Item 1. Business
General
Prior to August 2001, Simon Worldwide, Inc. (the “Company”) was a multi-national, full service promotional marketing company. In August 2001, McDonald’s Corporation (“McDonald’s”), the Company’s principal customer, terminated its 25-year relationship with the Company as a result of the embezzlement by a former Company employee of winning game pieces from McDonald’s promotional games administered by the Company. Other customers also terminated their relationships with the Company, resulting in the Company no longer having a business. By April 2002, the Company had effectively eliminated a majority of its ongoing promotions business operations and was in the process of disposing of its assets and settling its liabilities related to the promotions business and defending and pursuing litigation with respect thereto. As a result of these efforts, the Company has been able to resolve a significant number of outstanding liabilities that existed in August 2001 or arose subsequent to that date.
Since August 2001, the Company has concentrated its efforts on reducing its costs and settling numerous claims, contractual obligations, and pending litigation related to its prior business operations. By April 2002, the Company had effectively eliminated a majority of its ongoing promotions business operations and was in the process of disposing of its assets and settling its liabilities related to the promotions business and defending and pursuing litigation with respect thereto. In essence, the Company discontinued its promotions business and changed the nature of its operation to focus on its pending litigation and winding down its contracted obligations. As a result of these efforts, the Company has been able to resolve a significant number of outstanding liabilities that existed in August 2001 or arose subsequent to that date.
The Company is managed by the Chief Executive Officer, Greg Mays, and Chief Financial Officer, Anthony Espiritu, together with a general counsel. The Board of Directors has considered various alternative courses of action for the Company, including possibly acquiring or combining with one or more operating businesses. The Board of Directors has reviewed and analyzed a number of proposed transactions. On March 22, 2013, the Company announced in a current report on Form 8-K that it, together with Richard Beckman, Joel Katz and OA3, LLC (“OA3”), had entered into the limited liability company agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) of Three Lions Entertainment, LLC (“Three Lions”) on March 18, 2013. Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, the Company made an initial capital contribution of $3.15 million with respect to membership units currently representing 60% of the interest in the economic returns of Three Lions, a variable interest entity, including certain preferences with respect to common holders on operating returns and on a liquidation or sale of Three Lions. The Company made a second capital contribution to Three Lions in the amount of $1.85 million on April 26, 2013. The Company made a third and final capital contribution to Three Lions of $3.5 million on October 2, 2013. The Company cannot predict whether its investment in Three Lions will be successful. The business and operations of Three Lions are managed and directed by a five person Executive Board, three of whom the Company has the power to designate. The Executive Board governs under majority vote, subject to certain major decisions that require the unanimous approval of either the members of Three Lions or its Executive Board.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following important factors, among others, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, the Company’s actual results and could cause the Company’s actual consolidated results for the Company’s current year and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.
Risks Related to the Company
The Company has a long history of net losses and no recent history of profitability, and it may not be profitable in the future.
The Company has not had an operating business since 2002. The Company reported net losses of $3.6 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Over the last decade, the Company’s board of directors has considered various alternative courses of action for the Company, including possibly acquiring or combining with one or more operating businesses, and it has reviewed and analyzed a number of proposed transactions. Although in March 2013 the Company acquired a majority interest in Three Lions, a start-up television production company with a particular emphasis on branded entertainment and special events, there can be no assurance that this investment will be successful or profitable.
The Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition will depend principally on the success of Three Lions.
On March 18, 2013, the Company contributed $3.15 million to Three Lions in exchange for membership units representing 60% of the economic returns of Three Lions, including certain preferences with respect to common holders on operating returns and on a liquidation or sale of Three Lions. In respect of such previously issued membership units, the Company made a second capital contribution to Three Lions in the amount of $1.85 million on April 26, 2013, and a third and final capital contribution to Three Lions in the amount of $3.5 million on October 2, 2013. As a result of these transactions, the Company’s business substantially consists of acting as the majority equityholder of, and holding a membership interest in, Three Lions. Accordingly, the Company’s business results of operations and financial condition depend to a large degree on the successful operations of Three Lions. The Company expect Three Lions in the future to provide funds to pay the Company’s operating costs, including the cost of preparing and filing reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If Three Lions does not provide these funds, the Company’s overhead and net losses may increase, and its financial position may be materially adversely affected.
Three Lions is recently formed, has no operating history and has never been profitable. Three Lions may never become profitable, and it could go out of business.
Three Lions was formed on August 31, 2012. At the present time, it has no successful operating history. From its inception, Three Lions has generated no revenue and there can be no guarantee that it will ever generate revenue or become profitable. Three Lions’ future profitability will depend upon its ability to build relationships with content partners, sponsors and distributors; to monetize sponsorship, licensing and other agreements; and to control production-related and other expenses. There is no guarantee that Three Lions will meet all or any of these goals, and accordingly, there is no assurance that it will ever become a profitable company. If Three Lions fails to become profitable, it could go out of business, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Three Lions faces intense competition.
The market for entertainment is highly competitive. Three Lions faces significant competition from both established studios and other independent producers with respect to sponsorship relationships, access to talent and distribution of programming. The costs of entry into the independent television production market are relatively low, and there may not be significant barriers to entry. Competition for television distribution and sponsorship dollars is based primarily on audience size, demographic composition and viewer response to sponsors’ products and services. Television programming produced by Three Lions will compete directly for viewers, distribution and sponsorship dollars with other special event and pop culture programming, as well as with general programming and all other competing forms of media. Many competitors of Three Lions are larger with established brand names, greater resources and access to established distribution channels, and therefore may be able to adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements, devote greater resources to marketing and distribution of their products, generate greater brand recognition or adopt more aggressive pricing policies than Three Lions. As a result, the revenues, results of operation and financial position of Three Lions may be materially adversely affected.
The television industry is rapidly evolving, and recent trends have shown that audience response to both traditional and emerging distribution channels is volatile and difficult to predict.
The entertainment industry in general and the television industry in particular continue to undergo significant changes, due both to shifting consumer tastes and to technological developments. New technologies, such as video-on-demand and Internet distribution of programming, have provided production companies with new channels through which to distribute their products. Accurately forecasting the changing expectations of television audiences and market demand within these new channels has proven challenging.
The Company cannot accurately predict the overall effect that shifting audience tastes, technological change or the availability of alternative forms of entertainment may have on Three Lions. In addition to uncertainty regarding audience demand for Three Lions’ programming, there is uncertainty regarding the extent to which other developing distribution channels, including video-on-demand and Internet distribution of television, will gain market share and whether Three Lions will be successful in exploiting the business opportunities they provide.
The failure to secure sufficient long-term agreements with sponsors, content partners and distributors would harm Three Lions.
Three Lions does not have sufficient long-term agreements with sponsors, content partners or distributors for its programming and other content, and there can be no assurance that Three Lions will succeed in its efforts to enter into such
agreements. If Three Lions is unable to secure sufficient long-term agreements with sponsors, content partners or distributors, or if any major sponsor, content partner or distributor that Three Lions is able to secure were to scale back or terminate its relationship with Three Lions, it could have a material adverse effect on Three Lions’ and the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Demand for advertising and competition for advertising dollars will impact Three Lions.
Like other media companies, Three Lions is and will continue to be impacted by fluctuations in demand for advertising. Advertising revenue is susceptible to fluctuations in economic cycles. Expenditures by advertisers generally reflect economic conditions and declines in economic conditions adversely affect demand for advertising and may impact the levels of advertising revenue that Three Lions is able to generate. The growth in alternative forms of media has also led to increased competition for advertising dollars, which could in turn reduce Three Lions’ revenue from advertising.
