10-Q 1 grote.htm 10Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

ý Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

 Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ___________ to __________

Commission File No. 0-18958

Grote Molen, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Nevada
20-1282850
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
322 West Griffith Road
Pocatello, Idaho 83201
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
   
(208) 234-9352
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
 
Large accelerated filer   
Accelerated filer   
 
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company ý

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐  No ý

As of November 14, 2016, there were 23,946,000 shares of the Registrant's common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.

GROTE MOLEN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016


PART I - Financial Information

Item 1.  Financial Statements  (Unaudited)
Page
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015
2
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
4
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
     
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
13
     
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
20
     
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures 
20
     
 PART II - Other Information   
     
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings 
20
     
Item 1A.  Risk Factors 
20
     
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 
20
     
Item 3.  Defaults upon Senior Securities 
21
     
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 
21
     
Item 5.  Other Information 
21
     
Item 6.  Exhibits 
21
     
Signatures 
23


1

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
GROTE MOLEN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(UNAUDITED)
 
   
   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
   Cash
 
$
54,687
   
$
9,251
 
   Accounts receivable
   
25,015
     
27,565
 
   Accounts receivable – related parties
   
18,787
     
11,365
 
   Inventories
   
950,117
     
708,893
 
   Deposits
   
20,000
     
64,685
 
   Prepaid expenses
   
402
     
356
 
   Total current assets
   
1,069,008
     
822,115
 
Property and equipment, net
   
127,064
     
139,688
 
Intangible assets, net
   
62,820
     
63,068
 
                 
   Total assets
 
$
1,258,892
   
$
1,024,871
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
         
Current liabilities:
               
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
222,400
   
$
73,020
 
   Accounts payable – related parties
   
14,155
     
1,950
 
   Accrued interest payable – related parties
   
38,584
     
53,507
 
   Accrued interest payable
   
17,337
     
22,686
 
   Current portion of long-term debt – related party
   
-
     
2,943
 
   Notes payable – related parties
   
234,887
     
130,127
 
   Notes payable
   
118,000
     
136,100
 
   Total current liabilities
   
645,363
     
420,333
 
                 
Long-term debt:
               
   Note payable
   
144,436
     
145,139
 
   Total long-term debt
   
144,436
     
145,139
 
                 
   Total liabilities
   
789,799
     
565,472
 
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
   Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
   
-
     
-
 
   Common stock, $.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 23,891,000 shares issued and outstanding
   
23,891
     
22,200
 
   Additional paid-in capital
   
365,645
     
147,800
 
   Retained earnings
   
79,557
     
289,399
 
   Total stockholders' equity
   
469,093
     
459,399
 
                 
   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
1,258,892
   
$
1,024,871
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
2

 
GROTE MOLEN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Revenues:
                       
   Sales
 
$
223,369
   
$
382,021
   
$
681,424
   
$
964,214
 
   Sales to related parties
   
17,330
     
34,615
     
33,910
     
60,661
 
                                 
   Total revenues
   
240,699
     
416,636
     
715,334
     
1,024,875
 
                                 
Cost of revenues:
                               
   Cost of sales
   
186,121
     
292,887
     
512,192
     
706,097
 
   Cost of related party sales
   
13,685
     
26,539
     
25,488
     
44,422
 
                                 
   Total cost of revenues
   
199,806
     
319,426
     
537,680
     
750,519
 
                                 
Gross profit
   
40,893
     
97,210
     
177,654
     
274,356
 
                                 
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
   Selling, general and administrative
   
118,994
     
108,579
     
347,433
     
331,009
 
   Depreciation and amortization
   
4,208
     
4,471
     
12,872
     
13,545
 
                                 
   Total operating costs and expenses
   
123,202
     
113,050
     
360,305
     
344,554
 
                                 
Loss from operations
   
(82,309
)
   
(15,840
)
   
(182,651
)
   
(70,198
)
                                 
Other expense:                                
   Interest expense – related parties
   
5,915
     
4,776
     
14,447
     
8,456
 
   Interest expense
   
4,219
     
2,819
     
12,712
     
12,816
 
                                 
  Total other expense
   
10,134
     
7,595
     
27,159
     
21,272
 
                                 
Loss before income taxes
   
(92,443
)
   
