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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
/X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998.
OR
/ / TRANSACTION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ________ TO ________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-26068
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ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA 95-4405754
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation organization) Identification No.)
55 SOUTH LAKE AVENUE, PASADENA CA 91101
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (626) 396-8300
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: COMMON STOCK, NO
PAR VALUE
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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
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /X/ No / /
Indicate by check mark that disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. / /
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, computed by reference to the average closing bid and asked prices of
such stock, as of March 30, 1999 was approximately $38,659,800. (All officers
and directors of the registrant are considered affiliates.)
At March 30, 1999 the registrant had 10,310,815 shares of Common Stock, no
par value, issued and outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement for its Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after
the close of the registrant's fiscal year are incorporated by reference into
Part III.
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Acacia Research Corporation, a California corporation (the "Company"),
incorporated in January 1993, is a diversified company that makes direct
investments in and provides management services to emerging businesses.
The Company intends to continue expanding through the internal development
of its present operations and other business opportunities as well as the
acquisition of additional business ventures or increased ownership positions in
its existing holdings. Present operations currently consist of significant
ownership positions in seven enterprises.
ENTERPRISES
The Company participates in the formation of, and invests in, emerging or
early-stage companies in various fields of business by arranging for and
contributing capital and providing management assistance. Potential ventures are
evaluated based on the ability of the business to become viable and reach a
significant milestone with the Company's initial investment as well as
possessing a potential to generate significant revenues through strong
intellectual property rights and experienced management. The Company continually
seeks and evaluates investment opportunities that have the potential of earning
significant returns in either new business ventures or by increasing its equity
position in its existing holdings. The Company has in the past, and may again in
the future, raise capital specifically for the purpose of permitting it to make
an investment that the Company believes is attractive.
The Company has significant economic interests in seven enterprises that it
has formed and takes an active role in each company's growth and advancement.
The Company's current enterprise portfolio includes the following: (i)
CombiMatrix Corporation ("CombiMatrix"); (ii) Greenwich Information Technologies
LLC ("Greenwich Information Technologies"); (iii) MerkWerks Corporation
("MerkWerks"); (iv) Signature-mail.com llc ("Signature-mail.com"); (v) Soundview
Technologies Incorporated ("Soundview Technologies"); (vi) Whitewing Labs, Inc.
("Whitewing Labs"); and (vii) Acacia Capital Management (CombiMatrix, MerkWerks,
Greenwich Information Technologies, Signature-mail.com Soundview Technologies,
and Whitewing Labs are collectively referred to hereinafter as the
"Affiliates").
The Company generally invests in start-up ventures with no operating
histories, unproven technologies and products and, in some cases, the need for
identification and implementation of experienced management. Because of the
uncertainties and risks associated with such start-up ventures, investors in the
Company should expect losses, which could be significant, associated with any
possible failed venture. In addition, markets for venture capital in the United
States are increasingly competitive. As a result, the Company faces potential
losses of business opportunities and possible deterioration of the terms of
available financings and equity investments in start-up ventures. Furthermore,
the Company may lack financial resources to fully fund additional ventures in
which it could participate and may be dependent upon external financing to
provide sufficient capital, depending on the number and scope of the ventures
that could be financed.
The venture capital business is marked by a high degree of risk, including
risks associated with identifying and developing new business opportunities,
difficulties selecting ventures with acceptable likelihoods of success and
future profitability, the high risk of loss associated with investments in
start-ups and the competitive nature of the venture capital business.
Identifying and developing each new business opportunity requires the Company to
dedicate significant amounts of financial resources, management attention, and
personnel, with no assurance that these expenditures will be recouped.
Similarly, the selection of companies and the determination of whether a company
offers a viable business plan, an acceptable likelihood of success, and future
profitability involves inherent risk and uncertainty.
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COMBIMATRIX
CombiMatrix was incorporated in October 1995 under the laws of the State of
California. CombiMatrix is a development stage company engaged in research and
development to commercialize its proprietary technology relating to
combinatorial chemistry synthesis on a semiconductor chip. CombiMatrix has
developed a combinatorial chemistry system that synthesizes and analyzes
chemical arrays on a semiconductor chip in a short amount of time. The first
generation of chips each contains 1,024 individually addressable sites where
chemicals such as DNA, small molecules or peptides are synthesized.
CombiMatrix is developing a platform technology that allows for chemical
synthesis directly at individually addressable sites on a semiconductor chip.
This is accomplished by using electrochemistry to produce chemical reagents at
selected chemical reactor sites on a chip. As a consequence, different chemicals
can be synthesized at different sites. The result is an array of many different
chemicals on a semiconductor chip. These chemicals can be segments of DNA,
peptides or drug candidates. The chemicals in this array can be tested
simultaneously and in parallel. Such arrays have great utility in the area of
chemical discovery. The uses of these arrays that are of greatest interest to
CombiMatrix in the near term are genomic, proteomic and drug discovery
applications.
One of CombiMatrix's key inventions is its method which allows chemical
reagents that are generated IN SITU by electrochemistry at specific chemical
reactor locations to be confined to those specific locations solely by solutions
in which the chip is immersed. This method obviates the need to isolate each
chemical reactor from its neighbors using glass walls or other physical
confinement systems. CombiMatrix uses the term "virtual reactor" to describe its
technology for isolation of chemical reactors on its chips from one another
without physical walls. Huge numbers of virtual reactors can operate in close
proximity to each other on CombiMatrix's chips.
CombiMatrix believes that the technologies it is developing could yield
significant advantages in the speed, cost, and effectiveness of drug discovery
over existing approaches that automate combinatorial chemistry. CombiMatrix's
technologies for automating the combinatorial synthesis of compounds, if
successful, would be significantly faster, of larger scale, and yield a much
lower per compound cost than existing technologies that use optical markers or
labeled beads. Further, the array format that CombiMatrix is developing could
allow very small volumes of test solutions to be used when screening for active
compounds against receptor proteins and require only microliters of solutions
for comprehensive screening of large libraries of compounds, reducing assay
costs. In some cases, receptors may be available in such small quantities that
microliters of solution may be all that is available. CombiMatrix has ten
pending patent applications for its technologies. To date, no patents have been
issued in the United States or any major foreign countries.
The Company's investment in CombiMatrix is subject to the risks associated
with new technologies, including the viability of CombiMatrix's technologies,
unknown customer acceptance, difficulties in obtaining financing, the ability to
obtain intellectual property protection, competition, and the impact of
applicable laws and regulations. In the event its technologies prove to be
successful, CombiMatrix intends to pursue collaborations with pharmaceutical
companies, which may include the licensing of CombiMatrix's screening libraries
and possibly the licensing of internally developed chemical compounds. No
assurances can be given that CombiMatrix, even if successful in developing its
technologies, would be able to successfully implement collaborative efforts with
pharmaceutical companies. CombiMatrix has incurred consistent operating losses
since its inception and has been expanding its operations and the development of
its proprietary technologies which has resulted in significant increases in
expenses. To date, CombiMatrix has generated no revenues and is not expected to
generate significant, if any, revenues for the near future. CombiMatrix's
ability to achieve profitability will be dependent upon the ability of
CombiMatrix to raise additional funds through the sale of equity in CombiMatrix
and there can be no assurance that CombiMatrix will be able to raise such funds.
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CombiMatrix intends to vigorously protect its intellectual property rights.
There can be no assurance, however, that CombiMatrix's pending patent
applications will issue or that a third party will not violate, or attempt to
invalidate, CombiMatrix's intellectual property rights, possibly forcing
CombiMatrix to expend substantial legal fees. Successful challenges to
CombiMatrix's patent applications, if issued, would materially adversely affect
CombiMatrix's business. CombiMatrix requires confidentiality agreements with
customers and potential customers, vendors and other third parties and generally
limits access to information relating to its technologies. Despite these
precautions, third parties may be able to gain access to and use its technology
to develop similar competing technologies. There can be no assurance that
certain aspects of CombiMatrix's technology will not be reverse-engineered by
third parties without violating CombiMatrix's proprietary rights. CombiMatrix's
existing protections also may not preclude competitors from developing products
with features and prices similar to or better than those of CombiMatrix.
The Company owns 4,179,000 shares, or 52.7%, of CombiMatrix common stock at
a cost of $522,000, both in cash and the Company's stock. In March 1998,
CombiMatrix completed a private placement of three year notes and warrants to
purchase CombiMatrix common stock, which raised gross proceeds of $1.45 million.
The Company participated in this financing, investing $50,000. The Company has
also loaned CombiMatrix an aggregate of $634,000 as of March 30, 1999.
R. Bruce Stewart, the Company's Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, is the
Chairman and Treasurer of CombiMatrix; and Paul R. Ryan, a director of the
Company as well as its President and Chief Executive Officer, is the interim
Chief Executive Officer and a director of CombiMatrix. Kathryn King-Van Wie, the
Company's Chief Operating Officer, serves as Corporate Secretary of CombiMatrix.
Donald D. Montgomery, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Development of
CombiMatrix and Brooke P. Anderson, Ph.D., Director of Engineering of
CombiMatrix are also directors. The three independent directors are Mark G.
Edwards, Rigdon Currie, and Paul Low, Ph.D. Mr. Edwards is the Managing Director
of Recombinant Capital, a San Francisco-based firm specializing in negotiating
alliances and acquisition transactions on behalf of biotechnology and
pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Edwards was formerly the Manager of Business
Development of Chiron Corporation, a leading biotechnology company. Mr. Currie
is experienced in guiding the development of high technology companies and
currently serves on the Board of Directors of QMS, Inc. and Wonderware
Corporation, among others. Mr. Currie is also a special limited partner of MK
Global Ventures and a former general partner of Pacific Ventures Partners. Dr.
Low was formerly the President of IBM's General Products Division and General
Manager of IBM. During his tenure at IBM, Dr. Low was also a member of IBM's
Corporate Management Board and had worldwide lines responsibility for Technology
Products.
In April 1996, the Company and CombiMatrix's Vice President, Research and
Development entered into a shareholder agreement pertaining to certain matters
relating to CombiMatrix. This agreement provides for the collective voting of
shares owned by the Company and this individual for the election of certain
directors to CombiMatrix's Board of Directors as designated by the individual
and the Company and certain restrictions on the sale or transfer of individual's
shares of common stock in CombiMatrix.
GREENWICH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
Greenwich Information Technologies was formed as a limited liability
corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1996 and is the exclusive
marketing and licensing agent for several patents relating to video-on-demand
and audio-on-demand ("information-on-demand"). Greenwich Information
Technologies does not currently own any patents. Video-on-demand allows
television viewers to order movies or other programs from a remote file server
and to view them at home with full VCR functionality, including pause, fast
forward, and reverse. Audio-on-demand offers similar functionality with music or
other audio files. Greenwich Information Technologies is the licensing agent
with respect to three issued U.S. patents and one application pending. Foreign
rights include patents issued in Japan, Mexico, and the Republic of China as
well as a "Notice of Intention to Grant a European Patent" from the European
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Patent Office covering Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece,
Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the
United Kingdom and an application pending in South Korea. Those patents that
have already been issued, were issued in the past six years and will not expire
for a number of years. Information-on-demand is one of the primary applications
of interactive entertainment. Greenwich Information Technologies has begun to
pursue business opportunities with possible providers of information-on-demand
systems and others involved in supplying related information-on-demand services.
Greenwich Information Technologies does not currently own any patents.
However, Greenwich Information Technologies is the exclusive marketing and
licensing agent for a number of worldwide patents and other intellectual
property pertaining to information-on-demand systems, which lists as co-inventor
the chief executive officer of Greenwich Information Technologies who, along
with the Company, is also a senior member of Greenwich Information Technologies.
The chief executive officer, H. Lee Browne, is a party to an Assignment
Agreement with the other co-inventor of the technology and co-owner of the
patents that grants Mr. Browne the right to assign certain patent rights to
another person or entity. Pursuant to this Assignment Agreement, Greenwich
Information Technologies has been appointed exclusive marketing and licensing
agent for the patents under the terms of an Exclusive Marketing and Licensing
Agreement. Mr. Browne holds a majority membership interest in Greenwich
Information Technologies and is also the chief executive officer of Soundview
Technologies as well as holder of a significant membership interest in
Signature-mail.com, two affiliates of the Company. Since its formation,
Greenwich Information Technologies has not licensed the patents to any party and
has no current revenues.
Although Greenwich Information Technologies believes that it has marketing
and licensing rights to enforceable patents, no assurances can be given that
other companies will not challenge the underlying patents or develop competing
technologies that do not infringe such patents. Additionally, it is uncertain
whether and to what extent Greenwich Information Technologies will be able to
profitably market and license its rights to the information-on-demand
technology. Other companies may develop competing technologies that offer better
or less expensive alternatives to those offered by Greenwich Information
Technologies without infringing on the patent rights.
The Company sold a portion, 3.31%, of its membership interest in Greenwich
Information Technologies to third parties in 1996 and subsequently purchased
this 3.31% membership interest in January 1998 in exchange for 102,034 shares of
the Company's common stock in a series of related transactions. The Company does
not hold a majority of the board, and has no control over the day to day
operations of Greenwich Information Technologies, which are directed by the
chief executive officer. The Company accounts for its interest in Greenwich
Information Technologies on the equity method.
MERKWERKS
MerkWerks was incorporated in September 1995 under the laws of the State of
California and is a software development company, whose first product will be
software for use with CD-recordable disk drives for Macintosh platforms. The
product will be called CD WonderWriter-TM- or WonderWriter-TM-. MerkWerks is in
the developmental stage and, to date, has not completed the development of any
products or generated any revenues. No assurances can be given that MerkWerks
will ever be able to successfully complete the development of or market this
product or any future products, or that a market for such products will develop.
During 1998, MerkWerks experienced technological problems with the development
of WonderWriter, delaying the release of this product, and as a result the
Company reorganized MerkWerks' personnel and the feature set was reevaluated
before continuing with the ongoing development.
The markets for software products are intensely competitive and are
characterized by rapid changes in technological standards. There are currently
more than 25 CD-recordable disk drive software packages on
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the market. Although MerkWerks believes that its software alternative will
provide better user features and greater enhancement of the usability of
CD-recordable disk drives, the acceptance of MerkWerks software in the market is
unproven and speculative. MerkWerks faces competition from large companies with
substantial technical, marketing, and financial resources, allowing them to
aggressively develop, enhance, and market competing products. These advantages
may allow competitors to respond more quickly than MerkWerks to emerging
technologies or to changing customer requirements. Numerous actions by these
competitors, including price reductions and product giveaways, increased
promotion, the introduction of enhanced products, and product bundling could
have a material adverse effect on MerkWerks' ability to develop and market its
software products and on MerkWerks' business.
The success of MerkWerks' CD-recordable software largely depends on its
acceptance by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that produce CD-recordable
disk drives. MerkWerks' strategy is to convince these OEMs of the utility of
MerkWerks' software so that the OEMs will offer such software with the
CD-recordable disk drives prior to their sale to the end-user, which will
generate license fees for MerkWerks and generate market acceptance of MerkWerks'
software. No assurances can be given that MerkWerks' software, if and when
completed, will gain the acceptance of OEMs or ever be incorporated into
CD-recordable disk drives.
