10-Q 1 s104618_10q.htm 10-Q

  

 

 

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

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

  

(Mark One)  
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
 
Or
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
For the transition period from              to

 

Commission File Number 000-54010

 

 

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

  

Delaware 27-0223495

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   

21255 Burbank Boulevard, Suite 400

Woodland Hills, CA

 

91367

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(818) 884-3737
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

21860 Burbank Blvd., Suite 300 South, Woodland Hills, CA

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

 

Large accelerated filer o       Accelerated filer o      Non-accelerated filer o    Smaller reporting company x

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

As of November 11, 2016, there were 19,043,072 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Riley Financial, Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2016

Table of Contents

 

    Page
     
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
   
Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements 3
     
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 3
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 4
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 5
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 6
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 7
     
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 25
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 40
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 40
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 41
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 41
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 47
     
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 47
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 47
     
Item 5. Other Information 47
     
Item 6. Exhibits 47
     
  Signatures 48

 

2 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands, except par value)

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
   (Unaudited)     
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $26,474   $30,012 
Restricted cash   78,287    51 
Securities owned, at fair value   9,028    25,543 
Accounts receivable, net   15,112    9,472 
Due from related parties   731    409 
Advances against customer contracts   5,020    5,013 
Goods held for sale or auction   9,145    37 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   4,543    2,415 
Total current assets   148,340    72,952 
Property and equipment, net   5,765    592 
Goodwill   52,634    34,528 
Other intangible assets, net   40,913    4,768 
Deferred income taxes   11,509    18,992 
Other assets   2,193    588 
Total assets  $261,354   $132,420 
Liabilities and Equity          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $4,188   $1,123 
Accrued payroll and related expenses   9,404    7,178 
Accrued value added tax   900    1,785 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   18,279    5,806 
Auction and liquidation proceeds payable       672 
Deferred revenue   3,863     
Due to related parties       166 
Securities sold not yet purchased   370    713 
Acquisition consideration payable   10,381     
Participating note payable   60,822     
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests   2,764    2,994 
Revolving credit facilities       272 
Contingent consideration- current portion   1,219    1,241 
Total current liabilities   112,190    21,950 
Other liabilities   5,570     
Contingent consideration, net of current portion       1,150 
Total liabilities   117,760    23,100 
Commitments and contingencies          
B. Riley Financial, Inc. stockholders' equity:          
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued        
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 19,043,072 and 16,448,119 issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively   2    2 
Additional paid-in capital   141,389    116,799 
Retained earnings (deficit)   2,210    (6,305)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,098)   (1,058)
Total B. Riley Financial, Inc. stockholders' equity   142,503    109,438 
Noncontrolling interests   1,091    (118)
Total equity   143,594    109,320 
Total liabilities and equity  $261,354   $132,420 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3 

 

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
                 
Revenues:                    
Services and fees  $50,300   $21,150   $90,505   $82,176 
Sale of goods and products   6,666    122    6,668    10,588 
Total revenues   56,966    21,272    97,173    92,764 
Operating expenses:                    
Direct cost of services   12,841    5,213    25,084    20,530 
Cost of goods sold   2,391        2,393    3,071 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   22,727    12,782    48,844    45,755 
Restructuring costs   3,585        3,585     
Total operating expenses   41,544    17,995    79,906    69,356 
Operating income   15,422    3,277    17,267    23,408 
Other income (expense):                    
Interest income   26    5    32    10 
Interest expense   (991)   (64)   (1,398)   (735)
Income before income taxes   14,457    3,218    15,901    22,683 
Provision for income taxes   (6,083)   (600)   (6,184)   (8,060)
Net income   8,374    2,618    9,717    14,623 
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (565)   1,155    631    1,814 
Net income attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.  $8,939   $1,463   $9,086   $12,809 
                     
Basic income per share  $0.47   $0.09   $0.51   $0.79 
Diluted income per share  $0.47   $0.09   $0.50   $0.79 
                     
Cash dividends per share  $0.03   $0.20   $0.03   $0.26 
                     
Weighted average basic shares outstanding   18,977,072    16,243,425    17,805,127    16,199,931 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   19,191,035    16,344,649    18,009,158    16,272,953 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4 

 

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
                 
Net income  $8,374   $2,618   $9,717   $14,623 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:                    
Change in cumulative translation adjustment   (23)   (279)   (40)   (287)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (23)   (279)   (40)   (287)
Total comprehensive income   8,351    2,339    9,677    14,336 
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (565)   1,155    631    1,814 
Comprehensive income attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.  $8,916   $1,184   $9,046   $12,522 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5 

 

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

                   Accumulated         
                   Additional   Retained   Other         
   Preferred Stock   Common Stock   Paid-in   Earnings   Comprehensive   Noncontrolling   Total 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   (Deficit)   Loss   Interests   Equity 
                                     
Balance, January 1, 2015      $    15,968,607   $2   $110,598   $(12,891)  $(648)  $18   $97,079 
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of MK Capital, LLC and contingent equity consideration on February 2, 2015             333,333        4,657                   4,657 
Issuance of common stock             3,296        35                   35 
Vesting of restricted stock             6,216                               
Share based payments                       1,133                   1,133 
Dividends paid                            (4,241)             (4,241)
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015                            12,809         1,814    14,623 
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                 (287)        (287)
Balance, September 30, 2015      $    16,311,452   $2   $116,423   $(4,323)  $(935)  $1,832   $112,999 
                                              
Balance, January 1, 2016      $    16,448,119   $2   $116,799   $(6,305)  $(1,058)  $(118)  $109,320 
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of MK Capital, LLC - contingent equity consideration on February 2, 2016             166,667                            - 
Vesting of restricted stock             7,306                            - 
Offering of common stock, net of offering expenses             2,420,980        22,759                   22,759 
Share based payments                       1,831                   1,831 
Dividends paid                            (571)             (571)
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016                            9,086         1,209    10,295 
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                 (40)        (40)
Balance, September 30, 2016      $    19,043,072   $2   $141,389   $2,210   $(1,098)  $1,091   $143,594 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6 

 

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $9,717   $14,623 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   2,381    634 
Bad debt expense (recovery)   (178)   366 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets       7 
Share based compensation   1,831    1,192 
Effect of foreign currency on operations   640    (363)
Non-cash interest   147    118 
Deferred income taxes   1,839    5,451 
Income allocated to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests   1,450    1,796 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable and advances against customer contracts   (1,871)   13,177 
Securities owned   16,515    407 
Goods held for sale or auction   (8,447)   52 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   1,410    9 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   3,175    5,371 
Due from (due to) related parties   (488)   (3,916)
Securities sold, not yet purchased   (343)   5,735 
Auction and liquidation proceeds payable   (672)   (665)
Deferred revenues   963     
Other liabilities   (143)    
Net cash provided by operating activities   27,926    43,994 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Acquisition of MK Capital, net of cash acquired $45       (2,451)
Acquisition of United Online, net of cash acquired $125,542   (33,430)    
Purchases of property and equipment   (297)   (196)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment   15    4 
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash   (78,161)   7,533 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (111,873)   4,890 
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Repayment of asset based credit facility   (56,255)   (18,506)
Proceeds from borrowings under asset based credit facility   56,255      
Proceeds from (repayment of) revolving line of credit   (272)   14 
Proceeds from note payable - related party       4,500 
Repayment of note payable - related party       (4,500)
Borrowings from participating note payable   61,400     
Payment of contingent consideration   (1,250)    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock   22,999     
Offerring costs from issuance of common stock   (240)    
Dividends paid   (571)   (4,241)
Payment of employment taxes on vesting of restricted stock       (24)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests   (1,680)   (1,797)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   80,386    (24,554)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (3,561)   24,330 
Effect of foreign currency on cash   23    (8)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (3,538)   24,322 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   30,012    21,600 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $26,474   $45,922 
Supplemental disclosures:          
Interest paid  $505   $303 
Taxes paid  $409   $976 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7 

 

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Organization and Nature of Operations

 

B. Riley Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) provide investment banking and financial services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients, and asset disposition, valuation and appraisal and capital advisory services to a wide range of retail, wholesale and industrial clients, as well as lenders, capital providers, private equity investors and professional services firms throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, and with the acquisition of United Online, Inc. (“UOL”) on July 1, 2016, provide consumer internet access and related subscription services.

 

With the acquisition of UOL, the Company now operates in four operating segments: (i) Capital Markets, through which the Company provides investment banking, corporate finance, restructuring, research, sales and trading and wealth management services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients; (ii) Auction and Liquidation, through which the Company provides auction and liquidation services to help clients dispose of assets that include multi-location retail inventory, wholesale inventory, trade fixtures, machinery and equipment, intellectual property and real property; (iii) Valuation and Appraisal, through which the Company provides valuation and appraisal services to clients with independent appraisals in connection with asset based loans, acquisitions, divestitures and other business needs and (iv) Communications, through which the Company provides consumer internet access and related subscription services.

 

Public Offering of Common Stock

 

On May 10, 2016, the Company completed the public offering of 2,420,980 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $9.50 per share.  The net proceeds from the offering were $22,759 after deducting underwriting commissions and other offering expenses. 

 

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a)Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of B. Riley Financial, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. On July 1, 2016 B. Riley Financial, Inc. acquired UOL which is included in the consolidated financial statements for periods after July 1, 2016. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of Great American Global Partners, LLC which is controlled by the Company as a result of its ownership of a 50% member interest, appointment of two of the three executive officers and significant influence over the funding of operations. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of GA Retail Investments, L.P. which is controlled by the Company as a result of its ownership of a 50% partnership interest, appointment of executive officers and significant influence over the operations, and guarantee of certain amounts under the promissory note. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to interim financial reporting guidelines and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2016. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

 

(b)Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Estimates are used when accounting for certain items such as valuation of securities, reserves for accounts receivable and slow moving goods held for sale or auction, the carrying value of intangible assets and goodwill, the fair value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, fair value of share based arrangements, fair value of contingent consideration in business combination’s and accounting for income tax valuation allowances. Estimates are based on historical experience, where applicable, and assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved with estimates, actual results may differ.

 

8 

 

 

(c)Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues are recognized in accordance with the accounting guidance when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the related services have been provided, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

 

 Revenues in the Capital Markets segment are primarily comprised of (i) fees earned from corporate finance, investment banking, restructuring and wealth management services; and (ii) revenues from sales and trading activities.

 

 Fees earned from corporate finance, investment banking and restructuring services are derived from debt, equity and convertible securities offerings in which the Company acted as an underwriter or placement agent and from financial advisory services rendered in connection with client mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, recapitalizations and other strategic transactions. Fees from underwriting activities are recognized in earnings when the services related to the underwriting transaction are completed under the terms of the engagement and when the income was determined and is not subject to any other contingencies.

 

 Fees from wealth management services consist primarily of investment management fees that are recognized over the period the services are provided. Investment management fees are primarily comprised of fees for investment management services and are generally based on the dollar amount of the assets being managed.

 

 Revenues from sales and trading include (i) commissions resulting from equity securities transactions executed as agent or principal and are recorded on a trade date basis, (ii) related net trading gains and losses from market making activities and from the commitment of capital to facilitate customer orders, (iii) fees paid for equity research and (iv) principal transactions which include realized and unrealized net gains and losses resulting from our principal investments in equity and other securities for the Company’s account.

 

Revenues in the Auction and Liquidation segment are comprised of (i) commissions and fees earned on the sale of goods at auctions and liquidations; (ii) revenues from auction and liquidation services contracts where the Company guarantees a minimum recovery value for goods being sold at auction or liquidation; (iii) revenue from the sale of goods that are purchased by the Company for sale at auction or liquidation sales events; (iv) fees earned from real estate services and the origination of loans; and (v) revenues from contractual reimbursable expenses incurred in connection with auction and liquidation contracts.

 

 Commission and fees earned on the sale of goods at auction and liquidation sales are recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price has been determined, title has passed to the buyer and the buyer has assumed the risks of ownership, and collection is reasonably assured. The commission and fees earned for these services are included in revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Under these types of arrangements, revenues also include contractual reimbursable costs which totaled $1,607 and $1,921 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $6,450 and $5,910 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Revenues earned from auction and liquidation services contracts where the Company guarantees a minimum recovery value for goods being sold at auction or liquidation are recognized based on proceeds received. The Company records proceeds received from these types of engagements first as a reduction of contractual reimbursable expenses, second as a recovery of its guarantee and thereafter as revenue, subject to such revenue meeting the criteria of having been fixed or determinable. Contractual reimbursable expenses and amounts advanced to customers for minimum guarantees are initially recorded as advances against customer contracts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. If, during the auction or liquidation sale, the Company determines that the proceeds from the sale will not meet the minimum guaranteed recovery value as defined in the auction or liquidation services contract, the Company accrues a loss on the contract in the period that the loss becomes known.

 

The Company also evaluates revenue from auction and liquidation contracts in accordance with the accounting guidance to determine whether to report Auction and Liquidation segment revenue on a gross or net basis. The Company has determined that it acts as an agent in a substantial majority of its auction and liquidation services contracts and therefore reports the auction and liquidation revenues on a net basis.

 

Revenues from the sale of goods are recorded gross and are recognized in the period in which the sale of goods held for sale or auction are completed, title to the property passes to the purchaser and the Company has fulfilled its obligations with respect to the transaction. These revenues are primarily the result of the Company acquiring title to merchandise with the intent of selling the items at auction or for augmenting liquidation sales. For liquidation contracts where we take title to retail goods, our net sales represent gross sales invoiced to customers, less certain related charges for discounts, returns, and other promotional allowances and are recorded net of sales or value added tax.

 

9 

 

 

Revenues in the Valuation and Appraisal segment are primarily comprised of fees for valuation and appraisal services. Revenues are recognized upon the delivery of the completed services to the related customers and collection of the fee is reasonably assured. Revenues in the Valuation and Appraisal segment also include contractual reimbursable costs which totaled $673 and $734 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $2,059 and $2,156 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Revenues in the Communications segment are primarily comprised of services revenues, which are derived primarily from fees charged to pay accounts; advertising and other revenues; and products revenues, which are derived primarily from the sale mobile broadband service devices, including the related shipping and handling fees.

 

Service revenues are derived primarily from fees charged to pay accounts and are recognized in the period in which fees are fixed or determinable and the related services are provided to the customer. The Company’s pay accounts generally pay in advance for their services by credit card, PayPal, automated clearinghouse or check, and revenues are then recognized ratably over the service period. Advance payments from pay accounts are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as deferred revenue. In circumstances where payment is not received in advance, revenues are only recognized if collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

Advertising revenues consist primarily of amounts from the Company’s internet search partner that are generated as a result of users utilizing the partner’s internet search services and amounts generated from display advertisements. The Company recognizes such advertising revenues in the period in which the advertisement is displayed or, for performance-based arrangements, when the related performance criteria are met. In determining whether an arrangement exists, the Company ensures that a written contract is in place, such as a standard insertion order or a customer-specific agreement. The Company assesses whether performance criteria have been met and whether the fees are fixed or determinable based on a reconciliation of the performance criteria and the payment terms associated with the transaction. The reconciliation of the performance criteria generally includes a comparison of the Company’s internally-tracked performance data to the contractual performance obligation and, when available, to third-party or customer-provided performance data.

