Reed’s, Inc. Secures Revolving Credit Facility of $3 Million
November 23rd, 2009 In Uncategorized | No CommentsNew Line Increases Working Capital Borrowing Eligibility
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – November 23, 2009) – Reed’s, Inc. (NASDAQ: REED), maker of the top-selling sodas in natural food stores nationwide, announced today that the Company has closed a financing Agreement with GemCap Lending I, LLC (“GemCap”) for a $3 million revolving credit facility, secured primarily by its accounts receivable and inventory. The GemCap facility will replace Reed’s existing credit facility. The new senior revolving facility reflects improved eligibility and reduced reserves on Reed’s collateral base for borrowing.
“This financing transaction is a component of our strategy to provide adequate working capital to fund the business opportunities currently on our plate,” commented Jim Linesch, Chief Financial Officer of Reed’s, Inc. “These funds will support our new fast growing private-label business as well as our branded products. Reed’s sales pipeline has never been stronger, and we are looking forward to solid growth and a record year in 2010. GemCap will be a good partner to help fund our growth plans.”
“Reed’s is a welcome addition to our portfolio companies”, commented David Ellis, Co-President of GemCap Lending I, LLC. “They fit our desired profile of a company that is well positioned, with strong potential for increasing success. We are impressed by the integrity and intensity of the management as they pursue their goals. They also have great products that we know well.”
A New Report from Crystal Equity Research
November 20th, 2009 In Newsletter Updates | No CommentsCrystal Equity Research has issued a new report on Reed’s, Inc. (REED: Nasdaq) with revised outlook following financings and report of 3Q09 results.
This report is available without a subscription. Subscription fees have been prepaid by the issuer, an agent of the issuer or an interested third-party. Please read the important disclosures at the end of all Crystal Reports and Weekly Comments.
Crystal Equity Research is independent research resource on small capitalization stocks.
Chris Reed to Appear on WGN Radio’s Garry Meier Afternoon Radio Show
November 16th, 2009 In Newsletter Updates | No CommentsEmmy Award winning Chicago radio host endorses Reed’s products
Live interview will air November 17th at 1:30 PM central time
LOS ANGELES, November 16, 2009 (MARKETWIRE) — Reed’s, Inc. (Nasdaq:REED), maker of the top-selling sodas in natural food stores nationwide, announced today that Founder, Chairman and CEO Mr. Chris Reed will be a guest on WGN’s Garry Meier Afternoon radio talk show. Mr. Reed’s interview will be conducted live at 1:30 PM central daylight time on WGN radio AM 720. A live Internet feed is available at: http://www.wgnradio.com/about/listen/
WGN radio has been broadcasting to Chicagoland listeners for over 80 years. The Station is the home voice of the Cubs, Blackhawks and Wildcats professional sports teams.
“Garry Meier is a household name in Chicago,” commented Mr. Chris Reed, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Reed’s Inc. “He’s a smart, witty and fun radio personality. He’s the kind of customer we love at Reed’s, and he obviously enjoys our products enough to have mentioned them previously on his show.”
“When we reached out to WGN they responded willingly. We immediately realized that this was a great opportunity for Reed’s, especially since we are exhibiting at the Private Label Marketing Association (PLMA) 2009 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago November 15th -17th. The timing is perfect. Garry has been giving Reed’s a lot of mention and we sincerely appreciate his enthusiasm.”
Meier rose to prominence in Chicago as part of one of the most successful number one radio duos in the country, ‘The Steve & Garry Show.’ The fifteen-year run garnered international publicity, as well as an Emmy for the TV show ‘Greetings From Graceland.’ Meier also gained renown for his highly successful eight-year run on ‘The Roe & Garry Show.’ In addition to these accomplishments, Meier has displayed his wit and energy as a solo host and as a feature reporter for WGN-TV’s morning show.
A New Video Presentation by Chris Reed, CEO & Founder of Reed’s Inc.
November 16th, 2009 In Newsletter Updates | No CommentsHere is a new video presentation by Chris Reed, CEO and founder of Reed’s Inc.
Please feel free to review this video at your leisure and the new website as well. We welcome any feedback you may have.
We are proud of this company and believe that Reed’s makes the best sodas in the world, naturally!
Thanks you for your continued interest in the company.