There can be no assurance that our investment in Three Lions will result in earnings or dividends to the Company.
Although the Company believes that Three Lions’ branded entertainment concept offers us the opportunity for significantly improved operating results in future quarters, no assurance can be given that Three Lions will successfully execute its strategy. Therefore, no assurance can be given that Three Lions, or the Company, will ever operate on a profitable basis, as such performance is subject to numerous variables and uncertainties, many of which are out of the Company’s control.
To the extent that Three Lions does become profitable, its revenues will depend significantly upon the success of the television programming and other content it produces. Accordingly, its revenues and results of operations may fluctuate significantly from period to period. Any quarterly fluctuations that we report in the future may not match the expectations of market analysts and investors. This could cause the price of the Company’s common stock to fluctuate significantly.
Three Lions may not have sufficient cash flow to meet its operational needs.
At December 31, 2013, Three Lions had a cash balance of approximately $4.3 million. Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, Three Lions raised an additional $3.7 million in scheduled capital contributions from its members in the first week of October 2013, but no further capital contributions are scheduled or required of Three Lions’ members under the LLC Agreement. In addition, OA3, a related party, is required under the LLC Agreement to make available to Three Lions, upon the request of its chief executive officer, a revolving loan facility in a principal amount not to exceed $6.0 million on the terms set forth in the LLC Agreement. These amounts may be insufficient to meet Three Lions’ start-up, operating and production expenses. Three Lions may need or choose to obtain additional financing by selling securities or by entering into credit agreements. Three Lions may not be able to obtain additional funds on acceptable terms, or at all. If adequate funds are not available, Three Lions may be required to curtail its operations until such funds are available to move forward with its television programming, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. Since the Company is expecting that its investment in Three Lions would, in the future, provide funds to pay its operating costs, if Three Lions does not provide these funds, the Company’s overhead and net losses may increase and its financial position may be materially adversely affected.
The Company’s business would be adversely affected if Three Lions lost key members of its executive management team.
Three Lions is highly dependent on the efforts and performance of its executive management team. The loss of any key members of this team could result in Three Lions’ inability to manage its operations effectively or to execute its business strategy. The failure to maintain or replace any such individuals could have a material adverse effect on Three Lions and the Company.
Affiliates of Overseas Toys control the Company and may have conflicts of interest with other stockholders in the future.
Overseas Toys beneficially owns approximately 87.6% of the Company’s common stock. As a result, Overseas Toys is able to control the election of the Company’s directors, determine its corporate and management policies and determine, without the consent of the Company’s other stockholders, the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to its stockholders for approval, including potential mergers or acquisitions, asset sales and other significant corporate transactions. This concentrated ownership position limits other stockholders’ ability to influence corporate matters and, as a result, the Company may take actions that some of its stockholders do not view as beneficial.
Overseas Toys is controlled by an affiliate of The Yucaipa Companies, or Yucaipa. Four of the Company’s six directors are also current or former directors or executive officers of, or advisors to, Yucaipa or certain of its portfolio companies. Overseas Toys also has sufficient voting power to amend the Company’s organizational documents. The interests of
Overseas Toys may not coincide with the interests of other holders of the Company’s common stock. Additionally, Yucaipa and its affiliates are in the business of making investments in companies and may, from time to time, acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with the Company. Yucaipa and its affiliates may also pursue, for their own account, acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to the Company’s business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to the Company. So long as Overseas Toys continues to own a significant amount of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, it will continue to be able to strongly influence or effectively control the Company’s decisions, including potential mergers or acquisitions, asset sales and other significant corporate transactions that the Company’s other stockholders may desire.
The Company may have a limited ability to use some or all of its net operating loss carryforwards in the future.
As a result of prior operating losses, the Company has net operating loss, or “NOL,” carryforwards for federal income tax purposes. The ability to utilize its NOL carryforwards to reduce taxable income in future years could become subject to significant limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code if the Company undergoes an ownership change. The Company would undergo an ownership change if, among other things, the stockholders who own, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of its common stock, or are otherwise treated as “5% shareholders” under Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, increase their aggregate percentage ownership of the Company’s stock by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest percentage of the stock owned by these stockholders at any time during the testing period, which is generally the three-year period preceding the potential ownership change.
In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code imposes an annual limitation on the amount of taxable income a corporation may offset with NOL carryforwards. The annual limitation is generally equal to the value of the stock of the corporation immediately before the ownership change, multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate for the month in which the ownership change occurs (the long-term tax-exempt rate for April 2014 is 3.56%). Any unused annual limitation may generally be carried over to later years until the NOL carryforwards expire. While the Company does not believe that it’s recently completed rights offering and the issuance of shares pursuant to exercised subscription rights triggered an ownership change upon the consummation of the rights offering, they could increase the likelihood that the Company may undergo an ownership change for purposes of Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code in the future.
The Company is dependent on certain key personnel.
The Company is dependent on several key personnel, including its directors. In light of the Company’s uncertain outlook, there is no assurance that its key personnel can be retained. The loss of the services of the Company’s key personnel would harm it. In addition, the Company has a limited number of personnel. As such, this presents a challenge in maintaining compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. If Section 404 compliance is not properly maintained, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting may be adversely affected.
As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company’s auditors are not required to attest to the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As a result, investors may become less comfortable with the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls and the risk that material weakness or other deficiencies in internal controls go undetected may increase.
Risks Related to the Securities Markets and Ownership of the Company’s Common Stock
The market price of the Company’s common stock could fluctuate in the future and may decline.
The market price for the Company’s common stock has fluctuated in the past, and several factors could cause the price to fluctuate substantially in the future, including:
•
stockholder sentiment regarding the likelihood of success of the Company’s investment in Three Lions;
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the ability of Three Lions to generate revenue and distribute dividends to the Company and its other members;
•
announcements of developments related to the Company’s or Three Lions’ business;
•
fluctuations in the Company’s or Three Lions’ operations;
•
issuances of a substantial number of shares of the Company’s common stock into the marketplace, including upon the exercise of subscription rights;
•
general conditions in Three Lions’ industry, the domestic economy or the worldwide economy;
•
a shortfall in earnings compared to the Company’s stockholders’ expectations;
•
announcements of new acquisitions or dispositions; and
•
an outbreak of war or hostilities.
Due to these factors, the price of the Company’s stock may decline and investors may be unable to resell their shares of the Company’s stock for a profit. In addition, the stock market experiences extreme volatility that often is unrelated to the performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may cause the Company’s stock price to decline regardless of its performance.
The trading volume of the Company’s common stock is limited and if you invest you may have difficulty selling your shares in the future at the times and in the amounts you might want.
While the Company’s common stock is quoted on the OTCQB Marketplace under the symbol “SWWI,” its stock is not listed on any stock exchange. The trading volume of the Company’s common stock is modest. The limited trading market for its common stock may lead to exaggerated fluctuations in market prices and possible market inefficiencies, as compared to a more actively traded stock. It may also make it more difficult to dispose of the Company’s common stock at expected prices or at all, especially for holders seeking to dispose of a large number of its stock.