MerkWerks believes that its CD-recordable disk drive software is proprietary
and intends to rely on a combination of statutory and common law, copyright,
trademark and trade secret law, licensing agreements, nondisclosure agreements,
and other means to protect its proprietary rights. MerkWerks intends to enter
into confidentiality agreements with OEMs, customers and potential customers,
vendors and other third parties and to generally limit the dissemination of its
proprietary information. Despite these precautions, MerkWerks faces the risk
that third parties will be able to gain access to and use its proprietary
information to develop similar competing technologies. If the unauthorized use
of its proprietary rights developed to any substantial degree, MerkWerks'
business and operational results could be materially and adversely affected.
MerkWerks' initial software release will be designed for use with the
Macintosh platform. In addition, MerkWerks anticipates adapting its software to
the Windows platform. However, it is uncertain whether MerkWerks will be
successful in adapting its software to the Windows platform, and, if successful,
whether a viable market will develop for this product. Upon completion of its
CD-recordable utility software product, MerkWerks may begin development of or
acquire other software products, while continuing to support and enhance the
initial product.
The Company provided $100,000 in cash to MerkWerks in exchange for 2,000,000
shares of its common stock, or 100% of the total outstanding shares of
MerkWerks. The Company has also loaned MerkWerks an aggregate of $460,000 as of
March 30, 1999. In December 1995 and January 1996, the Company sold
approximately 30% of its interest in MerkWerks for approximately $600,000. In
January 1998, the Company purchased 401,359 shares of MerkWerks common stock in
exchange for 171,950 shares of the Company's Common Stock in a series of
transactions. These transactions resulted in an increase in the Company's
ownership from 69.5% to 89.6%. R. Bruce Stewart, the Company's Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer, is the Chairman and Treasurer of MerkWerks; and Kathryn
King-Van Wie, the Company's Chief Operating Officer, serves as a director and
Corporate Secretary of MerkWerks.
SIGNATURE-MAIL.COM
Signature-mail.com was formed as a limited liability corporation under the
laws of the State of Delaware in October 1997. The Company invested in
Signature-mail.com in April 1998. In February 1999, Signature-mail.com publicly
launched its on-demand software service, which allows users to personalize their
e-mail and computer documents with handwritten signatures, greetings, and
drawings. Version 1.0 of Signature-mail-TM- includes contributions of the
approximately 10,000 people who participated in beta testing.
Signature-mail.com's website is a "virtual manufacturing plant"-- open 24 hours
a day, 7 days a
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week--producing customized software within seconds of receiving customers'
orders. Signature-mail is compatible with the latest PC e-mail programs
including Netscape Communicator/Messenger, Microsoft IE4/Outlook Express,
Outlook 98, AOL 4.0, and Eudora Pro 4.1. Version 1.0 stores up to 25 handwritten
images that the user creates. Each image, as well as its size and color, can be
changed for each use with a simple click of the mouse. However, because its
first software product has just been released, the market acceptance of such
product is uncertain. In addition, the software industry is highly competitive.
Thus, there can be no assurance that Signature-mail.com will obtain significant
revenues or profitability.
Signature-mail.com's mission is to become the leading provider of software
services that personalize e-mail with proprietary mass customization
technologies. The company will sell through electronic and conventional media
and deliver its products directly to customers online. Signature-mail.com has
five patent applications pending for unique features as well as methods used for
the automated mass customization of the production and delivery of
Signature-mail. Signature-mail.com is also developing additional proprietary
technologies for other platforms and products. To date, no patents have yet
issued and there can be no assurance that patents will issue, that their
validity will be upheld if challenged or that they will have sufficiently broad
scope to effectively limit competition for its software product.
The Company's investment in Signature-mail.com is subject to the risks
associated with new technologies and software, including the viability of
Signature-mail.com's technologies, unknown customer acceptance, difficulties in
obtaining financing, the ability to obtain intellectual property protection,
competition, and the impact of applicable laws and regulations. In addition,
Signature-mail.com intends to pursue collaborations with Internet or software
companies, which may include the licensing of its technologies. No assurances
can be given that Signature-mail.com will be able to successfully implement
collaborative efforts with Internet or software companies, nor that it will have
sufficient capital or be able to identify and assemble a qualified and effective
management team to pursue such efforts. Signature-mail.com has incurred
operating losses since its inception. To date, Signature-mail.com has generated
no revenues. Signature-mail.com's ability to achieve profitability will be
dependent, in part, upon the ability of Signature-mail.com to raise additional
funds through the sale of equity in Signature-mail.com as well as engage
additional personnel to implement its marketing plans and there can be no
assurance that Signature-mail.com will be able to raise such funds or attract
qualified personnel.
Signature-mail.com intends to vigorously protect its intellectual property
rights. There can be no assurance, however, that Signature-mail.com's pending
patent applications will issue or that a third party will not violate, or
attempt to invalidate, Signature-mail.com's intellectual property rights.
Signature-mail.com requires confidentiality agreements with customers and
potential customers, vendors and other third parties and generally limits access
to information relating to its technologies. Despite these precautions, third
parties may be able to gain access to and use its technology to develop similar
competing technologies. There can be no assurance that certain aspects of
Signature-mail.com's technology will not be reverse-engineered by third parties
without violating Signature-mail.com's proprietary rights. Signature-mail.com's
existing protections also may not preclude competitors from developing products
with features and prices similar to or better than those of Signature-mail.com.
The Company acquired a 25% membership interest in Signature-mail.com
(formerly known as Internet Software LLC) in April 1998 for a purchase price of
$2.5 million. The Company has certain rights as a non-controlling investor
including rights to approve certain material transactions and to participate on
a pro rata basis in any non-strategic private equity offering completed by
Signature-mail.com.
Although a senior member of Signature-mail.com, the Company does not control
a majority of the board of three senior members. Similarly, the Company has no
control over the day to day operations of Signature-mail.com, which are
currently directed by the chief executive officer, H. Lee Browne, an individual
who is also the chief executive officer of Soundview Technologies and Greenwich
Information Technologies, two affiliates of the Company. The Company accounts
for its interest in Signature-mail.com on the equity method.
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SOUNDVIEW TECHNOLOGIES
Soundview Technologies was formed in March 1996 as a Delaware corporation
and has acquired and is developing intellectual property in the
telecommunications field, including audio and video blanking systems, also known
as V-chip technology. On March 12, 1998, the Federal Communications Commission
("FCC") approved the television guidelines rating system as well as the V-chip
technical standards. Soundview Technologies owns the exclusive right and title
to U.S. Patent #4,554,584, which describes a method for implementing the V-chip
system in parallel with the existing closed-captioning circuits already in place
in televisions. The FCC adopted this method as the technical standard for new
televisions sold in the United States that will be required to have V-chip
technology. The FCC regulations require that half of all new television models
with screens 13 inches or larger incorporate the V-chip by July 1, 1999. By
January 1, 2000, all such televisions must have the V-chip.
Soundview Technologies' patent was issued in November 1985 and expires in
July 2003. In April 1998, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a
reexamination certificate confirming the approval of all existing and newly
added claims of its issued patent. The reexamination was requested by Soundview
Technologies in August 1996 to confirm the strength of its patent in light of
other existing patents. Over 30 new prior art references were introduced and
examined during the process which took more than eighteen months for the Patent
Office to complete. As a result, patentability of all original claims as issued
was confirmed and 17 new claims more specific to the V-chip implementation were
granted. Soundview Technologies' V-chip technology is a cost-effective method
for V-chip implementation that can work with components currently in use in
televisions. Soundview Technologies works with various inventors, consultants,
and industry participants to enhance its existing technology as well as to
develop new technologies and has filed three patent applications. Soundview
Technologies intends to license its patent, along with its other intellectual
property, to the manufacturers of the approximately 25 million new televisions
sold each year in the United States. Soundview Technologies also intends to
license companies who will include the V-chip technology in cable boxes, VCRs,
and converter boxes. Soundview Technologies has also developed a V-chip set-top
retrofit device, the V Chip Converter-TM-, for use with the approximately 250
million television sets in the United States that will be "deaf" to V-chip
signals; however, Soundview Technologies has no plans to market this device in
the foreseeable future.
On July 17, 1998, PG Distribution, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska filed a complaint
in the United States District Court, District of Delaware, against Soundview
Technologies Incorporated, seeking a declaratory judgement that United States
Patent No. 4,554,584 (relating to a video and audio blanking system) is invalid.
On October 5, 1998, PG Distribution, Inc. and Parental Guide Company, LLC filed
a notice of dismissal of the litigation against Soundview Technologies and
agreed to pay royalties to Soundview Technologies under a non-exclusive,
non-transferable license to make, use and sell, or lease products under the
claims of Soundview Technologies' patent.
The Company owns 4,179,000 shares, or 66.7%, of Soundview Technologies
common stock at a cost of $7.3 million, both in cash and in the Company's stock.
The Company has also loaned Soundview Technologies an aggregate of $464,000 as
of March 30, 1999. R. Bruce Stewart, the Company's Chairman and Chief Financial
Officer, is a director and Corporate Secretary of Soundview Technologies; Paul
R. Ryan, a director of the Company as well as its President and Chief Executive
Officer, is a director of Soundview Technologies; and Kathryn King-Van Wie, the
Chief Operating Officer of the Company, is a director and Chief Financial
Officer of Soundview Technologies. H. Lee Browne, chief executive officer of
Soundview Technologies, David H. Schmidt, Vice President and Director of
Technology of Soundview Technologies and Carl Elam, the inventor of Soundview
Technologies issued U.S. patent, are also directors. Carl Elam is currently a
consultant to Soundview Technologies and has contributed to Soundview
Technologies' new patent applications in the area of television transmission and
receiving. Prior to this, Mr. Elam, a Captain in the United States Air Force,
worked as a radar counter measures engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force base,
where he was awarded patents for several inventions in communications
technology. These patents were classified and for military use only. The chief
executive officer of
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Soundview Technologies, H. Lee Browne, also has significant membership interests
in Greenwich Information Technologies and Signature-mail.com, two other
affiliates of the Company.
Although Soundview Technologies believes that it owns an enforceable patent,
no assurances can be given that other companies will not challenge Soundview
Technologies' patent rights or develop products that do not infringe Soundview
Technologies' patent. Additionally, whether or not competing products emerge, it
is uncertain whether and to what extent Soundview Technologies will be able to
profitably exploit its technology. Other companies may develop competing
technologies or products that offer better or less expensive alternatives to
those offered by Soundview Technologies. Potential competitors could have
significantly greater research capabilities and financial and technical
resources than Soundview Technologies, and some could have established brand
names in the market for television products.
The exclusivity and validity of these patent rights and other proprietary
technology are critical to the successful implementation of Soundview
Technologies' business plan.
WHITEWING LABS
Whitewing Labs was incorporated on July 29, 1993 under the laws of the State
of California. Whitewing Labs develops, or seeks to acquire through license,
nutritional supplements that can be directly marketed to the over age forty
market in the United States. Products are formulated with natural ingredients,
and contain no preservatives, synthetics, artificial colors, lactose, starch or
sugar. Whitewing Labs currently markets 29 different products that are intended
to offer alternatives to conventional treatments for symptoms associated with
the aging process.
Whitewing Labs conducted its initial public offering in February 1996. The
Company owns 692,209 shares of the common stock of Whitewing Labs, representing
23.5% of the outstanding shares and has voting control over 789,709 shares of
common stock or 27.0% of the outstanding shares as of December 31, 1998.
Whitewing Labs stock and warrants trade on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the
symbols "WWLI" and "WWLI-W," respectively. The closing price per share of
Whitewing Labs' common stock was $ 1/2 as of March 30, 1999.
R. Bruce Stewart, the Company's Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, is
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Whitewing Labs and Paul R. Ryan, the
Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, is also a member of the Board
of Directors of Whitewing Labs.
Since Whitewing Labs is a publicly traded company, information about
Whitewing Labs is publicly available. Any person seeking such information should
review its reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are
available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") website at
http://www.sec.gov.
ACACIA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company, doing business as Acacia Capital Management, is a registered
investment advisor and a general partner of two domestic private investment
partnerships whose limited partners are required to be "accredited investors"
under Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. The Company is
also the investment advisor to two offshore private investment corporations.
Client funds are invested primarily in large-cap U.S. equities. During the past
two years, the activities of Acacia Capital Management has been responsible for
100% of the Company's operating revenues.
The Company began managing its first private investment partnership, or
hedge fund, in 1995. The Company formed an additional private investment
partnership in April of 1996 and became the investment advisor to two offshore
funds, one in January and the other in June of that year. The Company may manage
additional private investment partnerships and offshore investment funds in the
future. At December 31, 1998, assets under management in the four funds totalled
approximately $22 million.
8
Capital management fee revenue is derived from quarterly management fees
that are based on a percentage of the amount of money invested in the funds
under management and annual performance fees that are based on a percentage of
any profits that may be realized by the funds' investment activities. The
Company may share management fees or direct a certain amount of brokerage to a
broker in return for the broker's referral of prospective clients in relation to
its investment advisory business. The Company may also engage consultants to
whom it will pay cash and a portion of the advisory fees paid by clients
referred to the Company by such consultants. The Company entered into a
distribution agreement with an international group during the fiscal year 1996.
As part of this agreement, the Company will retain all management fees, but will
share performance fees earned in those funds managed by the Company to which the
group provides its services.
The level of management and performance fee revenue received by the Company
will depend upon the amount of money invested in the funds managed by the
Company, which in turn will depend to a large extent upon the performance of the
funds managed by the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will
prove successful in raising any additional capital for the investment funds
managed by the Company.
DOMESTIC PRIVATE INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS
Each domestic private investment partnership has two general partners, the
Company and Paul R. Ryan. Mr. Ryan is also a director and the President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company. However, business decisions made on
behalf of the Company as a general partner are made by the Company's executive
management or board of directors. A performance fee based on a percentage of the
annual net profits of each partner's investment in the partnership will be
allocated on an annual basis to the general partners. The general partners will
also be entitled to annual management fees payable by each limited partner based
on a percentage of the value of that limited partner's capital account. These
management fees are payable quarterly in advance at the beginning of each
quarter based on the net asset value of the limited partner's capital account on
the first day of the quarter. Subsequent to the distribution of advisory fees
that may be payable to consultants or brokers, the Company will receive
three-fourths, and Mr. Ryan will receive one-fourth, of both the performance and
management fees. The Company pays no management or performance fees on its own
direct investments as a general partner, therefore Mr. Ryan receives no
management or performance fees on the Company's investments in the partnerships.
It is the general partners' intention to reinvest substantially all income
and gain allocable to the partners. On dissolution of a partnership, any assets
remaining after provision for all of the partnership's debts would be
distributed to all partners in proportion to their respective capital accounts
as of the end of the most recent quarter.
