Alliance Entertainment Holding Corp 10-Q for FY2025 Q2
Alliance Entertainment Holding Corp (AENT)
About this 10-Q
Alliance Entertainment Holding Corp filed this 10-Q on February 13, 2025, covering the quarter ended December 31, 2024 (FY2025 Q2).
Headline figures
Quarter ended December 31, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $393.67M
- down 7.5% from $425.59M a year earlier
- Net income
- $7.07M
- down 20.7% from net income of $8.91M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $0.14
- down 22.2% from $0.18 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(MARK ONE)
For
the quarter ended
For the transition period from to
Commission
file number:
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Issuer’s telephone number)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Check
whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| ☒ | 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.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
As of February 13, 2025, shares of Class A common stock, par value $ per share and contingent1 shares of Class E common stock, par value $ per share, were issued and outstanding.
1 The 60 million Class E shares are set aside in an escrow account as additional consideration contingent on triggering events occurring within 10 years after the Merger
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT HOLDING CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT HOLDING CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | ||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Trade Receivables, Net of Allowance for Credit Losses of $ | ||||||||
| Inventory, Net | ||||||||
| Other Current Assets | ||||||||
| Total Current Assets | ||||||||
| Property and Equipment, Net | ||||||||
| Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net | ||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||
| Intangibles, Net | ||||||||
| Other Long-Term Assets | ||||||||
| Deferred Tax Asset, Net | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts Payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued Expenses | ||||||||
| Current Portion of Operating Lease Obligations | ||||||||
| Current Portion of Finance Lease Obligations | ||||||||
| Contingent Liability | ||||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Revolving Credit Facility, Net | ||||||||
| Finance Lease Obligation, Non- Current | ||||||||
| Operating Lease Obligations, Non-Current | ||||||||
| Shareholder Loan (subordinated), Non-Current | ||||||||
| Warrant Liability | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities | ||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12) | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Preferred Stock: Par Value $ per share, Authorized shares, Issued and Outstanding shares as of December 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024 | ||||||||
| Common Stock: Par Value $ per share, Authorized shares at December 31, 2024, and at June 30, 2024; Issued and Outstanding Shares as of December 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024 | ||||||||
| Paid In Capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Retained Earnings | ||||||||
| Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 1 |
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT HOLDING CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands except share and per share amounts) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Net Revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Cost of Revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Distribution and Fulfillment Expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | ||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring Cost | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain on Disposal of Fixed Assets | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense, Net | ||||||||||||||||
| Change in Fair Value of Warrants | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total Other Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Tax Expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income per Share – Basic and Diluted | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 2 |
Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2024 (unaudited)
| Common Stock | Accumulated Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Par | Paid In | Comprehensive | Retained | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Issued | Value | Capital | Loss | Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at June 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrants conversion, from Liability to Equity | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 3 |
Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
| Common Stock Shares | Par | Paid In | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | Retained | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Issued | Value | Capital | Loss | Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at June 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Common Stock, net of transaction cost of $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based Compensation Expense | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Balances | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Common Stock | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based Compensation Expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Balances | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 4 |
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT HOLDING CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | ||||||||
| Net Income | $ | $ | ||||||
| Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to | ||||||||
| Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: | ||||||||
| Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation of Property and Equipment | ||||||||
| Amortization of Intangible Assets | ||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs (Included in Interest) | ||||||||
| Allowance for Credit Losses | ||||||||
| Change in Fair Value of Warrants | ( | ) | ||||||
| Deferred Income Taxes | ( | ) | ||||||
| Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets | ||||||||
| Gain on Disposal of Fixed Assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Changes in Assets and Liabilities, Net of Acquisitions | ||||||||
| Trade Receivables | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Inventory | ||||||||
| Income Taxes Payable\Receivable | ||||||||
| Other Assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Operating Lease Obligations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accounts Payable | ||||||||
| Accrued Expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | ||||||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | ||||||||
| Capital Expenditures | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash inflow from Asset Disposal | ||||||||
| Cash Paid for Business Asset Purchase | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | ||||||||
| Payments on Revolving Credit Facility | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility | ||||||||
| Proceeds from Shareholder Note (Subordinated), Current | ||||||||
| Payments on Shareholder Note (Subordinated), Current | ( | ) | ||||||
| Issuance of common stock, net of transaction costs | ||||||||
| Deferred Financing Costs | ( | ) | ||||||
| Payments on Financing Leases | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net Increase in Cash | ||||||||
| Cash, Beginning of the Period | ||||||||
| Cash, End of the Period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental disclosure for Cash Flow Information | ||||||||
| Cash Paid for Interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash Paid for Income Taxes | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental Disclosure for Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation conversion to stock | ||||||||
| Conversion of Warrants from liability to Equity | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
| 5 |
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT HOLDING CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2024
Note 1: Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (“Alliance”) was formed on August 9, 2010. The Company provides full-service distribution of pre-recorded music, video movies, video games and related accessories, and merchandising to retailers and other independent customers primarily in the United States. It provides product and commerce solutions to “brick-and-mortar,” e-commerce retailers, and consumer direct websites, while maintaining trading relationships with manufacturers of pre-recorded music, video movies, video games and related accessories. The Company also provides third party logistics (3PL) products and services to customers.
On February 10, 2023, Alliance, Adara Acquisition Corp. (“Adara”) and a Merger Sub consummated the closing of the transactions contemplated by a Business Combination Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, a business combination of Legacy Alliance (Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation pre-Merger, as defined below) and Adara was affected by the merger of Merger Sub with and into Alliance (the “Merger” or the “Business Combination”), with Alliance surviving the Merger as a wholly- owned subsidiary of Adara. Following the consummation of the Merger on the closing date, Adara changed its name from Adara Acquisition Corp. to Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (the “Company”).
Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, Adara exchanged (i) shares of Class A common stock of Adara to holders of common stock of Legacy Alliance and (ii) shares of Class E common stock of Adara to the Legacy Alliance stockholders were placed in an escrow account to be released to such Legacy Alliance stockholders and converted into Class A common stock upon the occurrence of certain triggering events.
Consolidated financial statements are presented for Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation and business operations are conducted through seven subsidiaries. The Company’s corporate offices are headquartered in Plantation, FL, with primary warehouse facilities located in Shepherdsville, KY and the terminated Shakopee, MN.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements. Accordingly, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include certain information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) which are necessary in order to state fairly the Company’s results of operations, financial position, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of and for the periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other future period. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes, including the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 20, 2024. June 30, 2024, balance sheet information contained herein was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of that date included therein.
Reclassification
Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Basis for Presentation
The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The estimates and assumptions made may not prove to be correct, and actual results could differ from the estimates.
| 6 |
Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements include management’s estimates of sales returns, warrants fair value, rebates, inventory valuation, allowance for credit losses, and inventory recoverability. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates compared to historical experience and trends, which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities.
Liquidity
On
December 21, 2023, the Company secured a new $
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration of Credit Risk consists of the following at:
Schedule of Concentration of Credit Risk
Customers:
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Customer #1 | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Customer #2 | % | % | % | * | ||||||||||||
| Customer #3 | * | * | % | % | ||||||||||||
| * |
| Receivables | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | ||||||
| Customer #1 | % | % | ||||||
| Customer #2 | * | % | ||||||
| Customer #3 | % | * | ||||||
| * |
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| Purchases | December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||
| Supplier #1 | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Supplier #2 | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Supplier #3 | * | * | * | |||||||||||||
| * |
| Payables | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 |
||||||
| Supplier #1 | * | * | ||||||
| Supplier #2 | % | % | ||||||
| Supplier #3 | % | % | ||||||
| Supplier #4 | * | % | ||||||
| * |
| 7 |
Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued but Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standard Update 2024-03, In 2024, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income. The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU provides guidance on the disaggregation of income statement expenses, aiming to enhance the transparency of financial reporting by requiring more detailed disclosures of expense categories. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial statements to determine the potential effect on its financial reporting and disclosures.
Accounting Standard Update 2024-02, In 2024, Codification Improvements—Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2024-02, which updates accounting standards for revenue recognition (ASC 606), lease accounting (ASC 842), and impairment of long-lived assets (ASC 360). The ASU provides enhanced guidance for estimating variable consideration, accounting for contract modifications, determining lease terms, and simplifying impairment testing for long-lived assets. It also introduces increased disclosure requirements for financial instruments and derivatives. ASU 2024-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial statements.
Accounting Standard Update 2024-01 In 2024, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2024-01, which introduces updates to accounting standards related to the classification and measurement of financial instruments under ASC 320. The update primarily focuses on clarifying guidance for equity securities, debt instruments, and other financial assets, particularly in the areas of fair value measurement and impairment recognition. It aims to improve consistency and comparability in the reporting of financial instruments by refining the criteria for classifying securities and enhancing the methodology for recognizing and measuring impairments. ASU 2024- 01 also mandates additional disclosures to provide greater transparency around the valuation techniques and assumptions used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial statements and disclosures.
Accounting Standard Update 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”). In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, which requires more detailed income tax disclosures. The guidance requires entities to disclose disaggregated information about their effective tax rate reconciliation as well as expanded information on income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The disclosure requirements will be applied on a prospective basis, with the option to apply them retrospectively. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the disclosure requirements related to the new standard.
Accounting Standard Update 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”). In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through additional disclosures about significant segment expenses. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are evaluating the disclosure requirements related to the new standard.
Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes or updates to the Company’s significant accounting policies from those described in Note 1 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.
| 8 |
Earnings per Share
Basic Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS takes into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares, such as stock options, warrants, and unvested restricted stock units, were exercised and converted into common shares and the impact would not be antidilutive. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, increased by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if the potential shares had been issued and were dilutive. Contingently issuable shares are included in basic net income per share only when there is no circumstance under which those shares would not be issued.
