UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form
For
the quarterly period ended
Or
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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| ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ||
| Emerging growth company | |||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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As of May 13, 2025, there were shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $ per share, outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| 2 |
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
HEALTHIER CHOICES MANAGEMENT CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| March 31, 2025 (Unaudited) | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalent | $ | $ | ||||||
| Inventories | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and vendor deposits | ||||||||
| Other current assets | ||||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
| Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | ||||||||
| Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization | ||||||||
| Right of use asset – operating lease, net | ||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | $ | ||||||
| LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
| Line of credit | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability, current | ||||||||
| Due to related party | ||||||||
| TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability, net of current | ||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (SEE NOTE 10) | ||||||||
| CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK | ||||||||
| Series E redeemable convertible preferred stock, $ par value per share, shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively; aggregate liquidation preference of $ | ||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| Common Stock, $ par value per share, shares authorized; and shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | $ | $ | ||||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
| 3 |
HEALTHIER CHOICES MANAGEMENT CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| SALES, NET | $ | $ | ||||||
| COST OF SALES | ||||||||
| GROSS PROFIT | ( | ) | ||||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||
| LOSS FROM OPERATIONS | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ||||||||
| Loss on investment | ( | ) | ||||||
| Other income, net | ( | ) | ||||||
| Interest income (expense), net | ||||||||
| TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET | ( | ) | ||||||
| NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| NET LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | ( | ) | ||||||
| NET LOSS | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| NET LOSS PER SHARE-BASIC AND DILUTED | ||||||||
| Continuing Operations | ||||||||
| Discontinued Operations | ||||||||
| TOTAL NET LOSS PER SHARE-BASIC AND DILUTED | $ | $ | ||||||
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING-BASIC AND DILUTED | ||||||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
| 4 |
HEALTHIER CHOICES MANAGEMENT CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025 AND 2024
(UNAUDITED)
| Series E Convertible Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-In | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – January 1, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – March 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Series E Convertible Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-In | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – January 1, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
| 5 |
HEALTHIER CHOICES MANAGEMENT CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Loss on asset disposal | ||||||||
| Loss on investment | ||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use asset | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | ||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Inventories | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and vendor deposits | ||||||||
| Other current assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Due from related party | ||||||||
| Other assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Lease liability | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash used in operating activities, discontinued operations | ( | ) | ||||||
| NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash used in investing activities, discontinued operations | ( | ) | ||||||
| NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ( | ) | ||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Payments for deferred offering costs | ( | ) | ||||||
| Payment on line of credit | ( | ) | ||||||
| Investment to HCWC | ( | ) | ||||||
| Due to related party | ||||||||
| Cash provided by financing activities, discontinued operations | ||||||||
| NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| NET DECREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENT AND RESTRICTED CASH | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| CASH, CASH EQUIVALENT AND RESTRICTED CASH— BEGINNING OF PERIOD | ||||||||
| CASH, CASH EQUIVALENT AND RESTRICTED CASH — END OF PERIOD | $ | $ | ||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash paid for income tax | $ | $ | ||||||
| NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Non-cash deferred offering cost | $ | $ | ||||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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HEALTHIER CHOICES MANAGEMENT CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION
Organization
Healthier Choices Management Corp. (the “Company” or “HCMC”) is a holding company focused on monetizing its intellectual property through royalty and licensing agreements, facilitated by its wholly owned subsidiary, HCMC Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC. HCMC’s IP portfolio includes patents related to innovative products, such as the Q-Cup and Imitine, which the company actively markets. HCMC is engaged in litigation against prominent tobacco industry players, Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds, asserting claims of patent infringement.
The Company administers and intends to augment its intellectual property portfolio via its wholly owned subsidiary, HCMC Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC.
The Company continues to promote its patented Q-Cup™ technology directly to consumers in the vaping market. This cutting-edge design includes a small quartz cup that users can fill with cannabis or CBD concentrate. Once placed in a Q-Cup™ Tank or Globe, the cup is heated externally without direct contact with the concentrate. This innovative approach provides greater efficiency and a convenient solution for consumers who vape concentrates for both medicinal and recreational use .
Spin-Off
HCMC announced on August 22, 2022 that its Board of Directors approved the separation of the Grocery business, including wellness business, into an independent, publicly traded company (the “Spin-Off” or “Separation”). Prior to the Spin-Off, the Grocery segment was operated under the holding company Healthy Choice Wellness Corp. (“HCWC”). HCWC was a subsidiary of HCMC, and operated the Ada’s Natural Market, Paradise Health & Nutrition, Mother Earth’s Storehouse, Greens Natural Foods, Ellwood Thompson’s, and GreenAcres Market retail brands, as well as licensed wellness centers and Healthy U Wholesale.
