UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018

 

Commission File Number 000-25779

 

THESTREET, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   06-1515824
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

14 Wall Street

New York, New York 10005

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(212) 321-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by a 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 ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 as required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐    Accelerated filer ☐    Non-accelerated filer ☐    Smaller reporting company ☒

Emerging growth company ☐

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

 

    Number of Shares Outstanding
Title of Class   as of August 7, 2018
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   49,601,655

 

 

 

 

TheStreet, Inc.

 

Form 10-Q

 

As of and for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

 

Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 3
Item 1. Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 3
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 3
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations 4
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 5
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 6
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 20
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 30
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 31
     
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 31
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 31
Item 1A. Risk Factors 31
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 31
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 31
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 32
Item 5. Other Information 32
Item 6. Exhibits 32
SIGNATURES 33

 

SPECIAL NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Additional risk factors may be described from time to time in our future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

Unless the context suggests otherwise, specifically, references in this Quarterly Report to “TheStreet,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to TheStreet, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries .

 

 

 

 

Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.      Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

THESTREET, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

ASSETS   June 30, 2018     December 31, 2017  
    (unaudited)          
Current Assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 42,661,074     $ 11,684,817  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $293,083 at June 30, 2018 and $278,997 at December 31, 2017     4,631,413       4,546,308  
Other receivables     227,306       389,353  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,351,558       1,615,720  
Current assets of discontinued operations           230,116  
Total current assets     49,871,351       18,466,314  
Noncurrent Assets:                
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $5,862,499 at June 30, 2018 and $5,475,077 at December 31, 2017     1,734,326       2,092,669  
Marketable securities     1,750,026       1,680,000  
Other assets     4,479,795       306,465  
Goodwill     23,535,799       23,568,472  
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $17,450,650 at June 30, 2018 and $15,702,665 at December 31, 2017     12,579,416       12,966,569  
Deferred tax asset     1,547,420       1,865,453  
Restricted cash     500,000       500,000  
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations           7,564,606  
 Total assets   $ 95,998,133     $ 69,010,548  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                
Current Liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 2,447,393     $ 1,999,772  
Accrued expenses     3,724,123       3,690,337  
Deferred revenue     22,369,916       19,201,693  
Other current liabilities     936,785       1,835,679  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations           4,246,891  
Total current liabilities     29,478,217       30,974,372  
Noncurrent Liabilities:                
Deferred tax liability     1,376,897       803,917  
Other liabilities     1,938,717       1,543,602  
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations           741,856  
Total liabilities     32,793,831       34,063,747  
                 
Stockholders' Equity:                
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 57,307,672 shares issued and 49,590,988 shares outstanding at June 30, 2018, and 56,891,551 shares issued and 49,181,462 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017     573,077       568,916  
Additional paid-in capital     260,483,998       259,569,737  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (5,104,828 )     (4,845,650 )
Treasury stock at cost; 7,716,684 shares at June 30, 2018 and 7,710,089 shares at December 31, 2017     (13,494,805 )     (13,484,924 )
Accumulated deficit     (179,253,140 )     (206,861,278 )
Total stockholders' equity     63,204,302       34,946,801  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 95,998,133     $ 69,010,548  

 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements

 

3  

 

 

THESTREET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

 

    For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
    unaudited     unaudited  
Revenue:                        
Business to business   $ 6,687,633     $ 5,953,014     $ 12,591,573     $ 11,466,671  
Business to consumer     6,901,644       8,104,658       13,572,847       15,997,856  
Total revenue     13,589,277       14,057,672       26,164,420       27,464,527  
                                 
Operating expense:                                
Cost of services     5,745,659       6,244,445       11,206,732       13,076,044  
Sales and marketing     3,897,220       3,257,498       7,378,077       6,482,951  
General and administrative     4,150,957       3,681,419       8,319,248       7,550,602  
Depreciation and amortization     1,150,307       1,058,603       2,257,913       2,074,503  
Restructuring and other charges                       198,979  
    Total operating expense     14,944,143       14,241,965       29,161,970       29,383,079  
    Operating loss     (1,354,866 )     (184,293 )     (2,997,550 )     (1,918,552 )
Net interest income     30,031       10,285       48,808       18,056  
Net loss before income taxes     (1,324,835 )     (174,008 )     (2,948,742 )     (1,900,496 )
Income from discontinued operations     758,122       706,510       1,855,455       1,726,368  
Gain on sale of business, net of tax     27,618,823             27,618,823        
Income (loss) before income taxes     27,052,110       532,502       26,525,536       (174,128 )
Benefit (provision) for income taxes     463,885       (187,758 )     308,749       (608,568 )
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 27,515,995     $ 344,744     $ 26,834,285     $ (782,696 )
                                 
Basic net loss (income) per share:                                
    Continuing operations   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.07 )
    Discontinued operations     0.58       0.02       0.60       0.05  
Basic net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders   $ 0.56     $ 0.01     $ 0.55     $ (0.02 )
                                 
Diluted net (loss) income per share                                
    Continuing operations   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.07 )
    Discontinued operations     0.56       0.02       0.59       0.05  
Diluted net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders   $ 0.54     $ 0.01     $ 0.54     $ (0.02 )
                                 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding     49,296,061       35,698,603       49,240,684       35,628,874  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     50,551,236       35,803,117       50,210,935       35,628,874  

 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements

 

4  

 

 

THESTREET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

 

    For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
Net income (loss)   $ 27,515,995     $ 344,744     $ 26,834,285     $ (782,696 )
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain     (686,712 )     715,789       (329,204 )     1,000,341  
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities     1,221       101,750       70,026       (5,250 )
Comprehensive income   $ 26,830,504     $ 1,162,283     $ 26,575,107     $ 212,395  

 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements

 

5  

 

 

THESTREET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

 

    For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2018     2017  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:                
Net income (loss)   $ 26,834,285     $ (782,696 )
Gain on sale of business, net of tax     (27,618,823 )      
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Stock-based compensation expense     918,512       805,030  
Provision for doubtful accounts     50,122       37,923  
Depreciation and amortization     2,418,206       2,482,025  
Deferred taxes     (311,438 )     296,544  
Deferred rent     (114,324 )     (263,067 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable     (214,813 )     690,768  
    Other receivables     163,357       (29,548 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (376,137 )     (669,144 )
    Other assets     (345,528 )     (3,433 )
    Accounts payable     436,897       (512,932 )
    Accrued expenses     (335,273 )     (1,553,138 )
    Deferred revenue     3,919,340       2,602,825  
    Other current liabilities     70,006       (3,912 )
    Other liabilities     108,196       22,105  
          Net cash provided by operating activities     5,602,585       3,119,350  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:                
Capital expenditures     (1,698,277 )     (1,293,417 )
Proceeds from the sale of business, net     28,232,100        
          Net cash used in investing activities     26,533,823       (1,293,417 )
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:                
Cash dividends paid on common stock     (68,162 )     (68,245 )
Earnout payment for prior acquisition     (951,867 )      
Share repurchase     (1,415 )      
Shares withheld on RSU vesting to pay for withholding taxes     (8,466 )     (10,251 )
          Net cash used in financing activities     (1,029,910 )     (78,496 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (130,241 )     265,701  
                 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     30,976,257       2,013,138  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period     12,184,817       21,871,122  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period   $ 43,161,074     $ 23,884,260  

 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements

 

6  

 

 

TheStreet, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

1.      DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

TheStreet, Inc. is a leading financial news and information provider. Our business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) content and products provide individual and institutional investors, advisors and dealmakers with actionable information from the worlds of finance and business.

