aerogrow10q093012.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 


FORM 10-Q
 

 
(MARK ONE)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
 
OR
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
 
For the transition period from  ______________ to ______________
  
Commission File No. 001-33531
 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
NEVADA
46-0510685
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
 
6075 Longbow Drive, Suite 200, Boulder, Colorado
80301
 (Address of principal executive offices)
 (Zip Code)
 
(303) 444-7755
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes  x       No   o                
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

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

Large accelerated filer   o
Accelerated filer   o
 
Non-accelerated filer   o (Do not check if smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes o      No x
 
Number of shares of issuer's common stock outstanding as of November 9, 2012:  5,904,877
 
 
 

 
AeroGrow International, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-Q REPORT
September 30, 2012
 
PART I   Financial Information
 
     
Item 1.
3
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
7
     
Item 2.
18
Item 3.
32
Item 4.
32
     
PART II  Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
33
Item 1A.  
33
Item 2.
34
Item 3.
34
Item 4.
34
Item 5.
34
Item 6.
35
   
36
 
 
 


Item 1. Condensed Financial Statements 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
September 30, 2012
   
March 31, 2012
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
   
(Derived from
Audited Statements)
 
ASSETS            
Current assets
           
Cash
  $ 921,249     $ 501,577  
Restricted cash
    45,332       42,756  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of  $0 and $768 at September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012,  respectively
    45,804       221,713  
Other receivables
    100,202       197,076  
Inventory
    1,991,986       1,784,424  
Prepaid expenses and other
    603,332       309,340  
            Total current assets
    3,707,905       3,056,886  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of  $2,770,970 and $2,709,075 at September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively
    85,341       133,768  
Other assets
               
Intangible assets, net of $128,427 and $120,923 of accumulated
  amortization at September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively
    201,148       198,490  
Deposits
    145,201       145,744  
Deferred debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization
of $2,297,155 and $1,449,581 at September 30, 2012 and March 31,
2012,  respectively
    219,457       844,116  
            Total other assets
    565,806       1,188,350  
Total assets
  $ 4,359,052     $ 4,379,004  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
               
Current liabilities
               
Notes payable
  $ 1,047,565     $ 633,995  
Notes payable – related party
    246,611       307,821  
Current portion – long term debt – related party
    --       100,464  
Current portion – long term debt
    681,472       988,589  
Accounts payable
    384,562       607,840  
Accrued expenses
    218,997       252,562  
Customer deposits
    892       8,270  
Deferred rent
    6,967       6,207  
            Total current liabilities
    2,587,066       2,905,748  
Long term debt
    1,702,961       5,892,590  
Long term debt – related party
    --       702,708  
            Total liabilities
    4,290,027       9,501,046  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders' equity (deficit)
               
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
0 and 7,526 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012
and March 31, 2012, respectively
    --       8  
Common stock, $.001 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized,
5,904,877 and 210,319 shares issued and outstanding at
September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively
    590,441       20,994  
Additional paid-in capital
    74,790,623       62,602,533  
Accumulated deficit
    (75,312,039 )     (67,745,577 )
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)
    69,025       (5,122,042 )
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)
  $ 4,359,052     $ 4,379,004  

See accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements.
 
 
3


AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months ended September 30,
   
Six Months ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Product sales
  $ 1,144,260     $ 1,497,519     $ 2,560,793     $ 2,977,422  
Cost of revenue
    545,868       737,668       1,239,200       1,588,500  
Gross profit
    598,392       759,851       1,321,593       1,388,922  
                                 
Operating expenses
                               
Research and development
    115,114       6,470       208,138       28,533  
Sales and marketing
    432,061       332,941       883,238       846,941  
General and administrative
    439,674       542,241       1,017,290       1,256,560  
Total operating expenses
  $ 986,849     $ 881,652     $ 2,108,666     $ 2,132,034  
                                 
Loss from operations
    (388,457 )     (121,801 )     (787,073 )     (743,112 )
                                 
Other (income) expense, net
                               
Interest (income)
    (2 )     (2 )     (4 )     (14 )
Interest expense
    103,814       799,585       212,789       1,630,241  
Interest expense – related party
    4,444       111,238       16,094       229,579  
Debt conversion cost
    -       -       6,648,267       -  
Other (income)
    (98,059 )     (2,195 )     (97,757 )     (29,516 )
Total other expense, net
    10,197       908,626       6,779,389       1,830,290  
                                 
Net loss
  $ (398,654 )   $ (1,030,427 )   $ (7,566,462 )   $ (2,573,402 )
                                 
Net loss per share, basic
  $ (0.07 )   $ (5.34 )   $ (1.31 )   $ (13.35 )
                                 
Net loss per share, diluted
  $ (0.07 )   $ (5.34 )   $ (1.31 )   $ (13.35 )
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding , basic and diluted
    5,809,545       192,819       5,786,606       192,819  

See accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements.
 
 
4

 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
   
Six months ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net (loss)
  $ (7,566,462 )   $ (2,573,402 )
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to cash (used) provided  by operations:
               
Issuance of common stock and options under equity compensation plans
    124,791       133,828  
Issuance of common stock and options not under equity compensation plans
    3       --  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    70,477       172,642  
Bad debt expense
    (778 )     (15,714 )
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
    --       667  
Debt conversion costs associated with inducement
    3,461,637       --  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    847,574       338,695  
    Amortization of convertible debentures, beneficial conversion feature
    1,066,804       498,591  
    Amortization of convertible debentures, beneficial conversion
feature – related party
    188,924       90,935  
    Interest expense from warrants issued with convertible debentures
    954,687       436,249  
    Interest expense from warrants issued with convertible
debentures – related party
    186,881       86,187  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease in accounts receivable
    176,687       158,211  
Decrease in other receivable
    96,874       154,077  
(Increase) decrease in inventory
    (345,961 )     399,819  
Increase in financed inventory
    --       (52,416 )
(Increase) decrease in other current assets
    (293,992 )     153,230  
Decrease in deposits
    543       68,272  
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable
    (223,278 )     116,876  
Decrease in accrued expenses
    (5,479 )     (119,267 )
Increase in accrued interest
    71,450       243,408  
Increase  in accrued interest-related party
    13,260       52,456  
Decrease in customer deposits
    (7,378 )     (80,307 )
Increase (decrease) in deferred rent
    760       (2,470 )
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
  $ (1,181,976 )   $ 260,567  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Increase (decrease) in restricted cash
    (2,576 )     125,854  
Purchases of equipment
    (14,546 )     (4,179 )
Patent expenses
    (10,162 )     (18,307 )
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
  $ (27,284 )   $ 103,368  
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
(Increase) in prepaid debt issuance costs
    (46,129 )     --  
Proceeds from short term borrowings
    --       95,000  
Repayments of short term borrowings
    --       (367,377 )
Proceeds from notes payable, net
    1,040,722       --  
Proceeds from notes payable – related party, net
    245,000       --  
Repayments of notes payable
    (442,701 )     --  
Repayments of notes payable – related party
    (187,849 )     --  
Repayments of long term debt borrowings
    (161,009 )     (133,594 )
Repayments of long term debt borrowings – related party
    --       (211,301 )
Proceeds from the exercise and issuance of warrants
    1,180,898       --  
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
  $ 1,628,932     $ (617,272 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    419,672       (253,337 )
Cash, beginning of period
  $ 501,577       355,781  
Cash, end of period
  $ 921,249     $ 102,444  
 
See supplemental disclosures below and the accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements.
 
 
5

 
   
Six months ended September 30,
 
Cash paid during the year for:
 
2012
   
2011
 
Interest
  $ 59,153     $ 42,655  
    Income taxes
  $ --     $ --  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Decrease of debt associated with inventory consumption
  $ 138,399     $ --  
Issuance of common stock in accordance with credit card note
  $ 176,786     $ --  
Conversion of accrued expenses to common stock
  $ 28,086     $ --  
Conversion of  Note Payable to common stock
  $ 211,690     $ --  
Conversion of  Note Payable -related party to common stock
  $ 129,258     $ --  
Conversion of convertible  note to common stock
  $ 5,717,882     $ --  
Conversion of convertible note accrued interest to common stock
  $ 545,157     $ --  
Conversion of convertible note-related party to common stock
  $ 1,078,513     $ --  
Conversion of convertible note-related party accrued interest to common stock
  $ 102,828     $ --  
Conversion of accrued interest-related party to related party convertible debt
  $ --     $ 9,198  
Conversion of accrued interest to convertible debt
  $ --     $ 11,312  
 
 
6

 
AEROGROW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
1.  
Description of the Business

AeroGrow International, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “AeroGrow”, or “our”) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on March 25, 2002.  We are in the business of developing, marketing, and distributing advanced indoor aeroponic and hydroponic garden systems. After several years of initial research and product development, we began sales activities in March 2006. Since that time we have expanded all aspects of our operations in order to take advantage of what we believe to be an attractive market opportunity.  We currently offer four different indoor garden models, with each model available in different colors and trim styles, more than 40 seed kits, and various gardening and kitchen accessories.  Although our business is focused on the United States and Canada, our products are available in nine other countries.

During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 (“Fiscal 2010”), March 31, 2011 (“Fiscal 2011”), and March 31, 2012 (“Fiscal 2012”) we scaled back our operations as a result of the general economic downturn and the resulting decline in consumer spending.  We also determined that broad distribution through large retailers was not appropriate for a company at our stage of development because of relatively low profit margins, high capital requirements, and the operational requirements of our retailer customers.

As a consequence, beginning in late Fiscal 2010 and continuing through Fiscal 2012, we re-focused our efforts towards building our direct-to-consumer business, which carries higher margin opportunity.  To position our business for the future, we increased the depth and breadth of our direct sales distribution channels to include a direct mail catalogue business with approximately 900,000 catalogues mailed in Fiscal 2012, significantly increased our web-selling presence and developed a robust e-mail marketing program.  In addition, we have tested print ads in national magazines, infomercials, mall kiosks, and long-form and short-form infomercials, and may increase our use of these marketing vehicles in the future.  As a result of our efforts, sales derived from direct customers increased to approximately 89.8% in Fiscal 2012 and to approximately 92.5% in the first six months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 (“Fiscal 2013”).

To further our strategic shift towards direct-to-consumer selling, we began investigating the network marketing channel of distribution during Fiscal 2011.  Network marketing, which is also known as direct selling or multi-level marketing, involves person-to-person selling through independent distributors, which may represent a potential next step in our stated strategy to move the marketing and selling of AeroGrow products closer to the end consumer.  In April 2011, we entered into a Licensing Agreement with Cyrano Partners, LLC (“Cyrano”) under which Cyrano began to offer our products in the network marketing sales channel.  Simultaneously we entered into a Transaction Agreement with Cyrano to form a joint venture to pursue the network marketing sales channel, subject to the achievement of certain conditions precedent, including an obligation on the part of Cyrano to raise the capital necessary to fund the joint venture.  Cyrano was unable to satisfy the funding condition precedent and, in August 2011, the Licensing Agreement and the Transaction Agreement were terminated.  We believe that network marketing may represent a viable sales channel for our products, and are continuing to investigate potential strategies for entering this channel of distribution.
 
2.  
Liquidity, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, and Basis of Presentation

Interim Financial Information

The unaudited interim financial statements of the Company included herein have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim reporting including the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. These condensed statements do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for annual audited financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on June 26, 2012.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2012, the results of operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and the cash flows for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. The results of operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the expected results of operations for the full year or any future period. The balance sheet as of March 31, 2012 is derived from the Company’s audited financial statements.

The Company has incurred net losses since its inception, including a net loss for the six months ended September 30, 2012, of $7,566,462 that included the impact of $6,648,267 in one-time, non-cash accounting charges related to the conversion of the Company’s convertible debt into common equity during the six month period ended September 30, 2012.
 
 
7


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

On October 17, 2012, a 1-for-100 reverse stock split of AeroGrow’s common stock became effective.  As a result of the reverse stock split, every 100 shares of AeroGrow’s pre-reverse common stock were converted automatically into one share of common stock.  All references below to shares of common stock, common stock warrants, or common stock options have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split.  For additional information on the reverse stock split, please refer to Note 8. Subsequent Events in Part I Item 1. Financial Statements.

During Fiscal 2010 we began the process of restructuring our balance sheet and began efforts to re-capitalize the Company to address cash and liquidity constraints that were severe, at times, and had a material impact on the operations of the business.  During Fiscal 2010 we issued approximately $6.7 million of convertible preferred stock, restructured the amounts and payment timing of certain of our accounts payable, and reduced the amount of interest-bearing debt outstanding.  During Fiscal 2011, we issued $7.0 million in Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes and $1.5 million in short-term working capital debt.  In Fiscal 2012, we restructured the amounts and payment timing of certain of our accounts payable, issued $1.6 million in short-term working capital debt, restructured the payment schedule for a $2.1 million note payable to a supplier, and received approval from our stockholders and affected creditors to convert our Series A Preferred Stock and Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes into common stock.  The conversions of our convertible securities were completed on April 11, 2012.  In addition, during May 2012, we offered our warrant holders the opportunity to exercise their warrants at a reduced price, resulting in $1.59 million of new common equity capital from warrant exercises.  During September 2012, we closed on approximately $1.3 million in short-term working capital debt.