A partnership will also pay or reimburse the general partners for certain
costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of the partnership, including
certain legal and accounting fees. Although a partnership will not be obligated
to reimburse the general partners for any of the general partners' own
operating, general and administrative, and overhead costs and expenses, some or
all of these expenses may be paid by securities brokerage firms that execute
securities trades for a partnership.
The value of the Company's partnership interests in its two private
investment funds was approximately $1.8 million in the aggregate at December 31,
1998. The Company's board of directors decides the appropriate allocations of
the Company's available cash in the private investment funds and may, in its
discretion, make contributions to or withdrawals from the funds.
The capital invested by the Company in its investment partnerships are
subject to all of the risks to be encountered by all investors in a partnership
managed by the Company as a result of the investment strategy adopted for the
investment partnership, including the risks associated with short sales,
hedging, option trading, trading on margin, and other leverage transactions. No
assurance can be given that a partnership's investment strategy will not result
in material losses for the partnership. On the other hand, if
9
the investment partnership were profitable, the partners thereof, including the
Company, would be credited with partnership net income, and would therefore
incur income tax liability, even if they receive little or no cash distributions
from the partnership. Since the stated intention of the partnerships is to
reinvest substantially all income and gain allocable to the partners thereof, it
should not be expected that distributions of partnership cash will be made to
the partners, including the Company, that could be used to pay any income tax on
partnership profits allocated to their respective accounts. The Company's
investment in the investment partnerships is also subject to a significant lack
of liquidity, since there is no public market for interests in the investment
partnerships and no such market can be expected to develop. The Company may
withdraw portions of its capital account under the same terms and conditions as
a limited partner together with the additional requirements placed on a general
partner of providing verification from the funds' auditors and of the Company
maintaining in its capital account an amount equal to the lesser of 1% of the
total value of the fund or $500,000. A limited partner may, with advance notice
to the general partners, withdraw all or part of its capital account as of any
June 30 or December 31 following the first anniversary of the partner's
admission to the partnership. The general partners may waive these withdrawal
restrictions for any partner.
OFFSHORE INVESTMENT FUNDS
The Company is the investment advisor to two offshore private investment
corporations, both of which are Cayman Islands exempted companies. Bank of
Bermuda, with offices in Bermuda and New York, is the administrator, registrar,
and transfer agent for these funds.
The Company will be allocated on an annual basis a performance fee based on
a percentage of the annual net profits attributable to the investment of each
shareholder of the two private investment corporations. The Company will also be
entitled to annual management fees payable by the funds based on a percentage of
the value of each fund's capital account. Subsequent to the distribution of
advisory fees that may be payable to consultants or brokers, the Company will
receive three-fourths, and Mr. Ryan will receive one-fourth, of both the
performance and management fees. The Company will not be reimbursed by the
offshore funds for any of its expenses incurred in managing these funds'
investments. The assets of these offshore funds are exposed to many of the same
risks inherent in the Company's domestic private investment partnerships.
COMPETITION
The Company expects to encounter competition in the area of business
opportunities from other entities having similar business objectives, such as
venture capital funds. Many of these potential competitors possess greater
financial, technical, human, and other resources than that of the Company.
The Company, in its performance of its investment advisory services,
encounters competition from all other sources of investment management and
advice, including public mutual funds, other private investment funds, money
managers, commercial banks, insurance companies, and stock brokerages, many of
which have substantially greater capital and other resources, and offer a wider
range of financial services.
REGULATION
The Company is certified as an "investment advisor" by the California
Commissioner of Corporations under the California Corporate Securities Law of
1968, as amended. Accordingly, the Company is required to maintain and preserve
specified books and records regarding its activities and make them available to
regulatory authorities for inspection. In the event that the Company fails to
comply with the rules of the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over its
activities as an investment advisor, the Company could be prohibited from
continuing that portion of its operations and be subject to substantial monetary
fines and penalties. The Company has an affirmative obligation of good faith and
full and fair disclosure of all
10
material facts to, as well as a duty to avoid misleading, each investment
limited partnership for which the Company acts as an investment advisor. In
addition, the Company is also required to provide, on an annual basis, a free
brochure that provides additional information about the Company, its investment
advisory services, and fees charged, and must promptly disclose any material
disciplinary actions taken by federal or California regulatory authorities
against the Company or any of its officers, directors or employees. The Company
also is subject to regulatory prohibitions against the use of certain
advertising, with special prohibitions applicable to the use of testimonials,
past specific recommendations, and the use of certain charts, graphs and
formulas.
The regulatory scope of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment
Company Act"), which was enacted principally for the purpose of regulating
vehicles for pooled investments in securities, extends generally to companies
engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or
trading in securities. The Company believes that its anticipated principal
activities will not subject the Company to regulation under the Investment
Company Act. However, the Investment Company Act may also be deemed to be
applicable to a company which does not intend to be characterized as an
investment company but which, nevertheless, engages in activities which may be
deemed to be within the definitional scope of certain provisions of the
Investment Company Act. In such event, the Company may become subject to certain
restrictions relating to the Company's activities, including restrictions on the
nature of its investments and the issuance of securities. In addition, the
Investment Company Act imposes certain requirements on companies deemed to be
within its regulatory scope, including registration as an investment company,
adoption of a specific form of corporate structure and compliance with certain
burdensome reporting, recordkeeping, voting, proxy, disclosure, and other rules
and regulations, all of which could incur significant registration and
compliance costs. Accordingly, management will continue to review the Company's
activities from time to time with a view toward reducing the likelihood that the
Company could be classified as an "investment company."
EMPLOYEES
The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have a total of twenty-eight
employees. The Company and its Affiliates also rely on a number of key
consultants and advisors. The Company believes that its future success will
depend in large part on its ability to retain its key personnel and on its
ability to attract, retain, train, and motivate additional highly skilled and
dedicated employees. Neither the Company nor any of the Affiliates are a party
to any collective bargaining agreement. The Company has never experienced a work
stoppage and believes that its relations with its employees are excellent. From
time to time, the Company may retain independent third parties to provide
services on an "as needed" basis.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Although the Company itself is not involved in research and development at
this time, the Company's consolidated subsidiaries are so involved. In 1998,
CombiMatrix, MerkWerks, and Soundview Technologies incurred research and
development related expenses of $1,513,000, $228,000, and $139,000,
respectively.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
"safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Reference is made in particular to the description of the Company's plans
and objectives for future operations, assumptions underlying such plans and
objectives, and other forward-looking statements included in this report. Such
statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as
"may," "will," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend,"
"continue," or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of such
terms. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are
subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, which could cause actual
results to differ materially from those described in the forward-
11
looking statements. Such statements address future events and conditions
concerning product development, Year 2000 readiness, capital expenditures,
earnings, litigation, regulatory matters, markets for products and services,
liquidity and capital resources, and accounting matters. Actual results in each
case could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements by reason
of factors such as future economic conditions, changes in consumer demand,
legislative, regulatory and competitive developments in markets in which the
Company and its affiliates operate, and other circumstances affecting
anticipated revenues and costs. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation
or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the
Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions
or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Additional factors that
could cause such results to differ materially from those described in the
forward-looking statements are set forth in connection with the forward-looking
statement.
ITEM 2. PROPERTY
The Company leases a 5,449 square foot office in Pasadena, California. Such
lease terminates in November 2003. MerkWerks is located at the Company's
facilities. The Company's other consolidated subsidiaries, CombiMatrix and
Soundview Technologies, lease facilities in the San Francisco, California and
Greenwich, Connecticut areas, respectively. The Company may seek other
facilities to accommodate its growing business, including other wholly-owned
divisions or subsidiary companies. (See Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial
Statements.)
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
During the quarter ended December 31, 1998 there were no matters submitted
to a vote of the Company's security holders.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS.
RECENT MARKET PRICES
The Company's Common Stock began trading under the symbol ACRI on the Nasdaq
National Market System on July 8, 1996. Prior to the Company's listing on the
Nasdaq National Market System and subsequent to June 15, 1995 when the Company's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 became effective under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the Company's Common Stock traded under
the same symbol in the over-the-counter market. Preceding June 15, 1995, there
had been no public market for the Company's Common Stock.
The markets for securities such as the Company's Common Stock historically
have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations during certain periods.
These broad market fluctuations and other factors, such as new product
developments and trends in the Company's industry and the investment markets
generally, as well as economic conditions and quarterly variations in the
Company's results of operations, may adversely affect the market price of the
Company's Common Stock.
On March 16, 1998, the Company's board of directors declared a two-for-one
split of the Company's Common Stock in the form of a 100% stock dividend (the
"Stock Split"). The Company distributed the
12
stock dividend on or about June 12, 1998 for each share held of record at the
close of business on May 29, 1998. All share information presented herein is
adjusted for the Stock Split.
The high and low bid prices for the Company's Common Stock as reported by
the Nasdaq Stock Market for the periods indicated are as follows as adjusted for
the Stock Split. Such prices are interdealer prices without retail markups,
markdowns or commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
FISCAL YEAR 1997 HIGH LOW
- -------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
First Quarter................................... $4 1/4 $2 7/8
Second Quarter.................................. $3 3/8 $1 1/2
Third Quarter................................... $6 $3 3/16
Fourth Quarter.................................. $6 3/16 $3
FISCAL YEAR 1998
- --------------------------------------------------
First Quarter.................................... $9 1/2 $2 3/4
Second Quarter.................................. $9 7/8 $6 5/8
Third Quarter................................... $8 7/8 $2 7/8
Fourth Quarter.................................. $6 25/32 $3 5/8
On March 26, 1999, the closing bid and asked quotations for the Company's
Common Stock were $3 15/16 and $3 31/32, respectively, per share.
On March 30, 1999, there were approximately 208 owners of record of the
Company's Common Stock. The majority of the outstanding shares of the Common
Stock are held by a nominee holder on behalf of an indeterminable number of
ultimate beneficial owners.
DIVIDEND POLICY
To date, the Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends with
respect to its capital stock and the current policy of the Board of Directors is
to retain earnings, if any, to provide for the growth of the Company.
Consequently, no cash dividends are expected to be paid in the foreseeable
future. Further, there can be no assurance that the proposed operations of the
Company will generate revenues and cash flow needed to declare a cash dividend
or that the Company will have legally available funds to pay dividends.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
The Company is authorized to issue up to 30,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
without par value, of which 10,310,815 shares of Common Stock have been issued
and are outstanding as of March 26, 1999. Holders of the Common Stock are
entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by the
shareholders, and to cumulate votes in the election of directors. Holders of
Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. Upon
the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, the holders of
Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets of the Company which
are legally available for distribution, after payment of all debts and other
liabilities. Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive, subscription,
redemption, or conversion rights.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
U.S. Stock Transfer Corporation, 1745 Gardena Avenue, Glendale, California
91204-2991, is the Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Company's Common Stock.
13
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data set forth below as of December 31, 1998 and
December 31, 1997 and for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 has
been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere herein, and should be read in conjunction with those
financial statements (including the notes thereto). The selected financial data
as of December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 and for the years ended December 31,
1995 and 1994 have been derived from audited consolidated financial statements
not included herein, but which were previously filed with the SEC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
(RESTATED)(3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997(3) 1996 1995 1994
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Revenues
Capital management fee income......... $ 382,000 $ 491,000 $ 58,000 $ 3,000 $ 0
Management fee income................. 0 0 1,400,000 0 0
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Total Revenues........................ 382,000 491,000 1,458,000 3,000 0
Operating Expenses(1)................... 6,224,000 3,911,000 2,640,000 1,399,000 724,000
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Operating Loss.......................... (5,842,000) (3,420,000) (1,182,000) (1,396,000) (724,000)
Other income (expense).................. (545,000) (100,000) 1,604,000 3,515,000 (100,000)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
(Loss) income before income taxes and
minority interest..................... (6,387,000) (3,520,000) 422,000 2,119,000 (824,000)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes.... 0 250,000 (606,000) (288,000) (4,000)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
(Loss) income before minority
interests............................. (6,387,000) (3,270,000) (184,000) 1,831,000 (828,000)
Minority interests...................... 198,000 411,000 201,000 0 0
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Net (loss) income....................... $ (6,189,000) $ (2,859,000) $ 17,000 $ 1,831,000 $ (828,000)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
(Loss) earnings per common share
Basic................................. $ (0.69) $ (0.58) $ 0.00 $ 0.54 $ (0.28)
Diluted............................... $ (0.69) $ (0.58) $ 0.00 $ 0.39 $ (0.28)
Weighted average number of common and
potential common shares for
computation of (loss) earnings per
share(2)
Basic................................. 8,971,272 4,962,286 3,826,014 3,401,584 3,007,146
Diluted............................... 8,971,272 4,962,286 4,976,434 4,733,212 3,007,146
14
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
(RESTATED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997(3) 1996(3) 1995 1994
------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Total assets................................ $ 19,769,000 $ 8,854,000 $ 5,175,000 $ 3,844,000 $ 779,000
Long-term indebtedness...................... $ 1,222,000 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Total liabilities........................... $ 1,828,000 $ 447,000 $ 837,000 $ 358,000 $ 352,000
Minority interests.......................... $ 0 $ 227,000 $ 380,000 $ 11,000 $ 0
Stockholders' equity........................ $ 17,941,000 $ 8,180,000 $ 3,959,000 $ 3,475,000 $ 427,000
- ------------------------
(1) Includes write-downs in 1998, 1997 and 1996 of $101,000, $272,000, and
$559,000, respectively, relating to three promissory notes held by the
Company which are secured by the stock of Whitewing Labs and the Company.
(See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(2) Potential common shares in 1998, 1997, and 1994 have been excluded from per
share calculation because the effect of their inclusion would be
anti-dilutive.
(3) In 1997, the Company acquired a controlling interest in Soundview
Technologies. The 1996 amounts have been restated for the effects of the
Company's increased interest in Soundview Technologies. Prior to this
restatement, the Company reported losses of $161,000 in equity in earnings
of affiliates and net income of $293,000 (See Note 1 and 2 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements).
15
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The Company's financial condition and results of operations can only be
understood with reference to the Company's business and ongoing activities. The
Company is a diversified Company that makes direct investments and provides
management services to emerging businesses. Although the Company has relied upon
the sale of its own as well as its holdings of the Affiliates' equity securities
to generate the capital needed to finance the implementation of its plan of
operations, the Company's strategy is to retain the majority of its current
holdings, and possibly acquire additional interests in the Affiliates or acquire
interests in new companies to increase and diversify its holdings. The Company,
from time to time, may sell a portion of its equity interests when that interest
has appreciated to a value that management believes is prudent and market
conditions are favorable. The Company is currently focussed on the development
of its various business enterprises to establish operations and promote growth
and cash flow in each enterprise, but continually seeks and evaluates investment
opportunities that have the potential of earning significant returns in either
new business ventures or by increasing its equity positions in its existing
holdings.
Capital management fees include asset-based and performance-based fees
earned from the four private investment funds managed by Acacia Capital
Management. Management fees include income from consulting and management
services provided by the Company to its Affiliates. The Company, however, does
not regularly charge its Affiliates for such services at this time.
