Attached files
| file | filename |
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| EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Sequential Brands Group, Inc. | v460446_ex32-1.htm |
| EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Sequential Brands Group, Inc. | v460446_ex31-2.htm |
| EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Sequential Brands Group, Inc. | v460446_ex31-1.htm |
| EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - Sequential Brands Group, Inc. | v460446_ex23-1.htm |
| EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - Sequential Brands Group, Inc. | v460446_ex21-1.htm |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
| x | Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016
| ¨ | Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from __________________ to ______________________.
Commission file number 001-37656
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 47-4452789 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
| incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor
New York, New York 10001
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(646) 564-2577
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
| (Title of each class) | (Name of each exchange on which registered) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
| Yes ¨ | No x |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
| Yes ¨ | No x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
| Yes x | No ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
| Yes x | No ¨ |
Indicate by check mark if 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. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer x |
| Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
| Yes ¨ | No x |
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2016, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $312,442,337 (based on the closing sales price of the registrant's common stock on that date).
At February 28, 2017, the registrant had 62,511,862 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 23, 2017 are incorporated by reference in Items 10 through 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-K
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Unless otherwise noted, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the “Sequential Brands Group”, “Company,” “our Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar pronouns refer to Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. References to other companies may include their trademarks, which are the property of their respective owners.
This 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business,” contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We use words such as “future,” “seek,” “could,” “can,” “predict,” “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “estimate,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include, among others, those concerning our expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that a number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: (i) risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports that the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); (ii) general economic, market or business conditions; (iii) the Company’s ability to identify suitable targets for acquisitions and to obtain financing for such acquisitions on commercially reasonable terms; (iv) the Company’s ability to timely achieve the anticipated results of recent acquisitions and any potential future acquisitions; (v) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into its ongoing business; (vi) the potential impact of the consummation of recent acquisitions or any potential future acquisitions on the Company’s relationships, including with employees, licensees, customers and competitors; (vii) the Company’s ability to achieve and/or manage growth and to meet target metrics associated with such growth; (viii) the Company’s ability to successfully attract new brands and to identify suitable licensees for its existing and newly acquired brands; (ix) the Company’s substantial level of indebtedness, including the possibility that such indebtedness and related restrictive covenants may adversely affect the Company’s future cash flows, results of operations and financial condition and decrease its operating flexibility; (x) the Company’s ability to achieve its guidance; (xi) continued market acceptance of the Company’s brands; (xii) changes in the Company’s competitive position or competitive actions by other companies; (xiii) licensees’ ability to fulfill their financial obligations to the Company; (xiv) concentrations of the Company’s licensing revenues with a limited number of licensees and retail partners; and (xv) other circumstances beyond the Company’s control.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on current expectations and assumptions. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to such or other forward-looking statements.
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| Item 1. | Business |
Corporate Overview
We own a portfolio of consumer brands in the fashion, home, athletic and lifestyle categories, including Martha Stewart, Jessica Simpson, AND1, Avia, Joe’s Jeans, Heelys and GAIAM. We aim to maximize the value of our brands by promoting, marketing and licensing the brands through various distribution channels, including to retailers, wholesalers and distributors in the United States and in certain international territories. Our core strategy is to enhance and monetize the global reach of our existing brands, and to pursue additional strategic acquisitions to grow the scope of and diversify our portfolio of brands.
Our business is designed to maximize the value of our brands through license agreements with partners that are responsible for manufacturing and distributing our licensed products and, with the exception of our Martha Stewart brand, primarily responsible for the design of such licensed products. Our brands are licensed for a broad range of product categories, including apparel, footwear, eyewear, fashion accessories and home goods, as well as, with respect to our Martha Stewart brand, food, wine, pet supplies and a variety of media related assets, such as magazines, books and other print and digital content. We seek to select licensees who have demonstrated the ability to produce and sell quality products in their respective licensed categories and have the capability to meet or exceed the minimum sales thresholds and guaranteed minimum royalty payments that we generally require.
We license our brands to both wholesale and direct-to-retail licensees. In a wholesale license, a wholesale supplier is granted rights (typically on an exclusive basis) to a single or small group of related product categories for a particular brand for sale to multiple accounts within an approved channel of distribution and territory. In a direct-to-retail license, a single retailer is granted the right (typically on an exclusive basis) to sell branded products in a broad range of product categories through its brick and mortar stores and e-commerce sites. As of December 31, 2016, we had more than one-hundred fifty licensees, with wholesale licensees comprising a significant majority.
Strategy
We own, manage, and maximize the long-term value of a diversified portfolio of global consumer brands. We aim to acquire well-known consumer brands with high potential for growth and strong brand awareness. We additionally seek to diversify our portfolio by evaluating the strength of targeted brands and the expected viability and sustainability of future royalty streams. Upon the acquisition of a brand, we partner with leading wholesalers and retailers to drive incremental value and maximize brand equity. We focus on certain key initiatives in our licensing and brand management business. These initiatives include:
| · | Maximizing the value of our existing brands by creating efficiencies, adding additional product categories, expanding distribution and retail presence and optimizing sales through innovative marketing that increases consumer brand awareness and loyalty; | |
| · | Expanding through ecommerce channels; |
| · | Developing international expansion through additional licenses, partnerships and other arrangements with leading retailers and wholesalers outside the United States; and |
| · | Acquiring consumer brands (or the rights to such brands) with high consumer awareness, broad appeal and applicability to a wide range of product categories. |
Licensing Relationships
Our license agreements typically require a licensee to pay us royalties based upon net sales and, in most cases, contain guaranteed minimum royalties. Many of our license agreements also require licensees to support the brands by either paying or spending contractually guaranteed minimum amounts for the marketing and advertising of the respective licensed brands. As of March 7, 2017, we had contractual rights to receive an aggregate of $462.0 million in minimum royalty and marketing and advertising revenue from our licensees through the balance of the current terms of such licenses, excluding any renewals.
Our license agreements stipulate specific geographical territories and distribution channels in which the licensed products may be sold. Currently, the majority of our revenues are from license agreements with stipulated distribution territories in the United States. As we grow our existing brands and acquire new brands, we intend to increase the share of our international revenue, primarily through additional licenses, partnerships and other arrangements.
We believe our business model enables us to use our brand management expertise to continue to grow our portfolio of brands and generate new revenue streams without significantly changing our infrastructure. We believe our business model provides numerous benefits, including:
| · | Potential for financial upside without the investment and management risks and capital demands associated with traditional wholesale operating companies; |
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| · | Diversification resulting from both broad demographic appeal and distribution through a range of distribution channels; |
| · | Growth opportunity through expansion of existing brands into new categories and geographic areas and through acquisitions; and |
| · | Reduced operational risks because inventory and other typical wholesale operating functions are the responsibilities of our licensees. |
Our licensing revenues are concentrated with certain licensees and retail partners. During the year ended December 31, 2016, one licensee represented at least 10% of net revenue, accounting for 11% of the Company’s net revenue. For additional information, see “Risk Factors Risks Related to our Business - A substantial portion of our licensing revenue is concentrated with a limited number of licensees and retail partners, such that the loss of a licensee or retail partner could materially decrease our revenue and cash flows” in Item 1A.
Description of Our Brands
Martha Stewart
In December 2015, we acquired the Martha Stewart brand through the acquisition of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (“MSLO”). MSLO was founded in 1997 by Martha Stewart, an Emmy Award-winning television show host, entrepreneur, bestselling author of 88 books, and America’s most trusted lifestyle expert and teacher. Millions of people rely on Martha Stewart as a source of useful "how-to" information for all aspects of everyday living - cooking, entertaining, gardening, home renovating, collecting, organizing, crafting, holidays, healthy living and pets. The Martha Stewart brand reaches approximately 100 million consumers across all media and merchandising platforms each month. Her branded products are found in over 70 million households and have a growing retail presence in thousands of locations. We currently license the Martha Stewart brand to various licensees, including retailers such as Macy's, The Home Depot, Staples and Michaels. In 2016, we completed the transition of the MSLO print magazine business and related digital platforms to a licensed model with Meredith Corporation. Additionally in 2016, we launched the Martha & Marley Spoon meal-kit delivery business and increased the brand’s international presence by expanding distribution to Hudson’s Bay in Canada and signing a new long-term licensing agreement with a licensee to sell homes goods throughout South Korea beginning in 2017.
Jessica Simpson
In April 2015, we acquired a majority interest in the Jessica Simpson brand, including the Jessica Simpson Collection master license and other rights. Founded in 2005, the Jessica Simpson Collection is a signature lifestyle concept inspired by and designed in collaboration with Jessica Simpson. The growing brand offers multiple product categories including footwear, apparel, fragrance, fashion accessories, maternity apparel, girls’ clothing and a home line. The brand is supported by best-in-class licensees and has strong department store distribution through Dillard's, Macy's, Belk, Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom, among other independent retailers. We have a long-term license agreement with Camuto Group to manufacture and distribute footwear under the Jessica Simpson Collection. The Jessica Simpson Collection is currently available in over 2,500 points of distribution worldwide. In 2016, we expanded the brand into the activewear apparel category and the performance footwear category, and launched a new line of products in the baby category.
AND1
We acquired the AND1 brand in August 2014 as part of the Galaxy transaction. Founded in 1993, AND1 prides itself on being the original basketball brand focusing on the everyday player. Licensees for the AND1 brand include E.S. Originals, Inc. (“ESO”) for footwear and High Life, LLC for apparel. In addition, the AND1 brand is licensed in product categories, such as hosiery, underwear, off-court/casual footwear and other accessories. The AND1 brand is offered through Wal-Mart stores, sporting goods retailers and related e-commerce sites in the United States and has a strong distribution network reaching over 20 countries. In 2016, we expanded the assortment by launching the brand in the sporting goods category with basketballs. Additionally in 2016 we increased international distribution by launching at Wal-Mart Canada and signing a new long-term agreement with a licensee to sell footwear and apparel throughout China beginning in 2017.
Avia
We acquired the Avia brand in August 2014 as part of the Galaxy transaction. Founded in 1979, Avia is best known for running and activewear products designed to unite performance and function for athletes of every level. We currently license the Avia brand to various licensees, including ESO for footwear and Delta Galil U.S.A. Inc. for apparel. Since we acquired Avia, we have expanded its licensed product categories to include wearable fitness accessories, hosiery, sports bags and various other accessory products. The Avia brand is primarily offered through Wal-Mart stores in the United States, with additional distribution through specialty retailers and related e-commerce sites, such as Modell’s Sporting Goods, as well as globally in numerous countries. In 2016 we expanded the Avia assortment into the sporting goods department at Wal-Mart with several new accessories related programs.
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GAIAM
We acquired the GAIAM brand on July 1, 2016. Founded in 1996 as an eco-living catalog company, GAIAM evolved into a yoga brand by producing and distributing yoga videos and related products through multiple channels of distribution. GAIAM has since expanded to include a full line of apparel, yoga mats, yoga mat bags, yoga blocks and straps, yoga and fitness props, balance balls, bags, active sitting products, including our balance ball chair, and fitness kits and various other accessories. GAIAM is dedicated to making yoga, fitness and wellness accessible to all through a wide distribution network that consists of approximately 38,000 retail doors, 19,000 store-within-a-stores, 5,000 category management locations, e-commerce, and a mobile platform which features Yoga Studio, leading paid app for Apple, mobile and tablet devices with over 1 million downloads to date. We currently license the GAIAM brand to various licensees, including Fit For Life, LLC for yoga sporting goods and High Life, LLC for apparel. In 2016, we expanded the brand’s distribution further into the drug stores and department stores channels. In 2017, we expect to continue broadening distribution for the brand in the United States and abroad.
Joe’s Jeans
In September 2015, we acquired the Joe’s Jeans brand. Founded in 2001, Joe's Jeans is a casual chic global lifestyle brand synonymous with classic, modernized wardrobe staples ranging from premium denim to handcrafted collection pieces, and from contemporary accessories to footwear. Concurrently with the acquisition, we entered into a long-term license agreement for the brand's core categories with GBG USA Inc. Joe's Jeans branded products are available at fine department stores and specialty boutiques in the United States and internationally. In 2016 we added women’s handbags to the Joe’s Jeans products portfolio. In 2017, the Joe’s Jeans Spring marketing campaign will feature model Taylor Hill who will also collaborate with the brand to develop future capsule collections expected to debut in 2017 and 2018.
Ellen Tracy
We acquired the Ellen Tracy brand in March 2013. Founded in 1949, Ellen Tracy is a leading fashion lifestyle brand focusing on polished and sophisticated style for modern women. The Ellen Tracy brand is known for quality tailoring, timeless silhouettes and classic signature prints. Product offerings currently include apparel, outerwear, sleepwear, intimate apparel, hosiery, eyewear, fragrance, fashion accessories, swimwear, and luggage. Licensees for the Ellen Tracy brand include GBG USA Inc. for sportswear and G-III Apparel Group Ltd. for outerwear and dresses, and Komar for Sleepwear and Intimate apparel. In addition, the Ellen Tracy brand has been licensed for jewelry, bath and body gifts, cosmetics, and home. The Ellen Tracy brand is offered in premium and regional department and specialty stores throughout the United States as well as globally. In 2016, Ellen Tracy expanded its offerings with activewear, travel accessories, slippers and additional home products. Ellen Tracy recently collaborated with top model Irina Shayk to be the face of the brand, as well as to create a limited edition apparel collection expected to debut for the Fall 2017 season.
Emeril Lagasse
In December 2015, we acquired the Emeril Lagasse brand through the acquisition of MSLO. Emeril Lagasse is the chef/proprietor of 12 restaurants throughout the United States, and the best-selling author of 19 cookbooks. As a national TV personality, he has hosted more than 2,000 shows on the Food Network, is the food correspondent for ABC’s “Good Morning America”, appeared as a guest judge on Bravo’s hit food series, “Top Chef” and is in his fourth season of “Emeril’s Florida” on the Cooking Channel. Licensees for the Emeril Lagasse brand primarily include various food and kitchen preparation manufacturers for product categories such as cookware, cutlery and food and coffee products. Emeril Lagasse branded products are available in department stores, supermarkets and specialty stores within the United States, as well as through a partnership with QVC. In 2016, Emeril Lagasse was featured in the new series “Eat the World” which was produced and distributed in partnership with Amazon, Inc.
William Rast
The William Rast brand is recognized worldwide as a lifestyle fashion brand. Conceptualized and founded by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala in 2005, William Rast is rounded in the iconography of biker culture with designs that embody the “new America” sensibility and deliver an edgy yet tailored collection of premium denim, ready to wear, tailoring and outerwear for both men and women. Product offerings include denim, sportswear, tailored apparel, fashion accessories, outerwear and hosiery. Licensees for the William Rast brand include One Jeanswear for men’s and women’s apparel and outerwear, Peerless Clothing International for tailored apparel and Level 8 Apparel LLC for outerwear. In 2016, William Rast expanded distribution to several new national retailers including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Belk, Bon-Ton, and Bloomingdales. Previoulsy, the William Rast brand had primarily been offered through, Lord & Taylor and specialty retailers in the United States and The Hudson's Bay Company in Canada.
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Heelys
We acquired the Heelys brand in January 2013. Founded in 1999, the Heelys brand has been a breakout success in the world of action sports among children and teens with its innovative, patented dual-purpose wheeled footwear, featuring a stealth removable wheel in the heel. Heelys continues to grow into the ultimate kids’ active lifestyle brand. The primary licensee for the Heelys brand is BBC International LLC for wheeled and non-wheeled footwear and related accessories. The Heelys brand is offered through department stores, sporting goods retailers, related e-commerce sites, as well as Heelys’ own e-commerce site in the United States and over 75 additional countries. In 2016, the Heelys brand saw increased distribution through specialty retailers in the United States, including Journeys and core footwear ecommerce retailers such as Zappos.com, as well as continued growth in key international markets, including Europe.
Revo
We acquired the Revo brand in August 2013. Revo is a performance eyewear brand designed for the active consumer and has been the leader in polarized lens technology since it was founded in 1985. Revo sunglasses were first created by utilizing lens technology developed by NASA as solar protection for satellites. The Revo brand has continued to build on its tradition of technology and innovation by offering the clearest and most advanced high-contrast polarized sunglasses available. The Revo brand is licensed on a worldwide basis to B. Robinson Optical, Inc. for sunglasses and related categories and is distributed through retail locations.
Caribbean Joe
We acquired the Caribbean Joe brand in March 2013 as part of the Brand Matter Acquisition. Founded in 1999, the Caribbean Joe brand is a casual, island inspired, lifestyle brand. Originally rooted in apparel, Caribbean Joe’s product offerings have expanded to include luggage, home textiles, swimwear and accessories. Licensees for the Caribbean Joe brand include the Moret Group for women’s apparel and Mainstream for women’s sportswear. The Caribbean Joe brand is distributed in the United States through mid-tier department stores, specialty stores, e-commerce sites, clubs and off-price retailers as well as internationally through specialty retailers and distributors.
DVS
We acquired a 65% interest in the DVS brand in June 2012 through a joint venture with Elan Polo International, Inc. (“Elan Polo”), a global organization which designs, sources and delivers men's, women's and children's shoes to retailers around the world. The DVS brand is a footwear brand dedicated to inspiring youth to have fun and always push forward and is best known for its great style, technical features and input of some of the best action sports athletes in the world. Product offerings for the brand currently include footwear, backpacks, accessories and equipment. The primary licensee for the DVS brand is Elan Polo for footwear, with distribution through specialty street skating and other specialty stores in the United States and internationally.
The Franklin Mint
We acquired The Franklin Mint brand in November 2013. Founded in 1964, The Franklin Mint is acknowledged as the “Gold Standard” in the collectible and gift giving arena. The Franklin Mint brand has been licensed in multiple categories, including coins, models, jewelry, games, décor, giftables, seasonal, co-branded products through license agreements. The Franklin Mint brand is currently offered via the franklinmint.com website. In 2016, The Franklin Mint brand debuted on the home shopping channel EVINE with a collection of commemorative coins featuring the 2016 presidential election.