 

Our B2B business products have helped diversify our business from primarily serving retail investors to also providing an indispensable source of business intelligence for both high net worth individuals and executives in the top firms in the world. The Deal delivers sophisticated news and analysis on changes in corporate control including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate activism and restructuring. BoardEx is an institutional relationship capital management database and platform which holds in-depth profiles of over 1 million of the world’s most important business leaders. Our B2B business derives revenue primarily from subscription products, events/conferences and information services.

 

Our B2C business is led by our namesake website, TheStreet.com, and includes free content and houses our premium subscription products, such as RealMoney, RealMoney Pro and Actions Alerts PLUS, that target varying segments of the retail investing public. Our B2C business primarily generates revenue from premium subscription products and advertising revenue.

 

Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

 

The interim condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2018, the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, and the condensed statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 are unaudited. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with the Company’s annual financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2018, its results of consolidated operations and comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The financial data and other financial information disclosed in the notes to the financial statements related to these periods are also unaudited. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 or for any other future annual or interim period.

 

There have been no material changes in the significant accounting policies from those that were disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2018. These financial statements should also be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2017. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 included herein was derived from the audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.

 

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect the standard will have on its financial statements, however the Company does not lease any office equipment and our office space leases are the only leases with a term longer than 12 months.

 

7

 

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost.  ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  ASU 2016-13 is required to be adopted using the modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective.  Based upon the level and makeup of the Company’s financial receivables, past loss activity and current known activity regarding our outstanding receivables, the Company does not expect that the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

2. DIVESTITURE

 

On June 20, 2018, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with S&P Global Market Intelligence Inc., an affiliate of S&P Global Inc.(“S&P”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell the assets comprising its RateWatch business to S&P. The Purchase Agreement provides that S&P will pay an aggregate consideration of $33.5 million in cash to acquire the business, subject to working capital and certain other closing adjustments.

 

Operating results for the RateWatch business, which have been previously included in the Business to Business Segment, have now been reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

 

Gain on sale of RateWatch amounting to $27.6 million, net of tax expense of $1.1 million was calculated as the selling price less direct costs to complete the transaction. Included in such costs is approximately $568 thousand pertaining to certain employee related costs that were assumed by the company as part of the transaction.

 

 

 

The following table presents the discontinued operations of RateWatch in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

ASSETS   December 31, 2017  
Current Assets:        
Accounts Receivable, net   $ 138,262  
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets     91,854  
Total Current Assets     230,116  
Noncurrent Assets:        
Property and Equipment, net     659,143  
Goodwill     5,851,050  
Other Intangibles, net     1,054,413  
Total Assets   $ 7,794,722  
         
LIABILITIES        
Current Liabilities:        
Accounts Payable   $ 14,026  
Accrued Expenses     75,458  
Deferred Revenue     4,106,985  
Other Current Liabilities     50,422  
Total Current Liabilities     4,246,891  
Noncurrent Liabilities:        
Noncurrent Deferred Rent     462,183  
Noncurrent Deferred Revenue     58,323  
Deferred Tax Liability     221,350  
Total Liabilities   $ 4,988,747  

 

8

 

 

The following table presents the discontinued operations of RateWatch in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations:

 

    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2017
 
Net revenue   $ 1,810,618     $ 1,901,933     $ 3,944,302     $ 3,775,515  
Operating expense:                                
Cost of services     414,812       460,177       870,543       910,007  
Sales and marketing     381,396       320,323       716,506       638,222  
General and administrative     107,182       171,033       269,036       327,902  
Depreciation and amortization     76,637       243,890       160,293       407,522  
Total operating expense     980,027       1,195,423       2,016,378       2,283,653  
Operating income     830,591       706,510       1,927,924       1,491,862  
(Provision) benefit for income taxes     (72,469 )           (72,469 )     234,506  
Net income   $ 758,122     $ 706,510     $ 1,855,455     $ 1,726,368  

 

The following table presents the discontinued operations of RateWatch in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

 

    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2017
 
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 2,201,892     $ 2,862,980  
Net cash used in investing activities     (37,006 )     (712,760 )
Net cash used in financing activities           (3,568 )
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents            
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $  2,164,886     $ 2,146,652  

 

3. REVENUES

 

Adoption of ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”

 

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 605.

 

The Company recorded an adjustment to opening accumulated deficit of approximately $774 thousand due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606, with the impact primarily related to sales commissions.

 

9

 

 

Nature of our Services

 

Business to business subscription revenue is primarily comprised of subscriptions that provide access to director and officer profiles, relationship capital management services and transactional information pertaining to the mergers and acquisitions environment. Business to consumer subscription revenue is primarily comprised of subscriptions that provide access to securities investment information and stock market commentary. Advertising revenue is comprised of fees charged for the placement of advertising and sponsorships, primarily within TheStreet.com website. Other revenue is primarily composed of events/conferences, information services and other miscellaneous revenue.

 

We provide subscription and advertising services on a global basis to a broad range of clients. Our principal source of revenue is derived from fees for subscription services that is sold on an annual or monthly basis. We measure revenue based upon the consideration specified in the client arrangement, and revenue is recognized when the performance obligations in the client arrangement are satisfied. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct service to the customer. The transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when or as, the customer receives the benefit of the performance obligation. Clients typically receive the benefit of our services as they are performed. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised services in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. To achieve this core principal, the Company applies the following five steps:

 

1) Identify the contract with a customer

 

A contract with a customer exists when (i) the Company enters into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the services to be transferred and identifies the payment terms related to these services, (ii) the contract has commercial substance and, (iii) the Company determines that collection of substantially all consideration for services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration. The Company applies judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intention to pay, which is based on a variety of factors including the customer’s historical payment experience or, in the case of a new customer, published credit and financial information pertaining to the customer.

 

2) Identify the performance obligations in the contract

 

Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. To the extent a contract includes multiple promised services, the Company must apply judgment to determine whether promised services are capable of being distinct and distinct in the context of the contract. If these criteria are not met the promised services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.

 

3) Determine the transaction price

 

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring services to the customer.

 

4) Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract

 

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. However, if a series of distinct services that are substantially the same qualifies as a single performance obligation in a contract with variable consideration, the Company must determine if the variable consideration is attributable to the entire contract or to a specific part of the contract. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation based on a relative standalone selling price basis unless the transaction price is variable and meets the criteria to be allocated entirely to a performance obligation or to a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling price based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price taking into account available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations.

 

10

 

 

5) Recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation

 

The Company satisfies performance obligations either over time or at a point in time. Revenue is recognized at the time the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring a promised service to a customer.

 

Substantially all of our revenue is recognized over time, as the services are performed. For subscriptions, revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period. For advertising, revenue is recognized as the advertisement is displayed provided that collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.

 

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue discipline.

 

    For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
Subscription   $ 10,729,488     $ 10,399,141     $ 21,127,280     $ 20,656,449  
Advertising     1,589,961       2,665,658       3,316,747       5,155,764  
Other     1,269,828       992,873       1,720,393       1,652,314  
Total Revenue   $ 13,589,277     $ 14,057,672     $ 26,164,420     $ 27,464,527  

 

Deferred Revenues

 

We record deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of our performance, primarily for subscription revenues. The increase in deferred revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is primarily driven by cash payments received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations.

 

Contract Costs

 

As of June 30, 2018, the Company has a total of $966 thousand in assets relating to costs incurred to obtain or fulfill contracts, consisting predominantly of prepaid commissions. Prepaid commissions are amortized over the average customer relationship period. The amortization expense recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $65 thousand, and there was no impairment loss recognized during the period.

