UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) | |
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| For the quarter ended September 30, 2018 |
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| OR |
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☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED] |
| |
| For the transition period from _______ to _____ |
Commission file number 1-34240 |
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COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
Delaware | 33-0846191 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.E. Employer Identification No.) |
Incorporation or organization) | |
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1610 E. Saint Andrew Place, Santa Ana, California, 92705 |
(address of principal executive offices and zip code) |
|
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (949) 567-1234 |
|
Not Applicable |
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed, since last year) |
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 and posted on its corporate website, if any, every interactive data file required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232,405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ 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 ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
| 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 Securities Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Yes ☐ No ☒
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class | | Outstanding as of October 31, 2018 |
Common Stock $.001 Par Value | | 9,060,382 |
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I | Financial Information | Page |
| Item 1. | Financial Statements (unaudited): | |
| | | |
| | Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and June 30, 2018 | 1 |
| | | |
| | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 | 2 |
| | | |
| | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 | 3 |
| | | |
| | Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 5 |
| | | |
| Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 15 |
| | Forward-Looking Statements | 15 |
| | Our Business | 15 |
| | Overview of First Quarter Fiscal 2019 Operating Results | 16 |
| | Factors That Can Affect Our Operating Results and Financial Position | 17 |
| | Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates | 19 |
| | Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 | 22 |
| | Liquidity and Capital Resources | 25 |
| | | |
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 29 |
| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 29 |
| | | |
PART II | Other Information | |
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 30 |
| Item 6. | Exhibits | 30 |
| | |
SIGNATURES | | S-1 |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS | E-1 |
EXHIBITS | | |
Exhibit 31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
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Exhibit 31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
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Exhibit 32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
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Exhibit 32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
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Exhibit 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | |
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Exhibit 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
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Exhibit 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
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Exhibit 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
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Exhibit 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document | |
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Exhibit 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| | September 30, 2018 | | | June 30, 2018 | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 12,194 | | | $ | 10,581 | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $69 and $80 at September 30, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively | | | 2,334 | | | | 2,608 | |
Inventories, net | | | 2,512 | | | | 2,579 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 1,621 | | | | 1,965 | |
Total current assets | | | 18,661 | | | | 17,733 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment, net | | | 8,190 | | | | 8,378 | |
Goodwill | | | 2,083 | | | | 2,083 | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 2,183 | | | | 2,319 | |
Deferred income tax assets | | | 1,223 | | | | 1,222 | |
Other assets | | | 464 | | | | 479 | |
Total assets | | $ | 32,804 | | | $ | 32,214 | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 2,329 | | | $ | 2,487 | |
Accrued liabilities | | | 1,921 | | | | 1,998 | |
Accrued compensation and benefits | | | 2,668 | | | | 3,401 | |
Current portion of long-term debt | | | 750 | | | | 562 | |
Income taxes payable | | | 1,005 | | | | 312 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 2,998 | | | | 3,213 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 11,671 | | | | 11,973 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deferred rent | | | 3,785 | | | | 3,535 | |
Long Term Debt | | | 2,250 | | | | 2,438 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ equity: | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 3,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding | | | - | | | | - | |
Common stock, $.001 par value; 20,000 shares authorized; 9,060 and 9,015 issued and outstanding at September 30, and June 30, 2018, respectively. | | | 9 | | | | 9 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 86,632 | | | | 86,369 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (71,543 | ) | | | (72,110 | ) |
Total stockholders’ equity | | | 15,098 | | | | 14,268 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | $ | 32,804 | | | $ | 32,214 | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Net revenues | | $ | 17,495 | | | $ | 19,753 | |
Cost of revenues | | | 7,202 | | | | 7,450 | |
Gross profit | | | 10,293 | | | | 12,303 | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Selling and marketing expenses | | | 2,808 | | | | 2,754 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 4,658 | | | | 5,027 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 7,466 | | | | 7,781 | |
Operating income | | | 2,827 | | | | 4,522 | |
Interest income and other expense, net | | | 3 | | | | 31 | |
Income before provision for income taxes | | | 2,830 | | | | 4,553 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | 699 | | | | 919 | |