As a result of the Merger (see Note 15), the Company has retroactively adjusted the weighted average shares outstanding prior to February 10, 2023, to give effect to the Exchange Ratio used to determine the number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which they were converted.
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Net Income (in thousands) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted shares | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average Class A Common Stock outstanding - Basic | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-Average Class A Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted | ||||||||||||||||
| Income per share for Class A Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||
| — Basic and Diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
For the three and six months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 there are shares of contingently issuable Class A Common Stock that were not included in the computation of basic or diluted earnings per share since the contingencies for the issuance of these shares have not been met and warrants outstanding shares have been excluded from diluted earnings per share because they are anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ending December 31, 2024, restricted shares were excluded from diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive.
Note 3: Trade Receivables, Net
Trade Receivables, Net consists of the following at:
Schedule of Trade Receivables, Net
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 |
||||||
| Trade Receivables | $ | $ | ||||||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Allowance for Credit Losses | ( |
( |
) | |||||
| Sales Returns Reserve, Net | ( |
( |
) | |||||
| Customer Rebate and Discount Reserve | ( |
|||||||
| Total Allowances | ( |
( |
) | |||||
| Trade Receivables, Net | $ | $ | ||||||
Schedule of Allowance For Credit Losses
| $ in thousands | ||||
| Allowance for Credit Losses Roll forward | For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2024, | |||
| Beginning Balance as of June 30, 2024 | ( | ) | ||
| Current Period Provision for Expected Credit Losses | ( | ) | ||
| Write-offs (net of recoveries) | ||||
| Recoveries of Previously Written-off Accounts | ( | ) | ||
| Ending Balance as of December 31, 2024 | ( | ) | ||
| 9 |
Note 4: Inventory, Net
Inventory, Net (all finished goods) consists of the following at:
Schedule of Inventory, Net
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 |
June 30, 2024 |
||||||
| Inventory | $ | $ | ||||||
| Less: Reserves | ( |
( |
) | |||||
| Inventory, Net | $ | $ | ||||||
Note 5: Other Current and Long-Term Assets
Other Current and Long-Term Assets consist of the following at:
Schedule of Other Current and Long-term Assets
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | ||||||
| Other Assets–Current | ||||||||
| Prepaid Intellectual Property | $ | $ | ||||||
| Prepaid Insurance | ||||||||
| Prepaid Acquisitions | ||||||||
| Prepaid Catalogs | ||||||||
| Prepaid Manufacturing Components | ||||||||
| Prepaid Maintenance | ||||||||
| Prepaid Inventory | ||||||||
| Prepaid Shipping Supplies | ||||||||
| Prepaid Royalties | ||||||||
| Total Other Assets–Current | $ | $ | ||||||
| Other Long-Term Assets | ||||||||
| Deposits | $ | $ | ||||||
| Income tax receivable | ||||||||
| Total Other Long-Term Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
Note 6: Property and Equipment, Net
Property and Equipment, Net consists of the following at:
Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | ||||||
| Property and Equipment | ||||||||
| Leasehold Improvements | $ | $ | ||||||
| Machinery and Equipment | ||||||||
| Furniture and Fixtures | ||||||||
| Capitalized Software | ||||||||
| Equipment Under Capital Leases | ||||||||
| Computer Equipment | ||||||||
| Property and Equipment, Gross | ||||||||
| Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization | ( |
( |
) | |||||
| Total Property and Equipment, Net | $ | $ | ||||||
Depreciation
Expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 was $
| 10 |
Note 7: Goodwill and Intangibles, Net
Schedule of Goodwill
| December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | |||||||
| ($ in thousands) | ||||||||
| Goodwill, beginning of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Goodwill, end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
Goodwill reported is the result of multiple acquisitions made by Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation over the years.
Intangibles, Net consists of the following at:
Schedule of Intangible Assets, Net
| ($ in thousands) | December 2024 | June 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intangibles: | Intangibles Cost | Accum. Amortization | Intangibles, Net | Accum. Amortization | Intangibles, Net | |||||||||||||||
| Customer Relationships | $ | ( |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Mecca Customer Relationships | $ | ( |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Customer List | $ | ( |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Tradename - HMBR | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | |||||||||||||||
During
the three months ending December 31, 2024, and 2023, the Company recorded amortization expense of $
Expected amortization over the next five years, including the remainder of fiscal 2025 and thereafter, as of December 31, 2024, is as follows:
Schedule of Expected Amortization Over the Next Five Years and Thereafter
| ($ in thousands) | Intangible Assets | |||
| Year Ended June 30 | ||||
| Remaining in fiscal year 2025 | $ | |||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| 2028 | ||||
| 2029 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total Expected Amortization | $ | |||
Note 8: Accrued Expenses
Accrued Expenses consists of the following at:
Schedule of Accrued Expenses
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 |
||||||
| Marketing Funds Accruals | $ | $ | ||||||
| Payroll and Payroll Tax Accruals | ||||||||
| Accruals for Other Expenses | ||||||||
| Total Accrued Expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
| 11 |
Note 9: Revolving Credit Facility
On December 21, 2023, the Company terminated its existing credit facility with Bank of America and established a new credit facility with White Oak Commercial Financing, LLC.
Availability
under the terminated Bank of America Credit Facility was limited by the Company’s borrowing base calculation, as defined in
the credit agreement relating to this facility. In addition, there was a commitment fee of
On
December 21, 2023, the Company entered into a new credit facility with White Oak Commercial Finance, LLC, which will mature on
If
the Company reduces or terminates the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility before its maturity, it will incur an early termination
fee of
Availability
under the Revolving Credit Facility is determined by the Company’s borrowing base calculation, as defined in the credit agreement
relating to this facility. The Company also incurs a commitment fee of
The
maximum borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined by a formula based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory,
subject to lender discretion. The facility includes standard representations and warranties, events of default, and financial reporting
requirements, including maintaining a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least
The Company was in compliance with its covenants as of December 31, 2024. Revolving Credit Facility, net consists of the following at:
Schedule of Revolver Balance
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | ||||||
| Outstanding Balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Less: Deferred Finance Costs | ( |
( |
) | |||||
| Revolving Credit Facility, Net | $ | $ | ||||||
During
the three and six months ending December 31, 2024, and 2023, the Company had interest expenses of $
| 12 |
Note 10: Employee Benefits Company Health Plans
The
Company sponsors the Alliance Health & Benefits Plan (AHBP) consisting of the following plans: self-insured medical (PPO and HDHP),
dental (PPO and HMO), vision, life Insurance, and short & long-term disability. Medical insurance is self-insured to a maximum company
exposure of $
The
Dental insurance HMO is self-insured to a maximum per individual procedure based on a published schedule which measures exposure. The
PPO policy is fully insured. The Company contributes various percentages to different levels of premium coverage. As of December 31,
2024, the Company was fully accrued for estimated run out exposure on a mature claim basis, as provided and calculated by the plan administrator.
The vision plan, life insurance plan, and short and long-term disability plans are fully insured, sponsored by the Company and premiums
are paid by the employer and employee based on various Board approved schedules. At December 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, the accrued
estimated run out exposure totaled approximately $
401(k) Plan
The
Company has the Alliance Entertainment 401(k) Plan (the Plan) covering all eligible employees of the Company. All employees over the
age of 18 are eligible to participate in the Plan at the beginning of the month following the date of hire. The Plan has an automatic
deferral at the beginning of the month following the date of hire. Employees are automatically enrolled in the Plan with a
Note 11: Income Taxes
The
effective tax rate was
The
effective tax rate was
Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation, Claims and Assessments
We are exposed to claims, litigation and/or cyber-attacks of varying degrees arising in the ordinary course of business and use various methods to resolve these matters. When a loss is probable, we record an accrual based on the reasonably estimable loss or range of loss. When no point of loss is more likely than another, we record the lowest amount in the estimated range of loss and, if material, disclose the estimated range of loss. We do not record liabilities for reasonably possible loss contingencies but do disclose a range of reasonably possible losses if they are material and we are able to estimate such a range. If we cannot provide a range of reasonably possible losses, we will explain the factors that prevent us from determining such a range. Historically, adjustments to our estimates have not been material. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. We do not believe that any of these identified claims or litigation will be material to our results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.
| 13 |
On
March 31, 2023, a class action complaint, titled Matthew McKnight v. Alliance Entertainment Holding Corp. f/k/a Adara Acquisition
Corp., Adara Sponsor LLC, Thomas Finke, Paul G. Porter, Beatriz Acevedo-Greiff, W. Tom Donaldson III, Dylan Glenn, and Frank Quintero,
was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery against our pre-Business Combination board of directors and executive officers and Adara
Sponsor LLC, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties by purportedly failing to disclose certain information in connection with the Business
Combination and by approving the Business Combination. On August 26, 2024, the parties executed a Stipulation of Settlement which contemplates
payment by the Company of $
On
June 6, 2024, Office Create Corporation filed a complaint against COKeM International Ltd. (“COKeM”) in the United
States District Court for the District of Minnesota alleging contributory trademark infringement, contributory false designation of
origin and unjust enrichment relating to COKeM’s [alleged] distribution of a specific video game, Cooking Mama: Cookstar. The
plaintiff is seeking damages of no less than $
On August 8, 2024, a class action complaint, Feller v. Alliance Entertainment, LLC and DirectToU, LLC, was filed under the Video Privacy Protection Act (“VPPA”). The complaint alleges that the Company violated the VPPA by disclosing users’ personally identifiable information, as well as information regarding videos they viewed on the Company’s website, to Facebook through the use of Facebook Pixel. The Company is evaluating the claims and intends to defend against the allegations vigorously. At this time, the potential outcome or range of financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated.