 

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

 

The Company did not apply any practical expedients during the adoption of ASC 606. The Company elected to use the portfolio method in the calculation of the deferred contract costs.

 

4. REVISION OF PRIOR PERIOD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In connection with the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, we identified an error as of December 31,2017 in our recognition of a deferred tax asset related to the change in the tax law, which causes net operating losses (NOL) generated in taxable years ending after December 31, 2017 to have an indefinite carryforward period. This means that a deferred tax liability that has an indefinite reversal pattern may serve as a source of taxable income for those NOLs. The correction of this error requires a reduction to the valuation allowance with a corresponding adjustment to the opening equity balance as this error existed as of December 31, 2017.

 

11

 

 

In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99, Materiality, and SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, we evaluated the error and determined that the related impact was not material to our results of operations or financial position for any prior annual or interim period, but that correcting the $926 thousand cumulative impact of the error would be material to our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Accordingly, we have corrected the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statement of operations as of December 31, 2017. There was no impact to cash provided by operations in the consolidated statements of cash flows. This error had no impact on the three months ended March 31, 2018. The impact to the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

    As of December 31, 2017  
Consolidated Balance Sheets   As Reported     Adjustment     As Revised  
Deferred tax liability   $ 1,932,606     $ (925,852 )   $ 1,006,754  
Total liabilities     34,989,599       (925,852 )     34,063,747  
Accumulated deficit     (207,787,130 )     925,852       (206,861,278 )
Total stockholders’ equity     34,020,949       925,852       34,946,801  
                         
Consolidated Statements of Operations                        
Benefit for income taxes   $ 1,882,310     $ 925,852     $ 2,808,162  
Net income     2,626,837       925,852       3,552,689  

 

5. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND RESTRICTED CASH

 

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash primarily consist of checking accounts and money market funds. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, marketable securities consist of two municipal auction rate securities (“ARS”) issued by the District of Columbia with a cost basis of approximately $1.9 million and a fair value of approximately $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively. With the exception of the ARS, Company policy limits the maximum maturity for any investment to three years. The ARS mature in the year 2038. The Company accounts for its marketable securities in accordance with the provisions of ASC 320-10. The Company classifies these securities as available for sale and the securities are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and excluded from net loss as they are deemed temporary. Additionally, as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company has a total of $500 thousand of cash that serves as collateral for an outstanding letter of credit, and which cash is therefore restricted. The letter of credit serves as a security deposit for the Company’s office space in New York City.

 

   

June 30,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 42,661,074     $ 11,684,817  
Marketable securities     1,750,026       1,680,000  
Restricted cash     500,000       500,000  
Total cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash   $ 44,911,100     $ 13,864,817  

 

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Company measures the fair value of its financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820-10, which refines the definition of fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. The statement establishes consistency and comparability by providing a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques into three broad levels, which are described below:

 

Level 1: Inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (these are observable market inputs).

 

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability (includes quoted market prices for similar assets or identical or similar assets in markets in which there are few transactions, prices that are not current or vary substantially).

 

12

 

 

Level 3: Inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect the entity’s own assumptions in pricing the asset or liability (used when little or no market data is available).

 

Financial assets and liabilities included in our financial statements and measured at fair value are classified based on the valuation technique level in the table below:

 

    As of June 30, 2018  
Description:   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Cash and cash equivalents (1)   $ 42,661,074     $ 42,661,074     $     $  
Restricted cash (1)     500,000       500,000              
Marketable securities (2)     1,750,026                   1,750,026  
Total at fair value   $ 44,911,100     $ 43,161,074     $     $ 1,750,026  

 

    As of December 31, 2017  
Description:   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Cash and cash equivalents (1)   $ 11,684,817     $ 11,684,817     $     $  
Restricted cash (1)     500,000       500,000              
Marketable securities (2)     1,680,000                   1,680,000  
Contingent earn-out (3)     951,867                   951,867  
Total at fair value   $ 14,816,684     $ 12,184,817     $     $ 2,631,867  

 

(1) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, totaling approximately $43.2 million and $12.2 million as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, consist primarily of checking accounts and money market funds for which we determine fair value through quoted market prices.

 

(2) Marketable securities include two municipal ARS issued by the District of Columbia having a fair value totaling approximately $1.8 million and $1.7 million as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Historically, the fair value of ARS investments approximated par value due to the frequent resets through the auction process. Due to events in credit markets, the auction events, which historically have provided liquidity for these securities, have been unsuccessful. The result of a failed auction is that these ARS holdings will continue to pay interest in accordance with their terms at each respective auction date; however, liquidity of the securities will be limited until there is a successful auction, the issuer redeems the securities, the securities mature or until such time as other markets for these ARS holdings develop. For each of our ARS, we evaluate the risks related to the structure, collateral and liquidity of the investment, and forecast the probability of issuer default, auction failure and a successful auction at par, or a redemption at par, for each future auction period. Temporary impairment charges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, whereas other-than-temporary impairment charges are recorded in our consolidated statement of operations. As of June 30, 2018, the Company determined there was a decline in the fair value of its ARS investments of approximately $100 thousand from its cost basis, which was deemed temporary and was included within accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

(3) Contingent earn-out represented additional purchase consideration payable to the former shareholders of Management Diagnostics Limited based upon the achievement of specific 2017 audited revenue benchmarks.  The balance was paid in May 2018.

 

13

 

 

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

    Marketable Securities  
Balance December 31, 2017   $ 1,680,000  
Change in fair value of investment     70,026  
Balance June 30, 2018   $ 1,750,026  

 

    Contingent
Earn-Out
 
Balance December 31, 2017   $ 951,867  
Payment made     (951,867 )
Balance June 30, 2018   $  

 

7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 includes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards based upon the estimated grant date fair value. The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based payment awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. As stock-based compensation expense is based upon awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant which are revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 

The Company estimates the value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This determination is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends. Because option-pricing models require the use of subjective assumptions, changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value of the options. The assumptions presented in the table below represent the weighted-average value of the applicable assumption used to value stock option awards at their grant date. In determining the volatility assumption, the Company used a historical analysis of the volatility of the Company’s share price for the preceding period equal to the expected option lives. The expected option lives, which represent the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, were estimated based upon the “simplified” method for “plain-vanilla” options. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the term of the Company’s stock option awards. The dividend yield assumption was based on the history and expectation of future dividend payouts. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. The Company’s estimate of pre-vesting forfeitures is primarily based on historical experience and is adjusted to reflect actual forfeitures as the options vest. The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of stock option awards granted during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was $0.69 and $0.27, respectively, using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

    For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2018     2017  
Expected option lives     4.0 years       3.7 years  
Expected volatility     45.14 %     37.64 %
Risk-free interest rate     2.76 %     1.55 %
Expected dividend yield     0.00 %     0.00 %

 

The value of each restricted stock unit awarded is equal to the closing price per share of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of restricted stock units granted during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was $1.68 and $0.90, respectively.