Forward Looking Information
From time to time, the Company may provide forward looking information such as forecasts of expected future performance or statements about the Company’s plans and objectives. This information may be contained in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, or oral statements by the officers of the Company. The Company desires to take advantage of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and these risk factors are intended to do so.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
In September 2011, the Company signed a 12-month lease agreement for 2,000 square feet of office space in Irvine, California, with a monthly rent of approximately $3,700, into which the Company relocated its remaining scaled-down operations. In March 2012, this lease was extended 12-months through August 2013 at a monthly rent of approximately $3,800. In April 2013, this lease was extended again for 24-months through August 2015 at an average monthly rent of approximately $3,700 during the lease term. For a summary of the Company’s minimum rental commitments under all non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2013, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
None.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Until May 3, 2002, the Company’s stock traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol SWWI. On May 3, 2002, the Company’s stock was delisted by NASDAQ due to the fact that the Company’s stock was trading at a price below the minimum NASDAQ requirement. The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Company’s common stock as reported on the over-the-counter market in the Pink Sheets. Such over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
As of April 4, 2014, the Company had approximately 334 holders of record of its common stock. The last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock on March 21, 2014, was $0.04.
The Company has never paid cash dividends, other than series A preferred stock distributions in 2000 and stockholder distributions of Subchapter S earnings during 1993 and 1992.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not applicable.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements and Associated Risks
From time to time, the Company may provide forward-looking information such as forecasts of expected future performance or statements about the Company’s plans and objectives, including certain information provided below. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control. The Company wishes to caution readers that actual results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company including, without limitation, as a result of factors described in Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Critical Accounting Policies
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Management applies the following critical accounting policies in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements:
Long-Term Investments
The Company holds an investment in a biotechnology company. Periodically, the Company performs a review of the carrying value of its investment in this company, and considers such factors as current results, trends and future prospects of the investee, general market conditions, and other economic factors.
This investments is designated as available-for-sale in accordance with the provisions primarily codified under ASC 320-10-25, “Investments-Debt and Equity Securities,” and as such, unrealized gains and losses are reported in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of stockholders’ equity. This investment is included in non-current other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Variable Interest Entity
The Company’s variable interest entity (“VIE”) accounting policy is considered critical because the Company’s VIE is the most material asset other than cash and cash equivalents.
Under certain criteria as provided for in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810, “Consolidation,” the Company may consolidate a partially-owned affiliate. To determine whether to consolidate a partially-owned affiliate, the Company first determines if the entity is a variable interest entity (VIE). An entity is considered to be a VIE if it has one of the following characteristics: 1) the entity is thinly capitalized; 2) residual equity holders do not control the entity; 3) equity holders are shielded from economic losses or do not participate fully in the entity’s residual economics; or 4) the entity was established with non-substantive voting. If the entity meets one of these characteristics, the Company then determines if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The party with the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the potential to absorb benefits or losses that could be significant to the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE. Three Lions meets the definition of a variable interest entity as the total equity investment at risk in Three Lions is not sufficient to permit Three Lions to finance its activities without further subordinated financial support by any parties, including the equity holders.
The excess of the cost of the Company’s investment in Three Lions over the amount of the Company’s underlying equity in the net assets of Three Lions is recognized as equity method goodwill which is not amortized. Equity method goodwill is not reported as goodwill in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, but instead is disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. However, at least annually, the Company assesses if there has been an other-than-temporary impairment in the carrying value of its Three Lions investment by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from Three Lions with the carrying value of this investment. In performing this analysis, the Company also considers factors such as current results, trends and future prospects, in addition to other economic factors.
Contingencies
The Company records an accrued liability and related charge for an estimated loss from a loss contingency if two conditions are met: (1) information is available prior to the issuance of the financial statements that indicates it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements and (2) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Accruals for general or unspecified business risks are not recorded. Gain contingencies are recognized when realized.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 provides explicit guidance on presentation in financial statements. The amendment is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect adoption of this ASU to significantly impact its consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations
Operations consist of activities required to maintain the Company’s current corporate infrastructure that will enable the Board of Directors to pursue various alternative courses of action going forward. Operational costs primarily consist of the salaries and benefits of executive management and corporate finance staff, professional fees, board of director fees, and space and facility costs.
2013 Compared to 2012
There were no revenues during 2013 and 2012.
General and administrative expenses totaled $1.1 million in 2013 compared to $1.6 million in 2012. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in directors fees.
Interest income totaled $3,000 in 2013 compared to $9,000 in 2012. The decrease is primarily due to reductions in average cash balances in 2013 when compared to 2012.
Other income totaled $217,000 in 2013 compared to $34,000 in 2012. The increase is primarily due to the Company providing limited accounting and administrative services to Three Lions and a company controlled by the Company’s largest shareholder during 2013 compared to one company during 2012. The arrangements entail providing these services through an undetermined end date, including payments totaling approximately $74,000 for the first quarter of 2014. The Company does not consider these arrangements to be part of its recurring operations.
Equity in loss of Three Lions Entertainment, LLC totaled $2.7 million for 2013 compared to $0 for 2012. The increase is due to this investment being new in 2013.
Equity in Yucaipa AEC (loss) earnings totaled $0 for 2013 compared to $(9,000) for 2012. The Company reduced the book value of this investment to $0 at December 31, 2012, because it does not expect any future economic benefit from this investment.
Stock Rights Offering
On October 1, 2013, we completed a rights offering of common stock to our stockholders (the “Rights Offering”). The Rights Offering was fully subscribed and resulted in net proceeds of approximately $4.2 million. We issued 23,854,680 shares of stock to our stockholders in conjunction with the Rights Offering. In connection with the Rights Offering, Overseas Toys, the Company’s majority shareholder, exercised all of the rights issued to it and subscribed for the maximum additional shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege that it was entitled to purchase.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The lack of any operating revenue has had and will continue to have a substantial adverse impact on the Company’s cash position. The Company incurred losses in 2013 and continues to incur losses in 2014 for the general and administrative expenses incurred to manage the affairs of the Company. Inasmuch as the Company no longer generates operating income, the source of current and future working capital is expected to be cash on hand and proceeds from the sale of its remaining long-term investments. Management believes it has sufficient capital resources and liquidity to operate the Company for at least one year.
The Board of Directors has considered various alternative courses of action for the Company, including possibly acquiring or combining with one or more operating businesses. The Board of Directors has reviewed and analyzed a number of proposed transactions. On March 22, 2013, the Company announced in a current report on Form 8-K that it, together with Richard Beckman, Joel Katz and OA3 had entered into the LLC Agreement Three Lions. Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, the Company made an initial capital contribution of $3.15 million with respect to membership units representing 60% of the voting power of Three Lions. The membership units received by the Company represent a 60% interest in the economic returns of Three Lions, including certain preferences with respect to common holders on operating returns and on a liquidation or sale of Three Lions. The Company made a second capital contribution to Three Lions in the amount of $1.85 million on April 26, 2013. The Company made a third and final capital contribution to Three Lions of $3.5 million on October 2, 2013. The Company cannot predict whether such course of action will be successful. Considering our current cash position of $1.6 million at December 31, 2013, and our average spending to support operations, management believes it has sufficient capital resources and liquidity to operate the Company for at least one year.
Working capital at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1.9 million and $7.3 million, respectively.
Net cash used in operating activities during 2013 and 2012 totaled $1.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The cash used in operating activities during 2013 was primarily due to a loss from operations resulting from the general and administrative expenses to manage the affairs of the Company and an increase in restricted cash partially offset by equity in the loss of Three Lions. The cash used in operating activities during 2012 was primarily due to a loss from operations resulting from the general and administrative expenses to manage the affairs of the Company. The Company reduced cash used during 2013 primarily by reducing its director costs. The Company expects its cash used in operating activities in 2014 to range from $.9 million to $1.1 million.
Net cash used in investing activities during 2013 totaled $8.7 million due to the Company’s payments for acquiring membership units in Three Lions. There was no cash provided by investing activities during 2012.
Net cash provided by financing activities during 2013 totaled $4.2 million primarily due to cash received from an issuance of common stock net of issuance costs pursuant to the Rights Offering. There was no cash provided by financing activities during 2012.
