UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark  (Mark One)

 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2023

or

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from _______________ to _____________________

 

Commission File Number 0-14665

 

DAILY JOURNAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

South Carolina

95-4133299

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer 

Identification No.)

  

915 East First Street

 

Los Angeles, CaliforniaCalifornia

90012-4050

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

(213) 229-5300

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

None

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock

DJCO

The Nasdaq Stock Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.          

Yes: ☒           No: ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit 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: ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

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:  1,377,026 shares outstanding at April 30, 2023January 31, 2024

 

1

 

 

DAILY JOURNAL CORPORATION

 

 

INDEX

 

 

 Page Nos.
  
PART I   Financial Information 
  
Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited) 
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets ‑ March

December 31, 2023 and September 30, 20222023

3
  

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three months ended MarchDecember 31 2023 and 2022

4
  

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)Shareholders’ Equity Six

Three months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 and 2022

5
  

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ EquityCash Flows Six

Three months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 and 2022

6
  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    of Cash Flows ‑ Six months ended March 31, 2023 and 20227
  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements8
 

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

1614
  
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

25

20
  
Part II     Other Information 
  
Item 6.     Exhibits     21

2

PART I

Item 6.   Exhibits

26


PART I

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DAILY JOURNAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

March 31

 

September 30

  

December 31

 

September 30

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2023

 
ASSETS        
Current assets  

Cash and cash equivalents

 $13,738,000  $13,423,000  $14,432,000  $20,844,000 

Restricted cash

 2,134,000  2,045,000  2,121,000  2,100,000 

Non-qualified deferred compensation plan - trust account asset value

 379,000  194,000 

Marketable securities at fair value -- common stocks

 318,773,000  275,529,000  317,818,000  303,128,000 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $250,000 at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022

 13,515,000  16,931,000 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $250,000 at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023

 12,742,000  18,687,000 

Inventories

 98,000  56,000  58,000  72,000 

Income tax receivable

 750,000  451,000  21,000   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  479,000   1,019,000   411,000   380,000 

Total current assets

  349,487,000   309,454,000   347,982,000   345,405,000 
  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost  

Land, buildings and improvements

 16,400,000  16,330,000  16,400,000  16,400,000 

Furniture, office equipment and computer software

 1,692,000  1,688,000  1,708,000  1,703,000 

Machinery and equipment

  1,521,000   1,521,000   1,521,000   1,521,000 
 19,613,000  19,539,000  19,629,000  19,624,000 

Less accumulated depreciation

  (10,131,000)  (9,986,000)  (10,330,000)  (10,264,000)
 9,482,000  9,553,000  9,299,000  9,360,000 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  51,000   104,000   82,000   95,000 
 $359,020,000  $319,111,000  $357,363,000  $354,860,000 
  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Current liabilities  

Accounts payable

 $4,419,000  $5,062,000  $6,019,000  $6,643,000 

Accrued liabilities

 4,732,000  7,066,000  5,032,000  8,789,000 

Income tax payable

   1,069,000 

Note payable collateralized by real estate

 155,000  146,000  160,000  158,000 

Deferred subscriptions

 2,552,000  2,679,000  2,623,000  2,678,000 

Deferred consulting fees

 8,021,000  6,394,000  5,744,000  5,828,000 

Deferred maintenance agreements and others

  11,374,000   12,272,000   15,131,000   17,033,000 

Total current liabilities

  31,253,000   33,619,000   34,709,000   42,198,000 
  
Long term liabilities  

Investment margin account borrowings

 81,000,000  75,000,000  70,000,000  75,000,000 

Note payable collateralized by real estate

 1,199,000  1,285,000  1,079,000  1,120,000 

Deferred maintenance agreements and others

 521,000  370,000 

Deferred maintenance agreements

 714,000  1,000,000 

Accrued liabilities

 3,883,000  4,547,000  3,841,000  4,274,000 

Accrued non-qualified deferred compensation

 387,000  200,000 

Deferred income taxes

  34,887,000   25,273,000   33,549,000   30,599,000 

Total long-term liabilities

  121,490,000   106,475,000   109,570,000   112,193,000 
  

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10 and 11)

 ---  ---     
  
Shareholders' equity  

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued

 ---  ---     

Common stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 1,805,053 shares issued, including 428,027 and 424,307 treasury shares, at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively

 14,000  14,000 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 1,805,053 shares issued, including 428,027 treasury shares, at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023

 14,000  14,000 

Additional paid-in capital

 1,755,000  1,755,000  1,755,000  1,755,000 

Retained earnings

  204,508,000   177,248,000   211,315,000   198,700,000 

Total shareholders' equity

  206,277,000   179,017,000   213,084,000   200,469,000 
 $359,020,000  $319,111,000  $357,363,000  $354,860,000 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsStatements.

 


 

 

DAILY JOURNAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three months

ended March 31

 
  

2023

  

2022

 
         
Revenues        

Advertising

 $2,204,000  $2,129,000 

Circulation

  1,108,000   1,072,000 

Advertising service fees and other

  778,000   742,000 

Licensing and maintenance fees

  5,679,000   4,608,000 

Consulting fees

  4,433,000   669,000 

Other public service fees

  1,952,000   1,729,000 
   16,154,000   10,949,000 
         
Costs and expenses        

Salaries and employee benefits

  10,005,000   8,847,000 

Decrease to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual

  (200,000)  (1,920,000)

Agency commissions

  233,000   232,000 

Outside services

  1,353,000   914,000 

Postage and delivery expenses

  167,000   164,000 

Newsprint and printing expenses

  193,000   196,000 

Depreciation and amortization

  70,000   123,000 

Equipment maintenance and software

  354,000   378,000 

Credit card merchant discount fees

  455,000   409,000 

Rent expenses

  74,000   58,000 

Accounting and legal fees

  222,000   222,000 

Other general and administrative expenses

  1,603,000   953,000 
   14,529,000   10,576,000 

Income from operations

  1,625,000   373,000 
Other income (expense)        

Dividends and interest income

  4,063,000   2,113,000 

Realized losses on sales of marketable securities

  ---   (32,445,000)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

  8,644,000   (8,321,000)

Interest expense on margin loans and others

  (1,052,000)  (150,000)

Interest expense on note payable collateralized by real estate

  (12,000)  (13,000)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  13,268,000   (38,443,000)

Income tax (provisions) benefits

  (3,835,000)  10,630,000 

Net income (loss)

 $9,433,000  $(27,813,000)
         

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted

  1,377,026   1,380,746 

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share

 $6.85  $(20.14)
         

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $9,433,000  $(27,813,000)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


DAILY JOURNAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

Six months

ended March 31

  

Three months

ended December 31

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
  
Revenues      

Advertising

 $4,194,000  $4,130,000  $2,087,000  $1,990,000 

Circulation

 2,206,000  2,182,000  1,095,000  1,098,000 

Advertising service fees and other

 1,477,000  1,413,000  705,000  699,000 

Licensing and maintenance fees

 10,074,000  9,088,000  6,557,000  4,395,000 

Consulting fees

 6.755,000  2,430,000  3,302,000  2,322,000 

Other public service fees

  3,749,000   3,442,000   2,247,000   1,797,000 
  28,455,000   22,685,000   15,993,000   12,301,000 
  
Costs and expenses      

Salaries and employee benefits

 19,636,000  17,324,000  11,347,000  9,631,000 

Decrease to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual

 (720,000) (2,050,000) (420,000) (520,000)

Agency commissions

 444,000  440,000  243,000  211,000 

Outside services

 2,442,000  1,838,000  1,667,000  1,230,000 

Postage and delivery expenses

 334,000  327,000  176,000  167,000 

Newsprint and printing expenses

 392,000  355,000  205,000  199,000 

Depreciation and amortization

 145,000  227,000  66,000  75,000 

Equipment maintenance and software

 657,000  618,000  376,000  303,000 

Credit card merchant discount fees

 880,000  820,000  552,000  425,000 

Rent expenses

 143,000  123,000  70,000  69,000 

Accounting and legal fees

 495,000  542,000  256,000  273,000 

Other general and administrative expenses

  2,698,000   1,692,000   832,000   954,000 
  27,546,000   22,256,000   15,370,000   13,017,000 

Income from operations

 909,000  429,000  623,000  (716,000)
Other income (expense)      