 

(d)Direct Cost of Services

 

Direct cost of services relate to service and fee revenues in the Valuation and Appraisal, Auction and Liquidation and Communications segments. Direct cost of services for the Valuation and Appraisal segment consist of employee compensation and related payroll benefits, travel expenses, the cost of consultants assigned to revenue-generating activities and direct expenses billable to clients in the Valuation and Appraisal segment. Direct costs of services in the Auction and Liquidation segment include the cost of consultants and other direct expenses related to auction and liquidation contracts pursuant to commission and fee based arrangements and amounts for profit participation under collaborative arrangements in which the Company is a majority participant. Direct cost of services in the Communications segment include cost of telecommunications and data center costs, personnel and overhead-related costs associated with operating the Company’s networks and data centers, depreciation of network computers and equipment, third party advertising sales commissions, license fees, costs related to providing customer support, costs related to customer billing and processing of customer credit cards and associated bank fees. Direct cost of services does not include an allocation of the Company’s overhead costs.

 

(e)Concentration of Risk

 

Revenue from one liquidation engagement represented 24.4% of total revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 15.6% of total revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Revenue from one wholesale auction and liquidation engagement represented 11.7% of total revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and revenues from one liquidation engagement represented 14.0% of total revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Revenues in the Valuation and Appraisal segment and the Auction and Liquidation segment are currently primarily generated in the United States.

 

Revenues in the Capital Markets, Auction and Liquidation, Valuation and Appraisal and Communications segment are primarily generated in the United States, Canada and Europe. The Company’s activities in the Auction and Liquidation segment are executed frequently with, and on behalf of, distressed customers and secured creditors. Concentrations of credit risk can be affected by changes in economic, industry, or geographical factors. The Company seeks to control its credit risk and potential risk concentration through risk management activities that limit the Company’s exposure to losses on any one specific liquidation services contract or concentration within any one specific industry. To mitigate the exposure to losses on any one specific liquidation services contract, the Company sometimes conducts operations with third parties through collaborative arrangements.

 

10 

 

 

The Company maintains cash in various federally insured banking institutions. The account balances at each institution periodically exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) insurance coverage, and as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts in excess of FDIC insurance coverage. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company also has substantial cash balances from proceeds received from auctions and liquidation engagements that are distributed to parties in accordance with the collaborative arrangements.

 

(f)Share-Based Compensation

 

The Company’s share based payment awards principally consist of grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Share based payment awards also include grants of membership interests in the Company’s majority owned subsidiaries. The grants of membership interests consist of percentage interests in the Company’s majority owned subsidiaries as determined at the date of grant. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, share based payment awards are classified as either equity or liabilities. For equity-classified awards, the Company measures compensation cost for the grant of membership interests at fair value on the date of grant and recognizes compensation expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations over the requisite service or performance period the award is expected to vest. The fair value of the liability-classified award will be subsequently remeasured at each reporting date through the settlement date. Change in fair value during the requisite service period will be recognized as compensation cost over that period.

 

(g)Income Taxes

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company estimates the degree to which tax assets and credit carry forwards will result in a benefit based on expected profitability by tax jurisdiction. A valuation allowance for such tax assets and loss carry forwards is provided when it is determined to be more likely than not that the benefit of such deferred tax asset will not be realized in future periods. Tax benefits of operating loss carry forwards are evaluated on an ongoing basis, including a review of historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carry forward period, and other circumstances. If it becomes more likely than not that a tax asset will be used, the related valuation allowance on such assets would be reduced.

 

The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. Once this threshold has been met, the Company's measurement of its expected tax benefits is recognized in its financial statements. The Company accrues interest on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.

 

(h)Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

 

(i)Restricted Cash

 

As of September 30, 2016, restricted cash included $76,343 of cash collateral related to a retail liquidation engagement in Australia, $1,119 of cash collateral for letters of credit, $292 of cash collateral for foreign exchange contracts and $533 cash segregated in a special bank accounts for the benefit of customers related to our broker dealer subsidiary and collateral for one of our telecommunication suppliers. As of December 31, 2015, restricted cash included $51 of cash segregated in a special reserve bank account for the benefit of customers related to our broker dealer subsidiary.

 

(j)Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable represents amounts due from the Company’s auction and liquidation, valuation and appraisal, capital markets customers and communication customers primarily from revenues earned from advertising. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses inherent in its accounts receivable portfolio. In establishing the required allowance, management utilizes a specific customer identification methodology. Management also considers historical losses adjusted for current market conditions and the customers’ financial condition and the current receivables aging and current payment patterns. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. Bad debt expense and changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are included in Note 3.

 

11 

 

 

(k)Advances Against Customer Contracts

 

Advances against customer contracts represent advances of contractually reimbursable expenses incurred prior to, and during the term of the auction and liquidation services contract. These advances are charged to expense in the period that revenue is recognized under the contract.

 

(l)Goods Held for Sale or Auction

 

Goods held for sale or auction are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the specific-identification method, or market. At September 30, 2016, goods held for sale or auction includes retail inventory of $8,600 related to a retail liquidation engagement in the Netherlands, mobile broadband service devices and modems of $509 and aircraft parts and other with a carrying value of $36 (which includes a lower of cost or market adjustment of $1,331). At December 31, 2015, goods held for sale or auction includes aircraft parts and other with a carrying value of $37 (which includes a lower of cost or market adjustment of $1,330).

 

(m)Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Property and equipment held under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Property and equipment under capital leases are stated at the present value of minimum lease payments. Depreciation and amortization expense was $531 and $102 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $706 and $315 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

(n)Securities Owned and Securities Sold Not Yet Purchased

 

Securities owned consist of marketable securities and investments in partnership interests and other securities recorded at fair value.  Securities sold, but not yet purchased represents obligations of the Company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price and thereby create a liability to purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices.  Changes in the value of these securities are reflected currently in the results of operations.

 

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s securities owned and securities sold not yet purchased at fair value consisted of the following securities:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
Securities owned          
Common stocks  $1,352   $17,586 
Corporate bonds   2,302    941 
Partnership interests   5,374    7,016 
   $9,028   $25,543 
           
Securities sold not yet purchased          
Corporate bonds  $370   $713 

 

(o)Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments that are highly liquid, observable and actively traded in over-the-counter markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable and can be corroborated by market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

12 

 

 

The Company’s securities owned and securities sold and not yet purchased are comprised of common stocks, corporate bonds and investments in partnerships. Investments in common stocks are based on quoted prices in active markets which are included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company also holds nonpublic common stocks and warrants for which there is little or no public market and fair value is determined by management on a consistent basis. For investments where little or no public market exists, management’s determination of fair value is based on the best available information which may incorporate management’s own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration various factors including earnings history, financial condition, recent sales prices of the issuer’s securities and liquidity risks. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Investments in partnership interests include investments in private equity partnerships that primarily invest in equity securities, bonds, and direct lending funds. The Company’s partnership interests are valued based on the Company’s proportionate share of the net assets of the partnership which is derived from the most recent statements received from the general partner which are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

The fair value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests is determined based on the issuance of similar interests for cash, references to industry comparables, and relied, in part, on information obtained from appraisal reports and internal valuation models.

 

The following tables present information on the financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

   Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value 
   on a Recurring Basis at September 30, 2016, Using 
       Quoted prices in   Other   Significant 
   Fair Value at   active markets for   observable   unobservable 
   September 30,   identical assets   inputs   inputs 
   2016   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Assets:                    
Securities owned                    
Common stocks  $1,352   $1,077   $-   $275 
Corporate bonds   2,302    -    2,142    160 
Partnership interests   5,374    -    2,973    2,401 
Total assets measured at fair value  $9,028   $1,077   $5,115   $2,836 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Securities sold not yet purchased                    
Corporate bonds  $370   $-   $370   $- 
                     
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests issued after November 5, 2003   2,234    -    -    2,234 
                     
Contingent consideration   1,219    -    -    1,219 
Total liabilities measured at fair value  $3,823   $-   $370   $3,453 

 

   Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value 
   on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2015, Using 
       Quoted prices in   Other   Significant 
   Fair Value at   active markets for   observable   unobservable 
   December 31,   identical assets   inputs   inputs 
   2015   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Assets:                    
Securities owned                    
Common stocks  $17,586   $17,296   $-   $290 
Corporate bonds   941    -    941    - 
Partnership interests   7,016    -    5,250    1,766 
Total assets measured at fair value  $25,543   $17,296   $6,191   $2,056 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Securities sold not yet purchased                    
Corporate bonds  $713   $-   $713   $- 
                     
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests issued after November 5, 2003  $2,330   $-   $-   $2,330 
                     
Contingent consideration  $2,391   $-   $-   $2,391 
Total liabilities measured at fair value  $5,434   $-   $713   $4,721 

 

13 

 

 

The changes in Level 3 fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 3   Level 3 Changes During the Year   Level 3 
   Balance at   Fair   Relating to   Purchases,   Transfer in   Balance at 
   Beginning of   Value   Undistributed   Sales and   and/or out   End of 
   Period   Adjustments   Earnings   Settlements   of Level 3   Period 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016                              
Common stocks  $290   $(15)  $-   $-   $-   $275 
Corporate bonds   -    (409)   -    569    -    160 
Partnership interests   1,766    123    418    94    -    2,401 
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests issued after November 5, 2003   2,330    -    (96)   -    -    2,234 
Contingent consideration   2,391    78    -    (1,250)   -    1,219 
                               
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015                              
Common stocks  $319   $-   $-   $(293)  $-   $26 
Partnership interests   -    41    -    1,125    -    1,166 
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests issued after November 5, 2003   2,285    -    (7)   -    -    2,278 
Contingent consideration   -    2,347    -    -    -    2,347 

 

The amount reported in the table above for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 includes the amount of undistributed earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests that is distributed on a quarterly basis. The fair value adjustment for contingent consideration in the table above during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes an adjustment for imputed interest of $78. The fair value adjustment for contingent consideration in the table above of $2,347 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes the initial value of contingent consideration of $2,229 and an adjustment for imputed interest of $118.

 

The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements for cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued payroll and related, accrued value added tax, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments.

 

The carrying amounts of the asset based credit facility approximate fair value because the contractual interest rates or effective yields of such instruments are consistent with current market rates of interest for instruments of comparable credit risk.

 

(p) Contingent Consideration

 

In connection with the acquisition of MK Capital on February 2, 2015, the purchase agreement required the payment of contingent consideration to the former members of MK Capital in the form of future cash payments of $1,250 and issuance of 166,667 shares of common stock on the first anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2016) and a final cash payment of $1,250 and issuance of 166,666 shares of common stock on the second anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2017). The contingent cash consideration has been classified as a liability in the condensed balance sheets in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combination” (“ASC 805”). The fair value of the contingent cash consideration has been discounted at 8.0%. The balance of the contingent consideration liability was $1,219 (discount of $31) at September 30, 2016. The balance of the contingent consideration liability was $2,391 (discount of $109) at December 31, 2015 and has been recorded as contingent consideration liability – current portion in the amount of $1,241 and contingent consideration liability, net of current portion in the amount of $1,150 in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Imputed interest expense totaled $23 and $45 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $78 and $118 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fair value of the contingent stock consideration has been classified as equity in accordance with ASC 805. The contingent cash and stock consideration is payable on the first and second anniversary dates of the closing provided that MK Capital generates a minimum amount of gross revenues as defined in the purchase agreement for the twelve months following the first and second anniversary dates of the closing. MK Capital achieved the minimum amount of revenues for the first anniversary period and the contingent cash consideration in the amount of $1,250 and contingent stock consideration consisting of 166,667 shares of common stock for such first anniversary period was paid and issued on February 2, 2016.

 

(q) Derivative and Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company periodically uses derivative instruments, which primarily consist of the purchase of forward exchange contracts, for certain auction and liquidation engagements with operations outside the United States. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company’s use of derivatives consisted of the purchase of forward exchange contracts (a) in the amount of $10,200 Canadian dollars that was settled at various periods prior to August 31, 2016, (b) in the amount of $20,000 Australian dollars to be settled on December 30, 2016, and (c) 5,600 Euro’s to be settled on December 30, 2016.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company’s use of derivatives consisted of the purchase of forward exchange contracts totaling $16,870 Canadian dollars that were settled prior to November 30, 2015.  The net loss from the foreign exchange contracts was $76 and $115 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and the net gain from the foreign exchange contracts was $68 and $28 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. These amounts are reported as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 

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The Company transacts business in various foreign currencies. In countries where the functional currency of the underlying operations has been determined to be the local country's currency, revenues and expenses of operations outside the United States are translated into United States dollars using average exchange rates while assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States are translated into United States dollars using period-end exchange rates. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction losses were $511 and $196 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and $531 and $252 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

(r) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The amendments in this update require lessees, among other things, to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous authoritative guidance. This update also introduces new disclosure requirements for leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019, but early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amends revenue recognition requirements for multiple deliverable revenue arrangements. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments in this ASU will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet adopted this update and is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). The amendments in this update do not change the core principle of the guidance as noted above at ASU No. 2014-09. The amendments clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU No. 2014-09. The Company has not yet adopted this update and is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments in this update involve simplification in several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this update require both prospective and retrospective application with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company has not yet adopted this update and is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15), which clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal year 2019, but early application is permitted. The Company has not yet adopted this update and is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

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NOTE 3— AQUISITIONS AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

 

Acquisition of United Online, Inc.

 

On May 4, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of UOL, a provider of consumer internet access and related subscription services, for $11.00 per share, or approximately $169,354 in aggregate merger consideration. The consideration represented approximately $43,811 in cash consideration from the Company after taking into account UOL’s cash balance at closing of which $10,381 remains payable at September 30, 2016, which is included in acquisition consideration payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, pending the outcome of the legal matter more fully described in Note 10.  The shareholders of UOL approved the acquisition on June 29, 2016 and customary closing conditions were satisfied and the acquisition was completed on July 1, 2016. The acquisition of UOL allows the Company to benefit from the expected cash flows of UOL due in part to planned synergies from the elimination of duplicate overhead functions with the Company. The acquisition of UOL is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.

 

The assets and liabilities of UOL, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the July 1, 2016 acquisition date for UOL. The application of the purchase method of accounting resulted in goodwill of $18,107 which represents expected overhead synergies and acquired workforce. Acquisition related costs, such as legal, accounting, valuation and other professional fees related to the acquisition of UOL were charged against earnings in the amount of $35 and $957 and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016. The preliminary purchase accounting for the acquisition has been accounted for as a stock purchase with all of the recognized goodwill is expected to be non-deductible for tax purposes.

 

The preliminary purchase price allocation was as follows: 

 

Total consideration  $169,354 
      
Tangible assets acquired and assumed:     
Cash and cash equivalents  $125,542 
Restricted cash   482 
Accounts receivables   3,850 
Inventory   624 
Property and equipment   5,536 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   6,437 
Accounts payable   (4,874)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   (10,344)
Deferred revenue   (2,900)
Deferred tax liabilities   (5,742)
Other liabilities   (5,196)
Customer relationships   33,300 
Advertising relationships   100 
Trade name and trademarks   1,100 
Internally developed software   3,333 
Goodwill   18,106 
   $169,354 

 

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Pro Forma Financial Information

 

The unaudited financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations of the Company and UOL, as though it had occurred as of January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2015. The pro forma financial information presented includes the effects of adjustments related to the amortization charges from the acquired intangible assets and the elimination of certain activities excluded from the transaction. The pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the earliest period presented, nor does it intend to be a projection of future results.  