Reed’s, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results
November 16th, 2009 In Newsletter Updates | No CommentsCompany Completes Bottling Plant Upgrade and Begins Private Label Sales
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – November 13, 2009) – Reed’s, Inc. (NASDAQ: REED), maker of the top-selling sodas in natural food stores nationwide, today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. Third Quarter and Nine Month 2009 Highlights: — Sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $4,027,000, a decrease of 5%, as compared to the prior year same period amount of $4,233,000. Sales for the 2009 nine month year-to-date period were $11.7 million, compared to $12.4 million in 2008; — Year-to-date EBITDA loss reduced to $129,000 versus an EBITDA loss of $2,141,000 in 2008 (see table); — Working capital increased to $1.5 million at 09/30/09, from $600,000 at 12/31/08; — Continued to maintain a much lower cost structure in 2009, than in 2008, covering both operating expenses and per-unit product costs; — Nine months gross 2009 profit margin consistent with prior year at 25% of sales; — Loss from operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $1,454,000 including non-cash impairment write downs on fixed assets of $641,000. Before impairment losses, the net loss from operations is $813,000, an improvement from the loss of $2,457,000 in the 2008 year period. Loss from operations in the three months ended September 30, 2009 was $280,000 mostly due to lower revenues with fixed plant costs, affecting margins. Additional Highlights: — Completed $300,000 brewery upgrade — Began private label production and sales to national accounts — Announced significant new distribution relationship in the Northeast — Expanded Reed’s and Virgil’s presence in over 300 A&P stores nationwide — Expanded Reed’s and Virgil’s into another 100 plus Weis Market stores Mr. Chris Reed, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Reed’s, Inc. commented, “Our results for the quarter were impacted by the overall economic environment. In light of the dramatic recessionary climate and the sharp decreases in revenues that some other companies in our space have experienced, we feel that we fared rather well by outperforming the pack. This is a clear testament to our brand loyalty and the fact that we make some of the best natural sodas on the market.” He added, “As a result of the changing environment we have discovered that we have a unique asset which we feel will be of significant long-term benefit to the Company. We can provide our customers with customized private label products. This is something they want and are ready to buy as we have already received commitments from two customers for product in 2010 from the few accounts we initially reached out to. We are now talking with roughly 30 additional customers regarding this private label opportunity and expect to see additional sales shortly.” Reed continued, “An interesting outcome of the private label expansion is that it is resulting in new orders for our branded products as well.” He ended stating, “The private label business has the potential to significantly increase Reed’s revenues over the next several quarters. Our goal is to generate enough private label revenues to direct significant funding to marketing and sales of our core Reed’s and Virgil’s products.” Mr. Jim Linesch, CFO of Reed’s, Inc. stated, “Our financial results reflect our continued reduction in operating costs, as compared to the prior year period. While sales have fallen during this adverse economic period affecting the grocery industry, we believe that our customer relationships are expanding and will result in increasing sales of our branded products in 2010.” Mr. Linesch added, “Margins during the third fiscal quarter have remained consistent with earlier fiscal quarters, considering overall sales levels and fixed production costs. As we enter the 4th quarter, the Company is well positioned for an increasing backlog of private label business as well as strong sales increases of our branded product lines in 2010.”
Reed’s, Inc. to Showcase New Private Label Offerings at the Private Label Marketing Association (PLMA) 2009 Trade Show
November 16th, 2009 In Newsletter Updates | No CommentsExhibitors From 35 Countries Converge on Chicago’s Rosemont Convention Center With More Than 2,000 Exhibit Booths
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – November 11, 2009) – Reed’s, Inc. (NASDAQ: REED), maker of the top-selling sodas in natural food stores nationwide, announced today that it will be exhibiting at the Private Label Marketing Association (PLMA) 2009 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago, Illinois, November 15th – 17th. Reed’s will be located in Booth #1368.
PLMA is the only trade show devoted entirely to store brands. For almost 30 years, PLMA’s annual private label trade show has been the place where retailers and suppliers meet to build their private label businesses.
Mr. Chris Reed, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Reed’s, Inc., commented, “We made the decision to enter the private label business and have committed to building it to the point where it contributes significantly to our overall revenues. This exhibition is an important event for us to showcase our private label capabilities, meet buyers and distributors and forge new relationships. We think Reed’s is going to surprise a lot of people with our new private label initiatives, and we intend to make a lasting impression.”
Mr. Reed added, “We’ve already inked our first two private label deals with major national retailers and are in active conversations with more. I am confident that we will be increasing our private label accounts. We have re-tooled our bottling plant and energized our sales and marketing team, which has worked hard to establish a pipeline of private label business that should lead to a record year for Reed’s in 2010. We’re not ignoring our branded business at all; in fact our private label business has had a very positive effect on our branded business by increasing our relationship with major national chains.”
According to the PLMA, “Store brands now account for one of every five items sold in U.S. supermarkets, drug chains and mass merchandisers. They represent more than $83 billion of current business at retail and are achieving new levels of growth every year.”
The PLMA website reports that, “Americans are switching to store brands. Across all channels, consumers are buying more private label than ever before. Nielsen reports that private label sales have increased by 12% in supermarkets, drug chains and mass merchandisers since last summer. Total sales for the year reached $80 billion and unit market share rose to more than 22%. The trend is going to continue, too. According to a new Roper survey, more than 60% of all shoppers now say that they purchase store brands frequently, up from 40% just three years ago. Eight out of 10 consumers say that store brands are ‘as good or better’ than national brands, and nearly 20% of shoppers expect to buy more private label in the year ahead.”
