431,300)     168,500 
          Change in contingent consideration obligation         164,363 
          Amortization of debt discount     67,099      981,118 
          Loss on equity method investment         49,249 
          Changes in:            
               Accounts receivable     (1,960,907)     1,820,501 
               Inventories     (38,850,545)     (20,836,483)
               Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (377,920)     72,841 
               Other non-current asset     (4,963)    
               Accounts payable     25,606,471      10,098,122 
               Accounts payable - related parties     (216,112)     3,462,649 
               Deferred revenue     (614,523)     (151,463)
               Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     (67,000)     (1,150,794)
               Other non-current liabilities     148,147      (61,677)
                    Net cash used in operating activities     (16,669,045)     (5,985,615)
             
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
     Additions to property, plant and equipment     (815,063)     (1,264,395)
     Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment     46,218     
     Additions to internal use software         (118,389)
                    Net cash used in investing activities     (768,845)     (1,382,784)
             
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
     Net proceeds from sale of common stock     22,519,216     
     Net proceeds from exercise of common stock options         602,083 
     Taxes paid related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards     (113,688)     (75,083)
     Borrowings and repayments on lines of credit, net     38,574      5,646,664 
     Repayment of contingent consideration obligation     (2,500,000)    
     Borrowings of long-term debt     12,500,000      88,150 
     Debt issuance costs     (257,964)    
     Repayments of long-term debt     (10,113,415)     (169,598)
     Repayments of convertible debt         (3,427,837)
                    Net cash provided by financing activities     22,072,723      2,664,379 
             
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH     74,860      (92,185)
             
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS     4,709,693      (4,796,205)
             
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of the period     745,001      6,904,500 
             
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period   $ 5,454,694    $ 2,108,295 
             
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION            
             
     Cash paid during the period for:            
          Interest   $ 776,882    $ 823,844 
          Income taxes     42,244      148,019 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

8


S&W SEED COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 - BACKGROUND AND ORGANIZATION

Organization

S&W Seed Company, a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), began as S&W Seed Company, a general partnership, in 1980 and was originally in the business of breeding, growing, processing and selling alfalfa seed. We then incorporated a corporation with the same name in Delaware in October 2009, which is the successor entity to Seed Holding, LLC, having purchased a majority interest in the general partnership between June 2008 and December 2009. Following the Company's initial public offering in May 2010, the Company purchased the remaining general partnership interests and became the sole owner of the general partnership's original business. Seed Holding, LLC remains a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.

In December 2011, the Company reincorporated in Nevada as a result of a statutory short-form merger of the Delaware corporation into its wholly-owned subsidiary, S&W Seed Company, a Nevada corporation.

On April 1, 2013, the Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, S&W Seed Australia Pty Ltd, an Australia corporation ("S&W Australia"), consummated an acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Seed Genetics International Pty Ltd, an Australia corporation ("SGI"), from SGI's shareholders.

Business Overview

Since its establishment, the Company, including its predecessor entities, has been principally engaged in breeding, growing, processing and selling agricultural seeds, primarily alfalfa seed. The Company owns seed cleaning and processing facilities, which are located in Five Points, California, Nampa, Idaho and Keith, South Australia. The Company's seed products are primarily grown under contract by farmers. The Company began its stevia initiative in fiscal year 2010 and is currently focused on breeding improved varieties of stevia and developing marketing and distribution programs for its stevia products.

The Company has also been actively engaged in expansion initiatives through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including in December 31, 2014, when the Company purchased certain alfalfa research and production facilities and conventional (non-GMO) alfalfa germplasm assets and assumed certain related liabilities ("the Pioneer Acquisition") of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. ("DuPont Pioneer").

More recently, in May 2016, the Company acquired the assets and business of SV Genetics, a private Australian company specializing in the breeding and licensing of proprietary hybrid sorghum and sunflower seed germplasm, which represented the Company's initial effort to diversify its product portfolio beyond alfalfa seed and stevia.

The Company's operations span the world's alfalfa seed production regions with operations in the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys of California, five other U.S. states, Australia, and three provinces in Canada, and the Company sells its seed products in more than 30 countries around the globe.

9


NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The Company maintains its accounting records on an accrual basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Seed Holding, LLC and its other wholly-owned subsidiaries, S&W Australia, which owns 100% of SGI, and Stevia California, LLC. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The Company has prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for interim financial reporting. These consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the Company's opinion, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods presented. Operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending June 30, 2018. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, as filed with the SEC.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are adjusted to reflect actual experience when necessary. Significant estimates and assumptions affect many items in the financial statements. These include allowance for doubtful trade receivables, inventory valuation, asset impairments, provisions for income taxes, grower accruals (an estimate of amounts payable to farmers who grow seed for the Company), contingent consideration obligations, derivative liabilities, contingencies and litigation. Significant estimates and assumptions are also used to establish the fair value and useful lives of depreciable tangible and certain intangible assets, goodwill as well as valuing stock-based compensation. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions, and such results may affect income, financial position or cash flows.

10


Certain Risks and Concentrations

The Company's revenue is principally derived from the sale of alfalfa seed, the market for which is highly competitive. The Company depends on a core group of significant customers. One customer accounted for 75% and 66% of its revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. One customer accounted for 58% and 49% of its revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Two customers accounted for 50% of the Company's accounts receivable at December 31, 2017. Two customers accounted for 52% of the Company's accounts receivable at June 30, 2017.

In addition, the Company sells a substantial portion of its products to international customers. Sales to international markets represented 23% and 30% of revenue during the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Sales to international markets represented 38% and 46% of revenue during the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The net book value of fixed assets located outside the United States was 19% and 19% of total assets at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, respectively. Cash balances located outside of the United States may not be insured and totaled $1,209,181 and $192,879 at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, respectively.

The following table shows revenue from external sources by destination country:

      Three Months Ended December 31,     Six Months Ended December 31,
      2017     2016     2017     2016
United States   $ 15,740,706  77%   $ 16,858,325  70%   $ 19,265,254  62%   $ 19,782,389  54%
Mexico     1,664,618  8%     1,404,133  6%     4,380,626  14%     3,745,027  10%
Argentina     1,183,423  6%     1,677,035  7%     2,742,619  9%     2,565,004  7%
Libya     563,673  3%     0%     752,673  2%     0%
Saudi Arabia     513,000  2%     1,843,949  8%     844,908  3%     5,221,772  15%
Australia     438,468  2%     71,175  0%     557,998  2%     790,636  2%
South Africa     338,993  2%     634,768  2%     467,342  1%     636,870  2%
Sudan     0%     67,016  0%     447,500  1%     67,016  0%
Other     89,915  0%     1,669,343  7%     1,785,592  6%     3,666,603  10%
Total   $ 20,532,796  100%   $ 24,225,744  100%   $ 31,244,512  100%   $ 36,475,317  100%

International Operations

The Company translates its foreign operations' assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies into U.S. dollars at the current rates of exchange as of the balance sheet date and income and expense items at the average exchange rate for the reporting period. Translation adjustments resulting from exchange rate fluctuations are recorded in the cumulative translation account, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains or losses from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statement of operations.

Revenue Recognition

The Company derives its revenue primarily from sale of seed and other crops and milling services. Revenue from seed and other crop sales is recognized when risk and title to the product is transferred to the customer.

11


The Company recognizes revenue from milling services according to the terms of the sales agreements and when delivery has occurred, performance is complete and pricing is fixed or determinable at the time of sale.

Additional conditions for recognition of revenue for all sales include the requirements that the collection of sales proceeds must be reasonably assured based on historical experience and current market conditions, the sales price is fixed and determinable and that there must be no further performance obligations under the sale.

Cost of Revenue

The Company records purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs and warehousing costs in cost of revenue. When the Company is required to pay for outward freight and/or the costs incurred to deliver products to its customers, the costs are included in cost of revenue.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For financial statement presentation purposes, the Company considers time deposits, certificates of deposit and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. At times, cash and cash equivalents balances exceed amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Accounts Receivable

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful trade receivables equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts. That estimate is based on historical collection experience, current economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of each customer's trade accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful trade receivables was $526,495 at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017.

Inventories

Inventories consist of seed and packaging materials.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and an inventory reserve permanently reduces the cost basis of inventory. Inventories are valued as follows: Actual cost is used to value raw materials such as packaging materials, as well as goods in process. Costs for substantially all finished goods, which include the cost of carryover crops from the previous year, are valued at actual cost. Actual cost for finished goods includes plant conditioning and packaging costs, direct labor and raw materials and manufacturing overhead costs based on normal capacity. The Company records abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) as current period charges and allocates fixed production overhead to the costs of finished goods based on the normal capacity of the production facilities.

12


The Company's subsidiary, SGI, does not fix the final price for seed payable to its growers until the completion of a given year's sales cycle pursuant to its standard contract production agreement. SGI records an estimated unit price; accordingly, inventory, cost of revenue and gross profits are based upon management's best estimate of the final purchase price to growers.

Inventory is periodically reviewed to determine if it is marketable, obsolete or impaired. Inventory that is determined to be obsolete or impaired is written off to expense at the time the impairment is identified. Because the germination rate, and therefore the quality, of alfalfa seed improves over the first year of proper storage, inventory obsolescence for alfalfa seed is not a material concern. The Company sells its inventory to distributors, dealers and directly to growers.

Components of inventory are:

      December 31,     June 30,
      2017     2017
Raw materials and supplies   $ 235,910    $ 266,551 
Work in progress     23,890,021      5,603,825 
Finished goods     46,361,054      25,619,569 
    $ 70,486,985    $ 31,489,945 

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset - periods of 5-28 years for buildings, 3-20 years for machinery and equipment, and 3-5 years for vehicles. 

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions are reported at their initial fair value less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. Periods of 10-30 years for technology/IP/germplasm, 10-20 years for customer relationships and trade names and 3-20 for other intangible assets. The weighted average estimated useful lives are 26 years for technology/IP/germplasm, 18 years for customer relationships and 20 years for trade names and other intangible assets.

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Goodwill

Goodwill originated from acquisitions of Imperial Valley Seeds, Inc. ("IVS") and SGI during the fiscal year 2013, the acquisition of the alfalfa business from DuPont Pioneer in fiscal year 2015 and the acquisition of assets of SV Genetics in May 2016. Goodwill is assessed at least annually, or when certain triggering events occur, for impairment using fair value measurement techniques. These events could include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, a decline in operating performance, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, or other factors. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If management concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, management conducts a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company uses market capitalization to estimate the fair value of its one reporting unit. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. That is, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The Company performed a quantitative assessment of goodwill at June 30, 2017 and determined that goodwill was not impaired.

Equity Method Investments

Investee companies that are not consolidated, but over which the Company exercises significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to an investee depends on an evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation on the investee company's board of directors and ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of the investee company. Under the equity method of accounting, an investee company's accounts are not reflected within the Company's consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations; however, the Company's share of the earnings or losses of the investee company is reflected in the caption ``Loss on equity method investment'' in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company's carrying value in an equity method investee company is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. When the Company's carrying value in an equity method investee company is reduced to zero, no further losses are recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements unless the Company guaranteed obligations of the investee company or has committed additional funding. When the investee company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it equals the amount of its share of losses not previously recognized.

14


Cost Method Investments

Investee companies not accounted for under the consolidation or the equity method of accounting are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Under this method, the Company's share of the earnings or losses of such investee companies is not included in the consolidated balance sheet or statement of operations. However, impairment charges are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. If circumstances suggest that the value of the investee company has subsequently recovered, such recovery is not recorded.

Research and Development Costs

The Company is engaged in ongoing research and development ("R&D") of proprietary seed and stevia varieties. All R&D costs must be charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, internal R&D costs are expensed as incurred. Third-party R&D costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed or as milestone results have been achieved. The costs associated with equipment or facilities acquired or constructed for R&D activities that have alternative future uses are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as a consideration of net operating loss and credit carry forwards, using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to impact taxable income. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company's effective tax rate for the three and six months ended December 31, 2017 has been effected by the valuation allowance on the Company's deferred tax assets.

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Data

Basic net income (loss) per common share ("EPS"), is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. 

Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting both the numerator (net income (loss)) and the denominator (weighted-average number of shares outstanding) for the dilutive effects of potentially dilutive securities, including options, restricted stock awards, convertible debt and common stock warrants. 

  • The if-converted method is used for convertible debt. Under the if-converted method, interest expense recognized in the period on the convertible debt is added to net income, and the number of shares that would be obtained upon conversion is added to the denominator. 
  • The treasury stock method is used for common stock warrants, stock options, and restricted stock awards.  Under this method, consideration that would be received upon exercise (as well as remaining compensation cost to be recognized for awards not yet vested) is assumed to be used to repurchase shares of stock in the market, with the net number of shares assumed to be issued added to the denominator.

15


The calculation of Basic and Diluted EPS is shown in the table below. Classes of securities identified in the table with no adjustments in the calculation of Diluted EPS were determined to be antidilutive for the applicable periods. 

      Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
      December 31,     December 31,
      2017     2016     2017     2016
                         
Numerator:                        
Net income (loss)   $ (399,887)   $ 1,158,958    $ (2,217,393)   $ (2,058,198)
                         
Numerator for basis EPS     (399,887)     1,158,958      (2,217,393)     (2,058,198)
                         
Effect of dilutive securities:                        
     Warrants         (959,200)        
          (959,200)        
                         
Numerator for diluted EPS   $ (399,887)   $ 199,758    $ (2,217,393)   $ (2,058,198)
                         
Denominator:                        
Denominator for basic EPS - weighted-average shares     21,130,960      17,821,547      20,643,973      17,467,370 
                         
Effect of dilutive securities:                        
     Employee stock options                
     Employee restricted stock units                
     Warrants         174,674         
Dilutive potential common shares         174,674         
Denominator for diluted EPS - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions     21,130,960      17,996,221      20,643,973      17,467,370 
                         
                         
     Basic EPS   $ (0.02)   $ 0.07    $ (0.11)   $ (0.12)
     Diluted EPS   $ (0.02)   $ 0.01    $ (0.11)   $ (0.12)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment annually or more often if events and circumstances warrant. Events relating to recoverability may include significant unfavorable changes in business conditions, recurring losses or a forecasted inability to achieve break-even operating results over an extended period. The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets based upon forecasted undiscounted cash flows. Should impairment in value be indicated, the carrying value of long-lived assets will be adjusted, based on estimates of future discounted cash flows resulting from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset.

16


Derivative Financial Instruments

Foreign Exchange Contracts

The Company's subsidiary, SGI, is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of its business, which the Company at times manages through the use of foreign currency forward contracts.

The Company has entered into certain derivative financial instruments (specifically foreign currency forward contracts), and accounts for these instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 815, "Derivatives and Hedging", which establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. The Company's foreign currency contracts are not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815; accordingly, changes in the fair value are recorded in current period earnings.

Derivative Liabilities

The Company reviews the terms of the common stock, warrants and convertible debt it issues to determine whether there are embedded derivative instruments, including embedded conversion options and redemption options, which are required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately as derivative financial instruments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company discloses assets and liabilities that are recognized and measured at fair value, presented in a three-tier fair value hierarchy, as follows:

  • Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
  • Level 2. Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
  • Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

No assets or liabilities were valued at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 or June 30, 2017.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, short-term and all long-term borrowings, as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets, approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments or interest rates commensurate with market rates. There have been no changes in operations and/or credit characteristics since the date of issuance that could impact the relationship between interest rate and market rates. The Company used a discounted cash flows approach to measure the fair value using Level 3 inputs.

17


Assets and liabilities that are recognized and measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized as follows:

      Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017 Using:
      Level 1     Level 2     Level 3
Foreign exchange contract asset   $ -     $ 68,172    $ -  
Contingent consideration obligations     -       -       -  
Derivative warrant liabilities     -       -       -  
     Total   $ -     $ 68,172    $ -  
                   
                   
      Fair Value Measurements as of June 30, 2017 Using:
      Level 1     Level 2     Level 3
Foreign exchange contract asset   $ -     $ 166,629    $ -  
Contingent consideration obligations     -       -       2,500,000 
Derivative warrant liabilities     -       -       2,836,600 
     Total   $ -     $ 166,629    $ 5,336,600 

During the six months ended December 31, 2017, a change in derivative warrant liability of $431,300 was recorded in earnings. Upon expiration of the round-down pricing protection on December 31, 2017, the warrants were reclassified from derivative warrant liabilities to equity.

During the six months ended December 31, 2017, there was no change in the contingent consideration obligations. The DuPont contingent consideration was settled on December 1, 2017. Refer to Note 5 for further discussion. 

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). This standard eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity should perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2020. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15"). This standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2018 and the Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

18


In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"). This standard was issued as part of the FASB's Simplification Initiative that involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. Some of the areas for simplification apply only to nonpublic entities. For public business entities, ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. The method of adoption is dependent on the specific aspect of accounting addressed in this new guidance. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02: Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). This standard amends various aspects of existing accounting guidance for leases, including the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of operations. This standard also introduces new disclosure requirements for leasing arrangements. For public business entities, ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach, and provides for certain practical expedients. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (``ASU 2014-09''). This standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The FASB recently issued several amendments to the standard, including clarifications on disclosure of prior-period performance obligations and remaining performance obligations. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard. However, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date that defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all public business entities by one year. As a result, ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 including interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

19


NOTE 3 - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table summarizes the activity of goodwill for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and the year ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

      Balance at           Balance at
      July 1, 2017     Additions     December 31, 2017
Goodwill    $ 10,292,265    $   $ 10,292,265 

 

      Balance at           Balance at
      July 1, 2016     Additions     June 30, 2017
Goodwill    $ 10,292,265    $   $ 10,292,265 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

      Balance at                 Balance at
      July 1, 2017     Additions     Amortization     December 31, 2017
Trade name   $ 1,244,306    $   $ (42,240)   $ 1,202,066 
Customer relationships     1,258,163          (50,604)     1,207,559 
Non-compete     102,035          (31,032)     71,003 
GI customer list     78,803          (3,582)     75,221 
Supply agreement     1,153,415          (37,816)     1,115,599 
Distribution agreement     6,728,753          (192,250)     6,536,503 
Production agreement     111,670          (111,666)    
Grower relationships     1,858,616          (52,704)     1,805,912 
Intellectual property     21,725,539          (572,610)     21,152,929 
Internal use software     677,779          (33,888)     643,891 
    $ 34,939,079    $   $ (1,128,392)   $ 33,810,687 

 

      Balance at                 Balance at
      July 1, 2016     Additions     Amortization     June 30, 2017
Trade name   $ 1,328,786    $   $ (84,480)   $ 1,244,306 
Customer relationships     1,359,371          (101,208)     1,258,163 
Non-compete     198,999          (96,964)     102,035 
GI customer list     85,967          (7,164)     78,803 
Supply agreement     1,229,047          (75,632)     1,153,415 
Distribution agreement     7,113,253          (384,500)     6,728,753 
Production agreement      335,002          (223,332)     111,670 
Grower relationships     1,964,024          (105,408)     1,858,616 
Intellectual property      22,870,760          (1,145,221)     21,725,539 
Internal use software     521,593      156,186          677,779 
    $ 37,006,802    $ 156,186    $ (2,223,909)   $ 34,939,079 

Amortization expense totaled $555,471 and $555,977 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Amortization expense totaled $1,128,392 and $1,111,954 for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Estimated aggregate remaining amortization is as follows:

      2018     2019     2020     2021     2022     Thereafter
Amortization expense   $ 993,981    $ 1,977,388    $ 1,977,388    $ 1,977,388    $ 1,977,388    $ 24,907,154 

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NOTE 4 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Components of property, plant and equipment were as follows:

      December 31,     June 30,
      2017     2017
             
Land and improvements   $ 2,090,069    $ 2,223,674 
Buildings and improvements     6,784,964      6,401,277 
Machinery and equipment     5,680,599      5,435,542 
Vehicles     1,166,596      1,005,455 
Construction in progress     2,170,844      2,196,513 
Total property, plant and equipment     17,843,072      17,262,461 
             
Less: accumulated depreciation     (4,212,949)     (3,680,885)
             
Property, plant and equipment, net   $ 13,630,123    $ 13,581,576 

Depreciation expense totaled $315,510 and $286,477 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Depreciation expense totaled $630,842 and $565,197 for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

NOTE 5 - DEBT

Total debt outstanding, excluding convertible debt addressed in Note 6, are presented on the consolidated balance sheet as follows:

      December 31,     June 30,
      2017     2017
Working capital lines of credit            
     KeyBank   $ 21,649,089    $ 18,695,896 
     National Australia Bank Limited     6,115,026      8,703,888 
     Debt issuance costs     (171,512)    
          Total working capital lines of credit, net   $ 27,592,603    $ 27,399,784 
             
Current portion of long-term debt            
     Keith facility (building loan) - National Australia Bank Limited   $ 3,901    $
     Keith facility (machinery & equipment loans) - National Australia Bank Limited     218,239      209,664 
     Unsecured subordinate promissory note     100,000      100,000 
     Promissory note - DuPont Pioneer         10,000,000 
     Secured real estate note - Conterra     112,711     
          Debt issuance costs     (77,563)    
     Secured equipment note - Conterra     18,473     
          Debt issuance costs     (16,897)    
          Total current portion, net     358,864      10,309,664 
             
Long-term debt, less current portion            
     Keith facility (building loan) - National Australia Bank Limited     444,713      499,524 
     Keith facility (machinery & equipment loans) - National Australia Bank Limited     545,285      596,631 
     Secured real estate note - Conterra     10,287,289     
          Debt issuance costs     (138,917)    
     Secured equipment note - Conterra     2,081,527     
          Debt issuance costs     (16,706)    
          Total long-term portion, net     13,203,191      1,096,155 
          Total debt, net   $ 13,562,055    $ 11,405,819 

21


On September 22, 2015, the Company and KeyBank National Association ("KeyBank") entered into a credit and securities agreement and related agreements with respect to a $20,000,000 aggregate principal amount revolving credit facility (the "KeyBank Credit Facility"), the principal amount of which was increased to $35,000,000 pursuant to a Fourth Amendment Agreement (the "Fourth Amendment") on September 13, 2017, as more fully described below. Under the Fourth Amendment, all amounts of unpaid principal and interest due under the KeyBank Credit Facility must be paid in full on or before September 12, 2019.

On October 4, 2016, the Company and KeyBank entered into a Second Amendment Agreement effective September 30, 2016 (the "Second Amendment"). The purpose of the Second Amendment was to provide certain temporary changes to the terms of the KeyBank Credit Facility, including: (i) temporarily increasing the borrowing capacity from $20.0 million to (a) up to $25.0 million between October 1, 2016 and November 30, 2016 and (b) up to $30.0 million from February 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017; (ii) temporarily allowing for a $4.0 million over-advance beyond the amounts otherwise available based on the borrowing base calculations, which was available through February 28, 2017; and (iii) temporarily expanding the borrowing base by reducing the reserves that KeyBank may establish with respect to grower payables to 75% between August 31, 2016 and February 28, 2017.

On March 13, 2017, the Company entered into a Third Amendment Agreement (the " Third Amendment"). The purpose of the Third Amendment was to provide certain temporary changes to the terms of the KeyBank Credit Facility, including: (i) further extending the temporary period during which the Company may borrow, repay and reborrow up to $30.0 million in the aggregate under the credit facility until April 21, 2017; and (ii) retroactively and temporarily allowing for over-advances, beyond amounts otherwise available based on the borrowing base calculations under the Credit Facility (a) of up to $3.5 million during the period from March 8, 2017 through March 10, 2017, (b) of up to $5.0 million during the period from March 11, 2017 through March 17, 2017, (c) of up to $6.0 million during the period from March 18, 2017 through March 24, 2017, (d) of up to $7.0 million during the period from March 25, 2017 through March 31, 2017 and (e) of up to $8.5 million during the period from April 1, 2017 through as late as April 20, 2017.

On September 13, 2017, the Company and Key Bank entered into the Fourth Amendment, pursuant to which the maturity date was extended to September 12, 2019 and the principal amount that the Company may borrow, repay and reborrow was increased to $35.0 million, subject to a requirement that the Company maintain a reduced loan balance of (i) not more than $20 million for at least 30 consecutive days over the prior 12 months (measured each quarter on a trailing 12 month basis) and (ii) not more than $25 million for at least 60 consecutive days over the prior 12 months (measured each quarter on a trailing 12 month basis). The Fourth Amendment generally establishes a borrowing base of up to 85% of eligible domestic accounts receivable and 90% of eligible foreign accounts receivable, plus up to 65% of eligible inventory, subject to lender reserves. Loans may be based on a Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate (which is increased by an applicable margin of 2.2% per annum), generally at the Company's option.

22


In the event of a default, at the option of KeyBank, the interest rate on all obligations owing will increase by 3% per annum over the rate otherwise applicable. The Company is required to maintain one or more lockbox or cash collateral accounts at KeyBank, in KeyBank's name, which provide for the collection and remittance of all proceeds from sales of Company product (which is collateral for the KeyBank Credit Facility) on a daily basis. Subject to certain exceptions, the KeyBank Credit Facility is secured by a first priority perfected security interest in all the Company's now owned and after acquired tangible and intangible assets as well as the assets of the Company's domestic subsidiaries, which have guaranteed the Company's obligations under the KeyBank Credit Facility. The KeyBank Credit Facility is further secured by a lien on, and a pledge of, 65% of the stock of S&W Australia Pty Ltd., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary. The KeyBank Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2017. The outstanding balance on the KeyBank Credit Facility was $21,649,089 at December 31, 2017.

On October 1, 2012, the Company issued a five-year subordinated promissory note to IVS in the principal amount of $500,000 (the "IVS Note"), with a maturity date of October 1, 2017. The IVS Note accrues interest at a rate equal to one-month LIBOR at closing plus 2%, which equals 2.2%. Interest is payable in five annual installments, in arrears, on October 1 of each year. Amortizing payments of the principal of $100,000 will also be made on each October 1, with any remaining outstanding principal and accrued interest payable on the maturity date of the IVS Note. The outstanding balance on the IVS Note was $100,000 at December 31, 2017.