 

   Pro Forma Unaudited 
   Three Months
Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Revenues  $56,966   $42,738   $133,627   $161,702 
Net income attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.  $4,398   $1,389   $341   $9,635 
                     
Proforma basic earnings per share  $0.23   $0.09   $0.02   $0.59 
Proforma diluted earnings per share  $0.23   $0.08   $0.02   $0.59 
                     
Weighted average basic shares outstanding   18,977,072    16,243,425    17,805,127    16,199,931 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   19,191,035    16,344,649    18,009,158    16,272,953 

 

 

Restructuring Charge

 

During the third quarter of 2016, after completing the acquisition of UOL, the Company initiated cost savings measures which included a reduction in force for certain corporate and administrative employees of UOL. The reduction in force resulted in a restructuring charge of $3,187 for employee termination costs in the Communications segment. In the third quarter of 2016, the Company also entered into a sublease and consolidated one of the offices of the Company with the former corporate offices of UOL. The sublease resulted in a restructuring charge of $398 related to office closure costs. The related accruals are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes the restructuring charges during 2016:

 

   Communications   Corporate and     
   Segment   Other   Total 
Expensed during 2016:               
Employee termination costs  $3,187   $-   $3,187 
Office closure   -    398    398 
Total expended during the 2016   3,187    398    3,585 
Paid during 2016   2,946    -    2,946 
Accrued balance at September 30, 2016  $241   $398   $639 

 

NOTE 4— ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

The components of accounts receivable, net, include the following:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
Accounts receivable  $12,360   $8,417 
Investment banking fees, commissions and other receivables   742    709 
Unbilled receivables   2,188    435 
Total accounts receivable   15,290    9,561 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   (178)   (89)
Accounts receivable, net  $15,112   $9,472 

 

17 

 

 

Additions and changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts consist of the following:

 

   Three Months Ended   Nime Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Balance, beginning of period  $86   $973   $89   $728 
Add:  Additions to reserve   428   111    488   366 
Less:  Write-offs   (15)   -    (49)   - 
Less:  Recoveries   (321   (289)   (350)    (299)
Balance, end of period  $178   $795   $178   $795 

 

Unbilled receivables represent the amount of contractual reimbursable costs and fees for services performed in connection with fee and service based auction and liquidation contracts.

 

NOTE 5— GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill of $52,634 at September 30, 2016 is comprised of $28,840 in the Capital Markets segment, $1,975 in the Auction and Liquidation segment, $3,713 in the Valuation and Appraisal segment and $18,106 in the Communications segment. Goodwill of $34,528 at December 31, 2015 is comprised of $28,840 in the Capital Markets segment, $1,975 in the Auction and Liquidation segment and $3,713 in the Valuation and Appraisal segment.

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

      September 30, 2016   December 31, 2015 
      Gross           Gross         
      Carrying   Accumulated   Intangibles   Carrying   Accumulated   Intangibles 
   Useful Life  Value   Amortization   Net   Value   Amortization   Net 
Amortizable assets:                                 
Customer relationships   4 to 13 Years  $36,900   $1,948   $34,952   $3,600   $572   $3,028 
Advertising relationships   8 Years   100    3    97    -    -    - 
Internally developed software   1 to 4 Years   3,333    275    3,058    -    -    - 
Tradenames   8 Years   1,100    34    1,066    -    -    - 
       41,433    2,260    39,173    3,600    572    3,028 
Non-amortizable assets:                                 
Tradenames      1,740    -    1,740    1,740    -    1,740 
Total intangible assets     $43,173   $2,260   $40,913   $5,340   $572   $4,768 

 

Amortization expense was $1,465 and $111 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $1,688 and $319 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At September 30, 2016, estimated future amortization expense is $1,465, $5,632, $5,403, $5,299 and $4,917 for the years ended December 31, 2016 (remaining three months), 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense after December 31, 2020 is $16,457.

 

NOTE 6— CREDIT FACILITIES

 

Credit facilities consist of the following arrangements:

 

(a)$100,000 Asset Based Credit Facility

 

At September 30, 2016, the Company has a $100,000 asset based credit facility pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as amended from time to time (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo Bank”). The credit facility currently expires on July 15, 2018. On March 19, 2014, the Company entered into a separate credit agreement (a “UK Credit Agreement”) with an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank which provides for the financing of transactions in the United Kingdom. The facility allows the Company to borrow up to 50 million British Pounds. Any borrowings on the UK Credit Agreement reduce the availability on the asset based $100,000 credit facility. The UK Credit Agreement is cross collateralized and integrated in certain respects with the Credit Agreement. On October 5, 2016 the Company amended the Credit Agreement to add the Company’s Canadian subsidiary in order to facilitate borrowings to fund retail liquidation transactions in Canada. Cash advances and the issuance of letters of credit under the credit facility are made at the lender’s discretion. The letters of credit issued under this facility are furnished by the lender to third parties for the principal purpose of securing minimum guarantees under liquidation services contracts more fully described in Note 2(c). All outstanding loans, letters of credit, and interest are due on the expiration date which is generally within 180 days of funding. The credit facility is secured by the proceeds received for services rendered in connection with liquidation service contracts pursuant to which any outstanding loan or letters of credit are issued and the assets that are sold at liquidation related to such contract. The interest rate for each revolving credit advance under the Credit Agreement is, subject to certain terms and conditions, equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.25% depending on the type of advance and the percentage such advance represents of the related transaction for which such advance is provided. The credit facility also provides for success fees in the amount of 5% to 20% of the net profits, if any, earned on the liquidation engagements funded under the Credit Agreement as set forth therein. Interest expense totaled $813 (including success fees of $732 and amortization of deferred loan fees of $23) for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and $1,087 (including success fees of $732 and amortization of deferred loan fees of $69) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Interest expense totaled $22 (comprised of amortization of deferred loan fees) for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and $343 (including success fees of $119 and amortization of deferred loan fees of $69) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. At September 30, 2016, there was $300 of standby letters of credit issued and outstanding under the credit facility. There were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

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The Credit Agreement governing the credit facility contains certain covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict the Company’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make investments, dispose of assets, make certain restricted payments, merge or consolidate and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreement, the lender may cease making loans, terminate the Credit Agreement and declare all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable. The Credit Agreement specifies a number of events of default (some of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods), including, among other things, nonpayment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults, and material judgment defaults.

 

(b)Line of Credit

 

On May 17, 2011, Great American Group Advisory & Valuation Services, LLC, a majority owned subsidiary of the Company (“GAAV”), entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (Accounts Receivable Line of Credit) (the “Line of Credit”) with BFI Business Finance (“BFI”). The Line of Credit was collateralized by the accounts receivable of GAAV and allows for borrowings in the amount of 85% of the net face amount of prime accounts, as defined in the Line of Credit, with maximum borrowings not to exceed $2,000. The interest rate under the Line of Credit was the prime rate plus 2% (6.5% at December 31, 2015), payable monthly in arrears. The Line of Credit was amended effective February 3, 2012 and the maximum borrowings allowed was increased from $2,000 to $3,000. On December 7, 2015, the Company notified BFI to terminate the Line of Credit, all outstanding amounts under the Line of Credit were repaid on January 27, 2016 and the Line of Credit was terminated upon maturity on February 3, 2016. At December 31, 2015, there was $3,922 of accounts receivable as collateral for the Line of Credit and the total borrowings outstanding was $272 and $2,738 was available and unused. Interest expense totaled $77 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Interest expense totaled $9 and $75 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

 

NOTE 7— NOTES PAYABLE

 

In March 2015, the Company had capital deployed for three retail liquidation engagements. On March 10, 2015, the Company borrowed $4,500 from Riley Investment Partners, L.P. (“RIP”) in accordance with the subordinated unsecured promissory note (the “RIP Note”). The principal amount of $4,500 for the RIP Note accrued interest at the rate of 10% per annum (or 15% in the event of a default under the RIP Note). The borrowings were for short-term working capital needs and capital for other retail liquidation engagements. RIP was also entitled to a success fee (the “Success Fee”) of 20% of the net profit, if any, earned by the Company in connection with a designated liquidation transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the RIP Note, under no circumstances was the Company obligated to pay RIP any portion of the combined amount of interest and the Success Fee which exceeded twelve percent (12%) of the $4,500 principal amount of the RIP Note. The outstanding principal amount, together with the accrued and unpaid interest and the Success Fee, were due and payable by the Company on March 9, 2016. The RIP Note was subordinated in certain respects to the Company’s guaranty relating to its existing credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and, in the event of certain insolvency proceedings, with respect to such credit facility itself, as well as to any other indebtedness of the Company to the extent required by the documents governing the repayment thereof. Interest expense on the RIP Note totaled $181 and $207 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The RIP Note was repaid on May 4, 2015.

 

Riley Investment Management LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the general partner of RIP. Bryant Riley, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, owns or controls approximately 45% of the equity interests of RIP. In addition, Thomas Kelleher, the President and a director of the Company, and one other employee of the Company, own or control de minimis amounts of the equity interests of RIP. After considering the economic interests of Mr. Riley and Mr. Kelleher in the RIP Note and comparing the terms of the RIP Note to terms that may have been available from unaffiliated third parties, the disinterested members of the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the issuance of the RIP Note.

 

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In August 2016, the Company formed GA Retail Investments, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (the “Partnership”) which required the Company to contribute $15,350. The Partnership borrowed $80,000 Australian dollars from a third party investor in connection with its’ formation and the $80,000 Australian dollars exchanged for a 50% special limited partnership interest in the Partnership. The Partnership was formed to provide funding for the retail liquidation engagement we entered into to liquidate the Masters Home Improvement stores. The $80,000 Australian participating note payable is non-interest bearing, shares in 50% of the all of the profits and losses of the Partnership and is subject to repayment upon the completion of the going-out-of-business sale of Masters Home Improvement stores as defined in the partnership agreement. Although the terms of the participating note payable include the issuance of an 50% equity interest in the Partnership, sharing in all profits and losses of the Partnership, and no repayment until certain events occur, in accordance with ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities From Equity, this financial instrument has been classified as a participating note payable in the current liabilities of the liability section of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The balance of the participating note payable at September 30, 2016 is $60,822.

 

NOTE 8— INCOME TAXES

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 38.9% and 35.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is lower than the statutory federal and state income tax rate due to the tax differential on net income attributable to noncontrolling interests during such periods.

 

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had federal net operating loss carry forwards of $12,023, state net operating loss carry forwards of $13,886, and foreign tax credit carry forwards of $1,121. The Company’s federal net operating loss carry forwards will expire in the tax year ending December 31, 2030, the state net operating loss carry forwards will expire in 2032, and the foreign tax credit carry forwards will expire in 2022. As a result of the acquisition of UOL, the Company also has an additional $14,700 of estimated federal net operating loss carryforwards that are available to offset future federal taxable income. The UOL net operating loss carryforwards will expire in 2019.

 

The Company establishes a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Tax benefits of operating loss and tax credit carry forwards are evaluated on an ongoing basis, including a review of historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carry forward period, and other circumstances. As a result of the common stock offering by the Company that was completed on September 5, 2014, the Company had a more than 50% ownership shift in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Accordingly, the Company is limited to the amount of net operating loss that may be utilized in future taxable years depending on the Company’s actual taxable income. As of September 30, 2016, the Company believes that the net operating loss that existed as of the more than 50% ownership shift will be utilized in future tax periods before the loss carry forwards expire and it is more-likely-than-not that future taxable earnings will be sufficient to realize its deferred tax assets and has not provided an allowance.

 

The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the calendar years ended December 31, 2012 to 2015. The Company and its subsidiaries’ state tax returns are also open to audit under similar statutes of limitations for the same tax years.

 

NOTE 9— EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Basic common shares outstanding exclude 66,000 common shares at September 30, 2016 and 2015 that are held in escrow and subject to forfeiture as a result of the failure to achieve certain performance targets specified in connection with the transaction with Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corp. in 2009 (the “Acquisition”). The 66,000 common shares issued to the former members of Great American Group, LLC are subject to forfeiture upon the final settlement of claims for goods held for sale in connection with the Acquisition. Dilutive common shares outstanding includes contingently issuable shares that are currently in escrow and subject to release if the conditions for the final settlement of claims for goods held for sale in connection with the Acquisition was satisfied at the end of the respective periods.

 

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Basic and diluted earnings per share was calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Net income attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.  $8,939   $1,463   $9,086   $12,809 
                     
Weighted average shares outstanding:                    
Basic   18,977,072    16,243,425    17,805,127    16,199,931 
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:                    
Restricted stock units and non-vested shares   169,311    56,349    159,376    28,147 
Contingently issuable shares   44,652    44,875    44,655    44,875 
Diluted   19,191,035    16,344,649    18,009,158    16,272,953 
                     
Basic income per share  $0.47   $0.09   $0.51   $0.79 
Diluted income per share  $0.47   $0.09   $0.50   $0.79 

 

Securities that could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share related to restricted stock units were 650,019 shares and 448,793 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and 659,954 shares and 475,995 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because the effect would have been antidilutive.

 

NOTE 10— COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Legal Matters

 

The Company is subject to certain legal and other claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that the results of these claims are likely to have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In January 2015, the Company was served with a lawsuit that seeks to assert claims of breach of contract and other matters in connection with auction services provided to a debtor.  The proceeding is pending in the bankruptcy case of the debtor and its affiliates (the “Debtor”).  In the lawsuit, a former landlord of the Debtor generally alleges that the Company and a joint venture partner were responsible for contamination while performing services in connection with the auction of certain assets of the Debtor and is seeking approximately $10,000 in damages.  In April 2015, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit and in March 2016 the Court issued its opinion dismissing some claims while denying the motion with respect to other claims.  In April 2016, the Company filed an answer with the Court denying the allegations in the complaint. The Company is vigorously defending this lawsuit. This lawsuit is in the initial stages, and the financial impact to the Company, if any, cannot be estimated.

 

On July 5, 2016, Quadre Investments LP (“Quadre”) filed a petition with the Delaware Court of Chancery (the “Court”) seeking a determination of fair value for 943,769 shares of common stock of UOL in connection with the acquisition of UOL by the Company. Such transaction gave rise to appraisal rights pursuant to Section 262 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. As a result, Quadre is entitled to petition the Court to receive fair value as determined by the Court. The Company does not believe that the fair value of each share exceeds $11.00 per share, the acquisition consideration paid to UOL stockholders pursuant to the agreement to acquire UOL, and the Company intends to contest the petition. As of September 30, 2016, the Company has recorded approximately $10,381 of acquisition consideration payable and approximately $154 of accrued interest payable in connection with the Quadre petition.