Linens N Things
We acquired the Linens N Things brand in August 2014 as part of the Galaxy transaction. Founded in 1975, Linens N Things grew to be one of North America’s largest retailers of home textiles, housewares, and decorative home accessories. Today the Linens N Things brand is distributed via its namesake direct commerce site, offering products the bedding, bath, window, furniture & décor, kitchen, and storage & organization categories.
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SPRI
We acquired the SPRI brand in July 2016 as part of the GAIAM transaction. Founded in 1983 as the Sports Performance Rehabilitative Institute, SPRI pioneered a line of rubber resistance products in the fitness & training category. Over the past 30 years, SPRI has grown to be a leading cross fit training brand, offering a full line of fitness accessories, training tools, and educational materials. The SPRI brand today focuses on distribution in both the commercial fitness (gyms, fitness clubs, and hotels) and retail fitness channels. In 2016, the SPRI brand expanded its retail presence into Target stores in the United States with the launch of the “IGNITE by SPRI” line of products.
Nevados
We acquired the Nevados brand in August 2014 as part of the Galaxy transaction. Founded in 1990, the Nevados brand was inspired by the 17,000- foot Los Nevados National Natural Park in the Colombian Andes Mountains range. With a dedication to comfort and durability, Nevados offers hiking boots and outdoor shoes to make sure you see the great outdoors, and enjoy every step of the way. Today the brand is distributed through Amazon and Zappos, as well as select specialty stores in the United States.
FUL
We acquired the FUL brand in November 2014. Founded in 2014 in Memphis Tennessee the FUL brand’s objective is to provide comfortable, functional bags with a fashion edge using the music world as inspiration. Today the FUL brand offers a full line of bags, backpacks, and travel gear. Distribution for the brand focuses mostly within the mass market, clubs, and digital commerce channels of distribution.
Business Segment
We have a single operating and reportable segment, as described more fully in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Reportable Segment” in Item 7. See Item 6 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for measures of our net revenues, consolidated net income (loss) and total assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Corporate Organization/Information
We were formed on June 5, 2015, for the purpose of effecting the merger of Singer Merger Sub, Inc. with and into SQBG, Inc. (previously known as Sequential Brands Group, Inc.) (SEC File No. 001-36082) (“Old Sequential”) and the merger of Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. with and into MSLO (SEC File No. 001-15395), with Old Sequential and MSLO each surviving the merger as wholly owned subsidiaries of us (the “Mergers”). Prior to the Mergers, we did not conduct any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 22, 2015, as amended, by and among MSLO, Old Sequential, us, Singer Merger Sub, Inc., and Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. (the “Merger Agreement”). On December 4, 2015, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Old Sequential and MSLO completed the strategic combination of their respective businesses and became wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. Old Sequential was the accounting acquirer in the Mergers; therefore, the historical consolidated financial statements for Old Sequential for periods prior to the Mergers are considered to be the historical financial statements of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and thus, our consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2015 reflect Old Sequential’s consolidated financial statements for period from January 1, 2015 through December 4, 2015 and for fiscal year 2014, and Sequential Brand Group Inc.’s thereafter.
Old Sequential’s common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker “SQBG” on September 24, 2013, and we succeeded to Old Sequential’s listing on December 7, 2015.
Old Sequential was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1982. In the second half of 2011, Old Sequential transitioned its business model to focus on licensing and brand management. Prior to this, Old Sequential designed, marketed and provided, on a wholesale basis, branded apparel and apparel accessories, as well as operated retail stores to sell our branded products. In the second half of 2011, Old Sequential discontinued its wholesale distribution of branded apparel and apparel accessories, liquidated its existing inventory and closed its remaining retail stores. To reflect its business transition, in March 2012, Old Sequential changed its corporate name from People’s Liberation, Inc. to Sequential Brands Group, Inc.
Competition
We operate in a highly competitive market, both for our individual brands and for the Company as a whole.
Our brands are subject to extensive competition from various domestic and foreign brands. Each of our brands has a number of competitors within its specific product categories and distribution channels that compete with the product categories and distribution channels in which our brands’ products are sold. Our brands also compete within the retail stores and other distribution channels that carry such brand’s product lines with other products offered by these retail stores and distribution channel in the respective product categories, including with products sold under our partners' private labels. We also compete with the e-commerce businesses of these stores and other websites that sell similar retail goods. Competitive factors include design, style, quality, price, name recognition, service and advertising.
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In addition, we face competition in establishing and maintaining licensee relationships for our existing brands. Competitors may seek to enter into brand licensing arrangements with our current or potential licensees, which may inhibit our ability to enter into or maintain licensing arrangements. In addition, the retailers that currently sell our branded products may develop their own brands or acquire brands rather than purchase products from our licensees, which could make it more difficult for our licensees to achieve their sales targets.
We also compete with traditional apparel and consumer brand companies, as well as other brand management companies, for acquisitions of accretive brands, particularly brands with high consumer awareness, broad appeal and applicability to a wide range of product categories.
Trademarks
Our trademarks and associated marks are registered or pending registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in block letter and/or logo formats, as well as in combination with a variety of ancillary marks for use with respect to a broad range of product categories, including footwear, eyewear, apparel, fragrance, handbags, backpacks, watches, home goods and various other goods and services. We intend to renew these registrations as appropriate prior to their expiration. In addition, we register our trademarks in other countries and regions around the world. We also have domestic, foreign and international intellectual property coverage for the technology and designs for several brands, for Heelys wheeled footwear and certain Gaiam yoga-related products. We and own the rights to 74 U.S. issued patents and 49 foreign issued patents within 18 countries, along with several pending U.S. and foreign patent applications and industrial designs. Further, in connection with the acquisition of the Martha Stewart brand, we are also the owners of domestic and international design and utility patents covering certain Martha Stewart Crafts paper punches.
We monitor on an ongoing basis unauthorized use and filings of our trademarks and patents and rely primarily upon a combination of federal, state, and local laws, as well as contractual restrictions, to protect our intellectual property rights, both domestically and internationally.
Seasonality
Our business is affected by seasonality in the businesses of many of our licensees. Historically, this has resulted in higher revenues during our third and fourth quarters, which includes the holiday retail season in the United States. We recognized 27% and 26% of our annual revenues during the third quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively. We recognized 29% and 36% of our annual revenues during the fourth quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our seasonality may change as we continue to grow our business.
Employees
As of February 28, 2017, we had a total of 158 employees and area-specific consultants working to support our continuing operations. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We consider our relationship with our employees to be satisfactory.
Available Information
Our corporate website address is www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this report. We file our annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. These reports, and any amendments to these reports, are made available on our website and can be viewed and downloaded free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with or furnished to the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may also obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet site that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, which is available at www.sec.gov.
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, prospects and/or the trading price of our common stock. Although the risks and uncertainties listed below are those that we consider significant, material risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us may also adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In evaluating our business and an investment in our securities, you should consider the following risk factors, in addition to the other information presented in this report, as well as the other reports we file from time to with the SEC:
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Risks Related to Our Acquisitions
If we are unable to identify and successfully acquire additional brands or to finance the acquisition of such brands, our rate of growth may be reduced and, even if additional trademarks are acquired, we may not realize anticipated benefits due to integration or licensing difficulties.
A key component of our growth strategy is the acquisition of additional brands. In 2016, we acquired GAIAM, and in 2015, we acquired Jessica Simpson, Joe’s Jeans, Martha Stewart, and Emeril Lagasse and are continually exploring new acquisition opportunities. However, we face extensive competition for new brand acquisitions, both from other brand management companies as well as traditional consumer brand companies, retailers and private equity groups, which could increase the price of the acquisitions and make it more difficult for us to find suitable acquisition targets. In addition, even if we successfully acquire additional brands or the rights to use additional brands, we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability levels that justify our investment in, or realize planned benefits with respect to, those additional brands.
Although we seek to temper our acquisition risks, all acquisitions, whether they are of additional intellectual property assets or of the companies that own them, entail numerous risks, any of which could detrimentally affect our results of operations and/or the value of our equity. These risks include, among others:
| · | unanticipated costs associated with the target acquisition; |
| · | negative effects on reported results of operations from acquisition related charges and amortization of acquired intangibles; |
| · | diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; |
| · | the challenges of maintaining focus on, and continuing to execute, core strategies and business plans as our brand and license portfolio grows and becomes more diversified; |
| · | inability to find suitable licensees for our newly acquired brands; |
| · | adverse effects on our existing licensing relationships, including our existing licensees terminating their license agreements with us; |
| · | potential difficulties associated with the retention of key employees and the assimilation of any other employees, who may be retained by us in connection with or as a result of our acquisitions; and |
| · | risks of entering new domestic and international markets (whether it be with respect to new licensed product categories or new licensed product distribution channels) or markets in which we have limited prior experience. |
In the event we acquire intellectual property assets or the companies that own them, our due diligence reviews are subject to inherent uncertainties and may not reveal all potential risks. We may therefore fail to discover or inaccurately assess undisclosed or contingent liabilities, including liabilities for which we may have responsibility as a successor to the seller or the target company. In addition, as a successor, we may be responsible for any past or continuing violations of law by the seller or the target company. Although we generally attempt to seek contractual protections through representations, warranties and indemnities, we cannot be sure that we will obtain such provisions in our acquisitions or that such provisions will fully protect us from all unknown, contingent or other liabilities or costs. Finally, claims against us relating to any acquisition may necessitate our seeking claims against the seller for which the seller may not, or may not be able to, indemnify us or that may exceed the scope, duration or amount of the seller’s indemnification obligations.
Acquiring additional brands could also have a significant effect on our financial condition and could cause substantial fluctuations in our liquidity, cash balances and quarterly and yearly results of operations. Acquisitions could result in the recording of significant goodwill and intangible assets on our financial statements, the amortization or impairment of which would reduce our reported earnings in subsequent years. We cannot assure you with respect to the timing, likelihood or financial or business effect of any possible transaction. Moreover, our ability to grow through the acquisition of additional brands will also depend on the availability of capital to complete the necessary acquisition arrangements. We may elect to pursue acquisitions through debt financing or the issuance of shares of our common stock or convertible securities. The use of equity as transaction consideration could dilute our common stock, reduce our earnings per share or reduce the market price of our common stock. We cannot guarantee that our stockholders will achieve greater returns as a result of any future acquisitions we complete.
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of our completed acquisitions, including the Mergers, or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected.
Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions, including the Mergers, depends, to a large extent, on our ability to implement changes to acquired businesses in a manner that facilitates growth opportunities and realizes anticipated synergies. We will be required to devote significant management attention, resources and costs to realigning the business practices and operations of acquired businesses to our brand management model. For example, in December 2015, we announced that we expanded MSLO’s previously existing relationship with Meredith Corporation (“Meredith”) to include all aspects of the MSLO publishing and media business on a long-term basis. On a combined basis, we expect to benefit from operational synergies resulting from the consolidation of capabilities and elimination of redundancies, as well as greater efficiencies from increased scale and market integration. However, this process may preclude or impede realization of the benefits expected from acquisitions and could adversely affect current revenues and investments in future growth, which could adversely affect our results of operations. We cannot be certain that we will not be required to implement further realignment activities, make additions or other changes to our workforce based on other cost reduction measures or changes in the markets and industry in which we compete. In addition, future business conditions and events may impact our ability to continue to realize any benefits of these initiatives. If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions, including the Mergers, may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected.
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The failure to successfully integrate certain businesses and operations as a result of our acquisitions in the expected time frame may adversely affect our future results.
Historically, our acquired businesses have operated as independent companies. We may face significant challenges in consolidating certain businesses and functions of these businesses, integrating their organizations, procedures, policies and operations, addressing differences in the business cultures and retaining key personnel. The integration process and other disruptions resulting from the business combinations mentioned above may also disrupt each company’s ongoing businesses or cause inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our relationships with employees, business partners, customers and others with whom we have business or other dealings, or limit our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Mergers. In addition, difficulties in integrating the businesses mentioned above could harm our reputation.
If we are not able to successfully combine our businesses in an efficient, effective and timely manner, the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the acquisitions may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected, and the value of our common stock may be affected adversely.
Our success and the expected benefits of the MSLO acquisition depend in part on the continued success of the historical Martha Stewart brands and the reputation and popularity of Ms. Martha Stewart. Any adverse reactions to publicity relating to Ms. Stewart, or the loss of her services, could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations as well as our ability to maintain or generate a consumer base.
We believe that maintaining and enhancing the Martha Stewart brand is critical to our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Martha Stewart brand may be negatively impacted by a number of factors, including the reputation of its content and products, the uniqueness and relevance of Martha Stewart branded content, and the reputation and popularity of Ms. Stewart. If we fail to maintain and enhance the Martha Stewart brand, or if excessive expenses are incurred in an effort to do so, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Moreover, we believe Ms. Stewart’s image, reputation, popularity and talent are material to our success. While Ms. Stewart is a member of our board of directors, has been named Chief Creative Officer and has entered into an employment agreement and certain license agreements with us, we cannot assure that she will be able to, or will continue to, serve in those capacities for any specific period. An extended or permanent loss of her services or any repeated or sustained negative shifts in public or industry perceptions of her could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, significant transaction costs in connection with our acquisitions, including the Mergers.
In connection with our acquisitions, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant costs and expenses, including financial advisory, legal, accounting, consulting and other advisory fees and expenses, reorganization and restructuring costs, litigation defense costs, severance/employee benefit-related expenses, filing fees, printing expenses and other related charges. There are also a large number of processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies and systems that must be integrated in connection with our acquisitions. While we assumed that a certain level of expenses would be incurred in connection with the acquisitions, there are many factors beyond our control that could affect the total amount or timing of the integration and implementation expenses. There may also be additional unanticipated significant costs in connection with acquisitions that we may not recoup. These costs and expenses could reduce the benefits and income we expect to achieve from our acquisitions.
The Company and its subsidiary, Old Sequential and Ms. Martha Stewart, have been named as parties to an Amended Class Action Complaint arising out of or related to the Mergers, and the results of the class action could result in significant legal expenses or damages, and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In connection with the Mergers, 13 putative stockholder class action lawsuits were brought by purported stockholders of MSLO challenging the MSLO board of directors’ actions in connection with the merger agreement. These lawsuits were subsequently consolidated, and on January 12, 2016, after the consummation of the Mergers, the plaintiffs filed a Verified Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint, naming Ms. Martha Stewart, the Company, Old Sequential, Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. and Singer Merger Sub, Inc. The Verified Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint alleges that (a) Ms. Stewart breached her fiduciary duties to MSLO’s stockholders and (b) the Company, Old Sequential, Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. and Singer Merger Sub, Inc. aided and abetted Ms. Stewart’s breach of her fiduciary duties. The plaintiffs seek to recover unspecified damages allegedly sustained by the plaintiffs, restitution and disgorgement by Ms. Stewart, the recovery of plaintiff’s attorney’s fees and other relief. While we believe that we have meritorious defenses to the claims made by the plaintiffs, and we are vigorously defending such claims, the results of such lawsuit cannot be predicted with certainty. Any negative outcome resulting from the class action lawsuit could result in payments of substantial monetary damages and accordingly our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
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Risks Related to Our Business
The failure of our licensees to fulfill their financial obligations with respect to royalty payments under their license agreements or to otherwise adequately produce, market and sell products bearing our brand names in their license categories could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our revenues are almost entirely dependent on royalty payments made to us pursuant to license agreements entered into with licensees of our brands. These license agreements often require that licensees advance payment to us of a portion of the sales royalty payments due thereunder and, in most cases, provide for guaranteed minimum royalty payments. The failure of our licensees to satisfy their financial obligations under these agreements, or their inability to operate successfully or at all, could result in a breach of an agreement, early termination of an agreement, non-renewal of an agreement or an amendment of an agreement to reduce the guaranteed minimum royalty payments or sales royalties due thereunder, each of which could eliminate some or all of that revenue stream. A decrease or elimination of revenue could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.
During the term of a license agreement, our revenues and the value of our brands substantially depend upon our licensee’s ability to maintain the quality and marketability and market acceptance of the branded products licensed to such licensee and their failure to do so could negatively affect consumer perception of our brands and harm our future growth and prospects. Further, the failure of our licensees to meet their production, manufacturing and distribution requirements, or a weak economy or softness in the retail, apparel or home goods sectors, could cause our licensees to default on their obligations to make guaranteed minimum royalty payments to us or cause a decline in their sales and potentially decrease the amount of royalty payments in excess of guaranteed minimum royalty payments due to us. In addition, our licensees’ inability to maintain market acceptance of our brands or our failure to monitor our licensees’ compliance with their license agreements or take appropriate corrective action when necessary may subject our intellectual property assets to cancellation, loss of rights or devaluation and any devaluation of our trademarks or other intellectual property could cause a material impairment in the carrying value of such intellectual property, potentially resulting in a charge as an expense to our results of operations. If such developments occur or our licensees are otherwise not successful, the value and recognition of our brands, as well as our business, financial condition and results of operations, could be materially adversely affected.
Our business depends on continued market acceptance of our brands and the products bearing these brands.
The retail industry is highly susceptible to changes in consumer preferences and continued market acceptance of our brands and our licensees’ products, as well as market acceptance of any future products bearing our brands and is subject to a high degree of uncertainty. In order to generate revenues and profits, our licensees must develop product offerings that appeal to consumers. We generally retain rights to monitor the products our licensee’s design and produce and may retain the right to preview and approve such products, we cannot assure you that licensees will develop, market and sell products that appeal to consumers. Any significant changes in consumer preferences or any inability on our licensees’ part to anticipate or react to such changes could reduce demand for our branded products and erode the competitiveness of such products, which would negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The continued success of our brands and branded products and market acceptance of new products and product categories also depend on our ability to continually improve the effectiveness of our marketing efforts. We devote significant resources and expenditures to promoting our brands and new product launches, but there can be no assurance as to our continued ability to effectively execute our marketing programs. To the extent our licensees misjudge the market for our brands and branded products, or our marketing efforts are unsuccessful, our business, results of operations and prospects will be adversely affected.