Dividends and interest income

 5,132,000  2,988,000  1,569,000  1,069,000 

Realized gains on sales of marketable securities

 422,000  14,249,000    422,000 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

 32,669,000  (44,409,000)

Net unrealized gains on marketable securities

 14,690,000  24,025,000 

Interest expense on margin loans and others

 (1,913,000) (236,000) (1,131,000) (861,000)

Interest expense on note payable collateralized by real estate

  (24,000)  (26,000)  (11,000)  (12,000)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 37,195,000  (27,005,000)

Income tax (provisions) benefits

  (9,935,000)  6,070,000 

Net income (loss)

 $27,260,000  $(20,935,000)

Income before income taxes

 15,740,000  23,927,000 

Income tax provisions

  (3,125,000)  (6,100,000)

Net income

 $12,615,000  $17,827,000 
  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted

  1,377,026   1,380,746   1,377,026   1,377,026 

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share

 $19.80  $(15.16)

Basic and diluted net income per share

 $9.16  $12.95 
  

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $27,260,000  $(20,935,000)

Comprehensive income

 $12,615,000  $17,827,000 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


 

 

DAILY JOURNAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

         

Additional

   

Total

          

Additional

   

Total

 
 

Common Stock

 

Treasury Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Retained

 

Shareholders'

  

Common Stock

  

Treasury Stock

  

Paid-in

  

Retained

  

Shareholders'

 
 

Share

  

Amount

  

Share

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Equity

  

Share

  

Amount

  

Share

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Equity

 
  
 

Balance at September 30, 2021

 1,805,053  $18,000  (424,307) $(4,000) $1,755,000  $252,872,000  $254,641,000 

Net income

  ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   6,878,000   6,878,000 

Balance at December 31, 2021

 1,805,053  18,000  (424,307) (4,000) 1,755,000  259,750,000  261,519,000 

Net loss

  ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   (27,813,000)  (27,813,000)

Balance at March 31, 2022

  1,805,053  $18,000   (424,307) $(4,000) $1,755,000  $231,937,000  $233,706,000 
                          

Balance at September 30, 2022

 1,805,053  $18,000  (428,027) $(4,000) $1,755,000  $177,248,000  $179,017,000  1,805,053  $18,000  (428,027) $(4,000) $1,755,000  $177,248,000  $179,017,000 

Net income

  ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   17,827,000   17,827,000                  17,827,000   17,827,000 

Balance at December 31, 2022

 1,805,053  18,000  (428,027) (4,000) 1,755,000  195,075,000  196,844,000   1,805,053  $18,000   (428,027) $(4,000) $1,755,000  $195,075,000  $196,844,000 
 

Balance at September 30, 2023

 1,805,053  $18,000  (428,027) $(4,000) $1,755,000  $198,700,000  $200,469,000 

Net income

  ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   9,433,000   9,433,000                  12,615,000   12,615,000 

Balance at March 31, 2023

  1,805,053  $18,000   (428,027) $(4,000) $1,755,000  $204,508,000  $206,277,000 

Balance at December 31, 2023

  1,805,053  $18,000   (428,027) $(4,000) $1,755,000  $211,315,000  $213,084,000 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsStatements.

 


 

 

DAILY JOURNAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)\

 

 

Six months

Ended March 31

  

Three months

ended December 31

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
Cash flows from operating activities  

Net income (loss)

 $27,260,000  $(20,935,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided from operations 

Net income

 $12,615,000  $17,827,000 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided from operations

 

Depreciation and amortization

 145,000  227,000  66,000  75,000 

Net unrealized (gains) losses on marketable securities

 (32,669,000) 44,409,000 

Net unrealized gains on marketable securities

 (14,690,000) (24,025,000)

Realized gains on sales of marketable securities

 (422,000) (14,249,000)   (422,000)

Stock dividends

 (2,978,000) --- 

Deferred income taxes

 9,614,000  (9,119,000) 2,950,000  6,097,000 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities  
(Increase) decrease in current assets  

Accounts receivable, net

 3,416,000  2,191,000  5,945,000  5,553,000 

Inventories

 (42,000) (8,000) 14,000  (25,000)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 25,000  (70,000) (18,000) 68,000 

Income tax receivable

 269,000  (3,501,000) (21,000) 2,000 
Increase (decrease) in liabilities  

Accounts payable

 (643,000) (280,000) (624,000) 207,000 

Accrued liabilities

 (2,998,000) (3,583,000)

Accrued liabilities, including non-qualified deferred compensation

 (4,003,000) (3,408,000)

Income tax payable

 ---  (6,244,000) (1,069,000)  

Deferred subscriptions

 (127,000) (156,000) (55,000) (143,000)

Deferred consulting fees

 1,627,000  696,000  (84,000) 1,105,000 

Deferred maintenance agreements and others

  (747,000)  (2,504,000)  (2,188,000)  (513,000)

Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities

  1,730,000   (13,126,000)

Net cash (used in) provided from operating activities

  (1,162,000)  2,398,000 
  
Cash flows from investing activities  

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities

 2,826,000  80,570,000    2,826,000 

Purchases of marketable securities

 (10,001,000) (117,678,000)   (10,001,000)

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

  (74,000)  (3,000)  (5,000)  (36,000)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (7,249,000)  (37,111,000)  (5,000)  (7,211,000)
       
Cash flows from financing activities       

Borrowing from margin loan account

 6,011,000  43,014,000 

Repayment of margin loan

 (11,000) (14,000)

Proceeds from margin loan borrowing

   6,011,000 

Payment to margin loan borrowing

 (5,000,000)  

Payment of real estate loan principal

  (77,000)  (73,000)  (39,000)  (23,000)

Net cash provided from financing activities

  5,923,000   42,927,000 

Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities

  (5,039,000)  5,988,000 
  

Increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 404,000  (7,310,000)

(Decrease) increase in cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 (6,206,000) 1,175,000 
  
Cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents  

Beginning of period

  15,468,000   14,639,000   23,138,000   15,468,000 

End of period

 $15,872,000  $7,329,000  $16,932,000  $16,643,000 
 

Interest paid during period

 $1,869,000  $269,000  $1,232,000  $917,000 

Net income taxes paid

 $52,000  $12,794,000  $1,265,000  $ 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


 

DAILY JOURNAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 1 - The Corporation and Operations

 

Daily Journal Corporation (“Daily Journal”) publishes newspapers and websites covering California and Arizona and produces several specialized information services. It also serves as a newspaper representative specializing in public notice advertising. This is sometimes referred to as the Company’s “Traditional Business”.

 

Journal Technologies, Inc. (“Journal Technologies”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daily Journal,the Company, supplies case management software systems and related products to courts, prosecutor and public defender offices, probation departments and other justice agencies, including administrative law organizations, city and county governments and bar associations. These organizations use the Journal Technologies family of products to help manage cases and information electronically, to interface with other critical justice partners and to extend electronic services to the public, including efilinge-filing and a website to pay traffic citations and fees online. These products are licensed or subscribed to in approximately 30 states, and internationally. In August 2022, the Company established a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Journal Technologies (Canada) Inc., in Victoria BC, Canada.

 

Essentially all of the Company’s U.S. operations are based in California, Arizona and Utah. The Company also has a presence in Australia where Journal Technologies is working on three software installation projects.projects and in British Columbia, Canada, where the Company established a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Journal Technologies (Canada) Inc., in August 2022.

 

 

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

 

In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position as of MarchDecember 31, 2023, its results of operations for the three- and six-monththree-month periods ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 and 2022, its consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for the six monthsthree-month periods ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 and 2022 and cash flows for the six monthsthree-month periods ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 and 2022. The results of operations for the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.2023.

 

Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

8


 

 

Note 3 – New- Accounting PronouncementStandards Adopted in Fiscal 2024

 

On October 1, 2023, the Company adopted Current Expected Credit Losses,

In June 2016,acredit loss accounting standard (model) issued by the Financial Accounting StandardsStands Board, issued a new Accounting Standards Codification (“ASU”) requiring financial assets measured at amortized cost be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, through an allowance for credit losses that is deducted from the amortized cost basis. The ASUstandard eliminates the threshold for initial recognition in current U.S. GAAP and reflects an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the financial assets. The ASU is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have ahas no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Note 4 – Right-of-Use (ROU) Asset

 

At MarchDecember 31, 2023, the Company had a ROU asset and lease liability of approximately $51,000$82,000 for its operating office and equipment leases, including approximately $11,000$31,000 beyond one year. Operating office and equipment leases are included in operating lease ROU assets, current accrued liabilities and long-term accrued liabilities in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.consolidated balance sheets.