On December 31, 2014, the Company issued a three-year secured promissory note to DuPont Pioneer in the initial principal amount of $10,000,000 (the "Pioneer Note"), with a maturity date of December 31, 2017. The Pioneer Note accrued interest at 3% per annum. Interest was payable in three annual installments, in arrears, commencing on December 31, 2015. On December 31, 2014, the Company also issued contingent consideration to DuPont Pioneer which required the Company to increase the principal amount of the Pioneer Note by up to an additional $5,000,000 if the Company met certain performance metrics during the three-year period following December 31, 2014. The earn out payment to DuPont Pioneer was finalized in October 2017 and this amount of $2,500,000 was added to the Pioneer Note in October 2017. On December 1, 2017, the Company repaid the Pioneer Note. The repayment amount included the $2.5 million earn-out payment related to the Pioneer Acquisition that was added to the principal amount of the Pioneer Note in October 2017.

23


On November 30, 2017, the Company entered into a secured note financing transaction (the "Loan Transaction") with Conterra Agricultural Capital, LLC ("Conterra") for $12.5 million in gross proceeds. Pursuant to the Loan Transaction, the Company issued two secured promissory notes (the "Notes") to Conterra as follows:

  • Secured Real Estate Note. The Company issued one Note in the principal amount of $10.4 million (the "Secured Real Estate Note") that is secured by a first priority security interest in the property, plant and fixtures (the "Real Estate Collateral") located at the Company's Five Points, California and Nampa, Idaho production facilities and its Nampa, Idaho and Arlington, Wisconsin research facilities (the "Facilities"). The Secured Real Estate Note matures on November 30, 2020, which, subject to Conterra's approval, may be extended to November 30, 2022. The Secured Real Estate Note bears interest of 7.75% per annum. The Company has agreed to make semi-annual payments of interest and amortized principal on a 20-year amortization schedule, for a combined payment of $515,711, starting July 1, 2018, in addition to a one-time interest only payment on January 1, 2018. The Company may prepay the Secured Real Estate Note, in whole or in part, at any time after it has paid a minimum of twelve months of interest on the Secured Real Estate Note.
  • Secured Equipment Note. The Company issued a second Note in the principal amount of $2.1 million (the "Secured Equipment Note") that is secured by a first priority security interest in certain equipment not attached to real estate located at the Facilities. The Secured Equipment Note is also secured by the Real Estate Collateral. The Secured Equipment Note matures on November 30, 2019, which, subject to Conterra's approval, may be extended to November 30, 2020. The Secured Equipment Note bears interest at a rate of 9.5% per annum. The Company has agreed to make semi-annual payments of interest and amortized principal on a 20-year amortization schedule, for a combined payment of $118,223, starting July 1, 2018, in addition to a one-time interest only payment on January 1, 2018. The Company may prepay the Secured Equipment Note, in whole or in part, at any time.

The Notes and related documents include customary representations and warranties in addition to customary affirmative and negative covenants (including financial covenants), and customary events of default that permit Conterra to accelerate the Company's obligations under the Notes, including, among other things, that a default under one of the Notes would constitute a default under the other Note. On December 1, 2017, the Company used the proceeds from the Loan Transaction to repay the Pioneer Note.

24


SGI finances the purchase of most of its seed inventory from growers pursuant to a seasonal credit facility with National Australia Bank Ltd ("NAB"). The current facility, referred to as the 2016 NAB Facilities, was amended as of March 30, 2017 and expires on March 30, 2019. As of December 31, 2017, AUD $7,837,767 (USD $6,115,026) was outstanding under the 2016 NAB Facilities.

The 2016 NAB Facilities, as currently in effect, comprises two distinct facility lines: (i) an overdraft facility (the "Overdraft Facility"), having a credit limit of AUD $980,000 (USD $764,596 at December 31, 2017) and a borrowing base facility (the "Borrowing Base Facility"), having a credit limit of AUD $12,000,000 (USD $9,362,400 at December 31, 2017).

The Borrowing Base Facility permits SGI to borrow funds for periods of up to 180 days, at SGI's discretion, provided that the term is consistent with its trading terms. Interest for each drawdown is set at the time of the drawdown as follows: (i) for Australian dollar drawings, based on the Australian Trade Refinance Rate plus 1.5% per annum and (ii) for foreign currency drawings, based on the British Bankers' Association Interest Settlement Rate for the relevant foreign currency for the relevant period, or if such rate is not available, the rate reasonably determined by NAB to be the appropriate equivalent rate, plus 1.5% per annum. As of December 31, 2017, the Borrowing Base Facility accrued interest on Australian dollar drawings at approximately 5.07% calculated daily. The Borrowing Base Facility is secured by a lien on all the present and future rights, property and undertakings of SGI, the mortgage on SGI's Keith, South Australia property and the Company's corporate guarantee (up to a maximum of AUD $15,000,000).

The Overdraft Facility permits SGI to borrow funds on a revolving line of credit up to the credit limit. Interest accrues daily and is calculated by applying the daily interest rate to the balance owing at the end of the day and is payable monthly in arrears. As of December 31, 2017, the Overdraft Facility accrued interest at approximately 6.77% calculated daily.

For both the Overdraft Facility and the Borrowing Base Facility, interest is payable each month in arrears. In the event of a default, as defined in the NAB Facility Agreement, the principal balance due under the facilities will thereafter bear interest at an increased rate per annum above the interest rate that would otherwise have been in effect from time to time under the terms of each facility (i.e., the interest rate increases by 4.5% per annum under the Borrowing Base Facility and the Overdraft Facility rate increases to 13.92% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default).

Both facilities constituting the 2016 NAB Facilities are secured by a fixed and floating lien over all the present and future rights, property and undertakings of SGI and are guaranteed by the Company as noted above. The 2016 NAB Facilities contain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default that permit NAB to accelerate SGI's outstanding obligations, all as set forth in the NAB facility agreements. SGI was in compliance with all NAB debt covenants at December 31, 2017.

25


In January 2015, NAB and SGI entered into a new business markets - flexible rate loan (the "Keith Building Loan") in the amount of AUD $650,000 (USD $507,130 at December 31, 2017). Since entering into the Keith Building Loan, the limit has been changed on three occasions, with the current limit being AUD $675,000 (USD $526,635 at December 31, 2017), and a separate machinery and equipment facility (the "Keith Machinery and Equipment Facility") has been added with the limit being changed on two occasions, the current limit being AUD $702,779 (USD $548,308) at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2017, the principal balance on the Keith Building Loan was AUD $575,000 (USD $448,615) with unused availability of AUD $100,000 (USD $78,021). At December 31, 2017, the principal balance on the Keith Machinery and Equipment Facility was AUD $674,132 (USD $525,957) with no unused availability. In February 2016, NAB and SGI also entered into a master asset finance facility (the "Master Assets Facility"). At December 31, 2017, the principal balance on the Master Assets Facility was AUD $304,493 (USD $237,566) with unused availability of AUD $445,507 (USD $347,585). The Master Asset Facility has various maturity dates through 2021 and have interest rates ranging from 4.79% to 5.31%.

The Keith Building Loan and Keith Machinery and Equipment Facility are used for the construction of a building on SGI's Keith, South Australia property, purchase of adjoining land and for the machinery and equipment for use in the operations of the building. The Keith Building Loan matures on November 30, 2024. The interest rate on the Keith Building Loan varies from pricing period to pricing period (each such period approximately 30 days), based on the weighted average of a specified basket of interest rates (6.11% as of December 31, 2017). Interest is payable each month in arrears. The Keith Machinery and Equipment Facility bears interest, payable in arrears, based on the Australian Trade Refinance Rate quoted by NAB at the time of the drawdown, plus 2.9%. The Keith Credit Facilities contain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default that permit NAB to accelerate SGI's outstanding obligations, all as set forth in the facility agreement. They are secured by a lien on all the present and future rights, property and undertakings of SGI, the Company's corporate guarantee and a mortgage on SGI's Keith, South Australia property.

The annual maturities of short-term and long-term debt are as follows:

Fiscal Year     Amount
       
     2018   $ 223,473 
     2019     572,693 
     2020     2,656,068 
     2021     10,150,465 
     2022     92,427 
Thereafter     117,012 
Total   $ 13,812,138 

NOTE 6 - SENIOR CONVERTIBLE NOTES AND WARRANTS

On December 31, 2014, the Company consummated the sale of senior secured convertible debentures (the "Debentures") and common stock purchase warrants (the "Warrants") to various institutional investors ("Investors") pursuant to the terms of a securities purchase agreement among the Company and the Investors. At closing, the Company received $27,000,000 in gross proceeds. Offering expenses of $1,931,105 attributed to the Debentures were recorded as deferred financing fees and recorded as a debt discount and offering expenses of $424,113 attributed to the Warrants were expensed during the year ended June 30, 2015. The net proceeds were paid directly to DuPont Pioneer in partial consideration for the purchase of certain DuPont Pioneer assets, the closing for which also took place on December 31, 2014.

26


Debentures

At the date of issuance, the Debentures were due and payable on November 30, 2017, unless earlier converted or redeemed. The Debentures bear interest on the aggregate unconverted and then outstanding principal amount at 8% per annum, payable in arrears monthly beginning February 2, 2015. Commencing on the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the Debentures) that results in the eventual acceleration of the Debentures, the interest rate will increase to 18% per annum. The monthly interest is payable in cash, or in any combination of cash or shares of the Company's common stock at the Company's option, provided certain "equity conditions" defined in the Debentures are satisfied.

Beginning on July 1, 2015, the Company was required to make monthly payments of principal as well, payable in cash or any combination of cash or shares of its common stock at the Company's option, provided all of the applicable equity conditions are satisfied. The Debentures contain certain rights of acceleration and deferral at the holder's option in the event a principal payment is to be made in stock and contains certain limited acceleration rights of the Company, provided certain conditions are satisfied.

During Fiscal Year 2016, the Company accelerated three redemption payments totaling $2,830,049.

During the year ended June 30, 2017, certain holders of the Debentures converted an aggregate of $3,168,342 of principal and interest into 684,321 shares of the Company's common stock in accordance with the terms of the Debentures. Upon conversion, the Company recognized interest expense of $194,939 related to unamortized debt discount on the Debentures and incurred $7,070 of stock issuance costs.

As of June 30, 2017, the Debentures were fully retired and had no outstanding balance.

Warrants

The Warrants entitle the holders to purchase, in the aggregate, 2,699,999 shares of the Company's common stock. The Warrants are exercisable through their expiration on June 30, 2020, unless earlier redeemed. The Warrants were initially exercisable at an exercise price equal to $5.00. On September 30, 2015, pursuant to the terms of the Warrants, the exercise price was reset to $4.63. In addition, if the Company issues or is deemed to have issued securities at a price lower than the then applicable exercise price during the three-year period ending December 31, 2017, the exercise price of the Warrants will adjust based on a weighted average anti-dilution formula ("down-round protection"). On November 24, 2015, the Company closed on a private placement transaction in which 1,180,722 common shares were sold at $4.15 per share. Pursuant to the down-round protection terms of the Warrants, the exercise price was adjusted to $4.59 on November 24, 2015. On February 29, 2016, the Company completed a rights offering and accompanying noteholders' participation rights offering in which an aggregate of 2,125,682 shares of common stock were sold at $4.15 per share, triggering an adjustment of the exercise price of the Warrants to $4.53. On July 19, 2017, the Company completed a private placement transaction in which an aggregate of 2,685,000 shares of common stock were sold at $4.00 per share, triggering an adjustment of the exercise price of the Warrants to $4.46. On December 22, 2017, the Company completed a rights offering and backstop commitment in which an aggregate of 3,500,000 shares of common stock were sold at $3.50 per share, triggering an adjustment of the exercise price of the Warrants to $4.32. The down-round protection provision of the warrants expired on December 31, 2017.

27


The Warrants may be exercised for cash, provided that, if there is no effective registration statement available registering the exercise of the Warrants, the Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis. At any time that (i) all equity conditions set forth in the Warrants have been satisfied, and (ii) the closing sales price of the common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 for 15 consecutive trading days (subject to adjustment for stock splits, reverse stock splits and other similar recapitalization events), the Company may redeem all or any part of the Warrants then outstanding for cash in an amount equal to $0.25 per Warrant.

Accounting for the Conversion Option and Warrants

Due to the down-round price protection included in the terms of the Warrants, the Warrants are treated as a derivative liability in the consolidated balance sheet, measured at fair value and marked to market each reporting period until the earlier of the Warrants being fully exercised or December 31, 2017, when the down-round protection expires. The down-round price protection expired on December 31, 2017, accordingly, the fair value of the Warrants as of December 31, 2017 was reclassified to additional paid in capital within the equity section of the balance sheet. The initial fair value of the Warrants on December 31, 2014 was $4,862,000. At December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, the fair value of the Warrants was estimated at $2,405,300 and $2,836,600, respectively. The Warrants were valued at December 31, 2017 using the Monte Carlo simulation model, under the following assumptions: (i) remaining expected life of 2.5 years, (ii) volatility of 39.0%, (iii) risk-free interest rate of 1.92% and (iv) dividend rate of zero. The aggregate fair value of the Warrants derived via the Monte Carlo analysis were also weighted by a prior third party market transaction and third party indications of fair value. The prior third party market transaction was provided a weighting of 10.0% while the third party indications of fair value were provided a 50% weighting in the fair value analysis.