On September 13, 2024 (the “Spin-Off Date”), after the New York Stock Exchange American (“NYSEAM”) market closing, the Spin-Off of the HCWC business was completed. On September 14, 2024, HCWC became an independent, publicly traded company, and on September 16, 2024, the stock commenced trading on the NYSEAM under the stock symbol “HCWC.”
HCWC distributed all the outstanding shares of Common Stock held by it on a pro rata basis to holders of HCMC’s common stock (the “Distribution”). For each shares of HCMC common stock held as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), on September 9, 2024, the record date for the Spin-Off (the “Record Date”), a HCMC stockholder was entitled to receive one share of Class A common stock and three shares of Class B common stock. The Distribution was made in book-entry form by a distribution agent as soon as practicable after the date of the Distribution.
As a result of the Spin-Off, the operating results for the HCWC business through the date of the Spin-Off are reported in Net Loss from Discontinued Operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented. In addition, the related assets and liabilities are reported as Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for year ended December 31, 2023. Unless otherwise noted, all amounts and disclosures included in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect only the Company’s continuing operations. For additional information, see Note 2 Discontinued Operations of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Segment Reporting
Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the operating decision makers, or decision-making group, in making decisions on how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company operates as a single reportable segment, as the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Holman) reviews financial performance and makes decisions on a consolidated basis.
NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On
September 13, 2024, the Company completed the previously announced separation and distribution of its Grocery segment into an independent
publicly traded company, HCWC. The separation was structured as a tax-free spin-off, which occurred by way of a pro rata distribution
to HCMC stockholders.
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In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into several agreements with HCWC that govern the relationship of the parties following the Spin-Off. These agreements include:
| ● | a Separation Agreement that will set forth HCWC’s and the Company’s agreements regarding the principal actions that both parties will take in connection with the Spin-Off and aspects of our relationship following the Spin-Off; | |
| ● | a Transition Services Agreement pursuant to which HCWC and the Company will provide each other specified services on a transitional basis to help ensure an orderly transition following the Spin-Off. | |
| ● | a Tax Matters Agreement that will govern the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of HCWC and the Company after the Spin-Off with respect to all tax matters and will include restrictions to preserve the tax-free status of the Spin-Off; and | |
| ● | an Employee Matters Agreement that will address employment, compensation and benefits matters, including the allocation and treatment of assets and liabilities arising out of employee compensation and benefits programs in which our employees participated prior to the Spin-Off. |
Under the terms of the transition services agreement, HCMC will provide to HCWC, on a transitional basis, certain services or functions, including information technology, accounting, human resources, and payroll functions. Generally, these services will be provided for a period of up to one year following the Spin-Off. Consideration and costs for the transition services will be determined using several billing methodologies as described in the agreements, including customary billing and pass-through billing. Costs for transition services provided to HCWC are recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the nature of the services.
Financial Information of Discontinued Operations
Net Loss from Discontinued Operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations reflects the financial results of the HCWC and includes allocation of general corporate overhead expense of the Company.
The following table summarizes the significant line items included in Net Loss from Discontinued Operations, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | ||||
| SALES, NET | $ | |||
| COST OF SALES | ||||
| GROSS PROFIT | ||||
| TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES, NET | ||||
| LOSS FROM OPERATIONS | ( | ) | ||
| OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ( | ) | ||
| NET LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | $ | ( | ) | |
The information presented as discontinued operations on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets includes certain assets and liabilities that were transferred to HCWC pursuant to the Separation agreements.
| March 31, 2024 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | |||
| Accounts receivable, net | ||||
| Inventories | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and vendor deposits | ||||
| Other current assets | ||||
| Assets held for sale | ||||
| Current Assets of Discontinued Operations | ||||
| Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | ||||
| Goodwill | ||||
| Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization | ||||
| Right of use asset - operating lease | ||||
| Due from related party | ||||
| Other assets | ||||
| Other Assets of Discontinued Operations | $ | |||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | |||
| Contract Liabilities | ||||
| Current portion of loan payable | ||||
| Lease liability, current | ||||
| Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations | ||||
| Due from related party | ||||
| Loan payable, net of current portion | ||||
| Lease liability, net of current | ||||
| Other Long-term Liabilities of Discontinued Operations | $ | |||
There were no assets or liabilities classified as discontinued operations as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
| 8 |
The following table summarizes the significant operating cash and noncash items, capital expenditures and financing activities of discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024:
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | ||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | |
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||
| Amortization of debt discount | ||||
| Amortization of right-of-use asset | ||||
| Write-down of obsolete and slow-moving inventory | ||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ||
| Inventories | ( | ) | ||
| Prepaid expenses and vendor deposits | ||||
| Other current assets | ( | ) | ||
| Due to related party | ( | ) | ||
| Other assets | ( | ) | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ( | ) | ||
| Contract liabilities | ( | ) | ||
| Lease liability | ( | ) | ||
| NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | ( | ) | ||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ) | ||
| NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | ( | ) | ||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Proceeds from security purchase agreement | ||||
| Principal payments on loan payable | ( | ) | ||
| Investment from parent company | ||||
| NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | ||||
| NET DECREASE IN CASH FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | $ | ( | ) | |
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NOTE 3. GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT’S PLANS
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern and realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of any uncertainties related to our going concern assessment. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities presented in the financial statements do not necessarily purport to represent realizable or settlement values.