In the following discussion and analysis, the period to period comparisons
must be viewed in light of the impact that the Company's acquisition and
disposition of securities of its various business interests has had on the
Company's financial condition and results of operations. In 1996, the Company's
financial condition and results of operations were highlighted primarily by the
Company's activities relating to investments in CombiMatrix, Soundview
Technologies, and Greenwich Information Technologies, as well as the impact of
the initial public offering of Whitewing Labs, and to a lesser extent the sale
of a portion of the Company's interests in these Affiliates. In addition, in
1996, the Company expended significant resources developing and expanding its
investment advisory services. In 1997, the Company's financial condition and
results of operations were highlighted by the acquisition of a majority
ownership interest in Soundview Technologies, the settlement of a lawsuit and
the cost of several filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating
to the Soundview Technologies acquisition and the registration of shares of the
Company's Common Stock. In 1998, the Company's financial condition and results
of operations were highlighted primarily by the investment in
Signature-mail.com, and the expenses associated with CombiMatrix's increased
research and development efforts, and expenses related to an increase in
headcount at the Company.
As a result of the impact of each of these activities that the Company has
undertaken and will continue to undertake as well as the start-up nature of most
of the Company's Affiliates, the Company's results of operations are volatile
and do not fall into repeatable patterns. Consequently, past performance is not
necessarily indicative of future performance.
ACQUISITIONS
On July 6, 1997, the Company acquired over 50% of the outstanding common
stock of Soundview Technologies and Soundview Technologies became a consolidated
subsidiary of the Company.
As a result of the Company's increased ownership position in Soundview
Technologies, the Company has restated its consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 1996 and its operating results for year ended December 31, 1996 and
for the six months ended June 30, 1997 to report the Company's 16.4% ownership
interest in Soundview Technologies during these periods on the equity method.
Subsequent to
16
the Company attaining a majority position in Soundview Technologies, beginning
with the six month period beginning July 1, 1997, the Company's financial
statements include the accounts of Soundview Technologies on a consolidated
basis.
In January 1998, the Company completed a series of independent, but related
transactions with certain individuals owning equity interests in CombiMatrix,
Greenwich Information Technologies, MerkWerks, and Soundview Technologies, which
increased the Company's equity interest in these companies as follows:
CombiMatrix--from 51.4% to 52.7%; Greenwich Information Technologies--from
30.02% to 33.33%; MerkWerks--from 69.5% to 89.6%; and Soundview
Technologies--from 51.4% to 66.7%.
On April 2, 1998, the Company acquired a 25% membership interest in
Signature-mail.com (formerly Internet Software LLC) for a purchase price of
$2,500,000. The Company's investment was made with the proceeds of a private
equity financing, made in part to finance the investment, where the Company
raised gross proceeds of $3.65 million through the sale of 317,393 units, each
unit consisting of one share of the Company's Common Stock and one Common Stock
Purchase Warrant. The Company accounts for this investment using the equity
method.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1998 COMPARED TO 1997
REVENUES
The Company reported net revenues of $382,000 for the year ended December
31, 1998 ("1998") compared to revenues of $491,000 for the year ended December
31, 1997 ("1997").
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT FEES. During 1998, capital management fee income, which
includes performance fee income, was $382,000 as compared to capital
management fee income of $491,000 generated during 1997. The decrease in
capital management fee income derived from the four investment funds managed
by the Company during 1998 was primarily a result of lower returns generated
by the funds' investment activities which resulted in lower performance
fees.
The Company may share capital management fees or direct a certain amount of
brokerage to a broker in return for the broker's referral of prospective
clients in relation to its investment advisory business. The Company may
also employ consultants to whom it will pay cash or a portion of the
advisory fees paid by clients referred to the Company by such consultants.
The Company entered into a distribution agreement with an international
group during the fiscal year 1996. As part of this agreement, the Company
will retain all capital management fees, but will share performance fees
earned in those funds managed by the Company to which the group provides its
services.
MANAGEMENT FEE INCOME. Although the Company provides management services to
its affiliates and others, the Company did not charge or receive management
fees during 1998 or 1997.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total operating expenses increased to $6,224,000 during 1998 from $3,911,000
during 1997 primarily due to the amortization of patents and goodwill arising
from the purchase of a majority ownership interest in Soundview Technologies and
the acquisition of additional equity interests in MerkWerks and Soundview
Technologies as well as the inclusion of expenses incurred by Soundview
Technologies on a consolidated basis, expenses relating to an increase in the
Company's head count and higher wages, and expenses relating to the expansion of
CombiMatrix's and MerkWerks' research and development efforts.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES. The Company incurred research and
development expenses of $1,880,000 for 1998, compared to expenses of
$888,000 during 1997. Such expenses for 1998 are comprised of expenses
incurred by CombiMatrix of $1,513,000, expenses incurred by MerkWerks of
$228,000, and expenses incurred by Soundview Technologies of $139,000.
Research and development
17
expenses for the 1997 are comprised of expenses incurred by CombiMatrix of
$621,000, expenses incurred by MerkWerks of $118,000, and expenses incurred
by Soundview Technologies of $149,000. Research and development expenses
during 1998 include consolidation with Soundview Technologies for the full
twelve month period, while expenses during 1997 include only the six month
period ended December 31, 1997.
MARKETING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. For 1998, marketing,
general and administrative expenses increased to $2,776,000 as compared to
$2,104,000 for 1997. Expenses incurred during 1998 include a write-down of
$101,000 relating to two promissory notes held by the Company, which are
secured by Whitewing Labs stock. Expenses incurred in 1997 include a
write-down of $272,000 relating to three promissory notes held by the
Company, two of which are secured by Whitewing Labs stock and one of which
was secured by the Company's Common Stock as well as Whitewing Labs stock.
The portion of note secured by the Company's Common Stock was repaid in
1998. The remaining notes, which are currently past due, have been written
down to the market value price of the collateral held by the Company.
Marketing, general and administrative expenses incurred by the Company in
1998, excluding the write-down and expenses related to Soundview
Technologies, were $2,426,000 compared to marketing, general and
administrative expenses incurred by the Company in 1997, excluding the
write-down, which were $1,675,000. During 1998, the Company's expenses
increased due to general expansion of the Company, including an increase in
the number of personnel as the Company added marketing and general office
staff as well as higher wages and payroll expenses. Marketing, general and
administrative expenses during 1998 include consolidation with Soundview
Technologies for the full twelve-month period, while expenses during 1997
include only the six-month period ended December 31, 1997. Soundview
Technologies' marketing, general and administrative expenses were $249,000
in 1998 and $157,000 for the 1997 period. In December 1998, the Company
moved into larger facilities and as a result, expects higher general and
administrative expenses in the future. Marketing, general and administrative
expenses include expenses incurred in the use of consultants in which a
portion of the compensation has been paid in equity securities (stock
options or warrants). The Company is required to record the fair value of
such securities as they vest. Using option valuation techniques, the Company
incurred an expense of approximately $227,000 in 1998 and $179,000 in 1997.
AMORTIZATION OF PATENTS AND GOODWILL. The Company reported amortization
expenses relating to patents and goodwill of $1,568,000 in 1998 as compared
to $459,000 during 1997. This increase relates to the Company's purchase of
a majority interest in Soundview Technologies in July 1997 as well as the
purchase of additional equity interests in MerkWerks, CombiMatrix and
Soundview Technologies in January 1998. As a result of the acquisitions, the
Company is incurring amortization expenses each quarter for periods ranging
from three to five years relating to the intangible assets acquired and
amortization expenses at or above the 1998 level are expected to continue
for the foreseeable future.
LEGAL SETTLEMENT EXPENSE. The Company incurred a charge of $460,000
relating to a legal settlement during the year ended December 31, 1997.
Management of the Company believes that settling this litigation on the
agreed upon terms prevented unnecessary litigation costs as well as the
unnecessary diversion of Company resources and was in the best interests of
the Company.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
The Company reported other expense of $545,000 for 1998 compared to other
expense of $100,000 for 1997.
INTEREST INCOME. During 1998, interest income was $302,000 as compared to
interest income during 1997, of $52,000. The increase is due to the Company
having higher cash balances in 1998 as compared to 1997.
18
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense in 1998 was $130,000 as compared to
$41,000 in 1997. The expense incurred during 1998 is primarily attributable
to CombiMatrix and relates to three-year 6% unsecured subordinated
promissory notes issued by CombiMatrix in a private offering completed in
March 1998. Warrants to purchase CombiMatrix common stock were also issued
in this private placement. For financial statement purposes, the proceeds
from the private placement were allocated between the warrants and the notes
resulting in a discount on the notes. Such discount is amortized over the
terms of the notes and treated as additional interest expense. As a result,
reported interest is higher than the cash amount of interest that will
actually be paid to the noteholders. Subject to certain terms and
conditions, these notes are due and payable in March 2001. Interest on these
notes is payable each year on January 15 during the term of each note.
GAINS ON SALES OF INVESTMENTS. Gains on sales of investments were $50,000
in 1997 as compared to no such gain in 1998. The gain in 1997 is comprised
of gains on sales of interests in CombiMatrix. In earlier periods, the
Company sold portions of its holdings primarily to raise the capital
necessary to acquire interests in new companies as well as provide working
capital for ongoing operations. Until the Company generates sufficient
revenue from operations of its various business concerns, the Company, from
time to time, may sell a portion of its equity interests when that interest
has appreciated to a value that management believes is prudent and market
conditions are favorable. However, the Company intends to retain significant
interests in its current and future holdings.
EQUITY IN INCOME OF PARTNERSHIPS. The Company reported equity in income of
partnerships of $184,000 for 1998, compared to $129,000 for 1997. The
increase is primarily due to additional contributions totalling $1,000,000
made in July 1998 by the Company as a general partner in two private
investment partnerships managed by the Company.
EQUITY IN LOSSES OF AFFILIATES. The Company reported equity in losses of
affiliates of $901,000 in 1998, compared to equity in losses of affiliates
of $290,000 in 1997. Losses during 1998 are comprised of a loss of $85,000
for the Company's investment in Whitewing Labs, a loss of $301,000 for the
Company's investment in Greenwich Information Technologies, and a loss of
$515,000 for the Company's investment in Signature-mail.com, as determined
by the equity method of accounting. Losses for 1997 are comprised of a loss
of $174,000 for the Company's investment in Whitewing Labs, and a loss of
$116,000 for the Company's investment in Greenwich Information Technologies,
as determined by the equity method of accounting. No earnings or losses are
attributable to Signature-mail.com during 1997 as the Company made this
investment in 1998.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
For 1997, the Company recorded a benefit of $250,000 primarily as a result
of net operating loss carryback while no tax benefit or expense was recorded for
1998 primarily due to the non-recognition of benefit of net operating loss
carryforwards. (See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
MINORITY INTERESTS
Minority interests in losses of consolidated subsidiaries decreased to
$198,000 in 1998, compared to $411,000 in 1997. The decrease is primarily
attributable to higher allocations of subsidiaries losses to the Company in 1998
than in 1997.
1997 COMPARED TO 1996
REVENUES
The Company reported revenues of $491,000 for 1997 compared to revenues of
$1,458,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996 ("1996").
19
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT FEES. During 1997, capital management fee income, which
includes performance fee income, was $491,000 as compared to capital
management fee income of $58,000 generated during 1996.
In 1997, capital management fee income was related to management of the four
investment funds. The increase in capital management fee income derived from
the four investment funds during 1997 of $491,000 as compared to 1996 was
primarily a result of performance fees realized from one of the investment
funds and, to some extent, an increase of assets under management.
The Company may share capital management fees or direct a certain amount of
brokerage to a broker in return for the broker's referral of prospective
clients in relation to its investment advisory business. The Company may
also employ consultants to whom it will pay cash or a portion of the
advisory fees paid by clients referred to the Company by such consultants.
The Company entered into a distribution agreement with an international
group during 1996. As part of this agreement, the Company will retain all
capital management fees, but will share performance fees earned on those
funds managed by the Company to which the group provides its services.
MANAGEMENT FEE INCOME. During 1996, management fee income was $1,400,000
compared to no such income in 1997. Management fee income earned for 1996
was paid to the Company by Soundview Technologies through the issuance of
1,400,000 shares of Soundview Technologies' common stock to the Company for
providing management and consulting services, including assisting Soundview
Technologies in raising $1,000,000 through the sale of Soundview
Technologies' common stock at $1.00 per share. No such fees were paid by
Soundview Technologies or any other Affiliate in 1997.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total operating expenses increased to $3,911,000 in 1997 from $2,640,000 in
1996 primarily due to the amortization of patent and goodwill arising from the
purchase of a majority ownership interest in Soundview Technologies, expenses
relating to the expansion of CombiMatrix's research and development efforts, and
expenses related to a settlement of a lawsuit.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES. The Company incurred research and
development expenses of $888,000 for 1997, compared to expenses of $505,000
during 1996. Such expenses incurred in 1997 are comprised of expenses
incurred by CombiMatrix of $621,000, expenses incurred by MerkWerks of
$118,000, and expenses incurred by Soundview Technologies for the six-month
period beginning July 1, 1997 of $149,000. Research and development expenses
for 1996 are comprised of expenses incurred by CombiMatrix of $421,000 and
expenses incurred by MerkWerks of $84,000. No expenses are attributable to
Soundview during the first six-months of 1997 and the year ended December
31, 1996 as the Company reported its investment on the equity method of
accounting.
MARKETING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. For 1997, marketing,
general and administrative expenses decreased to $2,104,000 as compared to
$2,135,000 for 1996. Expenses incurred during 1997 include a write-down of
$272,000 relating to three promissory notes held by the Company, two of
which are secured by Whitewing Labs stock and one of which is secured by the
Company's Common Stock as well as Whitewing Labs stock. Expenses incurred in
1996 include a write-down of $559,000 relating to the two promissory notes
held by the Company, which are secured by Whitewing Labs stock. The notes,
which are currently past due, have been written down to the market value
price of the collateral held by the Company. Expenses incurred during 1997
also include those of Soundview Technologies beginning July 7, 1997.
Soundview Technologies expenses totalled $157,000 for this period.
Marketing, general and administrative expenses incurred by the Company in
1997, excluding the write-down and expenses related to Soundview
Technologies, were $1,675,000 compared to marketing, general and
administrative expenses incurred by the Company in 1996, excluding the
write-down, of
20
$1,576,000. This increase is primarily due to legal and accounting costs
associated with several filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
as well as the purchase of a majority ownership interest in Soundview
Technologies, and, to a lesser extent, expenses incurred in the use of
consultants for which a portion of the compensation has been paid in equity
securities (stock options or warrants). The Company is required to record
the fair value of such securities as they vest. Using option valuation
techniques, the Company incurred an expense of approximately $179,000. (See
Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
AMORTIZATION OF PATENTS AND GOODWILL. The Company reported amortization
expenses relating to patents and goodwill of $459,000 during 1997 as
compared to no such expense during 1996. This relates to the Company's July
1997 purchase of a majority interest in Soundview Technologies.