(23,435
)
   
(209,810
)
   
(91,470
)
                                 
Income tax (provision) benefit
   
(32
)
   
29,419
     
(32
)
   
29,385
 
                                 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(92,475
)
 
$
5,984
   
$
(209,842
)
 
$
(62,085
)
                                 
Net loss per common share -
                               
   Basic and diluted
 
$
(0.00
)
 
$
0.00
   
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.00
)
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding -
                               
   Basic and diluted
   
22,405,977
     
22,200,000
     
22,269,158
     
22,200,000
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
 
3


GROTE MOLEN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
   Net loss
 
$
(209,842
)
 
$
(62,085
)
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
               
      Depreciation and amortization
   
12,872
     
13,545
 
      Fees added to long-term note principal
   
156
     
-
 
      (Increase) decrease in:
               
         Accounts receivable
   
2,550
     
14,217
 
         Accounts receivable – related parties
   
(7,422
)
   
(13,077
)
         Inventories
   
(241,224
)
   
(140,112
)
         Deposits
   
44,685
     
109,865
 
         Prepaid expenses
   
(46
)
   
6,487
 
      Increase (decrease) in:
               
         Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
149,380
     
9,066
 
         Accounts payable – related parties
   
12,205
     
1,350
 
         Accrued interest payable – related parties
   
(14,923
)
   
6,644
 
         Accrued interest payable
   
(4,913
)
   
7,410
 
                 
   Net cash used in operating activities
   
(256,522
)
   
(46,690
)
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
   
-
     
-
 
                 
   Net cash used in investing activities
   
-
     
-
 
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
   Proceeds from long-term note payable
   
5,300
     
28,700
 
   Proceeds from notes payable – related parties
   
300,000
     
-
 
   Proceeds from notes payable
   
91,500
     
41,500
 
   Proceeds from sale of Units
   
169,100
     
-
 
   Repayment of notes payable – related parties
   
(195,240
)
   
(18,500
)
   Repayment of notes payable
   
(59,600
)
   
-
 
   Repayment of long-term debt – related party
   
(2,943
)
   
(34,031
)
   Repayment of long-term note payable
   
(6,159
)
   
(17,374
)
                 
   Net cash provided by financing activities
   
301,958
     
295
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
   
45,436
     
(46,395
)
                 
Cash, beginning of the period
   
9,251
     
60,808
 
                 
Cash, end of the period
 
$
54,687
   
$
14,413
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
4

 
GROTE MOLEN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

Grote Molen, Inc. ("Grote Molen") was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on March 15, 2004.  BrownWick, LLC ("BrownWick"), a wholly owned subsidiary, was formed in the State of Idaho on June 5, 2005.  The principal business of Grote Molen and BrownWick is to distribute grain mills, kitchen mixers and related accessories for home use.

Grote Merger Co. ("Merger Corp."), a wholly owned subsidiary, was formed in the State of Delaware on August 23, 2016 to facilitate a proposed plan of reorganization and merger – See Note 7.

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Grote Molen, BrownWick and Merger Corp. (collectively the "Company").  All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2016 and for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made, consisting of normal recurring items, that are necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2016 as well as the consolidated results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.  The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Earnings Per Share

The computation of basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.

The computation of diluted earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period plus the common stock equivalents which would arise from the exercise of stock options and warrants outstanding using the treasury stock method and the average market price per share during the period.  Common stock equivalents are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation when their effect is anti-dilutive.  Therefore, our basic earnings per share is the same as diluted earnings per share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
5


Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is the same as net income (loss).