As a result of these efforts, we believe we can meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months.  We do intend to seek additional capital, however, to provide a cash reserve against contingencies, address the seasonal nature of our working capital needs, and to attempt to increase the scale of our business.  There can be no assurance we will be able to raise this additional capital, that we will be able to increase the scale of our business, or that our existing resources will be sufficient to meet all of our cash requirements.  In such an event, we would reduce the scale of our operations and take actions to reduce our cash requirements.  However, there can be no assurance that such actions would be successful.

Prospectively, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company being able to generate sufficient cash flows to meet its obligations on a timely basis, to obtain additional capital as may be required, and ultimately to attain profitable operations.  The Company’s liquidity projections are predicated on a variety of assumptions including, but not limited to, the timing and seasonality of working capital needs, revenue and expenses, cash flow from operations, access to sufficient funding, the levels of customer and consumer demand, the impact of cost reduction programs, and the state of the general economic environment in which the Company operates.  In the event these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, there could be material adverse changes to the Company’s liquidity position.

Significant Accounting Policies
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  It is reasonably possible that a change in the Company’s estimates will occur in the near term.

Net Income (Loss) per Share of Common Stock

The Company computes net income (loss) per share of common stock in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260.  ASC 260 requires companies with complex capital structures to present basic and diluted Earnings per Share (“EPS”).  Basic EPS is measured as the income or loss available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS but presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common stock (e.g., convertible securities, options, and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented. Potential shares of common stock that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.  All potentially dilutive securities outstanding have been excluded for the periods presented since their effect would be antidilutive.

Reclassifications

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

Concentrations of Risk

ASC 825-10-50-20 requires disclosure of significant concentrations of credit risk regardless of the degree of such risk.  Financial instruments with significant credit risk include cash.  The amount on deposit with a financial institution as of September 30, 2012 is fully guaranteed under the Transaction Account Guarantee program.

 
8


Customers:
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, and September 30, 2011, the Company had no customers that represented more than 5% of the Company’s net product sales. For the six months ended September 30, 2012, the Company had no customers that represented more than 5% of the Company’s net product sales. For the six months ended September 30, 2011, the Company had one customer who represented 5.7% of net product sales.

Suppliers:
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased inventories and other inventory-related items from four suppliers totaling $237,690, $137,871, $82,846 and $79,251, representing 43.5%, 25.3%, 15.2% and 14.5% of cost of revenue, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company purchased inventories and other inventory-related items from one supplier totaling $48,097 representing 5.8% of cost of sales. For the six months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased inventories and other inventory-related items from four suppliers totaling $325,209, $284,045, $137,677, and $118,733, representing 26.2%, 22.9%, 11.1% and 9.6% of cost of revenue, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2011, the Company purchased inventories and other inventory-related items from one supplier totaling $213,444 representing 12.7% of cost of sales.

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

Accounts Receivable:
As of September 30, 2012, the Company had no customers that represented more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding accounts receivable.  As of March 31, 2012, the Company had one customer, Canadian Tire Corporation, which represented 62.8% of the $221,713 in outstanding accounts receivables. Management believes that all receivables are collectible.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

The carrying value of financial instruments including receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximates their fair value at September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012 due to the relatively short-term nature of these instruments. As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the fair value of the Company's debt using Level 3 inputs was estimated using the discounted cash flow method, which is based on the future expected cash flows, discounted to their present values, using a discount rate of 20%.

   
September 30, 2012
   
March 31, 2012
 
   
Fair Value
   
Carry Value
   
Fair Value
   
Carry Value
 
Liabilities
                       
Notes payable
  $ 1,213,330     $ 1,294,176     $ 875,488     $ 941,816  
Notes payable discount
    -       -       -       -  
Long-term debt
    1,762,348       2,384,433       7,984,860       10,081,647  
Long-term debt discount
    -       -       -       (2,397,296 )
Total
  $ 2,975,678     $ 3,678,609     $ 8,860,348     $ 8,626,167  
 
As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis subsequent to initial recognition.
 
 
9


Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
The Company sells its products to retailers and consumers. Consumer transactions are primarily paid by credit card.  Retailer sales terms vary by customer, but generally range from net 30 days to net 90 days.  Accounts receivable are reported at net realizable value and net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company uses the allowance method to account for uncollectible accounts receivable. The Company's allowance estimate is based on a review of the current status of trade accounts receivable, which resulted in an allowance of $0 and $768 at September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively.

Other Receivables

In conjunction with the Company’s processing of credit card transactions for its direct-to-consumer sales activities and as security with respect to the Company’s performance for credit card refunds and charge backs, the Company is required to maintain a cash reserve with Litle and Company, the Company’s credit card processor. This reserve is equal to 5% of the credit card sales processed during the previous six months. As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the balance in this reserve account was $100,202 and $197,076, respectively.

Advertising and Production Costs

The Company expenses all production costs related to advertising, including print, television, and radio advertisements when the advertisement has been broadcast or otherwise distributed.  The Company records media costs related to its direct-to-consumer advertisements, inclusive of postage and printing costs incurred in conjunction with mailings of direct-response catalogues, and related direct-response advertising costs, in accordance with ASC 340-20-Reporting on Advertising Costs.  As prescribed by ASC 340-20-25, direct response advertising costs incurred are reported as assets and are amortized over the estimated period of the benefits, based on the proportion of current period revenue from the advertisement to probable future revenue.  As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the Company deferred $7,674 and $2,524, respectively, related to such media and advertising costs. Advertising expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 were $120,260 and $46,582, respectively. Advertising expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 were $290,717 and $185,193, respectively.

Inventory

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or market.  Included in inventory costs where the Company is the manufacturer are raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. The Company records the raw materials at delivered cost. Standard labor and manufacturing overhead costs are applied to the finished goods based on normal production capacity as prescribed under ASC 330 Inventory Pricing.  A majority of the Company’s products are manufactured overseas and are recorded at cost.
 
   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2012
 
Finished goods
 
$
1,167,350
   
$
913,267
 
Raw materials
   
824,636
     
871,157
 
   
$
1,991,986
   
$
1,784,424
 

The Company determines an inventory obsolescence reserve based on management’s historical experience and establishes reserves against inventory according to the age of the product. As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the Company had reserved $176,997 and $103,401 for inventory obsolescence, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

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

The Company records estimated reductions to revenue for customer and distributor programs and incentive offerings, including promotions, rebates, and other volume-based incentives.  Certain incentive programs require the Company to estimate based on industry experience the number of customers who will actually redeem the incentive. As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the Company had accrued $21,414 and $37,955, respectively, as its estimate for the foregoing deductions and allowances.

 
10

 
Warranty and Return Reserves

The Company records warranty liabilities at the time of sale for the estimated costs that may be incurred under its basic warranty program. The specific warranty terms and conditions vary depending upon the product sold but generally include technical support, repair parts, and labor for periods up to one year. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of installed units currently under warranty, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims on those units, and cost per claim to satisfy the Company’s warranty obligation.  Based upon the foregoing, the Company has recorded a provision for potential future warranty costs of $5,873 and $8,304 as of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively.

The Company reserves for known and potential returns from customers and associated refunds or credits related to such returns based upon historical experience. In certain cases, retailer customers are provided a fixed allowance, usually in the 1% to 2% range, to cover returned goods and this allowance is deducted from payments made to us by such customers. As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the Company has recorded a reserve for customer returns of $12,684 and $27,258, respectively.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance on the periodic testing of goodwill for impairment. This guidance will allow companies to assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more-likely-than-not that goodwill might be impaired and whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test required under current accounting standards. This new guidance was effective July 1, 2012, with early adoption permitted. This new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
In July 2012, FASB amended ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. This amendment is intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The amended provisions will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2014, and early adoption is permitted. This amendment impacts impairment testing steps only, and therefore adoption will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. This new guidance will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
3.  
Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Current Portion – Long Term Debt

On October 17, 2012, a 1-for-100 reverse stock split of AeroGrow’s common stock became effective.  As a result of the reverse stock split, every 100 shares of AeroGrow’s pre-reverse common stock were converted automatically into one share of common stock.  All references below to shares of common stock, common stock warrants, or common stock options have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split.  For additional information on the reverse stock split, please refer to Note 8. Subsequent Events in Part I Item 1. Financial Statements.

As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of the Company’s note payable and debt, including accrued interest, is as follows:
 
   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2012
 
Main Power Promissory Note
  $ 1,854,897     $ 1,999,297  
First Western Trust Term Loan
    452,874       578,445  
Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes
    -       5,032,188  
Notes Payable –Credit Card Receipts-Backed Notes
    1,294,176       941,815  
Pawnee Promissory Note
    76,662       74,422  
Total Debt
    3,678,609       8,626,167  
Less Notes Payable and Current Portion – Long Term Debt
    1,975,648       2,030,869  
Long Term Debt
  $ 1,702,961     $ 6,595,298  

Main Power Promissory Note

On June 30, 2009, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement (“Letter Agreement”) with Main Power Electrical Factory, Ltd. (“Main Power”) and executed a Promissory Note.  Pursuant to the terms of the Letter Agreement, Main Power agreed to release the Company from $1,386,041 of existing obligations owed by the Company to Main Power in return for the execution of the Promissory Note for the same amount.  In addition, the Letter Agreement included other provisions relating to the terms and conditions under which AeroGrow purchases AeroGarden products from Main Power.  The original Promissory Note had a final maturity of June 30, 2011, carried an interest rate of 8% per annum and called for principal payments of $150,000 monthly beginning January 31, 2011, with a final payment of all principal and accrued but unpaid interest due on June 30, 2011.

 
11

 
Effective as of December 31, 2010, AeroGrow and Main Power entered into an agreement to amend various obligations owed by AeroGrow to Main Power.  As part of the amendments, AeroGrow issued a new promissory note (the “Revised Main Power Note”) in the amount of $2,162,046.  The Revised Main Power Note retired and replaced the original Promissory Note, and also retired and replaced certain obligations totaling $661,446 relating to raw material and finished goods inventory purchased and/or manufactured by Main Power on behalf of AeroGrow.  The Revised Main Power Note had a final maturity of May 31, 2013, and carried an interest rate of 8% per annum.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, AeroGrow fell behind on the scheduled payments due under the Revised Main Power Note because of its cash constraints and reached an informal arrangement with Main Power to defer payments while a restructuring of the note was negotiated. Subsequently, the parties executed an amendment to the Revised Main Power Note that, effective as of December 31, 2011, restructured the amortization schedule for the Revised Main Power Note and extended the final maturity to December 15, 2015.  In addition, Main Power agreed to waive any existing defaults under the Revised Main Power Note.  The agreed revisions to the amortization schedule provide for monthly interest payments through the final maturity and principal payments totaling $3,000 during the fourth fiscal quarter of Fiscal 2012, $159,000 during Fiscal 2013, $555,000 during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, $725,000 during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, and $664,724 during the period April 2015 through December 2015.  In addition, any utilization by AeroGrow of consignment inventory held as collateral by Main Power further reduces the amount outstanding under the Revised Main Power Note.  As of September 30, 2012, the outstanding balance under the Revised Main Power Note, including accrued interest, totaled $1,854,897 and we were current and in compliance with all terms and conditions.

First Western Trust Term Loan

On May 21, 2010, the Company, First Western Trust Bank (“FWTB”) and Jack J. Walker, our Chairman, as guarantor, executed a business loan agreement and related promissory note (the “FWTB Term Loan”) for a four-year loan in an initial principal amount of $1 million.  The FWTB Term Loan is secured by a lien on our assets.  The FWTB Term Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.25% per annum.  We make equal monthly payments of principal/interest over the four-year term of the FWTB Term Loan, which has a final maturity date of May 21, 2014.  The terms and conditions of the FWTB Term Loan include limitations on the Company incurring additional debt and paying dividends on our stock without the consent of FWTB.  In the event of a default under the FWTB Term Loan, FWTB has the option to declare the loan immediately due and payable.  As of September 30, 2012, $452,874 was outstanding under the FWTB Term Loan, including accrued interest and we were current and in compliance with all terms and conditions.

Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes

Between May and September 2010, the Company completed a private offering of $7,020,000 in Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes (the “Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes”) and warrants to purchase 702,000 shares of our common stock (the “Warrants”).  We used the proceeds from the private offering to invest in advertising and marketing programs to support our direct-to-consumer business, provide general working capital, pay commissions and expenses related to the private offering, and repay certain outstanding obligations.  The issuance was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, those under Rule 506 of Regulation D (as promulgated under the Securities Act).  The Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes were offered and sold only to investors who were “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.

The Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes carried an interest rate of 8% per year, payable quarterly in cash, additional Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes, or in registered common stock of the Company, at the option of the Company, and had a maturity of May 6, 2013.  When issued, the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes could be converted into shares of our common stock at any time, initially at a conversion price of $10.00 per share (the “Conversion Price”).  The Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes were secured by a subordinated lien on all assets of the Company.

Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $20.00 per share, and contains customary anti-dilution rights (for stock splits, stock dividends and sales of substantially all our assets) and piggyback registration rights.  The Warrants expire May 6, 2015.

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company recorded a $6,980,400 debt discount on the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes because the combined value of the Warrants and the beneficial conversion feature (which was based on the excess of the market price of our shares on the date of issuance over the Conversion Price of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes) exceeded the amount of Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes issued.  The amortization of the $6,980,400 debt discount has been reported as additional interest expense and increases in long-term debt since the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes were issued.

Amortization of the debt discount on the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes amounted to $2,397,296 and $1,093,460 for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively, including the accelerated amortization caused by the conversion of all of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes and accrued interest into common stock on April 11, 2012, as discussed below.  As of September 30, 2012, there was no unamortized discount on the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes remaining.

 
12

 
We paid $534,263 in placement agent fees and related expenses in connection with the issuance of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes.  This amount was recognized as deferred debt issuance costs on our balance sheet.  These costs were amortized to expense over the life of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes.  In addition, we granted warrants to purchase our common stock to the placement agent for the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes (the “Placement Agent Warrants”).  We granted 70,200 Placement Agent Warrants with an exercise price of $10.00 per common share and 70,200 Placement Agent Warrants with an exercise price of $20.00 per common share.  The Placement Agent Warrants had a five-year term expiring May 6, 2015 and contained a cashless exercise provision.  The value of the Placement Agent Warrants was recognized as $1,518,600 in deferred debt issuance cost on our balance sheet, which was being amortized to expense over the life of the Subordinated Convertible Notes.  For the six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the amortized deferred debt issuance costs relating to the Subordinated Convertible Notes totaled $789,335 and $338,695, respectively, including the accelerated amortization caused by the conversion of all of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes and accrued interest into common stock on April 11, 2012, as discussed below.

As of October 31, 2010 and January 31, 2011, the Company issued a total of $369,385 new Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes to pay accrued interest (the “Interest Notes”).  The Interest Notes had the same terms and conditions as the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes.

Effective on April 29, 2011, a majority in interest of the holders of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes agreed to modify the terms of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes to (i) waive our obligations to make quarterly interest payments and (ii) provide that interest be paid in cash only.  These modifications were effective from April 29, 2011 through January 31, 2012.

On April 11, 2012, Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes totaling $7,444,380, inclusive of accrued interest of $647,985, were converted into 2,977,815 shares of the Company’s common stock, reflecting a conversion price of $2.50 per share of common stock.  Subsequent to the conversions, there were no remaining Notes or accrued interest outstanding.  The Note holders agreed to convert the Notes into common stock in exchange for the Company’s agreement to reduce the conversion price from $10.00 per share of common stock to $2.50 per share of common stock.  As a result of the conversion of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes into common equity, the Company recognized a total of $6,648,267 in non-cash expense comprising $3,461,637 of debt conversion costs on the exchange and $3,186,630 on the accelerated recognition of the debt discount and deferred debt issuance costs during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 and the six months ended September 30, 2012.

As of September 30, 2012, there were no Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes or accrued interest outstanding.

Notes Payable – 2010 Credit Card Receipts-Backed Notes

On October 28, 2010 and November 5, 2010, the Company closed on the private sale of $1.5 million in 15% secured convertible promissory notes, including $450,000 in 15% related party secured convertible promissory notes, backed by a portion of our prospective credit card receipts, (the “2010 Credit Card Notes”) and 50,000 warrants to purchase our common stock (the “Credit Card Warrants”) (collectively, the “2010 Credit Card Offering”). Consideration for the 2010 Credit Card Offering comprised $1.5 million in cash.  Net cash proceeds to the Company after deducting a 2% sales commission (1% on company-referred investors) paid to GVC Capital LLC, our placement agent, totaled $1,474,500.  In addition, the Company paid a 3% deferred sales commission (2% on company-referred investors) to the placement agent concurrently with the repayment of principal of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.

We used the proceeds from the 2010 Credit Card Offering to invest in advertising and marketing programs to support our direct-to-consumer business, provide general working capital, pay commissions and expenses related to the private offering, and repay certain outstanding obligations.  The issuance of the 2010 Credit Card Offering was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, those under Rule 506 of Regulation D (as promulgated under the Securities Act).  The 2010 Credit Card Offering was offered and sold to six (6) investors who are “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
 
The 2010 Credit Card Notes carried interest at 15% per annum, had an initial maturity of July 28, 2011, and could be converted at any time into common shares of the Company at a conversion price of $18.00 per share. Twenty percent of our daily credit card receipts were held in escrow with First Western Trust Bank under an Escrow and Account Control Agreement to fund bi-weekly payments of principal and interest to the investors in the 2010 Credit Card Offering.

Each Credit Card Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $20.00 per share, and contains customary anti-dilution rights (for stock splits, stock dividends and sales of substantially all our assets) and piggyback registration rights.  The Warrants expire October 28, 2015.

Our obligation to repay certain of the 2010 Credit Card Notes was severally guaranteed by Jack J. Walker, our Chairman (up to $500,000), J. Michael Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer (up to $200,000) and H. MacGregor Clarke, Chief Financial Officer (up to $100,000).  

 
13

 
In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company recorded a $90,000 debt discount on the 2010 Credit Card Offering.  The amortization of the $90,000 debt discount was reported as additional interest expense and increases in notes payable over the estimated payoff period of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.

We incurred $80,659 in paid and deferred placement agent fees and related expenses in connection with the issuance of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.  This amount was recognized as deferred debt issuance costs on our balance sheet.  These costs were amortized to interest expense over the estimated payoff period of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.  In addition, for nominal consideration, the Company sold a total of 13,334 warrants to purchase our common stock to the placement agent (the “Placement Agent Warrants”).  We issued 8,333 Placement Agent Warrants with an exercise price of $18.00 per share of common stock and 5,000 Placement Agent Warrants with an exercise price of $20.00 per share of common stock.  The Placement Agent Warrants had a five-year term and contained a cashless exercise provision.  The value of the Placement Agent Warrants was recognized as $30,000 in deferred debt issuance cost on our balance sheet, which was amortized to interest expense over the estimated payoff period of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.  

For the six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the total amortized deferred debt issuance costs relating to the 2010 Credit Card Offering were zero and $23,401, respectively.

Effective as of July 28, 2011, a majority in interest of the holders of the 2010 Credit Card Notes agreed to extend the maturity of the 2010 Credit Card Notes to October 31, 2011.  As of October 3, 2011, the 2010 Credit Card Notes were repaid in full.

Notes Payable – 2011 Credit Card Receipts-Backed Notes

During the three months ended December 31, 2011, we closed on the private sale of $1,633,776 in 17% secured promissory notes backed by a portion of our prospective credit card receipts, (the “2011 Credit Card Notes”) and a 1% share of our prospective monthly sales into the network marketing channel for a period of three years following our first sale into the network marketing channel (the “MLM Revenue Share”) (collectively, the “2011 Credit Card Offering”).  Consideration for the 2011 Credit Card Offering comprised $1,477,300 in cash and the conversion of $156,476 in other obligations of the Company, including $61,476 of deferred compensation owed to executive officers of the Company.  After deducting $46,565 of placement agent sales commissions (5% on third-party investors, 3% on Company-referred investors and 0% on investments by officers and directors of the Company) and expenses, net cash proceeds to the Company totaled $1,430,735.  In addition, the Company is obligated to pay a deferred sales commission to the placement agent equal to 10% of the MLM Revenue Share paid to investors in the 2011 Credit Card Offering (with the deferred sales commission reduced to 6% for payments to Company-referred investors and 0% on payments to officers and directors), concurrently with the payment of the MLM Revenue Share.

We used the proceeds from the 2011 Credit Card Offering to invest in advertising and marketing programs to support our direct-to-consumer business, purchase inventory, provide other general working capital, and pay commissions and expenses related to the private offering.  The issuance of the 2011 Credit Card Offering was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, those under Rule 506 of Regulation D (as promulgated under the Securities Act).  The 2011 Credit Card Offering was offered and sold only to investors who are, or the Company reasonably believed to be, “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.  Because the 2011 Credit Card Offering has not been registered under the Securities Act, the securities sold in the 2011 Credit Card Offering are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and investors will not be able to sell the securities in the United States absent an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration.

The 2011 Credit Card Notes bear interest at 17% per annum and had a final maturity of October 1, 2012.  20% of our daily credit card receipts were held in escrow with First Western Trust Bank under an Escrow and Account Control Agreement to fund bi-weekly payments of principal and interest to the investors in the Credit Card Offering.

The obligation of the Company to repay the Credit Card Notes was severally guaranteed by Jack J. Walker, our Chairman (up to $510,555), J. Michael Wolfe, our Chief Executive Officer (up to $204,222) and H. MacGregor Clarke, our Chief Financial Officer (up to $102,111).

During May 2012, $340,948 in 2011 Credit Card Notes (including accrued interest) were effectively repaid when note holders elected to offset the $340,948 balance due against payment of the exercise price on outstanding stock warrants.

As of September 13, 2012, the remaining balance and accrued interest on the 2011 Credit Card Notes were repaid in full.

Notes Payable – 2012 Credit Card Receipts-Backed Notes

On September 14, 2012, the Company closed on the private sale of $1,285,722 in Series 2012CC 15% secured promissory notes backed by a portion of the Company’s prospective credit card receipts, (the “2012 Credit Card Notes”) and 128,573 shares of common stock (collectively, the “2012 Credit Card Offering”).  Consideration for the 2012 Credit Card Offering comprised $1,285,722 in cash.  After deducting $46,128 of placement agent sales commissions (5% on third-party investors, 3% on Company-referred investors and 0% on investments by officers and directors of the Company) and expenses, net cash proceeds to the Company totaled $1,239,594.  In addition, the Company will issue 12,858 shares of common stock to the placement agent as additional sales compensation, representing one share of common stock for every 10 shares issued to investors in the 2012 Credit Card Offering.
 
The Company intends to use the proceeds from the 2012 Credit Card Offering to invest in advertising and marketing programs to support its direct-to-consumer business, purchase inventory, provide other general working capital, repay $198,406 of the 2011 Credit Card Notes (including accrued interest) and pay commissions and expenses related to the private offering.  The issuance of the 2012 Credit Card Offering was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), including, without limitation, those under Rule 506 of Regulation D (as promulgated under the Securities Act).  The 2012 Credit Card Offering was offered and sold only to investors who are, or the Company reasonably believed to be, “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.  Because the 2012 Credit Card Offering has not been registered under the Securities Act, the securities sold in the 2012 Credit Card Offering are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and investors will not be able to sell the securities in the United States absent an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration.

Directors and officers of the Company invested $245,000 in the 2012 Credit Card Offering and were issued 2012 Credit Card Notes with a face amount of $245,000 and 24,500 shares of common stock.  Investors having a beneficial ownership in the Company of more than 5% who are not also directors or officers of the Company invested $350,000 in the 2012 Credit Card Offering and were issued 2012 Credit Card Notes with a face amount of $350,000 and 35,000 shares of common stock.  The investments by the directors, officers, and investors having a beneficial ownership in the Company of more than 5%, were on the same terms and conditions as all other investors in the 2012 Credit Card Offering.
 
 
14

 
The 2012 Credit Card Notes bear interest at 15% per annum and have a final maturity of November 1, 2013.  20% of the Company’s daily credit card receipts will be held in escrow with First Western Trust Bank under an Escrow and Account Control Agreement to fund bi-weekly payments of principal and interest to the investors in the 2012 Credit Card Offering.

As of September 30, 2012, $1,294,176 was outstanding under the 2012 Credit Card Notes, including accrued interest and we were current and in compliance with all terms and conditions.

Pawnee Lease Promissory Note

On November 30, 2011, the Company executed a promissory note (the “Lease Promissory Note”) in the principal amount of $116,401 in favor of Pawnee Properties, LLC (“Pawnee”).  The Lease Promissory Note details the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Company will pay to Pawnee past due rent and building operating expenses related to our headquarters lease.  The Lease Promissory Note carries an interest rate of 6% per annum for the first twelve months, and 8% per annum thereafter.  Payments of principal and interest are due on the first day of each month during the periods: (i) December 2011 through April 2012 (aggregate payments for the period of $45,000); (ii) November 2012 through April 2013 (aggregate payments for the period of $45,000); and (iii) November 2013 through March 2014 (aggregate payments for the period of $36,064, which amount will be reduced by $4,500 in the event that all payments due during the term of the Lease Promissory Note are made on a timely basis).  The Lease Promissory Note can be prepaid at any time, at the option of the Company, without penalty.  In the event of a default in payment, the interest rate would be increased to 15% per annum and Pawnee would have the option to (i) declare the Lease Promissory Note to be immediately payable, or (ii) add the accrued interest to the principal balance.  As of September 30, 2012, the outstanding balance of the Lease Promissory Note, including accrued interest, was $76,662 and we were current and in compliance with all terms and conditions.
 