We have incurred a substantial amount of indebtedness in connection with our acquisitions, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
On July 1, 2016, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into (i) the Third Amended and Restated First Lien Credit Agreement (the “Amended BoA Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent and the lenders party thereto and (ii) the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended GSO Credit Agreement”) with Wilmington Trust, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent (the “GSO Agent”) and the lenders party thereto (collectively, the “July 2016 Debt Facilities”). Such agreements amended, restated and replaced the debt facilities described in Note 9 below under “December 2015 Debt Facilities”. We used $258.0 million of the proceeds of the $287.5 million loans made under the Amended BoA Credit Agreement and the $415.0 million loans made under the Amended GSO Credit Agreement to fund the payment of the purchase price with respect to the acquisition of Gaiam Brand Holdco, LLC and costs and expenses incurred in connection with such acquisition and related transactions.
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Our higher level of indebtedness increases the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay when due the principal of, interest on or other amounts due in respect of such indebtedness. In addition, we may incur additional debt from time to time to finance strategic acquisitions, investments, joint ventures or for other purposes, subject to the restrictions contained in the documents that govern our indebtedness. If we incur additional debt, the risks associated with our leverage, including our ability to service debt, would increase.
Our increased level of indebtedness could have other important consequences, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
| · | a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations could be required to pay principal and interest on our debt; |
| · | our interest expense could increase if interest rates increase because the borrowings under the July 2016 Debt Facilities generally bear interest at floating rates; |
| · | our leverage could increase our vulnerability to general economic downturns and adverse competitive and industry conditions, placing us at a disadvantage compared to those of our competitors that are less leveraged; |
| · | our debt service obligations could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and in the brand licensing industry; |
| · | our failure to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants in the documents governing our indebtedness could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, results in foreclosure on substantially all of our assets; and |
| · | our level of debt may restrict us from raising additional financing on satisfactory terms to fund strategic acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and other general corporate requirements. |
We cannot be certain that our earnings will be sufficient to allow us to pay principal and interest on our debt and meet our other obligations. If we do not have sufficient earnings, we may be required to seek to refinance all or part of our then existing debt, sell assets, make additional borrowings or sell more securities, none of which we can guarantee that we will be able to do and which, if accomplished, may adversely affect us.
We are subject to a number of restrictive covenants under our debt arrangements, including customary operating restrictions and customary financial covenants. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain compliance with such covenants.
To finance our acquisitions, we entered into the July 2016 Debt Facilities which are guaranteed jointly and severally by each of our domestic subsidiaries. Our and our subsidiaries’ obligations under the July 2016 Debt Facilities and the associated guarantees are secured, in each case, by first priority liens (subject, in the case of the Amended GSO Credit Agreement, to the liens under the Amended BoA Credit Agreement on, and security interests in, substantially all of the present and after acquired assets of us and each of our subsidiaries, subject to certain customary exceptions). The July 2016 Debt Facilities contain a number of restrictive covenants, representations and warranties, including representations relating to the intellectual property owned by us and our subsidiaries and the status of our material license agreements. In addition, the July 2016 Debt Facilities include covenants and events of default, including, in the case of the Amended BoA Credit Agreement, requirements that we (i) maintain a positive net income, (ii) satisfy a maximum loan to value ratio (as calculated pursuant to the Amended BoA Credit Agreement) and (iii) satisfy a maximum consolidated first lien leverage ratio (as calculated pursuant to the Amended BoA Credit Amendment), and, in the case of the Amended GSO Credit Agreement, to satisfy (i) a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio (as calculated pursuant to the Amended GSO Credit Agreement) and (ii) a maximum consolidated first lien leverage ratio (as calculated pursuant to the Amended GSO Credit Agreement).
If our business, financial condition or results of operations are adversely affected by one or more of the risk factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or elsewhere in our filings with the SEC, we may be unable to maintain compliance with these financial covenants. If we fail to comply with such covenants, our lenders under the July 2016 Debt Facilities could demand immediate payment of amounts outstanding under the July 2016 Debt Facilities. Under such circumstances, we would need to seek alternative financing sources to fund our ongoing operations and to repay amounts outstanding and satisfy our other obligations under our existing borrowing and financing arrangements. Such financing may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. Consequently, we may be restricted in how we fund ongoing operations and strategic initiatives and deploy capital and in our ability to make acquisitions. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be further adversely affected if we are unable to maintain compliance with the covenants under the July 2016 Debt Facilities.
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We may require additional capital to finance the acquisition of additional brands, and our inability to raise such capital on beneficial terms or at all could limit our growth.
We may, in the future, require additional capital to help fund all or part of potential acquisitions. If, at the time required, we do not have sufficient cash to finance those additional capital needs, we will need to raise additional funds through equity and/or debt financing. We cannot guarantee that, if and when needed, additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If additional capital is needed and is either unavailable or cost prohibitive, our growth may be limited as we may need to change our business strategy to slow the rate of, or eliminate, our expansion plans. In addition, any additional financing we undertake could impose additional covenants upon us that restrict our operating flexibility, and, if we issue equity securities to raise capital, our existing stockholders may experience dilution or the new securities may have rights senior to those of our common stock.
We have experienced rapid growth in recent years. If we fail to manage this or any future growth, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected.
We have grown dramatically in recent years, principally as a result of acquisitions. For example, our revenues were $41.8 million in 2014, $88.3 million in 2015 and $155.5 in 2016. During this period, we have acquired several brands (or rights to use those brands and trademarks) and increased our total number of licensees to over one-hundred fifty. Furthermore, we continue to evaluate and pursue appropriate acquisition opportunities to the extent we believe that such opportunities would be in the best interests of our company and our stockholders. This significant growth has placed considerable demands on our management and other resources and continued growth could place additional demands on such resources. Our ability to compete effectively and to manage future growth, if any, will depend on the sufficiency and adequacy of our current resources and infrastructure and our ability to continue to identify, attract and retain personnel to manage our brands and the businesses we may acquire. We cannot assure you that our personnel, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support our operations and properly oversee our brands. The failure to support our operations effectively and properly oversee our brands could cause harm to our brands and have a material adverse effect on our brands’ fair values and our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may be unable to leverage our core competencies in managing apparel brands to managing brands in new product categories or other businesses we may acquire.
We or our licensees may not be able to continue to compete successfully because of intense competition within our licensees’ markets, the strength of some of their competitors or other factors.
Our trademark licenses are for products primarily in the apparel, footwear, eyewear, fashion and home accessories markets, in which our licensees face intense competition. Competitive factors in these markets include design, quality, price, style, name recognition, service and advertising. Changing customer preferences and the limited availability of shelf space can adversely affect the competitive position of our licensees’ products. Many of our licensees’ competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than our licensees and have achieved significant name recognition for their brands. Our licensees may be unable to successfully compete in the markets for their products, which would adversely affect our revenues and cash flows, and we may not be able to continue to compete successfully with respect to our licensing arrangements.
We and our licensees are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to operating outside of the United States, foreign manufacturing and the price, availability and quality of raw materials, which could result in interruptions to their operations or increase their operating costs, thereby affecting their ability to deliver goods to the market, reducing or delaying their sales and decreasing our revenues.
We market and license our brands outside the United States, and many of our licensees operate outside the United States. We face numerous risks in doing business outside the United States, including: (i) unusual or burdensome foreign laws or regulatory requirements or unexpected changes to those laws or requirements; (ii) tariffs, trade protection measures, import or export licensing requirements, trade embargoes, sanctions and other trade barriers; (iii) competition from foreign companies; (iv) less effective and less predictable protection and enforcement of our intellectual property; (v) changes in the political or economic condition of a specific country or region (including, without limitation, as a result of political unrest), particularly in emerging markets; (vi) fluctuations in the value of foreign currency versus the U.S. dollar and the cost of currency exchange; (vii) potentially adverse tax consequences; and (viii) cultural differences in the conduct of business. Any one or more of such factors could impact current or future international sales of our brands or inhibit our ability to expand internationally. In addition, our business practices in international markets are subject to the requirements of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and all other applicable anti-bribery laws, any violation of which could subject us to significant fines, criminal sanctions and other penalties.
Further, a significant portion of the products sold by our licensees are manufactured overseas. There are substantial risks associated with foreign manufacturing, including (i) changes in laws relating to quotas, and the payment of tariffs and duties, (ii) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) shipping delays and (iv) international political, regulatory and economic developments. Further, our licensees may experience fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of fabrics and raw materials used by them in their manufactured apparel or purchased finished goods. Any of these risks could increase our licensees’ operating costs. Our licensees also import finished products and assume all risk of loss and damage with respect to these goods once they are shipped by their suppliers. If these goods are destroyed or damaged during shipment, the revenues of our licensees could be reduced as a result of our licensees’ inability to deliver or their delay in delivering their products. A reduction in the revenues generated by our licensees would reduce the amount of our royalty revenues in excess of guaranteed minimum royalty payments and, in extreme circumstances, result in failures to make guaranteed minimum royalty payments to us.
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A substantial portion of our licensing revenue is concentrated with a limited number of licensees and retail partners, such that the loss of a licensee or retail partner could materially decrease our revenue and cash flows.
Our licensing revenues are concentrated with a limited number of licensees and retail partners. During the year ended December 31, 2016, one licensee represented at least 10% of net revenue, accounting for 11% of the Company’s net revenue. During the year ended December 31, 2015, two licensees represented at least 10% of net revenue, accounting for 17% and 16% of the Company’s net revenue. Our revenue and cash flows would be materially and adversely affected if any of them were to have financial difficulties affecting their ability to make payments, elected not to renew or extend any existing license agreements or arrangements with us or significantly reduced their sales of these licensed products under any of these license agreements or arrangements, and we were not able to replace the revenue generated by such licensees.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, which could compromise our competitive position and decrease the value of our brands.
We own, through our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, U.S. federal trademark registrations and foreign trademark registrations for our brands that are vital to the success and further growth of our business. In addition, we own domestic, foreign and international intellectual property registrations for the technology and designs incorporated into Martha Stewart Crafts paper punches, Heelys wheeled footwear, Gaiam yoga products and Revo eyewear. The loss of or inability to enforce our proprietary rights could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition. For instance, if any third party independently develops similar products to those marketed and distributed by our licensees or manufactures knock-offs of such products, it may harm the reputation of our brands, decrease their value or cause a decline in our licensees’ sales and thus our revenues. Additionally, the laws of foreign countries may provide inadequate protection for intellectual property rights, making it difficult to enforce such rights in those countries.
We may need to bring legal claims to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights. Any litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs and diversions of resources and negatively impact our business operations. In addition, notwithstanding the rights we have secured in our intellectual property, third parties may bring claims against us or our licensees alleging that we or our licensees have infringed on their intellectual property rights or that our or our licensees’ intellectual property rights are not valid. Any claims against us or our licensees, with or without merit, could be time consuming and costly to defend or litigate and therefore could adversely affect our business. In addition, to the extent that any of our intellectual property assets is deemed to violate the proprietary rights of third parties in any litigation or proceeding or as a result of any claim, then we and our licensees may be prevented from using it, which could cause a breach or termination of license agreements. If our licensees are prevented from using the intellectual property we have licensed to them, the revenues of our licensees will be reduced with respect to those intellectual property assets, and the related royalty payments we receive could be reduced. Litigation with respect to our intellectual property or breaches of our license agreements could result in a judgment or monetary damages.
We depend upon the services of our key executives, including our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yehuda Shmidman. If we lose the services of Mr. Shmidman or other key executives, we may not be able to fully implement our business plan and future growth strategy, which would harm our business and prospects.
Our success is largely dependent upon the expertise and knowledge of our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yehuda Shmidman, and other key members of the executive team, whom we rely upon to formulate our business strategies. Our key executives leadership and experience in the licensing industry is important to the successful implementation of our business and marketing strategy. We do not carry key person life insurance covering our key executives, with the exception of Ms. Martha Stewart. The loss of the services of our key executives could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our results of operations may fluctuate significantly, which may make it difficult to predict our performance and result in volatility in our stock price.
We have in the past experienced substantial variations in our revenue and results of operations from quarter to quarter, and we expect to continue to experience such substantial variations. This variability is affected by numerous factors, including:
| · | the timing of the introduction of new licensed products by our licensees; |
| · | the level of consumer acceptance of our brands and licensed products; |
| · | seasonality resulting in higher revenues in our third and fourth quarters, in part because of the holiday retail season; |
| · | general economic and industry conditions that affect consumer spending and retailer purchasing; |
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| · | the availability of viable licensees that meet our brand criteria; and |
| · | the timing of marketing expenditures. |
Because of these fluctuations in our revenues, operating expenses and cash flows it may be difficult to make period-to-period comparisons of our result of operations and liquidity and it may be difficult for securities analysts and investors to predict our performance. As a result, our results of operations in any particular quarter may be below the expectations of securities analysts or investors. Fluctuations in our performance and the failure to meet analyst expectations could cause declines or volatility in our stock price.
Demand for our brands and branded products may be materially and adversely affected by reductions in disposable income, which in turn depends on general economic conditions and the global economy.
Our performance is subject to worldwide economic conditions and their impact on levels of consumer spending that affect not only the ultimate consumer, but also retailers and distributors, who license our brands. Consumer spending has fluctuated significantly and may become depressed or be subject to deterioration in the near future. The worldwide apparel and consumer products industries are heavily influenced by general economic cycles. Purchases of apparel, footwear, eyewear and accessories tend to decline in periods of recession or uncertainty regarding future economic prospects, as disposable income declines. During periods of recession or economic uncertainty, our licensees may not be able to maintain or increase sales of our branded products to existing customers, make sales to new customers, open or operate new retail stores or maintain sales levels at existing stores. As a result, our results of operations may be adversely and materially affected by downward trends in the United States or global economy.
The market price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, volatile, which could reduce the demand for our common stock.
The publicly traded shares of our common stock have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant price fluctuations. Volatility in our stock price could reduce demand for our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. The trading price of our common stock could also change significantly over short periods of time in response to actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly results of operations, announcements by us, our licensees or our respective competitors, factors affecting our licensees’ markets generally or changes in national or regional economic conditions.
Our largest stockholders control a significant percentage of our common stock and are represented on our board of directors, which may enable such stockholders, alone or together with our other significant stockholders, to exert influence over corporate transactions and other matters affecting the rights of our stockholders.
As of February 28, 2017, Tengram Capital Partners Gen2 Fund, L.P. (“Tengram”) beneficially owns approximately 12.2%, Carlyle Galaxy Holdings, L.P. (“Carlyle”) beneficially owns approximately 10.2% and Ms. Martha Stewart beneficially owns approximately 13.0% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Mr. William Sweedler, chairman of our board of directors, is a principal of Tengram, Mr. Rodney Cohen is a director and managing director of Carlyle, and Ms. Martha Stewart became a director in connection with the closing of the Mergers. As a result, each of Tengram, Carlyle and Ms. Martha Stewart, individually or collectively, are able to exercise substantial influence over our board of directors and matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate actions, such as mergers and other business combination transactions.
Circumstances may occur in which the interests of these stockholders could conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. The voting power of these stockholders also could discourage others from seeking to acquire control of us, which may reduce the market price of our common stock.
We may be deemed a former shell company and therefore resales of shares of our restricted common stock in reliance on Rule 144 may be subject to additional requirements and Rule 144 may be unavailable at all if we fail to comply with our reporting obligations.
From time to time we have issued shares of our common stock in transactions exempt from registration requirements, and such shares are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144. Rule 144 generally permits the resale, subject to various terms and conditions, of restricted securities after they have been held for six months. However, one of our predecessors was a former shell company and, as a result, securities laws also might deem us to be a former shell company. If we are deemed a former shell company, Rule 144 may be unavailable for resales of our restricted common stock unless we have satisfied certain reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), for the twelve months preceding the time of sale. However, we cannot assure you that future reports or other materials will be filed as necessary to maintain the availability of the exemption under Rule 144. If we are deemed a former shell company and we fail to comply with our reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, Rule 144 will be unavailable to holders of our restricted common stock, which may limit the holders’ ability to sell such restricted shares. In addition, because of the on-going reporting requirements under Rule 144, restrictive legends on certificates for shares of our common stock cannot be removed except in connection with an actual sale that is subject to an effective registration statement under, or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of, the Securities Act.
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While we audit our licensees from time to time in the ordinary course, we otherwise rely on the accuracy of our licensees’ retail sales reports for reporting and collecting our revenues, and if these reports are untimely or incorrect, our revenue could be delayed or inaccurately reported.
Under our existing agreements, our licensees pay us licensing fees based in part on the retail value of products sold. We rely on our licensees to accurately report the retail sales in collecting our license fees, preparing our financial reports, projections, budgets, and directing our sales and marketing efforts. All of our license agreements permit us to audit our licensees. If any of our licensee reports understate the retail sales of products they sell, we may not collect and recognize revenue to which we are entitled, or may endure significant expense to obtain compliance.
We do not foresee paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
We have not paid dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. Instead, we plan to retain any earnings to maintain and expand our existing licensing operations, further develop our brands and finance the acquisition of additional brands.
We have a significant amount of goodwill and other intangible assets, including our trademarks, recorded on our balance sheet. As a result of changes in market conditions and declines in the estimated fair value of these assets, we may, in the future, be required to write-down a portion of this goodwill and other intangible assets and such write-down would adversely affect our results of operations.