The Warrants were valued at June 30, 2017 using the Monte Carlo simulation model, under the following assumptions: (i) remaining expected life of 3 years, (ii) volatility of 45.6%, (iii) risk-free interest rate of 1.54% and (iv) dividend rate of zero. The aggregate fair value of the Warrants derived via the Monte Carlo analysis were also weighted by a prior third party market transaction and third party indications of fair value. The prior third party market transaction was provided a weighting of 10.0% while the third party indications of fair value were provided a 50% weighting in the fair value analysis.

Of the $27,000,000 in principal amount of Debentures sold in December 2014, $22,138,000 of the initial proceeds was allocated to the Debentures. The required redemption contingent upon the real estate sale was determined to be an embedded derivative not clearly and closely related to the borrowing. As such, it was bifurcated and treated as a derivative liability, recorded initially at its fair value of $150,000, leaving an allocation to the host debt of $21,988,000. The difference between the initial amount allocated to the borrowing and the face value of the Debentures was amortized over the term of the Debentures using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs totaling $1,931,105 were also amortized over the term of the Debentures using the effective interest method. In addition, the reduction in the conversion price of the Debentures as of September 30, 2015 resulted in a beneficial conversion feature of $871,862, which was recognized as additional debt discount and an increase to additional paid-in capital.

28


NOTE 7 - WARRANTS

The following table summarizes the total warrants outstanding at December 31, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise Price

 

 

Expiration

 

 

Outstanding as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as

 

 

 

Issue Date

 

 

Per Share

 

 

Date

 

 

of June 30, 2017

 

 

New Issuances

 

 

Expired

 

 

of December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warrants

 

 

Dec 2014

 

$

4.32 

 

 

Jun 2020

 

 

2,699,999 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,699,999 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,699,999 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,699,999 

The following table summarizes the total warrants outstanding at June 30, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise Price

 

 

Expiration

 

 

Outstanding as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as

 

 

 

Issue Date

 

 

Per Share

 

 

Date

 

 

of June 30, 2016

 

 

New Issuances

 

 

Expired

 

 

of June 30, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriter warrants

 

 

May 2012

 

$

6.88 

 

 

Feb 2017

 

 

50,000 

 

 

 

 

(50,000)

 

 

Warrants

 

 

Dec 2014

 

$

4.53 

 

 

Jun 2020

 

 

2,699,999 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,699,999 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,749,999 

 

 

 

 

(50,000)

 

 

2,699,999 

The warrants issued in December 2014 were subject to down-round price protection until December 31, 2017. See Note 6 for further discussion.

NOTE 8 - FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS

The Company's subsidiary, SGI, is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of its business, which the Company manages through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. These foreign currency contracts are not designated as hedging instruments; accordingly, changes in the fair value are recorded in current period earnings. These foreign currency contracts had a notional value of $4,340,928 at December 31, 2017 and their maturities range from January 2018 to June 2018.

The Company records an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheet for the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts. The foreign currency contract assets totaled $68,172 at December 31, 2017 and $166,629 at June 30, 2017. The Company recorded a loss on foreign exchange contracts of $61,560 and $249,728, which is reflected in cost of revenue, for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company recorded a loss on foreign exchange contracts of $100,864 and $147,356, which is reflected in cost of revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

29


NOTE 9 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement for the DuPont Pioneer Acquisition, as amended, if required third party consents were received prior to January 31, 2018 (and subject to the satisfaction of certain other conditions specified in the Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement), either the Company or DuPont Pioneer had the right to enter into (and require the other party to enter into) on February 28, 2018 (or such earlier date as the parties agree) a proposed form of asset purchase and sale agreement, as the same may be updated in accordance with the terms of the Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement, pursuant to which Company would acquire additional GMO germplasm varieties and other related assets from DuPont Pioneer for a purchase price of $7,000,000.

Although the third party has informed the Company and DuPont Pioneer that it intends to provide the Company with the necessary consents and agreements to enable completion of the transaction, the Company did not obtain final executed consents and agreements prior to January 31, 2018. The Company is continuing discussions with DuPont Pioneer and the third party to obtain final executed consents and agreements and to complete the acquisition of DuPont Pioneer's GMO alfalfa assets. However, DuPont Pioneer has informed the Company that it currently does not intend to extend the deadline to complete the transaction. As a result, the Company may never enter into the second asset purchase agreement or close the acquisition of DuPont Pioneer's GMO germplasm varieties and related assets, in which case the Company would not be obligated to pay DuPont Pioneer the $7,000,000 purchase price.

Unless and until the Company completes the transactions contemplated under the second asset purchase agreement with DuPont Pioneer, DuPont Pioneer may purchase certain GMO-traited varieties of alfalfa seed from third parties. In addition, if the Company does not complete the transactions contemplated under the second asset purchase agreement, its production agreement with DuPont Pioneer (relating to GMO-traited varieties) will terminate on February 28, 2018, DuPont Pioneer will be free to pursue alternative production arrangements for the GMO-traited varieties, and DuPont Pioneer's minimum purchase commitments to the Company under the distribution agreement will be materially reduced. Although the Company is pursuing discussions with DuPont Pioneer regarding the possibility of extending the production agreement, DuPont Pioneer has informed the Company that it currently does not intend to extend the term of the Production Agreement past February 28, 2018. The termination of the Company's production agreement with DuPont Pioneer or any material reduction in the compensation payable to the Company under the agreement will have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations starting with the Company's fiscal year 2019.

Contingencies

Based on information currently available, management is not aware of any other matters that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

30


NOTE 10 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Glen D. Bornt, a member of the Company's Board of Directors until January 9, 2018, is the founder and President of Imperial Valley Milling Co. ("IVM"). He is IVM's majority shareholder and a member of its Board of Directors. Glen D. Bornt is also a majority shareholder of Kongal Seeds Pty. Ltd. ("Kongal"). IVM had a 15-year supply agreement with IVS, and this agreement was assigned by IVS to the Company when it purchased the assets of IVS in October 2012. IVM contracts with alfalfa seed growers in California's Imperial Valley and sells its growers' seed to the Company pursuant to a supply agreement. Under the terms of the supply agreement, IVM's entire certified and uncertified alfalfa seed production must be offered and sold to the Company, and the Company has the exclusive option to purchase all or any portion of IVM's seed production. The Company paid $1,997,256 to IVM during the six months ended December 31, 2017. Amounts due to IVM totaled $115,582 and $326,941 at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, respectively. The Company paid $0 to Kongal during the six months ended December 31, 2017. Amounts due to Kongal totaled $1,582 and $4,753 at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, respectively.

On July 19, 2017, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain purchasers, including MFP Partners, L.P. ("MFP"), a stockholder of the Company, and certain entities related to Wynnefield Capital Management LLC (collectively, "Wynnefield"), pursuant to which MFP purchased approximately $3.7 million of shares of its common stock and Wynnefield purchased approximately $3.0 million of shares of its common stock. Each of MFP and Wynnefield is a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company's common stock. Alexander C. Matina, a member of the Company's Board, is Vice President, Investments of MFP.

On October 11, 2017, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Mark W. Wong, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to which the Company sold and issued an aggregate of 75,000 shares of its Common Stock at a purchase price of $3.50 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $262,500.

On December 22, 2017, the Company completed the closing of its previously announced rights offering. At the closing, the Company sold and issued an aggregate of 2,594,923 shares of its Common Stock at a subscription price of $3.50 per share pursuant to the exercise of subscriptions and oversubscriptions in the rights offering from its existing stockholders. Pursuant to an Investment Agreement, dated October 3, 2017, between the Company and MFP, MFP agreed to purchase, at the subscription price, all of the shares not purchased in the Rights Offering (the "Backstop Commitment"). Accordingly, on December 22, 2017, the Company and MFP completed the closing of the Backstop Commitment, in which the Company sold and issued 905,077 shares of its Common Stock to MFP. Combined, the Company sold and issued an aggregate of 3,500,000 shares of its common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $12.25 million.

31


NOTE 11 - EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

2009 Equity Incentive Plan

In October 2009 and January 2010, the Company's Board of Directors and stockholders, respectively, approved the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended and/or restated from time to time, the "2009 Plan"). The plan authorized the grant and issuance of options, restricted shares and other equity compensation to the Company's directors, employees, officers and consultants, and those of the Company's subsidiaries and parent, if any. In October 2012 and December 2012, the Company's Board of Directors and stockholders, respectively, approved the amendment and restatement of the 2009 Plan, including an increase in the number of shares available for issuance as grants and awards under the Plan to 1,250,000 shares. In September 2013 and December 2013, the Company's Board of Directors and stockholders, respectively, approved the amendment and restatement of the 2009 Plan, including an increase in the number of shares available for issuance as grants and awards under the Plan to 1,700,000 shares. In September 2015 and December 2015, the Company's Board of Directors and stockholders, respectively, approved the amendment and restatement of the 2009 Plan, including an increase in the number of shares available for issuance as grants and awards under the Plan to 2,450,000 shares.

The term of incentive stock options granted under the 2009 Plan may not exceed ten years, or five years for incentive stock options granted to an optionee owning more than 10% of the Company's voting stock. The exercise price of options granted under the 2009 Plan must be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the shares of the common stock on the date the option is granted. An incentive stock option granted to an optionee owning more than 10% of voting stock must have an exercise price equal to or greater than 110% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date the option is granted.

The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Stock options issued to non-employees are accounted for at their estimated fair value. The fair value of options granted to non-employees is re-measured as they vest. The Company amortizes stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

The Company utilizes a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, which includes assumptions regarding the risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, life of the award, and the volatility of the Company's common stock to estimate the fair value of employee options grants.

Weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton model are set forth below:

    December 31,
    2017   2016
         
Risk free rate   1.72% - 1.91%   1.2% - 1.9%
Dividend yield   0%   0%
Volatility   45.3% - 45.5%   39.2% - 51.6%
Average forfeiture assumptions   1.4%   2.4%

During the six months ended December 31, 2017, the Company granted 62,755 options to certain members of the executive management team and other employees at exercise prices ranging from $3.00 to $3.10. These options vest in either quarterly or annual periods over three years, and expire ten years from the date of grant.

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A summary of stock option activity for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and year ended June 30, 2017 is presented below:

                Weighted-      
            Weighted -   Average      
            Average   Remaining     Aggregate
      Number     Exercise Price   Contractual     Intrinsic
      Outstanding     Per Share   Life (Years)     Value
Outstanding at June 30, 2016     1,021,418    $ 5.14    4.2      142,381 
     Granted     230,610      4.19       
     Exercised     (232,000)     4.20    -      
     Canceled/forfeited/expired     (29,500)     5.95    -      
Outstanding at June 30, 2017     990,528      5.12    4.3      100,344 
     Granted     62,755      3.08       
     Exercised           -      
     Canceled/forfeited/expired     (190,000)     6.99    -      
Outstanding at December 31, 2017     863,283      4.56    6.5      72,914 
Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2017     632,416      4.82    5.6      19,183 
Options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2017     862,808    $ 4.56    6.5    $ 72,496 

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted and outstanding at December 31, 2017 was $1.58. At December 31, 2017, the Company had $302,942 of unrecognized stock compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to the options under the 2009 Plan, which will be recognized over the weighted average remaining service period of 2.23 years. The Company settles employee stock option exercises with newly issued shares of common stock.

During the year ended June 30, 2017, the Company issued 77,275 restricted stock units to its directors, certain members of the executive management team, and other employees. The restricted stock units have varying vesting periods ranging from immediate vesting to annual installments over a three-year period. The fair value of the awards totaled $374,530 and was based on the closing stock price on the date of grants.

During the six months ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued 38,114 restricted stock units to its certain members of the executive management team and other employees. The restricted stock units vest in either quarterly or annual periods and vest over three-years. The fair value of the awards totaled $116,486 and was based on the closing stock price on the date of grants.

The Company recorded $311,067 and $240,241 of stock-based compensation expense associated with grants of restricted stock units during the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. A summary of activity related to non-vested restricted stock units is presented below:

Six Months Ended December 31, 2017
                  Weighted -
      Number of     Weighted-     Average
      Nonvested     Average     Remaining
      Restricted     Grant Date     Contractual
      Stock Units     Fair Value     Life (Years)
Beginning nonvested restricted units outstanding     120,971    $ 5.59      1.5 
     Granted     38,114      3.06      1.7 
     Vested     (90,066)     5.68      -  
     Forfeited     (3,680)     -       -  
Ending nonvested restricted units outstanding     65,339    $ 4.06      1.6 

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At December 31, 2017, the Company had $220,169 of unrecognized stock compensation expense related to the restricted stock units, which will be recognized over the weighted average remaining service period of 1.6 years.