NOTE 2 – DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
             
Trade accounts receivable – related parties
 
$
13,787
   
$
6,365
 
Employee advances
   
5,000
     
5,000
 
                 
Total accounts receivable – related parties
   
18,787
     
11,365
 
Trade accounts receivable
   
25,015
     
27,565
 
                 
   
$
43,802
   
$
38,930
 

Property and equipment consist of the following:

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
             
Office equipment
 
$
4,335
   
$
4,335
 
Warehouse equipment
   
16,927
     
16,927
 
Website development
   
2,000
     
2,000
 
Molds
   
150,615
     
150,615
 
                 
     
173,877
     
173,877
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(46,813
)
   
(34,189
)
                 
   
$
127,064
   
$
139,688
 

6


Intangible assets consist of the following:

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
             
License – definite lived
 
$
10,500
   
$
10,500
 
License – indefinite lived
   
62,720
     
62,720
 
Patent
   
100
     
100
 
                 
     
73,320
     
73,320
 
Accumulated amortization
   
(10,500
)
   
(10,252
)
                 
   
$
62,820
   
$
63,068
 


NOTE 3 – RELATED PARTY DEBT

Notes payable – related parties are unsecured and are comprised of the following:

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
             
             
Note payable to a stockholder, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
 
$
-
   
$
30,000
 
                 
Note payable to a stockholder, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
3,500
     
3,500
 
                 
Note payable to a stockholder, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
38,000
     
38,000
 
                 
Note payable to a stockholder, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
10,000
     
10,000
 
                 
Note payable to a stockholder, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
5,000
     
5,000
 
                 
Note payable to a stockholder, due on demand, with interest at 8% per annum
   
9,000
     
9,000
 
                 
Note payable to a stockholder, due on demand, with interest at 8% per annum
   
-
     
15,000
 
                 
Note payable to a stockholder, due on demand, with interest at 8% per annum
   
-
     
10,500
 
                 
Note payable to a stockholder, due May 1, 2017, with interest at 18% per annum, payable in 12 monthly payments of $27,504
   
160,260
     
-
 
                 
Non-interest bearing advances from stockholders, with no formal repayment terms
   
9,127
     
9,127
 
                 
Total
 
$
234,887
   
$
130,127
 

7


Long-term debt – related party is comprised of the following:

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
             
             
Note payable to a stockholder, due in monthly installments of $4,000 through February 2016, with interest at 6.97 % per annum
 
$
-
   
$
2,943
 
Less current portion
   
-
     
(2,943
)
                 
Long-term portion
 
$
-
   
$
-
 

Interest expense on related party debt was $5,915 and $4,776 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $14,447 and $8,456 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Accrued interest payable to related parties was $38,584 and $53,507 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

NOTE 4 – NOTES PAYABLE

Short-term notes payable to non-related parties are unsecured and are comprised of the following:

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
             
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 8% per annum
 
$
-
   
$
15,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 8% per annum
   
-
     
20,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 8% per annum
   
-
     
5,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 8% per annum
   
7,000
     
7,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
15,000
     
15,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
10,000
     
10,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
-
     
4,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
-
     
5,600
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
10,000
     
10,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
10,000
     
10,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
-
     
10,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
10,000
     
10,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
2,500
     
2,500
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
9,000
     
9,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
3,000
     
3,000
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
20,000
     
-
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
5,000
     
-
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
6,500
     
-
 
                 
Note payable, due on demand, with interest at 6% per annum
   
10,000
     
-
 
                 
Total
 
$
118,000
   
$
136,100
 

8

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had a long-term note payable to a bank with a principal balance of $144,436 and $145,139, respectively.  The long-term note payable is a line of credit promissory note bearing interest at an indexed rate plus 2% (4.50% at September 30, 2016), requiring monthly interest payments only, and maturing on May 16, 2021.  The note payable has a maximum line of credit of $150,000, and is secured by a deed of trust on certain real estate owned by one of the principal stockholders of the Company and by the Company's inventories, property and equipment, and intangible assets.

Accrued interest payable on notes payable was $17,337 and $22,686 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

NOTE 5 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Pursuant to an agreement effective in February 2011, we pay a monthly management fee to a company owned by one of the major stockholders of the Company to manage our day-to-day business activities and to provide business space.  Historically we have paid monthly management fees in varying amounts to this related party pursuant to prior agreements approved by the stockholders of the Company.  The agreement is on a month-to-month basis and can be cancelled at any time by the vote of management.  The agreement was amended and restated on October 31, 2014 to increase the fee to $12,500 effective November 1, 2014.  Also included in management fees are monthly payments of $150 to another major stockholder of the Company for expense reimbursement.  Included in selling, general and administrative expenses were management fees totaling $37,950 for each of the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $113,850 for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Each of the two principal stockholders of the Company owns a company that is our customer.  Sales to these related parties totaled $17,330 and $34,615 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, or approximately 7% and 8% of total sales, respectively.  Sales to these related parties totaled $33,910 and $60,661 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, or approximately 5% and 6% of total sales, respectively.  Accounts receivable from these related parties totaled $18,787 and $11,365 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Accounts payable to these related parties totaled $14,155 and $1,950 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

See Note 3 for discussion of related party debt and interest expense.