More information on the PLMA 2009 Private Label Trade Show can be found at: http://plma.com/showinfo/showinfo2009.html
Reed’s, Inc. Updates Calendar for Rights Offering
November 7th, 2009 In Newsletter Updates | No CommentsLOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – November 6, 2009) – Reed’s, Inc. (NASDAQ: REED), maker of the top-selling sodas in natural food stores nationwide, announced today that certain dates have been adjusted to the calendar for its previously announced rights offering of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Due to the November 11, 2009 holiday, the last day to buy stock and receive rights will be November 9, 2009, and the Shares will trade ex-rights on November 10, 2009. The record date remains unchanged at November 13, 2009. The complete updated calendar is as follows:
Important Dates
Last Day to Buy Stock and Receive Rights November 09, 2009(1)
Shares Trade Ex-Rights November 10, 2009
Record Date November 13, 2009
Subscription Period From November 16, 2009 to
December 14, 2009(2)
Rights Eligible for Trading November 17, 2009
Last Day Rights May Be Traded December 9, 2009(2)
Expiration Date December 14, 2009(2)
(1) Assumes three day settlement.
(2) Unless the offering is extended.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state. The securities may only be offered by means of a prospectus, additional copies of which may be obtained, when available, by contacting the information agent, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., at 105 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, toll-free: (800) 322-2885, collect: (212) 929-5500.
Reed’s Inc. Announces Record Date for Rights Offering
November 7th, 2009 In Newsletter Updates | No CommentsSource Capital Group, Inc. to Act as Dealer Manager
Proceeds of Financing May Reach $2 Million
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – November 5, 2009) – Reed’s Inc. (NASDAQ: REED), maker of the top-selling sodas in natural food stores nationwide, announced today that the Company has set the close of trading on the NASDAQ Exchange on November 13, 2009 as the record date for its previously announced rights offering of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.
Under the terms of the rights offering, the Company will distribute at no charge to the holders of its common stock as of the record date transferable rights to purchase up to an aggregate of 225,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”) convertible into 1,125,000 shares of common stock. The last day to buy stock of Reed’s in order to receive the rights is November 10, 2009. In the rights offering, the Company will distribute to each such holder one transferable right for every share of common stock owned on the record date. During the subscription period, the transferable rights shall be traded on the NASDAQ Exchange (NASDAQ: REEDR). Each four (4) rights will entitle the holder to purchase one share of Series B Preferred at the subscription price of $10.00 per share. Each share of Series B Preferred carries a five percent (5%) annual dividend for a term of three (3) years, will have an initial stated value of $10.00 per share, and may be convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion ratio of five (5) shares of common stock for each share of Series B Preferred held at the time of conversion, representing an initial conversion price of $2.00 per share, which is subject to adjustment. Rights holders who fully exercise their rights will be entitled to subscribe, subject to certain limitations and subject to allotment, for additional shares that remain unsubscribed as a result of any unexercised rights in an amount equal to up to 400% of the shares of Series B Preferred for which such subscriber was otherwise entitled to subscribe. Shares of Series B Preferred that remain unsubscribed at the expiration of the rights offering will be reoffered to the public at $10.00 per share. Consummation of the rights offering is subject to customary closing conditions.
The Company anticipates the following important dates for the rights offering. These dates are subject to change, and you should review the prospectus to determine the actual dates related to the rights offering.
Important Dates
Last Day to Buy Stock and Receive Rights November 10, 2009(1)
Shares Trade Ex-Rights November 11, 2009
Record Date November 13, 2009
Subscription Period From November 16, 2009 to
December 14, 2009(2)
Rights Eligible for Trading November 17, 2009
Last Day Rights May Be Traded December 09, 2009(2)
Expiration Date December 14, 2009(2)
(1) Assumes three day settlement.
(2) Unless the offering is extended.
A registration statement related to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and has become effective. As soon as practicable, the Company expects to mail to holders of common stock as of the close of business on the record date a prospectus for the rights offering accompanied by a subscription rights exercise notice and related information for exercising the rights.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state. The securities may only be offered by means of a prospectus, additional copies of which may be obtained, when available, by contacting the information agent, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., at 105 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, toll-free: (800) 322-2885, collect: (212) 929-5500.
Government Gets It Right This Time — The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) to Provide Natural Soda Alternatives to Military Personnel, Retirees and Their Families
November 7th, 2009 In Newsletter Updates | No CommentsReed’s, Inc. Receives First Purchase Order From DeCA to Provide Reed’s and Virgil’s Soda to Agency Operating a Worldwide Chain of 284 Commissaries
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – November 3, 2009) – Reed’s, Inc. (NASDAQ: REED), maker of the top-selling sodas in natural food stores nationwide, announced today that it has received its first purchase order from the Military Supermarket organization, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), headquartered at Fort Lee, Virginia.