As of December 31, 2016, goodwill represented $307.7 million, or 21.4% of our total consolidated assets, and intangible assets represented $1.0 billion, or 71.8% of our total consolidated assets. Under current accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are subject to impairment evaluation based on related estimated fair values, with such testing to be done at least annually. Our trademarks are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Any write-down of goodwill or intangible assets resulting from future periodic evaluations would, as applicable, either decrease our net income or increase our net loss and those decreases or increases could be material.
Our use of certain tax attributes may be limited.
We have significant net operating losses (“NOLs”). A valuation allowance has been provided as of December 31, 2016 for the entire amount of our deferred income tax assets, which is mainly related to the carryforward of certain NOLs and definite-lived intangible assets. As of December 31, 2016, we have federal NOLs available to carryforward to future periods of $204.1 million which begin expiring in 2024 and we have state NOLs available to carryforward to future periods of $253.0 million which begin expiring in 2017. We have foreign tax credits available to carryforward to future periods of $1.6 million as of December 31, 2016 which begin expiring in 2017. We have experienced several changes of ownership under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) which place various limitations on the use of NOLs. The limitation on NOLs is based upon a formula provided under Section 382 of the Code that utilizes the fair market value of us and prevailing interest rates at the time of the ownership change. An “ownership change” is generally a 50% increase in ownership over a three-year period by stockholders who directly or indirectly own at least five percent of a company’s stock. The limitations on the use of the NOLs under Section 382 could affect our ability to offset future taxable income.
We may be a party to litigation in the normal course of business, which could affect our financial position and liquidity.
From time to time, we may be made a party to litigation in the normal course of business. For example, as the owner of a trademark, we may be named as a defendant in a lawsuit relating to a product designed and manufactured by a licensee of that trademark. If we are alleged to have infringed the intellectual property rights of another party, any resulting litigation could be costly and could damage our reputation. Litigation also diverts the time and resources of management, regardless of the merits of the claim. In most cases, our licensees under the existing license agreements are obligated to defend and indemnify us, as licensor, and our affiliates with respect to such litigation. We also maintain insurance for certain risks, but it is not possible to obtain insurance to protect against all possible liabilities. Although historically the litigation involving us has not been material to our financial position or our liquidity, any litigation has an element of uncertainty and if any such litigation were to be adversely determined and/or a licensee were to fail to properly indemnify us and/or we did not have appropriate insurance coverage, such litigation could affect our financial position and liquidity.
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Our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer in the event of security breaches, cyber-attacks or unauthorized disclosures of personal information.
In conducting their business, including their e-commerce business, our licensees and retail partners obtain and transmit confidential information about their customers, including credit card information, through their websites and their information technology systems. To the best of our knowledge, our licensees and retail partners have not experienced any material misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable information as a result of a security breach or cyber-attack. If our licensees or retail partners experience such a security breach or cyber-attack, it could adversely affect their business and operations, including damaging their reputation and their relationships with their customers, exposing them to risks of litigation and liability, all of which could have a material adverse effect on their ability to meet their minimum net sales requirements and to make guaranteed minimum royalty payments to us in accordance with the terms of their respective license agreements. We cannot assure you that our licensees and retail partners will not experience any future security breaches, cyber-attacks or unauthorized disclosures. In addition, as a result of recent security breaches at a number of prominent retailers, the media and public scrutiny of information security and privacy has become more intense and the regulatory environment has become more uncertain. As a result, our licensees and retail partners may incur significant costs to comply with laws regarding the protection and unauthorized disclosure of personal information, which could also negatively affect their ability to generate sales and make royalty payments to us, resulting in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
| Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
| Item 2. | Properties |
Our principal offices are located at 601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10001, and our telephone number is (646) 564-2577.
We lease the following properties as of December 31, 2016:
| Location | Type | Square Footage (Approximate) | Expiration Date | |||||
| New York, NY | Corporate Headquarters | 176,700 | January 31, 2018 | |||||
| New York, NY | Office and Showroom | 10,900 | September 12, 2024 | |||||
| Los Angeles, CA | Office | 4,724 | July 31, 2020 | |||||
On February 21, 2017, the Company amended the lease of its corporate headquarters which extends the lease through December 31, 2033 and effective in February 2018, lowers the rented square footage to approximately 63,000 square feet of corporate office space and 7,000 square feet of other rentable space.
We believe that the facilities we utilize are well maintained, in good operating condition and adequate to meet our current and foreseeable needs.
| Item 3. | Legal Proceedings |
MSLO Stockholder Complaint
In connection with the merger, the following 13 putative stockholder class action lawsuits have been filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware: (1) David Shaev Profit Sharing Plan f/b/o David Shaev v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. et. al., filed on June 25, 2015; (2) Malka Raul v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. et. al., filed on June 26, 2015; (3) Daniel Lisman v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. et. al., filed on June 29, 2015; (4) Matthew Sciabacucchi v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. et. al., filed on July 2, 2015; (5) Harold Litwin v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. et. al., filed on July 5, 2015; (6) Richard Schiffrin v. Martha Stewart, filed on July 7, 2015; (7) Cedric Terrell v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. et. al., filed on July 8, 2015; (8) Dorothy Moore v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. et. al., filed on July 8, 2015; (9) Paul Dranove v. Pierre De Villemejane. et. al., filed on July 8, 2015; (10) Phuc Nguyen v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. et. al., filed on July 10, 2015; (11) Kenneth Steiner v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. et. al., filed on July 16, 2015; (12) Karen Gordon v. Martha Stewart et. al., filed on July 27, 2015 against the MSLO Board of Directors, Sequential, Madeline Merger Sub, Singer Merger; and (13) Anne Seader v. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. et. al., filed on July 28, 2015. All of the 13 class action lawsuits name the Old Sequential, MSLO, the MSLO board of directors, Madeline Merger Sub, Inc., Singer Merger Sub, Inc. and the Company as defendants and allege that (a) members of the MSLO board of directors breached their fiduciary duties and (b) Old Sequential, MSLO, Madeline Merger Sub, Inc., Singer Merger Sub Inc. and the Company aided and abetted such alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by the MSLO board of directors. On August 18, 2015, the Delaware Chancery Court issued an order consolidating these actions for all purposes under the caption In re Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., et. al. to be the operative complaint in the consolidated action. On January 12, 2016, after the consummation of the Mergers, the plaintiffs filed a Verified Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint, naming Ms. Martha Stewart, the Company, Old Sequential, Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. and Singer Merger Sub, Inc. and alleging that (a) Ms. Stewart breached her fiduciary duties to MSLO's stockholders and (b) the Company, Old Sequential, Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. and Singer Merger Sub, Inc. aided and abetted Ms. Stewart's breach of her fiduciary duties. On April 4, 2016, Ms. Stewart and the Sequential defendants filed respective motions to dismiss the Verified Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. On June 15, 2016, Lead Plaintiffs sought leave to amend the complaint and file the Verified Second Amended Class Action Complaint, which Judge Slights granted on July 14, 2016. On July 18, 2016, Lead Plaintiffs filed the Verified Second Amended Class Action Complaint against Defendants, asserting that Ms. Stewart breached her fiduciary duties and asserting that Sequential, Madeline Merger Sub, Singer Merger Sub, and Holdings aided and abetted the alleged breach of fiduciary duties. On July 28, 2016, Ms. Stewart and the Sequential defendants filed respective motions to dismiss the Verified Second Amended Class Action Complaint. On October 26, 2016, Lead Plaintiffs filed their opposition to Defendants’ motions to dismiss. On November 29, 2016, Ms. Stewart and the Sequential Defendants filed reply briefs in further supports of their motions to dismiss the Verified Second Amended Class Action Complaint. Oral argument on the motions to dismiss has been scheduled for March 22, 2017. The plaintiffs seek to recover unspecified damages allegedly sustained by the plaintiffs, restitution and disgorgement by Ms. Stewart, the recovery of plaintiffs’ attorney's fees and other relief. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the claims made by the plaintiffs, and we are vigorously defending such claims. Litigation costs in this matter may be significant. We do not expect that the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
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General Legal Matters
From time to time, we are involved in legal matters arising in the ordinary course of business. While we believe that such matters are currently not material, there can be no assurance that matters arising in the ordinary course of business for which we are, or could be, involved in litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Contingent liabilities arising from potential litigation are assessed by management based on the individual analysis of these proceedings and on the opinion of our lawyers and legal consultants.
With respect to our outstanding legal matters, based on our current knowledge, we believe that the amount or range of reasonably possible loss will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. However, the outcome of such legal matters is inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties. Further, regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Not applicable.
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| Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Common Stock
Old Sequential’s common stock commenced trading on Nasdaq under the trading symbol “SQBG” on September 24, 2013, and we succeeded to Old Sequential’s listing on December 7, 2015. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for the common stock, as determined from quotations on Nasdaq.
| High | Low | |||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 8.49 | $ | 4.10 | ||||
| Third Quarter | $ | 8.46 | $ | 6.56 | ||||
| Second Quarter | $ | 9.14 | $ | 5.40 | ||||
| First Quarter | $ | 7.93 | $ | 5.37 | ||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2015 | ||||||||
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 15.01 | $ | 6.54 | ||||
| Third Quarter | $ | 18.59 | $ | 13.82 | ||||
| Second Quarter | $ | 17.45 | $ | 10.36 | ||||
| First Quarter | $ | 13.25 | $ | 8.67 | ||||
On February 28, 2017, the closing sales price of our common stock as reported on NASDAQ was $3.93 per share. As of February 28, 2017, there were approximately 1,193 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
Since January 1, 2006, we have not paid or declared cash distributions or dividends on our common stock. We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the near future. We currently intend to retain all earnings, if and when generated, to finance our operations. The declaration of cash dividends in the future will be determined by the Board based upon our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual obligations which may prohibit the payment of dividends, including our current or any future indebtedness, and other relevant factors. Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock and repurchase our common stock is restricted by certain of our current indebtedness and may be restricted or prohibited under future indebtedness.
Equity Compensation Plan
The table below sets forth the information regarding our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2016:
| Plan category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) | |||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) | 461,501 | $ | 10.13 | 628,480 | ||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2) | 469,760 | $ | 6.14 | N/A | ||||||||
| Total | 931,261 | 628,480 | ||||||||||
| (1) | Consists of options to purchase our common stock issued under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Stock Incentive Plan”) and the Sequential Brands Group, Inc. 2013 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2013 Stock Incentive Plan"). The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan was replaced by the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. No new grants were granted under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan since August 2013, when the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan came into effect. For a description of our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, see Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements. | |
| (2) | Consists of warrants to purchase our common stock issued outside of the equity compensation plans in connection with certain completed financings and acquisitions. |
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Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no sales of unregistered securities during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that were not previously disclosed in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Common Stock Repurchase Programs
During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, we repurchased 26,040 shares of our common stock from employees for income tax withholdings related to the vesting of restricted stock. We do not currently have in place a repurchase program with respect to our common stock.
| (a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (1) | (b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) | (c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | |||||||||||||
| Period | ||||||||||||||||
| October 1 - 31 | 4,584 | $ | 7.20 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||
| November 1 - 30 | 2,441 | $ | 5.99 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||
| December 1 - 31 | 19,015 | $ | 4.68 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||
| Total | 26,040 | - | - | |||||||||||||
| (1) | During the fourth quarter of 2016, 26,040 shares were purchased from employees for tax withholding purposes related to the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units. |
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock during the period beginning on December 31, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2016 with the cumulative total return on the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index (“S&P 500”) and a Custom Peer Group, which includes Carter’s Inc., Cherokee, Inc., Columbia Sportswear Company, Perry Ellis International, Inc., Guess ? Inc., Hanesbrands, Inc., Iconix Brand Group Inc., Kate Spade & Co., PVH Corp. and Xcel Brands Inc. The comparison assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2011 in our common stock, S&P 500 and Custom Peer Group. The stock performance shown on the graph should not be considered indicative of future performance.
| Item 6. | Selected Financial Data |
The following table presents our selected historical financial data for the periods indicated. The selected historical financial data has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements referred to under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following selected historical financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that appear elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" set forth in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The historical consolidated financial statements for Old Sequential for periods prior to the Mergers are considered to be the historical financial statements of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and thus, our consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2015 reflect Old Sequential’s consolidated financial statements for the period from January 1, 2015 through December 4, 2015 and for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 and Sequential Brand Group Inc.’s thereafter. For more information see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Items Affecting Comparability of Period Presented” set forth in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have not declared dividends during the periods presented below.
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 155,528 | $ | 88,262 | $ | 41,837 | $ | 22,653 | $ | 5,274 | ||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 85,392 | 58,611 | 29,806 | 16,845 | 11,812 | |||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations | 70,136 | 29,651 | 12,031 | 5,808 | (6,538 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | 6,631 | 2,416 | (646 | ) | (11,142 | ) | (7,394 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | - | - | - | (6,244 | ) | (1,780 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Consolidated net income (loss) | 6,631 | 2,416 | (646 | ) | (17,386 | ) | (9,174 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (7,452 | ) | (5,287 | ) | (422 | ) | (588 | ) | 49 | |||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries | $ | (821 | ) | $ | (2,871 | ) | $ | (1,068 | ) | $ | (17,974 | ) | $ | (9,125 | ) | |||||
| Basic and diluted loss per share: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.66 | ) | $ | (3.04 | ) | |||||
| Discontinued operations | - | - | - | (0.35 | ) | (0.74 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Attributable to Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (1.01 | ) | $ | (3.78 | ) | |||||
| Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | 61,912,410 | 41,177,523 | 29,964,604 | 17,713,140 | 2,413,199 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | 19,133 | $ | 41,560 | $ | 22,521 | $ | 25,125 | $ | 2,624 | ||||||||||
| Working capital (deficiency) | 26,778 | 49,594 | 23,584 | 17,745 | (524 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 1,030,212 | 872,277 | 303,039 | 115,728 | 4,293 | |||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 1,434,863 | 1,289,837 | 526,363 | 153,605 | 8,977 | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current portion | 645,035 | 542,065 | 175,500 | 57,931 | 3,502 | |||||||||||||||
| Total equity (deficit) | 537,568 | 525,649 | 264,900 | 81,169 | (48 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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| Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The following discussion and analysis should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the disclosures about forward-looking statements in Item 1 and the section “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity and cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and are based upon judgments concerning various factors that are beyond our control.
Licensing and Brand Management Business
We own a portfolio of consumer brands in the fashion, home, athletic and lifestyle categories, including Martha Stewart, Jessica Simpson, AND1, Avia and Joe’s Jeans, Heelys and GAIAM. We aim to maximize the value of our brands by promoting, marketing and licensing the brands through various distribution channels, including to retailers, wholesalers and distributors in the United States and in certain international territories. Our core strategy is to enhance and monetize the global reach of our existing brands, and to pursue additional strategic acquisitions to grow the scope of and diversify our portfolio of brands.
We aim to acquire well-known consumer brands with high potential for growth and strong brand awareness. We additionally seek to diversify our portfolio by evaluating the strength of targeted brands and the expected viability and sustainability of future royalty streams. Upon the acquisition of a brand, we partner with leading wholesalers and retailers to drive incremental value and maximize brand equity. We focus on certain key initiatives in our licensing and brand management business. These initiatives include:
| · | Maximizing the value of our existing brands by creating efficiencies, adding additional product categories, expanding distribution and retail presence and optimizing sales through innovative marketing that increases consumer brand awareness and loyalty; |
| · | Developing international expansion through additional licenses, partnerships and other arrangements with leading retailers and wholesalers outside the United States; and |
| · | Acquiring consumer brands (or the rights to such brands) with high consumer awareness, broad appeal and applicability to a wide range of product categories. |
Our business is designed to maximize the value of our brands through license agreements with partners that are responsible for manufacturing and distributing our licensed products and, with the exception of our Martha Stewart brand, primarily responsible for the design of such licensed products. Our brands are licensed for a broad range of product categories, including apparel, footwear, eyewear, fashion accessories and home goods, as well as, with respect to our Martha Stewart brand, food, wine, pet supplies and a variety of media related assets, such as magazines, books and other print and digital content. We seek to select licensees who have demonstrated the ability to produce and sell quality products in their respective licensed categories and have the capability to meet or exceed the minimum sales thresholds and guaranteed minimum royalty payments that we generally require.
We license our brands to both wholesale and direct-to-retail licensees. In a wholesale license, a wholesale supplier is granted rights (typically on an exclusive basis) to a single or small group of related product categories for a particular brand for sale to multiple accounts within an approved channel of distribution and territory. In a direct-to-retail license, a single retailer is granted the right (typically on an exclusive basis) to sell branded products in a broad range of product categories through its brick and mortar stores and e-commerce sites. As of December 31, 2016, we had more than one-hundred fifty licensees, with wholesale licensees comprising a significant majority.
Our license agreements typically require a licensee to pay us royalties based upon net sales and, in most cases, contain guaranteed minimum royalties. Our license agreements also require licensees to support the brands by either paying or spending contractually guaranteed minimum amounts for the marketing and advertising of the respective licensed brands. As of March 7, 2017 we had contractual rights to receive an aggregate of $462.0 million in minimum royalty and marketing and advertising revenue from our licensees through the balance of the current terms of such licenses, excluding any renewals.
Items Affecting Comparability of Periods Presented
We were formed on June 5, 2015, for the purpose of effecting the merger of Singer Merger Sub, Inc. with and into SQBG, Inc. (previously known as Sequential Brands Group, Inc.) (SEC File No. 001-36082) (“Old Sequential”) and the merger of Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. with and into MSLO (SEC File No. 001-15395), with Old Sequential and MSLO each surviving the merger as wholly owned subsidiaries of us (the “Mergers”). Prior to the Mergers, we did not conduct any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 22, 2015, as amended, by and among MSLO, Old Sequential, us, Singer Merger Sub, Inc., and Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. (the “Merger Agreement”). On December 4, 2015, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Old Sequential and MSLO completed the strategic combination of their respective businesses and became wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. Old Sequential was the accounting acquirer in the Mergers; therefore, the historical consolidated financial statements for Old Sequential for period prior to the Mergers are considered to be the historical financial statements of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and thus, our consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2015 reflect Old Sequential’s consolidated financial statements for period from January 1, 2015 through December 4, 2015 and for fiscal year 2014, and Sequential Brands Group Inc.’s thereafter.