NOTE 6 – CAPITAL STOCK

The Company's preferred stock may have such rights, preferences and designations and may be issued in such series as determined by our Board of Directors.  No shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

In connection with the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization discussed in Note 7, it is anticipated that the Board of Directors of Grote Molen will designate 5,000,000 shares of its authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock as Series A Preferred Stock.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, Grote Molen sold 1,691,000 Units, each consisting of one share of common stock and one five-year common stock purchase warrant exercisable at $0.70 per share, in a private offering to accredited investors, at an offering price of $0.10 per Unit, for total proceeds of $169,100.

The Company estimated the grant date value of the five-year common stock purchase warrants included in the Units sold in the private placement at $0.01 per warrant, or a total of $16,910, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which value was recorded to additional paid-in capital.  The remaining $152,190 of the proceeds from the sale of the Units was allocated to the common stock included in the Units sold.

On September 7, 2016, Grote Molen issued warrants to purchase 5,000,000 shares of its common stock to an accredited investor in consideration for the conversion/cancellation of its $50,000 promissory note plus $436 of accrued interest payable to such investor.  The warrants are exercisable at $0.70 per share during the five-year period commencing September 1, 2018 and grant the holder "piggy back" registration rights.

The Company estimated the grant date value of the five-year common stock purchase warrants issued in consideration for the conversion/cancellation of the debt at $0.01 per warrant, or a total of $50,436, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which value was recorded to additional paid-in capital.
 

9

 
The significant assumptions used in the Black Scholes valuation of the warrants are as follows:

Stock price on the valuation date
 
$
0.09
 
Warrant exercise price
 
$
0.70
 
Dividend yield
   
0.00
%
Years to maturity
   
5.0
 
Risk free rate
   
1.12
%
Expected volatility
   
63.85
%
 
NOTE 7 – AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

On September 6, 2016, Grote Molen, Merger Corp. and Blackridge Technology Holdings, Inc., ("Blackridge"), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Reorganization Agreement"), which generally provides for Grote Molen's acquisition of Blackridge in a reorganization in exchange for a controlling number of shares of Grote Molen's preferred and common stock pursuant to the merger of Merger Corp. with and into Blackridge, with Blackridge continuting as the surviving corporation.

The Reorganization Agreement provides that the closing of the transactions contemplated thereby is subject to several significant conditions precedent.  There can be no assurance that such conditions will be satisfied or waived or that the reorganization will be completed.

When and if completed, the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement will result in a change of control of Grote Molen and, following the consummation thereof, the Blackridge stockholders will be able to elect the directors and control the policies and practices of the Grote Molen.  It is anticipated that the transaction will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition for accounting purposes.
 
NOTE 8 – SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016  we had the following non-cash financing and investing activities:

We decreased notes payable by $50,000, decreased accrued interest payable by $436 and increased additional paid-in capital by $50,436 for the conversion of debt to common stock warrants.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we had no non-cash financing and investing activities.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we paid cash for income taxes of $32 and $34, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we paid cash for interest of $46,756 and $4,707, respectively.

NOTE 9 – SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

In addition to the sales to related parties discussed in Note 5, we had sales to one customer that accounted for approximately 11% and 9% of total sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
10


NOTE 10 – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

There were no new accounting pronouncements issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and through the date of this filing that we believe are applicable to or would have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

We have evaluated events occurring after the date of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets through the date the financial statements were issued and have identified the following subsequent events that we believe require disclosure:

During October 2016, we sold an additional 55,000 Units to accredited investors in a private placement offering at an offering price of $0.10 per Unit for total proceeds of $5,500.