4.  
Equity Compensation Plans

On October 17, 2012, a 1-for-100 reverse stock split of AeroGrow’s common stock became effective.  As a result of the reverse stock split, every 100 shares of AeroGrow’s pre-reverse common stock were converted automatically into one share of common stock.  All references below to shares of common stock, common stock warrants, or common stock options have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split.  For additional information on the reverse stock split, please refer to Note 8. Subsequent Events in Part I Item 1. Financial Statements.

For the three and six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30 , 2011, the Company did not grant any options to purchase the Company’s common stock under the Company’s 2005 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2005 Plan”), respectively.

During the three months ended September 30, 2012 there were no options that were cancelled or that expired, and no shares of common stock were issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options under the 2005 Plan.  During the three months ended September 30, 2011, there were 773 options that were either were cancelled or expired and zero shares of common stock were issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options under the 2005 Plan.
 
During the six months ended September 30, 2012 there were no options that were cancelled or that expired, and no shares of common stock were issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options under the 2005 Plan.  During the six months ended September 30, 2011, there were 1,180 options that were either were cancelled or expired and zero shares of common stock were issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options under the 2005 Plan.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had granted options for 7,087 shares of the Company’s common stock that are unvested and that will result in $41,873 of compensation expense in future periods if fully vested.  

Information regarding all stock options outstanding under the 2005 Plan as of September 30, 2012 is as follows:

     
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
 
OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
 
           
Weighted-
                   
Weighted-
             
           
average
   
Weighted-
             
average
   
Weighted-
       
           
Remaining
   
average
  Aggregate        
Remaining
   
average
  Aggregate  
Exercise
         
Contractual
   
Exercise
  Intrinsic      
Contractual
   
Exercise
  Intrinsic  
price range
   
Options
   
Life (years)
   
Price
  Value  
Options
   
Life (years)
   
Price
  Value  
$ 7.00       6,210       3.17     $ 7.00           5,584       3.16     $ 7.00        
$ 8.00       77,910       3.18     $ 8.00           71,449       3.18     $ 8.00        
$ 12.00       8,025       0.97     $ 12.00           8,025       0.97     $ 12.00        
$ 13.00       690       1.86     $ 13.00           690       1.86     $ 13.00        
$ 14.00       2,000       2.72     $ 14.00           2,000       2.72     $ 14.00        
$ 18.00       9,750       1.42     $ 18.00           9,750       1.42     $ 18.00        
$ 20.00       1,700       1.64     $ 20.00           1,700       1.64     $ 20.00        
          106,285       2.81     $ 9.50  
              -
    99,206       2.78     $ 9.61  
             -
 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price and the exercise price of each in-the-money option on the last trading day of the period presented, which was September 28, 2012.

 
15

 
5.  
Income Taxes

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements.  This interpretation defines the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at the end of each period, based on enacted laws and statutory rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.  Any liability for actual taxes to taxing authorities is recorded as income tax liability. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  A valuation allowance is established against such assets where management is unable to conclude more likely than not that such asset will be realized. As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the Company recognized a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the net deferred tax asset balance and the Company has no unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions.
 
6.  
Related Party Transactions
 
See Note 3. Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Current Portion – Long Term Debt for disclosure of related party transactions.
 
7.  
Stockholders' Equity
 
On October 17, 2012, a 1-for-100 reverse stock split of AeroGrow’s common stock became effective.  As a result of the reverse stock split, every 100 shares of AeroGrow’s pre-reverse common stock were converted automatically into one share of common stock.  All references below to shares of common stock, common stock warrants, or common stock options have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split.  For additional information on the reverse stock split, please refer to Note 8. Subsequent Events in Part I Item 1. Financial Statements.

A summary of the Company’s common stock warrant activity for the period from April 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012 is presented below:

         
Weighted
       
   
Warrants
   
Average
   
Aggregate
 
   
Outstanding
   
Exercise Price
   
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding, April 1, 2012
    930,783     $ 27.00     $ 0.00  
Granted
    1,340,789       6.00          
Exercised (1)
    1,742,734       1.00          
Expired
    568       1.30          
Outstanding, September 30, 2012
    528,270     $ 22.00     $ 0.00  

 
(1)  Warrants were exercised at $1.00 per common share pursuant to a temporary warrant price reset in May 2012.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had the following outstanding warrants to purchase its common stock:

     
Weighted Average
 
Warrants Outstanding
   
Exercise Price
   
Remaining Life (Yrs)
 
  394,182     $ 7.00       4.53  
  122,603     $ 20.00       2.43  
  750     $ 25.00       2.02  
  2,750     $ 100.00       1.39  
  120     $ 207.00       0.75  
  7,200     $ 800.00       1.93  
  665     $ 825.00       1.85  
  528,270     $ 22.00       3.98  

 
16

 
A summary of the Company’s preferred stock warrant activity for the period from April 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012, is presented below:
 
         
Weighted
 
   
Warrants
   
Average
 
   
Outstanding
   
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding, April 1, 2012
    4,164     $ 1,250  
Granted
    -       -  
Exercised
    -       -  
Converted to Common Warrants (1)
    4,164     $ 1,250  
Expired
    -       -  
Outstanding, September 30, 2012
    -       -  
 
(1)  All outstanding preferred stock warrants were converted to common stock warrants as part of a series of restructuring actions that closed in April 2012.
 
8.  
Subsequent Events

As previously disclosed in the Company’s definitive Information Statement on Schedule 14C filed with the SEC on March 16, 2012,  the Company’s stockholders approved a proposal authorizing the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), in its discretion, to effect a reverse split of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock at a ratio of up to 1-for-300.  On July 27, 2012, the Board approved the reverse stock split at a 1-for-100 split ratio, and authorized management to file the documents necessary to effect the reverse split with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
 
On October 16, 2012, FINRA informed the Company that the 1-for-100 reverse split of the Company’s common stock would be effective at the market open on October 17, 2012.  Beginning on that date and continuing for 20 business days, a “D” was appended to the Company’s existing AERO ticker symbol (AEROD) to signify that the reverse split had taken place.  After the 20-business day period expires, the Company’s common stock will again trade under the ticker symbol “AERO”. In addition, the Company’s common stock has been assigned a new CUSIP number (00768m202).

As a result of the reverse stock split, every 100 shares of the Company’s pre-reverse split common stock were converted automatically into one share of common stock.  No cash or fractional shares were issued in connection with the reverse split, and instead the Company rounded up to the next whole share in lieu of issuing factional shares that would have been issued in the reverse split. The number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock, par value of the Company’s common stock, and rights of the Company’s common stockholders were not affected by the reverse split.  Proportional adjustments have been made to shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of the Company’s outstanding warrants and stock options in accordance with their terms.
 
 
17

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

The discussion contained herein is for the three and six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011.  The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of AeroGrow International, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “AeroGrow”, or “our”) and the notes to the financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2012 (this “Quarterly Report”). The following discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including statements that include words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “will,” or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief, or current expectations regarding our strategies, plans, and objectives, our product release schedules, our ability to design, develop, manufacture, and market products, the ability of our products to achieve or maintain commercial acceptance, our ability to obtain financing necessary to fund our future operations, and our ability to continue as a going concern. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that could cause or contribute to the differences are discussed in this Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012.  Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report. The information contained in this Quarterly Report is not a complete description of our business or the risks associated with an investment in our common stock. Each reader should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we made in this Quarterly Report and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

On October 17, 2012, a 1-for-100 reverse stock split of AeroGrow’s common stock became effective.  As a result of the reverse stock split, every 100 shares of AeroGrow’s pre-reverse common stock were converted automatically into one share of common stock.  All references below to shares of common stock, common stock warrants, or common stock options have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split.  For additional information on the reverse stock split, please refer to Note 8. Subsequent Events in Part I Item 1. Financial Statements.

Overview

AeroGrow International, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Nevada on March 25, 2002.  We are in the business of developing, marketing, and distributing advanced indoor aeroponic and hydroponic garden systems. After several years of initial research and product development, we began sales activities in March 2006. Since that time we have expanded all aspects of our operations in order to take advantage of what we believe to be an attractive market opportunity.  We currently offer four different indoor garden models, with each model available in different colors and trim styles, more than 40 seed kits, and various gardening and kitchen accessories.  Although our business is focused on the United States and Canada, our products are available in nine other countries.

During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 (“Fiscal 2010”), March 31, 2011 (“Fiscal 2011”), and March 31, 2012 (“Fiscal 2012”) we scaled back our operations as a result of the general economic downturn and the resulting decline in consumer spending.  We also determined that broad distribution through large retailers was not appropriate for a company at our stage of development because of relatively low profit margins, high capital requirements, and the operational requirements of our retailer customers.

As a result, beginning in late Fiscal 2010 and continuing through Fiscal 2012, we re-focused our efforts towards building our direct-to-consumer business, which carries higher margin opportunity.  To position our business for the future, we increased the depth and breadth of our direct-to-consumer sales distribution channels to include a direct mail catalogue business with approximately 900,000 catalogues mailed in Fiscal 2012, significantly increased our web-selling presence and developed a robust e-mail marketing program.  In addition, we have tested print ads in national magazines, infomercials, mall kiosks, and long-form and short-form infomercials, and may increase our use of these marketing vehicles in the future.  As a result of our efforts, sales derived from  direct customers increased to 89.8% in Fiscal 2012 and to approximately 97.3% in the first six months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 (“Fiscal 2013”).

To further our strategic shift towards direct-to-consumer selling, we began investigating the network marketing channel of distribution during Fiscal 2011.  Network marketing, which is also known as direct selling or multi-level marketing, involves person-to-person selling through independent distributors, which may represent a potential next step in our stated strategy to move the marketing and selling of AeroGrow products closer to the end consumer.  In April 2011, we entered into a Licensing Agreement with Cyrano Partners, LLC (“Cyrano”) under which Cyrano began to offer our products in the network marketing sales channel.  Simultaneously we entered into a Transaction Agreement with Cyrano to form a joint venture to pursue the network marketing sales channel, subject to the achievement of certain conditions precedent, including an obligation on the part of Cyrano to raise the capital necessary to fund the joint venture.  Cyrano was unable to satisfy the funding condition precedent and, in August 2011, the Licensing Agreement and the Transaction Agreement were terminated.  We believe that network marketing may represent a viable sales channel for our products, and are continuing to investigate potential strategies for entering this channel of distribution.
 
 
18

 
Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011

Summary Overview
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, total revenue of $1,144,260 was down 23.6%, or $353,259, relative to the same period in the prior year.  More than half the total decline was caused by a $191,239, or 96.8%, decline in sales to retailers resulting from our strategic decision to de-emphasize the large retail chain channel because of the low margins and high capital requirements of servicing this channel.  In addition, sales in our direct-to-consumer channels were down 12.3%, or $155,423, primarily because direct-to-consumer sales experienced a significant, but temporary spike following the termination of a test of the network marketing channel in the prior year period.  This test included a virtual cessation of direct-to-consumer promotional activity and increases in selling prices for most of our products for a three-month period.  Upon the termination of the test in early August 2011, we resumed direct-to-consumer marketing and reduced our selling prices, and experienced an immediate increase in direct-to-consumer sales activity, which we attributed to pent-up demand that had built up during the three-month test period.  The impact of the spike in prior year sales activity is evidenced by the trend in marketing efficiency, which we measure using the metric of dollars of direct-to-consumer revenue per dollar of advertising expense.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012, our marketing efficiency was $9.26, down from $27.23 for the same period in 2011.  However, for comparison, our marketing efficiency during the same period in 2010 was $8.68, and during the full fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 was $9.78. As a result, we believe that the results in the quarter ended September 30, 2011 were a non-recurring aberration that resulted from the release of pent-up demand and temporary spike in sales.

On a product line basis, we experienced a year-over-year increase in the mix of AeroGardens as a percent of total revenue as we began to shift more of our marketing efforts to prospecting for new AeroGarden customers.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012, AeroGarden sales represented 35.9% of total revenue, as compared to 31.7% in the prior year period.  Seed kit and accessory sales dropped as a percent of the total to 64.1% from 68.3% in the prior year period.  Both categories of products experienced year-over-year sales declines, reflecting the overall decline in sales discussed above.

Our gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was 52.3%, up from 50.7% in the prior year period, as we continued to benefit from efficiency gains in our assembly, fulfillment, and distribution operations, as well as a shift in sales mix towards the higher margin direct-to-consumer channels.

In aggregate, our total operating expenses increased 11.9%, or $105,197 year-over-year, principally because we invested $102,330 in higher new product development spending, and because we increased our advertising expenditures by $73,678.  While these investments depressed earnings in the current quarter, they represent critical elements in our longer-term strategy to grow revenue in future quarters.  These increases were partially offset by continued decreases in other overhead expenses that were achieved across a wide variety of spending categories.