 

 

Note 5 – Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with the provisions of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606).

 

For the Traditional Business, proceeds from the sale of subscriptions for newspapers, court rule books and other publications and other services are recorded as deferred revenue and are included in earned revenue only when the services are provided, generally over the subscription term. Advertising revenues are recognized when advertisements are published and are net of agency commissions.published.

 

Journal Technologies contracts may include several products and services, which are generally distinct and include separate transaction pricing and performance obligations. Most are one-transaction contracts. These current subscription-type contract revenues include (i) implementation consulting fees to configure the system to go-live, (ii) subscription software license, maintenance (including updates and upgrades) and support fees, and (iii) third-party hosting fees when used. Revenues for consulting are generally recognized at point of delivery (go-live) upon completion of services. These contracts include assurance warranty provisions for limited periods and do not include financing terms. For some contracts, the Company acts as a principal with respect to certain services, such as data conversion, interfaces and hosting that are provided by third-parties, and recognizes such revenues on a gross basis. For legacy contracts with perpetual license arrangements, licenses and consulting services are recognized at point of delivery (go-live), and maintenance revenues are recognized ratably after the go-live. Other public service fees are earned and recognized as revenues when the Company processes credit card payments on behalf of the courts via its websites through which the public can efilee-file cases and pay traffic citations and other fees.

 

The adoption of ASC 606 also requires the capitalization of certain costs of obtaining contracts, specifically sales commissions which are to be amortized over the expected term of the contracts. For its software contracts, the Company incurs an immaterial amount of sales commission costs which have no significant impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Company’s implementation and fulfillment costs do not meet all criteria required for capitalization.

 

8

Since the Company generally recognizes revenues when it can invoice the customer pursuant to the contract for the value of completed performance, as a practical expedient and because reliable estimates cannot be made, it has elected not to include as revenues the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations. Also, as a practical expedient, the Company has elected not to include its evaluation of variable consideration of certain usage-based fees (i.e. public service fees) that are included in some contracts. Furthermore, there are no fulfillment costs to be capitalized for the software contracts because these costs do not generate or enhance resources that will be used in satisfying future performance obligations.

 

9

Note 6 - Treasury stock and net income per common share

 

In June 2022, the Company received from Directorthe late Charles T. Munger 3,720 shares of Daily Journal common stock as his gracious personal gift (worth approximately $1 million on the date of the gift) for the purpose of establishing a new senior management equity incentive plan, which is still insubject to shareholders’ approval at the process of being set up.Company’s 2024 Annual Meeting. These donated shares were considered treasury stock, and the Company accounted for them using the par method which resulted in an immaterial effecteffected amount on the amount of Treasury Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital. In addition, the number of outstanding shares of the Company was reduced by these 3,720 shares to reflect the actual number of outstanding shares of 1,377,026 as of Marchat December 31, 2023. The net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. The shares used in the calculation were 1,377,026 and 1,380,746 for both the three- and six-monththree-month periods ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company does not have any common stock equivalents, and therefore basic and diluted net income per share is the same.2022.

 

 

Note 7 - Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share

 

The Company does not have any common stock equivalents, and therefore basic and diluted net income per share are the same.

 

 

Note 8 - Investments in Marketable Securities

 

All investments are classified as “Current assets” because they are available for sale at any time. These “available-for-sale” marketable securities are stated at fair value. The Company uses quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (consistent with the Level 1 definition in the fair value hierarchy) to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis pursuant to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. As of MarchDecember 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022,2023, there were net accumulated pretax unrealized gains of $153,361,000$152,406,000 and $120,692,000,$137,716,000, respectively, recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.consolidated balance sheets. Most of the accumulated pretax unrealized gains were in the common stocks of three U.S. financial institutions and one foreign manufacturer.

 

In Marchthe three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded and included in its net income the net unrealized gains on marketable securities of $32,669,000,$14,690,000, as compared with the net unrealized lossesgains on marketable securities of $44,409,000,$24,025,000, in the prior year period.

 

In December 2022, the Company sold part of its marketable securities for approximately $2,826,000, realizing net gains of $422,000, and borrowed an additional $6,011,000 from the margin loan account to purchase additional marketable securities with a total cost of approximately $10,001,000. The(The Company repaid $11,000 subsequently. In addition,in the subsequent quarter.) There was no purchase or sale of marketable securities during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Our long-serving director and former chairman, Charles T. Munger, had managed the Company’s marketable securities portfolio since the original purchases were made with the Company’s excess cash in 2009 as an alternative to near-zero interest rate investments. Following Mr. Munger’s death in November 2023, the Company received stock dividendsremains committed to using the portfolio as a source of strength in March 2023 worth approximately $2,978,000 from onesupport of its operating businesses, and the Board is in the process of considering ways to ensure the prudent and effective management of these assets in the context of the companies in which it holds marketable securities.

In December 2021current market and March 2022, the Company sold partneeds of its marketable securities for approximately $80,570,000, realizing net gains on the sales of those marketable securities of $14,249,000, and borrowed an additional $43,014,000 from the margin loan account to primarily purchase additional marketable securities with a total cost of approximately $117,678,000. There was a subsequent repayment of $14,000.businesses.

 


 

Investments in marketable securities as of MarchDecember 31, 2023 and September 30, 20222023 are summarized below.

 

Investment in Financial Instruments

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

September 30, 2022

  

December 31, 2023

  

September 30, 2023

 
 

Aggregate

fair value

 

Amortized/

Adjusted

cost basis

 

Pretax

unrealized

gains

 

Aggregate

fair value

 

Amortized/

Adjusted

cost basis

 

Pretax

unrealized

gains

  

Aggregate

fair value

  

Amortized/

Adjusted

cost basis

  

Pretax

unrealized

gains

  

Aggregate

fair value

  

Amortized/

Adjusted

cost basis

  

Pretax

unrealized

gains

 
Marketable securities  

Common stocks

 $318,773,000  $165,412,000  $153,361,000  $275,529,000  $154,837,000  $120,692,000  $317,818,000  $165,412,000  $152,406,000  $303,128,000  $165,412,000  $137,716,000 

 

 

Note 9 - Income Taxes

 

For the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $9,935,000$3,125,000 on the pretax income of $37,195,000.$15,740,000. The income tax provision consisted of a tax provisionprovisions of $110,000 on the realized gains on marketable securities and $8,770,000$3,765,000 on the unrealized gains on marketable securities, a tax provision of $1,005,000$30,000 on income from foreign operations, includingand $270,000 on income from US operations and dividend income, and a tax provision of $210,000 for the effect of a change in state apportionment on the beginning of the year’s deferred tax liability, partially offset by a tax benefit of $160,000 for the dividends received deduction and other permanent book and tax differences. Consequently, the overall effective tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 2023 was 26.7%, after including the taxes on the realized and unrealized gains on marketable securities.

For the six months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $6,070,000 on the pretax loss of $27,005,000. The income tax benefit consisted of a tax benefit of $11,971,000 on the unrealized losses on marketable securities and a tax benefit of $125,000$120,000 for the dividends received deduction and other permanent book and tax differences, partially offset by a tax provision of $3,841,000 on the realized gains on marketable securities, a tax provision of $740,000 on income from operations, and a tax provisionbenefit of $1,445,000$820,000 for the effect of a change in state apportionment on the beginning of the year’s deferred tax liability. Consequently, the overall effective tax rate for the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 was 19.9%, after including the taxes on the unrealized gains on marketable securities.

For the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $6,100,000 on the pretax income of $23,927,000. The income tax provision consisted of a tax provision of $110,000 on the realized gains on marketable securities and $6,360,000 on the unrealized gains on marketable securities, partially offset by a tax benefit of $140,000 on loss from operations, $80,000 for the dividends received deduction and other permanent book and tax differences, and $150,000 for the effect of a change in state apportionment on the beginning of the year’s deferred tax liability. Consequently, the overall effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was 22.5%25.49%, after including the taxes on the realized gains and unrealized lossesgains on marketable securities.

 

The Company files consolidated federal income tax returns in the United States and with various state jurisdictions and is no longer subject to examinations for fiscal years before fiscal 20192021 with regard to federal income taxes and fiscal 20182020 for state income taxes.