Income from continuing operations | | | 2,131 | | | | 3,634 | |
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes | | | - | | | | (1 | ) |
Net income | | $ | 2,131 | | | $ | 3,633 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income per basic share: | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 0.24 | | | $ | 0.42 | |
Loss from discontinued operations | | | - | | | | - | |
Net income per basic share | | $ | 0.24 | | | $ | 0.42 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income per diluted share: | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 0.24 | | | $ | 0.41 | |
Loss from discontinued operations | | | - | | | | - | |
Net income per diluted share | | $ | 0.24 | | | $ | 0.41 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 8,933 | | | | 8,573 | |
Diluted | | | 8,962 | | | | 8,765 | |
Dividends declared per common share | | $ | 0.175 | | | $ | 0.35 | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 2,131 | | | $ | 3,633 | |
Discontinued operations | | | - | | | | 1 | |
Income from continuing operations | | | 2,131 | | | | 3,634 | |
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization expense | | | 742 | | | | 442 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 263 | | | | 224 | |
Provision for bad debts | | | (6 | ) | | | (1 | ) |
Provision for inventory write-down | | | 4 | | | | - | |
Provision for warranty | | | 112 | | | | 113 | |
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | 277 | | | | (69 | ) |
Inventories | | | 64 | | | | (123 | ) |
Prepaid expenses and other | | | 418 | | | | 201 | |
Other assets | | | 14 | | | | 22 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | (126 | ) | | | 885 | |
Accrued compensation and benefits | | | (731 | ) | | | (1,470 | ) |
Income taxes payable | | | 693 | | | | 287 | |
Deferred revenue | | | (215 | ) | | | 43 | |
Deferred rent | | | 250 | | | | (33 | ) |
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | | | 3,890 | | | | 4,155 | |
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued businesses | | | - | | | | (126 | ) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 3,890 | | | | 4,029 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | | (297 | ) | | | (1,401 | ) |
Capitalized software | | | (194 | ) | | | (274 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of business | | | - | | | | 4 | |
Patents and other intangibles | | | - | | | | (4 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (491 | ) | | | (1,675 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Borrowings under Term Loan | | | - | | | | 1,000 | |
Dividends paid to common stockholders | | | (1,786 | ) | | | (2,973 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (1,786 | ) | | | (1,973 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | 1,613 | | | | 381 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 10,581 | | | | 9,826 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 12,194 | | | $ | 10,207 | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid during the period | | $ | 37 | | | $ | 6 | |
Income taxes paid during the period | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 632 | |
Leasehold Improvements contributed by landlord (See note 3) | | $ | - | | | $ | 2,106 | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. | SUMMARY OF Significant Accounting Policies |
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Collectors Universe, Inc. and its operating subsidiaries (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). At September 30, 2018, our operating subsidiaries were Certified Asset Exchange, Inc. (“CAE”), Collectors Universe (Hong Kong) Limited, Collectors Universe (Shanghai) Limited, Collectors Universe (Japan) Limited, and Expos, LLC. (“Expos”), all of which are ultimately 100% owned by Collectors Universe, Inc. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial reporting. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary to present fairly the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2019 or for any other interim period during such year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, as filed with the SEC (our “Fiscal 2018 10-K”). Amounts related to disclosure of June 30, 2018 balances within these interim condensed consolidated financial statements were derived from the aforementioned audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Revenue Recognition
Effective, July 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The core principle of ASC 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those good or services. In applying ASC 606, all revenue transactions must be evaluated using a five-step approach to determine the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized. The five-step approach requires (1) identifying the contract with the customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (5) recognizing revenue when performance obligations are satisfied. The Company analyzed the effect of the ASC 606 on its revenue streams and concluded that the adoption of the ASC 606 does not change the amounts and timing of revenue under previous revenue recognition guidance.
Our primary source of revenue is the authentication and grading of collectibles, which represented about 88% of our consolidated revenues in both fiscal 2018 and 2017. Our other sources of revenues represent the balance of our revenues and are small and less than 5% individually. In accordance with ASC 606 we recognize revenue for our main revenue streams as follows:
Authentication and Grading Revenues: We recognize revenue at the time of shipment (i.e. point of time) of the authenticated graded collectible to the customer, net of any taxes collected. Due to the insignificant delay between the completion of our authentication and grading services and the shipment of the collectible back to the customer, the time of shipment corresponds to the completion of our services. We recognize revenue for the sale of special coin inserts at the time the customer takes legal title to the insert. Many of our authentication and grading customers prepay our authentication and grading fees when they submit their collectibles to us for authentication and grading. We record those prepayments as deferred revenue until the collectibles have been authenticated and graded and shipped back to them. At that time, we record the revenues from the authentication and grading services we have performed for the customer and deduct this amount from deferred revenue. For certain dealers to whom we extend credit, we record revenue at the time of shipment of the authenticated and graded collectible to the dealer. We provide a limited warranty covering the coins and trading cards that we authenticate and grade. See Warranty Costs below.