At December 31, 2017, there were 526,603 shares available under the 2009 Plan for future grants and awards.

Stock-based compensation expense recorded for stock options, restricted stock grants and restricted stock units for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, totaled $193,571 and $296,235, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense recorded for stock options, restricted stock grants and restricted stock units for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, totaled $451,033 and $578,659, respectively.

NOTE 12 - NON-CASH ACTIVITIES FOR STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

The below table represents supplemental information to the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows for non-cash activities during the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

      Six Months Ended
      December 31,
      2017     2016
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of principal and interest of convertible debentures   $   $ 3,168,342 

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

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Part I, Item 1, "Financial Statements" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In addition to our historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as referred to on page 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, particularly in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

Executive Overview

Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, we are a global agricultural company. Grounded in our historical expertise and what we believe is our present leading position in the breeding, production and sale of alfalfa seed, we continue to build towards our goal of being recognized as the world's preferred proprietary forage, grain and specialty crop seed company. In addition to our primary activities in alfalfa seed, we have recently expanded our product portfolio by adding hybrid sorghum and sunflower seed, which complement our alfalfa seed offerings by allowing us to leverage our infrastructure, research and development expertise and our distribution channels, as we begin to diversify into what we believe are higher margin opportunities. We also continue to conduct our stevia breeding program, having three patents granted and one additional patent application pending.

Following our initial public offering in fiscal year 2010, we expanded certain pre-existing business initiatives and added new ones, including:

  • diversifying our production geographically by expanding from solely producing seed in the San Joaquin Valley of California to initially adding production capability in the Imperial Valley of California, then expanding into Australia (primarily South Australia) and, most recently, adding production in other western states and Canada;
  • expanding from solely offering non-dormant varieties to now having a full range of both dormant and non-dormant varieties;
  • expanding the depth and breadth of our research and development capabilities in order to develop new varieties of both dormant and non-dormant alfalfa seed with traits sought after by our existing and future customers;
  • diversifying into complementary proprietary crops by acquiring the assets of a Queensland, Australia company specializing in breeding and licensing of hybrid sorghum and sunflower seed;
  • expanding our distribution channels and customer base, initially through the acquisition of the customer list of a key international customer in the Middle East in July 2011, and thereafter, through certain strategic acquisitions;
  • expanding our sales geographically both through the expansion of our product offerings to make available product needed in regions we historically did not cover and through an expansion of our sales and marketing efforts generally; and
  • implementing a stevia breeding program to develop new stevia varieties that incorporate the most desirable characteristics of this all-natural, zero calorie sweetener.

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We have accomplished these expansion initiatives through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, foremost among them:

  • the acquisition in July 2011 of certain intangible assets, including the customer information, related to the field seed and small grain business of Genetics International, Inc., which had previously operated in the Middle East and North Africa ("MENA") and which began our transition into selling directly to MENA distributors;
  • the acquisition of Imperial Valley Seeds, Inc. ("IVS") in October 2012, which enabled us to expand production of non-GMO seed into California's Imperial Valley, thereby ensuring a non-GMO source of seed due to the prohibition on GMO crops in the Imperial Valley, as well as enabling us to diversify our production areas and distribution channels;
  • the acquisition of a portfolio of dormant alfalfa seed germplasm in August 2012 to launch our entry into the dormant market;
  • the acquisition of the leading local producer of non-dormant alfalfa seed in South Australia, Seed Genetics International Pty Ltd ("SGI") in April 2013, which greatly expanded our production capabilities and geographic diversity;
  • the acquisition of the alfalfa production and research facility assets and conventional (non-GMO) alfalfa germplasm from DuPont Pioneer, a wholly-owned subsidiary of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company ("DuPont Pioneer") in December 2014, thereby substantially expanding upon our initial entrance into the dormant alfalfa seed market that began in 2012 and enabling us to greatly expand our production and research and product development capabilities; and
  • the acquisition, in May 2016, of the assets and business of SV Genetics Pty Ltd ("SV Genetics"), a private Australian company specializing in the breeding and licensing of proprietary hybrid sorghum and sunflower seed germplasm, which represents our initial effort to diversify our product portfolio beyond alfalfa seed breeding and production and stevia R&D.

We believe our 2013 combination with SGI created the world's largest non-dormant alfalfa seed company and gave us the competitive advantages of year-round production in that market. With the completion of the acquisition of dormant alfalfa seed assets from DuPont Pioneer in December 2014, we believe we have become the largest alfalfa seed company worldwide (by volume), with industry-leading research and development, as well as production and distribution capabilities in both hemispheres and the ability to supply proprietary dormant and non-dormant alfalfa seed. Our operations span the world's alfalfa seed production regions, with operations in the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys of California, five additional Western states, Australia and three provinces in Canada.

Our May 2016 acquisition of the hybrid sorghum and sunflower germplasm business and assets of SV Genetics signals management's commitment to our strategy of identifying opportunities to diversify our product lines and improve our gross margins.

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Components of Our Statements of Operations Data

Revenue and Cost of Revenue

Revenue

We derive most of our revenue from the sale of our proprietary alfalfa seed varieties. We expect that over the next several years, a substantial majority of our revenue will continue to be generated from the sale of alfalfa seed, although we are continually assessing other possible product offerings or means to increase revenue, including expanding into other, higher margin crops. In late fiscal year 2016, we began that expansion with the acquisition of the hybrid sorghum and sunflower business and assets of SV Genetics. Revenue from the newly-acquired SV Genetics germplasm will be primarily derived from the sale of sorghum and sunflower seed as well as royalty-based payments set forth in various licensing agreements.

Fiscal year 2016 was the first full fiscal year in which we had a full range of non-dormant and dormant alfalfa seed varieties. This is expected to enable us to significantly expand the geographic reach of our sales efforts. The mix of our product offerings will continue to change over time with the introduction of new alfalfa seed varieties resulting from our robust research and development efforts, including our potential expansion into genetically-modified varieties in future periods. Currently, we have a long-term distribution agreement with DuPont Pioneer, which we expect will be the source of a significant portion of our annual revenue through December 2024.

Our revenue will fluctuate depending on the timing of orders from our customers and distributors. Because some of our large customers and distributors order in bulk only one or two times per year, our product revenue may fluctuate significantly from period to period. However, some of this fluctuation is offset by having operations in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Our stevia breeding program has yet to generate any meaningful revenue. However, management continues to evaluate this portion of our business and assess various means to monetize the results of our effort to breed new, better tasting stevia varieties. Such potential opportunities include possible licensing agreements and royalty-based agreements.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue relates to sale of our seed varieties and consists of the cost of procuring seed, plant conditioning and packaging costs, direct labor and raw materials and overhead costs.

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Operating Expenses

Research and Development Expenses

Seed and stevia research and development expenses consist of costs incurred in the discovery, development, breeding and testing of new products incorporating the traits we have specifically selected. These expenses consist primarily of employee salaries and benefits, consultant services, land leased for field trials, chemicals and supplies and other external expenses. With the acquisition of SV Genetics in late fiscal 2016, similar costs are now being incurred as we continue the research and development efforts begun by SV Genetics in the development of new varieties of hybrid sorghum and sunflower seed germplasm. Because we have been in the alfalfa seed breeding business since our inception in 1980, we have expended far more resources in development of our proprietary alfalfa seed varieties throughout our history than on our stevia breeding program, which we commenced in fiscal year 2010.

In fiscal year 2013, we made the decision to shift the focus of our stevia program away from commercial production and towards the breeding of improved varieties of stevia. We have continued that effort, which has resulted in the granting by the USPTO of three patents covering stevia plant varieties SW 107, SW 201 and SW 129. Additionally, we have applied for patent protection with the USPTO for SW 227 for the fresh and dry leaf market.

Our research and development expenses increased significantly with the acquisition of the alfalfa research and development assets of DuPont Pioneer in December 2014. We also have expanded our genetics research both internally and in collaboration with third parties. In addition, we acquired additional research and development operations in connection with our May 2016 acquisition of SV Genetics that we expect will factor into an overall increase in R&D expense. Overall, we have been focused on reducing research and development expense, while balancing that objective against the recognition that continued advancement in product development is an important part of our strategic planning. We expect our research and development expenses will fluctuate from period to period as a result of the timing of various research and development projects.

Our internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred, while third party research and developments costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed or as milestone results have been achieved. The costs associated with equipment or facilities acquired or construed for research and development activities that have alternative future uses are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee costs, including salaries, employee benefits and share-based compensation, as well as professional service fees, insurance, marketing, travel and entertainment expense, public company expense and other overhead costs. We proactively take steps on an ongoing basis to control selling, general and administrative expense as much as is reasonably possible.

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Depreciation and Amortization

Most of the depreciation and amortization expense on our statement of operations consists of amortization expense. We amortize intangible assets, including those acquired from DuPont Pioneer in December 2014 and from SV Genetics in May 2016, using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, consisting of periods of 10-30 years for technology/IP/germplasm, 20 years for customer relationships and trade names and 2-20 years for other intangible assets. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, consisting of periods of 5-28 years for buildings, 3-20 years for machinery and equipment and 3-5 years for vehicles.

Other Expense

Other expense consists primarily of foreign currency gains and losses, changes in the fair value of derivative liabilities related to our warrants, changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration obligations and interest expense in connection with amortization of debt discount. In addition, interest expense consists of interest costs related to outstanding borrowings on our credit facilities, including our current KeyBank revolving line of credit and on SGI's credit facilities in South Australia, our 8% senior secured convertible debentures that were issued in December 2014 which were fully paid off on March 1, 2017, our three-year secured promissory note issued in December 2014 in connection with the DuPont Pioneer acquisition which was paid off on December 1, 2017, and our newly issued secured promissory notes with Conterra.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate is based on income, statutory tax rates, differences in the deductibility of certain expenses and inclusion of certain income items between financial statement and tax return purposes, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Under U.S. GAAP, if we determine that a tax position is more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position, we recognize the benefit. Tax regulations require certain items to be included in the tax return at different times than when those items are required to be recorded in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, our effective tax rate reflected in our consolidated financial statements is different from that reported in our tax returns. Some of these differences are permanent, such as meals and entertainment expenses that are not fully deductible on our tax return, and some are temporary differences, such as depreciation expense. Temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in our tax return in future years for which we have already recorded the tax benefit in our consolidated statements of operations. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017, we recorded a valuation allowance against all of our deferred tax assets. The full valuation allowance was recorded during the fiscal year 2017 as a result of changes to our operating results and future projections, resulting from a recent decline in export sales to Saudi Arabia. In addition, our available tax planning strategies are currently not expected to overcome the uncertainty of the Saudi Arabian market. As a result of these factors, we don't believe that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized.

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Results of Operations

Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2016

Revenue and Cost of Revenue

Revenue for three months ended December 31, 2017 was $20,532,796 compared to $24,225,744 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The $3,692,948 decrease in revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due to a decrease of sales to the Saudi Arabia markets of approximately $1.3 million. Regulatory uncertainty in Saudi Arabia surrounding water use restrictions for large forage producers caused customers in the region to defer purchases and/or reduce inventory carrying levels. The outlook for demand for our non-dormant varieties in Saudi Arabia over the next two to four years continues to be uncertain because of the potential for water use restrictions and further regulations from the Saudi Arabian government on water usage. If there is a significant decrease in demand from our customers in Saudi Arabia, we would experience a material decline in revenue and earnings in the absence of growth in other regions and other products.

Sales into international markets represented 23% and 30% of revenue during the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Domestic revenue accounted for 77% and 70% of our total revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in domestic revenue as a percentage of total revenue is primarily attributed to timing differences in shipments to our largest customer.

We recorded sales of approximately $15.3 million from our distribution and production agreements with DuPont Pioneer during the three months ended December 31, 2017, which was a decrease of $0.8 million from the prior year amount of $16.1 million. We expect DuPont Pioneer to represent a significant portion of our domestic sales, as well as overall sales, for the foreseeable future.

The following table shows revenue from external sources by destination country:

      Three Months Ended December 31,
      2017     2016
United States   $ 15,740,706  77%   $ 16,858,325  70%
Mexico     1,664,618  8%     1,404,133  6%
Argentina     1,183,423  6%     1,677,035  7%
Libya     563,673  3%     0%
Saudi Arabia     513,000  2%     1,843,949  8%
Australia     438,468  2%     71,175  0%
South Africa     338,993  2%     634,768  2%
Sudan     0%     67,016  0%
Other     89,915  0%     1,669,343  7%
Total   $ 20,532,796  100%   $ 24,225,744  100%

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Cost of revenue of $15,860,629 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was 77.2% of revenue, while the cost of revenue of $19,005,270 for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was 78.5% of revenue. Cost of revenue decreased on a dollar basis primarily due to the decrease in revenue as well as a reduction of product costs.

Total gross profit margin for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was 22.8% compared to 21.5% in the comparable period of the prior year. The increase in gross profit margins was primarily due to product sales mix during the current period where we had a higher concentration of sales, as a percentage of total revenue, to DuPont Pioneer which are higher margin sales. Additionally, the product costs of proprietary seed are lower in the current year due to more favorable production contracts and arrangements.