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Recently Issued Accounting Standards
ASU No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under ASU 2017-04, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
ASU 2017-04 is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2017-01, “FASB Clarifies the Definition of a Business”
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “FASB Clarifies the Definition of a Business” (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business in ASC 805. The amendments in ASU 2017-01 are intended to make application of the guidance more consistent and cost-efficient.
ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for transactions that occurred before the issuance date of effective date of the standard if the transactions were not reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-01 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-18, “Restricted Cash – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force”
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Restricted Cash – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 amends ASC 230 to add or clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-18, an entity should include in its cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents.
ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted for all entities. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-18 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 amends the guidance in ASC 230 on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The primary purpose of ASU 2016-15 is to reduce the diversity in practice that has resulted from the lack of consistent principles on this topic.
ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted for all entities. Entities must apply the guidance retrospectively to all periods presented but may apply it prospectively from the earliest date practicable if retrospective application would be impracticable. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-09, “Simplifying the Accounting for Share-Based Payments”
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Simplifying the Accounting for Share-Based Payments” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance, which is part of the Board’s simplification initiative, also contains two practical expedients under which nonpublic entities can use a simplified method to estimate the expected term of an award and make a one-time election to switch from fair value measurement to intrinsic value measurement for liability-classified awards. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-09 during the fourth quarter of 2016. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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ASU No. 2016-07, “Simplifying the Equity Method of Accounting”
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, “Simplifying the Equity Method of Accounting” (“ASU 2016-07”). ASU 2016-07 simplifies the equity method of accounting by eliminating the requirement to retrospectively apply the equity method to an investment that subsequently qualifies for such accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. Consequently, when an investment qualifies for the equity method (as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence), the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee would be added to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and the equity method would be applied subsequently from the date on which the investor obtains the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee. ASU 2016-07 further requires that unrealized holding gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income related to an available-for-sale security that becomes eligible for the equity method be recognized in earnings as of the date on which the investment qualifies for the equity method. ASU 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Entities are required to apply the guidance prospectively to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence occurring after the effective date of ASU 2016-07. Additional transition disclosures are not required upon adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-07 is not expected to have a material impact our consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-05, “Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships”
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05, “Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships” (“ASU 2016-05”). ASU 2016-05 clarifies that “a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument in an existing hedging relationship would not, in and of itself, be considered a termination of the derivative instrument” or “a change in a critical term of the hedging relationship”. As long as all other hedge accounting criteria in ASC 815 are met, a hedging relationship in which the hedging derivative instrument is novated would not be discontinued or need to be redesignated. This clarification applies to both cash flow and fair value hedging relationships. ASU 2016-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity would apply the guidance prospectively unless it elects modified retrospective transition. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. The adoption of ASU 2016-05 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases”
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The core principle of ASU 2016-02 is that an entity should recognize on its balance sheet assets and liabilities arising from a lease. In accordance with that principle, ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee will depend on the lease classification as a finance or operating lease. This new accounting guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (i.e., calendar years beginning on January 1, 2019), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-01, “Amending Guidance on Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments”
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Amending Guidance on Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Although ASU 2016-01 retains many current requirements, it significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. ASU 2016-01 also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combinations – Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combinations – Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (“ASU 2015-16”). ASU 2015-16 requires the recognition of adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period, in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The effects of the adjustments to provisional amounts on depreciation, amortization or other income effects should be recognized in current-period earning as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Disclosure of the portion of the adjustment recorded in current-period earnings that would have been reported in prior reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized at the acquisition date is also required. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-16 during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-16 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present such costs on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. The standard’s core principle is that debt issuance costs related to a note are reflected in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of that note and amortization of debt issuance costs is reported in interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is allowed for all entities for financial statements that have not been previously issued. Entities would apply the new guidance retrospectively to all prior periods (i.e., the balance sheet for each period is adjusted). The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (‘ASU 2014-09’). ASU 2014-09 provides guidance for revenue recognition and affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, and supersedes the current revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is the recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, will require greater use of judgment and estimates than under the current guidance. The FASB subsequently issued amendments providing additional guidance, clarification, and practical expedients as follows:
| · | In August 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of this standard by one year, such that the new revenue guidance is now effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (i.e., calendar years beginning on January 1, 2018), and interim periods therein. |
| · | In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” which amends certain aspects of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 related to identifying performance obligations and applying the new revenue guidance to licensing transactions. |
| · | In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients,” which addresses topics of collectability, presentation of sales tax collected from customers, non-cash consideration, contract modifications and completed contracts at transition, and transition disclosures. |
| · | In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” to provide further clarification on various elements of the new revenue guidance. |
ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted as of the original effective date, December 31, 2016. Companies have the option of using either a full retrospective approach or a modified approach to adopt in ASU 2014-09. We have performed an initial review and do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to exercise its judgment. We exercise considerable judgment with respect to establishing sound accounting policies and in making estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, our recognition of revenues and expenses, and our disclosure of commitments and contingencies at the date of the financial statements. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments. We base our estimates and judgments on a variety of factors, including our historical experience, knowledge of our business and industry and current and expected economic conditions, that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We periodically re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions with respect to these judgments and modify our approach when circumstances indicate that modifications are necessary. While we believe that the factors we evaluate provide us with a meaningful basis for establishing and applying sound accounting policies, we cannot guarantee that the results will always be accurate. Since the determination of these estimates requires the exercise of judgment, actual results could differ from such estimates.
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A description of significant accounting policies that require us to make estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is as follows:
Revenue Recognition. We have entered into various license agreements that provide revenues based on guaranteed minimum royalty payments and advertising/marketing fees with additional royalty revenues based on a percentage of defined sales. Guaranteed minimum royalty payments and advertising/marketing revenue are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of each contract year, as defined in each license agreement. Royalty payments exceeding the guaranteed minimum royalty payments are recognized as income during the period corresponding to the licensee’s sales. Payments received as consideration for the grant of a license are recorded as deferred revenue at the time payment is received and recognized ratably as revenue over the term of the license agreement. Advanced royalty payments are recorded as deferred revenue at the time payment is received and recognized as revenue when earned. Revenue is not recognized unless collectability is reasonably assured.
If license agreements are terminated prior to the original licensing period, we recognize revenue in the amount of any contractual termination fees, unless such amounts are deemed non-recoverable.
With respect to editorial content for books, we receive advance payments from our publishers and recognize revenue when manuscripts are delivered to and accepted by the publishers. Revenue is also earned from book publishing when sales on a unit basis exceed the advanced royalty.
Television sponsorship revenues are generally recorded ratably across the period when new episodes initially air.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors considered include, for example, macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial performance, and other relevant entity-specific events. If we bypass the qualitative assessment, or conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we then perform a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment to be recognized, if any.
In the first step, we will compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. We have determined that we have a single reporting unit and consider our market capitalization (calculated as total common shares outstanding multiplied by the common equity price per share, as adjusted for a control premium factor) to represent its estimated fair value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, no further analysis is needed. If, however, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company will proceed to the second step and calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to determine whether any impairment is required. The implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is calculated by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to all of the unit’s assets and liabilities as if the unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount of that excess.
Intangible assets represent trademarks, customer agreements and patents related to our brands and a favorable lease. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are subject to impairment evaluation. The carrying value of intangible assets and other finite-lived assets is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable. When conducting our impairment assessment, we initially perform a qualitative evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. If it is determined by a qualitative evaluation that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired, we then test the asset for recoverability. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to its future undiscounted net cash flows. If the carrying amount of such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the recoverability of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we changed our annual impairment testing date from December 31 to October 1. We believe this new date is preferable because it allows for more timely completion of the annual impairment test prior to the end of our annual financial reporting period. This change in accounting principle does not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. We have determined that it would be impracticable to objectively determine projected cash flow and related valuation estimates that would have been used as of each October 1 of prior reporting periods without the use of hindsight. As such, we applied the change in annual impairment testing date prospectively beginning October 1, 2016.
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Income Taxes. Current income taxes are based on the respective periods’ taxable income for federal, foreign and state income tax reporting purposes. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, using statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. In accordance with ASU No. 2015-17 “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, all deferred income taxes are reported and classified as non-current. A valuation allowance is required if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company applies the FASB guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. The guidance clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with other authoritative GAAP and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The guidance also addresses derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company released its $0.3 million reserve of certain unrecognized tax benefits along with $0.3 million of accrued interest and penalties through current income tax expense in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). At December 31, 2015, the Company had $0.6 million of certain unrecognized tax benefits, included as a component of long-term liabilities held for disposition from discontinued operations of wholesale operations subsidiary. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, are recorded in income tax expense. Tax years that remain open for assessment for federal and state tax purposes include the years ended December 31, 2013 through December 31, 2016.
Stock-Based Compensation. We account for stock-based compensation under ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, which requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payments at fair value. Compensation cost for restricted stock is measured using the quoted market price of our common stock at the date the common stock is granted. For restricted stock and restricted stock units, for which restrictions lapse with the passage of time (“time-based restricted stock”), compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period between the issue date and the date that restrictions lapse. Time-based restricted stock is included in total shares of common stock outstanding upon the lapse of applicable restrictions. For restricted stock, for which restrictions are based on performance measures (“performance stock units” or “PSU’s”), restrictions lapse when those performance measures have been deemed achieved. Compensation cost for PSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis during the period from the date on which the likelihood of the PSUs being earned is deemed probable and (x) the end of the fiscal year during which such PSUs are granted or (y) the date on which awards of such PSUs may be approved by the compensation committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Compensation Committee”) on a discretionary basis, as applicable. PSUs are included in total shares of common stock outstanding upon the lapse of applicable restrictions. PSUs are included in total diluted shares of common stock outstanding when the performance measures have been deemed achieved but the PSUs have not yet been issued.
Compensation cost for stock options and warrants, in accordance with accounting for stock-based payment under GAAP, is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model based on awards ultimately expected to vest and expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the grant. The Company elected to early adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-09 and will reduce compensation cost for actual forfeitures as they occur. Prior to the adoption to ASU 2016-09, the Company’s estimated forfeiture rate utilized in calculating compensation cost was zero percent based on the Company’s limited historical forfeiture experience.
At each subsequent reporting period prior to the lapse of restrictions on warrants, time-based restricted stock and PSUs granted to non-employees, the Company remeasures the aggregate compensation cost of such grants using the Company’s stock price at the end of such reporting period and revises the straight-line recognition of compensation cost in line with such remeasured amount.
Contingent Consideration. We recognize the acquisition-date fair value of contingent consideration as part of the consideration transferred in exchange for the acquiree or assets of the acquiree in a business combination. The contingent consideration is classified as either a liability or equity in accordance with ASC 480-10, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity. If classified as a liability, the liability is remeasured to fair value at each subsequent reporting date until the contingency is settled. Increases in fair value are recorded as losses, while decreases are recorded as gains. If classified as equity, contingent consideration is not remeasured and subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.
Reportable Segment. An operating segment, in part, is a component of an enterprise whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. Operating segments may be aggregated only to a limited extent. Our CODM, the Chief Executive Officer, reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis, accompanied by disaggregated information about revenues for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing financial performance. Accordingly, we have determined that we have a single operating and reportable segment. In addition, we have no foreign operations or any assets in foreign locations. Nearly all of our operations consist of a single revenue stream, which is the licensing of our trademark portfolio, with an immaterial portion of revenues derived from television, book, café operations and certain commissions.
Reclassification of Prior Year Presentation and Correction of Immaterial Error
On January 1, 2016, we adopted ASU 2015-03 which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present such costs on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. The standard’s core principle is that debt issuance costs related to a note are reflected in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of that note and amortization of debt issuance costs is reported in interest expense.
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As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-03, we have reclassified certain December 31, 2015 balance sheet accounts for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations. We reclassified $7.9 million between other assets and long-term debt, net of current portion in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015.
Additionally, we have corrected an immaterial error in our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015. This correction is related to the payment of certain guaranteed obligations in connection with previous acquisitions and reflects an increase in cash used in operating activities of $3.1 million and a decrease in cash provided by financing activities of $3.1 million. There is no impact to the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of changes in equity.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the years indicated and is derived from our consolidated financial statements:
| Years Ended December 31, | Change | Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | (Dollars) | (Percentage) | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 155,528 | $ | 88,262 | $ | 67,266 | 76.2 | % | ||||||||
| Operating expenses | 85,392 | 58,611 | 26,781 | 45.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Income from operations | 70,136 | 29,651 | 40,485 | 136.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Other (expense) income | (3,810 | ) | 1,133 | (4,943 | ) | -436.3 | % | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 50,538 | 29,725 | 20,813 | 70.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 15,788 | 1,059 | 14,729 | 1390.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 9,157 | (1,357 | ) | 10,514 | -774.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Consolidated net income | 6,631 | 2,416 | 4,215 | -174.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (7,452 | ) | (5,287 | ) | (2,165 | ) | 40.9 | % | ||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries | $ | (821 | ) | $ | (2,871 | ) | $ | 2,050 | 71.4 | % | ||||||
Net Revenue. The increase in net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of GAIAM, Inc. during the third quarter of 2016 and the acquisitions of the Martha Stewart, Jessica Simpson, Joe’s Jeans and Emeril Lagasse brands which occurred between the second and fourth quarters of 2015. Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 consists primarily of licensing revenue earned from our license agreements relating to the Martha Stewart, Jessica Simpson, Avia, AND1, GAIAM, Ellen Tracy and Joe’s Jeans brands. Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 consists of licensing revenue earned primarily from our license agreements related to our Jessica Simpson, AND1, Avia, Ellen Tracy and Martha Stewart brands.
Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased $26.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $85.4 million compared to $58.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding incremental costs incurred on a go forward basis after the Mergers of $33.6 million, operating expenses decreased $6.8 million. This decrease was primarily driven by lower acquisition related costs of $6.4 million and restructuring charges of $5.6 million, partially offset by higher compensation costs of $2.5 million and rent and office expenses of $1.8 million.
Other (expense) income. Other (expense) income during the year ended December 31, 2016 consists of the impairment of our available-for-sale securities of $4.4 million partially offset by other immaterial items. Other income during the year ended December 31, 2015 consists of a gain on the sale of the People’s Liberation brand of $0.7 million, and a purchase price adjustment of $0.4 million related to our acquisition of Galaxy Brand Holdings, Inc.
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Interest expense, net. The year-over-year increase in net interest expense of $20.8 million is primarily due to an increase in interest incurred under our loan agreements. Interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2016 includes interest incurred under our loan agreements and interest rate swaps of $46.2 million, non-cash interest related to the amortization of deferred financing costs of $2.8 million and the write-off of $0.3 million of deferred financing costs as a result of an extinguishment a portion of the BoA Credit Agreement in accordance with ASC 470 – Debt in connection with the Company’s entry into the Amended BoA Credit Agreement. Additionally, we expensed non-cash interest of $1.2 million related to the accretion of the present value of guaranteed contractual payments assumed through certain of the Company’s acquisitions in 2015. Interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2015 includes interest incurred under our loan agreements and interest rate swaps of $21.9 million, non-cash interest related to the amortization of deferred financing costs of $1.5 million and the write-off of $2.1 million of deferred financing costs as a result of an extinguishment of debt in accordance with ASC 470 – Debt in connection with loan agreements entered into for the acquisition of With You LLC. In addition, the Company expensed $2.7 million of deferred financing costs as a result of an extinguishment of debt with ASC 470 – Debt in connection with the Company’s entry into the 2015 Term Loans. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded amortization of debt discount related to the Equity Issuance in the amount of $0.1 million within non-cash interest expense. Because the 2015 Term Loan Agreement with GSO was deemed an extinguishment, management determined that the remaining unamortized debt discount from the Existing Second Lien Credit Agreement was written off in accordance with ASC 470 Debt. The Company wrote off $1.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 within interest expense related to the debt discount. Additionally, we expensed non-cash interest of a de minimis amount related to the accretion of the present value of guaranteed contractual payments assumed through certain of the Company’s acquisitions in 2015.
Income taxes. The provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 represents the non-cash deferred tax expense created by the amortization of certain acquired trademarks for tax but not book purposes and taxes for state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate primarily due to benefits from taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest, changes in valuation allowance, change in state tax rates and a reversal of unrecognized tax benefits. In conjunction with the acquisition of MSLO during 2015, our deferred tax rate decreased as a result of changes in our state tax rates which resulted in a benefit of $7.9 million.
Noncontrolling interest. The year-over-year increase in noncontrolling interest from continuing operations was primarily driven by our acquisition of the Jessica Simpson brand. Noncontrolling interest from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 represents net income allocations of $6.5 million to With You, Inc., a member of With You LLC (the partnership between us and Jessica Simpson), $0.6 million to Elan Polo International, Inc., a member of DVS LLC, and $0.4 million to JALP, LLC, a member of FUL IP Holdings, LLC. Noncontrolling interest from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 represents net income allocations to With You LLC of $4.7 million and Elan Polo International, Inc. of $0.6 million.