As previously disclosed, 0n September 6, 2016, Grote Molen, Merger Corp. and Blackridge entered into a Reorganization Agreement, which generally provides for Grote Molen's acquisition of Blackridge in a reorganization in exchange for a controlling number of shares of Grote Molen's preferred and common stock pursuant to the merger of Merger Corp. with and into Blackridge, with Blackridge continuting as the surviving corporation.

The Reorganization Agreement provides that the closing of the transactions contemplated thereby is subject to several significant conditions precedent.  As of the date of filing this report, we had not closed the Reorganization Agreement.  There can be no assurance that such conditions will be satisfied or waived or that the reorganization will be completed.
11

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements.  These statements reflect the Company's views with respect to future events based upon information available to it at this time.  These forward-looking statements are subject to certain uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements.  These uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 in Part I, Item 1A under the caption "Risk Factors."  The words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "projects," "targets" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise.

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this report.  The following information contains forward-looking statements. (See "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors.")
General

Grote Molen, Inc. ("Grote Molen") was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on March 15, 2004. BrownWick, LLC ("BrownWick"), a wholly owned subsidiary, was formed in the State of Idaho on June 5, 2005. The principal business of Grote Molen and BrownWick (collectively the "Company") is to distribute electrical and hand operated grain mills, kitchen mixers and related accessories for home use.

Proposed Reorganization

As previously reported in the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 7, 2016, and as discussed in Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, on September 6, 2016, Grote Molen and a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary, Grote Merger Co. ("Merger Corp."), and Blackridge Technology Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Blackridge"), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Reorganization Agreement"), which generally provides for Grote Molen's acquisition of Blackridge in exchange for a controlling number of shares of Grote Molen's preferred and common stock pursuant to the merger (the "Merger") of Merger Corp. with and into Blackridge, with Blackridge continuing as the surviving corporation.

The Reorganization Agreement provides that the closing of the transactions contemplated thereby is subject to several significant conditions precedent.  There can be no assurance that such conditions will be satisfied or waived or that the reorganization will be completed.

When and if completed, the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement will result in a change of control of Grote Molen and, following the consummation thereof, the Blackridge stockholders will be able to elect the directors and control the policies and practices of the Grote Molen.  It is anticipated that the transaction will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition for accounting purposes.

The foregoing summary of selected provisions of the Reorganization Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Reorganization Agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to this report and incorporated herein by reference.
12


Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires our management to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements, including the notes thereto, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies, if any. We consider our critical accounting policies to be those that require the more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of financial statements, including the following:

Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts. We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts by identifying potential troubled accounts and by using historical experience and future expectations applied to an aging of accounts. Trade accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade accounts receivable previously written off are recorded as income when received. We determined that no allowance for doubtful accounts was required at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Inventories

Inventories, consisting primarily of grain mills, kitchen mixers, parts and accessories, are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using primarily the first-in-first-out (FIFO) method. We purchase substantially all inventories from two foreign suppliers, and have been dependent on those suppliers for substantially all inventory purchases since we commenced operations.  We determined that no allowance for obsolete inventories was required at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Deposits

At times, we are required to pay advance deposits toward the purchase of inventories from our principal suppliers. Such advance payments are recorded as deposits, a current asset in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 10 years. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in operations for the period. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to operations as incurred. Significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are recorded at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization of definitive lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives or contractual lives of the assets, which range from 10 to 30 years.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We periodically review our long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. No events or changes in circumstances have occurred to indicate that the carrying amount of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Therefore, no impairment loss was recognized during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
13


Revenue Recognition

We record revenue from the sales of grain mills, kitchen mixers and accessories in accordance with the underlying sales agreements when the products are shipped, the selling price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

Warranties

We provide limited warranties to our customers for certain of our products sold.  We perform warranty work at our service center in Pocatello, Idaho or at other authorized service locations.  Warranty expenses have not been material to our consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, requires us to determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based upon the technical merits of the position. If the more-likely-than-not threshold is met, we must measure the tax position to determine the amount to recognize in our consolidated financial statements. We performed a review of our material tax positions in accordance with recognition and measurement standards established by ASC Topic 740 and concluded we had no unrecognized tax benefit that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

We include interest and penalties arising from the underpayment of income taxes, if any, in our consolidated statements of operations in general and administrative expenses. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and notes payable. The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these items.  We believe the carrying amount of the notes payable approximates fair value because the interest rates on the notes approximate market rates of interest.