Ledworks,
LLC and Ledworks, s.r.l. v. COKeM: On June 26, 2024, Alliance received a demand letter from Ledworks’ Minnesota counsel citing
claims for outstanding interest for invoices dating back to calendar year 2022. Over the last 18 months, COKeM was attempting to resolve
a reconciliation/return of products to Ledworks for an over-purchase made in 2022. The parties exchanged reconciliation schedules, and
prior to removing all products from the Cokem’s Minnesota warehouse, the product was shipped to Ledworks for credit against the
account payable. The parties are in discussion to attempt to reach agreement on one outstanding invoice (invoice amount $
Jonathan Hoang To v. DirectToU, LLC, United States District Court for the Northern District of California; Case No. 3:24-cv-06447; Douglas Feller, Jeffry Haise, and Joseph Mull v. Alliance Entertainment, LLC and DirectToU, LLC, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Case No. 0:24-cv-61444; and Vivek Shah v. DirectToU, LLC, JAMS Arbitration, No. 5220006749.- Jonathan Hoang To, who allegedly used the website www.deepdiscount.com; Douglas Feller and Jeffry Haise, who allegedly used the website www.ccvideo.com; Joseph Mull and Vivek Shah, who allegedly used the website www.moviesunlimited.com. The lawsuits also put at issue any other website owned or operated by Alliance Entertainment, LLC (“Alliance”) or one of its corporate affiliates, including the websites www.ccmusic.com and wowhd.co.uk. The lawsuits bring claims against DirectToU, LLC (“DirectToU”) and/or Alliance, alleging a violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act (“VPPA”) related to the alleged collection of, and alleged disclosure to Meta and other third parties, including data brokers, of alleged private information and user data regarding a user’s account information and video viewing/purchasing history from the respective Websites. Plaintiff Hoang To also alleges violations of California’s state VPPA equivalent, as well as violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law. DirectToU and Alliance dispute the allegations and will defend the lawsuits vigorously. The parties in the Hoang To matter have reached a settlement with respect to all potential class members. The settlement agreement has been submitted to the court for approval on December 15, 2024. An approved settlement would cover the class members covered by the Feller matter, rendering such litigation moot. A motion to stay the Feller matter pending court approval of the settlement in Hoang To has been filed and granted. Counsel for the Feller parties filed a motion to intervene and stay the settlement in Hoang, which motions were rejected. The parties await final settlement approval.
| 14 |
Balabbo v Abysse America, Inc., Target Corporation, DirectToU, LLC (Prop 65): On or about December 11, 2024, DirectToU received a tender of defense from Target Corporation citing a possible violation of California Proposition 65 for a product sold by DirectToU allegedly containing lead. The product in question was supplied to Alliance by Abysse America. Alliance/DTU have tendered defense to Abysse. Abysse has engaged counsel to respond to the Prop 65 Violation Notice. At this time, Alliance/DTU have discontinued the product, but have documentation supplied by Abysse showing that the product was properly tested and was within allowable thresholds for lead and other substances.
McConigle v Alliance/DirectToU, LLC: On December 29, 2024, McConigle filed a class action suit against Alliance in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Case 0:24-cv-62443-DSL), alleging violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. § 227 (“TCPA”). Alliance is still evaluating the factual allegations of violation against internal records regarding solicitation/advertising to the phone number at issue. Alliance intends to defend this matter vigorously and denies all allegations.
Note 13: Related Party Transactions
GameFly Holdings, LLC
On
February 1, 2023, Alliance entered into a Distribution Agreement (the “Agreement”) with GameFly Holdings, Inc., a customer
of Alliance that is owned by the principal stockholders of Alliance, which is effective from February 1, 2023, through March 31, 2028,
at which time the Agreement continues indefinitely until either party provides the other party with six-month advance notice to terminate
the Agreement. During the three and six months ending December 31, 2024, and 2023, Alliance had distribution revenue in the amounts of
$
During the three-month periods ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, and the six-month periods ended December 31, 2024,
and 2023, the Company had additional sales to GameFly of $
As of December 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, the Company
had a receivable from GameFly of $
Ogilvie Loans
On
July 3, 2023, the Company entered into a $
The Ogilvie Loan is subordinated to the
Company’s revolving credit facility, meaning that in the event of liquidation or default, repayment of the Ogilvie Loan is subordinate
to amounts outstanding under the Company’s debt arrangements.
| 15 |
The
Ogilvie Loan matures on
MVP Logistics, LLC
MVP Logistics is an independent contractor, which, before August 31, 2023, was partially owned by Joe Rehak, the SVP of Operations of COKeM International Limited, which Alliance acquired in September 2020. Subsequent to August 31, 2023, Mr. Rehak no longer has an equity stake in MVP Logistics and retired from COKeM in January 2024. Alliance believes the amounts payable to MVP Logistics are at fair market value
During the three and six months
ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Alliance incurred costs with MVP Logistics LLC, in the amount of $
B&D Capital Partners, LLC
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the Company entered into a financial advisory agreement with B&D Capital Partners, LLC (“BDCP”). W. Tom Donaldson III, a director of the company, is managing partner and a principal equity holder of Blystone & Donaldson, the parent company of BDPC. The agreement, dated July 28, 2023, engaged BDCP as a non-exclusive financial advisor to assist the Company in issuing privately held debt securities and related transactions. BDCP is owned by Blystone & Donaldson, LLC, and Mr. Donaldson, an independent director of the Company, is a principal of BDCP.
Under the terms of the agreement, BDCP provided financial advisory services, including the review of confidential information, identification and engagement of potential transaction parties, and assistance with investor presentations.
During
the three and six months ending December 31, 2024, the Company did not incur any related party fees with BDCP. For the fiscal year ending
June 30, 2024, the Company paid BDCP approximately $
Note 14: Leases
Components of lease expense were as follows for the three and six months ending December 31, 2024, and 2023:
Schedule of Components of Lease Expense
| Three Months | Three Months | Six Months | Six Months | |||||||||||||
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||
| Lease Cost ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Finance Lease Cost: | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Right of Use Assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized Operating Lease Cost | ||||||||||||||||
| Short – Term Lease Cost | ||||||||||||||||
| Variable Lease Cost | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Lease Cost | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Information | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from Capitalized Operating leases | ||||||||||||||||
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | |||||||
| Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities | ||||||||
| Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new Capitalized Operating lease liabilities | ||||||||
| Net ROU remeasurement | ( | ) | ||||||
| Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in Years) | % | % | ||||||
| Weighted average remaining lease term - Capitalized Operating leases (in Years) | ||||||||
| Weighted average discount rate - finance leases | % | % | ||||||
| Weighted average discount rate - Capitalized Operating leases | % | % | ||||||
| 16 |
Maturities of operating and finance lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024, are as follows:
Schedule of Maturities of Lease Liabilities
| ($ in thousands) | Operating Leases | Finance Leases | ||||||
| Remaining in fiscal ending June 30, 2025 | ||||||||
| 2026 | ||||||||
| 2027 | ||||||||
| 2028 | ||||||||
| 2029 | ||||||||
| Thereafter | ||||||||
| Total Lease Payments | ||||||||
| Less Imputed Interest | ( |
( |
||||||
| Present Value Obligations | ||||||||
| Short-term Liability | ||||||||
| Long-term Liability | ||||||||
Note 15: Merger
As disclosed in Note 1, on February 10, 2023, the Company completed the Merger with Adara and a Merger Sub, resulting in the Company becoming a publicly traded company. While Adara was the legal acquirer in the Merger, for financial accounting and reporting purposes under U.S. GAAP, Legacy Alliance was the accounting acquirer, and the Merger was accounted for as a “reverse recapitalization.” A reverse recapitalization (i.e., a capital transaction involving the exchange of stock by Adara for Legacy Alliance’s stock) does not result in a new basis of accounting, and the consolidated financial statements of the combined entity represent the continuation of the consolidated financial statements of Legacy Alliance. Accordingly, the consolidated assets, liabilities, and results of operations of Legacy Alliance became the historical consolidated financial statements of the combined company, and Adara’s assets, liabilities and results of operations were consolidated with Legacy Alliance beginning on the acquisition date. Operations prior to the Merger are presented as those of Legacy Alliance in future reports. The net assets of Adara were recognized at historical cost (which was consistent with carrying value), with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.
At the closing of the Merger, each of the then issued and outstanding shares of Alliance common stock were cancelled and automatically converted into the right to receive the number of shares of Adara common stock equal to the exchange ratio (determined in accordance with the Business Combination Agreement). The Company’s shares of previously outstanding common stock were exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock. In addition, the treasury stock was cancelled. This change in equity structure has been retroactively reflected in the financial statements for all periods presented.
The following table summarizes the shares of Class A outstanding immediately following consummation of the Merger:
Schedule of Consummation of Merger
| Alliance Public Shares | ||||
| Alliance Sponsor Shares | ||||
| Legacy Alliance Shares | ||||
| Total Shares of Common Stock Outstanding after Merger |
Up
to
| ● | If the stock price increases
to $ per share within | |
| ● | If the stock price increases
to $ per share within | |
| ● | If the stock price increases
to $ per share within |
| 17 |
Each share of Class A and Class E common stock has one vote, and the common shares collectively will possess all voting power and will have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and on all other matters properly submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Since the Class E shares are subject to vesting conditions and meet the contingent exercise and settlement provisions to be considered indexed to the Company’s stock, they are accounted for as equity instruments, and are reflected as a reduction of retained earnings, at their fair value on the date of the Merger.
In connection with the Merger, the Company’s 2023 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”) became effective. The 2023 Plan is a comprehensive incentive compensation plan under which the Company can grant equity-based and other incentives awards to based officers, employees, and directors of, and consultants and advisers to, Alliance and its subsidiaries. The Company has reserved a total of shares of Class A common stock for issuance as or under awards to be made under the 2023 Plan. To the extent that an award lapses, expires, is canceled, is terminated unexercised or ceases to be exercisable for any reason, or the rights of its holder terminate, any common stock subject to such award shall again be available for the grant of a new award. The 2023 Plan shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated, until the tenth anniversary of the date on which it is adopted by the Board of Directors (except as to awards outstanding on that date), and the Board of Directors in its discretion may terminate it at any time with respect to any shares for which awards have not theretofore been granted, provided certain conditions are met, in accordance with the 2023 Plan. The price at which a share may be purchased upon exercise of a share option shall be determined by the Plan Committee; provided, however, that such option price (i) shall not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date such share option is granted, and (ii) shall be subject to adjustment as provided in the 2023 Plan. On November 7, 2024, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 2023 Plan to increase the number of shares of Class A common stock for issuance as or under awards to be made under the 2023 Plan to shares. As of December 31, 2024, shares were awarded under the 2023 Plan.