 

 

Note 10 - Debt and Commitments

 

During fiscal 2013, the Company borrowed from its investment margin account the aggregate purchase price of $29.5 million for two acquisitions, in each case pledging its marketable securities as collateral. There also have been subsequent net borrowings of $51.5$40.5 million to purchase additional marketable securities bringing the margin loan balance up to $81$70 million as of MarchDecember 31, 2023. The interest rate for these investment margin account borrowings fluctuates based on the Federal Funds Rate plus 50 basis points with interest only payable monthly. The interest rate as of MarchDecember 31, 2023 was 5.25%6%. These investment margin account borrowings do not mature.

10

 

In November 2015, the Company purchased a 30,700 square foot office building constructed in 1998 on about 3.6 acres in Logan, Utah that had been previously leased byfor Journal Technologies. The Company paid $1.24 million and financed the balance with a real estate bank loan of $2.26 million which hashad a fixed interest rate of 3.33%4.66%. This loan is secured by the Logan facility and can be paid off at any time without prepayment penalty. In October 2020, the Company executed an amendment to lower the interest rate of this loan to a fixed rate of 3.33% for the remaining 10 years. This real estate loan had a balance of approximately $1.35$1.24 million as of MarchDecember 31, 2023. Each monthly installment payment is about $16,600. In October 2022, the Company again amended this real estate loan contract as the bank transferred its index to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, which replaces the London Interbank Offered Rate. The term of the loan, including the interest rate and the balance, was not affected by the amendment.

11

approximately $16,700. In April 2022, the Company sold approximately 17,564 square feet of the land along the front of its Logan building to the City of Logan for approximately $381,000 in connection with the City of Logan’s street widening project. (In October 2022, the Company again amended this real estate loan contract as the bank transferred its index to Secured Overnight Financing Rate from London Interbank Offered Rate which was ceased by the Federal Reserve and the Alternative Reference Rates Committee in the United States. The term of the loan, including the interest rate and the balance, remains unchanged.)

 

The Company also owns its facilities in Los Angeles and leases space for its other offices under operating leases which expire at various dates through January 2024.October 2025.

 

Effective January 1, 2023, the Company began sponsoring a 401(k) retirement plan and a 409(A) non-qualified deferred compensation plan for its employees. As of MarchDecember 31, 2023, there were deferred compensation liabilities of approximately $67,000$387,000, of which $379,000 were held under a trust account for the 409(A) plan.

 

 

Note 11 - Contingencies

 

From time to time, the Company is subject to contingencies, including litigation, arising in the normal course of its business. While it is not possible to predict the results of such contingencies, management does not believe the ultimate outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 


 

 

Note 12 - Operating Segments

 

The Company’s Traditional Business is one reportable segment and the other is Journal Technologies which includes Journal Technologies, Inc. and Journal Technologies (Canada) Inc. All inter-segment transactions were eliminated. Additional detail about each of the reportable segments and its income and expenses is set forth below:

 

Overall Financial Results (000)

For the six months ended March 31

  

Reportable Segments

                 
  

Traditional

Business

  

Journal

Technologies

  

Corporate

  

Total

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
Revenues                                

Advertising

 $4,194  $4,130  $---  $---  $---  $---  $4,194  $4,130 

Circulation

  2,206   2,182   ---   ---   ---   ---   2,206   2,182 

Advertising service fees and other

  1,477   1,413   ---   ---   ---   ---   1,477   1,413 

Licensing and maintenance fees

  ---   ---   10,074   9,088   ---   ---   10,074   9,088 
Consulting fees  ---   ---   6,755   2,430   ---   ---   6,755   2,430 

Other public service fees

  ---   ---   3,749   3,442   ---   ---   3,749   3,442 

Total operating revenues

  7,877   7,725   20,578   14,960   ---   ---   28,455   22,685 
Operating expenses                                

Salaries and employee benefits

  4,499   4,730   15,137   12,594   ---   ---   19,636   17,324 

Decrease to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual

  (700)  (2,010)  (20)  (40)  ---   ---   (720)  (2,050)

Others

  2,435   2,413   6,195   4,569   ---   ---   8,630   6,982 

Total operating expenses

  6,234   5,133   21,312   17,123   ---   ---   27,546   22,256 
Income (loss) from operations  1,643   2,592   (734)  (2,163)  ---   ---   909   429 

Dividends and interest income

  ---   ---   ---   ---   5,132   2,988   5,132   2,988 

Interest expenses on note payable collateralized by real estate

  ---   ---   ---   ---   (24)  (26)  (24)  (26)

Interest expense on margin loans and others

  ---   ---   ---   ---   (1,913)  (236)  (1,913)  (236)

Gains on sales of marketable securities, net

  ---   ---   ---   ---   422   14,249   422   14,249 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

  ---   ---   ---   ---   32,669   (44,409)  32,669   (44,409)

Pretax income (loss)

  1,643   2,592   (734)  (2,163)  36,286   (27,434)  37,195   (27,005)

Income tax (expense) benefit

  (435)  (560)  135   705   (9,635)  5,925   (9,935)  6,070 

Net income (loss)

 $1,208  $2,032  $(599) $(1,458) $26,651  $(21,509) $27,260  $(20,935)

Total assets

 $14,053  $19,924  $25,444  $15,830  $319,523  $354,336  $359,020  $390,090 

Capital expenditures

 $70  $---  $4  $3  $---  $---  $74  $3 


Overall Financial Results (000)

For the three months ended March 31

  

Reportable Segments

                 
  

Traditional

Business

  

Journal

Technologies

  

Corporate

  

Total

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenues

                                

Advertising

 $2,204  $2,129  $---  $---  $---  $---  $2,204  $2,129 

Circulation

  1,108   1,072   ---   ---   ---   ---   1,108   1,072 

Advertising service fees and other

  778   742   ---   ---   ---   ---   778   742 

Licensing and maintenance fees

  ---   ---   5,679   4,608   ---   ---   5,679   4,608 

Consulting fees

  ---   ---   4,433   669   ---   ---   4,433   669 

Other public service fees

  ---   ---   1,952   1,729   ---   ---   1,952   1,729 

Total operating revenues

  4,090   3,943   12,064   7,006   ---   ---   16,154   10,949 

Operating expenses

                                

Salaries and employee benefits

  2,281   2,415   7,724   6,432   ---   ---   10.005   8,847 

Decrease to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual

  (200)  (1,920)  ---   ---   ---   ---   (200)  (1,920)

Others

  1,301   1,362   3,423   2,287   ---   ---   4,724   3,649 

Total operating expenses

  3,382   1,857   11,147   8,719   ---   ---   14,529   10,576 

Income (loss) from operations

  708   2,086   917   (1,713)  ---   ---   1,625   373 
                                 

Dividends and interest income

  ---   ---   ---   ---   4,063   2,113   4,063   2,113 

Interest expenses on note payable collateralized by real estate

  ---   ---   ---   ---   (12)  (13)  (12)  (13)

Interest expense on margin loans and other

  ---   ---   ---   ---   (1,052)  (150)  (1,052)  (150)

Losses on sales of marketable securities

  ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   (32,445)  ---   (32,445)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

  ---   ---   ---   ---   8,644   (8,321)  8,644   (8,321)

Pretax income (loss)

  708   2,086   917   (1,713)  11,643   (38,816)  13,268   (38,443)

Income tax (expense) benefit

  (200)  (355)  (215)  455   (3,420)  10,530   (3,835)  10,630 

Net income (loss)

 $508  $1,731  $702  $(1,258) $8,223  $(28,286) $9,433  $(27,813)

Total assets

 $14,053  $19,924  $25,444  $15,830  $319,523  $354,336  $359,020  $390,090 

Capital expenditures

 $38  $---  $---  $3  $---  $---  $38  $3 


Overall Financial Results (000)

 

For the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 
                                 
  

Reportable Segments

                 
  

Traditional

Business

  

Journal

Technologies

  

Corporate

  

Total

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenues

                                

Advertising

 $2,087  $1,990  $  $  $  $  $2,087  $1,990 

Circulation

  1,095   1,098               1,095   1,098 

Advertising service fees and other

  705   699               705   699 

Licensing and maintenance fees

        6,557   4,395         6,557   4,395 

Consulting fees

        3,302   2,322         3,302   2,322 

Other public service fees

        2,247   1,797         2,247   1,797 

Total operating revenues

  3,887   3,787   12,106   8,514         15,993   12,301 

Operating expenses

                                