Estimated Value of Warrants

We estimate the grant date value of the common stock purchase warrants issued in Units sold and as consideration for the conversion/cancellation of debt using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The inputs used in this valuation are based on management's judgment and subject to significant market fluctuations.
 
Results of Operations

Sales

Our business is not seasonal; however, our quarterly sales, including sales to related parties, may fluctuate materially from period to period.  At times, we derive a significant portion of our revenues from sales to related parties.  Each of our two principal stockholders owns a company that may be a significant customer.  Our sales were comprised of the following:
14


   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Sales
 
$
223,369
   
$
382,021
   
$
681,424
   
$
964,214
 
Sales – related parties
   
17,330
     
34,615
     
33,910
     
60,661
 
 
                               
Total sales
 
$
240,699
   
$
416,636
   
$
715,334
   
$
1,024,875
 

Sales to related parties totaled approximately 7% and 8% of total sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and approximately 5% and 6% of total sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Our total sales decreased $175,937, or approximately 42%, during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015.  Our total sales decreased $309,541, or approximately 30%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  While we experienced an increase in sales in 2015 attributable to the successful introduction of our new WonderMix kitchen mixer, we believe year-to-date sales in 2016 were negatively impacted by a continuing overall slow-down in the preparedness market and a prolonged slow economic recovery in the United States.

Cost of Sales

Total cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $199,806, compared to $319,426 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $119,620, or approximately 37%.  Total cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $537,680, compared to $750,519 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $212,839, or approximately 28%. Our cost of sales consists of the purchase price of our products incurred to our suppliers plus inbound shipping costs.  We do not manufacture our own products.  Our costs to purchase products for resale remained relatively constant during the first nine months of 2016.  Therefore, the decrease in our cost of sales during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributed to the decrease in sales volume.  Included in cost of sales were costs of related party sales of $13,685 and $26,539 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and $25,488 and $44,422 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Total cost of sales as a percentage of total sales was approximately 83% and 77% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and approximately 75% and 73% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Cost of sales as a percentage of sales may fluctuate from period to period, based on the mix of products sold during a particular period and pricing arrangements with our suppliers.  In addition, we purchase substantially all inventories from two foreign suppliers, and have been dependent on those suppliers for substantially all inventory purchases since we commenced operations.  International manufacturing is subject to factors that can have a material impact on our costs of sales, including: availability of labor at costs consistent with historical levels; changes in labor or other laws; instability of social, political and economic factors; freight costs, including domestic and international customs and tariffs; unexpected changes in regulatory environments; costs and availability of manufacturing materials; and other factors.
15


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Our selling, general and administrative expenses were $118,994 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $108,579 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $10,415, or approximately 10%.  Our selling, general and administrative expenses were $347,433 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $331,009 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $16,424, or approximately 5%.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in the current year is primarily attributable to increases in professional fees incurred with the proposed reorganization and Unit offering and increases in advertising costs.

Pursuant to an agreement effective in February 2011, we pay a monthly management fee to a company owned by one of the major stockholders of the Company to manage our day-to-day business activities and to provide business space.  Historically we have paid monthly management fees in varying amounts to this related party pursuant to prior agreements.  The agreement is on a month-to-month basis and can be cancelled at any time by the vote of management.  The agreement was amended and restated on October 31, 2014 to increase the monthly fee to $12,500 effective November 1, 2014.  Also included in management fees are monthly payments of $150 to another major stockholder of the Company for expense reimbursement.  Included in selling, general and administrative expenses were management fees to related parties totaling $37,950 for each of the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $113,850 for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense remained fairly constant and was $4,208 and $4,471 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and $12,872 and $13,545 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other Expense: Interest Expense

Other expense includes interest expense on our indebtedness, a significant portion of which is indebtedness to related parties.  Total interest expense – related parties was $5,915 and $4,776 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and $14,447 and $8,456 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The increase in interest expense in the current year was attributed primarily to a new 18%, $300,000 promissory note from a related party in April 2016, partially offset by a decrease resulting from the repayment in full of the long-term debt to related parties and a partial payment of notes payable – related parties.