Note 16: Asset Purchase
On
December 17th, 2024, the Company completed an asset purchase from Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, LLC, “an unrelated third
party” for a total cash consideration to the seller of $
The allocation of the purchase price was as follows:
($ in thousands)
Schedule of Allocation of Purchase Price
| Inventory | $ | |||
| Property and Equipment, tooling | ||||
| Prepaid Assets | ||||
| Accrued Liability | ( | ) | ||
| Total Identifiable net assets (liabilities) | ||||
| Intangible assets (Trademark) (including capitalized costs) | ||||
| Total Purchase Price (allocated) | $ | |||
| Total Cash Consideration Paid to Seller | $ | |||
| Capitalized Acquisition Costs (Legal and Shipping fees) |
The acquired intangible asset represents a trademark associated with the Company’s recently acquired product line, Handmade by Robots. The trademark is determined to have an indefinite useful life and will not be amortized. Instead, it will be tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired, in accordance with ASC 350 (Intangibles – Goodwill and Other).
Inventory
was recorded at its estimated fair value on the acquisition date and is expected to be sold within 18 months. Acquisition-related
costs of $
| 18 |
Note 17: Warrants
As
a result of the Merger, at December 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, there were
The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the exercise of a warrant. It will have no obligation to settle such warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the issuance of the shares of Class A common stock underlying the Warrants is then effective. A prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to the Company satisfying its obligations with respect to registration. Additionally, no warrant will be exercisable, and the Company will not be obligated to issue shares of Class A common stock upon exercise of a warrant unless Class A common stock issuable upon such warrant exercise has been registered, qualified, or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the Warrants.
The Company filed with the SEC on April 11, 2023, its registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, to cause such registration statement to become effective and to maintain a current prospectus relating to those shares of Class A common stock until the warrants expire or are redeemed, as specified in the warrant agreement. The registration, as amended, became effective June 29, 2023.
Public Warrants
The
Public Warrants qualify for the derivative scope exception under ASC 815 and are therefore classified as equity on the condensed consolidated
balance sheets. They may only be exercised for a whole number of shares. The Public Warrants are currently exercisable at $
| ● | in whole and not in part. | |
| ● | at a price of $ per Public Warrant. | |
| ● | upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption after the warrants become exercisable to each warrant holder; and | |
| ● | if, and only if, the reported
last sale price of the Class A common stock equals or exceeds $ |
Even if it is unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws.
If the Company calls the Public Warrants for redemption, management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise the Public Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis,” as described in the warrant agreement. The exercise price and number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, or recapitalization, reorganization, merger, or consolidation. However, the Public Warrants will not be adjusted for issuances of Class A common stock at a price below its exercise price. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the Public Warrants.
Private Placement Warrants:
The Private Placement Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants underlying the Units sold in the Initial Public Offering but are classified as liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as they are not considered indexed to the company’s own stock. Additionally, the Private Placement Warrants are exercisable on a cashless basis and are non-redeemable, so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees. If the Private Placement Warrants are held by someone other than the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants as described above.
| 19 |
Representative Warrants
The Company issued Representative Warrants, for minimal consideration to ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc. (and/or its designees), in a private placement simultaneously with the closing of Alliance’s initial public offering, which are also classified as liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Representative Warrants are identical to the Private Warrants except that so long as the Representative Warrants are held by ThinkEquity (and/or its designees) or its permitted transferees, the Representative Warrants (i) will not be redeemable by the Company, (ii) may be exercised by the holders on a cashless basis, (iii) are entitled to registration rights and (iv) are not exercisable more than five years from the effective date of the Merger.
Note 18: Fair Value
The Company complies with the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, for its financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis.
The Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The hierarchy below lists three levels of fair value based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. The company categorizes each of its fair value measurements in one of these three levels based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
As of December 31, 2024, and June 2024, the Company has classified the Private Placement Warrants and the Representative Warrants as Level 3 fair value measurements. Management evaluates a variety of inputs and then estimates fair value based on those inputs. As discussed below, the Company utilized the Black Scholes Model in valuing the Private Placement Warrants and Representative Warrants.
The estimated fair value of cash, trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities are based on Level 1 inputs as the fair values approximate carrying amounts as of December 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, based on the short-term nature and maturity of these instruments.
| 20 |
The estimated fair values of subordinated shareholder debt and the credit facility are based on Level 2 inputs, which consist of interest rates that are currently available to the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. As of December 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, the estimated fair value of the Company’s short and long-term debt approximates its carrying value due to market interest rates charged on such debt or their short-term maturities.
The Company recomputes the fair value of the Private and the Representative Warrants at the issuance date and the end of each quarterly reporting period. Such value computation includes subjective input assumptions that are consistently applied each period. If the Company were to alter its assumptions or the numbers input based on such assumptions, the resulting fair value could be materially different.
The Company utilized the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of the Private Warrants and Representative Warrants as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024.
Schedule of Estimate Fair Value of Private Warrants and Representative Warrants
| December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | |||||||
| Stock Price | $ | $ | ||||||
| Exercise price per share | $ | $ | ||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | % | ||||||
| Expected term (years) | ||||||||
| Expected volatility | % | % | ||||||
| Expected dividend yield | ||||||||
| Warrant measurement input | ||||||||
The significant assumptions using the Lattice model approach for valuation of the Warrants were determined in the following manner:
| (i) | Risk-free interest rate: the risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate with a term matching the time to expiration. | |
| (ii) | Expected term: the expected term is estimated to be equivalent to the remaining contractual term. | |
| (iii) | Expected volatility: expected stock volatility is based on daily observations of the Company’s historical stock value and implied by the market price of the public warrants, adjusted by guideline public company volatility. | |
| (iv) | Expected dividend yield: expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s anticipated dividend payments. As the Company has never issued dividends, the expected dividend yield is % and this assumption will be continued in future calculations unless the Company changes its dividend policy. |
The table below presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the hierarchy as (in thousands):
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis
| As of December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||
| Private Placement and Representative Warrants | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||
| Private Placement and Representative Warrants | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| 21 |
The table below presents the change in number and fair value of the Private and Representative Warrants since June 30, 2024: (in thousands, except the number of shares)
Schedule of Change in Number and Fair Value of Private and Representative Warrants
| Private Warrants | Representative Warrants | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Value | Shares | Value | Shares | Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Classification change from Private to Public | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Change in value | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Note 19: Reclassification of Private Warrants to Public Warrants
Reclassification from Liability to Equity
During the six months ended December 31, 2024, certain shareholders of the company sold private warrants to third parties who were not deemed “permitted transferees” under the terms of the Warrant Agreement. As stipulated in the Warrant Agreement, upon such a sale, the private warrants became subject to the same redemption provisions applicable to public warrants. This change in terms impacted the accounting treatment of the private warrants as follows:
As a result of this reclassification, the private warrants, which were previously accounted for as a liability, were reclassified to equity.
Under U.S. GAAP, private warrants are generally classified as liabilities due to certain settlement provisions, including redemption features and variations in transferability. However, upon their reclassification to public warrants, these instruments became subject to the terms applicable to public warrants, which meet the criteria for equity classification.
The reclassification resulted in the following accounting impacts:
Derecognition
of Liability: The liability associated with the private warrants was derecognized at its fair value as of December 31, 2024, the
reclassification date, totaling $
This reclassification has had no impact on the Company’s previously reported cash flows or operations but resulted in a shift from liabilities to equity on the balance sheet. Future changes in the value of the public warrants will no longer affect the consolidated statements of income after December 31, 2024, as they are no longer subject to mark-to-market adjustments.
| 22 |
Certain outstanding warrants issued by the Company are classified as liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity, due to specific terms that require them to be remeasured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, which resulted in fluctuations in the Company’s reported net income (loss) and earnings per share (EPS).
During
the three and six months ending December 31, 2024, and 2023 the Company recorded a loss of $
The
fair value of the warrant liabilities at December 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, was $
Investors should note that the remeasurement of warrant liabilities is a non-operational, non-cash item. Future changes in fair value will continue to be recorded in earnings until the warrants are either exercised or expire. Additional details on the fair value assumptions and measurement techniques are provided in Note 18 – Fair Value.
As part of the merger with Adara on February 10, 2023, shares were authorized for issuance under the 2023 Plan. Total restricted stock awards of shares were granted to employees on June 15, 2023, by approval of the compensation committee. The shares fully vested on October 4, 2023. The Company does not have an annual stock-based compensation plan.
In connection with awards granted, the Company recognized $ and $ million and $ and $ million in stock-based compensation expense during the three and six months ending December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023.
In September 2024, the Company’s Board approved, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment to the 2023 Plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder by shares of Class A common stock, for a total amount reserved under the 2023 Plan of shares of Class A common stock. On November 7, 2024, the Company’s stockholder approved the amendment to the 2023 Plan.
Note 22 – Issuance of Common Stock
During
the six months ending December 31, 2023, the Company sold shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $ per share,
generating gross proceeds of approximately $
Note 23 – Subsequent Events
Home Entertainment License Agreement
On January 1, 2025, Alliance Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (the “Company”), entered into a Home Entertainment License Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Paramount Home Entertainment Inc. and Paramount Entertainment Canada ULC (collectively, “Paramount”). The Agreement grants the Company exclusive home entertainment rights and non-exclusive promotional rights for certain films and audiovisual works in the U.S. and Canada.