As a result of  lower sales and the increases in investments in product development and advertising, our operating loss increased to $388,457 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $121,801 in the prior year period.

Other income and expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled to a net other expense of $10,197, as compared to net other expense of $908,626 in the prior year period.  The net other expense in the current year period included the impact of $80,389 in non-recurring gains relating to adjustments in estimates of certain accounts payable accounts.  For the three months ended September 30, 2011, net other expense included $709,808 in non-cash charges related to our convertible debt that was fully converted into common stock in April 2012.

The net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $398,654, less than the $1,030,427 loss in the prior year because the reduction in other expense more than offset the impact of the greater operating loss.

The following table sets forth, as a percentage of sales, our financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and the three months ended September 30, 2011:

    Three Months Ended September 30,  
   
      2012
   
2011
 
Net revenue
           
Direct-to-consumer
 
97.3
%
   
84.7
%
Retail
 
0.5
%
   
13.2
%
International
 
2.2
%
   
2.1
%
   Total net revenue
 
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
               
Cost of revenue
 
47.7
%
   
49.3
%
   Gross margins
 
52.3
%
   
50.7
 %
               
Operating expenses
             
Research and development
 
10.1
%
   
0.4
%
Sales and marketing
 
37.8
%
   
22.2
%
General and administrative
 
38.4
%
   
36.2
%
     Total operating expenses
 
86.3
%
   
58.8
%
Loss from operations
 
(34.0
)%
   
(8.1
)%

 
19

 
Revenue
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, revenue totaled $1,144,260, a year-over-year decrease of 23.6% or $353,259, from the three months ended September 30, 2011.

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Net Revenue
 
2012
 
2011
 
Direct-to-consumer
 
$
1,113,056
 
$
1,268,479
 
Retail
   
6,419
   
197,658
 
International
   
24,785
   
31,382
 
Total
 
$
1,144,260
 
$
1,497,519
 

Direct-to-consumer sales for the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $1,113,056, down $155,423 or 12.3%, from the prior year period.  The year-over-year decline reflects a comparison to an anomalous time period in the prior year during which direct-to-consumer revenue experienced a temporary spike due to several factors, principally the  pent-up demand following the early August 2011 termination of a planned joint venture to enter the network marketing sales channel.  During the period leading up to the joint venture termination, our direct-to-consumer sales were constrained because of our efforts to test the network marketing channel.  This test included reductions in our direct-to-consumer advertising and promotional activity, and significant price increases on our products to ensure parity with the prices being offered to customers in the network marketing channel.  Subsequent to the termination of the joint venture, we reduced our average selling prices and resumed direct-to-consumer advertising and promotions, which resulted in the release of pent-up demand and an immediate short term increase in direct-to-consumer sales activity.  During the current year quarter, there were no such effects, and, as a result, year-over-year direct-to-consumer revenue declined.  As evidence of the prior year temporary spike in revenue, during the three months ended September 30, 2012, direct-to-consumer sales per dollar of advertising expense averaged $9.26 as compared to $27.23 in the prior year period, $8.68 during the same period in 2010, and $9.78 for the full fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

Sales to retailer customers for the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $6,419, down $191,239, or 96.8%, from the same period a year earlier, principally reflecting our effective exit of the large “brick and mortar” retail sales channel because of the low margins and high capital requirements associated with this channel.

International sales for the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $24,785, down $6,597 or 21.0% from the same period in the prior fiscal year.  At this time we are not actively attempting to develop our international markets and therefore sales in both periods principally reflect the timing of reorders from existing international distributors only.

Our products consist of AeroGardens, and seed kits and accessories.  A summary of the sales of these two product categories for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Product Revenue
           
AeroGardens
 
$
411,302
   
$
475,184
 
Seed kits and accessories
   
732,958
     
1,022,335
 
Total
 
$
1,144,260
   
$
1,497,519
 
% of Total Revenue
               
AeroGardens
   
35.9
%
   
31.7
%
Seed kits and accessories
   
64.1
%
   
68.3
%
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%

AeroGarden sales decreased $63,882, or 13.4%, from the prior year period reflecting the overall impact of the comparison to the 2011 direct-to-consumer sales spike and the effective exit from the large retail sales channel.  Sales of seed kits and accessories, which represent a recurring revenue stream generated by the 1,075,438 AeroGardens we have sold to-date, decreased $289,377, or 28.3%.  The seed kit and accessory sales spike was disproportionately higher in 2011 relative to AeroGardens because the price reductions on these products following the termination of the network marketing test were greater.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012, sales of seed kits and accessories represented 64.1% of total revenue, as compared to 68.3% in the prior year period.

 
20

 
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $545,868, a decrease of $191,800, or 26.0%, from the three months ended September 30, 2011.  Cost of revenue includes product costs for purchased and manufactured products, freight costs for inbound freight from manufacturers, costs related to warehousing and the shipping of products to customers, credit card processing fees for direct sales, and duties and customs applicable to products imported.  The dollar amount of cost of revenue decreased because of the decline in product sales volume, as well as because of cost reductions in our seed kit assembly, fulfillment, and distribution operations.  As a percent of total revenue, cost of revenue represented 47.7% of revenue as compared to 49.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  The decrease in costs as a percent of revenue reflected the efficiencies achieved in our assembly, fulfillment, and distribution operations and a greater mix of higher-margin direct-to-consumer revenue.

Gross Margin
Our gross margin varies based upon the factors impacting net revenue and cost of revenue as discussed above, as well as the mix of our revenue that comes from the retail, direct-to-consumer, and international channels.  In a direct-to-consumer sale, we recognize as revenue the full consumer purchase price for the product.  In retail and international sales, by comparison, we recognize as revenue the wholesale price for the product which we charge to the retailer or international distributor.  Media costs associated with direct sales are included in sales and marketing expenses.  For international sales, margins are structured based on the distributor purchasing products by letter of credit or cash in advance terms with the distributor bearing all of the marketing and distribution costs within its territory.  As a result, international sales generally have lower gross margins than domestic retail sales.  The gross margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was 52.3% as compared to 50.7% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
 
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing costs for the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $432,061, as compared to $332,941 for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 29.8%, or $99,120.  Sales and marketing costs include all costs associated with the marketing, sales, operations, customer support, and sales order processing for our products, and consisted of the following:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Advertising
  $ 120,260     $ 46,582  
Personnel
    249,097       227,720  
Sales commissions
    2,372       6,689  
Trade shows
    1,745       -  
Other
    58,587       51,950  
    $ 432,061     $ 332,941  

Advertising expense is principally comprised of the costs of development, production, printing, and postage for our catalogues, mailing and web media costs for search and affiliate web marketing programs, and developing and employing other forms of advertising.  Each of these are key components of our integrated marketing strategy because they help build awareness of, and consumer demand for, our products, in addition to generating direct-to-consumer sales.  Advertising expense totaled $120,260 for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, a year-over-year increase of 158.2%, or $73,768, primarily because we mailed more catalogues during the current year period, and because of the comparison to the prior year in which liquidity issues severely constrained our ability to invest in advertising spending.

Sales and marketing personnel costs include salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits and other payroll costs for our sales, operations, customer service, graphics and marketing departments.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012, personnel costs for sales and marketing were $249,097, up $21,377 or 9.4% from the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The increase reflected the combined effects of a mandatory employee furlough program that was instituted in the prior year, and an accrual for potential performance-based fiscal year-end incentive compensation payments in the current year.

Other marketing expenses increased year-over-year principally because of a public relations program that was initiated during the current year quarter.

General and Administrative
General and administrative costs for the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $439,674, as compared to $542,241 for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of 18.9%, or $102,567.  The decrease reflected a $42,218 decrease in depreciation and amortization expense, a $25,970 decrease in rent resulting from the re-negotiation of our headquarters lease, and decreases in a variety of spending categories, which were partially offset by increases in legal fees and corporate governance costs.
 
Research and Development
Research and development costs for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 totaled $115,114, an increase of $108,644 from the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  The increase principally reflected expenses related to design and consulting service expenses we incurred to support new product development activities.

 
21

 
Operating Loss and EBITDA
Our operating loss for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $388,457, an increase of $266,656 from the operating loss of $121,801 for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The increased loss reflected the impact of lower sales and significantly higher spending on marketing and new product development costs, partially offset by the impact of the higher gross margin and lower operating expenses.

As a non-U.S. GAAP measure of our operating performance, we track earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) as an indicator of our ability to generate cash, which we define as Operating Profit or Loss excluding the non-cash depreciation, amortization and stock based compensation expense incurred during the period.  As calculated in the table below, our EBITDA loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 totaled $292,152, which was $313,822 lower than the $21,670 EBITDA profit recognized during the prior year quarter.

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating loss
 
$
(388,457
)
 
$
(121,801
)
Add back non-cash items:
               
   Depreciation
   
31,236
     
71,699
 
   Amortization
   
3,662
     
5,417
 
   Stock based compensation
   
61,407
     
66,355
 
      Total non-cash items
   
96,305
     
143,471
 
 EBITDA
 
$
(292,152
)
 
$
21,670
 

The U.S. GAAP measure most directly comparable to EBITDA is net earnings. The non-U.S. GAAP financial measure of EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings. EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with U.S. GAAP and has important limitations as an analytical tool. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Because EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net earnings and is defined differently by different companies, our definition of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
 
Other Income and Expense
Other income and expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled to a net other expense of $10,197, as compared to net other expense of $908,626 in the prior year period.  The net other expense in the current year period included the impact of $80,389 in non-recurring gains relating to adjustments in estimates of certain accounts payable accounts.  For the three months ended September 30, 2011, net other expense included $709,808 in non-recurring non-cash charges related to our convertible debt that was fully converted into common stock in April 2012.

Net Loss
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, we incurred a  net loss of $398,654 as compared to a net loss of $1,030,427 for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The decrease in the net loss was a result of the reduction in other income and expense, partially offset by the increased operating loss.

Six Months Ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011

Summary Overview
For the six months ended September 30, 2012, total revenue of $2,560,793 was down 14.0%, or $416,629, relative to the same period in the prior year.  An 85.6%, or $298,480, decline in sales to retailers resulting from our strategic decision to de-emphasize the large retail chain channel because of the low margins and high capital requirements of servicing this channel accounted for approximately 72% of the total sales decline.  Sales in our direct-to-consumer channels were also down, by 4.5%, or $116,157, as an increase in sales in the first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012, was more than offset by declines in the quarter ended September 30, 2012.  The sales decline in the most recent quarter was primarily attributable to a significant, but temporary spike following the termination of a test of the network marketing channel in the prior year period.  This test included a virtual cessation of direct-to-consumer promotional activity and increases in selling prices for most of our products for a three-month period.  Upon the termination of the test in early August 2011, we resumed direct-to-consumer marketing and reduced our selling prices, and experienced an immediate increase in direct-to-consumer sales activity, which we attributed to pent-up demand that had built up during the three-month test period.  The impact of the spike in prior year sales activity is evidenced by the trend in marketing efficiency, which we measure using the metric of dollars of direct-to-consumer revenue per dollar of advertising expense.  For the six months ended September 30, 2012, our marketing efficiency was $8.41, down from $13.83 for the same period in 2011.  However, for comparison, our marketing efficiency in the same period in 2010 was $7.47, and for our full fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 was $9.83. As a result, we believe that the results in the quarter ended September 30, 2011 were a non-recurring aberration that resulted from the release of pent-up demand and temporary spike in sales.

 
22

 
On a product line basis, we saw a year-over-year increase in the mix of AeroGardens as a percent of total revenue.  For the six months ended September 30, 2012, AeroGarden sales represented 36.3% of total revenue, as compared to 34.4% in the prior year period.  Seed kit and accessory sales dropped as a percent of the total to 63.7% from 65.6% in the prior year period.  Both categories of products experienced year-over-year sales declines, reflecting the overall decline in sales discussed above.

Our gross margin for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was 51.6%, up from 46.6% in the prior year period, as we continued to benefit from efficiency gains in our assembly, fulfillment, and distribution operations, and a shift in sales mix towards the higher margin direct-to-consumer channels.

In aggregate, our total operating expenses increased 1.1%, or $23,368, as reductions in overhead spending were more than offset by greater investment in new product development and advertising, which were up $183,180 and $105,524, respectively on a year-over-year basis.
 
The effects of lower sales and increases in product development and advertising spending were to a large extent offset by the impact of the gross margin improvement and the overhead expense reductions. As a  result, our operating loss increased by only $43,961 to $787,073 for the six months ended September 30, 2012, from $743,112 in the prior year period.

Other income and expense for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled to a net other expense of $6,779,389, as compared to net other expense of $1,830,290 in the prior year period.  The net other expense in the current year period included the impact of $6,648,267 in debt conversion costs and $80,389 in non-recurring gains relating to adjustments in estimates of certain accounts payable accounts.  The net loss for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $7,566,462, greater than the $2,573,402 loss in the prior year principally because the increase in net other expense related to non-recurring, non-cash charges resulting from the conversion of our convertible debt into common equity in April 2012.