The Company may be involved in other litigation and legal matters from time to time in the ordinary course of business in which it is the plaintiff. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these other litigation and legal matters, if any, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or net cash flows. However, the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. During 2013, there were no litigation or legal matters settled. Thus, there was no impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or net cash flows.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements, investments in special purpose entities, or undisclosed borrowings or debts. In addition, the Company has no derivative contracts or synthetic leases.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2013, the Company evaluated the effectiveness and design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that the Company designed to ensure that it records, processes, summarizes, and reports in a timely manner the information that it must disclose in reports that the Company files with or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Greg Mays, the principal executive officer, and Anthony Espiritu, the principal financial officer of the Company, reviewed and participated in this evaluation. Based on this evaluation, the principal executive and principal financial officers of the Company concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company’s financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Internal control over financial reporting is the process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility that misstatements may not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, even effective internal controls over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Furthermore, the effectiveness of internal controls can change as circumstances change.
Management has evaluated the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, using criteria described in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 Framework) (“COSO”). Based on management’s assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except as described below, during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter and since the date of the evaluation noted above, there have not been any significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, there was a change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, specifically the controls relating to its equity method investment. The Company has implemented processes to assess whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists in its investment in Three Lions and the equity method goodwill related to this investment. In addition, the Company implemented a process to re-assess its VIE conclusion as it relates to Three Lions.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The Company’s certificate of incorporation provides that the number of directors shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors (but shall be no less than three and no more than fifteen) and that the Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes. The size of the Company’s Board of Directors is six members.
In accordance with Article XII of the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the state of Delaware on September 18, 2008, Overseas Toys, the Company’s controlling shareholder, had the right to designate up to 70% of the members of the Board of Directors and to designate the chairman of the board. Although the provisions of Article XII have since expired and are no longer in effect, the designees of Overseas Toys who were designated pursuant to such provisions and who are currently serving on the Board of Directors are Ira Tochner, Bradford Nugent, and Greg Mays.
The following table sets forth the names and ages of the Directors, and the years in which each individual has served as a director:
No stockholders meeting to elect directors has been held since 2007. In accordance with Delaware law and the Company’s by-laws, the directors’ terms continue until their successors are elected and qualified.
There were nine meetings of the Board of Directors held during 2013.
Business History of Directors and Executive Officers
Mr. Bartlett has served as a director of the Company since 1993 due to his experience in venture capital, corporate restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance matters. He is also currently engaged in the practice of law as Special Counsel at McCarter & English, LLP, he has been of counsel to the law firm of Sullivan & Worcester LLP from February 2008 to May of 2013. He was of counsel to the law firm of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP from February 2008 through September 2008, and he was of counsel to the law firm of Fish & Richardson, P.C. from 2003 through January 2008. From 1996 through 2002, Mr. Bartlett was a partner in the law firm of Morrison & Foerster LLP. He was a partner in the law firm of Mayer, Brown & Platt from July 1991 until March 1996. From 1969 until November 1990, Mr. Bartlett was a partner of, and from November 1990 until June 1991 he was of counsel to, the law firm of Gaston & Snow. Mr. Bartlett served as Under Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce from 1967 to 1968 and as law clerk to the Chief Justice of the United States in 1960
Mr. Brown has served as a director of the Company since 1999 due to his marketing, strategic planning, and executive experience. He was the Company’s chief executive officer and president from July 2001 until March 2002 when his employment with the Company terminated. From November 1999 to July 2001, Mr. Brown served as the Company’s co-chief executive officer and co-president. From November 1975 until March 2002, Mr. Brown served as the chief executive officer of Simon Marketing.
Mr. Mays has served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since October 2008 and a Director since May 2004. Mr. Mays’ professional background includes over 40 years of executive management experience in a variety of industries. In the last 14 years, Mr. Mays’ primary focus has been the executive management of companies that investors have classified the business within a “special situation” portfolio. In addition, Mr. Mays currently serves as Chairman of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Americold Realty Trust, and Source Home Entertainment and as a Director of Source Media Holdco. Mr. Mays also is the Chairman of the compensation committees for Americold Realty Trust and Source Media Holdco and a member of the audit committees for Americold Realty Trust and The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company.
Mr. Nugent joined The Yucaipa Companies in 2005 and is active in sourcing and executing investment opportunities, structuring financing for investments, and monitoring portfolio company performance and strategic initiatives focusing primarily on the consumer and hospitality space. Prior to joining the Firm, Brad served as an Associate of Flag Capital Management, a multi-strategy hedge fund with over $3 billion in commitments. Previously, Brad completed the analyst program in the Leveraged Finance and Sponsor Coverage group at CIBC World Markets, consummating several leveraged transactions in various industries. Brad received his BA with honors from Columbia College in New York City.
Mr. Tochner has served as a member of our board of directors since 2006 and has served as the chairman of our board of directors since 2006. Mr. Tochner provides the Company with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and corporate finance and accounting. Mr. Tochner is also a partner at Yucaipa. In addition to serving on our board of directors, Mr. Tochner serves as a trustee of Americold Realty Trust and as a director of Wild Oats Marketing and Simon Worldwide.
Mr. Wallock is an attorney, consultant, and private investor. He serves as the Company’s secretary and general counsel and has served as a director of the Company since 2006 due to his considerable experience in corporate restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance matters. Prior to engaging in a consulting and private legal practice in 2000, he served a number of public companies as senior executive and general counsel, including Denny’s Inc., The Vons Companies, Inc., and Ralphs Grocery Company. Mr. Wallock also serves on the Board of Managers of Three Lions Entertainment, LLC, on the Board of Trustees of Americold Realty Trust and on the Board of Managers of New Market Impressions LLC and TEN Media LLC. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company and Source Interlink Companies.
Mr. Espiritu is a Certified Public Accountant and has over 20 years’ experience in accounting, financial reporting, and auditing. He has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since 2013 and controller from 2004 to 2013. As controller, he had been responsible for the day-to-day management of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ accounting and finance operations, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and preparation of quarterly and annual filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Espiritu has also managed the accounting services provided by the Company to Wild Oats Marketing, LLC, an entity controlled by the Company’s largest shareholder, since 2012 and Three Lions Entertainment, LLC, an equity method investment of the Company, since 2013. Earlier in his career, Mr. Espiritu served as the financial reporting manager of the Company and held auditing positions at Deloitte & Touche and Transamerica Corporation.
The Company’s ongoing operations are managed by Greg Mays, Chief Executive Officer, and Anthony Espiritu, Principal Financial Officer, in consultation with Terry Wallock, the Company’s general counsel.
Board Committees
The Board has two standing committees: an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. The members of each committee are appointed by the Board and are noted below. Actions taken by any committee of the Board are reported to the Board, usually at the next Board meeting following a committee meeting. Each standing committee is governed by a committee-specific charter that is reviewed periodically by the applicable committee pursuant to the rules set forth in each charter. The two members of the Audit Committee and the two members of the Compensation Committee are independent directors.
The Audit Committee
The Audit Committee members are Messrs. Bartlett (chairman) and Brown. Messrs. Bartlett and Brown meet the independence requirements promulgated by the SEC. The Audit Committee’s oversight responsibilities include matters relating to the Company’s financial disclosure and reporting process, including the system of internal controls, the performance of an internal audit function, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and the appointment and activities of the Company’s independent auditors.