While there will continue to be quarterly fluctuations in gross profit margin based on product sales mix, we anticipate improved gross margins in fiscal 2018 as a result of a number of initiatives we are deploying.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $2,446,955 compared to $2,592,059 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The $145,104 decrease in SG&A expense versus the second quarter of the prior year was primarily due to cost reduction initiatives coupled with a decrease in stock based compensation of $102,664. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A expenses were 11.9% in the current quarter compared to 10.7% in the three months ended December 31, 2016.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $855,164 compared to $748,571 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The $106,593 increase in research and development expense is driven by additional investment in our hybrid sorghum and sunflower programs. We expect our research and development spend for fiscal 2018 to total approximately $3.4 million.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $870,981 compared to $842,454 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. Included in the amount was amortization expense for intangible assets, which totaled $555,471 in the three months ended December 31, 2017 and $555,977 in the three months ended December 31, 2016. The $28,527 increase in depreciation and amortization expense over the comparable period of the prior year is primarily driven by additional depreciation expense associated with fixed asset additions.

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Foreign Currency Loss (Gain)

We incurred a foreign currency loss of $7,472 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to a gain of $2,837 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The foreign currency gains and losses are associated with SGI, our wholly-owned subsidiary in Australia.

Change in Derivative Warrant Liability

The derivative warrant liability was considered a level 3 fair value financial instrument and was measured at each reporting period until December 31, 2017 at which time the warrants were reclassified to equity due to the expiration of the down-round price protection provision. We recorded a non-cash change in derivative warrant liability loss of $341,199 in the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to a gain of $959,200 in the three months ended December 31, 2016. The loss represents the increase in fair value of the outstanding warrants issued in December 2014.

Change in Contingent Consideration Obligations

The contingent consideration obligations are considered level 3 fair value financial instruments and will be measured at each reporting period. The $0 and $57,282 charges to non-cash change in contingent consideration obligations expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively; represents the increase in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration obligations during that respective period due to the decrease in the present value discount factor used to estimate the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations. The earn-out payment to DuPont Pioneer was finalized in the amount of $2,500,000 and this was added to the Pioneer Note in October 2017.

Interest Expense - Amortization of Debt Discount

Non-cash amortization of debt discount expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $33,100 compared to $381,660 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The expense in the current quarter represents the amortization of the debt issuance costs associated with our KeyBank working capital facility and our secured property and equipment notes with Conterra. The expense in the prior year represents the amortization of the debt discount, beneficial conversion feature and debt issuance costs associated with the convertible debentures issued December 31, 2014 and the debt issuance costs associated with our KeyBank working capital facility. As of March 1, 2017, the convertible debentures have been fully retired and accordingly, the amortization of debt discount associated with the convertible debentures is complete.

Interest Expense - Convertible Debt and Other

Interest expense during the three months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $383,894 compared to $295,042 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. Interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 primarily consisted of interest incurred on the note payable issued to DuPont Pioneer as part of the purchase consideration for the DuPont Pioneer acquisition, the working capital credit facilities with KeyBank and NAB, and the new secured property and equipment loans entered into in November 2017. Interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2016 primarily consisted of interest incurred on the convertible debentures issued on December 31, 2014, on the note payable issued to DuPont Pioneer as part of the purchase consideration for the DuPont Pioneer acquisition and the working capital credit facilities with KeyBank and NAB. The $88,852 increase in interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 is primarily driven by $91,363 of interest on the new secured property and equipment loans.

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Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

Income tax expense totaled $148,702 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to an income tax expense of $106,485 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. Our effective tax rate expense was (59.1%) for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to 8.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in our effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2017 is attributable to the full valuation allowance established against our deferred tax assets which was recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. Due to the valuation allowance, we do not record the income tax expense or benefit related to substantially all of our current year operating results, as such results are generally incorporated in our net operating loss deferred tax asset position, which has a full valuation allowance against it. However, we did record tax expense related to certain other factors occurring throughout the year. For example, we have certain intangible assets with indefinite lives for financial reporting purposes. The write down of these assets cannot be assumed and thus, the deferred tax liability created by the difference in the basis in these assets for financial reporting and tax purposes cannot be used as a source of taxable income against our deferred tax assets. The increase in the deferred tax liability due the yearly tax amortization on these intangible assets is recorded as income tax expense. We also analyzed additional information on our tax return filings in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. To the extent that differences arise from the estimates of tax return filings, these differences are generally recorded in the quarter that they arise and are commonly referred to as provision to return adjustments. Such adjustments related to our Australian tax return filings also generated additional income tax expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2017.

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). The Tax Act reduced the corporate tax rate from the maximum federal statutory rate of 35% to 21%. The Tax Act states that the 21% corporate tax rate is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. However, existing tax law, which was not amended under the Tax Act, governs when a change in tax rate is effective. Existing tax law provides that if the taxable year includes the effective date of any rate change (unless the change is the first date of the taxable year), taxes should be calculated by applying a blended rate to the taxable income for the year.  Our blended federal rate is 27.6%. As a result of the new law, we have concluded that our deferred tax assets will need to be revalued. Our deferred tax assets represent a reduction in corporate taxes that are expected to be paid in the future. As a result of the Tax Act, we have estimated a reduction to the value of our deferred tax assets which is almost entirely offset by a reduction to our valuation allowance in the second quarter of the year ending June 30, 2018.  The net impact of the decrease to both the deferred tax assets and the valuation allowance will be a remeasuring of our net deferred tax liability associated with indefinite lived intangibles for which we cannot predict a reversal into taxable income. In conjunction with the tax law changes, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations)

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in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act.  We have recognized the provisional tax impacts related to deemed repatriated earnings, the potential impact of new section 162(m) rules on our deferred tax balances, and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and included these amounts in our consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2017.   The ultimate impact, which is expected to be recorded by June 30, 2018, may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions we may take as a result of the Tax Act, and the fact that we cannot definitively predict what our deferred tax balance will ultimately be as of June 30, 2018.  The Tax Act allows for one hundred percent expensing of the cost of qualified property acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023.  We do not plan to take advantage of this provision for the near term and have the option of opting out of this provision. In addition, net operating losses incurred in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 are only allowed to offset a taxpayer's taxable income by eighty percent, but those net operating losses are allowed to be carried forward indefinitely with no expiration.  Also as part of the Tax Act, our net interest expense deductions are limited to 30% of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization through 2021 and of earnings before interest and taxes thereafter. This provision also takes effect for tax years beginning after 2017 and isn't expected to have a material impact to our deferred tax asset position. The Tax Act also incorporates changes to certain international tax provisions.  There is a one-time transition tax on foreign income earned by subsidiaries at a rate of 15.5% for cash and cash equivalents and at a rate of 8% for the remainder of the foreign earnings. There is a provision for the current inclusion in US taxable income of global intangible low-tax income and also the imposition of a tax equal to its base erosion minimum tax amount.  The new laws incorporate a potential benefit for foreign derived intangible income, but the benefit only applies if the foreign derived sales and services income exceeds a calculated 'routine return' and if we have taxable income.  We do not currently anticipate that any of the foreign provisions will have an impact to our tax accounts.

Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to the Six Months Ended December 31, 2016

Revenue and Cost of Revenue

Revenue for six months ended December 31, 2017 was $31,244,512 compared to $36,475,317 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. The $5,230,805 decrease in revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due to a decrease of sales to the Saudi Arabia markets of approximately $4.4 million. Regulatory uncertainty in Saudi Arabia surrounding water use restrictions for large forage producers caused customers in the region to defer purchases and/or reduce inventory carrying levels. The outlook for demand for our non-dormant varieties in Saudi Arabia over the next two to four years continues to be uncertain because of the potential for water use restrictions and further regulations from the Saudi Arabian government on water usage. If there is a significant decrease in demand from our customers in Saudi Arabia, we would experience a material decline in revenue and earnings in the absence of growth in other regions and other products. The decrease in revenue directed to the Saudi Arabia markets was partially offset by an increase in sales to the domestic market and Argentina.

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Sales into international markets represented 38% and 46% of revenue during the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Domestic revenue accounted for 62% and 54% of our total revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in domestic revenue as a percentage of total revenue is directly attributable to reduced sales to customers in Saudi Arabia.

We recorded sales of approximately $18.1 million from our distribution and production agreements with DuPont Pioneer during the six months ended December 31, 2017, which was an increase of $0.5 million from the prior year amount of $17.6 million. We expect DuPont Pioneer to represent a significant portion of our domestic sales, as well as overall sales, for the foreseeable future.

The following table shows revenue from external sources by destination country:

      Six Months Ended December 31,
      2017     2016
United States   $ 19,265,254  62%   $ 19,782,389  54%
Mexico     4,380,626  14%     3,745,027  10%
Argentina     2,742,619  9%     2,565,004  7%
Libya     752,673  2%     0%
Saudi Arabia     844,908  3%     5,221,772  15%
Australia     557,998  2%     790,636  2%
South Africa     467,342  1%     636,870  2%
Sudan     447,500  1%     67,016  0%
Other     1,785,592  6%     3,666,603  10%
Total   $ 31,244,512  100%   $ 36,475,317  100%

Cost of revenue of $24,236,757 for the six months ended December 31, 2017 was 77.6% of revenue, while the cost of revenue of $29,311,580 for the six months ended December 31, 2016 was 80.4% of revenue. Cost of revenue decreased on a dollar basis primarily due to the decrease in revenue.

Total gross profit margin for the six months ended December 31, 2017 was 22.4% compared to 19.6% in the comparable period of the prior year. The increase in gross profit margins was primarily attributable to decreases in cost of goods sold compared to the prior year for S&W's non-dormant varieties. The product costs of proprietary seed are lower in the current year due to more favorable production contracts and arrangements.

While there will continue to be quarterly fluctuations in gross profit margin based on product sales mix, we anticipate improved gross margins in fiscal 2018 as a result of a number of initiatives we are deploying.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") expense for the six months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $5,361,035 compared to $5,047,263 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. The $313,772 increase in SG&A expense versus the comparable period of the prior year was primarily due to an increase in sales personnel and related costs, as well as an increase in consulting fees of approximately $190,000. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A expenses were 17.2% in the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to 13.8% in the six months ended December 31, 2016.

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Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses for the six months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $1,597,081 compared to $1,490,113 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. The $106,968 increase in research and development expense versus the second quarter of the prior year is driven by additional investment in our hybrid sorghum and sunflower programs. We expect our research and development spend for fiscal 2018 to total approximately $3.4 million.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended December 31, 2017 was $1,759,233 compared to $1,677,151 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. Included in the amount was amortization expense for intangible assets, which totaled $1,128,392 for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and $1,111,954 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. The $82,082 increase in depreciation and amortization expense over the comparable period of the prior year is primarily driven by additional depreciation expense associated with fixed asset additions.

Foreign Currency Loss (Gain)

We incurred a foreign currency loss of $22,030 for the six months ended December 31, 2017 compared to a gain of $6,483 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. The foreign currency gains and losses are associated with SGI, our wholly-owned subsidiary in Australia.

Change in Derivative Warrant Liability

The derivative warrant liability was considered a level 3 fair value financial instrument and was measured at each reporting period until December 31, 2017 at which time the warrants were reclassified to equity due to the expirations of the down-round price protection provision. We recorded a non-cash change in derivative warrant liability gain of $431,300 in the six months ended December 31, 2017 compared to a loss of $168,500 in the six months ended December 31, 2016. The gain represents the decrease in fair value of the outstanding warrants issued in December 2014.

Change in Contingent Consideration Obligations

The contingent consideration obligations are considered level 3 fair value financial instruments and will be measured at each reporting period. The $0 and $164,363 charges to non-cash change in contingent consideration obligations expense for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively; represents the increase in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration obligations during that respective period due to the decrease in the present value discount factor used to estimate the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations. The earn-out payment to DuPont Pioneer was finalized in the amount of $2,500,000 and this was added to the Pioneer Note in October 2017.

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Loss on Equity Method Investment

Loss on equity method investment totaled $0 and $49,249 for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. This represents our 50% share of losses incurred by our joint corporation (S&W Semillas S.A.) in Argentina. The Company's carrying value in the equity method investee company has been reduced to zero, accordingly, no further losses will be recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements related to this equity method investment.

Interest Expense - Amortization of Debt Discount

Non-cash amortization of debt discount expense for the six months ended December 31, 2017 was $67,099 compared to $981,118 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. The expense in the current period represents the amortization of the debt issuance costs associated with our KeyBank working capital facility and our secured property and equipment notes with Conterra. The expense in the prior year period represents the amortization of the debt discount, beneficial conversion feature and debt issuance costs associated with the convertible debentures issued December 31, 2014 and the debt issuance costs associated with our KeyBank working capital facility. As of March 1, 2017, the convertible debentures have been fully retired and accordingly, the amortization of debt discount associated with the convertible debentures is complete.