The
Company currently and historically has reported net losses and cash outflows from operations. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash
and cash equivalent of approximately $
Management has made plans to reduce certain costs and raise needed capital, however there can be no assurance the Company can successfully implement these plans. The success of these plans is dependent upon various factors, foremost being the ability to reduce outside consulting expenses and the ability to secure additional capital from outside investors. There can be no assurance that such plans will be successful.
The
Company believes its cash on hand and its ability to draw on its $
NOTE 4. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X and do not include all the information and disclosures required by GAAP. The Company has made estimates and judgments affecting the amounts reported in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially from the Company’s estimates. The condensed consolidated financial information is unaudited but reflects all normal adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to provide a fair statement of results for the interim periods presented.
On September 13, 2024, the Company completed the previously announced separation and distribution of its grocery segment and wellness centers into an independent publicly traded company, and the historical results of the grocery segment and wellness centers have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods prior to the separation and distribution. Assets and liabilities associated with the grocery segment are classified as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additional disclosures regarding the separation and distribution are provided in Note 2. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in the notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements refer only to HCMC’s continuing operations.
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 14, 2025. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 was derived from the Company’s audited 2024 financial statements contained in the above referenced Form 10-K, adjusted for the discontinued operations. Results of the three months ended March 31, 2025, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2025.
| 10 |
Significant Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies to those previously disclosed in the 2024 Annual Report.
Reclassification
Certain amounts in the condensed
consolidated financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. During the
three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company reclassified internal-use software costs totaling $
NOTE 5. CONCENTRATIONS
Cash, Cash Equivalent and Restricted Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash and cash equivalent. The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalent are concentrated in one large financial institution, which is in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) coverage.
A
summary of the financial institution that had cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash in excess of FDIC limits of $
| March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Total cash and cash equivalent in excess of FDIC limits of $ | $ | $ | ||||||
The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions with which it invests, as deposits are held in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash to amounts shown in unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flow:
| March 31, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalent | $ | $ | ||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| Total cash and restricted cash | $ | $ | ||||||
Restricted Cash
The Company’s restricted cash consisted of cash balances which were restricted as to withdrawal or usage under the August 18, 2022 securities purchase agreement for the purpose of funding any amounts due under the Series E Certificate of Designation upon the redemption of the Series E Preferred Stock. The March 31, 2024 balance also included cash held in the collateral account to cover the cash draw from the line of credit.
| 11 |
NOTE 6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following:
| March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | ||||||||
| Computer hardware & equipment | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Property and equipment, gross | ||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total property, plant, and equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
During the three months ended March 31, 2025,
the Company reclassified $
The
Company incurred approximately $
NOTE 7. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company’s intangible assets consist of patents and capitalized legal fees related to the patents. Intangible assets, net are as follows:
| March 31, 2025 | Useful Lives (Years) | Gross
Carrying | Accumulated Amortization | Net
Carrying | ||||||||||
| Patent | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||
| Internal-use software | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | Useful Lives (Years) | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||
| Patent | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||
During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company reclassified
$
Intangible
assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense was approximately $
| Years ending December 31, | ||||
| 2025 (remaining nine months) | $ | |||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| 2028 | ||||
| 2029 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total | $ | |||
| 12 |
NOTE 8. DEBT
Revolving Line of Credit
On
November 3, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement for a revolving line of credit of $
NOTE 9. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Series E Convertible Preferred Stock
On
August 18, 2022, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Series E Preferred Stock”) pursuant to which
the Company sold and issued shares of its Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock to institutional investors for $
per share or an aggregate subscription of $ million. The number of shares issued to each participant is based on subscription amount
multiplied by conversion rate of
The
HCMC Series E Preferred Stock shall have voting rights on as converted basis at the Company’s next stockholders’ meeting.
However, as long as any shares of HCMC Series E Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company shall not, without the affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of the HCMC Series E Preferred Stock, (a) alter or change adversely the powers,
preferences or rights given to the HCMC Series E Preferred Stock or alter or amend the Certificate of Designation, (b) increase the number
of authorized shares of HCMC Series E Preferred Stock, or (c) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing. Each share
of Series E Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at any time and from time to time at the option of the Holder thereof, into that number
of shares of Common Stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations). The initial conversion price for the HCMC Series E Preferred
Stock shall equal $
Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary that is not a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Certificate of Designation), the holders of HCMC Series E Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the assets, whether capital or surplus, of the Company an amount equal to $ per share of Series E Preferred Stock.