 

NOTE 11— SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company granted equity incentive rewards representing 518,735 shares of common stock with a total fair value of $4,949 to certain employees and directors of the Company. Such equity incentive awards consisted of restricted stock units subject to vesting representing 518,735 shares of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted equity incentive rewards representing 527,372 shares of common stock with a total fair value of $5,255 to certain employees and directors of the Company. Such equity incentive awards consisted of restricted stock units subject to vesting representing 521,772 shares of common stock and stock bonus awards of 5,600 fully vested shares of common stock. The vesting periods for the equity incentive awards generally range from one to three years. Share based compensation expense was $834 and $1,831 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Share based compensation expense was $727 and $1,193 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

 

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The restricted stock units generally vest over a period of one to three years based on continued service. In determining the fair value of restricted stock units on the grant date, the fair value is adjusted for (a) estimated forfeitures, (b) expected dividends based on historical patterns and the Company’s anticipated dividend payments over the expected holding period and (c) the risk-free interest rate based on U.S. Treasuries for a maturity matching the expected holding period. As of September 30, 2016, the expected remaining unrecognized share based compensation expense of $6,223 will be expensed over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

 

A summary of equity incentive award activity for the periods indicated was as follows:

 

       Weighted 
       Average 
   Shares   Fair Value 
Nonvested at December 31, 2015   325,905   $9.97 
Granted   518,735    9.54 
Vested   (7,306)   9.59 
Forfeited   (18,004)   9.92 
Nonvested at September 30, 2016   819,330   $9.70 

 

NOTE 12— NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

 

B. Riley & Co., LLC (“BRC”), a subsidiary of the Company, is a registered broker-dealer and, accordingly, is subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) which requires BRC to maintain minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1.  As of September 30, 2016, BRC had net capital of $7,644 (an excess of $7,286).  BRC’s net capital ratio for September 30, 2016 was 0.48 to 1.

 

NOTE 13— RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On March 10, 2015, the Company borrowed $4,500 from RIP in accordance with the RIP Note. The borrowings were for short-term working capital needs and capital for other retail liquidation engagements. The principal amount of $4,500 for the RIP Note accrued interest at the rate of 10% per annum (or 15% in the event of a default under the RIP Note) and included a Success Fee as more fully described in Note 7. Riley Investment Management LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the general partner of RIP. Bryant Riley, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, owns or controls approximately 45% of the equity interests of the RIP. In addition, Thomas Kelleher, the President and a director of the Company, and one other employee of the Company, own or control de minimis amounts of the equity interests of RIP. After considering the economic interests of Mr. Riley and Mr. Kelleher in the RIP Note and comparing the terms of the RIP Note to terms that may have been available from unaffiliated third parties, the disinterested members of our Board of Directors unanimously approved the issuance of the RIP Note. Interest expense on the RIP Note totaled $181 and $207 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The RIP Note was repaid on May 4, 2015.

 

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, amounts due from related party of $460 and $409, respectively, represented amounts due from GACP I, L.P, of which Great American Capital Partners, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the general partner, for management fees and other operating expenses. At September 30, 2016, amounts due from related party also included $271 due from CA Global Partners, LLC (“CA Global”). At December 31, 2015, amounts due to related party of $166 represent amounts due to CA Global. CA Global is one of the members of Great American Global Partners, LLC.

 

In connection with the offering of $28,750 of Senior Notes as more fully described in Note 15, certain members of management and the Board of Directors of the Company purchased $2,731 or 9.5% of the Senior Notes offered by the Company.

 

NOTE 14— BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

The Company’s operating segments reflect the manner in which the business is managed and how the Company allocates resources and assesses performance internally. The Company has several operating subsidiaries through which it delivers specific services. The Company provides investment banking, corporate finance, restructuring, research, wealth management, sales and trading services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients. The Company also provides auction and liquidation services to help clients dispose of assets that include multi-location retail inventory, wholesale inventory, trade fixtures, machinery and equipment, intellectual property and real property and valuation and appraisal services to clients with independent appraisals in connection with asset based loans, acquisitions, divestitures and other business needs. As a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016, the Company provides consumer services and products over the internet.

 

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The Company’s business in 2015 was previously classified by management into the Capital Markets segment, Auction and Liquidation segment and Valuation and Appraisal segment. In 2016, with the acquisition of UOL, the Company’s business is classified into the Capital Markets segment, Auction and Liquidation segment, Valuation and Appraisal segment and Communications segment. These reportable segments are all distinct businesses, each with a different marketing strategy and management structure.

 

The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of the Company’s reportable segments:

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Capital markets reportable segment:                    
Revenues - Services and fees   10,063   $7,478   $22,799   $30,343 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses   (8,692)   (7,310)   (22,535)   (23,234)
Depreciation and amortization   (362)   (134)   (406)   (384)
Segment income (loss)   1,009    34    (142)   6,725 
Auction and Liquidation reportable segment:                    
Revenues - Services and fees   17,058    5,727    29,358    28,861 
Revenues - Sale of goods   6,503    122    6,505    10,588 
Total revenues   23,561    5,849    35,863    39,449 
Direct cost of services   (4,365)   (1,722)   (9,870)   (10,642)
Cost of goods sold   (2,223)   -    (2,225)   (3,071)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses   (3,957)   (1,260)   (6,759)   (7,725)
Depreciation and amortization   (25)   (45)   (103)   (147)
Segment income   12,991    2,822    16,906    17,864 
Valuation and Appraisal reportable segment:                    
Revenues - Services and fees   7,696    7,945    22,865    22,972 
Direct cost of services   (3,549)   (3,491)   (10,287)   (9,888)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses   (2,136)   (2,000)   (6,379)   (6,434)
Depreciation and amortization   (19)   (35)   (72)   (104)
Segment income   1,992    2,419    6,127    6,546 
Communications                    
Revenues - Services and fees   15,483    -    15,483    - 
Revenues - Sale of products   163    -    163    - 
Total revenues   15,646    -    15,646    - 
Direct cost of services   (4,927)   -    (4,927)   - 
Cost of goods sold   (168)   -    (168)   - 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses   (2,276)   -    (2,276)   - 
Depreciation and amortization   (1,665)   -    (1,665)   - 
Restructuring costs   (3,187)   -    (3,187)   - 
Segment income   3,423    -    3,423    - 
                     
Consolidated operating income from reportable segments   19,415    5,275    26,314    31,135 
Corporate and other expenses (including restructuring costs of $398 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016)   (3,993)   (1,998)   (9,047)   (7,727)
Interest income   26    5    32    10 
Interest expense   (991)   (64)   (1,398)   (735)
Income before income taxes   14,457    3,218    15,901    22,683 
Provision for income taxes   (6,083)   (600)   (6,184)   (8,060)
Net income   8,374    2,618    9,717    14,623 
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (565)   1,155    631    1,814 
Net income attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.  $8,939   $1,463   $9,086   $12,809 
                     
Capital expenditures:                    
Capital Markets segment  $23   $-   $55   $108 
Auction and Liquidation segment   -    -    2    - 
Valuation and Appraisal segment   3    7    19    24 
Communications segment   207    -    207    - 
Corporate and Other   6    18    14    64 
Total  $239   $25   $297   $196 

 

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   As of   As of 
   September 30,   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
Total assets:          
Capital markets segment  $51,747   $54,882 
Auction and Liquidation segment   57,890    45,892 
Valuation and Appraisal segment   12,208    12,171 
Communications segment   70,371    - 
Corporate and other   69,138    19,475 
Total  $261,354   $132,420 

 

NOTE 15— SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On November 2, 2016, the Company issued $28,750 of Senior Notes, interest payable quarterly at 7.5% commencing January 31, 2017. The Senior Notes are unsecured and due and payable in full on October 31, 2021. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Company received net proceeds of $27,892 (after underwriting commissions and fees of $858). In connection with the offering of the Senior Notes, certain members of management and the Board of Directors of the Company purchased $2,731 or 9.5% of the Senior Notes offered by the Company.

 

On November 13, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a regular dividend of $0.08 per share and special dividend of $0.17 per share, which will both be paid on or about December 14, 2016 to stockholders of record on November 29, 2016.

 

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

 

This report contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we, nor any other person, assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the filing of this Annual Report to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

 

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us which attempt to advise interested parties of the factors which affect our business, including without limitation the disclosures made in Item 1A of Part II of this Quarterly Report under the caption “Risk Factors”.

 

Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements include but are not limited to risks related to: volatility in our revenues and results of operations; changing conditions in the financial markets; our ability to generate sufficient revenues to achieve and maintain profitability; the short term nature of our engagements; the accuracy of our estimates and valuations of inventory or assets in “guarantee” based engagements; competition in the asset management business, potential losses related to our auction or liquidation engagements; our dependence on communications, information and other systems and third parties; potential losses related to purchase transactions in our auction and liquidations business; the potential loss of financial institution clients; potential losses from or illiquidity of our proprietary investments; changing economic and market conditions; potential liability and harm to our reputation if we were to provide an inaccurate appraisal or valuation; potential mark-downs in inventory in connection with purchase transactions; failure to successfully compete in any of our segments; loss of key personnel; our ability to borrow under our credit facilities as necessary; failure to comply with the terms of our credit agreements; our ability to realize the benefits of our acquisitions, including our ability to achieve anticipated opportunities and operating cost savings, and accretion to reported earnings estimated to result from acquisitions in the time frame expected by management or at all; the effect of competition; and our ability to meet future capital requirements.

 

Except as otherwise required by the context, references in this Annual Report to “the “Company,” “B. Riley,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to the combined business of B. Riley Financial, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries.

 

Overview

 

B. Riley Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (NASDAQ: RILY) provide collaborative financial services and solutions through several subsidiaries, including:

 

·B. Riley & Co., LLC (“BRC”), a mid-sized, full service investment bank providing financial advisory, corporate finance, research, and sales & trading services to corporate, institutional and high net worth individual clients;

 

·B. Riley Capital Management, LLC, an Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) registered investment advisor, which includes:

 

oB. Riley Asset Management, an advisor to certain public and private funds and to institutional and high net worth investors;
oB. Riley Wealth Management (formerly MK Capital Advisors), a multi-family office practice and wealth management firm focused on the needs of ultra-high net worth individuals and families; and
oGreat American Capital Partners, LLC (“GACP”), the general partner of a private fund, GACP I, L.P. a direct lending fund that provides senior secured loans and second lien secured loan facilities to middle market public and private U.S. companies.

 

·Great American Group, LLC, a leading provider of asset disposition and auction solutions to a wide range of retail and industrial clients; and

 

·Great American Group Advisory and Valuation Services, LLC, a leading provider of appraisal and valuation services for asset based lenders, private equity firms and corporate clients.

 

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·United Online Inc. “(UOL”), a communications company that offers consumer subscription services and products, consisting of internet access services and devices under the NetZero and Juno brands primarily sold in the United States.

 

We are headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in major financial markets throughout the United States and Europe.

 

With the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016, for financial reporting purposes we now classify our businesses into four operating segments: (i) capital markets, (ii) auction and liquidation, (iii) valuation and appraisal and (iv) communications.

 

Capital Markets Segment. Our capital markets segment provides a full array of investment banking, corporate finance, research, wealth management, sales and trading services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients. Our corporate finance and investment banking services include merger and acquisitions advisory services to public and private companies, initial and secondary public offerings, and institutional private placements.  In addition, we trade equity securities as a principal for the Company’s account, including investments in funds managed by our subsidiaries. Our capital markets segment also includes our asset management businesses that manage various private and public funds for institutional and individual investors.

 

  Auction and Liquidation Segment. Our auction and liquidation segment utilizes our significant industry experience, a scalable network of independent contractors and industry-specific advisors to tailor our services to the specific needs of a multitude of clients, logistical challenges and distressed circumstances. Furthermore, our scale and pool of resources allow us to offer our services across North American as well as parts of Europe, Asia and Australia. Our auction and liquidation segment operates through two main divisions, retail store liquidations and wholesale and industrial assets dispositions. Our wholesale and industrial assets disposition division operates through limited liability companies that are controlled by us.

 

  Valuation and Appraisal Segment. Our valuation and appraisal segment provides valuation and appraisal services to financial institutions, lenders, private equity firms and other providers of capital. These services primarily include the valuation of assets (i) for purposes of determining and monitoring the value of collateral securing financial transactions and loan arrangements and (ii) in connection with potential business combinations. Our valuation and appraisal segment operates through limited liability companies that are majority owned by us.

 

Communications Segment. Our communications segment offers consumer subscription services consisting of Internet access under the NetZero and Juno brands. Internet access includes paid dial-up, mobile broadband and DSL subscription services. The Company also offers email, Internet security, web hosting services, and other services.

 

Recent Developments

 

In March 2016, we were engaged to liquidate the going-out-of-business sale of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. retail stores located throughout the United States. As part of the liquidation engagement we provided a minimum guarantee of amounts to be realized from the liquidation of inventory. In April 2016, we issued letters of credit totaling $10.8 million and borrowed $56.3 million under our asset based credit facility to fund a portion of our minimum guarantee in connection with this liquidation engagement. The liquidation sale of inventory started in April 2016 and was completed in July 2016. All of the $56.3 million of borrowings under our asset based credit facility was repaid during the second quarter of 2016.

 

On May 4, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger to acquire UOL for $11.00 per share, or approximately $169.4 million in aggregate merger consideration. The consideration represents approximately $44.0 million in cash consideration from the Company after taking into account the projected UOL cash balance at closing.  The shareholders of UOL voted to approve the acquisition on June 29, 2016, and customary closing conditions were satisfied and the acquisition was completed on July 1, 2016.

 

On May 10, 2016, the Company completed the public offering of 2,420,980 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $9.50 per share.  The net proceeds from the offering were $22.8 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and other offering expenses.  Certain of the Company’s officers, directors and employees, including Bryant R. Riley, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and certain of his affiliates, participated in the offering and purchased in the aggregate 371,513 of the shares sold in the offering.

 

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In August 2016, the Company was engaged to liquidate the going-out-of-business sale of 63 Masters Home Improvement stores located throughout Australia. As part of the liquidation engagement we provided a minimum guarantee of amounts to be realized from the liquidation of inventory. We formed a limited partnership with a third party investor which required us to contribute $15.4 million, in connection with our general and limited partnership interest, and we borrowed $61.4 million from a third party investor. The $61.4 million of borrowing from the third party investor was contributed into the Partnership in exchange for a 50% special limited partnership interest in the Partnership. The participating note payable is non-interest bearing, shares in 50% of the all of the profits and losses of the Partnership and is subject to repayment upon the completion of the going-out-of-business sale of Masters Home Improvement stores as defined in the partnership agreement. Although the terms of the participating note payable include the issuance of an 50% equity interest in the Partnership, sharing in all profits and losses of the Partnership, and no repayment until certain events occur, in accordance with ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities From Equity, this financial instrument has been classified as participating note payable in the current liabilities of the liability section of the condensed consolidated financial statements. As the general partner in the Partnership and ownership of a 50% interest in the Partnership, the Company controls the Partnership since the limited partners has limited voting rights. These funds from the Partnership were used to deposit cash in the amount of $76.3 million to guarantee our performance under the terms of the retail liquidation agreement. Since the Company controls the limited partnership, all of the assets and liabilities of the limited partnership are included in our consolidated condensed balance sheet and statement of operations. In connection with this transaction and the formation of the limited partnership the Company has a participating note payable in the amount of $60.8 million included in current liabilities in our our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

In September 2016, we were engaged to liquidate the inventory of 130 stores of MS Mode in the Netherlands. As part of the retail liquidation engagement we purchased $10.3 million of inventory and commenced the sale of retail inventory. The retail liquidation engagement is expected to end in November 2016.