Reed’s will initially provide 5 SKU’s of Reed’s and Virgil’s products, including: Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew, Reed’s Premium Ginger Brew, Virgil’s Root Beer, Virgil’s Cream Soda and Virgil’s Black Cherry Cream Soda.
“Reed’s is extremely proud to have our products being offered for sale in the commissaries serving our military families and retirees,” commented Mr. Chris Reed, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Reed’s, Inc. “My Dad is a retired Army officer and early founding member of Reed’s, Inc. and this sale has great personal value to us both.” Chris added, “As a Military brat, I grew up shopping at the local army base commissary.” He continued, “I got my first hankering for premium non-alcoholic beverages when my family was stationed in Germany. My parents would go to local wineries and I would get all natural sparkling grape juice to drink. I remember I used to think, ‘Wow — my parents are missing out on the good stuff!’” Chris ended stating, “I guess that was my first inspiration to start my own natural soda company.”
In 2007, Military Commissaries sell $5.5 billion per year of groceries at 284 stores. Initial locations for distribution include: Fort Belvoir Army Base, VA (Largest Commissary in the U.S. and DeCA’s top store); Fort Meade, MD; Quantico Marine Corps Base, VA; Andrews Air Force Base, MD; Ft. Meyers, VA; Pax River Naval Base, MD; Walter Reed Military Hospital, MD; Bolling Air Force Base – Washington, DC; US Naval Academy – Annapolis, MD; and, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD.
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of 284 commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a five-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. DeCA Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices. These savings are worth about $3,400 annually for a family of four.
“We have been working on securing the DeCA account for some time now,” commented Neal Cohane, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing for Reed’s, Inc. “Initially, we will be providing 5 SKU’s of Reed’s and Virgil’s products to DeCA locations on the East Coast. We hope to gradually roll-out to as many of the 284 stores DeCA operates as possible.”
Reed’s, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Sonoma Sparkler Brand
November 7th, 2009 In Newsletter Updates | No CommentsDeal marks the ‘maker of the top selling sodas in natural foods stores’ entrance into new market that exceeds $100 million year in sales
Asset purchase brings Reed’s six new brands of established premium sparkling juice with proven distribution
LOS ANGELES, October 28, 2009 (MARKETWIRE) — Reed’s, Inc. (Nasdaq:REED), maker of the top-selling sodas in natural food stores nationwide, announced today that it has purchased the brand and certain assets of Sonoma Sparkler, including the six beverages sold under the brand, for a price of $252,000. The Company commenced packing and selling the Sonoma Sparkler products in June 2009.
Branded sparkling juices sold in the 750ml size bottles represent a significant part of the overall beverage market. Two privately-held companies, Martinelli’s and Knudsen’s are generating roughly $50 million in sales from mainstream supermarket accounts alone. According to recent IRI data, Martinelli’s generated roughly $45 million per year in sales and Knudsen’s did roughly $5 million in sales of sparkling juices from this category.
Reed’s has proven its success in acquiring and growing brands. The company bought the Virgil’s brand less than 10 years ago when it was doing approximately $600,000 in sales. Sales have increased by 1200% in that period of time. Reed’s has expanded the SKU’s for Virgil’s to 10 items. Today Virgil’s is generating roughly $7.5 million in sales and over $2 million in gross profit on an annual basis.
Mr. Chris Reed, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Reed’s, Inc. commented “The Sonoma Sparklers brand is a natural complement to our existing product lines. The sales are through our distribution channels and we share many of the same customers.” He added, “Sonoma Sparklers have great potential. These beverages are 750ml size celebration drinks, a category that is traditionally sold more heavily in the 4th quarter. This will enhance our seasonality-by bolstering fourth quarter sales. More strategically, it strengthens our 750ml production capabilities and re-focuses the efforts of David Cortz, the founder of Sonoma Sparkler, toward Reed’s business development in private label sales. David’s experience is invaluable in our launch into this new line of business.”
Mr. Reed continued, “While the Sonoma Sparkler brand products will comprise a small part of our overall revenues, the premium products fit nicely within our corporate strategy. They are comprised of all natural ingredients of the highest quality, with strong brand recognition and customer loyalty in the markets that are served.”
The purchase will be paid in cash from gross profits generated from sales of the Sonoma Sparklers brand over the next 24 months. The Company stated that because this was a cash purchase and did not involve stock, it will not result in any dilution to existing shareholders.
For more information about Sonoma Sparklers please visit: http://www.sonomacider.com
The Company has filed an 8K, which can be viewed at: http://www.sec.gov.