The agreement is effective January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2029, with automatic two-year renewals unless terminated with six months’ notice. This Agreement is expected to increase revenue, and the Company is evaluating its impact on revenue recognition under ASC 606.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The objective for the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” is to provide information the Company’s management team believes is necessary to achieve an understanding of its financial condition and the results of business operations with particular emphasis on the Company’s future and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, and footnotes.
This analysis contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s performance expectations and estimates. Other than statements with historical context, commentary should be considered forward- looking and carries with it risks and uncertainties. See “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, of this Form 10-Q for a discussion of other uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.
Alliance is a leading global wholesaler and distributor of physical media, entertainment products, hardware, and accessories across various platforms. Employing an established multi-channel strategy, Alliance operates as the vital link between renowned international manufacturers of entertainment content and top-tier retail partners both domestically and internationally. With premier suppliers such as Universal Pictures, Warner Brothers Home Video, Walt Disney Studios, Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, Paramount, Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Microsoft, Nintendo, Take Two, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Square Enix, and others, Alliance maintains in-stock inventory of over 325,000 SKU products, consisting of vinyl records, video games, compact discs, DVD, Blu-Rays, and collectibles. Combined with exclusive content from AMPED Distribution and Distribution Solutions, Alliance Entertainment serves as a valued added wholesale distributor, direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) distributor and e-commerce provider to notable partners including industry leaders like Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Wayfair, Costco, Dell, Verizon, Kohl’s, Target, Shopify, and others. Currently, the company sells its products, permitted for export, to more than 70 countries worldwide.
Additionally, Alliance manages a diverse portfolio of owned e-commerce brands, including Critics’ Choice, Collectors’ Choice, Movies Unlimited, DeepDiscount, popmarket, blowitoutahere, Fulfillment Express, Importcds, GamerCandy, WowHD, and others.
Alliance provides state-of-the art warehousing and distribution technologies, operating systems and services that seamlessly enable entertainment product transactions to better serve customers directly or through our distribution affiliates. These technology-led platforms, combined with Alliance’s sales and distribution network, create a modern entertainment physical product marketplace that provides the discerning customer with enhanced options on efficient consumer-friendly platforms inventory. Alliance is the retailers’ back office for in-store and e-commerce solutions. All electronic data interchange (“EDI”) and logistics are operational and ready for existing retail channels to add new products.
License Agreements
Effective January 1, 2025, Alliance Entertainment, LLC entered into a Home Entertainment License Agreement with Paramount Home Entertainment Inc. and Paramount Entertainment Canada ULC. This agreement grants Alliance exclusive home entertainment rights and non-exclusive promotional rights for select Paramount Pictures in the United States and Canada. This agreement marks a milestone for Alliance Entertainment, strengthening our home entertainment leadership, expanding our content portfolio, and driving long-term revenue growth. By aligning with a world-renowned studio, we are positioned to capitalize on strong consumer demand and enhance shareholder value through strategic, high-impact partnerships.
Merger, Asset Purchase and Business Acquisition
Alliance has a proven history of successfully acquiring and integrating competitors and complementary businesses. The Company will continue to evaluate opportunities to identify targets that meet strategic and economic criteria.
On December 17, 2024, the Company acquired Handmade by Robots from Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, LLC, for $7.6 million. Handmade by Robots produces licensed vinyl figures that mimic the look of knitted or crocheted plush toys. These figures feature characters from popular franchises such as DC Comics, Ghostbusters, Harry Potter, Star Trek, and Stranger Things, and have become favorites among fans and collectors. The acquisition includes inventory, tooling equipment, and a trademark associated with the product line. This addition is expected to diversify our product offerings and add an exclusive line to our portfolio.
On July 1, 2022, Alliance purchased the assets and liabilities of Think3Fold, LLC, a collectibles distribution company. This acquisition resulted in increased shelf space at our largest customers and expanded our product offerings.
On February 10, 2023, AENT Corporation (f/k/a Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation) (“Legacy Alliance”), Adara Acquisition Corp. (“Adara”) and Adara Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”) consummated the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2022, by and among Adara, Merger Sub and Legacy Alliance. Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, a business combination of Legacy Alliance and Adara was affected by the merger of Merger Sub with and into Alliance (the “Merger” or the “Business Combination”), with Alliance surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adara. Following the consummation of the Merger on the closing of the Business Combination, Adara changed its name from Adara Acquisition Corp. to Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (the “Company”).
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While the legal acquirer in the Business Combination Agreement was Adara, for financial accounting and reporting purposes under U.S. GAAP, Legacy Alliance was the accounting acquirer, and the Merger was accounted for as a “reverse recapitalization.” A reverse recapitalization (i.e., a capital transaction involving the exchange of stock by Adara for Legacy Alliance’s stock) does not result in a new basis of accounting, and the consolidated financial statements of the combined entity represent the continuation of the consolidated financial statements of Legacy Alliance in many respects. Accordingly, the consolidated assets, liabilities, and results of operations of Legacy Alliance became the historical consolidated financial statements of the combined company, and Adara’s assets, liabilities and results of operations were consolidated with Legacy Alliance beginning on the acquisition date. Operations prior to the Merger are presented as those of Legacy Alliance in future reports. The net assets of Adara were recognized at historical cost (which was consistent with carrying value), with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.
Upon consummation of the Merger, the most significant change in Legacy Alliance’s future reported financial position and results of operations was a decrease in net Equity of $787,000 as compared to Legacy Alliance’s consolidated balance sheet.
As a result of the Merger, Alliance Entertainment became the successor to an SEC-registered company, which requires us to hire additional personnel and implement procedures and processes to address public company regulatory requirements and customary practices. We expect to incur additional annual expenses as a public company for, among other things, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees and additional internal and external accounting, legal and administrative resources, including increased audit and legal fees.
Macroeconomic Uncertainties
Unfavorable conditions in the economy in the United States and abroad may negatively affect the growth of our business and have affected our results of operations. For example, macroeconomic events, including inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve interest rates, and the Russia-Ukraine war have led to economic uncertainty globally. The effect of macroeconomic conditions may not be fully reflected in our results of operations until future periods. If, however, economic uncertainty increases or the global economy worsens, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be harmed. For further discussion of the potential impacts of macroeconomic events on our business, financial condition, and operating results, see the section titled Part I “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, including the risk factor titled “Unstable market and economic conditions have had and may continue to have serious adverse consequences on our business, financial condition and share price.”
Key Performance Indicators
Management monitors and analyzes key performance indicators to evaluate financial performance, including:
Net Revenue: To derive Net Revenue, the Company reduces total gross sales by customer returns, returns reserve, and allowances, including discounts.
Cost of Revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization): Our cost of revenue reflects the total costs incurred to market and distribute products to customers. Changes in cost are impacted primarily by sales volume, product mix, product obsolescence, freight costs, and market development funds (“MDF”).
Operating Expenses: Our Operating Expenses are the direct and indirect costs associated with the distribution and fulfillment of products and services. They include both Distribution and Fulfillment and Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses. The Distribution and Fulfillment Expenses are the payroll and operating expenses associated with the receipt, warehousing, and distribution of product.
Margins: To analyze profitability, the Company reviews gross and net margins in dollars and as a percent of revenue by line of business and product line.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: The Selling, General and Administrative Expenses are payroll and operating costs for Information Technology, Sales & Marketing, and General & Administrative functions. In addition, we include Depreciation and Amortization expenses and Transaction Costs, if applicable.
Balance Sheet Indicators: The Company views cash, product inventory, accounts payable, and working capital as key indicators of its financial position.
Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation
Results of Operations Three Months Ended December 31, 2024, Compared to Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Net Revenues | $ | 393,672 | $ | 425,586 | ||||
| Cost of Revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 351,382 | 377,883 | ||||||
| Operating Expenses | ||||||||
| Distribution and Fulfillment Expense | 12,419 | 15,144 | ||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Expense | 13,800 | 15,157 | ||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | 1,255 | 1,412 | ||||||
| Restructuring Costs | 19 | - | ||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | 27,493 | 31,713 | ||||||
| Operating Income | 14,797 | 15,990 | ||||||
| Other Expenses | ||||||||
| Change in Fair Value of Warrants | 2,545 | (41 | ) | |||||
| Interest Expense, Net | 2,827 | 3,328 | ||||||
| Total Other Expenses | 5,372 | 3,287 | ||||||
| Income Before Income Tax Expense | 9,425 | 12,703 | ||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 2,354 | 3,789 | ||||||
| Net Income | 7,071 | 8,914 | ||||||
Net Revenue: Year over year, total net revenues decreased from $426 million to $394 million (-$32 million, -7.5%) for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Alliance Entertainment is a recognized leader in the entertainment industry, excelling in the licensing, production, and distribution of a diverse range of entertainment products and content, including motion pictures, music, gaming hardware, retro arcades, and pop culture collectibles. With exclusive distribution rights for approximately 150 studios and labels in the film and music industry, our extensive portfolio of unique content, combined with our deep inventory, enables us to service bulk B2B and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels with a vast selection of products unavailable through other distributors. Our recent acquisition of Handmade by Robots and Paramount licensing contract will further enhance our portfolio of exclusive content. In addition, our unique DTC suite of distribution and inventory solutions for the e-commerce retail industry, including our consumer direct subsidiary DirectToU LLC, accounted for approximately 42% of gross revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2024.
Year over year, vinyl record sales increased from $97 million to $109 million ($12 million, 12%) for the three months ending December 31, 2024. The average selling price of vinyl was up 7% and combined with an increase in volume resulted in an overall 12% increase in revenue growth compared to the previous year. We expect music enthusiasts and collectors to extend this upward trend because of their passion for music, appreciation for the artwork, and a desire to enhance their physical collection. Likewise, Music Compact Discs (CDs) sales increased from $38 million to $39 million ($1 million, 2%). The popularity of K-Pop allowed us to maintain the average selling price of CDs and when combined with an increase in volume resulted in a net gain in revenue year-over-year.