Collectors Club Revenues: These revenues represent membership fees paid by customers for annual memberships in our Collectors Club. Those membership fees entitle members to access our on-line and printed publications and, depending on their membership level, to receive vouchers for authentication and grading services during the membership period. We allocate revenue between the vouchers and the membership. We recognize revenue attributable to the authentication and grading vouchers consistent with our Authentication and Grading services above. The balance of the membership fees is recognized ratably over the life of the membership. Memberships are paid in advance of the membership period and prepaid memberships are classified as deferred revenue. In the event vouchers expire unused (i.e. there are unexercised customer rights), we consider the guidance under ASC 606 in determining when to recognize revenue.
Certified Coin Exchanges Subscription Revenues: We recognize subscription revenues related to our CCE exchange for certified coins, ratably over the relevant subscription period. Subscriptions are typically billed and paid on a monthly basis, although certain quarterly and annual subscriptions can be paid in advance. Prepaid subscriptions are classified as part of deferred revenue.
Expos Trade Show Revenue: We recognize fees earned from promoting, managing, and operating trade shows in the periods in which the shows take place. Trade show booth fees are typically paid in advance. Certain auction fees are paid at the end of the show. Prepaid show fees are classified as part of deferred revenue.
Advertising and Commission Revenues: Advertising revenues are recognized in the period when the advertisement is displayed in our publications or websites and customers typically have 30 day credit terms. Click-through commission revenues earned through our websites from third party affiliate programs are recognized in the period in which the commissions are earned, and such commissions are paid in the following month.
Coin Sales: Coin sales consist primarily of sales of collectibles coins that we have purchased pursuant to our coin authentication and grading warranty program. We recognized revenues from coin sales when they are shipped or delivered to customers. However, those sales are not considered an integral part of the Company’s on going revenue generating activities.
Contract Balances. As discussed above, the timing of revenue recognition can differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract liabilities are comprised of billings or payments received from our customers in advance of performance under the contract. We refer to these contract liabilities as “Deferred Revenue” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, we recognized $1,596,000 in revenue from the deferred revenue balance of $3,213,000 at June 30, 2018.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs incurred to process and return customer collectibles submitted to us for grading or authentication are recorded as costs of revenues, net of amounts received from customers, in accordance with the guidance for Principals versus Agents as set out in ASC 606.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results from continuing and discontinued operations could differ from results expected on the basis of those estimates, and such differences could be material to our future results of operations and financial condition. Examples of such estimates that could be material include determinations made with respect to the capitalization and recovery of software development costs, the valuation of stock-based compensation awards and the timing of the recognition of related stock-based compensation expense, the valuation of coin inventory, the amount and assessment of goodwill for impairment, the sufficiency of warranty reserves and the provision or benefit for income taxes and related valuation allowances.
Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually, or more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Qualitative factors are considered in performing our goodwill impairment assessment, including the significant excess of fair value over carrying value in prior years, and any material changes in the estimated cash flows of the reporting unit. We also evaluate the carrying values of all other tangible and intangible assets for impairment if circumstances arise in which the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable on the basis of future undiscounted cash flows. We determined that no impairment of goodwill or other long-lived assets existed as of September 30, 2018.
Foreign Currency
The Company has determined that the U.S. Dollar is the functional currency for its French branch office and its Hong Kong, Japan and China subsidiaries. Based on this determination, the Company’s foreign operations are re-measured by reflecting the financial results of such operations as if they had taken place within a U.S. dollar-based economic environment. Fixed assets and other non-monetary assets and liabilities are re-measured from foreign currencies to U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates; whereas cash, accounts receivable and other monetary assets and liabilities are re-measured at current exchange rates. Gains and losses resulting from those re-measurements, which are included in income for the current period, were not material.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize stock-based compensation attributable to service-based equity grants over the service period based on the grant date fair values of the awards. For performance-based equity grants with financial performance goals, we begin recognizing compensation expense based on their respective grant date fair values when it becomes probable that we will achieve the financial performance goals.