Unless earlier converted or extended as set forth below, a holder may require the redemption of all or a portion of the stated value of the HCMC Series E Preferred Stock either (1) six months after closing or (2) the time at which the balance is due and payable upon an event of default.
On
March 1, 2023, the Company entered into a First Amendment to HCMC Series E Preferred Stock with each purchaser (“Purchaser”)
identified as those who participated in the HCMC Series E Preferred Stock, dated as of August 18, 2022. The parties amended the HCMC
Preferred Stock related to the conversion payment whereby upon conversion of the Series E Preferred Stock prior to the record date for
the Spin-Off, the Company will pay the Purchaser ten percent (
On
May 15, 2023, the Company and the Purchaser entered into the Second Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which
the Company agreed to extend the time period for the Conversion Payment eligibility to December 1, 2023. The Company filed an amendment
to the Certificate of Designation to make the redemption price of the Preferred Stock (the “Redemption Price”) equal the
Stated Value regardless of the date on which it is redeemed.
On
October 30, 2023, the Company entered into a Third Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement with its Series E Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Stock purchasers. The parties agreed to: (
On February 20, 2024, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement with its Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock purchasers, pursuant to which the Company and such parties agreed to amend the date on which the obligation to acquire the Series A Preferred Stock ceases to June 1, 2024.
On April 8, 2024, the Company entered into a Fifth Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement with its Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock purchasers, pursuant to which the Company and such parties agreed to amend the Completion Date to August 1, 2024.
| 13 |
On July 26, 2024, the Company entered into a Sixth Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement with its Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock purchasers, pursuant to which the Company and such parties agreed to amend the Completion Date to November 1, 2024.
On November 27, 2024, the Company entered into a Seventh Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement with its Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock purchasers, pursuant to which the Company and such parties agreed to amend the Completion Date to May 31, 2025.
Through
March 31, 2025, shares of Series E preferred stock have been cumulatively converted into shares of common stock
as a result of the Series E preferred stock conversion, and shares of Series E preferred stock have been cumulatively redeemed,
and approximately $
Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, purchasers of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock will also be required to purchase Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of HCWC resulting from the Spin-Off of HCMC’s grocery and wellness businesses in the same subscription amounts that the Purchasers paid for the HCMC Series E Preferred Stock.
Stock Options and Restricted Stock
During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, stock options of the Company were exercised into common stock.
The Company recognized stock-based compensation of approximately $ and $ during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively in connection with amortization of restricted stock and stock options. Stock based compensation is included as part of total operating expenses in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of stock awards. For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, diluted EPS is the same as basic EPS because all potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive due to the net loss. Under GAAP, diluted EPS must be disclosed even when equal to basic EPS. All potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (i.e., reduce the loss per share), which is not permitted under GAAP.
The following table summarizes the Company’s securities, in common share equivalents, which have been excluded from the calculation of dilutive loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive:
| As of March 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Preferred stock | ||||||||
| Stock options | ||||||||
| Restricted stock | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES | ||||||||
| BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE | $ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
There
were two lawsuits in connection with alleged claimed battery defects for an electronic cigarette device. One has been dismissed by the
court wherein the plaintiff settled with the Company’s insurance carrier with no economic impact to the Company. In the second
lawsuit, as of December 31, 2023, the Company had reached an arrangement with the plaintiff to resolve the matter, limiting potential
exposure to $
On
November 30, 2020, the Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Philip Morris USA, Inc., and Philip Morris Products S.A. in
the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The lawsuit alleges infringement on HCMC-owned patent(s) by the Philip
Morris product known and marketed as “IQOS®”. Philip Morris claims that it is currently approaching 14 million users
of its IQOS® product and has reportedly invested over $
On
December 31, 2021, the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia effectively dismissed HCMC’s patent infringement action
against Philip Morris USA, Inc. and Philip Morris Products S.A. In connection with such dismissal, the defendants sought to recover attorney’s
fees from the Plaintiff. On February 22, 2022, the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted the defendant’s
an award of approximately $
On
April 12, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in favor of HCMC on
In
the first appeal, HCMC appealed the ruling of the District Court dismissing HCMC’s patent infringement action and denying HCMC’s
motion to amend its pleading. In the second appeal, HCMC appealed the District Court’s award of attorneys’ fees to Philip
Morris. In its decisions, the Federal Circuit ruled for HCMC by reversing both of those decisions and remanded the case back to the District
Court for further proceedings. As a result of the ruling, the Company reversed the $
On September 26, 2023, HCMC filed a patent infringement lawsuit against R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company (“RJR”) in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in connection with HCMC’s assertions that RJR’s Vuse electronic cigarette infringes one of HCMC’s patents.
| 14 |
On November 17, 2023, RJR filed a motion to dismiss the action. HCMC opposed on December 22, 2023. To date the court has not ruled on the motion.