Physical movie sales, which include DVDs, Blu-Ray, and Ultra HD, increased from $70 million to $86 million ($16 million, 23%) versus the same period last year. The average selling price of physical film products increased 16% year over year and when combined with increased volume contributed to a significant revenue increase versus the same period last year. The consistent flow of new theatrical releases, combined with 4K and collectable SteelBook content, continues to drive home video sales. We expect the trend of higher price points to continue as brick & mortar retailers cater to the consumer preference for omnichannel shopping experiences and curated content versus inexpensive, mass market product offerings. Alliance Entertainment’s ability to offer retailers in-store and on-line channels a deep, extensive library of both music and movies helps provide them with the products for a cohesive shopping experience based on personal preference and engagement with their respective brands.
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Consumer products revenue decreased from $16 million to $12 million (-$4 million, -25%) compared to the prior year. Sales were primarily impacted by changes in supply chain dynamics and purchasing strategies, along with the absence of standout or high impact releases this year. Consequently, both the average selling price per unit and sales volume declined. However, following our acquisition of Handmade by Robots, we anticipate a strong lineup of new theatrical and streaming releases that will drive collectible and merchandise sales, boosting margins. The collectibles market remains an integral part of the entertainment segment, driven by its mix of nostalgic, investment, and intrinsic value. Ensuring we align our offerings with market trends and consumer preferences will be key as we deepen our partnerships with key licensors of these franchises.
Gaming product revenue decreased from $192 million to $140 million (-$52 million, -27%) reflecting a broader downturn in the gaming industry. Our average selling price and margins have increased significantly due to product mix and fewer discounts year over year, but total sales were impacted by a lack of hardware availability from key suppliers as current inventory is depleted. The market is anticipating the next generation of high-performance gaming consoles and, as a distributor of physical products, we anticipate strong future demand for hardware, accessories, and peripherals. We continue to proactively monitor industry trends to ensure we have the right product mix to meet market demand and maximize profitability.
Cost of Revenues: Total cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization, decreased from $378 million to $351 million (-$27 million or -7%) year over year primarily due to the direct relation of product costs to sales volume. Gross Margin dollars decreased year over year from $47.7 million to $42.3 million resulting in a margin decline from 11.2% to 10.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, over the same period prior year.
Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses for the quarter decreased from $31.7 million to $27.5 million (-$4.2 million or -13%) and decreased as a percentage of net revenue versus the same quarter prior year from 7.5% to 7.0%. Total Distribution and fulfillment expense declined from $15.1 million to $12.4 million (-$2.7 million, -18%) and decreased from 3.6% to 3.2% as a percentage of net revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2024, versus the same period prior year. We continue to invest in warehouse automation to reduce the need for total warehouse labor and utilize temporary labor forces to manage changes in demand. As a result, fulfillment payroll declined from $9.4 million to $8.2 million (-$1.2 million, -13%) and, despite low unemployment rates, the average cost per labor hour declined approximately 5.5% for the three months ending December 31, 2024, versus the same period of the prior year. In May of 2024, we consolidated operations by closing our Shakopee, MN warehouse which also helped reduce operating costs and improve efficiency by centralizing operations and reducing redundancy. And, as we continue to identify and implement business process changes to improve overall efficiency, total selling, general and administrative costs declined from $15.1 million to $13.8 million (-$1.3 million or -9%) year over year.
Interest Expense: For the three months ending December 31, 2024, total interest expense decreased from $3.3 million to $2.8 million (-$0.5 million, -15%) versus the same period of the prior year. The primary driver was a reduction of the average revolver balance from $122 million to $85 million (-$37 million, -30%) over the same period of the prior year, partially offset by an increase of our effective interest rate from 8.9% to 9.6%.
Income Tax: For the three months ended December 31, 2024, an income tax expense of $2.4 million was recorded compared to a benefit of $3.8 million for the same period in the prior year. Alliance reported a pretax gain of $9.4 million and $12.7 million for the three-months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The annual effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was 25% versus 30% prior year. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and the federal statutory rate primarily resulted from state income taxes and foreign derived intangible income.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures: For the three months ending December 31, 2024, we had non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $16.1 million compared with Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $18.8 million in the same period of the prior year. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net gain or loss adjusted to exclude: (i) income tax expense; (ii) other income (loss); (iii) interest expense; and (iv) depreciation and amortization expense and (v) other non- recurring expenses. Our method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other issuers and accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. We use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our own operating performance and as an integral part of our planning process. We present Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure because we believe such a measure is useful to investors as a reasonable indicator of operating performance. We believe this measure is a financial metric used by many investors to compare companies. This measure is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP in the United States and should not be considered as a substitute for operating earnings (losses), net earnings (loss) from continuing operations or cash flows from operating activities, as determined in accordance with GAAP. See the table below for a reconciliation, for the periods presented, of our GAAP net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA.
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Net Income | $ | 7,071 | $ | 8,914 | ||||
| Add back: | ||||||||
| Interest Expense | 2,827 | 3,328 | ||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 2,354 | 3,789 | ||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | 1,255 | 1,412 | ||||||
| EBITDA | $ | 13,507 | $ | 17,443 | ||||
| Adjustments | ||||||||
| Stock-based Compensation Expense | - | 58 | ||||||
| Change In Fair Value of Warrants | 2,545 | (41 | ) | |||||
| Merger-related Contingent Losses | - | 461 | ||||||
| Restructuring Cost | 19 | - | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 16,071 | $ | 17,921 | ||||
Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation
Results of Operations Six Months Ended December 31, 2024, Compared to Six Months Ended
December 31, 2023
| Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Net Revenues | $ | 622,662 | $ | 652,341 | ||||
| Cost of Revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 554,837 | 578,384 | ||||||
| Operating Expenses | ||||||||
| Distribution and Fulfillment Expense | 21,437 | 26,858 | ||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Expense | 26,905 | 29,718 | ||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | 2,512 | 3,054 | ||||||
| Restructuring Costs | 69 | 47 | ||||||
| Loss on Disposal of Fixed Assets | (15 | ) | - | |||||
| Total Operating Expenses | 50,908 | 59,677 | ||||||
| Operating Income | 16,917 | 14,280 | ||||||
| Other Expenses | ||||||||
| Change in Fair Value of Warrants | 2,586 | (165 | ) | |||||
| Interest Expense, Net | 5,666 | 6,468 | ||||||
| Total Other Expenses | 8,252 | 6,303 | ||||||
| Income Before Income Tax Expense | 8,665 | 7,977 | ||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 1,197 | 2,525 | ||||||
| Net Income | 7,468 | 5,452 | ||||||
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Net Revenue: Year over year, total net revenues decreased from $652 million to $623 million (-$29 million, -4.4%) for the six months ended December 31, 2024. Alliance Entertainment is a recognized leader in the entertainment industry, excelling in the licensing, production, and distribution of a diverse range of entertainment products and content, including motion pictures, music, gaming hardware, retro arcades, and pop culture collectibles. With exclusive distribution rights for approximately 150 studios and labels in the film and music industry, our extensive portfolio of unique content, combined with our deep inventory, enables us to service bulk B2B and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels with a vast selection of products unavailable through other distributors. Our recent acquisition of Handmade by Robots and Paramount licensing contract will further enhance our portfolio of exclusive content. In addition, our unique DTC suite of distribution and inventory solutions for the e-commerce retail industry, including our consumer direct subsidiary DirectToU LLC, enabled approximately 40% of our gross sales revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2024.
Year over year, vinyl record sales increased from $164 million to $180 million ($16 million, 10%) for the six months ending December 31, 2024. The average selling price of vinyl was up 6% and combined with an increase in volume resulting in an overall 10% increase in revenue growth compared to the previous year. We expect music enthusiasts and collectors to extend this upward trend because of passion for music, their appreciation for the artwork, and a desire to enhance their physical collection. Likewise, Music Compact Discs (CDs) increased from $71 million to $73 million ($2 million, 3%). The popularity of K-Pop allowed us to maintain the average selling price of CDs but when combined with an increase in volume resulted in a net gain in revenue year-over-year.
Physical movie sales, which include DVDs, Blu-Ray, and Ultra HD, increased from $117 million to $139 million ($22 million, 19%) versus the same period last year. The average selling price of physical film products increased 17% year over year and partially offset by a decline in volume contributed to a healthy increase versus the same period last year. The consistent flow of new theatrical releases, combined with 4K and collectable SteelBook content, continues to drive home video sales. We expect the trend of higher price points to continue as brick & mortar retailers cater to the consumer preference for omnichannel shopping experiences and curated content versus inexpensive, mass market product offerings. Alliance Entertainment’s ability to offer retailers in-store and on-line channels a deep, extensive library of both music and movies helps provide them with the products for a cohesive shopping experience based on personal preference and engagement with their respective brands.
Consumer products revenue decreased from $26 million to $19 million (-$7 million, -27%) versus the prior year. Sales were primarily impacted by changes in supply chain dynamics and purchasing strategies, along with the absence of standout or high impact releases this year. Consequently, both the average selling price per unit and sales volume declined. However, following our acquisition of Handmade by Robots, we anticipate a strong lineup of new theatrical and streaming releases that will drive collectible and merchandise sales, boosting margins. The collectibles market remains an integral part of the entertainment segment, driven by its mix of nostalgic, investment, and intrinsic value. Ensuring we align our offerings with market trends and consumer preferences will be key as we deepen our partnerships with key licensors of these franchises.
Gaming product revenue decreased from $244 million to $197 million (-$47 million, -19%). This decline reflects a broader downturn in the gaming industry. Our average selling price and margins have increased significantly due to product mix and fewer discounts year over year, but total sales were impacted by a lack of hardware availability from key suppliers as current inventory is depleted. The market is anticipating the next generation of high-performance gaming consoles and, as a distributor of physical products, we anticipate strong future demand for hardware, accessories, and peripherals. We continue to proactively monitor industry trends to ensure we have the right product mix to meet market demand and maximize profitability.