 

On November 2, 2016, the Company issued $28.75 million of Senior Notes due in 2021, interest payable quarterly at 7.5% commencing January 31, 2017. The Senior Notes are unsecured and due and payable in full on October 31, 2021. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes the Company received net proceeds of $27.9 million (after underwriting commissions and fees of $0.9 million). In connection with the offering of $28.75 million of Senior Notes, certain members of management and the Board of Directors of the Company purchased $2.7 or 9.5% of the Senior Notes offered by the Company.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on other factors that management believes to be reasonable. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Critical accounting policies represent the areas where more significant judgments and estimates are used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. A discussion of such critical accounting policies, which include revenue recognition, reserves for accounts receivable and slow moving goods held for sale or auction, the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets, fair value measurements, share based compensation and accounting for income tax valuation allowances can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. There have been no material changes to the policies noted above as of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016 other than the revenue recognition and other accounting policies related to the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016 which are included in the notes to this quarterly report of Form 10-Q.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following period to period comparisons of our financial results and our interim results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   Three Months
September 30, 2016
   Three Months
September 30, 2015
 
   Amount   %   Amount   % 
Revenues:                    
Services and fees  $50,300    88.3%  $21,150    99.4%
Sale of goods   6,666    11.7%   122    0.6%
Total revenues   56,966    100.0%   21,272    100.0%
                     
Operating expenses:                    
Direct cost of services   12,841    22.5%   5,213    24.5%
Cost of goods sold   2,391    4.2%   -    0.0%
Selling, general and administrative expenses   22,727    39.9%   12,782    60.1%
Restructuring costs   3,585    6.3%   -    0.0%
Total operating expenses   41,544    72.9%   17,995    84.6%
Operating income   15,422    27.1%   3,277    15.4%
Other income (expense):                    
Interest income   26    0.0%   5    0.0%
Interest expense   (991)   -1.7%   (64)   -0.3%
Income before income taxes   14,457    25.4%   3,218    15.1%
Provision for income taxes   (6,083)   -10.7%   (600)   -2.8%
Net income   8,374    14.7%   2,618    12.3%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (565)   -1.0%   1,155    5.4%
Net income attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.  $8,939    15.7%  $1,463    6.9%

 

Revenues.

 

The table below and the discussion that follows are based on how we analyze our business.

 

   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended     
   September 30, 2016   September 30, 2015   Change 
   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   % 
                         
Revenues - Serivces and Fees:                              
Capital Markets segment  $10,063    17.7%  $7,478    35.2%  $2,585    34.6%
Auction and Liquidation segment   17,058    29.9%   5,727    26.9%   11,331    197.9%
Valuation and Appraisal segment   7,696    13.5%   7,945    37.3%   (249)   -3.1%
Communications segment   15,483    27.2%   -    n/m    15,483    n/m 
Subtotal   50,300    88.3%   21,150    99.4%   29,150    137.8%
                               
Revenues - Sale of goods                              
Auction and Liquidation segment   6,503    11.4%   122    0.6%   6,381    5230.3%
Communications segment   163    0.3%   -    n/m    163    n/m 
Subtotal   6,666    11.7%   122    0.6%   6,544    5363.9%
                               
Total revenues  $56,966    100.0%  $21,272    100.0%  $35,694    167.8%

 

 

n/m - Not applicable or not meaningful.

 

Total revenues increased $35.7 million, to $57.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $21.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to an increase in revenues from services and fees of $29.2 million and an increase in revenues from the sale of goods of $6.5 million. The increase in revenues from services and fees of $29.2 million in 2016 was primarily due to an increase in revenues of (a) $2.6 million in the capital markets segment, (b) $11.3 million in the auction and liquidation segment, and (c) $15.5 million in the communications segment from the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016, offset by a decrease of $0.2 million in the valuation and appraisal segment. The increase in revenues from sale of goods of $6.5 million is primarily due to sale of retail goods that we acquired title to in September 2016 from the bankruptcy trustee of MS Mode, a retailer of women’s apparel that operates 130 retail locations throughout the Netherlands.

 

28 

 

 

Capital Markets

 

Revenues from services and fees in the capital markets segment increased $2.6 million, to $10.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $7.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in revenues of $2.0 million from investment banking fees, $0.3 million from trading income and $0.3 million from commissions, fees and other income primarily earned from research, sales and trading, and wealth management services. The increase in revenues from investment banking fees in 2016 was primarily due to an increase the number of investment banking transactions where we acted as an advisor. The increase in revenues from trading income in 2016 was primarily due to an increase in income we earned from trading activities in our propriety trading account. The increase in revenues from commissions, fees and other income primarily earned from research, sales and trading, and wealth management services was primarily due to an increase in fees and commissions earned from research, sales and trading activities by B. Riley & Co., LLC, our broker dealer.

 

Auction and Liquidations

 

Revenues from services and fees in the auction and liquidation segment increased $11.3 million, to $17.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $5.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in revenues of $11.3 million was primarily due to an increase in revenues of $15.6 million from services and fees from retail liquidation engagements, offset by a decrease in revenues of $4.3 million from services and fees in our wholesale and industrial auction division. The increase in revenues from services and fees from retail liquidation engagements was primarily due to revenues we earned in the third quarter of 2016 from the liquidation of inventory for the going-out-of-business sale of 185 Hancock Fabric stores in the United States. In the third quarter or 2015, we did not have any similar large retail liquidation engagements that were completed. The decrease in revenues from services and fees in our wholesale and industrial division was primarily due to a decrease in the number of wholesale and industrial auction engagements in the second quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Valuations and Appraisal

 

Revenues from services and fees in the valuation and appraisal segment decreased $0.2 million, to $7.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $7.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a decrease in revenues of $0.6 million related to appraisal engagements where we perform valuations for the monitoring of collateral for financial institutions, lenders, and private equity investors, offset by an increase in revenues of $0.4 million related to appraisal engagements where we perform valuations of machinery and equipment.

 

Communications

 

Revenues from services and fees in the communications segment of $15.5 million in 2016 were the result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016.  These revenues include $11.2 million in services and fees primarily from customer paid accounts related to our internet access and related subscription services and $4.3 million in advertising revenues from internet display advertising and search related to our email and internet access services. Over the past several years revenues from paid subscription services have declined year over year as a result of a decline in the number of paid subscribers for our services.  Management believes the decline in paid subscriber accounts is primarily attributable to the industry trends of consumers switching from dial-up internet access to high speed internet access such as cable and DSL.  Management expects revenues in the communications segment to continue to decline year over year.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Direct Cost of Services. Direct cost of services and direct cost of services measured as a percentage of revenues – services and fees by segment during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended September 30, 2016   Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 
   Auction and   Valuation and           Auction and   Valuation and         
   Liquidation   Appraisal   Communications       Liquidation   Appraisal   Communications     
   Segment   Segment   Segment   Total   Segment   Segment   Segment   Total 
                                 
Revenues - Services and fees  $17,058   $7,696   $15,483        $5,727   $7,945   $-      
Direct cost of services   4,365    3,549    4,927   $12,841    1,722    3,491    -   $5,213 
                                         
Gross margin on services and fees  $12,693   $4,147   $10,556        $4,005   $4,454   $-      
                                         
Gross margin percentage   74.4%   53.9%   68.2%        69.9%   56.1%   n/m      

 

* n/m -not applicable or not meaningful

 

Total direct cost of services increased $7.6 million, to $12.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $5.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. Direct cost of services increased by (a) $2.7 million in the auction and liquidation segment, (b) $0.1 million in the valuation and appraisal segment, and (c) $4.9 million in the communications segment as a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016. Direct cost of services in the auction and liquidation segment increased $2.7 million, to $4.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $1.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in direct costs in the auction and liquidation segment was primarily due to an increase in direct costs related to the MS Mode retail liquidation engagement described above. Direct cost of services in the valuation and appraisal segment increased $0.1 million, to $3.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $3.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in direct costs of services in the valuation and appraisal segment was primarily due to an increase in payroll and related costs due to an increase in headcount in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

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Auction and Liquidation

 

Gross margin in the auction and liquidation segment for services and fees increased to 74.4% of revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to 69.9% of revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in the gross margin during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a change in the mix of fee type engagements in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The gross margin in 2016 was favorably impacted from the revenues we earned from the liquidation of 185 Hancock Fabric stores that was completed in the third quarter of 2016.

 

Valuation and Appraisal

 

Gross margin in the valuation and appraisal segment for services and fees decreased to 53.9% of revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to 56.1% of revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in the gross margin is primarily to due to the impact on the margins from the increase in payroll and related expenses incurred in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 in the valuation and appraisal segment.

 

Communications

 

Gross margin in the communications segment of $10.6 million or 68.2% of revenues were the result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016. Direct costs in the communications segment of $4.9 includes telecommunications and data center costs, personnel and overhead-related costs associated with operating our networks and data centers, depreciation of network computers and equipment, third party advertising sales commissions, license fees, costs related to providing customer support, costs related to customer billings and processing of customer credit cards and associated bank fees.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were comprised of the following:

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
   Change 
   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   % 
                         
Capital Markets segment  $9,054    39.9%  $7,444    58.3%  $1,610    21.6%
Auction and Liquidation segment   3,982    17.5%   1,305    10.2%   2,677    205.1%
Valuation and Appraisal segment   2,155    9.5%   2,035    15.9%   120    5.9%
Communications segment   3,941    17.3%   -    n/m    3,941    n/m 
Corporate and Other segment   3,595    15.8%   1,998    15.6%   1,597    79.9%
Total selling, general & administrative expenses  $22,727    100.0%  $12,782    100.0%  $9,945    77.8%

 

* n/m - not applicable or not meaningful

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased $9.9 million, or 77.8%, to $22.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of (a) $1.6 million in the capital markets segment, (b) $2.7 million in the auction and liquidation segment, (c) $0.1 million in the valuation and appraisal segment, (d) $3.9 million in the communications segment as a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016, and $1.6 million in corporate and other.

 

Capital Markets

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the capital markets segment increased $1.6 million, or 21.6%, to $9.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in expenses of $1.6 million was primarily due to an increase in (a) payroll and related expenses of $0.4 million due to an increase in headcount, (b) incentive compensation of $1.1 million as a result of the increase in revenues from investment banking fees in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015, and (c) other selling and general administrative expenses of $0.1 million.

 

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Auction and Liquidation

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the auction and liquidation segment increased $2.7 million, to $4.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in expenses of $2.7 million was primarily due to an increase in (a) incentive compensation of $1.4 million as a result of the increase in revenues and operating income of the auction and liquidation segment in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015, (b) consulting and professional fees of $0.6 million and (c) other operating expenses of $0.7 million. The increase in consulting and professional fees was primarily due to an increase in legal and accounting fees incurred in connection with the start of the MS Mode retail liquidation engagement in the Netherlands and Masters retail liquidation engagement in Australia during the third quarter of 2016. The increase in other operating expenses was primarily related to an increase in travel expenses and other administrative expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Valuation and Appraisal

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the valuation and appraisal segment increased $0.1 million, or 5.9%, to $2.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in operating expenses of $0.1 million was primarily due to an increase in outside consulting expenses that were incurred in connection with our appraisal engagements in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Communications

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the communications segment of $3.9 million in 2016 were the result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016. These expenses include $1.2 million of technology and development expenses, $0.4 million of sales and marketing expenses, $2.5 million of general and administrative expenses, $1.4 million of amortization of intangibles, offset by $1.6 million from a recovery of an insurance dispute. Technology and development expenses include expenses for product development, maintenance of existing software, technology and websites. Sales and marketing expenses include expenses associated personnel and overhead-related expenses for marketing, customer service, and advertising sales personnel to acquire and retain paid subscribers. Expenses associated with generating advertising revenues include sales commissions and personnel-related expenses. General and administrative expenses consist of personnel-related expenses for management in the communications segment, facilities, internal customer support personnel and personnel associated with operating our corporate systems. Amortization of intangibles includes amortization expense related to customer lists, advertising relationships, tradenames and internally developed software.

 

Corporate

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for corporate and other increased $1.6 million, or 79.9%, to $3.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in payroll and related expenses of $1.4 million and professional fees of $0.2 million. The increase in payroll and related expenses was primarily due an increase in incentive compensation accrued during the quarter as a result of the increase in operating income of the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Restructuring Charge. Restructuring charges of $3.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 include $3.2 million of employee termination costs related to a reduction in personnel in the corporate offices of UOL after our acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016 and $0.4 million of charges related to combining our corporate office location with the offices of UOL.

 

Other Income (Expense). Other income includes interest income that was less than $0.1 million during each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. Other expense also includes interest expense which increased $0.9 million, to $1.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to an increase in interest expense we incurred on our asset based credit facility during the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Income Before Income Taxes. Income before income taxes was $14.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $11.3 million, from $3.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in income before income taxes was primarily due to an increase in operating income of (a) $1.0 million in our capital markets segment, (b) $10.2 million in our auction and liquidation segment, and (c) operating income in 2016 of $3.4 million from our communications as a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016, offset by (a) a decrease in operating income of $0.5 million in our valuation and appraisal segment, and (b) restructuring charges of $0.4 million.

 

Provision For Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was $6.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $5.5 million, from $0.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The effective income tax rate was 42.1% during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to an effective income tax rate of 18.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The effective income tax rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased from the comparable period in 2015 primarily due to the tax differential on net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

 

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Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the proportionate share of net income generated by Great American Global Partners, LLC and GA Retail Investments, L.P., in which the Company has a 50% membership or partnership interest, that we do not own. The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was $0.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $1.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

 

Net Income Attributable to the Company. Net income attributable to the Company for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $8.9 million, an increase of $7.4 million, from net income attributable to the Company of $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in net income during the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily due to an increase in operating income in the auction and liquidation segment, capital markets segment and results from our communication segment as a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016 as discussed above, offset by a decrease in operating income in the valuation and appraisal segment.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   Nine Months
September 30, 2016
   Nine Months
September 30, 2015
 
   Amount   %   Amount   % 
Revenues:                    
Services and fees  $90,505    93.1%  $82,176    88.6%
Sale of goods   6,668    6.9%   10,588    11.4%
Total revenues   97,173    100.0%   92,764    100.0%
                     
Operating expenses:                    
Direct cost of services   25,084    25.8%   20,530    22.1%
Cost of goods sold   2,393    2.5%   3,071    3.3%
Selling, general and administrative expenses   48,844    50.2%   45,755    49.4%
Restructuring costs   3,585    3.7%   -    0.0%
Total operating expenses   79,906    82.2%   69,356    74.8%
Operating income   17,267    17.8%   23,408    25.2%
Other income (expense):                    
Interest income   32    0.0%   10    0.0%
Interest expense   (1,398)   -1.4%   (735)   -0.7%
Income before income taxes   15,901    16.4%   22,683    24.5%
Provision for income taxes   (6,184)   -6.4%   (8,060)   -8.7%
Net income   9,717    10.0%   14,623    15.8%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   631    0.7%   1,814    2.0%
Net income attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.  $9,086    9.4%  $12,809    13.8%

 

Revenues.

 

The table below and the discussion that follows are based on how we analyze our business.