On September 18, 2024, RJR filed an inter partes review of the patent-in-suit at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). A decision on institution will be made by the USPTO sometime after January 2025.
On November 22, 2024, HCMC received a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the “Federal Circuit”) denying an appeal of HCMC of a decision of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Patent Trial and Appeal Board (the “Board”) relating to the inter partes review of an HCMC patent. The Board had ruled that the previously granted HCMC patent that served as the basis of HCMC’s patent infringement action against Philip Morris USA, Inc. and Philip Morris Products S.A. was not patentable and denied of HCMC’s request to amend the claims if invalidity of the patent was affirmed.
On December 31, 2024, HCMC voluntarily dismissed the action in the Northern District of Georgia without prejudice and the case was terminated.
From time to time the Company is involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We believe that there is no other litigation pending that is likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations as of March 31, 2025. With respect to legal costs, we record such costs as incurred.
NOTE 11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Prior to the Spin-Off, HCWC was a subsidiary of HCMC. After Spin-Off, HCWC operated as a separate, stand-alone company, accordingly has had various relationships with HCMC whereby HCMC provided services to HCWC as noted below. Related party transactions prior to the Spin-Off include allocation of general corporate expenses and cash advances between HCMC and HCWC.
Allocation of General Corporate Expenses
The Company provided human resources, accounting, payroll processing, legal and other managerial services to HCWC prior to the Spin-Off. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for three months ended March 31, 2024 include allocations of these expenses. Following the Spin-Off, HCWC and HCMC entered into a TSA, under which both companies agreed to provide certain transitional services to one another to ensure smooth separation. These services are provided on a transitional basis and will continue for a period of up to one year following the Spin-Off.
Management
adopted a proportional cost allocation method to allocate the shared expenses to HCWC. The allocation method calculates the appropriate
share of overhead costs to HCWC based on management’s estimate that the sum of management time and resources spent managing HCWC
is approximately equal to the amount of time and resources spent managing HCMC and its subsidiaries. As a result,
Investment in Subsidiary
For
the three months ended March 31, 2024, the net operating expenses of $
Due to Related Party
Prior
to the Spin-Off, there was no intercompany agreement between the Company and HCWC. Management has determined those intercompany receivables
and payables will be settled within twelve months after the balance sheet date. As a result, the Company’s intercompany balances
are reflected as “due to” or “due from” accounts in the consolidated balance sheets. At the time of Spin-ff,
the Company had a net receivable balance from HCWC in the amount of $
Agreements with HCWC
The Company entered into several agreements with HCWC that, among other things, effect the separation and govern the relationship of the parties following the Spin-Off. These agreements include:
| ● | a Separation Agreement that will set forth HCMC’s and HCWC’s agreements regarding the principal actions that both parties will take in connection with the Spin-Off and aspects of our relationship following the Spin-Off; | |
| ● | a Transition Services Agreement pursuant to which HCMC and HCWC will provide each other specified services on a transitional basis to help ensure an orderly transition following the Spin-Off. | |
| ● | a Tax Matters Agreement (“TMA”) that will govern the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of HCMC and HCWC after the Spin-Off with respect to all tax matters and will include restrictions to preserve the tax-free status of the Spin-Off; and | |
| ● | an Employee Matters Agreement (“EMA”) that will address employment, compensation and benefits matters, including the allocation and treatment of assets and liabilities arising out of employee compensation and benefits programs in which our employees participated prior to the Spin-Off. |
Under the terms of the transition services agreement, the HCMC will provide to HCWC, on a transitional basis, certain services or functions, including information technology, accounting, human resources, and payroll functions. Generally, these services will be provided for a period of up to one year following the Spin-Off. Consideration and costs for the transition services will be determined using several billing methodologies as described in the agreements, including customary billing and pass-through billing. Costs for transition services provided by the former parent are recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the nature of the services.
NOTE 12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date that the condensed consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. Based upon this review, the Company identified the following subsequent event that would have required disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
On April 11, 2025, the Company entered into an Eighth Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement with its Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock purchasers, pursuant to which the Company and such parties agreed to amend the Completion Date to October 31, 2025.
On April 11, 2025, the Company entered into an amendment to the line of credit agreement executed on November 7, 2024 with private lender, pursuant to which the Company and the private lender agreed to amend the Maturity Date from April 30, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to Healthier Choices Management Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, HCMC Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC and The Vape Store, Inc. (“Vape Store”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
HCWC Spin-Off
On September 13, 2024, HCMC completed the Spin-off of our Grocery business into an independent publicly traded company HCWC. As a result, the operating results for the HCWC through the date of the Spin-off are reported in Net Loss from Discontinued Operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented. In addition, the related assets and liabilities are reported as Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Unless otherwise noted, all amounts, percentages and discussion reflect only the results of operations and financial condition from our continuing operations.