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated and is derived from our consolidated financial statements:
| Years Ended December 31, | Change | Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | (Dollars) | (Percentage) | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 88,262 | $ | 41,837 | $ | 46,425 | 111.0 | % | ||||||||
| Operating expenses | 58,611 | 29,806 | 28,805 | 96.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Income from operations | 29,651 | 12,031 | 17,620 | 146.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Other income | 1,133 | 5 | 1,128 | 22560.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 29,725 | 9,746 | 19,979 | 205.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,059 | 2,290 | (1,231 | ) | -53.8 | % | ||||||||||
| (Benefit from) provision for income taxes | (1,357 | ) | 2,936 | (4,293 | ) | -146.2 | % | |||||||||
| Consolidated net income (loss) | 2,416 | (646 | ) | 3,062 | 474.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (5,287 | ) | (422 | ) | (4,865 | ) | 1152.8 | % | ||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries | $ | (2,871 | ) | $ | (1,068 | ) | $ | (1,803 | ) | -168.8 | % | |||||
Net Revenue. The increase in net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of the Martha Stewart, Jessica Simpson, Joe’s Jeans and Emeril Lagasse brands which occurred between the second and fourth quarters of 2015, and the Avia and AND1 brands during the third quarter of 2014. This increase was partially offset by the loss of royalty revenue from the termination of the William Rast license agreement with J.C. Penney Corporation as of June 30, 2014. Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 consists of licensing revenue earned primarily from our license agreements related to our Jessica Simpson, AND1, Avia, Ellen Tracy and Martha Stewart brands. Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 consists of licensing revenue earned primarily from our license agreements related to the Ellen Tracy, Avia, AND1, Revo and William Rast brands.
Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased $28.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 to $58.6 million compared to $29.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding incremental costs incurred on a go forward basis after the Mergers of $3.5 million, operating expenses increased $25.3 million. This increase was primarily driven by higher acquisition related costs of $2.5 million, restructuring charges of $8.7 million, increased stock-based compensation expense of $4.2 million, advertising costs of $2.8 million, compensation costs of $3.7 million and rent and office expenses of $0.8 million.
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Other income. Other income during the year ended December 31, 2015 consists of a $0.7 million gain on the sale of the People’s Liberation brand and a $0.4 million purchase price adjustment related to our acquisition of Galaxy Brand Holdings, Inc.
Interest expense, net. The year-over-year increase in net interest expense of $20.0 million is primarily due to an increase in interest incurred under our loan agreements. Interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2015 includes interest incurred under our loan agreements and interest rate swaps of $21.9 million, non-cash interest related to the amortization of deferred financing costs of $1.5 million and the write-off of $2.1 million of deferred financing costs as a result of an extinguishment of debt in accordance with ASC 470 – Debt in connection with loan agreements entered into for the acquisition of With You LLC. In addition, the Company expensed $2.7 million of deferred financing costs as a result of an extinguishment of debt with ASC 470 – Debt in connection with the Company’s entry into the 2015 Term Loans. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded amortization of debt discount related to the Equity Issuance in the amount of $0.1 million within non-cash interest expense. Because the 2015 Term Loan Agreement with GSO was deemed an extinguishment, management determined that the remaining unamortized debt discount from the Existing Second Lien Credit Agreement was written off in accordance with ASC 470 Debt. The Company wrote off $1.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 within interest expense related to the debt discount. Additionally, we expensed non-cash interest of a de minimis amount related to the accretion of the present value of guaranteed contractual payments assumed through certain of the Company’s acquisitions in 2015. Interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2014 includes interest incurred under our loan agreements and interest rate swaps of $7.3 million, non-cash interest related to the amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.6 million and the write-off of $0.7 million of deferred financing costs as a result of an extinguishment a portion of the BoA Credit Agreement in accordance with ASC 470 – Debt when the Second Lien Loan Agreement was repaid on August 15, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2014, accretion of the discount on the 2013 Term Loans amounted to $1.1 million which was recorded as a component of Interest expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The accretion of the discount for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $0.9 million, which the Company wrote off due to the Second Lien Loan Agreement being repaid on August 15, 2014.
Income taxes. The (benefit from) provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 represents the non-cash deferred tax expense created by the amortization of certain acquired trademarks for tax but not book purposes and taxes for state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate primarily due to benefits from taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest and changes in valuation allowance. In conjunction with the acquisition of MSLO during 2015, our deferred tax rate decreased as a result of changes in our state tax rates which resulted in a benefit of $7.9 million.
Noncontrolling interest. The year-over-year increase in noncontrolling interest from continuing operations was primarily driven by our acquisition of the Jessica Simpson brand. Noncontrolling interest from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 represents net income allocations to With You LLC of $4.7 million and Elan Polo International, Inc. of $0.6 million. Noncontrolling interest from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 represents net income allocations to Elan Polo International, Inc. of $0.4 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
As of December 31, 2016, we had cash on hand, including restricted cash, of $20.7 million and a net working capital balance (defined below) of $26.8 million. Additionally, we had outstanding debt obligations under our loan agreements of $663.0 million excluding $18.0 million of deferred financing fees. As of December 31, 2015, we had cash on hand of $41.6 million and a net working capital balance of $49.6 million. Additionally, we had outstanding debt obligations under our loan agreements of $550.0 million excluding $7.9 million of deferred financing fees. Net working capital is defined as current assets minus current liabilities, excluding restricted cash and discontinued operations. We believe that cash from continuing operations and our currently available cash (including available borrowings under our existing financing arrangements and available-for-sale securities) will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated working capital requirements for the foreseeable future. Overall, we do not expect any negative effects to our funding sources that would have a material effect on our liquidity. We intend to continue financing future brand acquisitions through a combination of cash from operations, bank financing and the issuance of additional equity and/or debt securities. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of certain financing transactions consummated by us. There are no material capital expenditure commitments as of December 31, 2016.
| 31 |
Cash Flows from Continuing Operations
Cash flows from continuing operations for operating, financing and investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in the following table:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 43,602 | $ | (5,641 | ) | $ | (2,154 | ) | ||||
| Investing activities | (152,888 | ) | (341,846 | ) | (113,259 | ) | ||||||
| Financing activities | 87,423 | 366,736 | 113,810 | |||||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash from continuing operations | $ | (21,863 | ) | $ | 19,249 | $ | (1,603 | ) | ||||
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations increased $49.2 million to $43.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to net cash used in operations of $(5.6) million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The $49.2 million increase was primarily attributable to the receipt of advance royalty payments, inclusive of $15.0 million in connection with our acquisition of GAIAM, Inc., increase in non-cash items of $15.2 million, changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $10.2 million on a year-over-year basis and an increase in net income of $4.2 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $2.2 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations decreased $189.0 million to $152.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $341.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease is driven primarily by $181.2 million of lower overall cash used for acquisitions. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2015, we purchased $12.0 million of available-for-sale securities while there was no purchase during the year ended December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we purchased $3.3 million of property and equipment compared to $1.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2015. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2016, we deposited $1.5 million of cash with a financial institution required as collateral for the Company’s cash-collateralized letter of credit facilities.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $87.4 million compared to $366.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The primary driver for the change was the receipt of $132.0 million of loan proceeds to finance the acquisition of GAIAM, Inc. offset by $13.1 million of related financing fees and expenses paid during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the receipt of $390.2 million of proceeds under loan agreements used to finance the acquisition of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Joe’s Jeans and With You LLC offset by $9.2 million of related financing fees and expenses paid during the year ended December 31, 2015. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2016, we made principal payments of $19.0 million under our loan agreements in accordance with contractual terms and $6.8 million of distributions to certain noncontrolling interest partners. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we made principal payments of $15.7 million under our loan agreements in accordance with contractual terms and $3.0 million of distributions to certain noncontrolling interest partners. During the year ended December 31, 2015, GSO Capital Partners LP purchased $10.0 million of the Company’s common stock.
Debt
As of December 31, 2016, we were party to a Third Amended and Restated First Lien Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative and collateral agent and a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Wilmington Trust, National Association as administrative agent and collateral agent, referred to as our loan agreements. Refer to Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our borrowings and the terms of these debt facilities. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, our long-term debt, including current portion, was $663.0 million and $550.0 million, excluding $18.0 million and $7.9 million of deferred financing fees, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had $9.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of availability under the current revolving credit facility, subject to meeting certain leverage ratios. We may request an increase in (i) the Revolving Credit Facility and Tranche A Loans as would not cause the consolidated first lien leverage ratio, determined on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any such increase, to exceed 2.33:1.00 and (ii) the Tranche A-1 Loans, as would not cause the consolidated first lien leverage ratio, determined on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any such increase, to exceed (a) with respect to any increase, the proceeds of which will be used solely to finance an acquisition, 2.50:100 and (b) with respect to any other increase, 2.40:1.00, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions in the Amended BoA Credit Agreement. We may request one or more additional term loan facilities or the increase of term loan commitments under the GSO Credit Agreement as would not cause the consolidated total leverage ratio, determined on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any such addition and increase, to exceed 6.00:1.00, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions in the GSO Credit Agreement. We made $19.0 million of principal repayments under our loan agreements during the year ended December 31, 2016.
| 32 |
Contractual Obligations
Our material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
| Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | Total | Less than 1 Year | 2-3 Years | 4-5 Years | After 5 Years | |||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating leases | $ | 13,443 | $ | 7,390 | $ | 2,367 | $ | 1,583 | $ | 2,103 | ||||||||||
| Capital leases | 230 | 230 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Guaranteed payments in connection with acquisitions | 12,002 | 4,300 | 6,500 | 1,202 | - | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt obligations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 Term Loans | 582,500 | 28,300 | 56,600 | 124,100 | 373,500 | |||||||||||||||
| 2016 Revolving Loan | 80,500 | - | - | 80,500 | - | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 688,675 | $ | 40,220 | $ | 65,467 | $ | 207,385 | $ | 375,603 | ||||||||||
Future Capital Requirements
We believe cash on hand and cash from operations will be sufficient to meet our capital requirements for the twelve months following December 31, 2016. We intend to continue financing future brand acquisitions through a combination of cash from operations, bank financing and the issuance of additional equity or debt securities. The extent of our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our results of operations and growth through the acquisition of additional brands, and we cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms in the near future, if at all.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As a result, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective expected dates of adoption and effects on financial conditions and results of operations.
| Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
We limit exposure to foreign currency fluctuations by requiring payment under the majority of our licenses to be denominated in U.S. dollars. One of our licenses is denominated in Canadian dollars. If there were an adverse change in the exchange rate from Canadian to U.S. dollars of 10%, the expected effect on net income would be immaterial.
Our earnings may also be affected by changes in LIBOR interest rates as a result of our loan agreements. As further discussed in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements, we have entered into interest rate caps to mitigate the effects of a change in LIBOR interest rates. An increase in LIBOR interest rates of one percent affecting the loan agreements would not have had a material effect on our results of operations during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
| Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
The financial statements and supplementary data required to be submitted in response to this Item 8 are set forth after Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated by reference into this Item 8.
| Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
None.
| 33 |
| Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2016, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on, and as of the date of such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016 such that the information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, as issued in 2013. Based on our management’s assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016, based on those criteria.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. The effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has been audited by CohnReznick LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report provided below.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The post-acquisition integration of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. related activities during the year ended December 31, 2016 represents a change in our internal control over financial reporting. We have evaluated and determined that the acquisition did not have a material impact on our control over financial reporting as well as the necessary controls and procedures to be implemented. Other than as discussed above, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
| 34 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sequential Brands Group, Inc.
We have audited Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Sequential Brands Group, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and the related financial statement schedule of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and our report dated March 14, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ CohnReznick LLP
New York, NY
March 14, 2017
| 35 |
| Item 9B. | Other Information |
None.
| Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |
The information required by this item will be contained under the captions “Directors and Executive Officers” and “Corporate Governance” in the definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 23, 2017 (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2016, which information is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all members of our Board and to all of our employees and executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Code of Ethics constitutes a “code of ethics” as defined by applicable SEC rules and a “code of conduct” as defined by applicable NASDAQ rules. Our code of ethics is posted on our website located at www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com in the section titled “Investor Relations—Corporate Governance.” You may also request a copy of the Code of Ethics by writing or calling us at:
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC.
Attn: Investor Relations
601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor
New York, New York 10001
Tel.: (646) 564-2577
Any amendment or waiver of the Code of Ethics pertaining to a member of our Board or one of our executive officers will be disclosed on our website within four business days.
| Item 11. | Executive Compensation |
The information required by this item will be contained under the caption “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
| Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
The information required by this item will be contained under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
| Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
The information required by this item will be contained under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
| Item 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services |
The information required by this item will be contained under the caption “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
| 36 |
| Item 15. | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules |
| (a) | Documents filed as part of this report |
| 1. | Financial Statements. |
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements, which appears on page F-1 hereof. The financial statements listed in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements are filed herewith in response to this Item.
| 2. | Financial Statement Schedules. |
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is required to be filed by Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
All other schedules are omitted because the information is inapplicable or presented in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
| 3. | Exhibits. See Item 15(b) below. |
| (b) | Exhibits. We have filed, or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the exhibits listed on the accompanying Index to Exhibits immediately following the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
| (c) | Financial Statement Schedule. See Item 15(a) above. |
| 37 |
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| F-1 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sequential Brands Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15. Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 21, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material aspects the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2016 the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03 – “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”, which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in the consolidated financial statements.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Sequential Brand Group Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 14, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion.