 

   Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
   Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
   Change 
   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   % 
Revenues - Serivces and Fees:                              
Capital Markets segment  $22,799    23.5%  $30,343    32.7%  $(7,544)   -24.9%
Auction and Liquidation segment   29,358    30.2%   28,861    31.1%   497    1.7%
Valuation and Appraisal segment   22,865    23.5%   22,972    24.8%   (107)   -0.5%
Communications segment   15,483    15.9%   -    n/m    15,483    n/m 
Subtotal   90,505    93.1%   82,176    88.6%   8,329    10.1%
                               
Revenues - Sale of goods                              
Auction and Liquidation segment   6,505    6.7%   10,588    11.4%   (4,083)   -38.6%
Communications segment   163    0.2%   -    n/m    163    n/m 
Subtotal   6,668    6.9%   10,588    11.4%   (3,920)   -37.0%
                               
Total revenues  $97,173    100.0%  $92,764    100.0%  $4,409    4.8%

 

 n/m - Not applicable or not meaningful.

 

32 

 

 

Total revenues increased $4.4 million, to $97.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $92.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to an increase in revenues from services and fees of $8.3 million, offset by a decrease in revenues from the sale of goods of $3.9 million. The increase in revenues from services and fees of $8.3 million in 2016 was primarily due to an increase in revenues of $15.5 million from the communications segment as a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016 and $0.5 million in the auction and liquidation segment, offset by a decrease in revenues of $7.6 million in the capital markets segment and $0.1 million in the valuation and appraisal segment. The decrease in revenues from sale of goods of $4.1 million is primarily due a decrease in the sale of retail goods from retail liquidation engagements in the Netherlands during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Capital Markets

 

Revenues from services and fees in the capital markets segment decreased $7.5 million, to $22.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $30.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a decrease in revenues of $6.4 million from investment banking fees, $0.3 million from trading income and $0.8 million from commissions, fees and other income primarily earned from research, sales and trading, and wealth management services. The decrease in revenues from investment banking fees in 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in the number of investment banking transactions where we acted as an advisor. The decrease in revenues from trading income in 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in income we earned from trading activities in our propriety trading account. The decrease in revenues from commissions, fees and other income primarily earned from research, sales and trading, and wealth management services was primarily due to a decrease in fees and commissions earned from research, sales and trading activities by B. Riley & Co., LLC, our broker dealer.

 

Auction and Liquidation

 

Revenues from services and fees in the auction and liquidation segment increased $0.5 million, to $29.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $28.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in revenues of $0.4 million was primarily due to an increase in revenues of $3.0 million from services and fees from retail liquidation engagements, offset by a decrease in revenues $2.5 million from services and fees in our wholesale and industrial auction division. The increase in revenues from services and fees from retail liquidation engagements was primarily due to an increase in the number of retail liquidation engagements we completed in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in revenues from services and fees in our wholesale and industrial division was primarily due a decrease in the number and volume of wholesale and industrial auction engagements that were completed in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2016.

 

Valuation and Appraisal

 

Revenues from services and fees in the valuation and appraisal segment decreased $0.1 million, to $22.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $23.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a decrease in revenues of $0.6 million related to appraisal engagements where we perform valuations for the monitoring of collateral for financial institutions, lenders, and private equity investors, offset by an increase in revenues of $0.4 million related to appraisal engagements where we perform valuations of machinery and equipment and $0.1 million where we perform valuations of intellectual property and business valuations.

 

Communications

 

Revenues from services and fees in the communications segment of $15.5 million in 2016 were the result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016.  These revenues include $11.2 million in services and fees primarily from customer paid accounts related to our internet access and related subscription services and $4.3 million in advertising revenues from internet display advertising and search related to our email and internet access services. Over the past several years revenues from paid subscription services have declined year over year as a result of a decline in the number of paid subscribers for our services.  Management believes the decline in paid subscriber accounts is primarily attributable to the industry trends of consumers switching from dial-up internet access to high speed internet access such as cable and DSL.  Management expects revenues in the communications segment to continue to decline year over year.

 

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Operating Expenses

 

Direct Cost of Services. Direct cost of services and direct cost of services measured as a percentage of revenues – services and fees by segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 
   Auction and   Valuation and           Auction and   Valuation and         
   Liquidation   Appraisal   Communications       Liquidation   Appraisal   Communications     
   Segment   Segment   Segment   Total   Segment   Segment   Segment   Total 
                                 
Revenues - Services and fees  $29,358   $22,865   $15,483        $28,861   $22,972   $-      
Direct cost of services   9,870    10,287    4,927   $25,084    10,642    9,888    -   $20,530 
                                         
Gross margin on services and fees  $19,488   $12,578   $10,556        $18,219   $13,084   $-      
                                         
Gross margin percentage   66.4%   55.0%   68.2%        63.1%   57.0%   n/m      

 

* n/m -not applicable or not meaningful

 

Total direct cost of services increased $4.6 million, to $25.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $20.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Direct cost of services increased by (a) $0.4 million in the valuation and appraisal segment, and (b) $4.9 million in the communications segment as a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016, offset by a decrease in direct costs of $0.7 million in the auction and liquidation segment. The increase in direct costs of services in the valuation and appraisal segment was primarily due to an increase in payroll and related costs due to an increase in headcount in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in direct costs in the auction and liquidation segment was primarily due to a decrease in (a) the number of fee and commission type engagements where we contractually bill fees, commissions and reimbursable expenses and (b) retail liquidation engagements from our operations in the Netherlands and Germany in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Auction and Liquidation

 

Gross margin in the auction and liquidation segment for services and fees increased to 66.4% of revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to 63.1% of revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in the gross margin during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a change in the mix of fee type engagements in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The gross margin in 2016 was favorably impacted from the revenues we earned from the liquidation of 185 Hancock Fabric stores that was completed in the third quarter of 2016.

 

Valuation and Appraisal

 

Gross margin in the valuation and appraisal segment for services and fees decreased to 55.0% of revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to 57.0% of revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in the gross margin is primarily to due to the impact on the margins from the increase in payroll and related expenses incurred in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Communications

 

Gross margin in the communications segment of $10.6 million or 68.2% of revenues were the result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016. Direct costs in the communications segment of $4.9 includes telecommunications and data center costs, personnel and overhead-related costs associated with operating our networks and data centers, depreciation of network computers and equipment, third party advertising sales commissions, license fees, costs related to providing customer support, costs related to customer billings and processing of customer credit cards and associated bank fees.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were comprised of the following:

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

   Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
   Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
   Change 
   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   % 
                         
Capital Markets segment  $22,941    47.0%  $23,618    51.6%  $(677)   -2.9%
Auction and Liquidation segment   6,862    14.0%   7,872    17.2%   (1,010)   -12.8%
Valuation and Appraisal segment   6,451    13.2%   6,538    14.3%   (87)   -1.3%
Communications segment   3,941    8.1%   -    n/m    3,941    n/m 
Corporate and Other segment   8,649    17.7%   7,727    16.9%   922    11.9%
Total selling, general & administrative expenses  $48,844    100.0%  $45,755    100.0%  $3,089    6.8%

 

* n/m - not applicable or not meaningful

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3.1 million, or 6.8%, to $48.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $45.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in expenses was primarily due to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of (a) $3.9 million in the communications segment as a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016, and (b) $0.9 million in corporate and other, offset by a decrease in expenses of (a) $0.7 million in the capital markets segment, (b) $1.0 million in the auction and liquidation segment, and (c) $0.1 million in the valuation and appraisal segment.

 

Capital Markets

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the capital markets segment decreased $0.7 million, or 2.9%, to $22.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $23.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in expenses of $0.7 million was primarily due to a decrease in incentive compensation as a result of the decrease in revenues from investment banking fees in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 discussed above.

 

Auction and Liquidation

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the auction and liquidation segment decreased $1.0 million, or 12.8%, to $6.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in expenses was primarily due to a decrease in consulting fees of $1.2 million, offset by an increase in legal and professional fees of $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in consulting and incentive compensation was primarily due to a decrease in operating income from international retail liquidation engagements in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in legal and professional fees is primarily due to an increase in business activity in the auction and liquidation segment in 2016.

 

Valuation and Appraisal

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the valuation and appraisal segment decreased $0.1 million, or 1.3%, to $6.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in operating expenses of $0.1 million was primarily due to a decrease in payroll and related expenses in 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Communications

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the communications segment of $3.9 million in 2016 were the result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016. These expenses include $1.2 million of technology and development expenses, $0.4 million of sales and marketing expenses, $2.5 million of general and administrative expenses, $1.4 million of amortization of intangibles, offset by $1.6 million from a recovery of an insurance dispute. Technology and development expenses include expenses for product development, maintenance of existing software, technology and websites. Sales and marketing expenses include expenses associated personnel and overhead-related expenses for marketing, customer service, and advertising sales personnel to acquire and retain paid subscribers. Expenses associated with generating advertising revenues include sales commissions and personnel-related expenses. General and administrative expenses consist of personnel-related expenses for management in the communications segment, facilities, internal customer support personnel and personnel associated with operating our corporate systems. Amortization of intangibles includes amortization expense related to customer lists, advertising relationships, tradenames and internally developed software.

 

35 

 

 

Corporate

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for corporate and other decreased $0.9 million, or 11.9%, to $8.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $7.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in professional fees and other transaction costs of $0.9 million related the acquisition of UOL which was acquired on July 1, 2016.

 

Restructuring Charge. Restructuring charges of $3.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 include $3.2 million of employee termination costs related to a reduction in personnel in the corporate offices of UOL after our acquisition on July 1, 2016 and $0.4 million of charges related to combining our corporate office location with the offices of UOL.

 

Other Income (Expense). Other income includes interest income that was less than $0.1 million during each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. Other expense also includes interest expense which increased $0.7 million to $1.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to an increase in interest expense we incurred on our asset based credit facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Income Before Income Taxes. Income before income taxes was $15.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $6.8 million, from $22.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in income before income taxes was primarily due to a decrease in operating income of (a) $6.9 million in our capital markets segment, (b) $1.0 million in our auction and liquidation segment, (c) $0.5 million in our valuation and appraisal segment, (d) transaction costs and restructuring charges of $1.4 million, offset by operating income in 2016 of $3.4 million from our communications as a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016.

 

Provision For Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was $6.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $1.9 million, from $8.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The effective income tax rate was 38.9% during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to an effective income tax rate of 35.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The effective income tax rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased from the comparable period in 2015 primarily due to the tax differential on net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

 

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the proportionate share of net income generated by Great American Global Partners, LLC and GA Retail Investments, L.P., in which the Company has a 50% membership or partnership interest, that we do not own. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $0.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $1.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

Net Income Attributable to the Company. Net income attributable to the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $9.1 million, a decrease of $3.7 million, from net income attributable to the Company of $12.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in net income during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily due to the decrease in operating income in the capital markets segment, auction and liquidation segment and valuation and appraisal segment as discussed above, offset by the results from our communication segment as a result of the acquisition of UOL on July 1, 2016.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our operations are funded through a combination of existing cash on hand, cash generated from operations, proceeds from the private placement of common stock, borrowings under our asset based credit facility and special purposes financing arrangements.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 we generated net income of $9.1 and during the year ended December 31, 2015 we generated net income of $11.8 million. Our cash flows and profitability are impacted by the number and size of retail liquidation and capital markets engagements performed on a quarterly and annual basis.

 

As of September 30, 2016, we had $26.5 million of unrestricted cash, net investments in securities of $8.7 million, acquisition consideration payable of $10.4 million, as more fully discussed in Note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, and no borrowings outstanding under our credit facilities. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, funds available under our asset based credit facility and cash expected to be generated from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. We continue to monitor our financial performance to ensure sufficient liquidity to fund operations and execute on our business plan.

 

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From time to time, we may decide to pay dividends which will be dependent upon our financial condition and results of operations. We paid cash dividends of $0.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and we paid cash dividends of $5.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 on our common stock. Our Board of Directors may reduce or discontinue the payment of dividends at any time for any reason it deems relevant. The declaration and payment of any future dividends or repurchases of our common stock will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, capital expenditures, and other factors that may be deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

 

Cash Flow Summary

 

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015 
Net cash provided by (used in):          
Operating activities  $27,928   $43,994 
Investing activities   (111,873)   4,890 
Financing activities   80,386    (24,554)
Effect of foreign currency on cash   23    (8)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents  $(3,538)  $24,322 

 

Cash provided by operating activities was $27.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $16.1 million, from cash provided by operating activities of $44.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes net income of $9.7 million adjusted for noncash items and changes in operating assets and liabilities. The decrease in cash used in operating activities of $16.1 million was primarily due to (a) a decrease in net income of $4.9 million to $9.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, from $14.6 million during the comparable period in 2015, (b) a decrease in non-cash charges and other items of $1.1 million, and (c) changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in a decrease of $10.1 million in cash flows from operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $111.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to cash provided by investing activities of $4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, cash used in investing activities was primarily comprised of (a) an increase in restricted cash of $78.2 million, (b) cash used to purchase UOL in the amount of $33.4 million and (c) $0.3 million of cash used to purchase property and equipment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, cash provided by investing activities was primarily comprised of (a) a decrease in restricted cash of $7.5 million, (b) $2.5 million of cash used in connection with the acquisition of MK Capital Advisors, LLC (“MK Capital”), a wealth management business with operations primarily in New York, in February 2015, and (c) $0.2 million of cash used to purchase property and equipment.

 

Cash provided by financing activities was $80.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to cash used in financing activities of $24.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of (a) $23.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock in May 2016, (b) $61.4 million of borrowings in connection with the notes payable as more fully described in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, (c) $1.3 million payment of contingent consideration in connection with the acquisition of MK Capital, (d) $0.3 million used to repay a revolving line of credit, € $0.6 million of dividends paid on our common stock and (e) $1.7 million of distributions to noncontrolling interests. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, cash used in financing activities consisted of (a) $18.5 million used to repay borrowings outstanding in 2015 on our asset based credit facility, (b) $1.8 million of distributions to noncontrolling interests, and (c) $4.2 million of dividends paid on our common stock.

 

Contingent Consideration

 

In connection with the acquisition of MK Capital on February 2, 2015 for a total purchase price of $9.4 million, at closing $2.5 million of the purchase price was paid in cash and 333,333 newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $2.7 million were issued to the former members of MK Capital. The purchase agreement also requires the payment of contingent consideration in the form of future cash payments with a fair value of $2.2 million and the issuance of shares of common stock with a fair value of $2.0 million. The contingent cash consideration of $2.2 million payable to the former members of MK Capital represents the fair value of the contingent cash consideration of $1.25 million due on the first anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2016) and a final cash payment of $1.25 million due on the second anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2017), with imputed interest expense calculated at 8% per annum. The contingent stock consideration of $2.0 million is comprised of the issuance of 166,667 shares of common stock on the first anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2016) and 166,666 shares of common stock on the second anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2017). The contingent cash and stock consideration is payable on the first and second anniversary dates of the closing provided that MK Capital generates a minimum amount of gross revenues as defined in the purchase agreement for the twelve months following the first and second anniversary dates of the closing. MK Capital achieved the minimum amount of revenues for the first anniversary period and the contingent cash consideration for such first anniversary period of $1.25 million was paid and contingent stock consideration for such first anniversary period of 166,667 common shares was issued to the former members of MK Capital on February 2, 2016.