Company Overview
Healthier Choices Management Corp. is a holding company focused on monetizing its intellectual property through royalty and licensing agreements, facilitated by its wholly owned subsidiary, HCMC Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC. HCMC’s IP portfolio includes patents related to innovative products, such as the Q-Cup and Imitine, which the company actively markets. In addition, HCMC is engaged in legal actions against R.J. Reynolds for patent infringement.
Through its wholly owned subsidiary HCMC Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC, the Company manages and intends to expand on its intellectual property portfolio.
Additionally, the Company markets its patented the Q-Cup™ technology under the vape segment; this patented technology is based on a small, quartz cup called the Q-Cup™, which a customer partially fills with either cannabis or CBD concentrate (approximately 50mg) purchased from a third party. The Q-Cup™ is then inserted into the Q-Cup™ Tank or Globe, that heats the cup from the outside without coming in direct contact with the solid concentrate. This Q-Cup™ technology provides significantly more efficiency and an “on the go” solution for consumers who prefer to vape concentrates either medicinally or recreationally.
| 16 |
Liquidity
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern and realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of any uncertainties related to our going concern assessment. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities presented in the financial statements do not necessarily purport to represent realizable or settlement values. The unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
The Company currently and historically has reported net losses and cash outflows from operations. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalent of approximately $1.2 million and negative working capital of $1.7 million. The Company’s liquidity needs through March 31, 2025 have been satisfied through financing agreement with private lenders.
Management has made plans to reduce certain costs and raise needed capital, however there can be no assurance the Company can successfully implement these plans. The success of these plans is dependent upon various factors, foremost being the ability to reduce outside consulting expenses and the ability to secure additional capital from outside investors. There can be no assurance that such plans will be successful.
The Company believes its cash on hand and its ability to draw on its $5 million line of credit will enable the Company to meet its obligations and capital requirements for at least the twelve months from the date these financial statements are issued. Accordingly, no adjustment has been made to the financial statements to account for this uncertainty.
Factors Affecting Our Performance
We believe the following factors affect our performance:
Pending Patent: We have developed, trademarked and are preparing to commercialize additional products. We include product development expenses as part of our operating expenses. In October 2018, we announced the granting of three US patents related to our Q-Cup™ technology. In addition, we have a suite of patent applications pending in the United States. There is no assurance that we will be awarded patents for any of these pending patent applications. There is no assurance that we can monetize the patents.
Manufacturing: We have no manufacturing capabilities and do not intend to develop any manufacturing capabilities. Third party manufacturers make our products to meet our design specifications. We depend on third party manufacturers for our vaporizer e-liquid and accessories. Any interruption in supply and or consistency of our products may harm our relationships and reputation with customers, and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In order to minimize the risk of supply interruption, we currently utilize several third-party manufacturers to manufacture our products to our specifications.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our unaudited condensed consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 that is used in the following discussions of our results of operations:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | 2025 to 2024 | |||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | Change $ | ||||||||||
| SALES, NET | $ | 1,780 | $ | 119 | $ | 1,661 | ||||||
| COST OF SALES | 1,478 | 132 | 1,346 | |||||||||
| GROSS PROFIT | 302 | (13 | ) | 315 | ||||||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES | 2,169,715 | 2,202,894 | (33,179 | ) | ||||||||
| LOSS FROM OPERATIONS | (2,169,413 | ) | (2,202,907 | ) | 33,494 | |||||||
| OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ||||||||||||
| Loss on investment | - | (857 | ) | 857 | ||||||||
| Loss on Disposal of Asset | (22,809 | ) | - | (22,809 | ) | |||||||
| Interest income, net | 8,546 | 44,080 | (35,534 | ) | ||||||||
| TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET | (14,263 | ) | 43,223 | |||||||||
| NET LOSS | $ | (2,183,676 | ) | $ | (2,159,684 | ) | $ | (23,992 | ) | |||
Net sales and cost of sales were de minimis for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. The Company closed all its brick-and-mortar retail vape stores, as management had shifted its retail sales focus to the wholesale and online channel. The sales and cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 continued to be significantly impacted by the inability to bring new products to market via distribution.
Total operating expenses of $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 remained consistent with the same period in 2024.
Total other income (expense), net of $14,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 consists of $23,000 loss on asset disposal offset by net interest income of $9,000. Total other income (expense), net of $43,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily consists of interest income of $44,000, and loss on investment of $1,000.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table and the discussion present the Company’s cash activities on continuing basis for three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by: | ||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | (984,611 | ) | $ | 174,456 | |||
| Investing activities | - | (47,185 | ) | |||||
| Financing activities | 513,352 | (904,222 | ) | |||||
| Net decrease in cash from continuing operations | $ | (471,259 | ) | $ | (776,951 | ) | ||
| Net decrease in cash from discontinued operations | - | (399,334 | ) | |||||
| Total net decrease in cash | $ | (471,259 | ) | $ | (1,176,285 | ) | ||
Our net cash used in operating activities of approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 resulted from a net loss of $2.2 million, offset by a non-cash adjustment of $1.2 million and a net cash change of $40,000 from changes in operating assets and liabilities. Our net cash provided by operating activities of approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 resulted from a net loss of $2.2 million, offset by a non-cash adjustment of $1.2 million and a net cash change of $1.2 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities.