The following table sets forth, as a percentage of sales, our financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and the three months ended September 30, 2011:

     
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
     
      2012
   
2011
 
Net revenue
             
Direct-to-consumer
   
95.5
%
   
86.0
%
Retail
   
2.0
%
   
11.7
%
International
   
2.5
%
   
2.3
%
   Total net revenue
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
                 
Cost of revenue
   
48.4
%
   
53.4
%
   Gross margins
   
51.6
%
   
46.6
%
                 
Operating expenses
               
Research and development
   
8.1
%
   
1.0
%
Sales and marketing
   
34.5
%
   
28.4
%
General and administrative
   
39.7
%
   
42.2
%
     Total operating expenses
   
82.3
%
   
71.6
%
Loss from operations
   
(30.7
)%
   
(25.0
)%

Revenue
For the six months ended September 30, 2012, revenue totaled $2,560,793, a year-over-year decrease of 14.0% or $416,629, from the six months ended September 30, 2011.

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
Net Revenue
 
2012
 
        2011
 
Direct-to-consumer
 
$
2,445,211
 
$
2,561,368
 
Retail
   
50,202
   
348,682
 
International
   
65,380
   
67,372
 
Total
 
$
2,560,793
 
$
2,977,422
 

 
23

 
Direct-to-consumer sales for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $2,445,211, down $116,157 or 4.5%, from the prior year period.  The decrease principally reflects the offsetting effects of a year-over-year increase in direct-to-consumer sales in the first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012, and a comparison to an anomalous time period in the quarter ended September 30, 2011, during which direct-to-consumer revenue experienced a temporary spike due to several factors, principally the pent-up demand arising after the early August  2011 termination of a planned joint venture to enter the network marketing sales channel.  During the period leading up to the joint venture termination in 2011, our direct-to-consumer sales were constrained because of our efforts to test the network marketing channel.  This test included reductions in our direct-to-consumer advertising and promotional activity, and significant price increases on our products to ensure parity with the prices being offered to customers in the network marketing channel.  Subsequent to the termination of the joint venture, we reduced our average selling prices and resumed direct-to-consumer advertising and promotions, which resulted in an immediate short term increase in direct-to-consumer sales activity which we attributed to pent-up demand.  During the six months ended September 30, 2012, direct-to-consumer sales per dollar of advertising expense totaled $8.41 as compared to $13.83 in the prior year period.  The decrease in dollars of revenue per dollar of advertising expense primarily reflected the impacts of the temporary spike in revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2011, the increased utilization of catalog mailings and other marketing methods to prospect for customers in the current year period, lower average selling prices for our products year-over-year, and a comparison to the prior year in which advertising spending was severely constrained by liquidity issues.

Sales to retailer customers for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $50,202, down $298,480, or 85.6%, from the same period a year earlier, principally reflecting our effective exit of the large retail sales channel because of the low margins and high capital requirements associated with this channel, and because of a comparison to the prior year that included in retail revenue the impact of a test of distribution into the network marketing channel.

International sales for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $65,380, down $1,992 from the same period in the prior fiscal year.  At this time we are not actively attempting to develop our international markets and therefore sales in both periods principally reflect the timing of reorders from existing international distributors only.

Our products consist of AeroGardens, and seed kits and accessories.  A summary of the sales of these two product categories for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 is as follows:

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Product Revenue
           
AeroGardens
 
$
930,491
   
$
1,022,748
 
Seed kits and accessories
   
1,630,302
     
1,954,674
 
Total
 
$
2,560,793
   
$
2,977,422
 
% of Total Revenue
               
AeroGardens
   
36.3
%
   
34.4
%
Seed kits and accessories
   
63.7
%
   
65.6
%
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%

AeroGarden sales decreased $92,257, or 9.0%, from the prior year  period, principally reflecting the decrease in retail sales and the comparison to the spike in direct-to-consumer sales experienced in the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  Sales of seed kits and accessories decreased $324,372, or 16.6%, also reflecting the pent-up demand and price reductions in the prior year period after we terminated the network marketing test.  For the six months ended September 30, 2012, sales of seed kits and accessories represented 63.7% of total revenue, as compared to 65.6% in the prior year period.

Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $1,239,200, a decrease of $349,300, or 22.0%, from the six months ended September 30, 2011.  The dollar amount of cost of revenue decreased because of the decline in sales volume, as well as  cost reductions in our seed kit assembly, fulfillment, and distribution operations.  As a percent of total revenue, cost of revenue represented 48.4% of revenue as compared to 53.4% for the six months ended September 30, 2011.  The decrease in costs as a percent of revenue reflected the efficiencies achieved in our assembly, fulfillment, and distribution operations and a greater mix of higher-margin direct-to-consumer revenue.

Gross Margin
The gross margin for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was 51.6% as compared to 46.6% for the six months ended September 30, 2011.
 
 
24

 
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing costs for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $883,238, as compared to $846,941 for the six months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 4.3%, or $36,297.

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
 
             2011
 
Advertising
 
$
290,717
 
$
185,193
 
Personnel
   
477,508
   
502,705
 
Sales commissions
   
7,651
   
12,907
 
Trade shows
   
1,745
   
-
 
Other
   
105,617
   
146,136
 
   
$
883,238
 
$
846,941
 

Advertising expense totaled $290,717 for the six months ended September 30, 2012, a year-over-year increase of 57.0%, or $105,524, primarily because we mailed more catalogues during the current year period, and because liquidity issues severely constrained our ability to invest in advertising spending during the prior year period.

Sales and marketing personnel costs include salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits and other payroll costs for our sales, operations, customer service, graphics and marketing departments.  For the six months ended September 30, 2012, personnel costs for sales and marketing were $477,508, down from $502,705 for the six months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of 5.0%.  The decrease principally reflected a lower level of full-time staffing equivalents in the current year period and  a mandatory furlough program was in place for several months during the prior year.

Other marketing expenses decreased year-over-year because of reductions in a variety of spending categories.

General and Administrative
General and administrative costs for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $1,017,290, as compared to $1,256,560 for the six months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of 19.0%, or $239,270.  The decrease reflected a $102,165 decrease in depreciation and amortization expense, a $44,456 decrease in legal fees, a $47,010 decrease in general corporate expenses, and decreases in a variety of spending categories, which were partially offset by a $35,523 increase in corporate governance costs.
 
Research and Development
Research and development costs for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $208,138, an increase of 629.5%, or $179,605, from the six months ended September 30, 2011.  The increase principally reflected expenses related to design and consulting service expenses we incurred to support new product development activities.

Operating Loss and EBITDA
Our operating loss for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $787,073, an increase of $43,961 from the operating loss of $743,112 for the six months ended September 30, 2011.  The higher loss principally reflected the increased spending on marketing and product development costs combined with the impact of lower sales, which were offset to a large extent by the higher gross margins achieved through operating efficiencies.

As a non-U.S. GAAP measure of our operating performance, we track earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) as an indicator of our ability to generate cash, which we define as Operating Profit or Loss excluding the non-cash depreciation, amortization and stock based compensation expense incurred during the period.  As calculated in the table below, our EBITDA loss for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $591,805, which was $155,163 higher than the $436,642 EBITDA loss recognized during the prior year period.
 
 
25


   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating loss
 
$
(787,073
)
 
$
(743,112
)
Add back non-cash items:
               
   Depreciation
   
62,973
     
162,939
 
   Amortization
   
7,504
     
9,703
 
   Stock based compensation
   
124,791
     
133,828
 
      Total non-cash items
   
195,268
     
306,470
 
 EBITDA
 
$
(591,805
)
 
$
(436,642
)

The U.S GAAP measure most directly comparable to EBITDA is net earnings. The non-U.S. GAAP financial measure of EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings. EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with U.S. GAAP and has important limitations as an analytical tool. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Because EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net earnings and is defined differently by different companies, our definition of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
 
Other Income and Expense
Other income and expense for the six months ended September 30, 2012 totaled to a net other expense of $6,779,389, as compared to net other expense of $1,830,290 in the prior year period.  The net other expense in the current year period included the impact of $6,648,267 in non-recurring, non-cash debt conversion costs $80,389 in non-recurring gains relating to adjustments in estimates of certain accounts payable accounts.

Net Loss
The net loss for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $7,566,462, which was greater than the $2,573,402 loss in the prior year principally because the increase in net other expense related to non-recurring, non-cash charges resulting from the conversion of our convertible debt into common equity in April 2012.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

After adjusting the net loss for non-cash items and changes in operating assets and liabilities, the net cash used by operating activities totaled $1,181,976 for the six months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to cash provided of $260,567 in the prior year period.  The increase in cash utilization in the current year period primarily reflected the higher operating loss combined with incremental investments in inventory and progress payments for the fabrication of tooling for new products scheduled to be released in advance of our peak selling season (November through February), and a reduction in accounts payable balances.

Non-cash items, comprising depreciation, amortization, loss on disposal of fixed assets, bad debt allowances, expense related to the issuance of common stock and options amortization of debt issuance costs, amortization of the beneficial conversion feature related to convertible debentures, and interest expense from warrants issued with convertible debentures, totaled to a net gain of $6,901,000 for the six months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to a net gain of $1,742,080 in the prior year period.  The increase principally reflected non-cash charges arising from the conversion of convertible debt into common equity in April 2012.

Changes in current assets used net cash of $356,849 during the six months ended September 30, 2012, principally from increases in inventory and in prepaid assets, most notably the tooling progress payments noted above.  These cash usages were partially offset by a decline in net accounts receivable that principally reflected the impact of our effective exit of the large chain retail channel.

As of September 30, 2012, the total inventory balance was $1,991,986, representing approximately 191 days of sales activity, and 336 days of sales activity, at the average daily rate of product cost expensed during the twelve months and three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.  The days in inventory calculation based on the three months of sales activity can be greatly impacted by the seasonality of our sales, which are at a low seasonal level during our fiscal second quarter ending September 30.  The inventory balance is net of reserves and  is expected to be used or consumed in the ordinary course of business.

Current operating liabilities decreased $150,665 during the six months ended September 30, 2012, principally because of a decrease in accounts payable.  Accounts payable as of September 30, 2012 totaled $384,562, representing approximately 17 days of daily expense activity, and 23 days of daily expense activity, at the average daily rate of expenses incurred during the twelve months and three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

Net investment activity used $27,284 of cash in the current year period, principally because of investments in equipment and in the development of our patent portfolio.

Net financing activity provided net cash of $1,628,932 during the six months ended September 30, 2012, principally reflecting $2,466,620 in proceeds from the exercise of warrants and from the issuance of short term working capital notes, partially offset by $791,559 in debt repayments.

 
26

 
As of September 30, 2012, we had a cash balance of $966,581, of which $45,332 was restricted as collateral for various corporate obligations.  This compares to a cash balance of $544,333 as of March 31, 2012, of which $42,756 was restricted.

On October 17, 2012, a 1-for-100 reverse stock split of AeroGrow’s common stock became effective.  As a result of the reverse stock split, every 100 shares of AeroGrow’s pre-reverse common stock were converted automatically into one share of common stock.  All references below to shares of common stock, common stock warrants, or common stock options have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split.  For additional information on the reverse stock split, please refer to Note 8. Subsequent Events in Part I Item 1. Financial Statements.

As of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of our note payable and debt, including accrued interest, was as follows:
 
   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2012
 
Main Power Promissory Note
  $ 1,854,897     $ 1,999,297  
First Western Trust Term Loan
    452,874       578,445  
Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes
    -       5,032,188  
Notes Payable –Credit Card Receipts-Backed Notes
    1,294,176       941,815  
Pawnee Promissory Note
    76,662       74,422  
Total Debt
    3,678,609       8,626,167  
Less Notes Payable and Current Portion – Long Term Debt
    1,975,648       2,030,869  
Long Term Debt
  $ 1,702,961     $ 6,595,298  

We use, or have used, a variety of debt funding sources to meet our liquidity requirements, including the following:

Main Power Promissory Note

On June 30, 2009, we entered into a Letter Agreement (“Letter Agreement”) with Main Power Electrical Factory, Ltd. (“Main Power”) and executed a Promissory Note.  Pursuant to the terms of the Letter Agreement, Main Power agreed to release AeroGrow from $1,386,041 of existing obligations owed to Main Power in return for the execution of the Promissory Note for the same amount.  In addition, the Letter Agreement included other provisions relating to the terms and conditions under which we purchase AeroGarden products from Main Power.  The original Promissory Note had a final maturity of June 30, 2011, carried an interest rate of 8% per annum and called for principal payments of $150,000 monthly beginning January 31, 2011, with a final payment of all principal and accrued but unpaid interest due on June 30, 2011.