 

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Credit Agreements

 

From time to time, we utilize our asset based credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association to fund costs and expenses incurred in connection with liquidation engagements. We also utilize this credit facility in order to issue letters of credit in connection with liquidation engagements conducted on a guaranteed basis. Subject to certain limitations and offsets, we are permitted to borrow up to $100.0 million under the credit facility, less the aggregate principal amount borrowed under the UK Credit Agreement (if in effect), and the maturity date has been extended from July 16, 2013 to July 15, 2018. Borrowings under the credit facility are only made at the discretion of the lender and are generally required to be repaid within 180 days. The interest rate for each revolving credit advance under the related credit agreement is, subject to certain terms and conditions, equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.25% depending on the type of advance and the percentage such advance represents of the related transaction for which such advance is provided. On March 19, 2014, the Company entered into a separate credit agreement (a “UK Credit Agreement”) with an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association which provides for the financing of transactions in the United Kingdom. The facility allows the Company to borrow up to 50 million British Pounds. Any borrowings on the UK Credit Agreement reduce the availability on the asset based $100.0 million credit facility. The UK Credit Agreement is cross collateralized and integrated in certain respects with the credit agreement governing the credit facility. On October  5, 2016 we amended the Credit Agreement to add our Canadian subsidiary in order to facilitate borrowings to fund retail liquidation transactions in Canada. The credit facility is secured by the proceeds received for services rendered in connection with the liquidation service contracts pursuant to which any outstanding loan or letters of credit are issued and the assets that are sold at liquidation related to such contract, if any. The credit facility also provides for success fees in the amount of 5% to 20% of the net profits, if any, earned on liquidation engagements that are financed under the credit facility as set forth in the related credit agreement. We typically seek borrowings on an engagement-by-engagement basis. The credit agreement governing the credit facility contains certain covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict the Company’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make investments, dispose of assets, make certain restricted payments, merge or consolidate and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. At September 30, 2016, there was $0.3 million of standby letters of credit issued and outstanding under the credit facility. There were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

Accounts Receivable Line of Credit

 

On May 17, 2011, one of our majority owned subsidiaries entered into an Accounts Receivable Line of Credit with a finance company. Proceeds from the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit were used to pay off borrowings under the factoring agreement.  The Accounts Receivable Line of Credit was collateralized by the accounts receivable of our majority owned subsidiary and allowed for borrowings in the amount of 85% of the net face amount of prime accounts, as defined in the loan and security agreement governing the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit, with maximum borrowings not to exceed $2.0 million. The interest rate under the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit was the prime rate plus 2%, payable monthly in arrears. The Accounts Receivable Line of Credit was amended effective February 3, 2012 and the maximum borrowings allowed increased from $2.0 million to $3.0 million. In connection with the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit, Great American Group, LLC entered into a limited continuing guaranty of our majority owned subsidiary’s obligations under the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit. Borrowings outstanding under the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit were $0.3 million at December 31, 2015. On December 7, 2015, the Company notified the finance company to terminate the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit, all outstanding amounts under the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit were repaid on January 27, 2016 and the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit was terminated upon maturity on February 3, 2016.

 

Note Offering

 

On November 2, 2016, the Company issued $28.75 million of Senior Notes, interest payable quarterly at 7.5% commencing January 31, 2017. The Senior Notes are unsecured and due and payable in full on October 31, 2021. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Company received net proceeds of $27.9 million (after underwriting commissions and fees of $0.9 million). In connection with the offering of the Senior Notes, management and the Board of Directors of the Company purchased $2.7 million or 9.5% of the Senior Notes offered by the Company.

 

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Other Borrowings

 

In March 2015, we had capital deployed for three retail liquidation engagements. On March 10, 2015, the Company borrowed $4.5 million from Riley Investment Partners, L.P. (“RIP”) in accordance with RIP Note. The principal amount of $4.5 million for the RIP Note accrued interest at the rate of 10% per annum (or 15% in the event of a default under the RIP Note). The borrowings were for short-term working capital needs and capital for other retail liquidation engagements. RIP was also entitled to the Success Fee of 20% of the net profit, if any, earned by the Company in connection with a designated liquidation transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the RIP Note, under no circumstances was the Company obligated to pay to RIP any portion of the combined amount of interest and the Success Fee which exceeded twelve percent (12%) of the $4.5 million principal amount of the RIP Note. The outstanding principal amount, together with the accrued and unpaid interest and the Success Fee, were due and payable by the Company on March 9, 2016. The RIP Note was subordinated in certain respects to the Company’s guaranty relating to its existing credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and, in the event of certain insolvency proceedings, with respect to such credit facility itself, as well as to any other indebtedness of the Company to the extent required by the documents governing the repayment thereof. The RIP Note was repaid on May 4, 2015.

 

Riley Investment Management LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the general partner of RIP. Bryant Riley, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, owns or controls approximately 45% of the equity interests of RIP. In addition, Thomas Kelleher, the President and a director of the Company, and one other employee of the Company, own or control de minimis amounts of the equity interests of RIP. After considering the economic interests of Mr. Riley and Mr. Kelleher in the RIP Note and comparing the terms of the RIP Note to terms that may have been available from unaffiliated third parties, the disinterested members of the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the issuance of the RIP Note.

 

In August 2016, the Company formed GA Retail Investments, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (the “Partnership”) which required the Company to contribute $15.4 million. The Partnership borrowed $80.0 million Australian dollars from a third party investor in connection with its’ formation and the $80.0 million Australian dollars exchanged for a 50% special limited partnership interest in the Partnership. The Partnership was formed to provide funding for the retail liquidation engagement we entered into to liquidate the Masters Home Improvement stores. The $80.0 million Australian participating note payable is non-interest bearing, shares in 50% of the all of the profits and losses of the Partnership and is subject to repayment upon the completion of the going-out-of-business sale of Masters Home Improvement stores as defined in the partnership agreement. Although the terms of the participating note payable include the issuance of an 50% equity interest in the Partnership, sharing in all profits and losses of the Partnership, and no repayment until certain events occur, in accordance with ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities From Equity, this financial instrument has been classified as a participating note payable in the current liabilities of the liability section of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The balance of the participating note payable at September 30, 2016 is $60.8 million.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no obligations, assets or liabilities which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements and do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities or entered into any options on non-financial assets.

 

New Accounting Standards

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The amendments in this update require lessees, among other things, to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous authoritative guidance. This update also introduces new disclosure requirements for leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019, but early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amends revenue recognition requirements for multiple deliverable revenue arrangements. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments in this ASU will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet adopted this update and is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). The amendments in this update do not change the core principle of the guidance as noted above at ASU No. 2014-09. The amendments clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU No. 2014-09. The Company has not yet adopted this update and is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

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In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments in this update involve simplification in several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this update require both prospective and retrospective application with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company has not yet adopted this update and is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15), which clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal year 2019, but early application is permitted. The Company has not yet adopted this update and is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We carried out an evaluation required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2016.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report, other than the internal controls as a result of the acquisition of United Online, Inc. on July 1, 2016, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Inherent Limitation on Effectiveness of Controls

 

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures. These limitations include the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures and reasonable resource constraints. In addition, because we have designed our system of controls based on certain assumptions, which we believe are reasonable, about the likelihood of future events, our system of controls may not achieve its desired purpose under all possible future conditions. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance, but not absolute assurance, of achieving their objectives.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

From time to time, we are involved in litigation which arises in the normal course of our business operations. Except as set forth below, we believe that we are not currently a party to any proceedings the adverse outcome of which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations:

 

On January 19, 2015, a complaint (the “Complaint”) was filed against Great American Group, LLC, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (“Court”), adversary proceeding 15-50057 (MFW), by 9586 LLC asserting claims arising out of the Great American Group, LLC’s activities with respect to an auction of equipment in Colorado in October 2012.  This proceeding is pending in the bankruptcy cases of Abound Solar Manufacturing, LLC and certain of its affiliates (the “Debtors”), case no. 12-11974.  The Complaint asserts claims for breach of contract, negligence, fraud, unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation, nuisance, and violations of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (“CCPA”).  In the Complaint, the plaintiff, a former landlord of the Debtors, generally alleges that Great American Group, LLC and a joint venture partner were responsible for contamination while performing services in connection with an auction of solar machinery, and is seeking approximately $9.7 million in damages.  In April 2015, Great American Group, LLC filed a Motion to Dismiss the Complaint. On March 1, 2016, the Court issued its Opinion on Great American Group, LLC’s Motion to Dismiss dismissing the unjust enrichment claim and the CCPA claim, but denied the motion with respect to the other claims. In April 2016, we filed an answer with the Court denying the allegations in the complaint. We intend to continue to vigorously defend this action which we consider to be meritless. An adverse judgment in this matter could materially and adversely affect the Company and its financial condition.

 

On July 5, 2016, Quadre Investments LP (“Quadre”) filed a petition with the Delaware Court of Chancery (the “Court”) seeking a determination of fair value for 943,769 shares of common stock of UOL in connection with the acquisition of UOL by the Company. Such transaction gave rise to appraisal rights pursuant to Section 262 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. As a result, Quadre is entitled to petition the Court to receive fair value as determined by the Court. We do not believe that the fair value of each share exceeds $11.00 per share, the merger consideration paid to UOL stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement in such acquisition, and we intend to contest the petition. As of September 30, 2016, we have recorded approximately $10.4 million of acquisition consideration payable and approximately $0.2 million of accrued interest payable in connection with the Quadre petition.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There are certain risks and uncertainties in our business that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. A detailed discussion of our risk factors was included in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2016. These risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and in connection with the forward-looking statements and other information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of the risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made. There were no material changes to the risk factors during the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, other than with respect to the risk factors described below.

 

Risks Related to the Acquisition of United Online, Inc. (“UOL”) and to Our Business Following the Acquisition of UOL (the “UOL Acquisition”)

 

We may experience difficulties in realizing the expected benefits of the UOL Acquisition.

 

Our ability to achieve the benefits we anticipate from the UOL Acquisition will depend in large part upon whether we are able to achieve expected cost savings, manage UOL’s business and execute our strategy in an efficient and effective manner. Because our business and the business of UOL differ, we may not be able to manage UOL’s business smoothly or successfully and the process of achieving expected cost savings may take longer than expected. If we are unable to manage the operations of UOL’s business successfully, we may be unable to realize the cost savings and other anticipated benefits we expect to achieve as a result of the UOL acquisition. As a result, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected and the market price of our common stock could be negatively impacted.

 

The UOL Acquisition may cause disruptions in UOL’s business, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations following completion of the acquisition.

 

The UOL Acquisition could cause disruptions in the business of UOL. Specifically:

 

  current and prospective employees of UOL may experience uncertainty about their future roles with B. Riley, which might adversely affect the ability of UOL to retain key personnel and attract new personnel;

 

  current and prospective customers of UOL may experience uncertainty about the ability of UOL to meet their needs, which might cause customers to seek other suppliers for the products and services provided by UOL; and

 

  management’s attention may be focused on the acquisition, which may divert management’s attention from the core business of UOL and other opportunities that could have been beneficial to UOL.

 

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This could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

UOL may have liabilities that are not known, probable or estimable at this time.

 

As a result of the UOL Acquisition, UOL became our subsidiary. There could be unasserted claims or assessments that we failed or were unable to discover or identify in the course of performing due diligence investigations of UOL. In addition, there may be liabilities that are neither probable nor estimable at this time which may become probable and estimable in the future. Any such liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business and our prospects. We may learn additional information about UOL that adversely affects us, such as unknown, unasserted or contingent liabilities and issues relating to compliance with applicable laws.

 

If we acquire businesses or technologies or pursue other strategic transactions in the future, these transactions could disrupt our business and harm our operating results and financial condition.

 

We will evaluate opportunities to acquire businesses or technologies or pursue other strategic transactions. Acquisitions and other strategic transactions entail a number of risks that could adversely affect our business and operating results, including, among others:

 

  difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies or products of acquired companies or working with third parties with which we may partner on strategic relationships;

 

  the diversion of management’s time and attention from the normal daily operations of the business;

 

  insufficient increases in net sales to offset increased expenses associated with such acquisitions or strategic transactions;

 

  difficulties in retaining business relationships with suppliers and customers;

 

  over-estimation of potential synergies or a delay in realizing those synergies;
     
  entering markets in which we have no or limited experience and in which competitors have stronger market positions; and

 

  the potential loss of key employees of our or any acquired companies.

 

Future acquisitions or other strategic transactions also could cause us to incur debt or be subject to contingent liabilities. In addition, acquisitions or other strategic transactions could cause us to issue equity or debt securities that could dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders or increase our leverage relative to our earnings or to our equity capitalization. Furthermore, acquisitions or other strategic transactions may result in material charges or adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation, deferred compensation charges, the amortization of amounts related to deferred stock-based compensation expense and identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill, any or all of which could negatively affect our results of operations.

 

UOL competes against large companies, many of whom have significantly more financial and marketing resources, and our business will suffer if we are unable to compete successfully.

 

UOL competes with numerous providers of broadband, mobile broadband and DSL services, as well as other dial-up Internet access providers, many of whom are large and have significantly more financial and marketing resources. The principal competitors for UOL’s mobile broadband and DSL services include, among others, local exchange carriers, wireless and satellite service providers, and cable service providers. These competitors include established providers such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. UOL’s principal dial-up Internet access competitors include established online service and content providers, such as AOL and MSN, and independent national Internet service providers, such as EarthLink and its PeoplePC subsidiary. Dial-up Internet access services do not compete favorably with broadband services with respect to connection speed and do not have a significant, if any, price advantage over certain broadband services. In addition, there are a number of mobile virtual network operators, some of which focus on pricing as their main selling point. Certain portions of the U.S., primarily rural areas, currently have limited or no access to broadband services. However, the U.S. government has indicated its intention to facilitate the provision of broadband services to such areas. Such expansion of the availability of broadband services will increase the competition for Internet access subscribers in such areas and will likely adversely affect the UOL business. In addition to competition from broadband, mobile broadband, and DSL providers, competition among dial-up Internet access service providers is intense and neither UOL’s pricing nor the features of UOL’s services provides us with a significant competitive advantage, if any, over certain of UOL’s dial-up Internet access competitors. We expect that competition, particularly with respect to price, for broadband, mobile broadband, and DSL services, as well as dial-up Internet access services, will continue and may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

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Dial-up and DSL pay accounts may decline faster than expected and adversely impact our business.

 

A significant portion of UOL’s current communications segment revenues and profits come from dial-up Internet and DSL access services and related services and advertising revenues. UOL’s dial-up and DSL Internet access pay accounts and revenues have been declining and are expected to continue to decline due to the continued maturation of the market for dial-up and DSL Internet access, competitive pressures in the industry and limited sales efforts. Consumers continue to migrate to broadband access, primarily due to the faster connection and download speeds provided by broadband access. Advanced applications such as online gaming, music downloads and videos require greater bandwidth for optimal performance, which adds to the demand for broadband access. The pricing for basic broadband services has been declining as well, making it a more viable option for consumers. In addition, the popularity of accessing the Internet through tablets and mobile devices has been growing and may accelerate the migration of consumers away from dial-up Internet access. The number of dial-up Internet access pay accounts has been adversely impacted by both a decrease in the number of new pay accounts signing up for UOL’s services, as well as the impact of subscribers canceling their accounts, which we refer to as “churn.” Churn has increased from time to time and may increase in the future. If we experience a higher than expected level of churn, it will make it more difficult for us to increase or maintain the number of pay accounts, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

We expect UOL’s dial-up and DSL Internet access pay accounts to continue to decline. As a result, related services revenues and the profitability of this segment may decline. The rate of decline in these revenues may continue to accelerate.

