MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) provides a narrative explanation of the Company's financial statements and is intended to enhance understanding of its operating performance, financial condition, liquidity, and capital resources.
The Company's operating performance improved significantly during the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Revenue increased 18% year-over-year, gross margin expanded to 52%, and the Company generated positive operating income and net income. These results were driven by improved operating leverage, enhanced distribution execution, and continued demand for the Company's beverage portfolio.
Management believes these trends may support the continued scalability of the Company's business model.
Management is closely monitoring potential risks, including volatility in freight costs, input pricing, and evolving consumer demand patterns, which could impact margins and operating results in future periods.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Management's Discussion and Analysis contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company's future operating performance, scalability, margin trends, demand for its products, and anticipated business and market conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors include, among others, changes in consumer preferences, competitive conditions, freight and commodity cost volatility, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, regulatory developments, and general economic conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.
Company Overview
EQUATOR Beverage Company is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Jersey City,
NJ.
The Company is engaged in the development, production, distribution, and marketing of a portfolio of beverage products.
EQUATOR's operations focus on identifying and responding to evolving consumer preferences through innovation, brand development, and disciplined execution.
Products
The Company's beverage portfolio includes ready-to-drink beverages and sparkling energy beverages. EQUATOR's products are Non-GMO Project Verified and USDA Organic certified and are formulated to meet consumer demand for functional, clean-label, and premium beverage options.
A core offering within the Company's portfolio is MOJO Coconut Water, a naturally functional hydration beverage. Each 11-ounce serving contains five essential electrolytes, supporting hydration and recovery. The product contains naturally occurring vitamins B and C, has no preservatives, and offers a fresh, crisp coconut taste. The Company's coconut water is plant-based, renewable, and suitable for vegan, kosher, paleo, keto, and
In addition to Coconut Water, the Company produces Coconut Water + Pineapple Juice, Coconut Water + Mango Juice, Organic Coconut Water, Sparkling Coconut Water Citrus, Energy Sparkling Blood Orange, and Energy Sparkling Pink Grapefruit.
Sustainability and Packaging
Sustainability is a core component of EQUATOR's business strategy. The Company uses 100% recyclable, eco-friendly packaging designed to reduce environmental impact. EQUATOR's products are plant-based and made from renewable resources, demonstrating its commitment to responsible practices and long-term environmental stewardship.
CURRENT OPERATIONS
Markets and Distribution
EQUATOR Beverage Company distributes its products in North America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda through a combination of third-party distributors and retail channels. EQUATOR continues to evaluate opportunities to expand its geographic presence and strengthen its distribution network in existing and new markets. We seek to grow the market share of our products by expanding our hybrid distribution network through the relationships and efforts of our management, third-party partners, and broker networks, as well as through new products and packaging.
Production
The Company utilizes multiple production sources. The quality of fruit is a key contributor to the overall taste and quality of our products. Currently, the Company has multiple production facilities from which it can source products. Each facility is capable of meeting forecasted demand levels.
Competition
The beverage industry is competitive. Competitors in our market compete for brand recognition, ingredient sourcing, product shelf space, and e-commerce page rankings. Our competitors use similar distribution channels and retailers to deliver and sell their products.
Government Regulation
Within the United States, beverages are governed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA"). As such, it is necessary for the Company to establish, maintain, and make available for inspection records as well as to develop labels (including nutrition information) that meet FDA requirements. The Company's production facilities are subject to FDA regulation.
Employees
As of March 31, 2026, the Company had two employees and utilizes third-party service providers for manufacturing, logistics, and professional services. This operating model enables scalability without significant fixed overhead.
CORPORATE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
EQUATOR Beverage Company commenced commercial production of coconut water on January 1, 2015, focusing on premium, natural hydration products. The Company's products are Non-GMO Project Verified and USDA Organic certified. It initially distributed through independent retailers and regional partners while establishing sourcing relationships in Southeast Asia.
In June 2022, the board of directors approved a corporate name change from MOJO Organics, Inc. to EQUATOR Beverage Company, effective July 5, 2022. Around this time, the Company's common stock began trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the ticker symbol MOJO.
Following launch and uplisting, the Company expanded manufacturing partnerships, strengthened quality controls, and broadened distribution to grocery and e
-
commerce channels. Today, EQUATOR Beverage Company sells over 8 million units per year and continues to grow its national retail footprint, focusing on disciplined growth, supply chain stability, and shareholder value.
Results of Operations
Revenue
Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 increased 18% to $961,484 from $817,748 in the same period in 2025. This growth was driven primarily by higher sales volume reflecting stronger market demand, with the largest SKU contributing a 42% year-over-year increase in cases sold and accounting for a significant portion of the overall revenue gain.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin
Cost of revenue totaled $467,850, representing 49% of revenue, compared to 61% in the prior year. As a result, gross margin improved to 52% from 39%, an expansion of approximately 1,300 basis points. This margin improvement was driven primarily by better freight economics, enhanced supply chain efficiencies, and a more favorable product mix.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased to $419,331 for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to $231,178 in the prior year. Excluding non-cash restricted stock compensation, cash operating expenses rose approximately 50%, primarily driven by higher e-commerce selling fees in line with a 52% increase in e-commerce revenue, increased marketing spend, and higher warehouse costs associated with expanded storage needs.
Net Income
Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was $176,115, compared to $84,034 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The increase of $92,081 was primarily attributable to improved gross margins, and enhanced operating efficiencies.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2026, the Company had working capital of $783,353 and cash and cash equivalents of $126,670. Net cash provided by operating activities was $38,848 for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $70,867 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Management believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents, together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet its working capital requirements and support planned growth initiatives for the foreseeable future.
Borrowings
Borrowings under the Company's credit arrangements during the quarter ended March 31, 2026 ranged from $230,000 to $340,000, with an outstanding balance of $230,000 as of March 31, 2026. Management believes that the Company's expected growth and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet its future capital requirements, as evidenced in part by the reduction in outstanding borrowings from peak levels earlier in the year. The Company intends to continue reducing outstanding borrowings during fiscal 2026.
Share Repurchases
The Company repurchased 20,605 shares during the quarter as part of its capital allocation strategy.