/s/ CohnReznick LLP
New York, NY
March 14, 2017
| F-2 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | |||||||
| (Note 2) | ||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | 19,133 | $ | 41,560 | ||||
| Restricted cash | 1,521 | - | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 53,195 | 42,026 | ||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | 7,673 | 5,611 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 4,366 | 5,276 | ||||||
| Current assets held for disposition from discontinued operations of wholesale business | - | 113 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 85,888 | 94,586 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 7,674 | 6,547 | ||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 1,030,212 | 872,277 | ||||||
| Goodwill | 307,744 | 314,288 | ||||||
| Other assets | 3,345 | 2,139 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,434,863 | $ | 1,289,837 | ||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 18,915 | $ | 23,722 | ||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 28,300 | 19,000 | ||||||
| Current portion of deferred revenue | 10,374 | 2,157 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 57,589 | 44,879 | ||||||
| Long-term debt, net of current portion | 616,735 | 523,065 | ||||||
| Long-term deferred revenue, net of current portion | 13,909 | - | ||||||
| Deferred tax liability | 200,357 | 184,881 | ||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 8,705 | 10,686 | ||||||
| Long-term liabilities held for disposition from discontinued operations of wholesale business | - | 677 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 897,295 | 764,188 | ||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
| Equity: | ||||||||
| Preferred stock Series A, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 | - | - | ||||||
| Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 62,602,041 and 60,991,127 shares issued at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and 62,504,355 and 60,480,474 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively | 624 | 605 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 502,564 | 496,179 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (144 | ) | (6,466 | ) | ||||
| Accumulated deficit | (39,651 | ) | (38,830 | ) | ||||
| Treasury stock, at cost; 97,686 shares and none at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively | (638 | ) | - | |||||
| Total Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries stockholders’ equity | 462,755 | 451,488 | ||||||
| Noncontrolling interest | 74,813 | 74,161 | ||||||
| Total equity | 537,568 | 525,649 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 1,434,863 | $ | 1,289,837 | ||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
| F-3 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 155,528 | $ | 88,262 | $ | 41,837 | ||||||
| Operating expenses | 85,392 | 58,611 | 29,806 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 70,136 | 29,651 | 12,031 | |||||||||
| Other (expense) income, net | (3,810 | ) | 1,133 | 5 | ||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 50,538 | 29,725 | 9,746 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 15,788 | 1,059 | 2,290 | |||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 9,157 | (1,357 | ) | 2,936 | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 6,631 | 2,416 | (646 | ) | ||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (7,452 | ) | (5,287 | ) | (422 | ) | ||||||
| Net loss attributable to Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries | $ | (821 | ) | $ | (2,871 | ) | $ | (1,068 | ) | |||
| Loss per share attributable to Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries: | ||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | |||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | 61,912,410 | 41,177,523 | 29,964,604 | |||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
| F-4 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 6,631 | $ | 2,416 | $ | (646 | ) | |||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | 2,062 | (6,437 | ) | - | ||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment related to impairment of available-for-sale securities | 4,375 | - | - | |||||||||
| Unrealized loss on interest rate cap | (144 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedging transactions | 29 | 7 | (36 | ) | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 6,322 | (6,430 | ) | (36 | ) | |||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | 12,953 | (4,014 | ) | (682 | ) | |||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (7,452 | ) | (5,287 | ) | (422 | ) | ||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries | $ | 5,501 | $ | (9,301 | ) | $ | (1,104 | ) | ||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
| F-5 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
(in thousands, except share data)
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional
Paid- in | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | Accumulated | Treasury Stock | Total
Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Stockholders' | Noncontrolling | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | Loss | Deficit | Shares | Amount | Equity | Interest | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2014 | - | $ | - | 25,057,988 | $ | 25 | $ | 114,411 | $ | - | $ | (34,890 | ) | 122,229 | $ | (690 | ) | $ | 78,856 | $ | 2,313 | $ | 81,169 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises | - | - | 87,667 | - | 417 | - | - | - | - | 417 | - | 417 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition of Rast Sourcing and Rast Licensing | - | - | 581,341 | 1 | (3,110 | ) | - | - | - | - | (3,109 | ) | - | (3,109 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition of Galaxy Brand Holdings, Inc. | - | - | 12,374,990 | 12 | 178,918 | - | - | - | - | 178,930 | - | 178,930 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | - | - | 93,832 | - | 2,184 | - | - | - | - | 2,184 | - | 2,184 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with warrant exercise | - | - | 1,104,762 | 1 | 2,899 | - | - | - | - | 2,900 | - | 2,900 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on interest rate hedging transactions | - | - | - | - | - | (36 | ) | - | - | - | (36 | ) | - | (36 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 75,555 | (953 | ) | (953 | ) | - | (953 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest recorded in connection with acquisition | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4,411 | 4,411 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest distribution | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (366 | ) | (366 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 422 | 422 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders | - | - | - | - | - | - | (1,068 | ) | - | - | (1,068 | ) | - | (1,068 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2014 | - | - | 39,300,580 | 39 | 295,719 | (36 | ) | (35,959 | ) | 197,784 | (1,643 | ) | 258,120 | 6,780 | 264,900 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises | - | - | 253,666 | - | 710 | - | - | - | - | 710 | - | 710 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition of With You LLC | - | - | 97,087 | - | 1,295 | - | - | - | - | 1,295 | - | 1,295 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia | - | - | 20,014,726 | 20 | 185,917 | - | - | - | - | 185,937 | - | 185,937 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | - | - | 382,986 | - | 6,397 | - | - | - | - | 6,397 | - | 6,397 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with warrant exercise | - | - | 38,400 | - | 223 | - | - | - | - | 223 | - | 223 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with debt financing | - | - | 740,740 | 1 | 11,495 | - | - | - | - | 11,496 | - | 11,496 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock registration costs in connection with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia acquisition | - | - | - | - | (1,876 | ) | - | - | - | - | (1,876 | ) | - | (1,876 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on interest rate hedging transactions | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | 7 | - | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities | - | - | - | - | - | (6,437 | ) | - | - | - | (6,437 | ) | - | (6,437 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 149,927 | (1,513 | ) | (1,513 | ) | - | (1,513 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement of treasury stock in connection with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia acquisition | - | - | (347,711 | ) | - | (3,156 | ) | - | - | (347,711 | ) | 3,156 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock par value change in connection with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia acquisition | - | - | - | 545 | (545 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest recorded in connection with acquisition | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 65,094 | 65,094 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest distribution | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (3,000 | ) | (3,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5,287 | 5,287 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders | - | - | - | - | - | - | (2,871 | ) | - | - | (2,871 | ) | - | (2,871 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2015 | - | $ | - | 60,480,474 | $ | 605 | $ | 496,179 | $ | (6,466 | ) | $ | (38,830 | ) | - | $ | - | $ | 451,488 | $ | 74,161 | $ | 525,649 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | - | - | 746,567 | 5 | 6,399 | - | - | - | - | 6,404 | - | 6,404 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Galaxy Brand Holdings, Inc. holdback shares | - | - | 1,375,000 | 14 | (14 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on interest rate hedging transactions | - | - | - | - | - | 29 | - | - | - | 29 | - | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain and reclassification adjustment on available-for-sale securities | - | - | - | - | - | 6,437 | - | - | - | 6,437 | - | 6,437 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on interest rate cap | - | - | - | - | - | (144 | ) | - | - | - | (144 | ) | - | (144 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (97,686 | ) | (638 | ) | (638 | ) | - | (638 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest distribution | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (6,800 | ) | (6,800 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7,452 | 7,452 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders | - | - | - | - | - | - | (821 | ) | - | - | (821 | ) | - | (821 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2016 | - | $ | - | 62,602,041 | $ | 624 | $ | 502,564 | $ | (144 | ) | $ | (39,651 | ) | (97,686 | ) | $ | (638 | ) | $ | 462,755 | $ | 74,813 | $ | 537,568 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
| F-6 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
| (Note 2) | ||||||||||||
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 6,631 | $ | 2,416 | $ | (646 | ) | |||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||||||||||||
| Provision for bad debts | 295 | 201 | 75 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 4,765 | 1,893 | 1,107 | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 6,404 | 6,397 | 2,184 | |||||||||
| Impairment of available-for-sale securities | 4,375 | - | - | |||||||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount | 3,111 | 7,722 | 2,444 | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of trademark | - | (700 | ) | - | ||||||||
| Income from equity method investment | (9 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
| Loss on disposal of fixed assets | 447 | 57 | 900 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 9,581 | (1,834 | ) | 2,468 | ||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (11,464 | ) | (9,244 | ) | (7,062 | ) | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 2,347 | 2,988 | (415 | ) | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (5,132 | ) | (15,329 | ) | (1,106 | ) | ||||||
| Deferred revenue | 22,126 | 46 | (1,087 | ) | ||||||||
| Other liabilities | 125 | (254 | ) | (1,016 | ) | |||||||
| Cash Provided By (Used in) Operating Activities From Continuing Operations | 43,602 | (5,641 | ) | (2,154 | ) | |||||||
| Cash Used In Operating Activities From Discontinued Operations | (564 | ) | (210 | ) | (1,001 | ) | ||||||
| Cash Provided By (Used in) Operating Activities | 43,038 | (5,851 | ) | (3,155 | ) | |||||||
| Cash Flows From Investing Activities | ||||||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (146,883 | ) | (328,044 | ) | (111,579 | ) | ||||||
| Cash paid for equity method investment | (704 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
| Investments in intangible assets, including registration and renewal costs | (500 | ) | (437 | ) | (545 | ) | ||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | (3,325 | ) | (1,462 | ) | (1,135 | ) | ||||||
| Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 45 | 5 | - | |||||||||
| Purchase of available-for-sale securities | - | (12,048 | ) | - | ||||||||
| Changes in restricted cash | (1,521 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of trademark | - | 140 | - | |||||||||
| Cash Used In Investing Activities | (152,888 | ) | (341,846 | ) | (113,259 | ) | ||||||
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from debt | 132,000 | 390,179 | 180,000 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of common stock | - | 10,000 | - | |||||||||
| Proceeds from options exercised | - | 710 | 417 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from warrants exercised | - | 223 | 2,900 | |||||||||
| Stock registration costs | - | (1,876 | ) | - | ||||||||
| Payment of long-term debt | (19,000 | ) | (15,679 | ) | (63,500 | ) | ||||||
| Purchase of interest rate cap | (1,248 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
| Guaranteed payments in connection with acquisitions | (3,750 | ) | (3,100 | ) | - | |||||||
| Payment of financing costs | (13,141 | ) | (9,208 | ) | (4,688 | ) | ||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | (638 | ) | (1,513 | ) | (953 | ) | ||||||
| Noncontrolling interest distributions | (6,800 | ) | (3,000 | ) | (366 | ) | ||||||
| Cash Provided By Financing Activities | 87,423 | 366,736 | 113,810 | |||||||||
| Net (Decrease) Increase In Cash | (22,427 | ) | 19,039 | (2,604 | ) | |||||||
| Cash — Beginning of year | 41,560 | 22,521 | 25,125 | |||||||||
| Cash — End of year | $ | 19,133 | $ | 41,560 | $ | 22,521 | ||||||
| Supplemental Disclosures Of Cash Flow Information | ||||||||||||
| Cash paid for: | ||||||||||||
| Interest | $ | 45,308 | $ | 19,288 | $ | 6,684 | ||||||
| Taxes | $ | 178 | $ | 1,059 | $ | 484 | ||||||
| Non-cash Investing And Financing Activities | ||||||||||||
| Accrued purchases of property and equipment at period end | $ | 10 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities during the period | $ | 2,062 | $ | (6,437 | ) | $ | - | |||||
| Unrealized loss on interest rate cap during the period | $ | (144 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
| Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions | $ | - | $ | 187,232 | $ | 183,975 | ||||||
| Noncontrolling interest recorded in connection with acquisitions | $ | - | $ | 65,094 | $ | 4,411 | ||||||
| Receivable for sale of trademark | $ | - | $ | 560 | $ | - | ||||||
| Guaranteed contractual payments recorded on acquisitions | $ | - | $ | 16,474 | $ | - | ||||||
| Debt discount recorded on sale of common stock to debtholders | $ | - | $ | 1,496 | $ | - | ||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
| F-7 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Sequential Brands Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “New Sequential”) owns a portfolio of consumer brands in the fashion, home, active and home categories. The Company aims to maximize the strategic value of its brands by promoting, marketing and licensing its global brands through various distribution channels, including to retailers, wholesalers and distributors in the United States and in certain international territories. The Company’s core strategy is to enhance and monetize the global reach of its existing brands, and to pursue additional strategic acquisitions to grow the scope of and diversify its portfolio of brands. The Company licenses brands to both wholesale and direct-to-retail licensees. In a wholesale license, a wholesale supplier is granted rights (typically on an exclusive basis) to a single or small group of related product categories for a particular brand for sale to multiple accounts within an approved channel of distribution and territory. In a direct-to-retail license, a single retailer is granted the right (typically on an exclusive basis) to sell branded products in a broad range of product categories through its brick and mortar stores and e-commerce sites. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had more than one-hundred fifty licensees, with wholesale licensees comprising a significant majority.
The Company was formed on June 5, 2015, for the purpose of effecting the merger of Singer Merger Sub, Inc. with and into SQBG, Inc. (formerly known as Sequential Brands Group, Inc.) (“Old Sequential”) and the merger of Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. with and into Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (“MSLO”), with Old Sequential and MSLO each surviving the merger as wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (the “Mergers”). Prior to the Mergers, the Company did not conduct any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 22, 2015, as amended, by and among the Company, MSLO, Old Sequential, Singer Merger Sub, Inc., and Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. (the “Merger Agreement”). On December 4, 2015, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Old Sequential and MSLO completed the strategic combination of their respective businesses and became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. Old Sequential was the accounting acquirer in the Mergers; therefore, the historical consolidated financial statements for Old Sequential for periods prior to the Mergers are considered to be the historical financial statements of the Company and thus, the Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect Old Sequential’s consolidated financial statements for the period from January 1, 2015 through December 4, 2015 and for fiscal year 2014, and the Company’s consolidated financial statements thereafter. References to “the Company” when referring to periods prior to the consummation of the Mergers on December 4, 2015 are references to Old Sequential.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Reclassification of Prior Year Presentation and Correction of Immaterial Error
On January 1, 2016, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03 – “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present such costs on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. The standard’s core principle is that debt issuance costs related to a note are reflected in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of that note and amortization of debt issuance costs is reported in interest expense.
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-03, the Company has reclassified certain December 31, 2015 balance sheet accounts for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations. The Company reclassified $7.9 million between other assets and long-term debt, net of current portion in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015.
Additionally, the Company has corrected an immaterial error in its consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015. This correction is related to the payment of certain guaranteed obligations in connection with previous acquisitions and reflects an increase in cash used in operating activities of $3.1 million and a decrease in cash provided by financing activities of $3.1 million. There is no impact to the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of changes in equity.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation.
| F-8 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the consolidated financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, actual results could differ significantly from estimates.
Discontinued Operations
The Company accounted for the closure of its wholesale operations during 2013 as discontinued operations in accordance with the guidance provided in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, and ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, which requires that only a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity, that represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the reporting entity’s operations that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and has operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the entity be reported as discontinued operations and assets held for sale. In the period a component of an entity has been disposed of or classified as held for sale, the results of operations for the periods presented are reclassified into separate line items in the statements of operations. Assets and liabilities are also reclassified into separate line items on the related balance sheets for the periods presented. The statements of cash flows for the periods presented are also reclassified to reflect the results of discontinued operations as separate line items.
Revenue Recognition
The Company has entered into various license agreements that provide revenues based on guaranteed minimum royalty payments and advertising/marketing fees with additional royalty revenues based on a percentage of defined sales. Guaranteed minimum royalty payments and advertising/marketing revenue are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of each contract year, as defined in each license agreement. Royalty payments exceeding the guaranteed minimum royalty payments are recognized as income during the period corresponding to the licensee’s sales. Payments received as consideration for the grant of a license are recorded as deferred revenue at the time payment is received and recognized ratably as revenue over the term of the license agreement. Advanced royalty payments are recorded as deferred revenue at the time payment is received and recognized as revenue when earned. Revenue is not recognized unless collectability is reasonably assured.
If license agreements are terminated prior to the original licensing period, the Company recognizes revenue in the amount of any contractual termination fees, unless such amounts are deemed non-recoverable.
With respect to editorial content for books, the Company receives advance payments from the Company’s publishers and recognizes revenue when manuscripts are delivered to and accepted by the publishers. Revenue is also earned from book publishing when sales on a unit basis exceed the advanced royalty.
Television sponsorship revenues are generally recorded ratably across the period when new episodes initially air.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash at December 31, 2016 consists of cash deposited with a financial institution required as collateral for the Company’s cash-collateralized letter of credit facilities.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded net of allowances for doubtful accounts, based on the Company’s ongoing discussions with its licensees and other customers and its evaluation of their creditworthiness, payment history and account aging. Accounts receivable balances deemed to be uncollectible are charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.2 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
| F-9 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
The Company’s accounts receivable, net amounted to $53.2 million and $42.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Four licensees accounted for approximately 49% (14%, 13%, 12% and 10%) of the Company’s total consolidated accounts receivable, net balance as of December 31, 2016 and two licensees accounted for approximately 26% (15% and 11%) of the Company’s total consolidated accounts receivable, net balance as of December 31, 2015. The Company does not believe the accounts receivable balance from these licensees represents a significant collection risk based on past collection experience.
Investments
The Company has marketable securities that are classified as available-for-sale securities under ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. Such available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets and, at the time of purchase, were reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows as an investing activity. The Company reviews its available-for-sale securities at each reporting period to determine whether a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. Any decline in fair value that is determined to be other-than-temporary would result in an adjustment for an impairment charge in the consolidated statements of operations. The primary factors the Company considers in its determination are (i) the length of time that the fair value of the available-for-sale security is below the Company’s carrying value, (ii) the financial condition and operating performance of the available-for-sale security, (iii) the reason for decline in fair value and (iv) the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment in available-for-sale security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities, if any, are determined on a specific-identification basis. The unrealized gains and losses on the available-for-sale securities held by the Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are set forth below.
| December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Historical Cost | Cost Basis (1) | Estimated Fair Value | Gains | Losses | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | $ | 12,048 | $ | 7,673 | $ | 7,673 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
| (1) The cost basis is historical cost less other-than-termporary impairment. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Historical Cost | Cost Basis | Estimated Fair Value | Gains | Losses | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | $ | 12,048 | $ | 12,048 | $ | 5,611 | $ | - | $ | 6,437 | ||||||||||
Based on an evaluation at December 31, 2016, the Company can no longer assert that it has the intent and ability to hold its available-for-sale securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. The Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $4.4 million, during the fourth quarter of 2016, within other (expense) income in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company had concluded that the decline in fair value of its available-for-sale securities was not other-than-temporary during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Equity Method Investment
For investments in entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. On July 1, 2016, the Company acquired a 49.9% noncontrolling interest in Gaiam Pty. Ltd. in connection with its acquisition of Gaiam Brand Holdco, LLC (see Note 5). The preliminary purchase price valuation of the Company's equity method investment was $0.7 million as of December 31, 2016 and is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company's share of earnings from its equity method investee, which was not material for the year ended December 31, 2016, is included in other (expense) income in the consolidated statements of operations.
| F-10 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
The Company evaluates its equity method investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investment may not be recoverable. The difference between the carrying value of the equity method investment and its estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment charge when the loss in value is deemed other-than-temporary.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors considered include, for example, macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial performance, and other relevant entity-specific events. If the Company bypasses the qualitative assessment, or concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it then performs a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment to be recognized, if any.
In the first step, the Company will compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. The Company has determined that it has a single reporting unit and considers its market capitalization (calculated as total common shares outstanding multiplied by the common equity price per share, as adjusted for a control premium factor) to represent its estimated fair value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, no further analysis is needed. If, however, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company will proceed to the second step and calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to determine whether any impairment is required. The implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is calculated by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to all of the unit’s assets and liabilities as if the unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount of that excess. The Company has not recorded a goodwill impairment charge for any of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 or 2014.
Intangible assets represent trademarks, customer agreements and patents related to the Company’s brands and a favorable lease. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are subject to impairment evaluation. The carrying value of intangible assets and other finite-lived assets is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable. When conducting its impairment assessment, the Company initially performs a qualitative evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. If it is determined by a qualitative evaluation that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired, the Company then tests the asset for recoverability. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to its future undiscounted net cash flows. If the carrying amount of such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the recoverability of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company changed its annual impairment testing date from December 31 to October 1. The Company believes this new date is preferable because it allows for more timely completion of the annual impairment test prior to the end of its annual financial reporting period. This change in accounting principle does not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. The Company has determined that it would be impracticable to objectively determine projected cash flow and related valuation estimates that would have been used as of each October 1 of prior reporting periods without the use of hindsight. As such, the Company applied the change in annual impairment testing date prospectively beginning October 1, 2016. The Company performed its annual impairment evaluation of its indefinite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets as of October 1, 2016.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Upon retirement or other disposition of property and equipment, applicable cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any gains or losses are included in results of operations.
| F-11 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
| Furniture and fixtures | 5 years |
| Computer hardware/equipment | 5 to 7 years |
| Leasehold improvements | Term of the lease or the estimated life of the related improvements, whichever is shorter. |
| Computer software | 5 years |
| Automobiles and trucks | 5 years |
| Websites | 3 years |
Deferred Financing Costs
Direct costs incurred in connection with issuing debt securities or obtaining debt or other credit arrangements are recorded as deferred financing costs as a deduction of the carrying value of debt and are amortized as interest expense, using the effective interest method, over the term of the related debt. Debt discounts are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt.
Treasury Stock
Treasury stock is recorded at cost as a reduction of equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption (if any) is classified as a liability instrument and is measured at fair value. The Company classifies conditionally redeemable preferred stock (if any), which includes preferred stock that features redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control, as temporary equity. At all other times, the Company classifies preferred stock as a component of equity.