There was no cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The net cash used in investing activities of $47,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 resulted from purchases of property and equipment.
The net cash provided by financing activities of $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 is primarily due to $1.0 million net transfer from HCWC and $0.5 million cash payment of the credit line. Net cash used in financing activities of approximately $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 is due to $0.7 million investment in HCWC and $0.2 million payment for deferred offering cost related with Spin-Off.
At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we did not have any material financial guarantees or other contractual commitments with vendors that are reasonably likely to have an adverse effect on liquidity.
Our cash balances are kept liquid to support our growing acquisition and infrastructure needs for operational expansion. Most of our cash and cash equivalent are concentrated in one financial institution and is generally in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses on its cash. The following table presents the Company’s cash position as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
| March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalent | $ | 1,175,540 | $ | 1,193,567 | ||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,672,602 | $ | 2,220,449 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalent as a percentage of total assets | 70.3 | % | 53.8 | % | ||||
The Company reported a net loss from continuing operation of $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The Company also had negative working capital of $1.8 million. The Company expects to continue incurring losses for the foreseeable future.
The Company anticipates its current cash and its ability to draw from the $5 million credit line with private lender will be sufficient to meet projected operating expenses for the foreseeable future through at least twelve months from the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to exercise considerable judgment with respect to establishing sound accounting policies and in making estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, our recognition of revenues and expenses, and disclosure of commitments and contingencies at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
We base our estimates on our historical experience, knowledge of our business and industry, current and expected economic conditions, the attributes of our products, the regulatory environment, and in certain cases, the results of outside appraisals. These estimates include useful lives and impairment of long-lived assets, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, allocation of corporate general expenses, and the valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. We periodically re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions with respect to these judgments and modify our approach when circumstances indicate that modifications are necessary. These estimates and assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
| 18 |
While we believe that the factors we evaluate provide us with a meaningful basis for establishing and applying sound accounting policies, we cannot guarantee that the results will always be accurate. Since the determination of these estimates requires the exercise of judgment, actual results could differ from such estimates.
There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates except allocation of corporate general expense as compared to the critical accounting policies and estimates described in the 2024 Annual Report, which we believe are the most critical to our business and the understanding of our results of operations and affect the more significant judgments and estimates that we use in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. Allocation of corporate general expenses to HCWC in year 2024 was a result of recently completed spin-Off of HCWC, which led to a reevaluation of how corporate general expenses were allocated. The Company adopted a proportional cost allocation method to allocate parent expense to the carve-out entity. There was no expense allocation for the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Seasonality
We do not consider our business to be seasonal.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report includes forward-looking statements including statements regarding retail expansion, the future demand for our products, the transition to vaporizer and other products, competition, the adequacy of our cash resources and our authorized Common Stock, and our continued ability to raise capital.
The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs.
The results anticipated by any or all of these forward-looking statements might not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include our future common stock price, customer acceptance of our products, and proposed federal and state regulation. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We are required to report under Section 404(a) of Sarbanes-Oxley regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, did not carry out an evaluation on internal controls as of March 31, 2025 in regard to the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. As an evaluation was not carried out, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as of March 31, 2025 and noted the material weaknesses as follows:
| ● | Failure to have properly documented and designed disclosure controls and procedures and testing of the operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. |
| 19 |
| ● | Segregation of duties due to lack of personnel. | |
| ● | The Company had ineffective design, implementation and, operation of controls over logical access, program change management, and vendor management controls. The Company controls on IT should have included the following: |
| ○ | Appropriate restrictions that would adequately prevent users from gaining inappropriate access to the financially relevant systems. | |
| ○ | IT program and data changes affecting the Company’s financial IT applications and underlying accounting records, should be identified, tested, authorized and implemented appropriately to validate that data produced by its relevant IT system(s) were complete and accurate. | |
| ○ | Obtaining and reviewing key third party service provider SOC reports. |
Our management concluded that considering internal control deficiencies that, in the aggregate, rise to the level of material weaknesses, we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2025 based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
Planned Remediation
Management continues to work to improve its controls related to our material weaknesses listed above. In order to achieve the timely implementation of the above, management has commenced the following actions and will continue to assess additional opportunities for remediation on an ongoing basis:
| ● | Continuing to increase headcount across the Company, with a particular focus on hiring individuals with strong internal control backgrounds and inventory expertise. | |