The Audit Committee does not currently have a “financial expert,” as defined in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and required under rules applicable to national stock exchanges because the Company is no longer listed on a national stock exchange. On May 3, 2002, the Company’s stock was delisted by NASDAQ due to the fact that the Company’s stock was trading at a price below the minimum NASDAQ requirement. In the event the Company should ever qualify and seek relisting, the Company would be required to have an audit committee financial expert. The Audit Committee held four meetings during 2013.
The Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee members are Messrs. Bartlett and Brown (chairman). Messrs. Bartlett and Brown meet the independence requirements promulgated by the SEC. The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include the discharge of the Board’s responsibilities relating to the compensation of the Company’s directors, officers, and key employees, the administration of any incentive compensation and stock plan, the review and recommendation to the Board of the Company’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K, and the production of an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement or 10-K in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. There were no meetings held by the Compensation Committee during 2013.
Nominating Committee
The Company does not have a standing nominating committee or a committee performing similar functions. Given the status of the Company’s operations and the Company’s belief that it has benefited from having a board composed of individuals familiar with the Company’s operations, the Company has not found it necessary to obtain nominees from outside its Board of Directors.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of the Company’s common stock on an as-converted basis (collectively, “Reporting Persons”) to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock of the Company. Such persons are required by regulations of the SEC to furnish the Company with copies of all such filings. Based on its review of the copies of such filings received by it with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, and written representations from certain Reporting Persons, the Company believes that all Reporting Persons complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics applicable to all directors, officers, and employees which is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Company undertakes to provide a copy to any person without charge upon written request.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview
The principal responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are:
•
to discharge the Board of Directors’ responsibilities relating to the compensation of the Company’s directors, officers and key employees;
•
to be responsible for the administration of any incentive compensation and stock plans;
•
to be responsible for the review and recommendation to the Board of Directors of the Company’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis; and
•
to be responsible for the production of an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement or Form 10-K, as applicable.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The Compensation Committee has tried to structure compensation to:
•
provide competitive compensation that will attract and retain qualified officers and key employees;
•
reward officers and key employees for their contributions to the Company; and
•
align officers’ and key employees’ interests with the interests of shareholders.
The Compensation Committee endeavors to achieve these objectives while at the same time providing for administrative costs to be as low as possible.
Setting Executive Compensation
The Company did not make any change to the compensation arrangements existing prior to the beginning of 2013 for the Company’s executive officers, as the Compensation Committee determined that the existing arrangements were structured to achieve the key objectives outlined above, which the Compensation Committee believes will ultimately enhance shareholder value.
In establishing the compensation arrangements that were continued in 2013, the Compensation Committee considered various factors in determining the amount of compensation, including wind-down of the Company’s former promotions business operations, additional responsibilities and potential liabilities assumed resulting from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the completion of projects critical to the Company’s long-term success, and the Company’s need to retain experienced executives, knowledgeable about the Company for ongoing administration as well as future opportunities. These factors, however, were not assigned individual mathematical weights when the Compensation Committee made such determinations, and therefore, such determinations were based on the Compensation Committee’s judgment as to what is reasonable and appropriate. While the Compensation Committee considered general market trends in setting compensation levels under the Executive Services Agreements, it did not benchmark compensation levels to specific companies.
2013 Executive Compensation Components
As detailed below under the title “Executive Services Agreements with Officers,” the agreement that the Company has entered into with its remaining executive officer is terminable on 90 days notice by either the Company or Greg Mays. During any such notice period or for the time with respect to which an equivalent payment is made, the executive is entitled to receive health benefits from the Company and provide for mutual releases upon termination. The Company believes that it has structured its post-termination payments so as to be able to attract needed talent, but to minimize the magnitude of its post-termination financial obligations. Given that the Company currently has no operating business, the Compensation Committee has structured compensation pursuant to the Executive Services Agreement to consist exclusively of cash compensation, paid currently.
The Company has historically made equity awards to its directors and executive officers, though did not make any such awards in 2013 as the Compensation Committee believed that the key objectives of compensation outlined above were more appropriately satisfied by cash compensation, paid currently, pending a refocus of the Company’s business. The Company does not have any program, plan, or practice of timing option grants to its executives in coordination with the release of material non-public information and did not have any such program, plan, or practice during 2013.
The Company has not formally adopted any stock ownership or stock retention guidelines, in part due to the illiquid nature of the Company’s stock.
The Company believes that its compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company because none of its compensation policies and practices reward risk taking by its directors, officers, and employees.
Tax and Accounting Implications
Deductibility of Executive Compensation:
As part of its role, the Compensation Committee reviews and considers the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides that the Company may not deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 that is paid to certain individuals. Given the level of compensation paid by the Company to its executive officers, this $1,000,000 limitation has not been a limiting issue for the Company in structuring its compensation.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation:
On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was signed into law, changing the tax rules applicable to nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. While the Company does not have any nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, the Company will continue to monitor these regulations in order to be in compliance should it, in the future, elect to make payments of nonqualified deferred compensation.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation the Company paid or earned by the individuals who served as principal executive officer and principal financial officer during the year. The Company had no other executive officers. During 2013 and 2012, there were no stock awards, option awards, non-equity incentive plan compensation, pension earnings, or non-qualified deferred compensation earnings.
(a) All cash compensation received in capacity as an executive officer consists of salary.
(b) In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, other compensation in the form of perquisites and other personal benefits have been omitted because the aggregate amount of such perquisites and other personal benefits was less than $10,000.
(c) Amount consists of $31,731 for board retainer and $6,000 for board meeting fees.
(d) Amount consists of $20,000 for bonus.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
There were no grants of equity or non-equity plan-based awards during the last fiscal year.
Executive Services Agreements with Officers
In May 2003, the Company entered into an Executive Services Agreement with Mr. Mays. The purpose of the Agreement was to substantially lower the administrative costs of the Company going forward while at the same time retaining the availability of an experienced executive knowledgeable about the Company for ongoing administration as well as future opportunities. The Agreement provided for compensation at the rate of $4,040 per week to Mr. Mays. Additional hourly compensation is provided after termination of the Agreement and, in some circumstances during the term, for extensive commitments of time related to any legal or administrative proceedings and merger and acquisition activities in which the Company may be involved. During 2012, no such additional payments were made. The Agreement provides for the payment of health insurance benefits and for mutual releases upon termination.
By amendments dated May 3, 2004, the Agreement was amended to allow termination at any time by the Company by the lump sum payment of one year’s compensation and by the executive upon one year’s notice, except in certain circumstances wherein the executive can resign immediately and receive a lump sum payment of one year’s salary. Under the amendment health benefits are to be provided during any notice period or for the time with respect to which an equivalent payment is made.
The Company entered into a new Executive Services Agreement with Mr. Mays on March 27, 2006, upon termination of his prior agreement. As detailed below under the heading “Post-Employment Compensation,” the New Executive Services Agreement to which Mr. Mays is party does not provide for any payments to Mr. Mays in the event of voluntary termination by Mr. Mays and only 90 days payment to Mr. Mays in the event of involuntary termination.
Health benefits provided during 2013 by the Company to Mr. Mays totaled $8,043.
The Company does not have an Executive Services Agreement with Mr. Espiritu. The Company does have a severance agreement with Mr. Espiritu that provides for 12-month’s salary and health benefits in the event of involuntary termination (the “Severance Agreement”). Health benefits provided to Mr. Espiritu during 2013 in his capacity as an officer of the Company totaled $14,776.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
There were no unexercised or unexercisable options, unearned options, or stock awards previously awarded to the executive officers named above outstanding as of December 31, 2013.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
There were 10,000 options exercised by Greg May, Chief Executive Officer, during the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company did not make any stock awards and there was no vesting of stock awards during 2013.
Post-Employment Compensation
The Company does not have any pension plans or non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements.