Restricted Stock Awards: Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)
Retention Restricted Shares
To create incentives for the Participants to remain in the Company's service, service-contingent restricted shares were granted to the Participants as follows:
Annual Grants. A total of 45,199 and 21,090 Retention Restricted Shares were granted in September 2018 and December 2017, respectively, with vesting in three annual installments on the last day of the fiscal years following the grants, with the vesting of each such installment contingent on the Participant remaining in the continuous service of the Company through the vesting date of that installment.
One Time Grant. A total of 21,090 Retention Restricted Shares were granted in December 2017, with vesting in two equal installments of which 10,545 shares vested on June 30, 2018 and the remaining shares will vest on June 30, 2019, with the vesting of the remaining installment contingent on the Participant remaining in the continuous service of the Company through that vesting date.
If a Participant's continuous service with the Company ceases, for any reason whatsoever, including a termination of the Participant’s employment with or without cause, prior to any vesting date or dates, the then unvested Retention Restricted Shares will be forfeited.
Assuming continuous service for all Participants, stock-based compensation expense of $599,000 and $1,276,000 attributable to the 45,199 and 42,180 Retention Restricted Shares granted in September 2018 and December 2017, respectively, will be recognized over the requisite service period, of which $661,000 has been recognized as an expense through September 30, 2018.
Performance Restricted Shares (“PSUs”)
To create incentives for the Participants to drive significant improvements in the Company’s operating results during the three years ending June 30, 2020 (the "Performance Period"), in December 2017, the Compensation Committee established threshold, target and maximum CARGR (defined as compounded annual consolidated revenue growth rate) goals and Operating Margin (defined as operating income before stock-based compensation expense expressed as a percentage of consolidated revenue) goals, to be achieved over the Performance Period for vesting to occur and granted a total of 42,180 PSUs.
The vesting of the 42,180 PSUs by the Participants will be contingent on (i) the extent to which (if any) the threshold or target CARGR goals or threshold or target Operating Margin goals are achieved or exceeded, or the maximum CARGR or maximum Operating Margin goals are achieved, and (ii) their continued service with the Company through June 30, 2020.
The following table sets forth the percentages of the respective numbers of PSUs granted to each of the Participants that will vest on June 30, 2020 based on the extent to which the goals are achieved or exceeded and assuming their continued service with the Company through June 30, 2020:
| | Financial Performance Goals | |
| | Threshold | | | Target | | | Maximum | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Percent of PSUs Earned | | | 10 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 100 | % |
All of the PSUs will be forfeited if neither the threshold CARGR goal nor the threshold Operating Margin goal is achieved. Also, if a Participant fails to remain in the Company’s continuous service through June 30, 2020, for any reason whatsoever, including a termination of his or her employment with or without cause, then all of his or her PSUs will be forfeited.
Assuming the maximum performance goals are achieved and continuous service by the Participants, $1,276,000 of stock-based compensation expense will be recognized for the PSUs through June 30, 2020.
Stock-based compensation expense for the 42,180 PSUs will be recognized based on a quarterly assessment as to the progress the Company is making towards achieving the threshold, target or maximum performance goals throughout the Performance Period. There was no stock-based compensation expense recognized for the 42,180 PSUs shares through September 30, 2018, as it is not considered probable, at this time, based on the level of operating income before stock-based compensation achieved through September 30, 2018, that the Company will achieve the threshold, target or maximum performances in fiscal 2020.
Total stock-based compensation in the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $263,000 as compared to $224,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Concentrations
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.
Financial Instruments and Cash Balances. At September 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $12,194,000, of which approximately $7,136,000 was invested in money market accounts, and the balance of $5,058,000 (which is inclusive of cash in overseas bank accounts) was in non-interest bearing bank accounts for general day-to-day operations. Cash in overseas bank accounts was approximately $1,724,000 at September 30, 2018 of which $1,122,000 was in China. We plan to remit excess cash from China in accordance with Chinese exchange control regulations. Due to those exchange control regulations in China, delays can be experienced in transferring funds from China.