Salaries and employee benefits

  2,549   2,218   8,798   7,413         11,347   9,631 

Decrease to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual

  (420)  (500)     (20)        (420)  (520)

Others

  1,471   1,134   2,972   2,772         4,443   3,906 

Total operating expenses

  3,600   2,852   11,770   10,165         15,370   13,017 

Income (loss) from operations

  287   935   336   (1,651)        623   (716)
                                 

Dividends and interest income

              1,569   1,069   1,569   1,069 

Interest expenses on note payable collateralized by real estate and other

              (11)  (12)  (11)  (12)

Interest expense on margin loans

              (1,131)  (861)  (1,131)  (861)

Gains on sales of marketable securities, net

                 422      422 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

              14,690   24,025   14,690   24,025 

Pretax income (loss)

  287   935   336   (1,651)  15,117   24,643   15,740   23,927 

Income tax (expense) benefit

  (55)  (235)  (250)  350   (2,820)  (6,215)  (3,125)  (6,100)

Net income (loss)

 $232  $700  $86  $(1,301) $12,297  $18,428  $12,615  $17,827 

Total assets

 $15,483  $45,288  $24,062  $25,202  $317,818  $275,781  $357,363  $346,271 

Capital expenditures

 $5  $32  $  $4  $  $  $5  $36 

 

During the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023, the Traditional Business had total operating revenues of $7,877,000$3,887,000 with $5,671,000$2,792,000 recognized after services were provided and $2,206,000$1,095,000 recognized ratably over the publication subscription terms, as compared with total operating revenues of $7,725,000$3,787,000 with $5,543,000$2,689,000 recognized after services were provided and $2,182,000$1,098,000 recognized ratably over the publication subscription terms in the prior fiscal year period. Total operating revenues for the Company’s software business were $20,578,000$12,106,000 with $10,687,000$5,570,000 recognized upon completion of services and $9,891,000$6,536,000 recognized ratably over the subscription periods, as compared with total operating revenues of $14,960,000$8,514,000 with $5,943,000$4,121,000 recognized upon completion of services and $9,017,000$4,393,000 recognized ratably over the subscription periods in the prior fiscal year period.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Traditional Business had total operating revenues of $4,090,000 with $2,982,000 recognized after services were provided and $1,108,000 recognized ratably over the subscription terms, as compared with total operating revenues of $3,943,000 with $2,871,000 recognized after services were provided and $1,072,000 recognized ratably over the subscription terms in the prior fiscal year period. Total operating revenues for the Company’s software business were $12,064,000 with $6,566,000 recognized upon completion of services and $5,498,000 recognized ratably over the subscription periods, as compared with total operating revenues of $7,006,000 with $2,467,000 recognized upon completion of services and $4,539,000 recognized ratably over the subscription periods in the prior fiscal year period.

12

 

Approximately 72%76% of the Company’s revenues during the six-monththree-month period ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 were derived from Journal Technologies, as compared with 66%69% in the prior year period. In addition, the Company’s revenues have beenduring the quarter were primarily from the United States with approximately 6%21% from foreign countries during the six-monthsthree-months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023. Journal Technologies’ revenues are primarily from governmental agencies.

 

Note 13 - Subsequent Events

 

The Company has completed an evaluation of all subsequent events through the issuance date of these financial statements and concluded that no subsequent events occurred that required recognition to the financial statements or disclosures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


 

 

Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Results of Operations

 

The Company continues to operate as two different businesses: (1) The Traditional Business, being the business of newspaper publishing and related services that the Company had before 1999 when it purchased a software development company, and (2) Journal Technologies, Inc., which supplies case management software systems and related products to courts, prosecutor and public defender offices, probation departments and other justice agencies, including administrative law organizations, city and county governments and bar associations. These organizations use the Journal Technologies family of products to help manage cases and information electronically, to interface with other critical justice partners and to extend electronic services to the public, including efilinge-filing and a website to pay traffic citations and fees online. These products are licensed in approximately 30 states and internationally.

 

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

On March 13, 2020, the United States declared the outbreak of COVID-19 to be a national emergency, and several states and municipalities also declared public health emergencies. Unprecedented actions were taken by public health and other governmental authorities to contain and combat the spread of COVID-19, including “stay-at-home” orders and similar mandates that restricted the daily activities of individuals and limited the operation of businesses that were deemed “non-essential”. In addition, most of Journal Technologies’ customers, which are primarily courts and governmental agencies in the United States, Canada and Australia, were either closed or significantly scaled back their activities. Similarly, many law firms and companies from which the Traditional Business derives advertising and subscription revenues also curtailed their in-person operations and spending.

Although the World Health Organization recentlyhas declared an end to the COVID-19 emergency, enduring changes in society resulting from efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic are likely tomay have continuing effects on the Company’s business. For example, in recent years, the newspaper industry, including our Traditional Business, has declined, and we expect this general trend to continue with fewer lawyers receiving our newspapers at their offices as they continue to work from home. Forfor Journal Technologies, there have been several delays or cancellations in government procurement processes. Also, although we have beenwere able to complete many existing projects remotely, we have beenwere delayed in finishing certain implementations and trainings because of our inability to work with clients in-person.  Given that we are typically paid for implementation services upon “go-live” of a system, receiptrecognition of those revenues has been delayed. This can also create a risk of contract cancellations for in-progress projects, which has not been a common issue to date (there were two in 2023), and Journal Technologies is working to minimize additional cancellations.

 


 

Reportable Segments

 

The Company’s Traditional Business is one reportable segment and the other is Journal Technologies which includes Journal Technologies, Inc. and Journal Technologies (Canada) Inc. All inter-segment transactions were eliminated. Additional detail about each reportable segment and its income and expenses is set forth below:

 

Overall Financial Results (000)

For the six months ended March 31

Overall Financial Results (000)

 

For the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 
                                 
  

Reportable Segments

                 
  

Traditional

Business

  

Journal

Technologies

  

Corporate

  

Total

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenues

                                

Advertising

 $2,087  $1,990  $  $  $  $  $2,087  $1,990 

Circulation

  1,095   1,098               1,095   1,098 

Advertising service fees and other

  705   699               705   699 

Licensing and maintenance fees

        6,557   4,395         6,557   4,395 

Consulting fees

        3,302   2,322         3,302   2,322 

Other public service fees

        2,247   1,797         2,247   1,797 

Total operating revenues

  3,887   3,787   12,106   8,514         15,993   12,301 

Operating expenses

                                

Salaries and employee benefits

  2,549   2,218   8,798   7,413         11,347   9,631 

Decrease to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual

  (420)  (500)     (20)        (420)  (520)

Others

  1,471   1,134   2,972   2,772         4,443   3,906 

Total operating expenses

  3,600   2,852   11,770   10,165         15,370   13,017 

Income (loss) from operations

  287   935   336   (1,651)        623   (716)
                                 

Dividends and interest income

              1,569   1,069   1,569   1,069 

Interest expenses on note payable collateralized by real estate and other

              (11)  (12)  (11)  (12)

Interest expense on margin loans

              (1,131)  (861)  (1,131)  (861)

Gains on sales of marketable securities, net

                 422      422 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

              14,690   24,025   14,690   24,025 

Pretax income (loss)

  287   935   336   (1,651)  15,117   24,643   15,740   23,927 

Income tax (expense) benefit

  (55)  (235)  (250)  350   (2,820)  (6,215)  (3,125)  (6,100)

Net income (loss)

 $232  $700  $86  $(1,301) $12,297  $18,428  $12,615  $17,827 

Total assets

 $15,483  $45,288  $24,062  $25,202  $317,818  $275,781  $357,363  $346,271 

Capital expenditures

 $5  $32  $  $4  $  $  $5  $36 

 

  

Reportable Segments

                 
  

Traditional

Business

  

Journal

Technologies

  

Corporate

  

Total

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenues

                                

Advertising

 $4,194  $4,130  $---  $---  $---  $---  $4,194  $4,130 

Circulation

  2,206   2,182   ---   ---   ---   ---   2,206   2,182 

Advertising service fees and other

  1,477   1,413   ---   ---   ---   ---   1,477   1,413 

Licensing and maintenance fees

  ---   ---   10,074   9,088   ---   ---   10,074   9,088 

Consulting fees

  ---   ---   6,755   2,430   ---   ---   6,755   2,430 

Other public service fees

  ---   ---   3,749   3,442   ---   ---   3,749   3,442 

Total operating revenues

  7,877   7,725   20,578   14,960   ---   ---   28,455   22,685 

Operating expenses

                                