 

We may not be able to consistently make a high level of expense reductions in the future. Continued declines in revenues relating to the UOL business, particularly if such declines accelerate, will materially and adversely impact the profitability of this business.

 

Government regulations could adversely affect our business or force us to change our business practices.

 

The services that are provided by UOL are subject to varying degrees of international, federal, state and local laws and regulation, including, without limitation, those relating to taxation, bulk email or "spam," advertising (including, without limitation, targeted or behavioral advertising), user privacy and data protection, consumer protection, antitrust, export, and unclaimed property. Compliance with such laws and regulations, which in many instances are unclear or unsettled, is complex. New laws and regulations, such as those being considered or recently enacted by certain states, the federal government, or international authorities related to automatic-renewal practices, spam, user privacy, targeted or behavioral advertising, and taxation, could impact our revenues or certain of our business practices or those of our advertisers.

 

UOL resells broadband Internet access services offered by other parties pursuant to wholesale agreements with those providers. In an order released in March 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) classified retail broadband Internet access services as telecommunications services subject to regulation under Title II of the Communications Act. That ruling is subject to a pending appeal. The classification of retail broadband Internet access services as telecommunications services means that providers of these services are subject to the general requirement that their charges, practices and classifications for telecommunications services be “just and reasonable,” and that they refrain from engaging in any “unjust or unreasonable discrimination” with respect to their charges, practices or classifications. However, the FCC has not determined what, if any, regulations will apply to wholesale broadband Internet access services, and it is uncertain whether it will adopt requirements that will be favorable or unfavorable to us. It is also possible that the classification of retail broadband Internet access services will be overturned on appeal, that Congress will adopt legislation reversing that decision, or that a future FCC will reverse that decision.

 

Broadband Internet access is also currently classified as an “information service.” While current policy exempts broadband Internet access services (but not all broadband services) from contributing to the Universal Service Fund (“USF”), Congress and the FCC may consider expanding the USF contribution base to include broadband Internet access services. If broadband Internet access providers become subject to USF contribution obligations, they would likely impose a USF surcharge on end users. Such a surcharge will raise the effective cost of our broadband services to UOL’s customers, which could adversely affect customer satisfaction and have an adverse impact on our revenues and profitability.

 

Failure to make proper payments for federal USF contributions, FCC regulatory fees or other amounts mandated by federal and state regulations; failure to maintain proper state tariffs and certifications; failure to comply with federal, state or local laws and regulations; failure to obtain and maintain required licenses, franchises and permits; imposition of burdensome license, franchise or permit requirements for us to operate in public rights-of-way; and imposition of new burdensome or adverse regulatory requirements could limit the types of services we provide or the terms on which we provide these services.

 

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We cannot predict the outcome of any ongoing legislative initiatives or administrative or judicial proceedings or their potential impact upon the communications and information technology industries generally or upon the UOL business specifically. Any changes in the laws and regulations applicable to UOL, the enactment of any additional laws or regulations, or the failure to comply with, or increased enforcement activity by regulators of, such laws and regulations, could significantly impact our services and products, our costs, or the manner in which we or our advertisers conduct business, all of which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows and cause our business to suffer.

 

The FCC and some states require us to obtain prior approval of certain major merger and acquisition transactions, such as the acquisition of control of another telecommunications carrier. Delays in obtaining such approvals could affect our ability to close proposed transactions in a timely manner, and could increase our costs and increase the risk of non-consummation of some transactions.

 

Failure to maintain or grow advertising revenues from UOL, including as a result of failing to increase or maintain the number of subscribers for UOL’s services, could have a negative impact on advertising profitability.

 

Advertising revenues are a key component of revenues and profitability from UOL. UOL’s services currently generate advertising revenues from search placements, display advertisements and online market research associated with Internet access and email services. Factors that have caused, or may cause in the future, UOL’s advertising revenues to fluctuate include, without limitation, changes in the number of visitors to UOL’s websites, active accounts or consumers purchasing our services and products, the effect of, changes to, or terminations of key advertising relationships, changes to UOL’s websites and advertising inventory, changes in applicable laws, regulations or business practices, including those related to behavioral or targeted advertising, user privacy, and taxation, changes in business models, changes in the online advertising market, changes in the economy, advertisers’ budgeting and buying patterns, competition, and changes in usage of UOL’s services. Decreases in UOL’s advertising revenues are likely to adversely impact our profitability. Further, our successful operation and management of UOL, including the ability to generate advertising revenues for UOL’s services, will depend in part upon our ability to increase or maintain the number of subscribers for UOL’s services. A decline in the number of subscribers using UOL’s services could result in decreased advertising revenues, and decreases in advertising revenues would adversely impact our profitability. The failure to increase or maintain the number of subscribers for UOL’s services could have a material adverse effect on advertising revenues and our profitability.

 

Interruption or failure of the network, information systems or other technologies essential to the UOL business could impair our ability to provide services relating to the UOL business, which could damage our reputation and harm our operating results.

 

Our successful operation of the UOL business depends on our ability to provide reliable service. Many of UOL’s products are supported by data centers. UOL’s network, data centers, central offices and those of UOL’s third-party service providers are vulnerable to damage or interruption from fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, floods and other natural disasters, terrorist attacks, power loss, capacity limitations, telecommunications failures, software and hardware defects or malfunctions, break ins, sabotage and vandalism, human error and other disruptions that are beyond our control. Some of the systems serving the UOL business are not fully redundant, and our disaster recovery or business continuity planning may not be adequate. The UOL business could also experience interruptions due to cable damage, theft of equipment, power outages, inclement weather and service failures of third-party service providers. The occurrence of any disruption or system failure or other significant disruption to business continuity may result in a loss of business, increase expenses, damage to reputation for providing reliable service, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny or expose us to litigation and possible financial losses, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and cash flows.

 

We may be accused of infringing upon the intellectual property rights of third parties, which is costly to defend and could limit our ability to use certain technologies in the future.

 

From time to time third parties have alleged that UOL infringes on their intellectual property rights, including patent rights. We may be unaware of filed patent applications and of issued patents that could be related to the products and services we acquired in the UOL Acquisition. These claims are often made by patent holding companies that are not operating companies. The alleging parties generally seek royalty payments for prior use as well as future royalty streams. Defending against disputes, litigation or other legal proceedings, whether or not meritorious, may involve significant expense and diversion of management’s attention and resources from other matters. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we may not prevail in these actions. Both the costs of defending lawsuits and any settlements or judgments against us could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.

 

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We may be unable to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel, and the loss of any personnel could adversely affect us.

 

Our ability to successfully operate the UOL business depends on the ability to hire and retain, as needed, key personnel, many of whom have significant experience in UOL’s industry and whose expertise is required to successfully manage and operate the UOL business. There is substantial and continuous competition for highly skilled personnel. Workforce reductions, the UOL Acquisition and any future acquisitions may affect our ability to retain or replace key personnel for the UOL business, harm employee morale and productivity or disrupt our business. Key personnel in the UOL business may depart because of issues relating to uncertainty or a desire not to remain with us following a workforce reduction, change in business strategy or acquisition. Finally, the loss of any of key personnel in the UOL business could impair our ability to execute our business strategy or otherwise have a material adverse effect on us.

 

If there are events or circumstances affecting the reliability or security of the Internet, access to the websites related to the UOL business and/or the ability to safeguard confidential information could be impaired causing a negative effect on the financial results of our business operations.

 

Our website infrastructure and the website infrastructure of UOL may be vulnerable to computer viruses, hacking or similar disruptive problems caused by customers, other Internet users, other connected Internet sites, and the interconnecting telecommunications networks. Such problems caused by third-parties could lead to interruptions, delays or cessation of service to the customers of the UOL products and services. Inappropriate use of the Internet by third-parties could also potentially jeopardize the security of confidential information stored in our computer system, which may deter individuals from becoming customers. There can be no assurance that any such measures would not be circumvented in future. Dealing with problems caused by computer viruses or other inappropriate uses or security breaches may require interruptions, delays or cessation of service to customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The UOL business processes, stores and uses personal information and other data, which subjects us to governmental regulation and other legal obligations related to privacy, and our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business.

 

The UOL business receives, stores and processes personal information and other customer data, and UOL enables customers to share their personal information with each other and with third parties. There are numerous federal, state and local laws around the world regarding privacy and the storing, sharing, use, processing, disclosure and protection of personal information and other customer data, the scope of which are changing, subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent between countries or conflict with other rules. We will generally comply with industry standards and are and will be subject to the terms of privacy policies and privacy-related obligations to third parties. We will strive to comply with all applicable laws, policies, legal obligations and industry codes of conduct relating to privacy and data protection, to the extent possible. However, it is possible that these obligations may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another and may conflict with other rules or UOL’s practices. Any failure or perceived failure to comply with UOL’s privacy policies, privacy-related obligations to customers or other third parties, or privacy-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other customer data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause customers to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our business. Additionally, if third parties we work with, such as customers, vendors or developers, violate applicable laws or policies, such violations may also put our customers’ information at risk and could in turn have an adverse effect on our business.

 

Our ability to utilize UOL’s net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards in the future is subject to substantial limitations and may be further limited as a result of the UOL Acquisition.

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, certain ownership changes can limit a corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income. As a result of the UOL Acquisition, such limitations will apply to our ability to utilize UOL’s net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. These and other similar applicable limitations could result in increased future tax payments for us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Litigation may distract us from operating our business.

 

Litigation that may be brought by or against us could cause us to incur significant expenditures and distract our management from the operation of our business, including UOL’s business. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we would prevail in such litigation or resolve such litigation on terms favorable to us, which may adversely affect our financial results and operations.

 

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Our marketing efforts for UOL’s business may not be successful or may become more expensive, either of which could increase our costs and adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

We rely on relationships for our UOL business with a wide variety of third parties, including Internet search providers such as Google, social networking platforms such as Facebook, Internet advertising networks, co-registration partners, retailers, distributors, television advertising agencies, and direct marketers, to source new members and to promote or distribute our services and products. In addition, in connection with the launch of new services or products for our UOL business, we may spend a significant amount of resources on marketing. With any of our brands, services, and products, if our marketing activities are inefficient or unsuccessful, if important third-party relationships or marketing strategies, such as Internet search engine marketing and search engine optimization, become more expensive or unavailable, or are suspended, modified, or terminated, for any reason, if there is an increase in the proportion of consumers visiting our websites or purchasing our services and products by way of marketing channels with higher marketing costs as compared to channels that have lower or no associated marketing costs, or if our marketing efforts do not result in our services and products being prominently ranked in Internet search listings, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially and adversely impacted.

 

Our UOL business is dependent on the availability of telecommunications services and compatibility with third-party systems and products.

 

Our UOL business substantially depends on the availability, capacity, affordability, reliability, and security of our telecommunications networks. Only a limited number of telecommunications providers offer the network and data services we currently require for our UOL business, and we purchase most of our telecommunications services from a few providers. Some of our telecommunications services are provided pursuant to short-term agreements that the providers can terminate or elect not to renew. In addition, some telecommunications providers may cease to offer network services for certain less populated areas, which would reduce the number of providers from which we may purchase services and may entirely eliminate our ability to purchase services for certain areas. Currently, our mobile broadband service of our UOL business is entirely dependent upon services acquired from one service provider, and the devices required by the provider can be used for only such provider's service. If we are unable to maintain, renew or obtain a new agreement with the telecommunications provider on acceptable terms, or the provider discontinues its services, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. Sprint, which owns Clearwire, ceased using WiMAX technology on the Clearwire network. This affected our mobile broadband subscribers for our UOL business that utilized the Clearwire network.

 

Our dial-up Internet access services of our UOL business also rely on their compatibility with other third-party systems, products and features, including operating systems. Incompatibility with third-party systems and products could adversely affect our ability to deliver our services or a user's ability to access our services and could also adversely impact the distribution channels for our services. Our dial-up Internet access services are dependent on dial-up modems and an increasing number of computer manufacturers, including certain manufacturers with whom we have distribution relationships, do not pre-load their new computers with dial-up modems, requiring the user to separately acquire a modem to access our services. We cannot assure you that, as the dial-up Internet access market declines and new technologies emerge, we will be able to continue to effectively distribute and deliver our services.

 

Risks Related to our Recent Debt Offering

 

Our level of indebtedness, and restrictions under such indebtedness, could adversely affect our operations and liquidity.

 

We recently completed an offering of 7.50% Senior Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $28.75 million. The terms of such indebtedness contain various restrictions and covenants regarding the operation of our business, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our ability to merge or consolidate with or into any other entity. We may also secure additional debt financing in the future in addition to our current debt. Our level of indebtedness generally could adversely affect our operations and liquidity, by, among other things: (i) making it more difficult for us to pay or refinance our debts as they become due during adverse economic and industry conditions because we may not have sufficient cash flows to make our scheduled debt payments; (ii) causing us to use a larger portion of our cash flows to fund interest and principal payments, thereby reducing the availability of cash to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other business activities; (iii) making it more difficult for us to take advantage of significant business opportunities, such as acquisition opportunities or other strategic transactions, and to react to changes in market or industry conditions; and (iv) limiting our ability to borrow additional monies in the future to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes as and when needed, which could force us to suspend, delay or curtail business prospects, strategies or operations. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to pay the interest on our debt, and future working capital, borrowings or equity financing may not be available to pay or refinance such debt. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to pay the interest on our debt, we may have to delay or curtail our operations. If we are unable to service our indebtedness, we will be forced to adopt an alternative strategy that may include actions such as reducing capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our indebtedness or seeking additional equity capital. These alternative strategies may not be affected on satisfactory terms, if at all, and they may not yield sufficient funds to make required payments on our indebtedness. If, for any reason, we are unable to meet our debt service and repayment obligations, we would be in default under the terms of the agreements governing our debt, which could allow our creditors at that time to declare certain outstanding indebtedness to be due and payable or exercise other available remedies, which may in turn trigger cross acceleration or cross default rights in other agreements. If that should occur, we may not be able to pay all such debt or to borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing were then available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us.

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

The exhibits filed as part of this Quarterly Report are listed in the index to exhibits immediately preceding such exhibits, which index to exhibits is incorporated herein by reference.

 

47 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

    B. Riley Financial, Inc.
   
Date: November 14, 2016 By: /s/  PHILLIP J. AHN
    Name:  Phillip J. Ahn
    Title:  Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

48 

 

 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No.    Description
     
4.1(1)   Base Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2016, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee
4.2(1)   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2016, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee
10.1*   Sixth Amendment and Joinder under Credit Facility among Great American Group WF, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Lender October 5, 2016
10.2(1)   Underwriting Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2016, by and among the Company, Wunderlich Securities, Inc. and Compass Point Research & Trading LLC, as representative of the several underwriters named therein
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32.1*   Certification required by 18 United States Code Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*   Certification required by 18 United States Code Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

*Filed herewith.

 

These exhibits are being “furnished” and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
(1)Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 2, 2016.