 

14

 

 

At the Company’s May 2018 Board meeting, the number of shares available for grant was increased by 5.2 million shares. As of June 30, 2018, there remained approximately 3.3 million shares available for future awards under the Company’s 2007 Performance Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). In connection with awards under both the 2007 Plan and awards issued outside of the 2007 Plan as inducement grants to new hires, the Company recorded approximately $578 thousand and $918 thousand of stock-based compensation for the three and six month period ended June 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to approximately $409 thousand and $805 thousand of stock-based compensation for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

 

A summary of the activity of the 2007 Plan, and awards issued outside of the 2007 Plan pertaining to stock option grants is as follows:

 

    Shares Underlying Awards     Weighted Average Exercise Price     Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)     Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)  
Awards outstanding at December 31, 2017     5,491,928     $ 1.46                  
Options granted     103,333     $ 1.79                  
Options exercised           N/A                  
Options forfeited     (1,876 )   $ 1.83                  
Options expired     (1,792,544 )   $ 1.80                  
Awards outstanding at June 30, 2018     3,800,841     $ 1.31     $ 3,327       4.52  
Awards outstanding, vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2018     3,786,918     $ 1.31     $ 3,314       4.51  
Awards exercisable at June 30, 2018     2,629,976     $ 1.35     $ 2,198       4.22  

 

A summary of the activity of the 2007 Plan pertaining to grants of restricted stock units is as follows:

 

    Shares Underlying Awards     Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)     Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)  
Awards outstanding at December 31, 2017     446,668                  
Restricted stock units granted     3,149,720                  
Restricted stock units settled by delivery of Common Stock upon vesting     (424,452 )                
Restricted stock units forfeited     (25,000 )                
Awards outstanding at June 30, 2018     3,146,936     $ 6,860       2.61  
Awards expected to vest at June 30, 2018     3,047,811     $ 6,644       1.77  

 

15

 

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s unvested stock-based awards as of June 30, 2018 and changes in the six months then ended, is as follows:

 

Unvested Awards   Number of Shares     Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  
Shares underlying awards unvested at December 31, 2017     2,131,135     $ 0.48  
Shares underlying options granted     103,333     $ 0.69  
Shares underlying restricted stock units granted     3,149,720     $ 1.68  
Shares underlying options vested     (615,059 )   $ 0.36  
Shares underlying restricted stock units settled by delivery of Common Stock upon vesting     (424,452 )   $ 0.95  
Shares underlying options forfeited     (1,876 )   $ 0.43  
Shares underlying restricted stock units forfeited     (25,000 )   $ 1.80  
Shares underlying awards unvested at June 30, 2018     4,317,801     $ 1.33  

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the total fair value of stock option awards vested was approximately $223 thousand and $317 thousand, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the total intrinsic value of options exercised was $0 and $0, respectively (there were no options exercised during either period). For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, approximately 103 thousand and 135 thousand stock options were granted, respectively, and no stock options were exercised in either period yielding $0 of cash proceeds to the Company. Additionally, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, approximately 3.1 million and 566 thousand restricted stock units were granted, respectively, and approximately 424 thousand and 457 thousand shares, respectively, were issued under restricted stock unit grants. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the total intrinsic value of restricted stock units that vested was approximately $759 thousand and $400 thousand, respectively. As of June 30, 2018 and 2017, the total intrinsic value of awards outstanding was approximately $10.2 million and $647 thousand, respectively. As of June 30, 2018, there was approximately $5.2 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense remaining to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.49 years.

 

8. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Treasury Stock

 

In November 2017, our Board of Directors approved a new share buyback program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions as deemed appropriate by management. The Company may, among other things, utilize existing cash reserves and cash flows from operations to fund any repurchases. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company’s management based upon its evaluation of the trading prices of the securities, market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares and may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time.

 

During the second quarter of 2018, the Company did not purchase any shares of Common Stock under the Program. During the first quarter of 2018, and since the new Program’s inception in November 2017, the Company purchased a total of 1,105 shares of Common Stock under the Program at an aggregate cost of approximately $1,415, inclusive of commissions.

 

In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2007 Plan, and certain procedures approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, in connection with the exercise of stock options by certain of the Company’s employees, and the issuance of shares of Common Stock in settlement of vested restricted stock units, the Company may withhold shares in lieu of payment of the exercise price and/or the minimum amount of applicable withholding taxes then due. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, 5,490 shares were withheld in settlement of vested restricted stock units. Through June 30, 2018, the Company had withheld an aggregate of 2,050,555 shares which have been recorded as treasury stock. In addition, the Company received an aggregate of 211,608 shares in treasury stock resulting from prior acquisitions. These shares have also been recorded as treasury stock.

 

16

 

 

Dividends

 

Beginning with the first quarter of 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors suspended the payment of a quarterly dividend and will continue to evaluate the uses of its cash in connection with planned investments in the business.

 

9. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is party to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, none of which is deemed material.

 

10. NET LOSS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

 

Basic net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period, so long as the inclusion of potential common shares does not result in a lower net loss per share. Potential common shares consist of restricted stock units (using the treasury stock method) and the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options (using the treasury stock method). For the six months ended June 30, 2017, approximately 477 thousand unvested restricted stock units and vested and unvested stock options were excluded in the calculation, as their effect would result in a lower net loss per share.

 

The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator for the calculation.

 

    For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:                                
Numerator:                                
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 27,515,995     $ 344,744     $ 26,834,285     $ (782,696 )
Denominator:                                
Weighted average basic shares outstanding     49,296,061       35,698,603       49,240,684       35,628,874  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     50,551,236       35,803,117       50,210,935       35,628,874  
                                 
Net income (loss) per share:                                
Basic net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 0.56     $ 0.01     $ 0.55     $ (0.02 )
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 0.54     $ 0.01     $ 0.54     $ (0.02 )

 

11. INCOME TAXES

 

The income tax benefit from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was approximately $464 thousand and $309 thousand, respectively, and reflects an effective tax rate of 35.0% and 10.5%, respectively, as compared to an expense of approximately $188 thousand and $609 thousand for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, reflecting an effective tax rate of approximately -107.9% and -32.0%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate (ETR) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily impacted by the mix of domestic and foreign earnings, the election to treat the UK as a disregarded entity for US tax purposes, certain foreign taxes and the movement in the deferred tax liability related to the tax amortization of goodwill. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company made certain adjustments to the beginning balance of the state deferred tax liability which resulted in a $272 thousand discrete tax benefit for domestic losses, as the US taxable income from discontinued operations is treated as a source of income to realize such losses under the intra-period allocation guidance. The Company’s ETR for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 was primarily impacted by the mix of domestic and foreign earnings, the election to treat the UK as a disregarded entity for US tax purposes and the movement in the deferred tax liability related to the tax amortization of goodwill.

 

17

 

 

The Company accounts for its income taxes in accordance with ASC 740-10, Income Taxes (“ASC 740-10”). Under ASC 740-10, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their tax bases. ASC 740-10 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized based on all available positive and negative evidence. The Company has determined that it is required to file U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax returns and has determined that its major tax jurisdictions are the United States, India and the United Kingdom. Tax years through 2016 remain open due to net operating loss carryforwards and are subject to examination by appropriate taxing authorities.

 

The Company had approximately $173 million of federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL”) as of December 31, 2017. The Company has a full valuation allowance against its U.S. deferred tax assets as management concluded that it was more likely than not that the Company would not realize the benefit of its deferred tax assets by generating sufficient taxable income in future years. The Company expects to continue to provide a full valuation allowance until, or unless, it can sustain a level of profitability that demonstrates its ability to utilize these assets. The ability of the Company to utilize its NOL in full to reduce future taxable income may become subject to various limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The utilization of such carryforwards may be limited upon the occurrence of certain ownership changes, including the purchase and sale of stock by 5% shareholders and the offering of stock by the Company during any three-year period resulting in an aggregate change of more than 50% of the beneficial ownership of the Company. In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the amount of these carryforwards that can reduce future taxable income.