Salaries and employee benefits

  4,499   4,730   15,137   12,594   ---   ---   19,636   17,324 

Decrease to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual

  (700)  (2,010)  (20)  (40)  ---   ---   (720)  (2,050)

Others

  2,435   2,413   6,195   4,569   ---   ---   8,630   6,982 

Total operating expenses

  6,234   5,133   21,312   17,123   ---   ---   27,546   22,256 

Income (loss) from operations

  1,643   2,592   (734)  (2,163)  ---   ---   909   429 

Dividends and interest income

  ---   ---   ---   ---   5,132   2,988   5,132   2,988 

Interest expenses on note payable collateralized by real estate

  ---   ---   ---   ---   (24)  (26)  (24)  (26)

Interest expense on margin loans and others

  ---   ---   ---   ---   (1,913)  (236)  (1,913)  (236)

Gains on sales of marketable securities, net

  ---   ---   ---   ---   422   14,249   422   14,249 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

  ---   ---   ---   ---   32,669   (44,409)  32,669   (44,409)

Pretax income (loss)

  1,643   2,592   (734)  (2,163)  36,286   (27,434)  37,195   (27,005)

Income tax (expense) benefit

  (435)  (560)  135   705   (9,635)  5,925   (9,935)  6,070 

Net income (loss)

 $1,208  $2,032  $(599) $(1,458) $26,651  $(21,509) $27,260  $(20,935)

Total assets

 $14,053  $19,924  $25,444  $15,830  $319,523  $354,336  $359,020  $390,090 

Capital expenditures

 $70  $---  $4  $3  $---  $---  $74  $3 

 

Comparable six-monththree-month periods ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 and 2022

 

Consolidated Financial Comparison

 

Consolidated revenues were $28,455,000$15,993,000 and $22,685,000$12,301,000 for the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This increase of $5,770,000 (25%$3,692,000 (30%) was primarily from increases in (i) Journal Technologies’ consulting fees of $4,325,000, license and maintenance fees of $986,000$2,162,000, consulting fees of $980,000, and other public service fees of $307,000$450,000, and (ii) the Traditional Business’ advertising revenues of $64,000, advertising service fees and other of $64,000 and circulation revenues of $24,000.$97,000.

 

1715

 

Approximately 76% of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended December 31, 2023 were derived from Journal Technologies, as compared with 69% in the prior fiscal year period. In addition, the Company’s revenues during the quarter were primarily from the United States, with approximately $2,492,000 (21%) from foreign countries. Almost all of Journal Technologies’ revenues are from governmental agencies.

Consolidated operating expenses increased by $5,290,000 (24%$2,353,000 (18%) to $27,546,000$15,370,000 from $22,256,000.$13,017,000. Total salaries and employee benefits increased by $2,312,000 (13%$1,716,000 (18%) to $19,636,000$11,347,000 from $17,324,000$9,631,000 primarily because of largerdue to annual salary adjustments dueand the hiring of additional staff members to recent inflation instrengthen operational efficiencies, product development, and bolster the compensation market for talent.teams working on the company’s installation projects. Outside services increased by $604,000 (33%$437,000 (36%) to $2,442,000$1,667,000 from $1,838,000$1,230,000 mainly because of additional contractor services and increased third-party hosting fees which were billed to clients. Newsprint and printing expenses increased by $37,000 (10%) to $392,000 from $355,000 primarily resulting from newsprint price increases and additional purchases of printing supplies. Equipment maintenance and software increased by $39,000 (6%$73,000 (24%) to $657,000$376,000 from $618,000$303,000 mainly resulting from increased maintenance costs. Accountingcosts and legal fees decreased by $47,000 (9%) to $495,000 from $542,000 primarily from decreased legal fees.additional miscellaneous software license purchases. Other general and administrative expenses increaseddecreased by $1,006,000 (59%$122,000 (13%) to $2,698,000$832,000 from $1,692,000$954,000 mainly because there were increaseddecreased business travel expenses and reduced miscellaneous office software purchases and business travelsupply expenses as compared to the prior fiscal year period.

 

The Company’s non-operating income, net of expenses, increaseddecreased by $63,720,000 (232%$9,526,000 (39%) to $36,286,000$15,117,000 from a loss of $27,434,000$24,643,000 in the prior fiscal year period primarily because of (i) the recording of net unrealized gains on marketable securities of $32,669,000 during the six months ended March 31, 2023$14,690,000 as compared with net unrealized losses of $44,409,000$24,025,000 in the prior fiscal year period, and (ii) increases in dividends and interest incomeexpenses of $2,144,000 (72%$269,000 (31%) to $5,132,000$1,142,000 from $2,988,000. These$873,000 primarily due to the federal interest rate increases, were partially offset by (i)and (iii) the recording of realized net gains on sales of marketable securities of $422,000 during the six months ended March 31, 2023 as compared with $14,249,000 in the prior fiscal year period and (ii)period. These decreases were partially offset by increases in dividends and interest expensesincome of $1,675,000 (639%$500,000 (47%) to $1,937,000$1,569,000 from $262,000 primarily due to the federal interest rate increases.$1,069,000.

 

During the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023, the Company’s consolidated pretax income was $37,195,000,$15,740,000, as compared to a pretax loss of $27,005,000$23,927,000 in the prior fiscal year period. There was consolidated net income of $27,260,000$12,615,000 ($19.809.16 per share) for the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023, as compared with net loss of $20,935,000 (-$15.16$17,827,000 ($12.95 per share) in the prior fiscal year period.

 

At MarchDecember 31, 2023, the aggregate fair market value of the Company’s marketable securities was $318,773,000.$317,818,000. These securities had approximately $153,361,000$152,406,000 of net unrealized gains before taxes of $41,145,000.$39,080,000. They generated approximately $1,569,000 in dividends and interest income during the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared with $1,069,000 in the prior fiscal year period. Most of the unrealized gains were in the common stocks of three U.S. financial institutions and one foreign manufacturer.

 

Taxes

 

For the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $9,935,000$3,125,000 on the pretax income of $37,195,000.$15,740,000. The income tax provision consisted of a tax provisionprovisions of $110,000 on the realized gains on marketable securities and $8,770,000$3,765,000 on the unrealized gains on marketable securities, a tax provision of $1,005,000$30,000 on income from foreign operations, includingand $270,000 on income from US operations and dividend income, and a tax provision of $210,000 for the effect of a change in state apportionment on the beginning of the year’s deferred tax liability, partially offset by a tax benefit of $160,000 for the dividends received deduction and other permanent book and tax differences.  Consequently, the overall effective tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 2023 was 26.7%, after including the taxes on the realized and unrealized gains on marketable securities.

 For the six months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $6,070,000 on the pretax loss of $27,005,000.  The income tax benefit consisted of a tax benefit of $11,971,000 on the unrealized losses on marketable securities and a tax benefit of $125,000$120,000 for the dividends received deduction and other permanent book and tax differences, partially offset by a tax provision of $3,841,000 on the realized gains on marketable securities, a tax provision of $740,000 on income from operations, and a tax provisionbenefit of $1,445,000$820,000 for the effect of a change in state apportionment on the beginning of the year’s deferred tax liability. Consequently, the overall effective tax rate for the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 was 19.9%, after including the taxes on the unrealized gains on marketable securities.

16

For the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $6,100,000 on the pretax income of $23,927,000. The income tax provision consisted of a tax provision of $110,000 on the realized gains on marketable securities and $6,360,000 on the unrealized gains on marketable securities, partially offset by a tax benefit of $140,000 on loss from operations, $80,000 for the dividends received deduction and other permanent book and tax differences, and $150,000 for the effect of a change in state apportionment on the beginning of the year’s deferred tax liability. Consequently, the overall effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was 22.5%25.49%, after including the taxes on the realized gains and unrealized lossesgains on marketable securities.

18

 

The Company files consolidated federal income tax returns in the United States and with various state jurisdictions and is no longer subject to examinations for fiscal years before fiscal 20192021 with regard to federal income taxes and fiscal 20182020 for state income taxes.