Other expense also includes interest expense to non-related parties of $4,219 and $2,819 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $12,712 and $12,816 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The increase in interest expense to non-related parties in the current year is primarily due to additional notes payable to non-related parties in 2015 and 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2016, we had total current assets of $1,069,008, including cash of $54,687, and current liabilities of $645,363, resulting in working capital of $423,645.  Our current assets and working capital included inventories of $950,117 and deposits of $20,000.  Generally, we are required to pay significant advance deposits toward the purchase of inventories from our principal suppliers.

In addition, as of September 30, 2016, we had total stockholders' equity of $469,093.  We have financed our operations, the acquisition of inventories, and the payment of vendor deposits from our operations, short-term loans from our principal stockholders and non-related parties, a long-term note payable from a bank, and from the issuance of our common stock and warrants.
16


During the three months ended September 30, 2016, Grote Molen sold 1,691,000 Units, each consisting of one share of common stock and one five-year common stock purchase warrant exercisable at $0.70 per share, in a private offering to accredited investors, at an offering price of $0.10 per Unit, for total proceeds of $169,100.  During October 2016, Grote Molen sold an additional 55,000 Units for proceeds totaling $5,500.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net cash used in operating activities was $256,522, as a result of our net loss of $209,842 and increases in accounts receivable – related parties of $7,422, inventories of $241,224, and prepaid expenses of $46, and decreases in accrued interest payable – related parties of $14,923 and accrued interest payable of $4,913, partially offset by non-cash expenses totaling $13,028, decreases in accounts receivable of $2,550 and deposits of $44,685, and increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $149,380 and accounts payable – related parties of $12,205.

By comparison, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net cash used in operating activities was $46,690, as a result of our net loss of $62,085 and increases in accounts receivable – related parties of $13,077 and inventories of $140,112, partially offset by non-cash expenses of $13,545, decreases in accounts receivable of $14,217, deposits of $109,865 and prepaid expenses of $6,487, and increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $9,066, accounts payable – related parties of $1,350, accrued interest payable – related parties of $6,644 and accrued interest payable of $7,410.

We had no net cash provided by or used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net cash provided by financing activities was $301,958, comprised of proceeds from long-term note payable of $5,300, proceeds from notes payable – related parties of $300,000, proceeds from notes payable of $91,500 and proceeds from the sale of Units of $169,100, partially offset by repayment of notes payable – related parties of $195,240, repayment of notes payable of $59,600, repayment of long-term debt – related party of $2,943 and repayment of long-term note payable of $6,159.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net cash provided by financing activities was $295, comprised of proceeds from long-term note payable of $28,700 and proceeds from notes payable of $41,500, offset by repayment of notes payable – related parties of $18,500, repayment of long-term debt – related party of $34,031 and repayment of long-term note payable of $17,374.

At September 30, 2016, we had short-term notes payable – related parties totaling $234,887, which are payable to our principal stockholders, are unsecured, bear interest at rates ranging from 6% to 18% per annum and are generally due on demand.  In April 2016, we borrowed $300,000 from a principal stockholder.  The note bears interest at 18% and is payable in 12 monthly payments of $27,504 through May 2017.  The note is included in short-term notes payable – related parties and had a balance of $160,260 as of September 30, 2016.

In addition, at September 30, 2016, we had short-term notes payable to non-related parties totaling $118,000, which are unsecured, bear interest at rates ranging from 6% to 8% per annum and are due on demand.

17

At December 31, 2015, our long-term debt – related party was comprised of the remaining principal balance of $2,943 of a note payable to a principal stockholder.  The note was paid in full in February 2016.