| ● | Establishing policies and procedures in the IT area to mitigate data breach, unauthorized access and address segregation of duties, as well as review key third party service provider SOC reports. |
We are currently working to improve and simplify our internal processes and implement enhanced controls, as discussed above, to address the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and to remedy the ineffectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. These material weaknesses will not be considered to be remediated until the applicable remediated controls are operating for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financing Reporting
Except as detailed above, during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, there were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
There were two lawsuits in connection with alleged claimed battery defects for an electronic cigarette device. One had been dismissed by the court wherein the plaintiff settled with the Company’s insurance carrier with no economic impact to the Company. In the second lawsuit, as of December 31, 2023, the Company had reached an arrangement with the plaintiff to resolve the matter, limiting potential exposure of the Company to $1.5 million which was reflected in accounts payable and accrued expenses, representing management’s estimate of the probable settlement amount based on the current status of discussions. This arrangement was formalized by a signed agreement on July 1, 2024 and the Company has accrued $1.5 million at June 30, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, the Company already paid $1,300,000, and the remaining balance of $200,000 was reflected in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
On November 30, 2020, the Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Philip Morris USA, Inc. and Philip Morris Products S.A. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The lawsuit alleges infringement on HCMC-owned patent(s) by the Philip Morris product known and marketed as “IQOS®”. Philip Morris claims that it is currently approaching 14 million users of its IQOS® product and has reportedly invested over $3 billion in their smokeless tobacco products. On December 3, 2021, the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia effectively dismissed HCMC’s patent infringement action against Philip Morris USA, Inc. and Philip Morris Products S.A. On December 14, 2021, the Company filed a notice of appeal of the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia’s dismissal of the Company’s patent infringement action against Philip Morris USA, Inc. and Philip Morris Products S.A. The appeal brief was filed on February 28, 2022.
In connection with such dismissal, the defendants sought to recover attorney’s fees from the Plaintiff. On February 22, 2022, the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted the defendant’s an award of approximately $575,000 in attorneys’ fees to be paid by the Company. HCMC appealed this ruling on June 22, 2022.
On April 12, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in favor of HCMC on two separate appeals it had filed in its patent infringement action against Philip Morris USA, Inc. and Philip Morris Products S.A. pending in the district court for the Northern District of Georgia.
In the first appeal, HCMC appealed the ruling of the District Court dismissing HCMC’s patent infringement action and denying HCMC’s motion to amend its pleading. In the second appeal, HCMC appealed the District Court’s award of attorneys’ fees to Philip Morris. In its decisions, the Federal Circuit ruled for HCMC by reversing both of those decisions and remanded the case back to the District Court for further proceedings.
On September 26, 2023, HCMC filed a patent infringement lawsuit against R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company (“RJR”) in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in connection with HCMC’s assertions that RJR’s Vuse electronic cigarette infringes one of HCMC’s patents.
On November 17, 2023, RJR filed a motion to dismiss the action. HCMC opposed on December 22, 2023. To date the court has not ruled on the motion.
On September 18, 2024, RJR filed an inter partes review of the patent-in-suit at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). A decision on institution will be made by the USPTO sometime after January 2025.
On November 22, 2024, HCMC received a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the “Federal Circuit”) denying an appeal of HCMC of a decision of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Patent Trial and Appeal Board (the “Board”) relating to the inter partes review of an HCMC patent. The Board had ruled that the previously granted HCMC patent that served as the basis of HCMC’s patent infringement action against Philip Morris USA, Inc. and Philip Morris Products S.A. was not patentable and denied of HCMC’s request to amend the claims if invalidity of the patent was affirmed.
On December 31, 2024, HCMC voluntarily dismissed the action in the Northern District of Georgia without prejudice and the case was terminated.
From time to time the Company is involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We believe that there is no other litigation pending that is likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations as of March 31, 2025. With respect to legal costs, we record such costs as incurred.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
See the exhibits listed in the accompanying “Index to Exhibits.”
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| Exhibit | Incorporated by Reference | Filed or Furnished | ||||||||
| No. | Exhibit Description | Form | Date | Number | Herewith | |||||
| 31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer (302) | Filed | ||||||||
| 31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer (302) | Filed | ||||||||
| 32.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer (906) | Furnished * | ||||||||
| 32.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer (906) | Furnished * | ||||||||
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document | Filed | ||||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | Filed | ||||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | Filed | ||||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | Filed | ||||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | Filed | ||||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | Filed | ||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | Filed | ||||||||
* This exhibit is being furnished rather than filed and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing, in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
| 22 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| HEALTHIER CHOICES MANAGEMENT CORP. | ||
| Date: May 13, 2025 | By: | /s/ Jeffrey Holman |
| Jeffrey Holman | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Date: May 13, 2025 | By: | /s/ John Ollet |
| John Ollet | ||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
| 23 |