 

Subject to potential Section 382 limitations, the federal losses are available to offset future taxable income through 2037 and expire from 2019 through 2037. Since the Company does business in various states and each state has its own rules with respect to the number of years losses may be carried forward, the state net operating loss carryforwards expire through 2037. The company also has approximately $10.5 million in U.K. NOLs as of December 31, 2017. During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Company released its U.K. valuation allowance as it was concluded that this entity has cumulative income over the last three years and Management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be utilized.

 

In June 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the  South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc.  sales tax nexus case. As a result of the Supreme Court ruling, states now have the ability to require taxpayers to collect and remit sales tax on a basis of economic nexus. While the impact of this ruling is uncertain, we are currently in the process of evaluating the future impact of the ruling on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. New taxes could also create significant increases in internal costs necessary to capture data and collect and remit taxes. These events could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

At June 30, 2018, the Company has no uncertain tax positions or interest and penalties accrued.

 

12. BUSINESS CONCENTRATIONS AND CREDIT RISK

 

Financial instruments that subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. The Company maintains all of its cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in federally insured financial institutions, and performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these institutions. As of June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash primarily consisted of checking accounts and money market funds.

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, no individual client accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenue. As of June 30, 2018, no individual client accounted for more than 10% of our gross accounts receivable balance. As of December 31, 2017, one single customer accounted for more than 10% of our gross accounts receivable balance.

 

The Company’s customers are primarily concentrated in the United States and Europe, and we carry accounts receivable balances. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations, generally does not require collateral, and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of customers, historical trends and other information. To date, actual losses have been within management’s expectations.

 

18

 

 

13. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company implemented a targeted reduction in force which resulted in restructuring and other charges of approximately $199 thousand.

 

14. OTHER LIABILITIES

 

Other liabilities consist of the following:

 

    June 30, 2018     December 31, 2017  
Deferred rent   $ 835,527     $ 912,201  
Deferred revenue     1,103,190       629,309  
Other           2,092  
Total other liabilities   $ 1,938,717     $ 1,543,602  

 

15. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA

 

Segments

 

Effective October 1, 2016 as a result of organizational changes related to our new management team, we changed our financial reporting to better reflect how we gather and analyze business and financial information about our businesses. We now report our results in two segments: (i) The Deal / BoardEx and (ii) business to consumer, which is primarily comprised of the Company’s premium subscription newsletter products and website advertising. Results were as follows:

 

    For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
Revenue:   2018     2017     2018     2017  
- Business to business   $ 6,687,633     $ 5,953,014     $ 12,591,573     $ 11,466,671  
- Business to consumer     6,901,644       8,104,658       13,572,847       15,997,856  
Total   $ 13,589,277     $ 14,057,672     $ 26,164,420     $ 27,464,527  
                                 
Operating (loss) income:                                
- Business to business   $ (177,331 )   $ (618,060 )   $ (1,053,936 )   $ (1,543,999 )
- Business to consumer     (1,177,535 )     433,767       (1,943,614 )     (374,553 )
Total   $ (1,354,866 )   $ (184,293 )   $ (2,997,550 )   $ (1,918,552 )

 

Due to the nature of the Company’s operations, a majority of its assets are utilized across both segments. In addition, segment assets are not reported to, or used by, the Chief Operating Decision Maker to allocate resources or assess performance of the Company’s segments. Accordingly, the Company has not disclosed asset information by segment.

 

Geographic Data

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, substantially all of the Company’s revenue was from customers in the United States and substantially all of our long-lived assets are located in the United States. The remainder of the Company’s revenue and its long-lived assets are a result of our BoardEx operations outside of the United States, which is headquartered in London, England.

 

19

 

 

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

 

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our interim consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with information contained in our other filings, including the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

This discussion may contain forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other parts of this report.

 

Overview

 

TheStreet, Inc. is a leading financial news and information provider. Our business-to-business and business-to-consumer content and products provide individual and institutional investors, advisors and dealmakers with actionable information from the worlds of finance and business.

 

Business-to-Business

 

Our business-to-business, or B2B, products provide dealmakers, their advisers, institutional investors and corporate executives with news, data and analysis of mergers and acquisitions and changes in corporate control, and relationship mapping services. Our B2B business products have helped diversify our business from primarily serving retail investors to also providing an indispensable source of business intelligence for both high net worth individuals and executives in the top firms in the world.

 

Our B2B business derives revenue primarily from subscription products, events/conferences and information services. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, our B2B businesses generated 48% and 42%, respectively, of our total revenue.

 

Business-to-Consumer

 

Our business-to-consumer, or B2C, business is led by our namesake website, TheStreet.com , and includes free content and houses our premium subscription products that target varying segments of the retail investing public. Since our inception in 1996, we have distinguished ourselves as a trusted and reliable source for financial news and information with journalistic excellence, an unbiased approach and interactive multimedia coverage of the financial markets, economy, industry trends, investment and financial planning.

 

Our B2C business generates revenue primarily from premium subscription products and advertising. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, our B2C business generated 52% and 58%, respectively, of our total revenue.

 

20

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements in the period they are deemed to be necessary. Significant estimates made in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  useful lives of intangible assets,
  useful lives of fixed assets,
  the carrying value of goodwill, intangible assets and marketable securities,
  allowances for doubtful accounts and deferred tax assets,
  accrued expense estimates,
  reserves for estimated tax liabilities,
  certain estimates and assumptions used in the calculation of the fair value of equity compensation issued to employees, and
  restructuring charges.

 

We perform annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 each year and between annual tests whenever circumstances arise that indicate a possible impairment might exist.

 

The Company tests goodwill for impairment using a quantitative analysis consisting of a comparison of the carrying value of each of our reporting units, including goodwill, to the estimated enterprise value of each of our reporting units using a market approach for the valuation of the Company’s Common Stock based upon actual prices of the Company’s Common Stock. As the Company’s Preferred Shares were retired in November 2017, the retirement value was used. As a result, we determined that the Company’s business enterprise value (common equity plus preferred equity) was $76.9 million as of the valuation date. The Company also performed an income approach to confirm the reasonableness of these results using the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology.   Our use of a DCF methodology includes estimates of future revenue based upon budgeted projections and growth rates which take into account estimated inflation rates.  We also developed estimates for future levels of gross and operating profits and projected capital expenditures.  Our methodology also included the use of estimated discount rates based upon industry and competitor analysis as well as other factors. The estimates that we use in our DCF methodology involve many assumptions by management that are based upon future growth projections. Our assumptions include a continued recovery of our B2C business, which began in the fall of 2017. The DCF methodology resulted in an indicated value of $70.7 million. We then concluded the enterprise value analysis for the Company on an aggregated basis by taking the average of the $76.9 million enterprise value derived from the first test and the $70.7 million value derived from the second test, resulting in an enterprise value for the Company of $74.0 million. Once we determined the enterprise value of the Company, the enterprise value of each of the three reporting units was based on the proportion of each reporting unit’s indicated enterprise value to the indicated enterprise value of the Company.

 

Based on our analysis, we concluded that none of the reporting units goodwill was impaired as of the valuation date, with Business to Business and Business to Consumer reporting units’ exceeding the amount recorded by approximately 93% and 35%, respectively

 

To the extent actual and projected cash flows decline in the future, or if market conditions deteriorate significantly, we may be required to perform an interim impairment analysis that could result in an impairment of goodwill.

 

A decrease in the price of our Common Stock could materially affect the determination of the fair value of goodwill and could result in an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value, which could be material to our financial position and results of operations.

 

Additionally, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of intangible assets each year to determine whether events or circumstances continue to support their useful life.  There have been no changes in useful lives of intangible assets for each period presented.