Potential Payments upon Termination
Voluntary Termination:
The New Executive Services Agreement between Mr. Mays and the Company does not provide for any payment in the case of voluntary termination.
The Severance Agreement between Mr. Espiritu and the Company does not receive any payment in the case of voluntary termination.
Involuntary Termination:
The New Executive Services Agreement between Mr. Mays and the Company does not provide for any payment in the case of involuntary termination other than the payment of salary during the 90-day notice period which would total $52,500.
The Severance Agreement between Mr. Espiritu and the Company provides for a payment of equal to 12-month’s salary totaling $165,000.
Retirement:
The New Executive Services Agreement between Mr. Mays and the Company does not provide for any payment in the case of retirement.
The Severance Agreement between Mr. Espiritu and the Company does not receive any payment in the case of retirement.
Change in Control:
The New Executive Services Agreement between Mr. Mays and the Company does not provide for any payment in the case of a change in control.
The Severance Agreement between Mr. Espiritu and the Company does not receive any payment in the case of a change in control.
Health Insurance Benefits:
In the event of voluntary or involuntary termination or a change in control, Mr. Mays would be eligible to continue health coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) as long as permissible under COBRA (currently 18 months) at the expense of the Company following termination of employment at substantially the same benefit level as provided during employment in the approximate amount of $11,892, paid in monthly installments over an 18-month period.
In the event of involuntary termination, Mr. Espiritu would be eligible to continue health coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for 12 months at the expense of the Company following termination of employment at substantially the same benefit level as provided during employment totaling approximately $25,392, paid in monthly installments over a 12-month period.
Directors’ Compensation
On August 20, 2012, the Company suspended all compensation arrangements to Directors. Accordingly, there was no director compensation during 2013. Also during 2013, there were no stock awards, option awards, non-equity incentive plan compensation, pension earnings, non-qualified deferred compensation earnings, or other compensation.
Executive Services Agreements with Directors
In May 2003, the Company entered into Executive Services Agreements with Messrs. Bartlett, Brown, and Wallock. The purpose of the agreements was to substantially lower the administrative costs of the Company going forward while at the same time retaining the availability of experienced executives knowledgeable about the Company for ongoing administration as well as future opportunities. The agreements provide for compensation at the rate of $1,000 per month to Messrs. Bartlett and Brown, and $3,365 per week to Mr. Wallock. Additional hourly compensation is provided after termination of the agreements and, in some circumstances during the term, for extensive commitments of time related to any legal or administrative proceedings and merger and acquisition activities in which the Company may be involved. During 2013, no such additional payments were made. The agreements provide for the payment of health insurance benefits and provide for mutual releases upon termination. By amendments dated May 3, 2004, and, in the case of Mr. Wallock, May 27, 2006, the agreements were amended to allow termination at any time by the Company by the lump sum payment of one year’s compensation and by the executive upon one year’s notice, except in certain circumstances wherein the executive can resign immediately and receive a lump sum payment of one year’s salary. By amendment dated November 10, 2008, the Agreement with Mr. Wallock was further amended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code by deleting the right by Mr. Wallock to resign and receive any lump sum payments. On August 20, 2012, the Company suspended all compensation for director service, which included the Executive Services Agreements with Messrs. Bartlett and Brown described above. Under the amendments health benefits may be continued under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) as long as permissible under COBRA (currently 18 months) at the expense of the Company following termination of services.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Bartlett and Mr. Brown. No person who served as a member of the Compensation Committee was, during the past fiscal year, an officer or employee of the Company, was formerly an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or had any relationship requiring disclosure herein. No executive officer of the Company served as a member of the Board of Directors or compensation committee of another entity (or other committee of the Board of Directors performing equivalent functions), one of whose executive officers served as a director of the Company.
Compensation Committee Report
We have reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis to be included in the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K. Based on such reviews and discussions, we recommend to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s Form 10-K.
The Compensation Committee consists of:
Allan I. Brown
Joseph W. Bartlett
The information contained in this Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material.” No portion of this Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, through any general statement incorporating by reference in its entirety this Annual Report on Form 10-K in which this report appears, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this report or any portion of it by reference. In addition, this report shall not be deemed to be filed under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following tables set forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock at March 21, 2014. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the Company believes that the beneficial owners of its common stock listed below, based on information furnished by such owners, have sole investment and voting power with respect to the shares of the Company’s common stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The following table sets forth each person known by the Company (other than directors and executive officers) to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding common stock:
(a) The number of shares beneficially owned by each stockholder is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes those shares of common stock that the stockholder has sole or shared voting or investment power and any shares of common stock that the stockholder has a right to acquire within sixty (60) days after March 21, 2014, through the exercise of any option, warrant or other right. The percentage ownership of the outstanding common stock, however, is based on the assumption, expressly required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, that only the person or entity whose ownership is being reported has converted options, warrants or other rights into shares of common stock.
(b) As the sole general partner of Overseas Toys, L.P. (“Overseas Toys”), Multi-Accounts, LLC (“Multi-Accounts”) may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Overseas Toys. As the managing member of Multi-Accounts, OA3, LLC (“OA3”) may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Overseas Toys. As the managing member of OA3, Ronald Burkle may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Overseas Toys. Each of Multi-Accounts, OA3 and Mr. Burkle disclaims ownership of such shares except to the extent of its or his pecuniary interest therein. The address of each of Overseas Toys, L.P., Multi-Accounts, LLC, OA3, LLC, and Ronald W. Burkle is 9130 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90069.
(c) Based on 74,501,559 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 21, 2014.
(d) The information concerning these holders is based solely on information contained in filings pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Security Ownership of Management
The following table sets forth information at March 21, 2014, regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock (including common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2014) by each director and each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table, and by all of the Company’s directors and persons performing the roles of executive officers as a group:
* Represents less than 1%
(a) The address of each of the directors and executive officers is c/o Simon Worldwide, Inc., 18952 MacArthur Boulevard Suite 470, Irvine, California, 92612. The number of shares beneficially owned by each stockholder is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes those shares of common stock that the stockholder has sole or shared voting or investment power and any shares of common stock that the stockholder has a right to acquire within sixty (60) days after March 21, 2014, through the exercise of any option, warrant or other right. The percentage ownership of the outstanding common stock, however, is based on the assumption, expressly required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, that only the person or entity whose ownership is being reported has converted options, warrants or other rights.
(b) Based on 74,501,559 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 21, 2014.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
All options outstanding relating to the Company’s 1993 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “1993 Plan”) either were exercised or expired during 2013. Accordingly, no options to purchase shares of common stock were outstanding under the 1993 Plan at December 31, 2013. The 1993 Plan expired in May 2003, except as to options outstanding. The Company’s stockholders previously approved the 1993 Plan and all amendments that were subject to stockholder approval.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence
The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Bartlett, Brown, and Tochner are “independent” directors, meeting all applicable independence standards promulgated by the SEC, including Rule 10A-3(b)(1) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”). In making this determination, the Board of Directors affirmatively determined that none of such directors has a relationship that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Messrs. Mays, Nugent and Wallock are not independent directors under the independence standards promulgated by the SEC and NASD.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table presents fees, including reimbursement for expenses, for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”):
(a) Audit fees are related to the audit of the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements, review of the interim consolidated financial statements, and services normally provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and engagements.
(b) Audit-related fees are for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are not reported under Audit fees.
(c) Tax fees are related to tax compliance, planning, and consulting.