LEGAL SETTLEMENT EXPENSE. The Company incurred a one-time charge of
$460,000 relating to a legal settlement during 1997. Management of the
Company believes that settling this litigation on the agreed upon terms
prevented unnecessary litigation costs as well as the unnecessary diversion
of Company resources and was in the best interests of the Company.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
The Company reported other expense of $100,000 for 1997 compared to other
income of $1,604,000 for 1996.
INTEREST INCOME. During 1997, interest income was $52,000 as compared to
interest income during 1996, of $113,000. The decrease is due to the Company
having lower average cash balances in 1997 as compared to 1996.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense for 1997 was $41,000 as compared to no
such expense in 1996.
GAINS ON SALES OF INVESTMENTS. Net gains on sales of investments decreased
from $877,000 for 1996 to $50,000 for 1997. Such gain for 1997 is comprised
of gains on sales of interests in CombiMatrix. The year-earlier gain of
$877,000 represents a gain primarily from sales of shares of CombiMatrix,
and to a lesser extent of MerkWerks and Soundview Technologies. During 1997,
the Company sold a smaller portion of its assets, focusing instead on the
development of its various business interests. During 1996, the Company sold
a larger portion of its holdings primarily to raise the capital necessary to
acquire interests in new companies as well as to provide working capital for
ongoing operations. Until the Company generates sufficient revenue from
operations of its various business concerns, the Company, from time to time,
may sell a portion of its equity interests when that interest has
appreciated to a value that management believes is prudent and market
conditions are favorable. However, the Company intends to retain significant
interests in its current and future holdings. Furthermore, the timing and
extent of any sales of securities are subject to substantial fluctuation
from quarter to quarter.
GAIN ON ISSUANCE OF STOCK BY AFFILIATE. In February 1996, shares of
Whitewing Labs were sold in an initial public offering. This initial public
offering of shares reduced the Company's ownership interest in Whitewing
Labs from 38.3% to 18.4%. As a result of this offering, the Company reported
an unrealized gain of $1,066,000, representing an increase in the carrying
value of the shares of Whitewing Labs that the Company retained following
the initial public offering. There were no such events during 1997.
Management does not anticipate recognizing any similar gain in relation to
shares of Whitewing Labs. However, the Company may have future gains of this
nature with respect to other subsidiaries if they engage in an initial
public offering.
EQUITY IN (LOSSES) EARNINGS OF PARTNERSHIPS. The Company reported equity in
income of partnerships of $129,000 for 1997, compared to $183,000 for 1996.
The decrease is primarily due to withdrawals totalling $250,000 in May 1997
made by the Company as a general partner in two private investment
partnerships managed by the Company.
21
EQUITY IN (LOSSES) EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES. The Company reported equity in
losses of affiliates of $290,000 for 1997, compared to losses of $635,000
for 1996. Such losses for 1997 are comprised of a loss of $174,000 for the
Company's investment in Whitewing Labs, and a loss of $116,000 for the
Company's investment in Greenwich Information Technologies, as determined by
the equity method of accounting. Losses for 1996 are comprised of a loss of
$313,000 for the Company's investment in Whitewing Labs, a loss of $276,000
for the Company's investment in Soundview Technologies, and a loss of
$46,000 for the Company's investment in Greenwich Information Technologies,
as determined by the equity method of accounting.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
For 1997, the Company recorded a benefit of $250,000, as compared to an
income tax expense of $606,000 for the same period in fiscal 1996. In 1997, the
Company generated a loss as compared to a pre-tax income in 1996.
MINORITY INTERESTS
Minority interests in losses of consolidated subsidiaries increased to
$411,000 in 1997, compared to $201,000 in 1996. The increase is primarily
attributable to increased losses generated by the consolidated subsidiaries in
1997 and the consolidation of Soundview Technologies for the period from July 7,
1997 to December 31, 1997. The Company's investment in Soundview Technologies in
1996 was accounted for under the equity method.
INFLATION
Inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 1998, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
$7,508,000 and working capital of $7,614,000 on a consolidated basis. In May
1998, the Company entered into a lease commitment for new office space to
increase and replace its existing office space. This lease commitment provides
for minimum monthly lease payments of $12,000 for a period of 60 months which
began December 1998 as compared to the Company's prior monthly lease payment of
approximately $3,000. The Company moved into the new office space in December
1998. To meet the Company's increased needs, the Company incurred expenses to
upgrade its computer and telephone systems in conjunction with the move as well
as expenses incurred specific to the move. Additional expenses relating to
furniture, fixtures, and equipment will be incurred in 1999. The Company has no
other material commitments for capital expenditures at the present time.
Warrants issued by the Company in private placements completed in November
1997, March 1998, and April 1998 contain call and redemption provisions should
the closing bid of the Company's Common Stock exceed $7.50, $10.00, and $12.50,
respectively for twenty or more consecutive trading days. The exercise price for
the Common Stock underlying the warrants are $5.75, $7.50, and $9.25 per share,
respectively. In the event the requirements to call the warrants are satisfied,
the Company may call such warrants and the Company expects that most, if not
all, holders to exercise such warrants in response. There can be no assurance
that the closing bid price of the Company's Common Stock will exceed all such
thresholds or that, if so, the Company will decide to call the warrants.
The Company has no committed lines of credit or other committed funding.
However, the Company anticipates that existing working capital reserves will
provide sufficient funds for its operating expenses for at least the next twelve
months in the absence of making any major new investments. The Company intends
to seek additional financing to fund new or existing businesses. There can be no
assurance that the Company will not encounter unforeseen difficulties that may
deplete its capital resources more rapidly than anticipated. Any efforts to seek
additional funds could be made through equity, debt, or other
22
external financing and there can be no assurance that additional funding will be
available on favorable terms, if at all. Such financing transactions may be
dilutive to existing investors.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Many of the world's computer systems (including those in non-information
technology equipment and systems) currently record years in a two-digit format,
rather than four, to define the applicable year. Computer systems that recognize
a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000 may produce errors
or system failures. In addition, the fact that the Year 2000 is a non-standard
leap year may create difficulties for some systems. A few systems may also be
affected by certain dates in the month of September 1999. Because the activities
of many businesses are affected by dates or are date-related, the inability to
use such date information correctly could lead to business disruption in the
U.S. and internationally (the "Year 2000" Issue). The potential costs and
uncertainties associated with the Year 2000 Issue will depend on a number of
factors, including software, hardware and the nature of the industry in which a
company operates. Additionally, companies must coordinate with other entities
with which they electronically interact.
The following discussion contains "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the
following: estimated timetables for implementation and completion of the phases
of the Company's Year 2000 plan; projections of expenditures regarding the Year
2000 plan; statements regarding the possible effects of the Year 2000 Issue on
the Company's business and that of third parties with whom the Company does
business; and possible contingency plans of the Company.
The Company has been reviewing its systems and programs to identify those
subject to the Year 2000 Issue, and is in the process of upgrading and/or
modifying its affected internal systems to achieve compliance. In addition, the
Company is working with its major external suppliers to assess their compliance
and remediation efforts and the Company's exposure to them. The Company is in
various stages of reviewing, testing and making software repairs and upgrades to
those systems and programs that it believes will be affected by the Year 2000
Issue. Because the Year 2000 project is an ongoing company-wide endeavor, the
state of the Company's and its majority-owned subsidiaries', MerkWerks,
CombiMatrix, and Soundview Technologies ("Subsidiaries"), progress changes
daily. With the exception of the financial figures, which are provided as of
December 31, 1998, the information contained in this disclosure is made as of
March 26, 1999 which is the latest practical date for providing such
information. The Company is monitoring and assisting minority-owned affiliates,
Signature-mail.com and Greenwich Information Technologies, in addressing the
Year 2000 Issue as it applies to their businesses. The Company's other minority-
owned affiliate, Whitewing Labs, is a publicly traded company. Information
pertaining to the Year 2000 Issue as it applies to Whitewing Labs is available
in its reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Although the Company relies on computer technology to conduct business and
has the potential to be affected by the Year 2000 Issue, the Company believes
that most of the Company's internal systems will not be affected. However, due
to the interdependent nature of computer systems, particularly with regard to
the Company's investment advisory services, the Company and its Subsidiaries may
be adversely impacted by the Year 2000 Issue depending on whether it, its
Subsidiaries, or other entities not affiliated with the Company address this
issue successfully.
The Company's Year 2000 compliance plan is comprised of four phases:
Assessment, Remediation, Testing and Implementation.
The Assessment phase includes preparing an inventory of systems that the
Company anticipates will be affected by the Year 2000 Issue as well as creating
a strategy to evaluate and address potential problems. The Company currently
plans to complete a final Assessment of its and its Subsidiaries' important
internal systems by April 30, 1999.
23
In the Remediation phase, software corrections, upgrades, software patches,
and bug fixes will be made to remedy identified Year 2000 deficiencies in
software, hardware, operating systems, network devices and phone systems. The
Remediation phase also includes sending questionnaires requesting Year 2000
compliance assurances to vendors of such systems. The majority of the Company's
internal systems are currently in the Remediation phase. However, the Company's
Subsidiaries have not yet begun the Remediation phase. The Company currently
plans to complete Remediation of its important components by May 30, 1999 and
expects that the Subsidiaries' Remediation of their important components will be
completed by June 30, 1999. Certain systems that are insignificant to the
Company's and its Subsidiaries' operations may not be made Year 2000 compliant
by December 31, 1999, but the Company does not anticipate that this would have a
materially adverse impact on the Company's or Subsidiaries' business, results of
operations or financial condition.
Testing will be conducted on both existing and new systems which may be
affected by the Year 2000 Issue as well as systems that have been fixed,
upgraded or otherwise altered in the Remediation phase during 1999.
The Company's investment advisory services is dependent upon a complex
worldwide network of information technology systems that contain date fields,
including data feeds to the Company's internal systems as well as stock market
links. The Company's ability to minimize the effects of the Year 2000 Issue is
highly dependent upon the efforts of third parties. The failure of organizations
such as securities exchanges, securities clearing organizations, banks, vendors,
clients or governmental regulatory agencies to resolve their own processing
issues with respect to the Year 2000 Issue in a timely manner could have a
materially adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations, or
financial condition, threatening the Company's ability to manage client assets,
communicate information to clients, manage fund portfolios on a day-to-day
basis, and comply with federal securities laws as well as compromise record-
keeping and other compliance systems. The Securities Industry Association
recently conducted Beta tests that were run in "future time" and employed test
scripts to check functionality. These tests resulted in problems completing a
minimal amount of mock trades due to Year 2000 changes. An industry-wide
simulation is scheduled to begin in March 1999, which should provide the Company
with more information to assess potential risks in this area.
Other than third-party long distance telephone and data lines and public
utility suppliers of electrical power, the Company's business operations are not
heavily dependent on non-information technology ("non-IT") components, systems
or third-party vendors. The Company is conducting an assessment of Company
managed or leased non-IT components including building, mechanical, air
conditioning, electrical, security and conveyance systems for Year 2000
compliance. Most of these non-IT systems cannot easily be tested for Year 2000
compliance; however, the Company does not believe that the failure of any of its
non-IT systems, other than electrical or long distance data and voice lines,
would have a materially adverse effect upon its business, results of operation,
or financial condition.
24
The Company is beginning to develop a contingency plan, which it expects to
complete by July 1999. However, alternatives to use of normal systems,
especially those systems relevant to the Company's investment advisory services,
or supplies of electricity or long distance voice and data lines are limited. A
broader failure of third-party systems, in particular, externally managed data
lines, communication systems, telephone or electrical systems would materially
and adversely affect the Company's ability to carry on business operations in
any regular fashion. Although the Company is investigating alternative
solutions, it is not clear that an adequate contingency plan can be developed
for such failures.
Based upon current information, the Company estimates that the total cost of
implementing its Year 2000 plan, including costs associated to the redeployment
of existing personnel who have and will spend significant administrative time
and effort in addressing the Year 2000 Issue, will not be material. The Company
has incurred, to date, less than $5,000 in direct Year 2000 costs. However, Year
2000 cost estimates may change as the Year 2000 approaches, during which time
the Company's and its Subsidiaries' Year 2000 readiness efforts are expected to
become more defined. Costs incurred relating to making the Company's and its
Subsidiaries' systems Year 2000 compliant are being expensed in the period in
which they are incurred. Future costs are not expected to exceed $10,000.
The Company's expectations about future costs and the timely completion of
its Year 2000 modifications are subject to uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from what has been discussed above. Factors that
could influence the amount of future costs and the effective timing of
remediation efforts include the success of the Company in identifying computer
programs and non-information technology systems that are subject to the Year
2000 Issue, the nature and amount of programming and testing required to upgrade
or replace each of the affected programs and systems, the nature and amount of
testing, the rate and magnitude of related labor and consulting costs, and the
success of the Company's external counterparties and suppliers in addressing the
Year 2000 Issue.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is not a party to derivative financial instruments at or during
the year ended December 31, 1998. The Company's financial instruments, other
than instruments carried on the equity basis, are its fixed rate notes payable
of $1,222,000 which are discussed in Note 1 to the December 31, 1998
Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The financial statements and related financial information required to be
filed hereunder are indexed under Item 14 of this report and are incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
information under the captions entitled "Election of Directors--Nominees,"
"Executive Officers," and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance" in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the
Commission not later than April 30, 1999.
25
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
information under the caption entitled "Executive Officer Compensation" in the
Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission not later
than April 30, 1999.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
information under the caption entitled "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management" in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed
with the Commission not later than April 30, 1999.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
information under the caption entitled "Transactions with Management and Others"
in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission not
later than April 30, 1999.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) (1) Financial Statements
PAGE
----
Report of Independent Accountants............................................... F-1
Independent Auditor's Report.................................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997.................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1998,
1997, and 1996................................................................ F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31,
1998, 1997, and 1996.......................................................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1998,
1997, and 1996................................................................ F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................... F-7
(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. Financial statement schedules are
omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown
in the Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.
(3) EXHIBITS. The following exhibits are either filed herewith or
incorporated herein by reference:
2.1 Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Signature-mail.com (formerly Internet Software LLC)
dated April 2, 1998 by and between H. Lee Browne, Michael Lloyd, Nicholas E.K. Heckett, and
Acacia Research Corporation (certain portions omitted and filed separately with the Securities
and Exchange Commission pursuant to an application of confidential treatment)(9)
2.1 Form of Purchase Agreement(8)
3.1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended(6)
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws(2)
4.1 Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement(7)
4.2 Form of CombiMatrix Note (to be provided upon request to the Securities and Exchange Commission)
10.1 Lease of Company's Executive Offices at 55 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101(6)
26
10.2 Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan(1)
10.3 Form of Stock Option Agreement(1)
10.4 Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan(3)
10.5 Letter Agreement between Company and Greenwich Information Technologies regarding attached
Promissory Note and Pledge Agreement(4)
10.6 Legal Settlement between the Company and Ann P. Hodges and Christopher D. Hodges(2)
10.7 Agreement between the Company and Cruttenden Roth Incorporated(2)
10.8 Agreement between Acacia Research and Paul Ryan(10)
10.9 1996 Executive Stock Bonus Plan(5)
10.10 Greenwich Information Technologies Exclusive Marketing and Licensing Agreement(10)
21 List of Subsidiaries
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.2 Consent of Finocchiaro & Co.