 

The Traditional Business

 

The Traditional Business’ pretax income decreased by $949,000 (37%$648,000 (69%) to $1,643,000$287,000 from $2,592,000$935,000 in the prior fiscal year period, primarily because there was lessdue to increased personnel costs of $331,000 (15%) to $2,549,000 from $2,218,000, and a smaller reduction of $80,000 (16%) to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual to a reduction of $700,000$420,000 as compared with $2,010,000a reduction of $500,000 in the prior fiscal year period.

 

During the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023, the Traditional Business had total operating revenues of $7,877,000,$3,887,000, as compared with $7,725,000$3,787,000 in the prior fiscal year period. Advertising revenues increased by $64,000 (2%$97,000 (5%) to $4,194,000$2,087,000 from $4,130,000,$1,990,000, primarily resulting from increased commercial advertising revenues of $115,000 and trustee sale notice advertising revenues of $101,000 mainly because of the lifting of COVID-related foreclosure moratoriums on lenders,$10,000, partially offset by decreased government notice advertising revenues of $39,000 and legal notice advertising revenues of $9,000, partially offset by decreased commercial advertising revenues of $85,000.$30,000.

 

Trustee sale notices are very much dependent on the number of California and Arizona foreclosures for which public notice advertising is required by law. The number of foreclosure notices published by the Company increaseddecreased by 33%2% during the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023 as compared to the prior fiscal year period. The Company’s smaller newspapers, those other than the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals (“The Daily Journals”), accounted for about 87% of the total public notice advertising revenues during the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023. Public notice advertising revenues and related advertising and other service fees, including trustee sales legal advertising revenues, constituted about 16%14% of the Company's total operating revenues for the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31,2023 and 18% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 19% in the prior fiscal year period.2022.

 

The Daily Journals accounted for about 93% of the Traditional Business’ total circulation revenues, which increaseddecreased slightly by $24,000 (1%)$3,000 to $2,206,000$1,095,000 from $2,182,000.$1,098,000. The court rule and judicial profile services generated about 5% of the total circulation revenues, with the other newspapers and services accounting for the balance. Advertising service fees and other are Traditional Business segment revenues, which include primarily (i) agency commissions received from outside newspapers in which the advertising is placed, and (ii) fees generated when filing notices with government agencies.

 

The Traditional Business segment operating expenses, excluding the adjustments to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual, decreasedincreased by $209,000 (3%$668,000 (20%) to $6,934,000$4,020,000 from $7,143,000,$3,352,000, primarily resulting from reduced legal fees.the annual salary adjustments.


 

Journal Technologies

 

During the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023, Journal Technologies’ business segment pretax loss decreasedincome increased by $1,429,000 (66%$1,987,000 (120%) to $734,000$336,000 from $2,163,000a pretax loss of $1,651,000 in the prior fiscal year period.period primarily resulting from increased revenues of $3,592,000, partially offset by increased operating expenses of $1,605,000.

 

Revenues increased by $5,618,000 (38%$3,592,000 (42%) to $20,578,000$12,106,000 from $14,960,000$8,514,000 in the prior fiscal year period. Licensing and maintenance fees increased by $986,000 (11%$2,162,000 (49%) to $10,074,000$6,557,000 from $9,088,000.$4,395,000. Consulting fees increased by $4,325,000 (178%$980,000 (42%) to $6,755,000$3,302,000 from $2,430,000$2,322,000 mainly resulting from more project go-lives (signoffs(i.e. signoffs by the clients) during the last quarter.. Other public service fees increased by $307,000 (9%$450,000 (25%) to $3,749,000$2,247,000 from $3,442,000$1,797,000 primarily because of increased efiling fee revenues.

19

Deferred consulting fees primarily represent advances from customers of Journal Technologies for installation services and are recognized upon final project go-lives. Deferred revenues on license and maintenance contracts represent prepayments of annual license and maintenance fees and are recognized ratably over the maintenance period.

Operating expenses increased by $4,189,000 (24%) to $21,312,000 from $17,123,000 primarily because of (i) increased personnel costs because of larger salary adjustments due to recent inflation in the compensation market for talent, (ii) increased third-party hosting fees which were billed to clients and (iii) additional miscellaneous office software license purchases and increased business travel expenses.

Journal Technologies continues to update and upgrade its software products. These costs are expensed as incurred and will impact earnings at least through the foreseeable future.


Reportable Segments (for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022)

Overall Financial Results (000)

For the three months ended March 31

  

Reportable Segments

                 
  

Traditional

Business

  

Journal

Technologies

  

Corporate

  

Total

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenues

                                

Advertising

 $2,204  $2,129  $---  $---  $---  $---  $2,204  $2,129 

Circulation

  1,108   1,072   ---   ---   ---   ---   1,108   1,072 

Advertising service fees and other

  778   742   ---   ---   ---   ---   778   742 

Licensing and maintenance fees

  ---   ---   5,679   4,608   ---   ---   5,679   4,608 

Consulting fees

  ---   ---   4,433   669   ---   ---   4,433   669 

Other public service fees

  ---   ---   1,952   1,729   ---   ---   1,952   1,729 

Total operating revenues

  4,090   3,943   12,064   7,006   ---   ---   16,154   10,949 

Operating expenses

                                

Salaries and employee benefits

  2,281   2,415   7,724   6,432   ---   ---   10.005   8,847 

Decrease to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual

  (200)  (1,920)  ---   ---   ---   ---   (200)  (1,920)

Others

  1,301   1,362   3,423   2,287   ---   ---   4,724   3,649 

Total operating expenses

  3,382   1,857   11,147   8,719   ---   ---   14,529   10,576 

Income (loss) from operations

  708   2,086   917   (1,713)  ---   ---   1,625   373 
                                 

Dividends and interest income

  ---   ---   ---   ---   4,063   2,113   4,063   2,113 

Interest expenses on note payable collateralized by real estate

  ---   ---   ---   ---   (12)  (13)  (12)  (13)

Interest expense on margin loans and other

  ---   ---   ---   ---   (1,052)  (150)  (1,052)  (150)

Losses on sales of marketable securities

  ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   (32,445)  ---   (32,445)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

  ---   ---   ---   ---   8,644   (8,321)  8,644   (8,321)

Pretax income (loss)

  708   2,086   917   (1,713)  11,643   (38,816)  13,268   (38,443)

Income tax (expense) benefit

  (200)  (355)  (215)  455   (3,420)  10,530   (3,835)  10,630 

Net income (loss)

 $508  $1,731  $702  $(1,258) $8,223  $(28,286) $9,433  $(27,813)

Total assets

 $14,053  $19,924  $25,444  $15,830  $319,523  $354,336  $359,020  $390,090 

Capital expenditures

 $38  $---  $---  $3  $---  $---  $38  $3 

Consolidated Financial Comparison

Consolidated revenues were $16,154,000 and $10,949,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This increase of $5,205,000 (48%) was primarily from increases in (i) Journal Technologies’ license and maintenance fees of $1,071,000, consulting fees of $3,764,000 and other public service fees of $223,000 and (ii) the Traditional Business’ advertising revenues of $75,000, advertising service fees and other of $36,000 and circulation revenues of $36,000.

Consolidated operating expenses increased by $3,953,000 (37%) to $14,529,000 from $10,576,000. Total salaries and employee benefits increased by $1,158,000 (13%) to $10,005,000 from $8,847,000 primarily because of larger salary adjustments due to recent inflation in the compensation market for talent. Outside services increased by $439,000 (48%) to $1,353,000 from $914,000 mainly because of increased third-party hosting fees which were billed to clients. Other general and administrative expenses increased by $650,000 (68%) to $1,603,000 from $953,000 mainly because there were increased miscellaneous office software purchases and business travel expenses as compared to the prior fiscal year period.

21

The Company’s non-operating income, net of expenses, increased by $50,459,000 (130%) to $11,643,000 from a loss of $38,816,000 in the prior fiscal year period primarily because of (i) the recording of net unrealized gains on marketable securities of $8,644,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared with net unrealized losses of $8,321,000 in the prior fiscal year period, (ii) increases in dividends and interest income of $1,950,000 (92%) to $4,063,000 from $2,113,000 and (iii) realized losses on sales of marketable securities of $32,445,000 in the prior fiscal year period. These increases were partially offset by increases in interest expenses of $902,000 (601%) to $1,052,000 from $150,000 primarily due to the federal rate increases.