Cost of Revenues: Total cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization, decreased from $578 million to $555 million (-$23 million, -4%) year over year primarily due to the direct relation of product costs to sales volume. Gross margin dollars decreased year over year from $74.0 to $67.8 resulting in a margin decline from 11.3% to 10.9% for the six months ended December 31, 2024, over the same period prior year.
Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses decreased from $59.7 million to $50.9 million (-$8.8 million, -15%) and decreased as a percentage of net revenue over the same period of the year from 9.1% to 8.2%. Total distribution and fulfillment expense declined from $26.9 million to $21.4 million and decreased from 4.1% to 3.4% as a percentage of net revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2024, versus the same period prior year. We continue to invest in warehouse automation to reduce the need for total warehouse labor and utilize temporary labor forces to manage changes in demand. As a result, fulfillment payroll declined from $16.7 million to $14.5 million (-$2.2 million, -13%) and, despite low unemployment rates, the average cost per labor hour declined 5% for the six months ended December 31, 2024. In May of 2024, we consolidated operations by closing our Shakopee, MN warehouse which also helped reduce operating costs and improve efficiency by centralizing operations and reducing redundancy. And, as we continue to identify and implement business process changes to improve overall efficiency, total selling, general and administrative costs declined from $29.7 million to $26.9 million (-$2.8 million, -9%) year over year.
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Interest Expense: For the six months ended December 31, 2024, interest expense decreased from $6.5 million to $5.7 million (-$1.2 million or -18%) versus the same period of the prior year. The primary driver was a large reduction of the average revolver balance from $123 million to $83 million (-$40 million, -33%) and partial offset by a increase of our effective interest rate from 8.7% to 9.6% for the six months ended December 31, 2024 versus the six months ended December 31, 2023.
Income Tax: For the six months ended December 31, 2024, an income tax expense of $1.2 million was recorded compared to a expense of $2.5 million for the same period in the prior year. Alliance reported a pretax gain of $8.7 million and pretax gain of $8.0 million for the six-months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The annual effective tax rate (“ETR”) for the six months ended December 31, 2024, was 14% versus 32% prior year. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2024, and the federal statutory rate primarily resulted from state income taxes, foreign derived intangible income, and a discrete item from an out-of-measurement period adjustment to the deferred tax liability related to software costs.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures: For the six months ended December 31, 2024, we had non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $19.5 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $19.2 million for the prior year or a year-over-year improvement of $0.3 million. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net gain or loss adjusted to exclude: (i) income tax expense; (ii) other income (loss); (iii) interest expense; and (iv) depreciation and amortization expense and (v) fair value of Warrants and other non- recurring expenses. Our method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other issuers and accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. We use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our own operating performance and as an integral part of our planning process. We present Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure because we believe such a measure is useful to investors as a reasonable indicator of operating performance. We believe this measure is a financial metric used by many investors to compare companies. This measure is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP in the United States and should not be considered as a substitute for operating earnings (losses), net earnings (loss) from continuing operations or cash flows from operating activities, as determined in accordance with GAAP. See the table below for a reconciliation, for the periods presented, of our GAAP net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA.
| Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Net Income | $ | 7,468 | $ | 5,452 | ||||
| Add back: | ||||||||
| Interest Expense | 5,666 | 6,468 | ||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 1,197 | 2,525 | ||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | 2,512 | 3,054 | ||||||
| EBITDA | $ | 16,843 | $ | 17,499 | ||||
| Adjustments | ||||||||
| Stock-based Compensation Expense | - | 1,386 | ||||||
| Restructuring Cost | 69 | 47 | ||||||
| Change In Fair Value of Warrants | 2,586 | (165 | ) | |||||
| Merger-related Contingent Losses | - | 461 | ||||||
| Gain on Disposal of Property and Equipment | (15 | ) | - | |||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 19,483 | $ | 19,228 | ||||
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity: On December 21, 2023, Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation entered into a Loan and Security Agreement, providing for a three-year $120 million senior secured asset-based credit facility, with White Oak Commercial Finance, LLC. The Revolving Credit Facility replaced the Company’s revolver with Bank of America (the “Prior Credit Facility”).
The Company has implemented certain strategic initiatives to reduce expenses and focus on the sale of higher margin products. As a result of the new credit facility, combined with these initiatives and the Company’s financial performance, the Company has concluded that it has sufficient cash to fund its operations and obligations (from its cash on hand, operations, working capital and availability on the credit facility) for at least twelve months from the issuance of these consolidated financial statements.
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on-hand, cash provided by operating activities, and borrowings under our credit facility. As of December 31, 2024, in addition to the $2.5 million of cash, we carried a $70 million revolver balance on our $120 million credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) under the Loan and Security Agreement with White Oak Commercial Finance, LLC. Year over year, we have converted accounts receivable and inventory to cash which was used to reduce the revolver balance from $101 million on December 31, 2023, to $70 million (-$31 million or -31%) on December 31, 2024. As a result, our availability increased from $19 million on December 31, 2023 to $50 million on December 31, 2024 ($31 million, 163%).
| ($in millions) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Revolver Balance | 70 | 101 | ||||||
| Availability | 50 | 19 | ||||||
We intend to principally rely on our borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility as well as any renewal or replacement of such facility. The receipt of cash proceeds from the exercise of our Warrants is dependent upon the market price exceeding the $11.50 exercise price and the Warrants being exercised for cash. Since the exercise price of the Warrants of $11.50 per share is significantly greater than the current market price of the Class A common stock $5.29 as of February 10, 2025 we do not expect the Warrants to be exercised until such time, if ever, that the market price of the Class A common stock exceeds the exercise price of the Warrants. Although the Company does not currently intend to do so, following this offering, the Company may seek to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities.
Cash Flow: The following table summarizes our net cash provided by or used on operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the periods indicated and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the six months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023.
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Net Income | $ | 7,468 | $ | 5,452 | ||||
| Net Cash (Used In) Provided By: | ||||||||
| Operating Activities | 13,618 | 26,106 | ||||||
| Investing Activities | (7,546 | ) | (131 | ) | ||||
| Financing Activities | (4,711 | ) | (24,185 | ) | ||||
For the six months ended December 31, 2024, on net income of $7.5 million, the Company’s cash provided by operating activities was $13.6 million versus $26.1 million provided by operations for the six months ended December 31, 2023. Compared to the same six-month period last year, there was a $2 million improvement in net income combined with approximately a $2 million decrease in inventory versus a decrease of $33 million decline in inventory for the same six-month period prior year. The key driver was carrying $97 million of inventory at June 30, 2024 versus $147 million at June 30, 2023 (-$50 million, -34%) due to the relatively high inventory position because of the supply chain disruptions that occurred in the prior year. By December 31, 2024 our inventory valuation was approximately $96 million versus $114 million December 31, 2023 (-$18 million, -16%).
The cashflow used in investing activities was $7.6 million for the six months ended December 31, 2024, and $131 for the same period prior year. The use of funds was driven by the acquisition of Handmade by Robots.
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Net cash used in financing activities was $4.7 million for the six months ending December 31, 2024, versus cash used of $24.2 million for the same period prior year. The primary reason was a decrease in borrowing necessary to obtain desired inventory levels which were significantly higher on June 30, 2023 versus June 30, 2024. As a result of the improved inventory position, we reduced the debt service which improved year over year as the revolver balance declined from $101 million to $70 million (-$31 million, -31%) from December 31, 2023, to 2024, respectively.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on these financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires the application of accounting policies in addition to certain estimates and judgments by our management. Our estimates and judgments are based on currently available information, historical results, and other assumptions we believe are reasonable. The actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
No changes were made to the critical accounting estimates discussed in the 2024 Annual Report during the six months ending December 31, 2024.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are a small reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information required under this item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Our management, under the direction of and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2024. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weaknesses described below. These material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting relate to the fact that the Company did not have the necessary business processes and related internal controls fully implemented to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, as described further below. The Company has added and continues to evaluate the need for additional controls over the accounting and financial reporting requirements related to certain non-routine transactions, which has been implemented withing the reporting period but has yet to be effective for most of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. The material weaknesses will be considered remediated when such time as management designs and implements effective controls that operate for a sufficient period of time and has concluded, through testing, that these controls are effective.
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As of December 31, 2024, the following material weaknesses existed:
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Entity Level Controls
Management did not maintain appropriately designed entity-level controls impacting the (1) control environment, (2) risk assessment procedures, and (3) monitoring activities to prevent or detect material misstatements to the financial statements and assess whether the components of internal control were present and functioning. These deficiencies were primarily attributed to an insufficient number of qualified resources to support and provide proper oversight and accountability over the performance of controls.
Control Activities
Management did not have adequate selection and development of effective control activities resulting in the following material weaknesses:
| ● | Information Technology (IT) General Controls – Certain information technology general controls for security and administration of key IT systems were not designed properly or did not operate effectively. Specifically, (i) periodic user access reviews of roles and permissions were not performed sufficiently throughout the period for certain key IT systems, and (ii) certain key IT systems were not logically restricted, resulting in improper segregation of duties for certain business processes. | |
| ● | Financial Close Processes – Management did not design and maintain formal accounting policies, and effective control activities over certain routine aspects of financial reporting. Specifically, management did not design and maintain effective controls over (i) the financial reporting process, including management review controls over areas of accounting such as revenue, inventory, accounts payable, income taxes and payroll, at an appropriate level of precision to detect a material misstatement and sufficient appropriate evidence was not maintained to support the execution and evaluation of the controls performed, (ii) the monthly financial close process, including the review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and analysis of recorded balances, and (iii) the completeness and accuracy of information used by control owners in the operation of certain controls. | |
| ● | Disclosures and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – The Company did not have the necessary business processes and related internal controls over financial reporting formally designed and implemented to address the accounting and financial reporting requirements related to certain routine and non-routine transactions. Specifically, the controls failed to detect required disclosures, and errors in the accounting for the classification of the outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility, net, as of June 30, 2022, as previously disclosed in the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended June 30, 2022, December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023. | |
| ● | Annual Impairment Analysis – Management did not design and implemented control activities that would allow the proper and timely identification, over the annual impairment analysis, of (i) triggering events and quantitative assessment approach used; and (ii) assessing completeness and accuracy of information used in the segment and reporting unit determination. |
Remediation Plan for Material Weaknesses
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has implemented controls that we are confident will remediate the identified material weaknesses. While certain controls were fully operational only for a portion of the prior fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, some control implementations are still ongoing, with significant remediation efforts to be finalized by the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. These efforts focused on enhancing financial oversight, improving the accuracy and compliance of financial operations, and strengthening our internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). The Company continues to monitor the effectiveness of these controls to ensure sustained compliance.