 

A summary of our critical accounting policies and estimates can be found in our 2017 Form 10-K.

 

21

 

 

Contingencies

 

Accounting for contingencies, including those matters described in the Commitments and Contingencies section of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K, is highly subjective and requires the use of judgments and estimates in assessing their magnitude and likely outcome. In many cases, the outcomes of such matters will be determined by third parties, including governmental or judicial bodies. The provisions made in the consolidated financial statements, as well as the related disclosures, represent management’s best estimate of the then current status of such matters and their potential outcome based on a review of the facts and in consultation with outside legal counsel where deemed appropriate. The Company would record a material loss contingency in its consolidated financial statements if the loss is both probable of occurring and reasonably estimated. The Company regularly reviews contingencies and as new information becomes available may, in the future, adjust its associated liabilities.

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017

 

Revenue

 

    For the Three Months Ended June 30,        
Revenue:   2018     Percent
of Total
Revenue
    2017     Percent
of Total
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $ 6,687,633       49 %   $ 5,953,014       42 %     12 %
Business to consumer     6,901,644       51 %     8,104,658       58 %     -15 %
Total revenue   $ 13,589,277       100 %   $ 14,057,672       100 %     -3 %

 

Business to business . Our B2B business derives revenue primarily from subscription products, events/conferences and information services.

 

B2B revenue increased by approximately $735 thousand, or 12%, in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to an approximate $502 thousand, or 18%, increase in BoardEx subscription revenue, which had a 13% increase in the weighted-average number of subscriptions and a 5% increase in the average revenue recognized per subscription, as well as an approximate $446 thousand increase in The Deal events. This increase was offset by an approximate $98 thousand decrease in webinars and an $88 thousand decrease in other revenue from The Deal products.

 

Business to consumer . Our B2C business generates revenue primarily from premium subscription products and advertising.

 

B2C revenue decreased by approximately $1.2 million, or 15%, in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. This decrease was due to an approximate $1.1 million, or 40%, decrease in advertising revenue, an approximate $162 thousand, or 3%, decline in revenue generated from premium subscription products, which had a 6% decrease in the weighted-average number of subscriptions, that was partially offset by a 3% increase in the average revenue recognized per subscription, and an approximate $89 thousand decrease in syndication revenue. All such decreases were partially offset by an approximate $109 thousand increase in event related revenue.

 

22

 

 

Operating Expense

 

Cost of Services

 

    For the Three Months Ended June 30,        
Cost of services:   2018     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    2017     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $ 2,422,044       36 %   $ 2,279,048       38 %     6 %
Business to consumer     3,323,615       48 %     3,965,397       49 %     -16 %
Total cost of services   $ 5,745,659       42 %   $ 6,244,445       44 %     -8 %

 

Cost of services. Cost of services expense consists primarily of employee compensation related and outside contributor costs related to the creation of our content, licensed data and the technology required to publish our content.

 

B2B cost of services expense increased by approximately $143 thousand, or 6%, in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily the result of higher employee compensation related and event costs, the aggregate of which increased by approximately $189 thousand, partially offset by an approximate $62 thousand decrease in hosting and internet access charges. Additionally, corporate allocations increased by approximately $22 thousand.

 

B2C cost of services expense decreased by approximately $642 thousand, or 16%, in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. The decrease was primarily the result of reduced traffic acquisition, outside contributor, employee compensation and hosting and internet related costs, the aggregate of which decreased by $710 thousand. These cost decreases were partially offset by higher consulting, event related, computer service and supply and data costs, the aggregate of which increased by $260 thousand. Also contributing to the decrease was a reduction in corporate allocations totaling $155 thousand.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

    For the Three Months Ended June 30,        
Sales and marketing:   2018     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    2017     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $ 1,641,822       25 %   $ 1,450,343       24 %     13 %
Business to consumer     2,255,398       33 %     1,807,155       22 %     25 %
Total sales and marketing   $ 3,897,220       29 %   $ 3,257,498       23 %     20 %

 

Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of employee compensation related expenses for the direct sales force, marketing services, and customer service departments, advertising and promotion expenses and credit card processing fees.

 

B2B sales and marketing expense increased by approximately $191 thousand, or 13%, in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily the result of an approximate $138 thousand increase in employee compensation related expenses combined with an approximate $41 thousand increase in corporate expense allocations.

 

B2C sales and marketing expense increased by approximately $448 thousand, or 25%, in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily the result of higher employee compensation costs combined with increased advertising and promotion expense, the aggregate of which increased by approximately $337 thousand. This cost increase was compounded by an approximate $50 thousand increase in corporate expense allocations.

 

23

 

 

General and Administrative

 

    For the Three Months Ended June 30,        
General and administrative:   2018     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    2017     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $ 2,107,354       32 %   $ 2,059,904       35 %     2 %
Business to consumer     2,043,603       30 %     1,621,515       20 %     26 %
Total general and administrative   $ 4,150,957       31 %   $ 3,681,419       26 %     13 %

 

General and administrative . General and administrative expense consists primarily of employee compensation related costs for general management, finance, technology, legal and administrative personnel, occupancy costs, professional fees, insurance and other office expenses.

 

B2B general and administrative expense increased by approximately $47 thousand, or 2%, in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily the result of $21 thousand of higher employee compensation related costs, offset by exchange rate losses totaling approximately $277 thousand. Also contributing to the increase was an approximate $275 thousand increase in corporate expense allocations.

 

B2C general and administrative expense increased by approximately $422 thousand, or 26%, in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily the result of higher employee compensation, occupancy and data platform costs, the aggregate of which increased by $345 thousand. Also contributing to the cost increase was an approximate $67 thousand increase in corporate expense allocations.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

    For the Three Months Ended June 30,        
Depreciation and amortization:   2018     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    2017     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $ 693,743       10 %   $ 781,771       13 %     -12 %
Business to consumer     456,564       7 %     276,832       3 %     65 %
Total depreciation and amortization   $ 1,150,307       8 %   $ 1,058,603       8 %     8 %

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by approximately $92 thousand, or 8%, in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily the result of increased amortization expense related to capitalized software and website development projects. Cost allocations among segments were changed as of January 2018 to better reflect where the assets are utilized.

 

Net Interest Income

 

    For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Percent  
    2018     2017     Change  
Net interest income   $ 30,031     $ 10,285       192 %

 

Net interest income totaled approximately $30 thousand in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to net interest income approximating $10 thousand in the second quarter of 2017. The change was primarily the result of increased cash balances combined with the absence of interest expense related to the accretion of certain accrued expenses that were recorded in connection with prior acquisitions.

 

24

 

 

Income from Discontinued Operations

 

    For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Percent  
    2018     2017     Change  
Income from discontinued operations   $ 758,122     $ 706,510       7 %

 

Income from discontinued operations represents the income from our recently sold RateWatch subsidiary.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

    For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Percent  
    2018     2017     Change  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes   $ 463,885     $ (187,758 )     N/A  

 

The income tax benefit from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was approximately $464 thousand and reflects an effective tax rate of 35.0%, as compared to an expense of approximately $188 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2017, reflecting an effective tax rate of approximately -107.9%. The Company’s effective tax rate (ETR) for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily impacted by the mix of domestic and foreign earnings, the election to treat the UK as a disregarded entity for US tax purposes, certain foreign taxes and the movement in the deferred tax liability related to the tax amortization of goodwill. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company made certain adjustments to the beginning balance of the state deferred tax liability which resulted in a $272 thousand discrete tax benefit for domestic losses, as the US taxable income from discontinued operations is treated as a source of income to realize such losses under the intra-period allocation guidance. The Company’s ETR for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was primarily impacted by the mix of domestic and foreign earnings, the election to treat the UK as a disregarded entity for US tax purposes and the movement in the deferred tax liability related to the tax amortization of goodwill.