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company’s consolidated pretax income was $13,268,000, as compared to a pretax loss of $38,443,000 in the prior fiscal year period. There was consolidated net income of $9,433,000 ($6.85 per share) for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared with a net loss of $27,813,000 (-$20.14 per share) in the prior fiscal year period.

The Traditional Business

The Traditional Business’ pretax income decreased by $1,378,000 (66%) to $708,000 from $2,086,000 in the prior fiscal year period, primarily because there was less reduction to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual of $200,000 as compared with $1,920,000 in the prior fiscal year period.

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Traditional Business had total operating revenues of $4,090,000, as compared with $3,943,000 in the prior fiscal year period. Advertising revenues increased by $75,000 (4%) to $2,204,000 from $2,129,000, primarily resulting from increased trustee sale notice advertising revenues of $46,000 mainly because of the lifting of COVID-related foreclosure moratoriums on lenders, government notice advertising revenues of $51,000 and legal notice advertising revenues of $16,000, partially offset by decreased commercial advertising revenues of $38,000.

The Traditional Business segment operating expenses, excluding the adjustments to the long-term supplemental compensation accrual, decreased by $195,000 (5%) to $3,582,000 from $3,777,000, primarily resulting from reduced legal fees.

Journal Technologies

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, Journal Technologies’ business segment pretax income increased by $2,630,000 (154%) to $917,000 from a pretax loss of $1,713,000 in the prior fiscal year period.

Revenues increased by $5,058,000 (72%) to $12,064,000 from $7,006,000 in the prior fiscal year period. Licensing and maintenance fees increased by $1,071,000 (23%) to $5,679,000 from $4,608,000. Consulting fees increased by $3,764,000 (563%) to $4,433,000 from $669,000 mainly resulting from more project go-lives (signoffs by the clients) during the last quarter. Other public service fees increased by $223,000 (13%) to $1,952,000 from $1,729,000 primarily because of increased efilinge-filing fee revenues.

 

Deferred consulting fees primarily represent advances from customers of Journal Technologies for installation services and are recognized upon final project go-lives. Deferred revenues on license and maintenance contracts represent prepayments of annual license and maintenance fees and are recognized ratably over the maintenance period.periods.

22

 

Operating expenses increased by $2,428,000 (28%$1,605,000 (16%) to $11,147,000$11,770,000 from $8,719,000$10,165,000 primarily because of (i) increased personnel costs because of larger salary adjustments due to recent inflation in the compensation market for talent, (ii) additional contractor services and the hiring of additional staff members to strengthen operational efficiencies, product development, and bolster the teams working on the Company’s installation projects, and (iii) increased third-party hosting fees which were billed to clients and (iii) additional miscellaneous office software license purchases and increased business travel expenses.clients.

 

Journal Technologies continues to update and upgrade its software products. These costs are expensed as incurred and will impact earnings at least through the foreseeable future.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

ForDuring the six-monthsthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable security positions increased by $43,648,000,$8,484,000 after the sales of marketable securities of approximately $2,826,000 and additional borrowing of $6,000,000 from the margin loan account, partially offset by the recording of net pretax unrealized gains on marketable securities of $32,669,000.$14,690,000. Cash and cash equivalents the proceeds from the sales of marketable securities and additional borrowing were primarily used to purchase additional marketable securities of $10,001,000.pay down the margin loan balance by $5,000,000.

 

The investments in marketable securities, which had an adjusted cost basis of approximately $165,412,000 and a market value of about $318,773,000$317,818,000 at MarchDecember 31, 2023, generated approximately $5,132,000$1,569,000 in dividends and interest income during the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023. These securities had approximately $153,361,000$152,406,000 of net unrealized gains before estimated taxes of $41,145,000$39,080,000 which will become due only when we sell securities in which there is unrealized appreciation. The balance on the Company’s margin loan secured by the securities portfolio was $70,000,000 and $75,000,000 at December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023, respectively.

 

Cash flows from operating activities increaseddecreased by $14,856,000$3,560,000 during the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year period, primarily due to (i) decreasesincreases in the Company’s deferred tax benefit of $3,147,000 and income tax receivable of $3,770,000, its deferred tax benefit of $18,733,000 and its accounts receivable of $1,225,000 mainly resulting from more collections and (ii) increases in deferred revenues of $2,717,000 and income tax payable of $6,244,000. This was partially offset by (i) decreases in net income of $18,034,000, excluding the increases in unrealized gains on marketable securities of $77,078,000, decreases in realized net gains on sales of marketable securities of $13,827,000 and additional stock dividends of $2,978,000,$23,000, and (ii) decreases in net accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $222,000$1,426,000 (because of the timing difference in remitting efilinge-filing fees to the courts), deferred revenues of $2,776,000, and income tax payable of $1,069,000. This was partially offset by (i) decreases in the Company’s accounts receivable of $392,000 mainly resulting from more collections, and (ii) increases in its net income of $4,545,000, excluding the decreases in unrealized gains on marketable securities of $9,335,000 and the realized net gains on sales of marketable securities of $422,000 during the prior fiscal year period.

18

 

As of MarchDecember 31, 2023, the Company had working capital of $318,234,000,$313,273,000, including the liabilities for deferred subscriptions, deferred consulting fees and deferred maintenance agreements and others of $21,947,000.$23,498,000.

 

The Company believes that it will be able to fund its operations for the foreseeable future through its cash flows from operations and its current working capital.capital and expects that any such cash flows will be invested in its businesses. The Company may or may not have the ability to borrow additional amounts against its marketable securities and, among other possibilities, it may be required to consider selling some of those securities to generate cash if needed to fund ongoing operations. The amount available for borrowing is based on the market value of the Company’s investment portfolio and fluctuates depending on the value of the underlying securities.  In addition, the Company could be subject to margin calls should the balance of the investment decrease significantly.

 

The Company is not a smaller version of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Instead, it hopesThe Company’s goal is simply to becontinue to develop a significantsuccessful and profitable software companybusiness, while it also operatescontinuing to enjoy the benefit of its Traditional Business.Business for as long as possible. 


 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company’s financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management’s application of accounting policies. Management believes that revenue recognition, accounting for software costs, fair value measurement and disclosures (including the long-term Incentive Plan liabilities) and income taxes are critical accounting policies and estimates.

 

The Company’s critical accounting policies are detailed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022.2023. The above discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report.

19

 

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain statements contained in this document, including but not limited to those in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” are “forward-looking” statements that involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “should,” “believes,” “will,” “plans,” “estimates,” “may,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others: risks associated with software development and implementation efforts;efforts, and disruptive new technologies like artificial intelligence; Journal Technologies’ reliance on professional services engagements with justice agencies; material changes in the costs of postage and paper; additional possible changes in the law, particularly changes limiting or eliminating the requirements for public notice advertising; possible loss of the adjudicated status of the Company’s newspapers and their legal authority to publish public notice advertising; the continuingcontinuous effects of COVID-19 and the efforts to contain it on the Company’s customers, advertisers and subscribers; a further decline in subscriber revenues; possible security breaches of the Company’s software or websites; changes in accounting guidance; material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and declines in the market prices of the securities owned by the Company. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions, general economic conditions (particularly in California) and other factors.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are discussed in this Form 10-Q, including in conjunction with the forward-looking statements themselves. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.2023.


 

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

In light of the material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting discussed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022,2023, management concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of MarchDecember 31, 2023.  There were no material changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors reasonably likely to affect its internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended MarchDecember 31, 2023.

 


 

PART II

Item 6.

Item 6.   Exhibits

 

 

31

Certifications by Chief FinancialExecutive Officer and Chief ExecutiveFinancial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32

Certifications by Chief FinancialExecutive Officer and Chief ExecutiveFinancial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance

 

 

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

 

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

 

 

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

 

 

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels

 

 

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

 

 

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101

 

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

DAILY JOURNAL CORPORATION

(Registrant)

/s/ Steven Myhill-Jones

 

(Registrant)

  
 Chief Executive Officer 
 Chairman of the Board
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Tu To

  
 

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and

Principal Accounting Officer)

 
 

/s/ Steven Myhill-Jones

(Principal Financial Officer and 
 

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Principal Accounting Officer)
 

Chairman of the Board

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

                           

DATE: May 15, 2023February 14, 2024

 

2621