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Key remediation actions included:
| ● | Entity-Level Controls: We enhanced support, oversight, and accountability for key financial reporting positions. Management continues to assess and address resource needs, including the potential addition of accounting and compliance personnel and engagement of third-party advisors, as necessary. | |
| ● | Information Technology General Controls: We implemented user access assessments and periodic reviews for key IT systems to ensure appropriate logical security. IT processes are now centrally managed, and we are evaluating the transition of certain hosting and administrative responsibilities to third-party providers. | |
| ● | Financial Close Process and ICFR: We enhanced controls over revenue, inventory, accounts payable, payroll, income taxes, journal entries, and other business processes. This included developing monitoring controls to timely assess and adjust our ICFR as needed. Additionally, we engaged a third-party service provider to assist in designing and implementing significant process transaction flows and key controls across various business processes. |
Despite these material weaknesses, we believe that the financial information presented in this report is materially correct and in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We are committed to ongoing monitoring and will continue reporting progress to the audit committee. However, the full remediation of these material weaknesses requires that the newly implemented controls operate effectively over time, and we cannot guarantee that additional weaknesses will not be identified in the future.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
For the six months ended December 31, 2024, except as described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that were identified in connection with management’s evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13d-15 and 15d-15 under 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
Alliance is currently involved in, and may in the future be involved in, legal proceedings, claims, and government investigations in the ordinary course of business. These include proceedings, claims, and investigations relating to, among other things, regulatory matters, commercial matters, intellectual property, competition, tax, employment, pricing, discrimination, consumer rights, personal injury, and property rights.
Depending on the nature of the proceeding, claim, or investigation, the Company may be subject to monetary damage awards, fines, penalties, or injunctive orders. Furthermore, the outcome of these matters could materially adversely affect Alliance’s business, results of operations, and financial condition. The outcomes of legal proceedings, claims, and government investigations are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant judgment to determine the likelihood and amount of loss related to such matters.
On March 31, 2023, a class action complaint, titled Matthew McKnight v. Alliance Entertainment Holding Corp. f/k/a Adara Acquisition Corp., Adara Sponsor LLC, Thomas Finke, Paul G. Porter, Beatriz Acevedo-Greiff, W. Tom Donaldson III, Dylan Glenn, and Frank Quintero, was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery against our pre-Business Combination board of directors and executive officers and Adara Sponsor LLC, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties by purportedly failing to disclose certain information in connection with the Business Combination and by approving the Business Combination. On August 26, 2024, the parties executed a Stipulation of Settlement which contemplates payment by the Company of $511,000 in exchange for the dismissal of all claims against the Company and the other defendants, which is pending court approval. On or about September 19, 2024, the Court issued an order requiring certain modifications to the previously submitted Stipulation of Settlement. On January 17, 2025, the parties submitted a revised Stipulation of Settlement and related documents to the Court. The Company has accrued $511,000 as of December 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, respectively, based on the expected loss.
On June 6, 2024, Office Create Corporation filed a complaint against COKeM International Ltd. (“COKeM”) in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota alleging contributory trademark infringement, contributory false designation of origin and unjust enrichment relating to COKeM’s [alleged] distribution of a specific video game, Cooking Mama: Cookstar. The plaintiff is seeking damages of no less than $20,913,200, plus interest of 9% accruing from October 3, 2022. On August 29, 2024, COKeM filed a response denying all allegations. COKeM intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit. Once pleadings are closed, the Court will likely require a mediation. On September 12, 2024, COKeM filed a Third-Party Complaint against Planet Entertainment LLC and Steven Grossman asserting claims for indemnification and contribution. At this time, we are unable to estimate potential losses, if any, related to this lawsuit.
On August 8, 2024, a class action complaint, Feller v. Alliance Entertainment, LLC and DirectToU, LLC, was filed under the Video Privacy Protection Act (“VPPA”). The complaint alleges that the Company violated the VPPA by disclosing users’ personally identifiable information, as well as information regarding videos they viewed on the Company’s website, to Facebook through the use of Facebook Pixel. The Company is evaluating the claims and intends to defend against the allegations vigorously. At this time, the potential outcome or range of financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated.
Ledworks, LLC and Ledworks, s.r.l. v. COKeM: On June 26, 2024, Alliance received a demand letter from Ledworks’ Minnesota counsel citing claims for outstanding interest for invoices dating back to calendar year 2022. Over the last 18 months, COKeM was attempting to resolve a reconciliation/return of products to Ledworks for an over-purchase made in 2022. The parties exchanged reconciliation schedules, and prior to removing all products from the Cokem’s Minnesota warehouse, the product was shipped to Ledworks for credit against the account payable. The parties are in discussion to attempt to reach agreement on one outstanding invoice (invoice amount $79k). COKeM has an outstanding Return Authorization request to return $100,000 of additional product that Ledworks has failed to authorize. Ledworks is claiming interest due under Minnesota statutory in excess of $500,000 which Alliance disputes.
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Jonathan Hoang To v. DirectToU, LLC, United States District Court for the Northern District of California; Case No. 3:24-cv-06447; Douglas Feller, Jeffry Haise, and Joseph Mull v. Alliance Entertainment, LLC and DirectToU, LLC, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Case No. 0:24-cv-61444; and Vivek Shah v. DirectToU, LLC, JAMS Arbitration, No. 5220006749.- Jonathan Hoang To, who allegedly used the website www.deepdiscount.com; Douglas Feller and Jeffry Haise, who allegedly used the website www.ccvideo.com; Joseph Mull and Vivek Shah, who allegedly used the website www.moviesunlimited.com. The lawsuits also put at issue any other website owned or operated by Alliance Entertainment, LLC (“Alliance”) or one of its corporate affiliates, including the websites www.ccmusic.com and wowhd.co.uk. The lawsuits bring claims against DirectToU, LLC (“DirectToU”) and/or Alliance, alleging a violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act (“VPPA”) related to the alleged collection of, and alleged disclosure to Meta and other third parties, including data brokers, of alleged private information and user data regarding a user’s account information and video viewing/purchasing history from the respective Websites. Plaintiff Hoang To also alleges violations of California’s state VPPA equivalent, as well as violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law. DirectToU and Alliance dispute the allegations and will defend the lawsuits vigorously. The parties in the Hoang To matter have reached a settlement with respect to all potential class members. The settlement agreement has been submitted to the court for approval on December 15, 2024. An approved settlement would cover the class members covered by the Feller matter, rendering such litigation moot. A motion to stay the Feller matter pending court approval of the settlement in Hoang To has been filed and granted. Counsel for the Feller parties filed a motion to intervene and stay the settlement in Hoang, which motions were rejected. The parties await final settlement approval.
Balabbo v Abysse America, Inc., Target Corporation, DirectToU, LLC (Prop 65): On or about December 11, 2024, DirectToU received a tender of defense from Target Corporation citing a possible violation of California Proposition 65 for a product sold by DirectToU allegedly containing lead. The product in question was supplied to Alliance by Abysse America. Alliance/DTU have tendered defense to Abysse. Abysse has engaged counsel to respond to the Prop 65 Violation Notice. At this time, Alliance/DTU have discontinued the product, but have documentation supplied by Abysse showing that the product was properly tested and was within allowable thresholds for lead and other substances.
McConigle v Alliance/DirectToU, LLC: On December 29, 2024, McConigle filed a class action suit against Alliance in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Case 0:24-cv-62443-DSL), alleging violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. § 227 (“TCPA”). Alliance is still evaluating the factual allegations of violation against internal records regarding solicitation/advertising to the phone number at issue. Alliance intends to defend this matter vigorously and denies all allegations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in this Quarterly Report are any of the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending June 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on September 20, 2024. Any of these factors could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Additional risk factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
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Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
| No. | Description of Exhibit | |
| 31.1* | Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
| 32.1** | Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
| 101.INS* | Inline XBRL Instance Document | |
| 101.SCH* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
| 101.CAL* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
| 101.DEF* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
| 101.LAB* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document | |
| 101.PRE* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
| 104* | Cover Page Interactive Data File (Embedded within the Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit) |
| * | Filed herewith. |
| ** | Furnished herewith. |
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT HOLDING CORPORATION | ||
| Date: February 13, 2025 | By: | /s/ Jeffrey Walker |
| Name: | Jeffrey Walker | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Executive and Financial Officer) | ||
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EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Jeffrey Walker, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation; |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the periods covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the unaudited condensed financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | I, as the registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
| a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the periods in which this report is being prepared; and | |
| b) | (Paragraph omitted pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-15(a)); | |
| c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the periods covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | |
| d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | I, as the registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and | |
| b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
| Date: February 13, 2025 | /s/ Jeffrey Walker |
| Jeffrey Walker | |
| Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Executive and Financial Officer) |
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Jeffrey Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
| 1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and | |
| 2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
| Dated: February 13, 2025 | /s/ Jeffrey Walker |
| Jeffrey Walker | |
| Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Executive and Financial Officer) |