Effective as of December 31, 2010, AeroGrow and Main Power entered into an agreement to amend various obligations owed by AeroGrow to Main Power.  As part of the amendments, AeroGrow issued a new promissory note (the “Revised Main Power Note”) in the amount of $2,162,046.  The Revised Main Power Note retired and replaced the original Promissory Note, and also retired and replaced certain obligations totaling $661,446 relating to raw material and finished goods inventory purchased and/or manufactured by Main Power on behalf of AeroGrow.  The Revised Main Power Note had a final maturity of May 31, 2013, and carried an interest rate of 8% per annum.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, we fell behind on the scheduled payments due under the Revised Main Power Note because of its cash constraints and reached an informal arrangement with Main Power to defer payments while a restructuring of the note was negotiated. Subsequently, the parties executed an amendment to the Revised Main Power Note that, effective as of December 31, 2011, restructured the amortization schedule for the Revised Main Power Note and extended the final maturity to December 15, 2015.  In addition, Main Power agreed to waive any existing defaults under the Revised Main Power Note.  The agreed revisions to the amortization schedule provide for monthly interest payments through the final maturity and principal payments totaling $3,000 during the fourth fiscal quarter of Fiscal 2012, $159,000 during Fiscal 2013, $555,000 during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, $725,000 during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, and $664,724 during the period April 2015 through December 2015.  In addition, any utilization by AeroGrow of consignment inventory held as collateral by Main Power further reduces the amount outstanding under the Revised Main Power Note.  As of September 30, 2012, the outstanding balance under the Revised Main Power Note, including accrued interest, totaled $1,854,897and we were current and in compliance with all terms and conditions.

First Western Trust Term Loan

On May 21, 2010, AeroGrow, First Western Trust Bank (“FWTB”) and Jack J. Walker, our Chairman, as guarantor, executed a business loan agreement and related promissory note (the “FWTB Term Loan”) for a four-year loan in an initial principal amount of $1 million.  The FWTB Term Loan is secured by a lien on our assets.  The FWTB Term Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.25% per annum.  We make equal monthly payments of principal/interest over the four-year term of the FWTB Term Loan, which has a final maturity date of May 21, 2014.  The terms and conditions of the FWTB Term Loan include limitations on AeroGrow incurring additional debt and paying dividends on our stock without the consent of FWTB.  In the event of a default under the FWTB Term Loan, FWTB has the option to declare the loan immediately due and payable.  As of September 30, 2012, $452,874 was outstanding under the FWTB Term Loan, including accrued interest and we were current and in compliance with all terms and conditions.

 
27

 
Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes

Between May and September 2010, we completed a private offering of $7,020,000 in Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes (the “Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes”) and warrants to purchase 70,200 shares of our common stock (the “Warrants”).  We used the proceeds from the private offering to invest in advertising and marketing programs to support our direct-to-consumer business, provide general working capital, pay commissions and expenses related to the private offering, and repay certain outstanding obligations.  The issuance was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, those under Rule 506 of Regulation D (as promulgated under the Securities Act).  The Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes were offered and sold only to investors who were “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.

The Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes carried an interest rate of 8% per year, payable quarterly in cash, additional Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes, or in registered common stock of AeroGrow, at our option, and had a maturity of May 6, 2013.  When issued, the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes could be converted into shares of our common stock at any time, initially at a conversion price of $10.00 per share (the “Conversion Price”).  The Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes were secured by a subordinated lien on all of our assets.

Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $20.00 per share, and contains customary anti-dilution rights (for stock splits, stock dividends and sales of substantially all our assets) and piggyback registration rights.  The Warrants expire May 6, 2015.

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we recorded a $6,980,400 debt discount on the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes because the combined value of the Warrants and the beneficial conversion feature (which was based on the excess of the market price of our shares on the date of issuance over the Conversion Price of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes) exceeded the amount of Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes issued.  The amortization of the $6,980,400 debt discount has been reported as additional interest expense and increases in long-term debt since the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes were issued.

Amortization of the debt discount on the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes amounted to $2,397,296 and $1,093,460 for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively, including the accelerated amortization caused by the conversion of all of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes and accrued interest into common stock on April 11, 2012, as discussed below.  As of September 30, 2012, there was no unamortized discount on the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes remaining.

We paid $534,263 in placement agent fees and related expenses in connection with the issuance of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes.  This amount was recognized as deferred debt issuance costs on our balance sheet.  These costs were amortized to expense over the life of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes.  In addition, we granted warrants to purchase our common stock to the placement agent for the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes (the “Placement Agent Warrants”).  We granted 70,200 Placement Agent Warrants with an exercise price of $10.00 per common share and 70,200 Placement Agent Warrants with an exercise price of $20.00 per common share.  The Placement Agent Warrants had a five-year term expiring May 6, 2015 and contained a cashless exercise provision.  The value of the Placement Agent Warrants was recognized as $1,518,600 in deferred debt issuance cost on our balance sheet, which was being amortized to expense over the life of the Subordinated Convertible Notes.  For the six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the amortized deferred debt issuance costs relating to the Subordinated Convertible Notes totaled $789,335 and $338,685, respectively, including the accelerated amortization caused by the conversion of all of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes and accrued interest into common stock on April 11, 2012, as discussed below.

As of October 31, 2010 and January 31, 2011, we issued a total of $369,385 new Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes to pay accrued interest (the “Interest Notes”).  The Interest Notes had the same terms and conditions as the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes.

Effective on April 29, 2011, a majority in interest of the holders of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes agreed to modify the terms of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes to (i) waive our obligations to make quarterly interest payments and (ii) provide that interest be paid in cash only.  These modifications were effective from April 29, 2011 through January 31, 2012.

On April 11, 2012, Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes totaling $7,444,380, inclusive of accrued interest of $647,985, were converted into 2,977,815 shares of our common stock, reflecting a conversion price of $2.50 per share of common stock.  Subsequent to the conversions, there were no remaining Notes or accrued interest outstanding.  The Note holders agreed to convert the Notes into common stock in exchange for our agreement to reduce the conversion price from $10.00 per share of common stock to $2.50 per share of common stock.  As a result of the conversion of the Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes into common equity, we recognized a total of $6,648,267 in non-cash expense comprising $3,461,637 of debt conversion costs on the exchange and $3,186,630 on the accelerated recognition of the debt discount and deferred debt issuance costs during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 and the six months ended September 30, 2012.

As of September 30, 2012, there were no Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes or accrued interest outstanding.

Notes Payable – 2010 Credit Card Receipts-Backed Notes

On October 28, 2010 and November 5, 2010, we closed on the private sale of $1.5 million in 15% secured convertible promissory notes, including $450,000 in 15% related party secured convertible promissory notes, backed by a portion of our prospective credit card receipts, (the “2010 Credit Card Notes”) and 50,000 warrants to purchase our common stock (the “Credit Card Warrants”) (collectively, the “2010 Credit Card Offering”). Consideration for the 2010 Credit Card Offering comprised $1.5 million in cash.  Net cash proceeds to AeroGrow after deducting a 2% sales commission (1% on company-referred investors) paid to GVC Capital LLC, our placement agent, totaled $1,474,500.  In addition, we paid a 3% deferred sales commission (2% on company-referred investors) to the placement agent concurrently with the repayment of principal of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.

 
28

 
We used the proceeds from the 2010 Credit Card Offering to invest in advertising and marketing programs to support our direct-to-consumer business, provide general working capital, pay commissions and expenses related to the private offering, and repay certain outstanding obligations.  The issuance of the 2010 Credit Card Offering was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities, including, without limitation, those under Rule 506 of Regulation D (as promulgated under the Securities Act).  The 2010 Credit Card Offering was offered and sold to six (6) investors who are “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
 
The 2010 Credit Card Notes carried interest at 15% per annum, had an initial maturity of July 28, 2011, and could be converted at any time into common shares of AeroGrow at a conversion price of $18.00 per share.   Twenty percent of our daily credit card receipts were held in escrow with First Western Trust Bank under an Escrow and Account Control Agreement to fund bi-weekly payments of principal and interest to the investors in the 2010 Credit Card Offering.

Each Credit Card Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $20.00 per share, and contains customary anti-dilution rights (for stock splits, stock dividends and sales of substantially all our assets) and piggyback registration rights.  The Warrants expire October 28, 2015.

Our obligation to repay certain of the 2010 Credit Card Notes was severally guaranteed by Jack J. Walker, our Chairman (up to $500,000), J. Michael Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer (up to $200,000) and H. MacGregor Clarke, Chief Financial Officer (up to $100,000).  

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we recorded a $90,000 debt discount on the 2010 Credit Card Offering.  The amortization of the $90,000 debt discount was reported as additional interest expense and increases in notes payable over the estimated payoff period of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.

We incurred $80,659 in paid and deferred placement agent fees and related expenses in connection with the issuance of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.  This amount was recognized as deferred debt issuance costs on our balance sheet.  These costs were amortized to interest expense over the estimated payoff period of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.  In addition, for nominal consideration, we sold a total of 13,334 warrants to purchase our common stock to the placement agent (the “Placement Agent Warrants”).  Placement Agent Warrants of 8,334 were issued and had an exercise price of $18.00 per share of common stock.  Of the Placement Agent Warrants, 5,000 have an exercise price of $20.00 per share of common stock.  The Placement Agent Warrants had a five-year term and contained a cashless exercise provision.  The value of the Placement Agent Warrants was recognized as $30,000 in deferred debt issuance cost on our balance sheet, which was amortized to interest expense over the estimated payoff period of the 2010 Credit Card Notes.  

For the six months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the total amortized deferred debt issuance costs relating to the 2010 Credit Card Offering were zero and $23,401, respectively.

Effective as of July 28, 2011, a majority in interest of the holders of the 2010 Credit Card Notes agreed to extend the maturity of the 2010 Credit Card Notes to October 31, 2011.  As of October 3, 2011, the 2010 Credit Card Notes were repaid in full.

Notes Payable – 2011 Credit Card Receipts-Backed Notes

During the three months ended December 31, 2011, we closed on the private sale of $1,633,776 in 17% secured promissory notes backed by a portion of our prospective credit card receipts, (the “2011 Credit Card Notes”) and a 1% share of our prospective monthly sales into the network marketing channel for a period of three years following our first sale into the network marketing channel (the “MLM Revenue Share”) (collectively, the “2011 Credit Card Offering”).  Consideration for the 2011 Credit Card Offering comprised $1,477,300 in cash and the conversion of $156,476 in other obligations of the Company, including $61,476 of deferred compensation owed to executive officers of AeroGrow.  After deducting $46,565 of placement agent sales commissions (5% on third-party investors, 3% on company-referred investors and 0% on investments by our officers and directors) and expenses, net cash proceeds to AeroGrow totaled $1,430,735.  In addition, we are obligated to pay a deferred sales commission to the placement agent equal to 10% of the MLM Revenue Share paid to investors in the 2011 Credit Card Offering (with the deferred sales commission reduced to 6% for payments to company-referred investors and 0% on payments to officers and directors), concurrently with the payment of the MLM Revenue Share.

We used the proceeds from the 2011 Credit Card Offering to invest in advertising and marketing programs to support our direct-to-consumer business, purchase inventory, provide other general working capital, and pay commissions and expenses related to the private offering.  The issuance of the 2011 Credit Card Offering was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, those under Rule 506 of Regulation D (as promulgated under the Securities Act).  The 2011 Credit Card Offering was offered and sold only to investors who are, or we reasonably believed to be, “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.  Because the 2011 Credit Card Offering has not been registered under the Securities Act, the securities sold in the 2011 Credit Card Offering are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and investors will not be able to sell the securities in the United States absent an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration.

The 2011 Credit Card Notes bear interest at 17% per annum and had a final maturity of October 1, 2012.  20% of our daily credit card receipts were held in escrow with First Western Trust Bank under an Escrow and Account Control Agreement to fund bi-weekly payments of principal and interest to the investors in the Credit Card Offering.
 
The obligation of AeroGrow to repay the Credit Card Notes was severally guaranteed by Jack J. Walker, our Chairman (up to $510,555), J. Michael Wolfe, our Chief Executive Officer (up to $204,222) and H. MacGregor Clarke, our Chief Financial Officer (up to $102,111).
 
During May 2012, $340,948 in 2011 Credit Card Notes (including accrued interest) were effectively repaid when note holders elected to offset the $340,948 balance due against payment of the exercise price on outstanding stock warrants.

 
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As of September 13, 2012, the remaining balance and accrued interest on the 2011 Credit Card Notes were repaid in full.

Notes Payable – 2012 Credit Card Receipts-Backed Notes

On September 14, 2012, we closed on the private sale of $1,285,722 in Series 2012CC 15% secured promissory notes backed by a portion of our prospective credit card receipts, (the “2012 Credit Card Notes”) and 128,573 shares of common stock (collectively, the “2012 Credit Card Offering”).  Consideration for the 2012 Credit Card Offering comprised $1,285,722 in cash.  After deducting $46,128 of placement agent sales commissions (5% on third-party investors, 3% on company-referred investors and 0% on investments by our officers and directors) and expenses, net cash proceeds to AeroGrow totaled $1,239,594.   In addition, we will issue 112,858 shares of common stock to the placement agent as additional sales compensation, representing one share of common stock for every 10 shares issued to investors in the 2012 Credit Card Offering.