 

Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders

 

Net income attributable to common stockholders for the three months ended June 30, 2018 totaled approximately $27.5 million, or $0.56 per basic and $0.54 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to common stockholders totaling approximately $345 thousand, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017

 

Revenue

 

    For the Six Months Ended June 30,        
Revenue:   2018     Percent
of Total
Revenue
    2017     Percent
of Total
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $ 12,591,573       48 %   $ 11,466,671       42 %     10 %
Business to consumer     13,572,847       52 %     15,997,856       58 %     -15 %
Total revenue   $ 26,164,420       100 %   $ 27,464,527       100 %     -5 %

 

B2B revenue increased by approximately $1.1 million, or 10%, in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. This increase was primarily due to an approximate $1.2 million, or 22%, increase in BoardEx subscription revenue, which had a 13% increase in the weighted-average number of subscriptions and a 9% increase in the average revenue recognized per subscription, as well as an approximate $202 thousand dollar increase in event related revenue. This was offset by an approximate $92 thousand decrease in information services revenue as well as a decline of approximately $90 thousand, or 2%, related to The Deal products, which had a 9% decline in the weighted-average number of subscriptions partially offset by a 7% increase in the average revenue recognized per subscription.

 

25

 

 

B2C revenue decreased by approximately $2.4 million, or 15%, in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. This decrease was due to an approximate $1.8 million decrease in advertising revenue, an approximate $599 thousand, or 6%, decline in revenue generated from premium subscription products, which had a 8% decrease in the weighted-average number of subscriptions, partially offset by a 2% increase in the average revenue recognized per subscription, and an approximate $170 thousand decrease in licensing and syndication revenue. These declines were partially offset by $159 thousand of event related revenue.

 

Operating Expense

 

Cost of Services

 

    For the Six Months Ended June 30,        
Cost of services:   2018     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    2017     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $ 4,647,416       37 %   $ 4,513,294       39 %     3 %
Business to consumer     6,559,316       48 %     8,562,750       54 %     -23 %
Total cost of services   $ 11,206,732       43 %   $ 13,076,044       48 %     -14 %

 

B2B cost of services expense increased by approximately $134 thousand, or 3%, in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. This increase was primarily the result of higher employee compensation related, event and outside contributor costs, the total of which approximated $223 thousand, partially offset by $62 thousand of reduced hosting and internet related costs. The cost reduction was also impacted by an approximate $43 thousand decrease in corporate expense allocations.

 

B2C cost of services expense decreased by approximately $2.0 million, or 23%, in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily the result of reduced traffic acquisition, outside contributor and employee compensation related costs, the aggregate of which decreased by $1.7 million, partially offset by an increase approximating $103 thousand in consulting fees. Also contributing to the decrease was a reduction in corporate allocations totaling $429 thousand.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

    For the Six Months Ended June 30,        
Sales and marketing:   2018     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    2017     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $ 3,272,353       26 %   $ 2,736,373       24 %     20 %
Business to consumer     4,105,724       30 %     3,746,578       23 %     10 %
Total sales and marketing   $ 7,378,077       28 %   $ 6,482,951       24 %     14 %

 

B2B sales and marketing expense increased by approximately $536 thousand, or 20%, in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was primarily the result of an approximate $397 thousand increase in employee compensation related expenses combined with an approximate $124 thousand increase in corporate expense allocations.

 

B2C sales and marketing expense increased by approximately $359 thousand, or 10%, in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was primarily the result of higher employee compensation related costs combined with increased data platform expense, the aggregate of which increased by approximately $231 thousand. Also impacting sales and marketing cost was an approximate $97 thousand increase in corporate expense allocations.

 

26

 

 

General and Administrative

 

    For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
General and administrative:   2018     Percent of Segment Revenue     2017     Percent of Segment Revenue     Percent Change  
Business to business   $ 4,359,535       35 %   $ 4,174,164       36 %     4 %
Business to consumer     3,959,713       29 %     3,376,438       21 %     17 %
Total general and administrative   $ 8,319,248       32 %   $ 7,550,602       27 %     10 %

 

B2B general and administrative expense increased by approximately $185 thousand, or 4%, in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was primarily the result of $146 thousand of higher occupancy costs, offset by a foreign exchange rate loss and decreased employee compensation and related costs, the aggregate of which increased by $341 thousand. Also contributing to the increase was an approximate $331 thousand increase in corporate expense allocations.

 

B2C general and administrative expense increased by approximately $583 thousand, or 17%, in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was primarily the result of higher employee compensation related costs, occupancy, data platforms and recruiting fees, the aggregate of which increased by $710 thousand. These cost increases were partially offset by an approximate $111 thousand decrease in corporate expense allocations.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

    For the Six Months Ended June 30,        
Depreciation and amortization:   2018     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    2017     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $ 1,366,617       11 %   $ 1,540,095       13 %     -11 %
Business to consumer     891,296       7 %     534,408       3 %     67 %
Total depreciation and amortization   $ 2,257,913       9 %   $ 2,074,503       8 %     9 %

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by approximately $183 thousand, or 9%, in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was primarily the result of increased amortization expense related to capitalized software and website development projects. Cost allocations among segments were changed as of January 2018 to better reflect where the assets are utilized.

 

Restructuring and Other Charges

 

    For the Six Months Ended June 30,        
Restructuring and other charges:   2018     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
  2017     Percent of
Segment
Revenue
    Percent
Change
 
Business to business   $     N/A   $ 46,845       0 %     100 %
Business to consumer         N/A     152,134       1 %     100 %
Total restructuring and other charges   $     N/A   $ 198,979       1 %     100 %

 

Restructuring and other charges. Restructuring and other charges. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company implemented a targeted reduction in force which resulted in restructuring and other charges of approximately $199 thousand.

 

27

 

 

Net Interest Income

 

    For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Percent  
    2018     2017     Change  
Net interest income   $ 48,808     $ 18,056       170 %

 

Net interest income totaled approximately $49 thousand in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to net interest income approximating $18 thousand in the six months ended June 30, 2017. The change was primarily the result of the increased cash balance combined with the absence of interest expense related to the accretion of certain accrued expenses that were recorded in connection with prior acquisitions.

 

Income from Discontinued Operations

 

    For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Percent  
    2018     2017     Change  
Income from discontinued operations   $ 1,855,455     $ 1,726,368       7 %

 

Income from discontinued operations represents the income from our recently sold RateWatch subsidiary.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

    For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Percent  
    2018     2017     Change  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes   $ 308,749     $ (608,568 )     N/A  

 

The income tax benefit from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was approximately $309 thousand, and reflects an effective tax rate of 10.5%, as compared to an expense of approximately $609 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2017, reflecting an effective tax rate of approximately -32.0%. The Company’s effective tax rate (ETR) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily impacted by the mix of domestic and foreign earnings, the election to treat the UK as a disregarded entity for US tax purposes, certain foreign taxes and the movement in the deferred tax liability related to the tax amortization of goodwill. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company made certain adjustments to the beginning balance of the state deferred tax liability which resulted in a $272 thousand discrete tax benefit. The Company’s ETR for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was primarily impacted by the mix of domestic and foreign earnings, the election to treat the UK as a disregarded entity for US tax purposes and the movement in the deferred tax liability related to the tax amortization of goodwill.