27 Financial Data Schedule
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
27.2 Financial Data Schedule
- ------------------------
(1) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form
SB-2 (33-87368-L.A.), which became effective under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, on June 15, 1995.
(2) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
filed on August 14, 1997.
(3) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-8 filed on February 21, 1997.
(4) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996.
(5) Incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement for
the 1996 annual shareholder meeting.
(6) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
filed on August 14, 1998.
(7) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
filed on May 15, 1998.
(8) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed on
February 11, 1998.
(9) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed on
April 17, 1998.
(10) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1997.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
None.
27
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
DATED: March 30, 1999
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
/s/ PAUL R. RYAN
------------------------------------------
Paul R. Ryan
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------
Chairman of the Board of
/s/ R. BRUCE STEWART Directors, Chief
- ------------------------------ Financial Officer March 30, 1999
R. Bruce Stewart (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ PAUL R. RYAN and President (Principal
- ------------------------------ Executive Officer) and March 30, 1999
Paul R. Ryan Director
/s/ THOMAS B AKIN
- ------------------------------ Director March 30, 1999
Thomas B. Akin
/s/ FRED A. DE BOOM
- ------------------------------ Director March 30, 1999
Fred A. de Boom
/s/ EDWARD W. FRYKMAN
- ------------------------------ Director March 30, 1999
Edward W. Frykman
29
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Acacia Research Corporation
In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 1998 and
1997 and the related consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders'
equity and of cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December
31, 1998, as listed in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(1) and (2) on page
26, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Acacia
Research Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in
the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
As discussed in Note 2, the consolidated financial statements as of and for
the year ended December 31, 1996 have been restated to account for the Company's
investment in Soundview Technologies Incorporated on the equity method as a
result of the Company's purchase of additional ownership interest in Soundview
Technologies Incorporated in 1997. We have audited the adjustments described in
Note 2 that were applied to restate the 1996 financial statements. In our
opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied to the
1996 financial statements.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 26, 1999
F-1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
FINOCCHIARO & CO.
Certified Public Accountant
150 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 201
Pasadena, California 91105
Telephone (626) 449-6300 * Telecopier (626) 449-6299
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Acacia Research Corporation
We have audited the consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders'
equity and of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1996, as listed in the
accompanying index, prior to the reinstatement described in Note 2. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion the consolidated financial statements audited by us, prior to
the restatement described in Note 2, present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of Acacia Research Corporation and its subsidiaries at
December 31, 1996 and results of their operations and their cash flows for the
year ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. We have not audited the consolidated financial statements of Acacia
Research Corporation and its subsidiaries for any period subsequent to December
31, 1996 nor have we examined any adjustments applied to the 1996 financial
statements.
/s/ Finocchiaro & Co
Pasadena, California
July 31, 1997, except as to the penultimate paragraph in Note 2,
which is as of March 25, 1998
F-2
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
DECEMBER 31, 1998 DECEMBER 31, 1997
----------------- -----------------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents................................................ $ 7,508,000 $ 1,367,000
Management fees and other receivables.................................... 239,000 235,000
Receivables from affiliates.............................................. 27,000 0
Prepaid expenses......................................................... 96,000 84,000
Income tax receivable.................................................... 110,000 110,000
----------------- -----------------
Total current assets................................................... 7,980,000 1,796,000
Equipment, furniture, and fixtures, net.................................... 530,000 242,000
Notes receivable, net...................................................... 38,000 376,000
Investment in affiliates, at equity........................................ 3,481,000 1,205,000
Partnership interests, at equity........................................... 1,832,000 586,000
Patents, net of accumulated amortization................................... 4,610,000 3,877,000
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization.................................. 1,158,000 758,000
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization.............................. 140,000 14,000
----------------- -----------------
$ 19,769,000 $ 8,854,000
----------------- -----------------
----------------- -----------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.................................... $ 366,000 $ 170,000
Accrued compensation..................................................... 0 51,000
Legal settlement payable................................................. 0 226,000
----------------- -----------------
Total current liabilities.............................................. 366,000 447,000
Other liabilities.......................................................... 240,000 0
Notes payable, net of discount............................................. 1,222,000 0
----------------- -----------------
Total liabilities...................................................... 1,828,000 447,000
----------------- -----------------
Minority interests......................................................... 0 227,000
----------------- -----------------
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, no par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 10,190,815
shares in 1998 and 6,286,148 shares in 1997 issued and outstanding..... 26,737,000 10,713,000
Warrants to purchase common stock........................................ 100,000 371,000
Accumulated deficit...................................................... (8,896,000) (2,707,000)
Note receivable secured by common stock.................................. 0 (197,000)
----------------- -----------------
Total stockholders' equity............................................. 17,941,000 8,180,000
----------------- -----------------
$ 19,769,000 $ 8,854,000
----------------- -----------------
----------------- -----------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
F-3
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
(RESTATED)
1998 1997 1996
------------- ------------- ------------
Revenues:
Capital management fee income....................................... $ 382,000 $ 491,000 $ 58,000
Management fee income............................................... -- -- 1,400,000
------------- ------------- ------------
Total Revenues...................................................... 382,000 491,000 1,458,000
------------- ------------- ------------
Operating Expenses:
Research and development expenses................................... 1,880,000 888,000 505,000
Marketing, general, and administrative expenses..................... 2,776,000 2,104,000 2,135,000
Amortization of patents and goodwill................................ 1,568,000 459,000 --
Legal settlement expense............................................ -- 460,000 --
------------- ------------- ------------
Total Operating Expenses............................................ 6,224,000 3,911,000 2,640,000
------------- ------------- ------------
Operating Loss...................................................... (5,842,000) (3,420,000) (1,182,000)
------------- ------------- ------------
Other income (expense):
Interest income..................................................... 302,000 52,000 113,000
Interest expense.................................................... (130,000) (41,000) --
Gain on sale of investments......................................... -- 50,000 877,000
Gain on issuance of stock by affiliate.............................. -- -- 1,066,000
Equity in income of partnerships.................................... 184,000 129,000 183,000
Equity in losses of affiliates...................................... (901,000) (290,000) (635,000)
------------- ------------- ------------
Total other income (expense)........................................ (545,000) (100,000) 1,604,000
(Loss) income before income taxes and minority interests.............. (6,387,000) (3,520,000) 422,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes.................................. -- 250,000 (606,000)
------------- ------------- ------------
Loss before minority interests........................................ (6,387,000) (3,270,000) (184,000)
Minority interests.................................................... 198,000 411,000 201,000
------------- ------------- ------------
Net (loss) income..................................................... $ (6,189,000) $ (2,859,000) $ 17,000
------------- ------------- ------------
------------- ------------- ------------
Loss per common share
Basic............................................................... $(0.69) $(0.58) $0.00
Diluted............................................................. $(0.69) $(0.58) $0.00
Weighted average number of common and potential common shares
outstanding used in computation of loss per share
Basic............................................................... 8,971,272 4,962,286 3,826,014
Diluted............................................................. 8,971,272 4,962,286 4,976,434
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
F-4
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
(ACCUMULATED
WARRANTS TO DEFICIT) STOCK NOTE RECEIVABLE
COMMON COMMON PURCHASE RETAINED SUBSCRIPTIONS SECURED BY
STOCK STOCK COMMON STOCK EARNINGS RECEIVABLE COMMON STOCK TOTAL
---------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- --------------- ----------
1996
Balance at December
31, 1995, as
adjusted for
two-for-one common
stock split....... 3,725,344 $ 3,537,000 $ 10,000 $ 135,000 $(208,000) $ -- 3,474,000
Net income, as
restated.......... 17,000 17,000
Stock options
exercised......... 216,000 216,000 216,000
Cash received for
stock
subscriptions..... 119,000 119,000
Issuance of note
secured by common
stock............. (188,000) (188,000)
Tax benefit from
nonqualified stock
options........... 319,000 319,000
---------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- --------------- ----------
Balance at December
31, 1996.......... 3,941,344 4,072,000 10,000 152,000 (89,000) (188,000) 3,957,000
1997
Net loss............ (2,859,000) (2,859,000)
Units issued in
private
placement......... 1,832,404 5,694,000 26,000 5,720,000
Stock issuance
costs............. (301,000) 188,000 (113,000)
Stock options
exercised......... 512,400 806,000 806,000
Increase in capital
due to issuance of
common stock by
affiliate......... 359,000 359,000
Compensation expense
relating to stock
options/warrants... 33,000 147,000 180,000
Cash received for
stock
subscriptions..... 89,000 89,000
Adjustment in
carrying value of
note secured by
common stock...... (9,000) (9,000)
Tax benefit from
nonqualified stock
options........... 50,000 50,000
---------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- --------------- ----------
Balance at December
31, 1997.......... 6,286,148 10,713,000 371,000 (2,707,000) 0 (197,000) 8,180,000
1998
Net loss............ (6,189,000) (6,189,000)
Units issued in
private
placements........ 1,434,786 9,214,000 38,000 9,252,000
Share issued to
purchase equity
investments....... 806,826 3,035,000 3,035,000
Stock issuance
costs............. (738,000) (738,000)
Stock options
exercised......... 874,400 1,201,000 1,201,000
Warrants
exercised......... 788,655 3,137,000 (406,000) 2,731,000
Increase in capital
due to subsidiary
stock options..... 45,000 45,000
Compensation expense
relating to stock
options/warrants... 130,000 97,000 227,000
Note secured by
common stock...... 197,000 197,000
---------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- --------------- ----------
Balance at December
31, 1998.......... 10,190,815 $26,737,000 $ 100,000 $(8,896,000) $ 0 $ 0 17,941,000
---------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- --------------- ----------
---------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- --------------- ----------
F-5
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
(RESTATED)
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income.......................................................... $(6,189,000) $(2,859,000) $ 17,000
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating
activities:
Legal settlement expense................................................. -- 435,000 --
Depreciation and amortization............................................ 1,709,000 529,000 31,000
Amortization of discount on notes payable................................ 60,000 --
Deferred income tax benefit.............................................. -- (193,000) 245,000
Gain on sales of investments............................................. -- -- (877,000)
Equity in losses of affiliates and partnerships.......................... 717,000 161,000 452,000
Minority interest in net loss............................................ (198,000) (411,000) (201,000)
Gain on issuance of stock by affiliate................................... -- -- (1,066,000)
Compensation expense relating to stock options/warrants.................. 227,000 360,000 --
Provision for write-down of notes and interest receivable................ 101,000 272,000 559,000
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Management fees and other receivables, prepaid expenses, patents and
other assets........................................................... (132,000) (113,000) (316,000)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued compensation, and other
liabilities............................................................ 146,000 110,000 (156,000)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in operating activities.................................... (3,559,000) (1,709,000) (1,312,000)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of equity investments, net of cash acquired..................... (2,552,000) (132,000) (3,000,000)
Payments received on advances to affiliates.............................. -- 53,000 414,000
Advances to affiliates................................................... (27,000) -- (370,000)
Withdrawals from partnerships............................................ -- 568,000 (400,000)
Proceeds from sales of investments....................................... -- -- 2,049,000
Payment for acquisition of patent........................................ -- -- (53,000)
Payments received on notes receivable.................................... -- 68,000 466,000
Proceeds from note receivable secured by common stock.................... 194,000 -- --
Purchase of partnership interest......................................... (1,062,000) -- --
Capitalized expenditures................................................. (374,000) (92,000) (155,000)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities...................... (3,821,000) 465,000 (1,049,000)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on notes payable................................................ -- (1,453,000) (248,000)
Proceeds from notes payable.............................................. 1,400,000 -- 800,000
Payments of debt issuance costs.......................................... (144,000) -- --
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants..................... 3,706,000 806,000 --
Tax benefit from nonqualified stock options.............................. -- 50,000 319,000
Collection of subscription receivable.................................... -- 89,000 --
Captial contributions from minority shareholders of subsidiaries......... 45,000 434,000 694,000
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of issuance costs................ 8,514,000 2,392,000 300,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities................................ 13,521,000 2,318,000 1,865,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents...................................... 6,141,000 1,074,000 (496,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning....................................... 1,367,000 293,000 789,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, ending.......................................... $ 7,508,000 $ 1,367,000 $ 293,000
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock for additional equity in consolidated
subsidiaries and affiliates............................................ $ 3,035,000 $ 2,825,000 $ 0
Increase in equity investment due to receipt of affiliate stock as
payment on note receivable............................................. $ 240,000 $ 0 $ 0
Issuance of common stock to satisfy legal settlement payable............. $ 226,000 $ 0 $ 0
Discount on notes payable from issuance of subsidiary's warrants......... $ 238,000 $ 0 $ 0
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
F-6
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Acacia Research Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated on January 25,
1993 under the laws of the State of California. The Company is a diversified
company that makes direct investments in and provides management services to
emerging businesses with intellectual property rights, most of which are
involved in developing new or unproven technologies. There is no assurance that
any or all such technologies will be successful, and even if successful, that
the development of such technologies can be commercialized.
At December 31, 1998, the Company had significant economic interests in
seven enterprises and takes an active role in each enterprise's growth and
advancement. These companies are: CombiMatrix Corporation ("CombiMatrix"),
Greenwich Information Technologies LLC ("Greenwich Information Technologies"),
MerkWerks Corporation ("MerkWerks"), Signature-mail.com llc
("Signature-mail.com"), Soundview Technologies Incorporated ("Soundview
Technologies"), Whitewing Labs, Inc. ("Whitewing Labs") and Acacia Capital
Management. The Company doing business as Acacia Capital Management is a general
partner in two private investment partnerships and is an investment advisor to
two offshore private investment corporations.
On July 6, 1997, the Company purchased from two individuals a total of
2,625,000 shares of common stock of Soundview Technologies (the "Soundview
Shares") for a total purchase price of $4,225,000, consisting of 800,000 shares
of common stock of the Company, $500,000 in cash, and the issuance of non-
recourse promissory notes to each of the two individuals in the aggregate
principal amount of $900,000. These notes were repaid prior to December 31,
1997. The Soundview Shares represent 35% of the outstanding capital stock of
Soundview Technologies. As a result of the transaction, the Company owned over
50% of the outstanding common stock of Soundview Technologies. The acquisition
was accounted for under the purchase method. The excess of the purchase price
over the book value of the net assets acquired was assigned to patents and
goodwill of approximately $4,061,000 and $836,000, respectively. The results of
operations of Soundview Technologies have been consolidated with those of the
Company since the date of the acquisition.