At September 30, 2016, we had a long-term note payable to a bank with a principal balance of $144,436.  The long-term note payable is a line of credit promissory note bearing interest at an indexed rate plus 2% (4.5% at September 30, 2016), requiring monthly interest payments only and maturing on May 16, 2021.  For the past several months, we have made monthly payments of principal and interest in varying amounts.  The note payable has a maximum line of credit of $150,000 and is secured by a deed of trust on certain real estate owned by one of the principal stockholders of the Company and by the Company's inventories, property and equipment, and intangible assets.

Accrued interest payable – related parties was $38,584 and $53,507 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  Accrued interest payable to non-related parties was $17,337 and $22,686 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

In the event sales during the remainder of 2016 and into 2017 do not meet our expectations, we may require additional funding from the sale of our common stock, Units or debt in order to meet our obligations.  Depending on the requirement to pay advance deposits on orders from our suppliers, we estimate we may require $250,000 to $500,000 of additional funding in 2017.  No assurances can be given that, if required, such funding will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There were no new accounting pronouncements issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and through the date of this filing that we believe are applicable to or would have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Pursuant to an agreement effective in February 2011, we pay a monthly management fee to a company owned by one of the major stockholders of the Company to manage our day-to-day business activities and to provide business space.  Historically we have paid monthly management fees in varying amounts to this related party pursuant to prior agreements.  The agreement is on a month-to-month basis and can be cancelled at any time by the vote of management.  The agreement was amended and restated on October 31, 2014 to increase the monthly fee to $12,500 effective November 1, 2014.  

Also included in management fees are monthly payments of $150 to another major stockholder of the Company for expense reimbursement.  
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not Applicable.  The Company is a "smaller reporting company."
 
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Treasurer who serves as our principal executive and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("the Exchange Act") as of September 30, 2016, the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, our President and Treasurer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2016 were effective such that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Treasurer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.  A controls system cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
18


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

We are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

See the risk factors described in Item 1A of the Company's 2015 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016.

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

On September 7, 2016, Grote Molen sold common stock purchase warrants to an accredited investor in consideration for the conversion/cancellation of its $50,000 promissory note to such investor.  The warrants entitle the investor to purchase up to 5,000,000 shares of the Registrant's common stock at an exercise price of $0.70 per share during the five-year period commencing September 1, 2018. 

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, Grote Molen sold 1,691,000 Units, each consisting of one share of common stock and one five-year common stock purchase warrant exercisable at $0.70 per share, in a private offering to accredited investors, at an offering price of $0.10 per Unit, for total proceeds of $169,100.

Each of the investors in the foregoing transactions represented that he, she or it was an "accredited investor" as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D.  No underwriter was involved in any of the foregoing transactions and the securities were sold by Grote Molen directly to the investors.  The securities were sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), in reliance on the exemption from such registration requirements provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act for transactions not involving any public offering.  The securities were sold without general advertising or solicitation, the investors acknowledged that they were purchasing restricted securities which had not been registered under the Securities Act and which were subject to certain restrictions on resale, and the certificates or agreements representing the securities were or will, when issued, be imprinted with the usual and customary restricted stock legend.Item 3.  Defaults upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

Not Applicable.
19

Item 6:  Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit 
   
3.1
Articles of Incorporation (1)
   
3.2
Bylaws (1)
   
4.1
Common Stock Purchase Warrant Agreement dated as of September 7, 2016*
   
4.2
Form of Five-Year Common Stock Purchase Warrant Included in Unit Offering*
   
10.1
Promissory Note dated July 15, 2016*
   
10.2
Promissory Note dated August 9, 2016*
   
10.3
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of September 6, 2016(2)
   
10.4
Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of September 7, 2016*
   
31.1
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer*
   
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer*
   
101 INS
XBRL Instance Document*
   
101SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*
   
101 CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase*
   
101 DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase*
   
101 LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase*
   
101 PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase*

(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Numbers 3.1 and 3.2 of the Company's registration statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on May 14, 2010.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Number 10.1 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 7, 2016.
* Exhibits filed with this report.
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SIGNATURES

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



 
Grote Molen, Inc.
   
   
Dated:  November 14, 2016
By /s/ John B. Hofman
 
John B. Hofman
 
President, Secretary and Treasurer
 
(Principal Executive and Accounting Officer)
 
 

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