 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders

 

Net income attributable to common stockholders for the six months ended June 30, 2018 totaled approximately $26.8 million, or $0.55 per basic and $0.54 per diluted share, compared to net loss attributable to common stockholders totaling approximately $783 thousand, or $0.02 per basic and diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of June 30, 2018, our current assets consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and prepaid expenses, and our current liabilities consisted primarily of deferred revenue, accrued expenses and accounts payable. We do not hold inventory. As of June 30, 2018, our current assets were approximately $49.9 million, 69% greater than than our current liabilities. With respect to many of our annual business to consumer newsletter subscription products, we offer the ability to receive a refund during the first 30 days but none thereafter. We do not as a general matter offer refunds for advertising that has run.

 

28

 

 

We generally have invested in money market funds and other short-term, investment grade instruments that are highly liquid and of high quality, with the intent that such funds are available for sale for acquisition and operating purposes. As of June 30, 2018, our cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash amounted to approximately $44.9 million, representing 47% of total assets. Our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash primarily consisted of checking accounts and money market funds. Our marketable securities consisted of two municipal auction rate securities issued by the District of Columbia with a fair value of approximately $1.8 million that mature in the year 2038. Our total cash-related position is as follows:

 

    June 30,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 42,661,074     $ 11,684,817  
Marketable securities     1,750,026       1,680,000  
Restricted cash     500,000       500,000  
Total cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash   $ 44,911,100     $ 13,864,817  

 

Financial instruments that subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. We maintain all of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in federally insured financial institutions, and we perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these institutions.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately $5.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities totaling approximately $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in net operating cash was primarily the result of the change in the balances of deferred revenue, accrued expenses and accounts payable, offset by the changes in accounts receivable and deferred taxes.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled approximately $26.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to net cash used in investing activities totaling approximately $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in cash used in investing activities was the result of the sale of our RateWatch subsidiary, partially offset by increased capital expenditures.

 

Net cash used in financing activities totaled approximately $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to net cash used in financing activities totaling approximately $78 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily the result of the payment of a deferred earn out on the acquisition of BoardEx totaling $952 thousand.

 

We currently have a total of $500 thousand of cash that serves as collateral for an outstanding letter of credit, which cash is classified as restricted. The letter of credit serves as a security deposit for office space in New York City.

 

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next 12 months. We are committed to cash expenditures in an aggregate amount of approximately $5.0 million through June 30, 2019, primarily related to operating leases and minimum payments due under an employment agreement.

 

As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $173 million of federal and state net operating loss carryforwards. We maintain a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets as management concluded that it was more likely than not that we would not realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets by generating sufficient taxable income in future years. We expect to continue to maintain a full valuation allowance until, or unless, we can sustain a level of profitability that demonstrates our ability to utilize these assets.

 

In accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, the ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards could be limited in the event of a change in ownership and as such a portion of the existing net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to limitation.

 

29

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2018, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

 

Treasury Stock

 

In November 2017, our Board of Directors approved a new share buyback program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of the Company’s common stock. The repurchases are being executed from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to management’s evaluation of the trading prices of the securities, market conditions and other factors. The Company may, among other things, utilize existing cash reserves and cash flows from operations to fund any repurchases. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company’s management based upon its evaluation of the trading prices of the securities, market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares and may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company did not purchase any shares of Common Stock under the program. In the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company purchased a total of 1,105 shares of Common Stock under the Program at an aggregate cost of approximately $1,415, inclusive of commissions.

 

In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2007 Plan, and certain procedures approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, in connection with the exercise of stock options by certain of the Company’s employees, and the issuance of shares of Common Stock in settlement of vested restricted stock units, the Company may withhold shares in lieu of payment of the exercise price and/or the minimum amount of applicable withholding taxes then due. Through June 30, 2018, the Company had withheld an aggregate of 2,050,555 shares which have been recorded as treasury stock. In addition, the Company received an aggregate of 211,608 shares in treasury stock resulting from prior acquisitions. These shares have also been recorded as treasury stock.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

We believe that our market risk exposures are immaterial as we do not have instruments for trading purposes, and reasonable possible near-term changes in market rates or prices will not result in material near-term losses in earnings, material changes in fair values or cash flows for all instruments.

 

We maintain all of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in federally insured financial institutions, and we perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these institutions. However, no assurances can be given that the third-party institutions will retain acceptable credit ratings or investment practices.

 

Following our acquisition of BoardEx, we have greater exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, in particular with respect to the British pound. Accordingly, our results of operations and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in exchange rates. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could result in translation gains and losses when we consolidate our results. Because we conduct a portion of our business outside the U.S. but report our results in U.S. dollars, we face exposure to adverse movements in currency exchange rates, which may cause our revenue and operating results to differ materially from expectations. For example, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to the British pound, our non-U.S. revenue and operating results would be adversely affected when translated into U.S. dollars. Conversely, a decline in the U.S. dollar relative to the British pound would increase our non-U.S. revenue and operating results when translated into U.S. dollars. We do not engage in currency hedging or have any positions in derivative instruments to hedge our currency risk.

 

The effect of a 10% adverse change in exchange rates would have resulted in an approximate $373 thousand reduction to revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2018, with an offsetting reduction to operating expenses of $403 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2018, and a decrease in the value of the Company’s assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2018 of approximately $1.6 million and $402 thousand, respectively.

 

30

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 1, 2017. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2018, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

The Company is party to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, none of which is deemed material.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2017 Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, there were no material changes to the risk factors described in our 2017 Form 10-K.

 

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

 

In November 2017, our Board of Directors approved a share buyback program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of the Company’s common stock. The repurchases are being executed from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to management’s evaluation of the trading prices of the securities, market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares and may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time.

 

There were no repurchases by the Company in the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

Not applicable.

 

31

 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

The following exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

 

Exhibit   Incorporated by Reference    
Number Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date Filed Herewith Furnished
10.1

TheStreet, Inc. 2007 Performance Incentive Plan, as amended and restated

DEF 14A 000-25779 Appendix A April 16, 2018    
               
10.2 Form of Transaction Agreement 8-K 000-25779 10.2 May 18, 2018    
               
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002         X  
               
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002         X  
               
32.1 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002           X
               
32.2 Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002           X
               
101.INS XBRL Instance Document         X  
               
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document         X  
               
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document         X  
               
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document         X  
               
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document         X  
               
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document         X  
               

 

32

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  THESTREET, INC.  
       
Date: August 10, 2018 By: /s/ David Callaway  
    Name:   David Callaway  
    Title:     President & Chief Executive Officer
              (principal executive officer)
 

 

Date: August 10, 2018 By: /s/ Eric F. Lundberg  
    Name:   Eric F. Lundberg  
    Title:     Chief Financial Officer
              (principal financial officer)
 

 

33  

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

The following exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

 

Exhibit   Incorporated by Reference    
Number Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date Filed Herewith Furnished
10.1

TheStreet, Inc. 2007 Performance Incentive Plan, as amended and restated

DEF 14A 000-25779 Appendix A April 16, 2018    
               
10.2 Form of Transaction Agreement 8-K 000-25779 10.2 May 18, 2018    
               
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002         X  
               
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002         X  
               
32.1 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002           X
               
32.2 Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002           X
               
101.INS XBRL Instance Document         X  
               
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document         X  
               
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document         X  
               
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document         X  
               
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document         X  
               
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document         X  
               

 

 

TheStreet (NASDAQ:TST)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more TheStreet Charts.
TheStreet (NASDAQ:TST)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more TheStreet Charts.