The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of
consolidated results of operations of the Company and Soundview Technologies as
if the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of each year presented, with
adjustments to give effect to amortization of patents and goodwill and
intercompany transactions:
DECEMBER 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
----------------- -----------------
Revenues............................................... $ 491,000 $ 58,000
Net Loss............................................... $ (3,488,000) $ (1,348,000)
Loss Per Share, Basic and Diluted...................... $ (0.71) $ (0.35)
In January 1998, the Company purchased a total of 401,359 shares of common
stock of MerkWerks for a total purchase price of $646,000 consisting of 171,950
shares of common stock of the Company. As a result of the transaction, the
Company increased its equity ownership in MerkWerks from 69.5% to 89.6%. The
acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method. The excess of the
purchase price over fair value of the net assets acquired was assigned to
goodwill of approximately $646,000, which is being amortized over its estimated
useful life of 3 years.
In January 1998, the Company purchased a total of 100,000 shares of common
stock of CombiMatrix for a total purchase price of $161,000 consisting of 44,170
shares of common stock of the Company. As a
F-7
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
result of the transaction, the Company increased its equity ownership in
CombiMatrix from 51.4% to 52.7%. The acquisition was accounted for under the
purchase method. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net
assets acquired was assigned to goodwill of approximately $157,000, which is
being amortized over its estimated useful life of 5 years.
In January 1998, the Company purchased a total of 1,144,000 shares of common
stock of Soundview Technologies for a total purchase price of $1,842,000
consisting of 488,672 shares of common stock of the Company. As a result of the
transaction, the Company increased its equity ownership in Soundview
Technologies from 51.4% to 66.7%. The acquisition was accounted for under the
purchase method. The excess of the purchase price over the book value of the net
assets acquired was assigned to patents of approximately $1,816,000, which is
being amortized over its estimated remaining useful life of approximately 5
years.
In January 1998, the Company purchased an additional 3.31% interest in
Greenwich Information Technologies for a total purchase price of $386,000
consisting of 102,034 shares of common stock of the Company. As a result of the
transaction, the Company increased its ownership of Greenwich Information
Technologies from 30.02% to 33.33%. The Company accounts for its investment
using the equity method. The excess of the purchase price over the book value of
the net assets acquired of approximately $368,000 is being amortized over a
five-year period.
In March 1998, CombiMatrix completed a private debt financing raising gross
proceeds of $1.45 million through the issuance of 290 units, each unit
consisting of one $5,000 principal unsecured promissory note ("Subordinated
Note") and common stock purchase warrants to purchase 500 shares of common
stock. Each Subordinated Note bears interest at the rate of 6% per annum on the
outstanding principal balance. Accrued interest is due and payable annually on
January 15th of each year until the Subordinated Notes are paid in full.
Principal shall be due and payable in full on the third anniversary of each
Subordinated Note. Each common stock purchase warrant entitles the holder to
purchase one share of CombiMatrix common stock at an exercise price of $2.00,
subject to adjustment, during a period of three years, expiring in March 2001.
In accordance with APB Opinion No. 14, "Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt
Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants," $850 of each unit issued has been
attributed to the warrants included in each unit resulting in debt discount. The
Company invested $50,000 in this private placement. If, prior to the maturity
date of the Subordinated Notes, CombiMatrix has an offering of its common stock
or senior securities convertible into its common stock that has gross proceeds
exceeding $500,000 that does not involve certain exempt transactions, the
holders of the Subordinated Notes shall be offered the opportunity to acquire
shares of CombiMatrix common stock in exchange for the then outstanding
principal amount of the Subordinated Notes. Holders will be entitled to only one
opportunity to exchange Subordinated Notes into CombiMatrix common stock.
In March 1998, the Company completed a private equity financing raising
gross proceeds of $3.65 million through the sale of 634,786 units, each unit
consisting of one share of the Company's common stock and one three-year
callable common stock purchase warrant. Each common stock purchase warrant
entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company's common stock at a
price of $7.50 per share and is callable by the Company once the closing bid
price of the Company's common stock averages $10.00 or above for 20 consecutive
trading days on the Nasdaq National Market System.
On April 2, 1998 the Company acquired a 25% membership interest in
Signature-mail.com. The purchase price for the 25% interest in
Signature-mail.com consisted of $2.5 million in cash. The Company
F-8
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
accounts for its investment using the equity method. The excess of the
investment over the Company's share in the underlying net assets of
Signature-mail.com is being amortized over a seven-year period.
In April 1998, the Company completed a private equity financing raising
gross proceeds of $5.6 million through the sale of 800,000 units, each unit
consisting of one share of the Company's common stock and one three-year
callable common stock purchase warrant. Each common stock purchase warrant
entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company's common stock at a
price of $9.25 per share and is callable by the Company once the closing bid
price of the Company's common stock averages $12.50 or above for 20 consecutive
trading days on the Nasdaq National Market System.
On June 30, 1998 the Company increased its ownership in Whitewing Labs from
18% to 23.5% as a result of accepting 159,750 shares of Whitewing Labs stock as
payment on a note receivable with a carrying value of $240,000 (See Note 4).
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION--The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned
subsidiaries. Material intercompany transactions and balances have been
eliminated in consolidation. Investments in companies in which the Company
maintains an ownership interest of 20% to 50% or exercises significant influence
over operating and financial policies are accounted for under the equity method.
The cost method is used where the Company maintains ownership interest of less
than 20% and does not exercise significant influence over the investee.
Investments in limited partnership investment funds are accounted for under the
equity method and the net assets of the limited partnerships investment funds
are stated at fair market value.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS--The Company considers all highly liquid,
short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less when
purchased, to be cash equivalents.
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT FEE INCOME AND MANAGEMENT FEES--Capital management fees
include asset-based and performance-based fees earned from two domestic private
investment partnerships in which the Company is general partner and two offshore
investment corporations for which the Company serves as an investment advisor.
These capital management fees are recognized when earned in accordance with the
respective partnership and management agreements. Capital management fee income
earned in 1998, 1997, and 1996 were $382,000, $491,000 and $58,000,
respectively. Management fees include income from consulting and management
services provided by the Company to its Affiliates and other parties. These fees
are recognized when the related services are provided. Included in management
fees in 1996 was $1,400,000 earned from services provided to Soundview
Technologies.
PATENTS AND GOODWILL--Patents, once issued, and goodwill are amortized on
the straight-line method over their estimated remaining useful lives.
Amortization charged to operations relating to goodwill amounted to $403,000 and
$78,000 for 1998 and 1997, respectively. Amortization charged to operations
relating to patents amounted to $1,165,000 and $381,000 for 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS--The carrying value of cash and cash
equivalents, management fees and other receivables, accounts payable and accrued
expenses approximates fair value due to their short term maturity. The fair
value of receivables from affiliates is not determinable due to their related
F-9
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
party nature. The fair market value of notes payable is not known because there
is no readily determinable market value for such debt.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION--Compensation cost of stock options issued to
employees is accounted for in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. Compensation cost
attributable to such options is recognized based on the difference, if any,
between the closing market price of the stock on the date of grant and the
exercise price of the option. Compensation cost of stock options and warrants
issued to non-employee service providers is accounted for under the fair value
method required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123").
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES--Research and development costs are
charged to expense as incurred.
INCOME TAXES--Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability
approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities
for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in
the Company's financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is
established to reduce deferred tax assets if all, or some portion, of such
assets will more than likely not be realized.
EQUIPMENT, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES--Equipment, furniture, and fixtures are
recorded at cost. Major additions and improvements are capitalized. When
equipment, furniture and fixtures are sold or otherwise disposed of, the asset
account and related depreciation account are relieved, and any gain or loss is
included in income for the period of sale or disposal. Depreciation is computed
on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets,
ranging from three to ten years.
ORGANIZATION COSTS--Organization costs are accounted for in accordance with
Statements of Positions No. 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities" (SoP 98-5), which the Company adopted in 1998. Per SoP 98-5, costs
of start-up activities, including organization costs, are expensed as incurred.
SEGMENT REPORTING--In 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). SFAS 131 superseded SFAS 14, "Financial
Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise" replacing the "industry
segment" approach with the "management" approach. The management approach
designates the internal organization that is used by management for making
operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company's
reportable segments. SFAS 131 also requires disclosures about products and
services, geographic areas, and major customers. The adoption of SFAS 131 did
not affect the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial
position (See Note 13).
(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE--(Loss) earnings per share is computed in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings
Per Share" ("SFAS 128"), which became effective for the Company in 1997. SFAS
128 established new standards for computing and presenting earnings per share
("EPS") and superseded APB Opinion No. 15, "Earnings Per Share." SFAS 128
replaces the presentation of primary and fully diluted EPS on the face of the
income statement with basic and diluted EPS for all entities with complex
capital structures. It also requires a reconciliation of the numerator and
denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator and denominator of the
diluted EPS computation. EPS for 1996 has been restated, as appropriate, to
reflect the Company's adoption of SFAS
F-10
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
128 and the restatement of 1996 consolidated financial statements as a result of
the Soundview Shares acquisition. (See Note 1 and "Restatement" below.)
Reconciliation of the denominators used in the computation of (loss) earnings
per share as required by SFAS 128 are as follows.
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding used in Computation of
Basic EPS................................................................ 8,971,272 4,962,286 3,826,014
Dilutive Effect of Outstanding Stock Options and Warrants(a)............... -- -- 1,150,420
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted Average Number of Common and Potential Common Shares Outstanding
Used in Computation of Diluted EPS....................................... 8,971,272 4,962,286 4,976,434
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
- ------------------------
(a) Potential common shares in 1998 and 1997 have been excluded from the per
share calculation because the effect of their inclusion would be
anti-dilutive.
USE OF ESTIMATES--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
RESTATEMENT--As a result of the Soundview Shares acquisition (see Note 1),
the Company's operating results and cash flows for the year ended December 31,
1996 have been restated to account for the Company's 16.4% ownership interest in
Soundview Technologies on the equity method from March 1996 (Soundview
Technologies' inception) through July 5, 1997. Previously, the Company accounted
for its investment in Soundview Technologies during this period on the cost
method. The effect of this restatement is to increase previously reported 1996
equity in losses of affiliates by $276,000 and decrease net income by a
corresponding amount in the consolidated statements of operations.
RECLASSIFICATIONS--Certain reclassifications of prior years' amounts have
been made to conform to the 1998 presentation.
F-11
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. EQUIPMENT, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, consist of the following at December 31,
1998 and December 31, 1997:
1998 1997
----------- -----------
Computer Equipment.................................................. $ 275,000 $ 142,000
Furniture and Fixtures.............................................. 189,000 119,000
Laboratory Equipment................................................ 143,000 73,000
Leasehold Improvements.............................................. 106,000 13,000
----------- -----------
713,000 347,000
Less:
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization........................... (183,000) (105,000)
----------- -----------
$ 530,000 $ 242,000
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
4. NOTES RECEIVABLE
As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company held promissory notes
currently due and payable from individuals related to the sale of a portion of
the Company's investment in Whitewing Labs. These notes generally bear interest
at 5% per annum and are generally secured by the common stock sold. As of
December 31, 1998 and 1997, two promissory notes secured by the common stock of
Whitewing Labs were valued at the market value of the collateral held by the
Company. Write-downs of $101,000 in 1998 and $272,000 in 1997 (including related
accrued interest of $92,000) were charged to marketing, general and
administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
On June 30, 1998, the Company entered into a settlement agreement pertaining
to a promissory note with a carrying value of $240,000 secured by the common
stock of Whitewing Labs held by the Company. Per the settlement agreement, the
Company accepted as payment the Whitewing Labs stock being held as collateral.
As of December 31, 1997 the note was written down to the collateral value and no
additional loss was recorded in 1998.
Notes receivable consist of the following at December 31, 1998 and 1997:
1998 1997
----------- ------------
Notes Receivable................................................... $ 319,000 $ 1,115,000
Less: Reserve for Write-down....................................... (281,000) (739,000)
----------- ------------
$ 38,000 $ 376,000
----------- ------------
----------- ------------
Interest receivable on these notes amounted to approximately $10,000, as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997, and is included in management fees and other
receivables in the consolidated balance sheets.
F-12
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
5. INVESTMENTS AND PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
Investments and partnership interests carried at equity and the Company's
ownership in each consist of the following at December 31, 1998 and 1997:
1998 1997
---- ----
Whitewing Labs, Inc............................... 23.5% 18%
Acacia Capital Partners, L.P...................... 75.5% 31%
Acacia Growth Fund, L.P........................... 18.6% 16%
Greenwich Information Technologies LLC............ 33.3% 30%
Signature-mail.com llc............................ 25% --
The investment in Whitewing Labs amounted to $621,000 at December 31, 1998
and $466,000 at December 31, 1997. The market value of the Company's investment
in Whitewing Labs was approximately $606,000 and $431,000 at December 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively. Whitewing Labs had total assets of $1,952,000 and
$2,215,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and total liabilities of
$36,000 and $30,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Whitewing Labs
reported net losses attributable to common shareholders of $274,000, $944,000
and $2,428,000, and net sales of $3,935,000, $3,582,000 and $3,537,000 in 1998,
1997 and 1996 respectively. Officers of the Company continue to have significant
representation on the Board of Directors of Whitewing Labs.
F-13
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
5. INVESTMENTS AND PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (CONTINUED)
The investment in Acacia Capital Partners, L.P. amounted to $907,000 and
$285,000 as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The investment in
Acacia Growth Fund, L.P. amounted to $925,000 and $301,000 as of December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively.
The investment in Greenwich Information Technologies amounted to $833,000 at
December 31, 1998 and $738,000 at December 31, 1997. Greenwich Information
Technologies had total assets of $172,000 and $527,000 at December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively, and reported net losses of $333,000, $245,000 and $106,000
in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The investment in Signature-mail.com amounted to $2,027,000 at December 31,
1998. Signature-mail.com had total assets of $1,339,000 and $49,000 at December
31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and reported net losses of $1,357,000 in 1998
and $174,000 in 1997.
6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
At December 31, 1998, the Company had $27,000 receivables from affiliates.
These receivables arose from non-interest bearing advances to the affiliates. At
December 31, 1997, the Company had no receivables from affiliates.
The revenues reported in 1996 included sales of investments to Dr. Robert
Ching, a stockholder, in the amount of $600,000.
7. COMMON STOCK SPLIT
On March 17, 1998, the Company announced that its Board of Directors
declared a two-for-one split of the Company's common stock in the form of a
stock dividend of one share of common stock for each share outstanding. The
Company distributed the stock dividend on or about June 12, 1998, for each share
held of record at the close of business on May 29, 1998. All references to
number of common shares and per share information in the consolidated financial
statements and related footnotes have been adjusted as appropriate to reflect
the stock split for all periods presented.
8. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
Provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
FEDERAL STATE TOTAL
----------- ---------- -----------
1998
Current................................................. $ -- $ -- $ --
Deferred................................................ -- -- --
1997
Current................................................. $ (60,000) $ -- $ (60,000)
Deferred................................................ (149,000) (41,000) (190,000)
1996
Current................................................. $ 278,000 $ 83,000 $ 361,000
Deferred................................................ 196,000 49,000 245,000
F-13
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
8. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective
income tax rate is as follows:
1998 1997
------ ------
Statutory federal tax rate (34.0)% (34.0)%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit... (3.0)% --
Amortization of intangible assets............ 2.2% 4.6%
Unrealized benefit of deferred items......... 34.8% 22.3%
------ ------
0.0% (7.1)%
------ ------
------ ------
At December 31, 1998 the Company had federal and California state income tax
net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") of approximately $3,932,000 and
$2,778,000, respectively, expiring between 2002 and 2018, excluding NOLs of
MerkWerks, CombiMatrix and Soundview Technologies. NOL carryforward benefits
amounting to $694,000 will be recorded to additional paid-in-capital when
realized. In addition, at December 31, 1998, the Company has tax credit
carryforwards of approximately $22,000.
In 1998 MerkWerks joined the Company's affiliated group for federal tax
purposes. However, no determination has yet been made as to whether MerkWerks
will join with the Company in filing a federal consolidated return. The
aggregate tax NOLs of MerkWerks, CombiMatrix and Soundview Technologies amount
to $5,735,000 and $5,486,000 for federal and state income tax respectively,
expiring between 2000 and 2018. Merkwerks, CombiMatrix and Soundview
Technologies also have tax credit carryforwards of approximately $41,000.
However, the use of these NOLs and tax credits are limited to the separate
earnings of the respective subsidiaries. In addition, ownership changes may also
restrict the use of NOLs and tax credits. The Company has established a full
valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets at December 31, 1998 as
their utilization is uncertain.
The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to
significant portions of deferred assets and liabilities consist of the following
at December 31, 1998 and 1997:
1998 1997
------------- -------------
Reserves for notes receivable................................... $ 160,000 $ 366,000
Basis of investments in affiliates.............................. 1,504,000 566,000
Depreciation and amortization................................... (8,000) (9,000)
Accrued liabilities............................................. 63,000 177,000
Net operating loss carryforwards and Credits.................... 3,976,000 2,017,000
------------- -------------
5,695,000 3,117,000
Valuation allowance............................................. (5,695,000) (3,117,000)
------------- -------------
$ -- $ --
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
9. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
In 1993, the Company adopted a stock option plan (the "1993 Plan") which
authorized the granting of both options intended to qualify as "incentive stock
options" under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code ("Incentive Stock
Options") and stock options that are not intended to so qualify ("Nonqualified
Stock Options") to officers, directors, employees, consultants, and others
expected to provide significant
F-14
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (CONTINUED)
services to the Company or its subsidiaries. The 1993 plan, which covers an
aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of common stock, was approved by the Board of
Directors in October 1993. The Company has reserved 2,000,000 shares of common
stock in connection with the 1993 Plan. Under the terms of the 1993 Plan,
options may be exercised upon terms approved by the Board of Directors of the
Company and expire at a maximum of ten years from the date of grant. Incentive
Stock Options are granted at prices equal to or greater than fair market value
at the date of grant. Nonqualified Stock Options are generally granted at prices
equal to or greater than 85% of the fair market value at the date of grant. At
December 31, 1998, all of the shares under the 1993 Plan have been awarded.
In March 1996, the Board of Directors adopted the 1996 Executive Stock Bonus
Plan (the "Bonus Plan") which was approved by a vote of the shareholders in May
1996. The Bonus Plan granted one-time options to purchase an aggregate of
720,000 shares of common stock of the Company to directors, officers and other
key employees performing services for the Company and its affiliates. Under each
option agreement of the Bonus Plan, 25% of the options become exercisable on
each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. The options granted
under the Bonus Plan expire in March 2001.
In April 1996, the Board of Directors adopted the 1996 Stock Option Plan
(the "1996 Plan") which was approved by the shareholders in May 1996. In May
1998, shareholders approved amendments to the 1996 Stock Option Plan which
increased the authorized number of shares of common stock subject to the amended
plan by 500,000 shares. The Company has reserved 1,000,000 shares of common
stock for issuance under the 1996 plan. The 1996 Plan provides for the grant of
Nonqualified Stock Options and Incentive Stock Options to key employees,
including officers of the Company and its subsidiaries and certain other
individuals. The 1996 Plan also provides for the automatic grant of 20,000
shares of Nonqualified Stock Options to non-employee directors upon initial
election to the Board of Directors and 2,000 shares thereafter on an annual
basis under the Non-Employee Director Program. These options are generally
exercisable six months to one year after grant and expire five years after grant
for directors or up to ten years after grant for key employees. At December 31,
1998, 540,000 shares were available for grant.
In 1996, the Company also granted to two employees of a subsidiary of the
Company options to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an
exercise price of $2.69 per share. Such options were granted outside the 1993
and 1996 plans and vest over four years and expire in March 2001.
In 1997, the Company granted to three consultants options to purchase
110,000 shares of the Company's common stock, 24,000 at an exercise price of
$2.50, 30,000 at an exercise price of $3.69 and 56,000 at an exercise price of
$3.50. Such options were granted outside the 1993 and 1996 plans and vest over
periods ranging from six months to sixteen months.
In 1998, the Company granted to a consultant options to purchase 12,000
shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $4.69. Such options
vest over a twelve-month period.
F-15
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (CONTINUED)
The following is a summary of common stock option activities:
WEIGHTED
EXERCISE AVERAGE
SHARES PRICES PRICE
---------- ------------- -----------
1996
Balance at December 31, 1995........................... 1,781,450 $ 0.75-$2.63 $ 1.33
Options Granted........................................ 853,550 $ 2.69-$5.25 $ 3.14
Options Exercised...................................... (218,000) $ 0.75-$2.63 $ 1.01
Options Forfeited...................................... (18,000) $2.50 $ 2.50
---------- ------------- -----
1997
Balance at December 31, 1996........................... 2,399,000 $ 0.75-$5.25 $ 1.99
Options Granted........................................ 660,200 $ 2.13-$3.89 $ 3.10
Options Exercised...................................... (512,400) $ 0.75-$2.63 $ 1.67
---------- ------------- -----
1998
Balance at December 31, 1997........................... 2,546,800 $ 0.75-$5.25 $ 2.34
Options Granted........................................ 86,000 $ 3.61-$8.63 $ 4.77
Options Exercised...................................... (874,400) $ 0.75-$2.63 $ 0.86
Options Cancelled...................................... (95,400) $ 2.13-$3.89 $ 2.50
---------- ------------- -----
Balance at December 31, 1998........................... 1,663,000 $ 1.00-$8.63 $ 3.24
---------- ------------- -----
---------- ------------- -----
Exercisable at December 31, 1996....................... 1,430,000 $ 0.75-$2.75 $ 1.25
Exercisable at December 31, 1997....................... 1,307,300 $ 0.75-$5.25 $ 1.55
Exercisable at December 31, 1998....................... 893,000 $ 1.00-$5.25 $ 2.79
Options outstanding at December 31, 1998 are summarized as follows:
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
NUMBER OF REMAINING WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL AVERAGE NUMBER AVERAGE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES OPTIONS LIFE EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE PRICE
- --------------------------------------- ----------- --------------- --------------- ----------- ---------------
$1.00-$2.99............................ 416,000 1.6265 yrs $ 2.08 336,000 $ 1.91
$3.00-$5.99............................ 1,227,000 2.3445 yrs $ 3.41 557,000 $ 3.32
$6.00-$9.99............................ 20,000 4.3808 yrs $ 8.63 0 $ 0.00
----------- -----------
1,663,000 893,000
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
The Company has issued warrants to purchase 2,881,030 shares of the
Company's common stock as of December 31, 1998. Of this total, warrants to
purchase 200,000 shares with a per share exercise price of $1.00 were issued to
an individual who later became an officer and director of the Company. In 1998,
warrants to purchase 1,434,786 were issued in conjunction with two privately
placed equity financings with per share exercise prices ranging from $7.50 to
$9.25. The total number of warrants to purchase stock exercisable at December
31, 1998 is 2,055,050, with a weighted average exercise price of $7.03, and a
weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.1 years.
The Company has adopted only the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123,
with respect to options issued to employees.
F-16
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (CONTINUED)
The weighted average fair value of options granted during 1998, 1997 and
1996 for which the exercise price equals the fair market price on grant date was
$3.37, $2.28 and $2.08, respectively. The weighted average fair value of options
granted during 1997 and 1996 for which the exercise price is less than the fair
market price on grant date was $1.40 and $2.12. There were no options granted
during 1998 that were less than the fair market price. The weighted average fair
value of options granted during 1997 for which the exercise price exceeds the
fair market price on grant date was $1.42. There were no options granted during
1998 and 1996 that exceeded the fair market price. Had compensation expense
related to stock options issued to employees been reported in accordance with
SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been
reduced to the pro forma amounts below:
1998 1997 1996
------------- ------------- -----------
Net Income (Loss), as Reported..................... $ (6,189,000) $ (2,859,000) $ 17,000
Net Loss, Pro Forma................................ $ (6,831,000) $ (3,371,000) $ (259,000)
Basic Loss Per Share, as Reported.................. $ (0.69) $ (0.58) $ 0.00
Basic Loss Per Share, Pro Forma.................... $ (0.76) $ (0.68) $ (0.07)
Diluted Loss Per Share, as Reported................ $ (0.69) $ (0.58) $ 0.00
Diluted Loss Per Share, Pro Forma.................. $ (0.76) $ (0.68) $ (0.07)
The fair value of options was determined using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model, assuming weighted average risk free interest of 5.18%,
6.14% and 6.02% in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, volatility of
approximately 75%, with expected lives of three to five years, and no expected
dividends.
10. NOTE RECEIVABLE SECURED BY COMMON STOCK
Note receivable secured by common stock of $197,000 at December 31, 1997
represents amounts loaned to a stockholder secured by the Company's common
stock. These amounts have been classified as contra-equity because in the event
the stockholder fails to remit payment, the Company will receive shares of the
Company's common stock. At December 31, 1998, all amounts secured by shares of
the Company's common stock have been paid.
11. GAIN IN ISSUANCE OF STOCK BY AFFILIATE
In February 1996, Whitewing Labs issued approximately 1.1 million shares of
common stock as part of a public offering of its common stock. The issuance of
stock reduced the Company's ownership interest from approximately 38% to
approximately 18%. This transaction resulted in a noncash pretax gain of
approximately $1.1 million for the Company.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In May 1998, the Company entered into a lease commitment for 5,449
square-feet of new office space. This lease commitment provides for minimum
rental payments for 60 months, excluding renewal options. The monthly payments
will approximate $12,000 over the lease term, which began December 1998. This
office space replaced the Company's existing principal executive offices. One of
the Company's majority-owned subsidiaries leased laboratory and office space
under an operating lease through April 1999. Rent expense in 1998, 1997 and 1996
was approximately $263,000, $123,000 and $67,000 respectively.
F-17
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
At December 31, 1998, future minimum lease payments for operating leases are
as follows:
1999.............................................................. $ 202,000
2000.............................................................. 144,000
2001.............................................................. 144,000
2002.............................................................. 144,000
2003.............................................................. 144,000
13. LITIGATION
On May 7, 1997, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement terminating
a lawsuit brought by Ann P. Hodges, a former director of the Company, and her
husband Christopher D. Hodges. The suit alleged that the Company breached a
contract with Ann Hodges by improperly refusing to permit her to exercise an
option to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company, and sought
$950,000 in damages from the Company. Under terms of the Settlement Agreement,
the Hodges received $25,000 in cash and options to purchase 241,200 shares of
the Company's common stock at an exercise price equal to $2.125 per share. The
underlying shares vest over a period of 18 months, and remain exercisable until
the Hodges realize total profits of up to $475,000 (measured as the aggregate
difference between the market value of the shares on the date of exercise and
the exercise price). As of May 1998, all liabilities were satisfied.
In July 1998, PG Distribution, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska filed a complaint in
the United States District Court, District of Delaware, against Soundview
Technologies Incorporated, seeking a declaratory judgement that United States
Patent No. 4,554,584 (relating to a video and audio blanking system) is invalid.
In October 1998, PG Distribution Inc. and Parental Guide Company, LLC filed a
notice of dismissal of the litigation against Soundview Technologies and agreed
to pay royalties to Soundview Technologies under a non-exclusive,
non-transferable license to make, use and sell, or lease products under the
claims of Soundview Technologies' patent.
14. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest in 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $2,000, $39,000 and
$2,000, respectively. The Company paid cash for income taxes in the amount of
$2,000, $2,000 and $252,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
15. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has two reportable segments: Investment Activities, including
investment advisory services and investments in development stage companies, and
CombiMatrix.
The Company provides investment advisory services, and also provides
management services to, and makes direct investments in emerging corporations
with intellectual property rights, most of which are involved in developing new
or unproven technologies.
CombiMatrix engages in a highly specialized and focused research effort in
combinatorial chemistry. It seeks to streamline the drug discovery process and
has demonstrated the preliminary feasibility of its proprietary technologies.
F-18
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
15. SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
The Company evaluates segment performances based on fees earned, and cost
versus earnings potential of future completed products or services. Material
intercompany transactions and transfers have been eliminated in consolidation.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the
summary of significant accounting policies.
The table below presents information about the Company's reportable segments
for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997. Segment information for the year
ended December 31, 1996 has not been presented as comparative data was
impracticable to obtain.
INVESTING
1998 ACTIVITIES COMBIMATRIX OTHER TOTAL
- -------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------
Revenues.......................................... $ 382,000 -- -- $ 382,000
Amortization of patents and goodwill.............. 1,547,000 -- 21,000 1,568,000
Interest income................................... 216,000 83,000 3,000 302,000
Interest expense.................................. 1,000 129,000 -- 130,000
Equity in losses of affiliates.................... 901,000 -- -- 901,000
Equity in income of partnerships.................. 184,000 -- -- 184,000
Loss before minority interests and income taxes... 4,080,000 1,644,000 663,000 6,387,000
Segment assets.................................... 16,052,000 3,522,000 195,000 19,769,000
Investments in affiliates, at equity.............. 3,481,000 -- -- 3,481,000
Partnerships interests, at equity................. 1,832,000 -- -- 1,832,000
Capital expenditures.............................. 281,000 88,000 5,000 374,000
INVESTING
1997 ACTIVITIES COMBIMATRIX OTHER TOTAL
- -------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------
Revenues.......................................... $ 491,000 -- -- $ 491,000
Gains on sales of investments..................... 50,000 -- -- 50,000
Amortization of patents and goodwill.............. 459,000 -- -- 459,000
Interest income................................... 36,000 9,000 7,000 52,000
Interest expense.................................. 41,000 -- -- 41,000
Equity in losses of affiliates.................... 290,000 -- -- 290,000
Equity in income of partnerships.................. 129,000 -- -- 129,000
Legal settlement expense.......................... 460,000 -- -- 460,000
Loss before minority interests and income taxes... 2,491,000 612,000 417,000 3,520,000
Segment assets.................................... 8,267,000 357,000 230,000 8,854,000
Investments in affiliates, at equity.............. 1,205,000 -- -- 1,205,000
Partnerships interest, at equity.................. 586,000 -- -- 586,000
Capital expenditures.............................. 34,000 50,000 8,000 92,000
F-19