Interest Expense - Convertible Debt and Other

Interest expense during the six months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $731,623 compared to $647,584 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. Interest expense for the six months ended December 31, 2017 primarily consisted of interest incurred on the note payable issued to DuPont Pioneer as part of the purchase consideration for the DuPont Pioneer acquisition, the working capital credit facilities with KeyBank and NAB, and the new secured property and equipment loans entered into in November 2017. Interest expense for the six months ended December 31, 2016 primarily consisted of interest incurred on the convertible debentures issued on December 31, 2014, on the note payable issued to DuPont Pioneer as part of the purchase consideration for the DuPont Pioneer acquisition and the working capital credit facilities with KeyBank and NAB. The $84,039 increase in interest expense for the six months ended December 31, 2017 is primarily driven by $91,363 of interest on the secured property and equipment loans.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

Income tax expense totaled $200,123 for the six months ended December 31, 2017 compared to an income tax benefit of $996,923 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. Our effective tax rate expense was (9.9%) for the six months ended December 31, 2017 compared to 32.6% for the six months ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in our effective tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to the fact that a valuation allowance against substantially all of our assets was recorded in the fourth quarter of the year ended June 30, 2017. For the six months ended December 31, 2016 we recorded a benefit associated with the tax losses incurred in that period. However, for the six months ended December 31, 2017, we have not recorded a benefit related to our losses due to the valuation allowance. The expense recorded for the six months ended December 31, 2017 is primarily attributed to additional deferred tax liabilities recorded during the year on indefinite lived intangible assets and the recording of additional tax expense on our prior year Australian tax return, which will be filed in fiscal 2018.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our working capital and working capital requirements fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending on the phase of the growing and sales cycle that falls during a particular quarter. Our need for cash has historically been highest in the second and third fiscal quarters (October through March) because we historically have paid our North American contracted growers progressively, starting in the second fiscal quarter. In fiscal year 2017, we paid our North American growers approximately 50% in October 2016 and the balance was paid in February 2017. This payment cycle to our growers is expected to be similar in fiscal year 2018. SGI, our Australian-based subsidiary, has a production cycle that is counter-cyclical to North America; however, this also puts a greater demand on our working capital and working capital requirements during the second, third and fourth fiscal quarters based on timing of payments to growers in the second through fourth quarters.

Historically, due to the concentration of sales to certain distributors, which typically represented a significant percentage of seed sales, our month-to-month and quarter-to-quarter sales and associated cash receipts were highly dependent upon the timing of deliveries to and payments from these distributors, which varied significantly from year to year. The timing of collection of receivables from DuPont Pioneer, which is our largest customer, is defined in the distribution and production agreements with DuPont Pioneer and consists of three installment payments, the first on September 15th, the second on January 15th, and the third payment on February 15th. Our future revenue and cash collections pertaining to the production and distribution agreements with DuPont Pioneer are expected to provide us with greater predictability, as sales to DuPont Pioneer are expected to be primarily concentrated in our second, third and fourth fiscal quarters, and payments will be received in three installments over the September to mid-February time period.

We continuously monitor and evaluate our credit policies with all of our customers based on historical collection experience, current economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of the respective trade accounts receivable balance. Our principal working capital components include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expense and other current assets, accounts payable and our working capital lines of credit.

In addition to funding our business with cash from operations, we have historically relied upon occasional sales of our debt and equity securities and credit facilities from financial institutions, both in the United States and South Australia.

In recent periods, we have consummated the following equity and debt financings:

On December 31, 2014, in connection with the DuPont Pioneer Acquisition, we issued a secured promissory note (the "Pioneer Note") payable by us to DuPont Pioneer in the initial principal amount of $10,000,000 (issued at closing), and a potential earn-out payment (payable as an increase in the principal amount of the Pioneer Note) of up to $5,000,000 based on our sales under the distribution and production agreements entered into in connection with the DuPont Pioneer Acquisition, as well as other sales of products we consummate containing the acquired germplasm in the three-year period following the closing. The earn-out payment of $2,500,000 to DuPont Pioneer was finalized in October 2017 and this amount was added to the Pioneer Note in October 2017. The Pioneer Note accrued interest at 3% per annum. Interest was payable in three annual installments, in arrears, commencing on December 31, 2015. On December 1, 2017, we repaid the Pioneer Note. The repayment amount included the $2.5 million earn-out payment related to the Pioneer Acquisition that was added to the principal amount of the Pioneer Note in October 2017.

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On November 30, 2017, we entered into a secured note financing transaction (the "Loan Transaction") with Conterra Agricultural Capital, LLC ("Conterra") for $12.5 million in gross proceeds. Pursuant to the Loan Transaction, we issued two secured promissory notes (the "Notes") to Conterra as follows:

  • Secured Real Estate Note. We issued one Note in the principal amount of $10.4 million (the "Secured Real Estate Note") that is secured by a first priority security interest in the property, plant and fixtures (the "Real Estate Collateral") located at our Five Points, California and Nampa, Idaho production facilities and our Nampa, Idaho and Arlington, Wisconsin research facilities (the "Facilities"). The Secured Real Estate Note matures on November 30, 2020, which, subject to Conterra's approval, may be extended to November 30, 2022. The Secured Real Estate Note bears interest of 7.75% per annum. We have agreed to make semi-annual payments of interest and amortized principal on a 20-year amortization schedule, for a combined payment of $515,711, starting July 1, 2018, in addition to a one-time interest only payment on January 1, 2018. We may prepay the Secured Real Estate Note, in whole or in part, at any time after we have paid a minimum of twelve months of interest on the Secured Real Estate Note.
  • Secured Equipment Note. We issued a second Note in the principal amount of $2.1 million (the "Secured Equipment Note") that is secured by a first priority security interest in certain equipment not attached to real estate located at the Facilities. The Secured Equipment Note is also secured by the Real Estate Collateral. The Secured Equipment Note matures on November 30, 2019, which, subject to Conterra's approval, may be extended to November 30, 2020. The Secured Equipment Note bears interest at a rate of 9.5% per annum. We have agreed to make semi-annual payments of interest and amortized principal on a 20-year amortization schedule, for a combined payment of $118,223, starting July 1, 2018, in addition to a one-time interest only payment on January 1, 2018. We may prepay the Secured Equipment Note, in whole or in part, at any time.

The Notes and related documents include customary representations and warranties in addition to customary affirmative and negative covenants (including financial covenants), and customary events of default that permit Conterra to accelerate our obligations under the Notes, including, among other things, that a default under one of the Notes would constitute a default under the other Note. On December 1, 2017, we used the proceeds from the Loan Transaction to repay the Pioneer Note.

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On September 22, 2015, we entered into an up to $20,000,000 aggregate principal amount credit and security agreement (the "KeyBank Credit Facility") with KeyBank. On October 4, 2016, we entered into an amendment to the KeyBank Credit Facility effective as of September 30, 2016, temporarily increasing the borrowing limit and certain other credit facility terms as follows: (i) temporarily increasing the borrowing capacity from $20.0 million to (a) up to $25.0 million between October 1, 2016 and November 30, 2016 and (b) up to $30.0 million from February 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017; (ii) temporarily allowing for a $4.0 million over-advance beyond the amounts otherwise available based on the borrowing base calculations, which will be available through February 28, 2017; and (iii) temporarily expanding the borrowing base by reducing the reserves that KeyBank may establish with respect to grower payables to 75% between August 31, 2016 and February 28, 2017. On March 13, 2017, we entered into a Third Amendment Agreement (the "Third Amendment") with respect to the KeyBank Credit Facility. The purpose of the Third Amendment was to provide certain temporary changes to the terms of the KeyBank Credit Facility, including: (i) further extending the temporary period during which we may borrow, repay and reborrow up to $30.0 million in the aggregate under the credit facility until April 21, 2017; and (ii) retroactively and temporarily allowing for over-advances, beyond amounts otherwise available based on the borrowing base calculations under the Credit Facility: (a) of up to $3.5 million during the period from March 8, 2017 through March 10, 2017, (b) of up to $5.0 million during the period from March 11, 2017 through March 17, 2017, (c) of up to $6.0 million during the period from March 18, 2017 through March 24, 2017, (d) of up to $7.0 million during the period from March 25, 2017 through March 31, 2017 and (e) of up to $8.5 million during the period from April 1, 2017 through as late as April 20, 2017. On September 13, 2017, we entered into a Fourth Amendment Agreement (the "Fourth Amendment") with respect to the KeyBank Credit Facility. Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, we extended the maturity date of the Credit Facility to September 12, 2019 and increased the aggregate principal amount that we may borrow, repay and reborrow, up to $35.0 million in the aggregate, subject to a requirement that we maintain a reduced loan balance of (i) not more than $20.0 million for at least 30 consecutive days over the prior twelve months (measured each quarter on a trailing 12 month basis) and (ii) not more than $25.0 million for at least 60 consecutive days over the prior twelve months (measured each quarter on a trailing 12 month basis).

Key provisions of the KeyBank Credit Facility, as amended, include:

All amounts due and owing, including, but not limited to, accrued and unpaid principal and interest due under the KeyBank Credit Facility, will be payable in full on September 12, 2019.

The KeyBank Credit Facility generally establishes a borrowing base of up to 85% of eligible domestic accounts receivable and 90% of eligible foreign accounts receivable plus up to the lesser of 65% of the cost eligible inventory or 90% of the net orderly liquidation value, subject to lender reserves.

Loans may be based on a Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate (which is increased by an applicable margin of 2.2% per annum) (both as defined in the September 22, 2015 credit and security agreement (the "Credit Agreement")), generally at the Company's option. In the event of a default, at the option of KeyBank, the interest rate on all obligations owing will increase by 3% per annum over the rate otherwise applicable.

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Subject to certain exceptions, the KeyBank Credit Facility is secured by a first priority perfected security interest in all our now owned and after acquired tangible and intangible assets and our domestic subsidiaries, which have guaranteed our obligations under the KeyBank Credit Facility. The KeyBank Credit Facility is further secured by a lien on, and a pledge of, 65% of the stock of our wholly-owned subsidiary, S&W Australia Pty Ltd. With respect to its security interest and/or lien, KeyBank has entered into an Intercreditor Agreement with Hudson Bay Fund LP (as agent for the holders of the senior secured debentures issued by us on December 31, 2014) and DuPont Pioneer.

At December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all KeyBank debt covenants.

SGI finances the purchase of most of its seed inventory from growers pursuant to a seasonal credit facility with National Australia Bank Ltd ("NAB"). The current facility, referred to as the 2016 NAB Facilities, was amended as of March 30, 2017 and expires on March 30, 2019. As of December 31, 2017, AUD $7,837,767 (USD $6,115,026) was outstanding under the 2016 NAB Facilities.

The 2016 NAB Facilities, as currently in effect, comprises two distinct facility lines: (i) an overdraft facility (the "Overdraft Facility"), having a credit limit of AUD $980,000 (USD $764,596 at December 31, 2017) and a borrowing base facility (the "Borrowing Base Facility"), having a credit limit of AUD $12,000,000 (USD $9,362,400 at December 31, 2017).

The Borrowing Base Facility permits SGI to borrow funds for periods of up to 180 days, at SGI's discretion, provided that the term is consistent with its trading terms. Interest for each drawdown is set at the time of the drawdown as follows: (i) for Australian dollar drawings, based on the Australian Trade Refinance Rate plus 1.5% per annum and (ii) for foreign currency drawings, based on the British Bankers' Association Interest Settlement Rate for the relevant foreign currency for the relevant period, or if such rate is not available, the rate reasonably determined by NAB to be the appropriate equivalent rate, plus 1.5% per annum. As of December 31, 2017, the Borrowing Base Facility accrued interest on Australian dollar drawings at approximately 5.07% calculated daily. The Borrowing Base Facility is secured by a lien on all the present and future rights, property and undertakings of SGI, the mortgage on SGI's Keith, South Australia property and the Company's corporate guarantee (up to a maximum of AUD $15,000,000).

The Overdraft Facility permits SGI to borrow funds on a revolving line of credit up to the credit limit. Interest accrues daily and is calculated by applying the daily interest rate to the balance owing at the end of the day and is payable monthly in arrears. As of December 31, 2017, the Overdraft Facility accrued interest at approximately 6.77% calculated daily.

For both the Overdraft Facility and the Borrowing Base Facility, interest is payable each month in arrears. In the event of a default, as defined in the NAB Facility Agreement, the principal balance due under the facilities will thereafter bear interest at an increased rate per annum above the interest rate that would otherwise have been in effect from time to time under the terms of each facility (i.e., the interest rate increases by 4.5% per annum under the Borrowing Base Facility and the Overdraft Facility rate increases to 13.92% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default).

Both facilities constituting the 2016 NAB Facilities are secured by a fixed and floating lien over all the present and future rights, property and undertakings of SGI and are guaranteed by the Company as noted above. The 2016 NAB Facilities contain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default that permit NAB to accelerate SGI's outstanding obligations, all as set forth in the NAB facility agreements. SGI was in compliance with all NAB debt covenants at December 31, 2017.