We intend to use the proceeds from the 2012 Credit Card Offering to invest in advertising and marketing programs to support its direct-to-consumer business, purchase inventory, provide other general working capital, repay $198,406 of the 2011 Credit Card Notes (including accrued interest) and pay commissions and expenses related to the private offering.  The issuance of the 2012 Credit Card Offering was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), including, without limitation, those under Rule 506 of Regulation D (as promulgated under the Securities Act).  The 2012 Credit Card Offering was offered and sold only to investors who are, or we reasonably believed to be, “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.  Because the 2012 Credit Card Offering has not been registered under the Securities Act, the securities sold in the 2012 Credit Card Offering are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and investors will not be able to sell the securities in the United States absent an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration.

Our directors and officers invested $245,000 in the 2012 Credit Card Offering and were issued 2012 Credit Card Notes with a face amount of $245,000 and 24,500 shares of common stock.  Investors having a beneficial ownership in AeroGrow of more than 5% who are not also directors or officers invested $350,000 in the 2012 Credit Card Offering and were issued 2012 Credit Card Notes with a face amount of $350,000 and 35,000 shares of common stock.  The investments by the directors, officers, and investors having a beneficial ownership in AeroGrow of more than 5% were on the same terms and conditions as all other investors in the 2012 Credit Card Offering.

The 2012 Credit Card Notes bear interest at 15% per annum and have a final maturity of November 1, 2013.  20% of our daily credit card receipts will be held in escrow with First Western Trust Bank under an Escrow and Account Control Agreement to fund bi-weekly payments of principal and interest to the investors in the 2012 Credit Card Offering.

As of September 30, 2012, $1,294,176 was outstanding under the 2012 Credit Card Notes, including accrued interest and we were current and in compliance with all terms and conditions.

Pawnee Lease Promissory Note

On November 30, 2011, we executed a promissory note (the “Lease Promissory Note”) in the principal amount of $116,401 in favor of Pawnee Properties, LLC (“Pawnee”).  The Lease Promissory Note details the terms and conditions pursuant to which we will pay to Pawnee past due rent and building operating expenses related to our headquarters lease.  The Lease Promissory Note carries an interest rate of 6% per annum for the first twelve months, and 8% per annum thereafter.  Payments of principal and interest are due on the first day of each month during the periods: (i) December 2011 through April 2012 (aggregate payments for the period of $45,000); (ii) November 2012 through April 2013 (aggregate payments for the period of $45,000); and (iii) November 2013 through March 2014 (aggregate payments for the period of $36,064, which amount will be reduced by $4,500 in the event that all payments due during the term of the Lease Promissory Note are made on a timely basis).  The Lease Promissory Note can be prepaid at any time, at our option, without penalty.  In the event of a default in payment, the interest rate would be increased to 15% per annum and Pawnee would have the option to (i) declare the Lease Promissory Note to be immediately payable, or (ii) add the accrued interest to the principal balance.  As of September 30, 2012, the outstanding balance of the Lease Promissory Note, including accrued interest, was $76,662 and we were current and in compliance with all terms and conditions.
 
Cash Requirements

We generally require cash to:

·  
fund our operations and working capital requirements,
·  
develop and execute our product development and market introduction plans,
·  
execute our sales and marketing plans,
·  
fund research and development efforts, and
·  
pay debt obligations as they come due.
 
At this time, we believe our existing cash, along with the cash generated by our anticipated results from operations, will be sufficient to meet our needs for the next twelve months.  We do intend to seek additional capital, however, to provide a cash reserve against contingencies, address the seasonal nature of our working capital needs, and to attempt to increase the scale of our business.  There can be no assurance we will be able to raise this additional capital, that we will be able to increase the scale of our business, or that our existing resources will be sufficient to meet all of our cash requirements.  In such an event we would reduce the scale of our operations and take actions to reduce our cash requirements.  However, there can be no assurance that such actions would be successful. 

We cannot predict with certainty the cash and other ongoing operational requirements for our proposed plans as market conditions, competitive pressures, regulatory requirements, and customer requirements can change rapidly.  If we are unable to raise new capital, or generate cash from operations at currently estimated levels, our ability to operate may be adversely impacted.

 
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At this time, we do not expect to enter into additional capital leases to finance major purchases.  In addition, we do not currently have any binding commitments
with third parties to obtain any material amount of equity or debt financing other than the financing arrangements described in this report.
 
Assessment of Future Liquidity and Future Results of Operations

Liquidity
To assess our ability to fund ongoing operating requirements, we developed assumptions regarding operating cash flow.  Critical sources of funding, and key assumptions and areas of uncertainty include:

·  
our cash of $966,581 ($45,332 of which is restricted as collateral for our various corporate obligations) as of September 30, 2012,
·  
our cash of $518,177 ($59,861 of which is restricted as collateral for our various corporate obligations) as of November 7, 2012,
·  
continued support of, and extensions of credit by, our suppliers and lenders,
·  
our historical pattern of increased sales between September and March, and lower sales volume from April through August,
·  
the level of spending necessary to support our planned initiatives, and
·  
our sales to consumers, retailers, and international distributors, and the resulting cash flow from operations, which will depend in great measure on the success of the planned direct-to-consumer sales initiatives.

Based on these assumptions, we believe our existing cash, along with the cash generated by our anticipated results from operations, will be sufficient to meet our needs for the next twelve months.  We do intend to seek additional capital, however, to provide a cash reserve against contingencies, address the seasonal nature of our working capital needs, and to attempt to increase the scale of our business.  There can be no assurance we will be able to raise this additional capital, that we will be able to increase the scale of our business, or that our existing resources will be sufficient to meet all of our cash requirements.  In such an event we would reduce the scale of our operations and take actions to reduce our cash requirements.  However, there can be no assurance that such actions would be successful.

Future Results of Operations
There are several factors that could affect our future results of operations.  These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

·  
the effectiveness of our consumer marketing efforts in generating both direct-to-consumer sales, and sales to consumers by our retailer customer,
·  
uncertainty regarding the impact of macroeconomic conditions on consumer spending,
·  
uncertainty regarding the capital markets and our access to sufficient capital to support our current and projected scale of operations,
·  
the seasonality of our business, in which we have historically experienced higher sales volume during the fall and winter months (September through March), and
·  
a continued, uninterrupted supply of product from our third-party manufacturing suppliers in China.

During Fiscal 2010, Fiscal 2011, and Fiscal 2012 we took a number of actions to address our liquidity issues.  Specifically, we re-focused our efforts on building our direct-to-consumer business, which we believe carries higher margin opportunities than our retailer business.  We also reduced the number of retailers that carry our products in order to focus on those retailers that have proven to be the best and most profitable business partners.  During Fiscal 2010 we issued approximately $6.7 million of convertible preferred stock to re-capitalize AeroGrow, restructured the amounts and payment timing of certain of our accounts payable, and reduced the amount of interest-bearing debt outstanding.  Furthermore, during Fiscal 2011 we issued $7,020,000 in Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes and $1.5 million in 2010 Credit Card Notes (as described above).
 
In Fiscal 2012, we restructured the amounts and payment timing of certain of our accounts payable, issued $1.6 million in 2011 Credit Card Notes (as described above), restructured the payment schedule for the Revised Main Power Note, and received approval from our stockholders and affected creditors to convert our Series A Preferred Stock and Subordinated Secured Convertible Notes into common stock.  These conversions closed on April 11, 2012.  In addition, during May 2012, we offered our warrant holders the opportunity to exercise their warrants at a reduced price, and raised $1.6 million in common equity capital.  During September 2012, we closed on the sale of approximately $1.3 million in 2012 Credit Card Notes (as described above).  As a result of these efforts, we believe we can meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months.  We do intend to seek additional capital, however, to provide a cash reserve against contingencies, and to enable us to invest further in trying to increase the scale of our business.  There can be no assurance we will be able to raise this additional capital, or that our existing resources will be sufficient to meet all of our cash requirements.  In such an event we would reduce the scale of our operations and take such actions as are available to us to reduce our cash requirements.  However, there can be no assurance that such actions would be successful.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

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

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

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

(b) Changes in Internal Controls
 
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could have significantly affected those controls during the three months ended September 30, 2012.
 
 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
None

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risks of the Reverse Stock Split

As discussed above in “Note 8. Subsequent Events” to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the 1-for-100 reverse stock split of our common stock (the “Reverse Split”) became effective on October 17, 2012.  As disclosed in our definitive Information Statement on Schedule 14C filed with the SEC on March 16, 2012, there are certain risks associated with a reverse stock split.

There can be no assurance that the total market capitalization of our common stock (the aggregate value of all our common stock at the then market price) after the Reverse Split will be equal to or greater than the total market capitalization before the proposed Reverse Split or that the per share market price of our common stock following the Reverse Split will either equal or exceed the current per share market price.

There can be no assurance that the market price per new share of our common stock after the Reverse Split will remain unchanged or increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of old shares of our common stock outstanding before the Reverse Split. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock after the proposed Reverse Split may be lower than the total market capitalization before the proposed Reverse Split and, in the future, the market price of our common stock following the Reverse Split may not exceed or remain higher than the market price prior to the proposed Reverse Split.

After the Reverse Split, the resulting per share stock price may not attract institutional investors or investment funds and may not satisfy the investing guidelines of such investors and, consequently, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not improve.

While the board believes that a higher stock price may help generate investor interest, there can be no assurance that the Reverse Split will result in a per share price that will attract institutional investors or investment funds or that such share price will satisfy the investing guidelines of institutional investors or investment funds. As a result, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not necessarily improve.

A decline in the market price of our common stock after the Reverse Split may result in a greater percentage decline than would occur in the absence of a Reverse Split, and the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected following such a Reverse Split.

If the market price of our common stock declines after the Reverse Split, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of a Reverse Split. The market price of our common stock will, however, also be based on our performance and other factors, which are unrelated to the number of shares outstanding. Furthermore, the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the Reverse Split could adversely affect the liquidity of our common stock. 

Additional Risk

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, future results, and the trading price of our common stock. In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should also carefully consider the factors described in “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012, which could materially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, future results, and the trading price of our common stock.

 
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Reverse Stock Split

On October 17, 2012, a 1-for-100 reverse stock split of AeroGrow’s common stock became effective.  As a result of the reverse stock split, every 100 shares of AeroGrow’s pre-reverse common stock were converted automatically into one share of common stock.  All references below to shares of common stock, common stock warrants, or common stock options have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split.  For additional information on the reverse stock split, please refer to Note 8. Subsequent Events in Part I Item 1. Financial Statements.
 
2012 Credit Card Offering

Investors in the 2012 Credit Card Offering (as described above in the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources) were issued 128,573 shares of common stock of the Company (the “Offering Shares”).  Each investor was issued 0.10 Offering Shares for every dollar that was invested in the Credit Card Offering.  In addition, the Company will issue 12,858 shares of common stock of the Company to the placement agent (the “Placement Agent Shares”) as sales compensation equal to one share for every 10 shares issued to investors in the Credit Card Offering.  The issuance of the Offering Shares and Placement Agent Shares was conducted in reliance upon exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, those under Rule 506 of Regulation D (as promulgated under the Securities Act).  The Offering Shares were offered and sold only to investors who are, or the Company reasonably believed to be, “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.  Because the Credit Card Offering has not been registered under the Securities Act, the shares issued pursuant to the Credit Card Offering are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and investors will not be able to sell the securities in the United States absent an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration.
 
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
Number
 
 
Description
     
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated June 25, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.3
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated November 3, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.4
 
Certificate of Change to Articles of Incorporation, dated January 31, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.5
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated July 27, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.6
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated February 24, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A-2, filed November 16, 2006)
3.7
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, certified May 3, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 12, 2010
3.8
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 26, 2008)
3.9
 
Amendment to Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, filed July 6, 2009)
3.10
 
Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, filed July 6, 2009)
3.11
 
Certificate of Amendment to Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designations, certified June 21, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.11 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter year ended June 30, 2010, filed August 12, 2010)
3.12
 
Amendment Number 2 to Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designations, as filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on April 6, 2012 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 16, 2012)
4.1
 
Form of 15% Secured Promissory Note dated September 14, 2012 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 18, 2012)
10.1
 
Escrow and Account Control Agreement with First Western Trust Bank dated as of September 6, 2012 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 18, 2012)
31.1*
 
31.2*
 
32.1*
 
32.2*
 
   
*  Filed herewith.
 
 
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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
 
AeroGrow International, Inc.
     
Date:  November 9, 2012
 
/s/J. Michael Wolfe
 
By: J. Michael Wolfe
 
Its: President and Chief Executive Officer
 (Principal Executive Officer) and Director
     
     
     
Date:  November 9, 2012
 
/s/H. MacGregor Clarke
 
By: H. MacGregor Clarke
 
Its: Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
     
   
     
Date:  November 9, 2012
 
/s/Grey H. Gibbs
 
By: Grey H. Gibbs
 
Its: Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
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