The Company’s preferred stock does not feature any redemption rights within the holders’ control or conditional redemption features not solely within its control as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Accordingly, all issuances of preferred stock are presented as a component of equity. The Company did not have any preferred stock outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Common Stock Purchase Warrants and Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company classifies as equity any contracts that (i) require physical settlement or net-share settlement or (ii) give the Company a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in its own shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). The Company classifies as assets or liabilities any contracts that (i) require net-cash settlement (including a requirement to net cash settle the contract if an event occurs and if that event is outside the Company’s control) or (ii) gives the counterparty a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). The Company assesses classification of its common stock purchase warrants and other freestanding derivatives, if any, at each reporting date to determine whether a change in classification between assets and liabilities is required. The Company determined that its outstanding common stock purchase warrants satisfied the criteria for classification as equity instruments at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Advertising
Advertising costs related to media ads are charged to expense as of the first date the advertisements take place. Advertising costs related to campaign ads, such as production and talent, are expensed over the term of the related advertising campaign. Advertising expenses included in operating expenses approximated $9.6 million, $8.7 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $0.4 million of capitalized advertising costs recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation cost for restricted stock is measured using the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock at the date the common stock is granted. For restricted stock and restricted stock units, for which restrictions lapse with the passage of time (“time-based restricted stock”), compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period between the issue date and the date that restrictions lapse. Time-based restricted stock is included in total shares of common stock outstanding upon the lapse of applicable restrictions. For restricted stock, for which restrictions are based on performance measures (“performance stock units” or “PSU’s”), restrictions lapse when those performance measures have been deemed achieved. Compensation cost for PSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis during the period from the date on which the likelihood of the PSUs being earned is deemed probable and (x) the end of the fiscal year during which such PSUs are granted or (y) the date on which awards of such PSUs may be approved by the compensation committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Compensation Committee”) on a discretionary basis, as applicable. PSUs are included in total shares of common stock outstanding upon the lapse of applicable restrictions. PSUs are included in total diluted shares of common stock outstanding when the performance measures have been deemed achieved but the PSUs have not yet been issued.
| F-12 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
Compensation cost for stock options and warrants, in accordance with accounting for stock-based payment under GAAP, is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model based on awards ultimately expected to vest and expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the grant. The Company elected to early adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-09 “Simplifying the Accounting for Share-Based Payments” (“ASU 2016-09”) and will reduce compensation cost for actual forfeitures as they occur. Prior to the adoption to ASU 2016-09, the Company’s estimated forfeiture rate utilized in calculating compensation cost was zero percent based on the Company’s limited historical forfeiture experience.
At each subsequent reporting period prior to the lapse of restrictions on warrants, time-based restricted stock and PSUs granted to non-employees, the Company remeasures the aggregate compensation cost of such grants using the Company’s stock price at the end of such reporting period and revises the straight-line recognition of compensation cost in line with such remeasured amount.
Income Taxes
Current income taxes are based on the respective periods’ taxable income for federal, foreign and state income tax reporting purposes. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, using statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. In accordance with ASU No. 2015-17 “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, all deferred income taxes are reported and classified as non-current. A valuation allowance is required if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company applies the FASB guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. The guidance clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with other authoritative GAAP and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The guidance also addresses derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company released its $0.3 million reserve of certain unrecognized tax benefits along with $0.3 million of accrued interest and penalties through current income tax expense in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). At December 31, 2015, the Company had $0.6 million of certain unrecognized tax benefits, included as a component of long-term liabilities held for disposition from discontinued operations of wholesale operations subsidiary. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, are recorded in income tax expense. Tax years that remain open for assessment for federal and state tax purposes include the years ended December 31, 2013 through December 31, 2016.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period, excluding the effects of any potentially dilutive securities. Diluted EPS gives effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period, including stock options, PSUs and warrants, using the treasury stock method, and convertible debt, using the if-converted method. Diluted EPS excludes all potentially dilutive shares of common stock if their effect is anti-dilutive. The shares used to calculate basic and diluted EPS consist of the following:
| F-13 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
| Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding | 61,912,410 | 41,177,523 | 29,964,604 | |||||||||
| Acquisition hold back shares | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Warrants | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Stock options | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Performance stock awards | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Unvested restricted stock | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding | 61,912,410 | 41,177,523 | 29,964,604 | |||||||||
The computation of diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 excludes the common stock equivalents of the following potentially dilutive securities because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
| Warrants | 125,535 | 502,831 | 1,421,578 | |||||||||
| Acquisition hold back shares | 172,814 | 1,375,000 | 523,630 | |||||||||
| Unvested restricted stock | 122,167 | 173,987 | 247,937 | |||||||||
| Performance based restricted stock | 407,303 | 70,519 | - | |||||||||
| Stock options | 7,977 | 87,256 | 156,126 | |||||||||
| Total | 835,796 | 2,209,593 | 2,349,271 | |||||||||
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable and available-for-sale securities. Cash is held to meet working capital needs and future acquisitions. Restricted cash is pledged as collateral for a comparable amount of irrevocable standby letters of credit for certain of the Company’s leased properties. Substantially all of the Company’s cash, restricted cash and available-for-sale securities are deposited with high quality financial institutions. At times, however, such cash, restricted cash and available-for-sale securities may be in deposit accounts that exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts as of December 31, 2016.
Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is minimal due to the collection history and the nature of the Company’s revenues.
Customer Concentrations
The Company recorded net revenues of $155.5 million, $88.3 million and $41.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2016, one licensee represented at least 10% of net revenue, accounting for 11% of the Company’s net revenue. During the year ended December 31, 2015, two licensees represented at least 10% of net revenue, accounting for 17% and 16% of the Company’s net revenue. During the year ended December 31, 2014, two licensees represented at least 10% of net revenue, accounting for 14% and 12% of the Company’s net revenue.
Loss Contingencies
The Company recognizes contingent losses that are both probable and estimable. In this context, probable means circumstances under which events are likely to occur. The Company records legal costs pertaining to contingencies as incurred.
Contingent Consideration
The Company recognizes the acquisition-date fair value of contingent consideration as part of the consideration transferred in exchange for the acquiree or assets of the acquiree in a business combination. The contingent consideration is classified as either a liability or equity in accordance with ASC 480-10, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity. If classified as a liability, the liability is remeasured to fair value at each subsequent reporting date until the contingency is settled. Increases in fair value are recorded as losses, while decreases are recorded as gains. If classified as equity, contingent consideration is not remeasured and subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.
| F-14 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interest recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 represents income allocations to Elan Polo International, Inc., a member of DVS Footwear International, LLC (“DVS LLC”), With You, Inc., a member of With You LLC (the partnership between the Company and Jessica Simpson) and JALP, LLC (“JALP”), a member of FUL IP Holdings, LLC (“FUL IP”). Noncontrolling interest recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015 represents income allocations to DVS LLC, With You, Inc. and JALP. Noncontrolling interest recorded for the year ended December 31, 2014 represents income allocations to DVS LLC. The following table sets forth the noncontrolling interest from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| With You LLC | $ | 6,525 | $ | 4,677 | $ | - | ||||||
| DVS LLC | 564 | 610 | 422 | |||||||||
| FUL IP | 363 | - | - | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ | 7,452 | $ | 5,287 | $ | 422 | ||||||
The following table sets forth the noncontrolling interest as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:
| DVS LLC | FUL IP | With You LLC | Total | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2015 | $ | 2,369 | $ | 4,411 | $ | - | $ | 6,780 | ||||||||
| Contributions | - | - | 65,094 | 65,094 | ||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 610 | - | 4,677 | 5,287 | ||||||||||||
| Distributions | (283 | ) | - | (2,717 | ) | (3,000 | ) | |||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2015 | 2,696 | 4,411 | 67,054 | 74,161 | ||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 564 | 363 | 6,525 | 7,452 | ||||||||||||
| Distributions | (609 | ) | - | (6,191 | ) | (6,800 | ) | |||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2016 | $ | 2,651 | $ | 4,774 | $ | 67,388 | $ | 74,813 | ||||||||
In connection with the acquisition of With You LLC on April 8, 2015, the Company recorded a noncontrolling interest of $65.1 million in the consolidated statement of changes in equity during the year ended December 31, 2015. In connection with the strategic investment in FUL IP in November 2014, the Company recorded a noncontrolling interest of $4.4 million in the consolidated statement of changes in equity during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Reportable Segment
An operating segment, in part, is a component of an enterprise whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. Operating segments may be aggregated only to a limited extent. The Company’s CODM, the Chief Executive Officer, reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis, accompanied by disaggregated information about revenues for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing financial performance. Accordingly, the Company has determined that it has a single operating and reportable segment. In addition, the Company has no foreign operations or any assets in foreign locations. Nearly all of the Company’s operations consist of a single revenue stream, which is the licensing of its trademark portfolio, with an immaterial portion of revenues derived from television, book, café operations and certain commissions.
| F-15 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
ASU No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under ASU 2017-04, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
ASU 2017-04 is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2017-01, “FASB Clarifies the Definition of a Business”
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “FASB Clarifies the Definition of a Business” (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business in ASC 805. The amendments in ASU 2017-01 are intended to make application of the guidance more consistent and cost-efficient.
ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for transactions that occurred before the issuance date of effective date of the standard if the transactions were not reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-01 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-18, “Restricted Cash – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force”
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Restricted Cash – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 amends ASC 230 to add or clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-18, an entity should include in its cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents.
ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted for all entities. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-18 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 amends the guidance in ASC 230 on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The primary purpose of ASU 2016-15 is to reduce the diversity in practice that has resulted from the lack of consistent principles on this topic.
ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted for all entities. Entities must apply the guidance retrospectively to all periods presented but may apply it prospectively from the earliest date practicable if retrospective application would be impracticable. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-09, “Simplifying the Accounting for Share-Based Payments”
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09. ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance, which is part of the Board’s simplification initiative, also contains two practical expedients under which nonpublic entities can use a simplified method to estimate the expected term of an award and make a one-time election to switch from fair value measurement to intrinsic value measurement for liability-classified awards. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-09 during the fourth quarter of 2016. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
| F-16 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
ASU No. 2016-07, “Simplifying the Equity Method of Accounting”
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, “Simplifying the Equity Method of Accounting” (“ASU 2016-07”). ASU 2016-07 simplifies the equity method of accounting by eliminating the requirement to retrospectively apply the equity method to an investment that subsequently qualifies for such accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. Consequently, when an investment qualifies for the equity method (as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence), the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee would be added to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and the equity method would be applied subsequently from the date on which the investor obtains the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee. ASU 2016-07 further requires that unrealized holding gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income related to an available-for-sale security that becomes eligible for the equity method be recognized in earnings as of the date on which the investment qualifies for the equity method. ASU 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Entities are required to apply the guidance prospectively to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence occurring after the effective date of ASU 2016-07. Additional transition disclosures are not required upon adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-05, “Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships”
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05, “Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships” (“ASU 2016-05”). ASU 2016-05 clarifies that “a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument in an existing hedging relationship would not, in and of itself, be considered a termination of the derivative instrument” or “a change in a critical term of the hedging relationship”. As long as all other hedge accounting criteria in ASC 815 are met, a hedging relationship in which the hedging derivative instrument is novated would not be discontinued or need to be redesignated. This clarification applies to both cash flow and fair value hedging relationships. ASU 2016-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity would apply the guidance prospectively unless it elects modified retrospective transition. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. The adoption of ASU 2016-05 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases”
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The core principle of ASU 2016-02 is that an entity should recognize on its balance sheet assets and liabilities arising from a lease. In accordance with that principle, ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee will depend on the lease classification as a finance or operating lease. This new accounting guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (i.e., calendar years beginning on January 1, 2019), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-01, “Amending Guidance on Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments”
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Amending Guidance on Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Although ASU 2016-01 retains many current requirements, it significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. ASU 2016-01 also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
| F-17 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combinations – Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combinations – Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (“ASU 2015-16”). ASU 2015-16 requires the recognition of adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period, in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The effects of the adjustments to provisional amounts on depreciation, amortization or other income effects should be recognized in current-period earning as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Disclosure of the portion of the adjustment recorded in current-period earnings that would have been reported in prior reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized at the acquisition date is also required. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-16 during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-16 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present such costs on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. The standard’s core principle is that debt issuance costs related to a note are reflected in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of that note and amortization of debt issuance costs is reported in interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is allowed for all entities for financial statements that have not been previously issued. Entities would apply the new guidance retrospectively to all prior periods (i.e., the balance sheet for each period is adjusted). The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-03, the Company has reclassified certain December 31, 2015 balance sheet accounts for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations. The Company reclassified $7.9 million between other assets and long-term debt, net of current portion in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015.
ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (‘ASU 2014-09’). ASU 2014-09 provides guidance for revenue recognition and affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, and supersedes the current revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is the recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, will require greater use of judgment and estimates than under the current guidance. The FASB subsequently issued amendments providing additional guidance, clarification, and practical expedients as follows:
| · | In August 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of this standard by one year, such that the new revenue guidance is now effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (i.e., calendar years beginning on January 1, 2018), and interim periods therein. |
| · | In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” which amends certain aspects of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 related to identifying performance obligations and applying the new revenue guidance to licensing transactions. |
| · | In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients,” which addresses topics of collectability, presentation of sales tax collected from customers, non-cash consideration, contract modifications and completed contracts at transition, and transition disclosures. |
| · | In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” to provide further clarification on various elements of the new revenue guidance. |
ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted as of the original effective date, December 31, 2016. Companies have the option of using either a full retrospective approach or a modified approach to adopt in ASU 2014-09. The Company has performed an initial review and does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
| F-18 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
NOTE 3 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10”), defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and provides for expanded disclosure about fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 applies to all other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.
The Company determines or calculates the fair value of financial instruments using quoted market prices in active markets when such information is available or using appropriate present value or other valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flow analyses, incorporating available market discount rate information for similar types of instruments while estimating for non-performance and liquidity risk. These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate, credit spreads and estimates of future cash flows.
Assets and liabilities typically recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis to which ASC 820-10 applies include:
| • | non-financial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in an acquisition or business combination, and |
| • | long-lived assets measured at fair value due to an impairment assessment under ASC 360-10-15, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. |
This topic defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and establishes a three-level hierarchy, which encourages an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820-10 requires that assets and liabilities recorded at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
| • | Level 1 - inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. |
| • | Level 2 - inputs utilize other-than-quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. |
| • | Level 3 - inputs are unobservable and are typically based on the Company’s own assumptions, including situations where there is little, if any, market activity. Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions that are classified within the Level 3 classification. |
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the Company classifies such financial assets or liabilities based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no assets or liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, except for the Company’s available-for-sale securities (see Note 2), interest rate cap (see Note 9), the contingent earn outs relating to the Linens ‘N Things brand (the “LNT Contingent Earn Out”) and Legacy Payments (as defined in Note 5) for Ms. Martha Stewart. The following table sets forth the carrying value and the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities required to be disclosed at December 31, 2016 and 2015:
| Carrying Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial Instrument | Level | 12/31/16 | 12/31/15 | 12/31/16 | 12/31/15 | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | 1 | $ | 7,673 | $ | 5,611 | $ | 7,673 | $ | 5,611 | |||||||||
| Interest rate swap | 2 | $ | - | $ | 29 | $ | - | $ | 29 | |||||||||
| Interest rate cap | 2 | $ | 1,248 | $ | - | $ | 1,104 | $ | - | |||||||||
| 2016 Term Loans | 2 | $ | 582,500 | $ | - | $ | 551,324 | $ | - | |||||||||
| 2016 Revolving Loan | 2 | $ | 80,500 | $ | - | $ | 60,755 | $ | - | |||||||||
| 2015 Term Loans | 3 | $ | - | $ | 464,000 | $ | - | $ | 446,320 | |||||||||
| 2015 Revolving Loan | 3 | $ | - | $ | 86,000 | $ | - | $ | 62,880 | |||||||||
| LNT Contingent earn outs | 3 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||
| Legacy Payments | 3 | $ | 1,995 | $ | - | $ | 1,995 | $ | - | |||||||||
| F-19 |
SEQUENTIAL BRANDS, GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
The carrying amounts of the Company’s cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities.
The Company records its available-for-sale securities on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value using Level 1 inputs. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities is based upon quoted market prices for identical assets in active markets.
On November 30, 2016, the Company entered into interest rate cap agreements related to its 1-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rates related to the Company’s loan agreements (the “2016 Cap Agreements”) with certain financial institutions. The 2016 Cap Agreements have a $500 million notional value, strike rate of 1.50% and mature on November 23, 2018. The Company recorded its interest rate caps on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value using Level 2 inputs. The valuation technique used to determine the fair value of the 2016 Cap Agreements approximated the net present value of future cash flows, taking into account current interest rates.
The Company’s risk management objective and strategy with respect to the 2016 Cap Agreements is to reduce its exposure to variability in expected future cash outflows (forecasted interest payments) attributable to change in 1-month LIBOR rates, the designated benchmark interest rate being hedged, relating to a portion of its outstanding floating-rate debt. The 2016 Cap Agreements protect the Company from increases in hedged cash flows on its floating-rate debt attributable to changes in 1-month LIBOR rates above the strike rate. Should 1-month LIBOR rates exceed 1.50% on a rate reset date during the terms of the 2016 Cap Agreements, the financial institutions will pay the Company for an amount equivalent to the excess interest over the strike rate. To the extent the hedging relationship is perfectly effective, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument each period will be deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the statement of changes in equity, and the upfront hedging instrument purchase price will be reclassified to Interest expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations according to its caplet values. If hedge ineffectiveness exists, Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be adjusted to a balance that reflects the lesser of either the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedging or the cumulative change in the fair value of the hypothetically “perfect” derivative. The amount of ineffectiveness, if any, recorded in earnings would be equal to the excess of the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedging instrument over the cumulative change in the fair value of the hypothetical derivative.
The components of the 2016 Cap Agreements as of December 31, 2016 are as follows:
| Notional Value | Derivative Asset | Derivative Liability | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| LIBOR based loans | $ | 500,000 | $ | - | $ | 144 | ||||||