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In January 2015, NAB and SGI entered into a new business markets - flexible rate loan (the "Keith Building Loan") in the amount of AUD $650,000 (USD $507,130 at December 31, 2017). Since entering into the Keith Building Loan, the limit has been changed on three occasions, with the current limit being AUD $675,000 (USD $526,635 at December 31, 2017), and a separate machinery and equipment facility (the "Keith Machinery and Equipment Facility") has been added with the limit being changed on two occasions, the current limit being AUD $702,779 (USD $548,308) at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2017, the principal balance on the Keith Building Loan was AUD $575,000 (USD $448,615) with unused availability of AUD $100,000 (USD $78,021). At December 31, 2017, the principal balance on the Keith Machinery and Equipment Facility was AUD $674,132 (USD $525,957) with no unused availability. In February 2016, NAB and SGI also entered into a master asset finance facility (the "Master Assets Facility"). At December 31, 2017, the principal balance on the Master Assets Facility was AUD $304,493 (USD $237,566) with unused availability of AUD $445,507 (USD $347,585). The Master Asset Facility has various maturity dates through 2021 and have interest rates ranging from 4.79% to 5.31%.

The Keith Building Loan and Keith Machinery and Equipment Facility are used for the construction of a building on SGI's Keith, South Australia property, purchase of adjoining land and for the machinery and equipment for use in the operations of the building. The Keith Building Loan matures on November 30, 2024. The interest rate on the Keith Building Loan varies from pricing period to pricing period (each such period approximately 30 days), based on the weighted average of a specified basket of interest rates (6.11% as of December 31, 2017). Interest is payable each month in arrears. The Keith Machinery and Equipment Facility bears interest, payable in arrears, based on the Australian Trade Refinance Rate quoted by NAB at the time of the drawdown, plus 2.9%. The Keith Credit Facilities contain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default that permit NAB to accelerate SGI's outstanding obligations, all as set forth in the facility agreement. They are secured by a lien on all the present and future rights, property and undertakings of SGI, the Company's corporate guarantee and a mortgage on SGI's Keith, South Australia property.

On July 19, 2017, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain purchasers, pursuant to which we sold and issued an aggregate of 2,685,000 shares of our Common Stock at a purchase price of $4.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $10.74 million.

On October 11, 2017, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Mark W. Wong, our President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to which we sold and issued an aggregate of 75,000 shares of our Common Stock at a purchase price of $3.50 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $262,500.

On December 22, 2017, we completed the closing of our rights offering of 3,500,000 shares of our Common Stock. At the closing, we sold and issued an aggregate of 2,594,923 shares of our Common Stock at a subscription price of $3.50 per share (the "Subscription Price"). Pursuant to a backstop commitment with MFP Partners, L.P. ("MFP"), concurrently with the closing of rights offering, we sold and issued the remaining 905,077 shares of our Common Stock not purchased in the rights offering to MFP at the subscription price of $3.50 per share. Combined, we sold and issued an aggregate of 3,500,000 shares of our common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $12.25 million.

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Summary of Cash Flows

The following table shows a summary of our cash flows for the six months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

      Six Months Ended
      December 31,
      2017     2016
Cash flows from operating activities   $ (16,669,045)   $ (5,985,615)
Cash flows from investing activities     (768,845)     (1,382,784)
Cash flows from financing activities     22,072,723      2,664,379 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     74,860      (92,185)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     4,709,693      (4,796,205)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     745,001      6,904,500 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 5,454,694    $ 2,108,295 

Operating Activities

For the six months ended December 31, 2017, operating activities used $16,669,045 in cash. Net loss plus and minus the adjustments for non-cash items as detailed on the statement of cash flows used $471,624 in cash, and changes in operating assets and liabilities as detailed on the statement of cash flows used $16,197,421 in cash. The decrease in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities was primarily driven by increases in inventory of $38,850,545 due to timing of the US harvest, partially offset by a corresponding increase in accounts payable of $25,606,471.

For the six months ended December 31, 2016, operating activities used $5,985,615 in cash. Net loss plus and minus the adjustments for non-cash items as detailed on the statement of cash flows provided $760,689 in cash, and changes in operating assets and liabilities as detailed on the statement of cash flows used $6,746,304 in cash. The decrease in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities was primarily driven by an increase in inventories of $20,836,483 partially offset by an increase in accounts payable (including related parties) of $13,560,771 and a decrease in accounts receivable of $1,820,501.

Investing Activities

Investing activities during the six months ended December 31, 2017 used $768,845 in cash. These activities consisted primarily of additions to a build out of a new research and development facility in Nampa, Idaho.

Investing activities during the six months ended December 31, 2016 used $1,382,784 in cash. These activities consisted primarily of additions to a build out of a new research and development facility in Nampa, Idaho and investment in internal use software.

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Financing Activities

Financing activities during the six months ended December 31, 2017 provided $22,072,723 in cash. We completed two separate private placements of common stock during the six months ended December 31, 2017 which raised net proceeds of $10.7 million in cash. In December 2017, we also completed the closing of our rights offering and backstop commitment with MFP. Pursuant to the rights offering and backstop commitment with MFP, we sold and issued an aggregate of 3,500,000 shares of our common stock in December 2017 for aggregate net proceeds of $11.8 million. On November 30, 2017, we entered into a secured note financing transaction for $12.5 million in gross proceeds. The proceeds from the secured note financing were used to repay the Pioneer Note. The repayment amount included the $2.5 million earn-out payment related to the Pioneer Acquisition that was added to the principal amount of the Pioneer Note in October 2017.

Financing activities during the six months ended December 31, 2016 provided $2,664,379 in cash. We had net borrowings of $5.6 million on our lines of credit and made $3.4 million of redemptions on our convertible debentures. We also generated $602,083 in net proceeds from the exercise of stock options during the six months ended December 31, 2016.

Inflation Risk

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, including our revenue and income from continuing operations. However, if our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases. Our inability or failure to do so could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements during the three and six months ended December 31, 2017.

Capital Resources and Requirements

Our future liquidity and capital requirements will be influenced by numerous factors, including:

  • the extent and duration of future operating income;
  • the level and timing of future sales and expenditures;
  • working capital required to support our growth;
  • investment capital for plant and equipment;
  • our sales and marketing programs;
  • investment capital for potential acquisitions;
  • our ability to renew and/or refinance our debt on acceptable terms;
  • competition; and
  • market developments.

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Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting policies and the use of accounting estimates are set forth in the footnotes to our consolidated financial statements.

In preparing our financial statements, we must select and apply various accounting policies. Our most significant policies are described in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements. In order to apply our accounting policies, we often need to make estimates based on judgments about future events. In making such estimates, we rely on historical experience, market and other conditions, and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. However, the estimation process is by its nature uncertain given that estimates depend on events over which we may not have control. If market and other conditions change from those that we anticipate, our results of operations, financial condition and changes in financial condition may be materially affected. In addition, if our assumptions change, we may need to revise our estimates, or to take other corrective actions, either of which may also have a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition or changes in financial condition. Members of our senior management have discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting estimates, and our disclosure regarding them, with the audit committee of our board of directors, and do so on a regular basis.

We believe that the following estimates have a higher degree of inherent uncertainty and require our most significant judgments. In addition, had we used estimates different from any of these, our results of operations, financial condition or changes in financial condition for the current period could have been materially different from those presented.

Intangible Assets

All amortizable intangible assets are assessed for impairment whenever events indicate a possible loss. Such an assessment involves estimating undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life of the intangible. If the review indicates that undiscounted cash flows are less than the recorded value of the intangible asset, the carrying amount of the intangible is reduced by the estimated cash-flow shortfall on a discounted basis, and a corresponding loss is charged to the consolidated statement of operations. Significant changes in key assumptions about the business, market conditions and prospects for which the intangible asset is currently utilized or expected to be utilized could result in an impairment charge.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 Stock Compensation, which establishes accounting for equity instruments exchanged for employee services. Under such provisions, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense, under the straight-line method, over the employee's requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant).

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We account for equity instruments, including stock options issued to non-employees, in accordance with authoritative guidance for equity-based payments to non-employees (FASB ASC 505-50). Stock options issued to non-employees are accounted for at their estimated fair value. The fair value of options granted to non-employees is re-measured as they vest.

We utilize the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of options granted under share-based compensation plans. The Black-Scholes-Merton model requires us to estimate a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the expected term of the award, stock price volatility, dividend rate, risk-free interest rate. The input factors to use in the valuation model are based on subjective future expectations combined with management judgment. The expected term used represents the weighted-average period that the stock options are expected to be outstanding. We have used the historical volatility for our stock for the expected volatility assumption required in the model, as it is more representative of future stock price trends. We use a risk-free interest rate that is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury issued with an equivalent remaining term at the time of grant. We have not paid dividends in the past and currently do not plan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future, and as such, dividend yield is assumed to be zero for the purposes of valuing the stock options granted. We evaluate the assumptions used to value stock awards on a quarterly basis. If factors change, and we employ different assumptions, share-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the past. When there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested securities, we may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned share-based compensation expense. To the extent that we grant additional equity securities to employees, our share-based compensation expense will be increased by the additional unearned compensation resulting from those additional grants.

Income Taxes

We regularly assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. To the extent management believes that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established. When a valuation allowance is established or increased, an income tax charge is included in the consolidated financial statements and net deferred tax assets are adjusted accordingly. Changes in tax laws, statutory tax rates and estimates of our future taxable income levels could result in actual realization of the deferred tax assets being materially different from the amounts provided for in the consolidated financial statements. If the actual recovery amount of the deferred tax asset is less than anticipated, we would be required to write-off the remaining deferred tax asset and increase the tax provision, resulting in a reduction of earnings and stockholders' equity.

Inventories

All inventories are accounted for on a lower of cost or market basis. Inventories consist of raw materials and finished goods as well as in the ground crop inventories. Depending on market conditions, the actual amount received on sale could differ from our estimated value of inventory. In order to determine the value of inventory at the balance sheet date, we evaluate a number of factors to determine the adequacy of provisions for inventory. The factors include the age of inventory, the amount of inventory held by type, future demand for products and the expected future selling price we expect to realize by selling the inventory. Our estimates are judgmental in nature and are made at a point in time, using available information, expected business plans and expected market conditions. We perform a review of our inventory by product line on a quarterly basis.

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Our subsidiary, SGI, does not fix the final price for seed payable to its growers until the completion of a given year's sales cycle pursuant to its standard contract production agreement. We record an estimated unit price accordingly, inventory, cost of revenue and gross profits are based upon management's best estimate of the final purchase price to our SGI growers. To the extent the estimated purchase price varies from the final purchase price for seed, the adjustment to actual could materially impact the results in the period when the difference between estimates and actuals are identified. If the actual purchase price is in excess of our estimated purchase price, this would negatively impact our financial results including a reduction in gross profits and earnings.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We regularly assess the collectability of receivables and provide an allowance for doubtful trade receivables equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts. That estimate is based on historical collection experience, current economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of each customer's trade accounts receivable. Our estimates are judgmental in nature and are made at a point in time. Management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts is appropriate to cover anticipated losses in our accounts receivable under current conditions; however, unexpected, significant deterioration in any of the factors mentioned above or in general economic conditions could materially change these expectations.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are a smaller reporting company and therefore, we are not required to provide information required by this item of Form 10-Q.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017 (the "Evaluation Date"). The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d- 15(f) under the Exchange Act) or in other factors that occurred during the period of our evaluation that have significantly affected, or are reasonably likely to significantly affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Our business and results of operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. While there have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report, which was filed with the SEC on September 20, 2017, you should carefully consider the risk factors described therein. The occurrence of any of the risks described in our Annual Report or herein could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or growth prospects or cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements we have made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and those we may make from time to time.

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.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

2.1

 

Fourth Amendment to Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Registrant and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., dated December 4, 2017.

3.1(1)

 

Registrant's Articles of Incorporation.

3.2(2)

 

Registrant's Second Amended and Restated Bylaws.

4.1

 

Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2.

4.2(3)

 

Form of Common Stock Certificate.

4.3(4)

 

Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant.

10.1(5)

 

Investment Agreement, by and between the Registrant and MFP Partners, L.P., dated October 3, 2017.

10.2(6)

 

Securities Purchase Agreement by and between the Registrant and Mark W. Wong, dated October 11, 2017.

10.3(6)

 

Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Registrant and Mark W. Wong, dated October 11, 2017.

10.5

 

Secured Promissory Notes issued by the Registrant in favor of Conterra Agricultural Capital, LLC, dated November 30, 2017 and related documents.

10.6

 

Third Amendment to Contract Alfalfa Production Services Agreement between the Registrant and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., dated December 21, 2017.

10.7

 

First Amendment to Research Agreement between the Registrant and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., dated December 21, 2017.

10.8(7)

 

Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Registrant and MFP Partners, L.P., dated December 22, 2017.

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

_________

(1)   Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 19, 2011.
(2)   Incorporated by reference to the Registrants' Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 16, 2015.
(3)   Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-164588), filed on April 23, 2010.
(4)   Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 31, 2014.
(5)   Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 4, 2017.
(6)   Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 12, 2017.
(7)   Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-222916), filed on February 7, 2018.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 8th day of February, 2018.

S&W SEED COMPANY 

   

By:      /s/ Matthew K. Szot          

          Matthew K. Szot

          Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
           (duly authorized on behalf of the registrant and
           principal financial and accounting officer)

 

 

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