(d) All other fees are for services other than those reported in the other categories.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditor
Pre-approval is provided by the Audit Committee for up to one year of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent auditor. Any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of service and is generally subject to a specific fee. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm did not provide any non-audit services to the Company except as specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents Filed as Part of this Report
1. Financial Statements:
•
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012
•
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
•
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
•
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
•
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
•
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules. Schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not applicable, and therefore have been omitted.
(b) Exhibits
Reference is made to the Exhibit Index, which follows.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
SIMON WORLDWIDE, INC.
/s/ GREG MAYS
Greg Mays
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ ANTHONY ESPIRITU
Anthony Espiritu
Chief Financial Officer
April 11, 2014
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
EXHIBITS
Footnotes:
 Certain portions have been omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request. Omitted information has been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(1) Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-63118) or an amendment thereto and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(3) Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference.
(4) Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
(5) Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on July 29, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
(6) Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed on March 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
(7) Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 23, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Simon Worldwide, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Simon Worldwide, Inc. as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Simon Worldwide, Inc. at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Los Angeles, California
April 11, 2014
SIMON WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012
(in thousands, except share data)
See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
SIMON WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)
See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
SIMON WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)
See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
SIMON WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
(in thousands)
See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
SIMON WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
(in thousands)
See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
SIMON WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Nature of Business, Loss of Customers, Resulting Events, and Management’s Plans
Prior to August 2001, the Company, incorporated in Delaware and founded in 1976, had been operating as a multi-national full-service promotional marketing company, specializing in the design and development of high-impact promotional products and sales promotions. The majority of the Company’s revenue was derived from the sale of products to consumer products and services companies seeking to promote their brand names and corporate identities and build brand loyalty. The major client of the Company was McDonald’s Corporation (“McDonald’s”), for whom the Company’s Simon Marketing subsidiary designed and implemented marketing promotions, which included premiums, games, sweepstakes, events, contests, coupon offers, sports marketing, licensing, and promotional retail items. Net sales to McDonald’s and Philip Morris, another significant former client, accounted for 78% and 8%, respectively, of total net sales in 2001.
On August 21, 2001, the Company was notified by McDonald’s that they were terminating their approximately 25-year relationship with Simon Marketing as a result of the arrest of Jerome P. Jacobson (“Mr. Jacobson”), a former employee of Simon Marketing who subsequently pled guilty to embezzling winning game pieces from McDonald’s promotional games administered by Simon Marketing. No other Company employee was found to have any knowledge of or complicity in his illegal scheme. Simon Marketing was identified in the criminal indictment of Mr. Jacobson, along with McDonald’s, as an innocent victim of Mr. Jacobson’s fraudulent scheme. Further, on August 23, 2001, the Company was notified that its second largest customer, Philip Morris, was also ending its approximately nine-year relationship with the Company. As a result of the above events, the Company no longer has an on-going promotions business.
Since August 2001, the Company has concentrated its efforts on reducing its costs and settling numerous claims, contractual obligations, and pending litigation. By April 2002, the Company had effectively eliminated a majority of its ongoing promotions business operations and was in the process of disposing of its assets and settling its liabilities related to the promotions business and defending and pursuing litigation with respect thereto. In essence, the Company discontinued its promotions business and changed the nature of its operation to focus on its pending litigation and winding down its contracted obligations. As a result of these efforts, the Company has been able to resolve a significant number of outstanding liabilities that existed in August 2001 or arose subsequent to that date. As of both December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had 4 employees. The Company is currently managed by the Chief Executive Officer, Greg Mays, and Chief Financial Officer, Anthony Espiritu, together with a general counsel.
On March 22, 2013, the Company announced in a current report on Form 8-K that it, together with Richard Beckman, Joel Katz and OA3, LLC (“OA3”), had entered into the limited liability company agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) of Three Lions Entertainment, LLC (“Three Lions”) on March 18, 2013. Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, the Company made an initial capital contribution of $3.15 million with respect to membership units currently representing 60% of the interest in the economic returns of Three Lions, a variable interest entity, including certain preferences with respect to common holders on operating returns and on a liquidation or sale of Three Lions. The Company made a second capital contribution to Three Lions in the amount of $1.85 million on April 26, 2013. The Company made a third and final capital contribution to Three Lions of $3.5 million on October 2, 2013. As a result of these transactions, the Company’s business substantially consists of acting as the majority equityholder of, and holding a membership interest in, Three Lions. The Company cannot predict whether its investment in Three Lions will be successful.
With no revenues from operations, the Company closely monitors and controls its expenditures within a reasonably predictable range. Cash used by operating activities was $1.1 million and $1.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company incurred losses within its operations in 2013 and continues to incur losses in 2014 for the general and administrative expenses incurred to manage the affairs of the Company. By utilizing cash available at December 31, 2013, to maintain its scaled back operations, management believes it has sufficient capital resources and liquidity to operate the Company for at least one year.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent 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.
Stock-Based Compensation
All options outstanding relating to the Company’s stock-based compensation plan either were exercised or expired during 2013. Accordingly, no options to purchase shares of common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2013. The stock-based compensation plan expired in May 2003, except as to options outstanding. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718-10-30, the Company accounts for awards of equity instruments at their grant date fair value with the stock-based compensation cost expensed ratably on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. There were no employee stock-based awards granted or vested during 2013 and 2012.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company deposits its cash and cash equivalent in U.S.-denominated amounts with what it believes to be credit-worthy U.S. financial institutions. However, cash and cash equivalent balances exceed FDIC insured levels at various times during the year.
Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments, which have original maturities at the date of purchase of three-months or less. Restricted cash is excluded from cash and cash equivalents.
Investments
Under certain criteria as provided for in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810, “Consolidation,” the Company may consolidate a partially-owned affiliate. To determine whether to consolidate a partially-owned affiliate, the Company first determines if the entity is a variable interest entity (VIE). An entity is considered to be a VIE if it has one of the following characteristics: 1) the entity is thinly capitalized; 2) residual equity holders do not control the entity; 3) equity holders are shielded from economic losses or do not participate fully in the entity’s residual economics; or 4) the entity was established with non-substantive voting. If the entity meets one of these characteristics, the Company then determines if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The party with the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the potential to absorb benefits or losses that could be significant to the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE. Three Lions meets the definition of a variable interest entity as the total equity investment at risk in Three Lions is not sufficient to permit Three Lions to finance its activities without further subordinated financial support by any parties, including the equity holders.
The excess of the cost of the Company’s investment in Three Lions over the amount of the Company’s underlying equity in the net assets of Three Lions is recognized as equity method goodwill which is not amortized. Equity method goodwill is not reported as goodwill in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, but instead is disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. However, at least annually, the Company assesses if there has been an other-than-temporary impairment in the carrying value of its Three Lions investment by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from Three Lions with the carrying value of this investment. In performing this analysis, the Company also considers factors such as current results, trends and future prospects, in addition to other economic factors.
Another investment of the Company is designated as available-for-sale in accordance with the provisions primarily codified under ASC 320-10-25, “Investments-Debt and Equity Securities,” and as such, unrealized gains and losses are reported in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of stockholders’ equity. This investment is included in non-current other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740-10, “Income Taxes,” which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
The Company records liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, which provides guidance in accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken and expected to be taken in a tax return. For tax benefits to be recognized under ASC 740, a tax position must be more likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company does not have a liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Earnings (loss) per common share have been determined in accordance with the provisions of ASC 260-10, “Earnings Per Share,” which requires dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share on the face of the income statement and a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic earnings per share computation to the numerator and denominator of the diluted earnings per share computation.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 provides explicit guidance on presentation in financial statements. The amendment is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect adoption of this ASU to significantly impact its consolidated financial statements.
3. Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”)
Three Lions meets the definition of a variable interest entity as the total equity investment at risk in Three Lions is not sufficient to permit Three Lions to finance its activities without further subordinated financial support by any parties, including the equity holders. Management determined at the date of the Company’s third contribution that the entity was a variable interest entity primarily based on the current equity investment at risk in Three Lions totaling $9.0 million, which consists of three contributions by the Company of $3.1 million on March 18, 2013, $1.9 million on April 26, 2013, and $3.5 million on October 2, 2013, and founder contributions of $.5 million, compared to capital in excess of that amount deemed necessary to develop and produce content, market and air the first revenue-generating event in 2014. The Company’s contributions total $8.5 million and the founders’ contributions total $.5 million. As the Company did not have sufficient cash on hand to make its third contribution, the Company raised capital through an offering of its common stock to its shareholders.
The Company’s equity interest in Three Lions represents a variable interest in a VIE. Due to certain requirements under the LLC Agreement of Three Lions, the Company, through its voting rights associated with its LLC units, does not have the sole power to direct the activities of Three Lions that most significantly impact Three Lion’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of Three Lions that could potentially be significant to Three Lions or the right to receive benefits from Three Lions that could potentially be significant to Three Lions. Specifically, the Company shares power with the founders who control the common units of Three Lions to approve budgets and business plans and make key business decisions all of which require unanimous consent from all the executive board members. As a result, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of Three Lions and thus does not consolidate it. However, the Company has significant influence over Three Lions and therefore, accounts for its ownership interest in Three Lions under the equity method of accounting.
Through December 31, 2013, the Company’s total contributions of $8.5 million are reduced by Simon’s absorption of its share of Three Lions’ operating losses from the period March 18 to September 30, 2013, which brings the carrying value of its Three Lions investment to $6.0 million including transaction costs. The Company’s contributions to Three Lions is greater than its share of Three Lions’ net assets. This excess represents equity method goodwill which totaled $3.8 million at December 31, 2013. Also, the Company was required to issue a cash collateralized bank letter of credit on April 12, 2013 in the amount of $.2 million with an expiration date of April 15, 2014, to guarantee payments on an office lease obtained by Three Lions. The Company’s investment, and guarantee, related to Three Lions totaled $8.7 million at December 31, 2013, representing the Company’s maximum exposures to loss.
A summary of the assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and operating results for the nine months and 13 days then ended (since March 18, 2013, the date of the LLC Agreement), related to Three Lions are as follows (in thousands):
Creditors of Three Lions do not have recourse against the general credit of the Company, regardless of whether Three Lions is accounted for as a consolidated entity.
4. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company may be involved in litigation and legal matters which arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these litigation and legal matters, if any, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or net cash flows.
5. Lease Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments
The approximate minimum rental commitments under all noncancelable leases at December 31, 2013, are due as follows:
Rental expense for all operating leases was approximately $47,000 and $46,000 in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Rent is charged to operations on a straight-line basis.
At December 31, 2013, the Company has letters of credit totaling approximately $236,000 and are considered restricted cash. Of this amount, $36,000 supports the Company’s periodic payroll obligations and $.2 million guarantees payments on an office lease obtained by Three Lions.
6. Income Taxes
The Company had a provision (benefit) for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 that consisted of the following (in thousands):
The Company annually evaluates the positive and negative evidence bearing upon the realizability of its deferred tax assets. The Company, however, has considered results of current operations and concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realizable. As a result, the Company has determined that a valuation allowance of $31.9 million and $31.4 million is required at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The valuation allowance increased primarily due to an increase in deferred tax assets arising from current year’s net operating and capital losses. The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, were as follows (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2013, the Company had federal NOLs of approximately $77.2 million that will expire from 2021 through 2034. The Company had post-apportionment state NOLs of approximately $30.3 million that will expire from 2013 through 2034. The Company also has pre-apportionment NOLs from New York State and New York City totaling $108.0 million at December 31, 2013. Since the Company has no revenue-generating operations in New York State and New York City, management has determined that none of the NOLs should be recognized. If the Company were to commence operations in New York State or New York City in future years, the realizability of the NOLs and related deferred tax assets will be assessed at such time. The NOLs from New York State and New York City carry forward for 20 years and begin to expire in 2021 through 2034.
The federal and state NOLs may be subject to certain limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, which could significantly restrict the Company’s ability to use the NOLs to offset taxable income in subsequent years. The Company completed a review of any potential limitation on the use of its net operating losses under Section 382 on August 9, 2008, and an update to this review on June 7, 2013. Based on such reviews, the Company does not believe Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code will adversely impact its ability to use its current net operating losses to offset future taxable income, if any, including any income from Three Lions.
The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the actual effective income tax rate for continuing operations:
7. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
8. Stock Plan
1993 Omnibus Stock Plan
Under its 1993 Omnibus Stock Plan, as amended (the “Omnibus Plan”), the Company reserved up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock for issuance pursuant to the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, or restricted stock. The Omnibus Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Subject to the provisions of the Omnibus Plan, the Compensation Committee had the authority to select the optionees or restricted stock recipients and determine the terms of the options or restricted stock granted, including: (i) the number of shares; (ii) the exercise period (which may not exceed ten years); (iii) the exercise or purchase price (which in the case of an incentive stock option cannot be less than the market price of the common stock on the date of grant); (iv) the type and duration of options or restrictions, limitations on transfer, and other restrictions; and (v) the time, manner, and form of payment.
Generally, an option is not transferable by the option holder except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Also, generally, no incentive stock option may be exercised more than 60 days following termination of employment. However, in the event that termination is due to death or disability, the option is exercisable for a maximum of 180 days after such termination.
Options granted under this plan generally become exercisable in three equal installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Options granted during 2003 became exercisable in two equal installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. As the Omnibus Plan terminated in May 2003 except as to options outstanding at that time, no further options were granted under the plan.
The following summarizes the status of the Company’s incentive stock options as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and changes for the years then ended:
All options outstanding relating to the Company’s Omnibus Plan either were exercised or expired during 2013. Accordingly, no options to purchase shares of common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2013. In addition, no further options are available for grant under the plan.
9. Loss per Share Disclosure
The Company calculates its loss per share in accordance with ASC 260-10, “Earnings Per Share.” There were 56,580,155 and 50,611,879 weighted average shares outstanding on a basic and diluted basis for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, there were 22,671 and 55,000 weighted average shares related to stock options exercisable for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive as the Company has a net loss for each period presented. All outstanding stock options of the Company either were exercised or expired during 2013.
10. Related-Party Transactions
During 2013, the Company earned approximately $105,000 from Three Lions, a VIE of the Company, related to limited accounting services and reimbursements. Of this amount, approximately $12,500 is in other receivables at December, 31, 2013. During 2013 and 2012, the Company also earned $117,000 and approximately $34,000, respectively, from Wild Oats Marketing, LLC, a company controlled by the Company’s largest shareholder, related to limited accounting and administrative services. Of this amount, $12,000 and $3,000 is in other receivables at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
11. Subsequent Events
On April 12, 2013, the Company caused to be issued a cash collateralized bank letter of credit in the amount of $.2 million with an original expiration date of April 15, 2014, to guarantee payments on an office lease obtained by Three Lions. This expiration date is subject to a 30-day notice to terminate from the Company to Three Lions. If the Company does not provide such 30-day notice, the guarantee by the Company will continue beyond April 15, 2014, although the Company may terminate any time after this date provided it gives a 30-day notice to terminate to Three Lions. Because the Company did not provide a notice to terminate to Three Lions by March 16, 2014, the guarantee provided by the Company is expected to continue beyond April 15, 2014. The Company considers this to be a non-recognized subsequent event.