Substantially all of our cash in the United States is deposited at one FDIC insured financial institution. We maintained cash due from banks, inclusive of cash in overseas accounts, in excess of the bank’s FDIC insured deposit limits of approximately $9,493,000 at September 30, 2018.
Revolving Credit Line. As previously reported, in January 2017 we obtained a three-year, $10,000,000 unsecured revolving credit line from a commercial bank to enhance the Company’s liquidity and to support the growth of the Company’s business. We are entitled to obtain borrowings under the credit line at such times and in such amounts as we may request, provided that the maximum principal amount of credit line borrowings that may be outstanding at any one time may not exceed $10,000,000. We also may repay outstanding borrowings in whole or in part at any time or from time to time and reborrow amounts based upon availability under the line of credit, except that no borrowings may be outstanding under the credit line during a 30 consecutive day “out of loan” period each year. Borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s option, at LIBOR plus 2.25% or at 0.25% below the highest prime lending rate published from time to time by the Wall Street Journal. The Company is required to pay a quarterly unused commitment fee of 0.0625% of the amount by which (if any) that the average of the borrowings outstanding under the credit line in any calendar quarter is less than $4,000,000. There were no borrowings outstanding under the credit line at September 30, 2018. We were in compliance with all of our financial and other covenants under our credit line agreement at September 30, 2018.
Term Loan. As previously reported, on September 15, 2017 the Company obtained a five-year, $3,500,000 unsecured term loan. During its first year, the term loan took the form of a non-revolving credit line during which period the Company was entitled to draw down borrowings at such times and in such amounts as it may request, up to a maximum of $3,500,000. During that first year the Company was required to make monthly payments of interest only.
The Company used the borrowings under this loan of $3,000,000 to fund the Company’s share of the construction and related facility costs for its new corporate headquarters, as well as its moving costs, and lease exit costs for its prior corporate headquarters.
In September 2018, the loan was automatically converted into a four-year term loan in the principal amount of the borrowings then outstanding, which was $3,000,000. The Company is required to repay those borrowings in 48 equal monthly principal payments, of $62,500 together with interest, commencing in October 2018. No penalty will be payable on any prepayment of the loan as the Company has chosen a 90-day LIBOR Rate.
The agreement governing the term loan contains two financial covenants, which require the Company to maintain (a) a funded debt coverage ratio and (b) a debt service coverage ratio, respectively. The loan agreement also contains certain other covenants typical for this type of loan, including a covenant which provides that, without the bank’s consent, the Company may not incur additional indebtedness for borrowed money, except for (i) borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit line, (ii) purchase money indebtedness and (iii) capitalized lease obligations.
At September 30, 2018, the Company had $3,000,000 of outstanding borrowings under the term loan of which $750,000 is classified as a current liability and $2,250,000 is classified as a long-term liability in the consolidated condensed balance sheet at September 30, 2018. The Company was in compliance with the loan covenants at September 30, 2018.
Accounts Receivable. A substantial portion of accounts receivable are due from collectibles dealers. One individual customer’s accounts receivable balance exceeded 10% of the Company’s total gross accounts receivable balances at September 30, 2018 and at June 30, 2018. We perform analyses of the expected collectability of accounts receivable based on several factors, including the age and extent of significant past due accounts and economic conditions or trends that may adversely affect the ability of debtors to pay their account receivable balances. Based on that review, we establish an allowance for doubtful accounts, when deemed necessary. The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable was $69,000 and $80,000 at September 30, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively. Ultimately, we will write-off accounts receivable balances when it is determined that there is no possibility of collection.
Coin Revenues. The authentication, grading and sales of collectible coins, related services and coin product sales accounted for approximately 58% of our net revenues for three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 68% of our net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Customers. Our top five customers accounted, in the aggregate, for approximately 11% of our total revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to 29% of revenues in the same period of the prior year, during which our banking channel customer in China accounted for approximately 18% of total net revenues.
Inventories
Our inventories consist primarily of (i) coins which we have purchased pursuant to our coin authentication and grading warranty program and (ii) consumable supplies and special inserts that we use in our continuing authentication and grading businesses. Coin collectibles inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the specific identification method. Consumable supplies are recorded at the lower of cost (using the first-in first-out method) or market. Inventories are periodically reviewed to identify slow-moving items, and an allowance for inventory losses is recognized, as considered necessary. It is possible that our estimates of market value of collectible coins in inventory could change due to market conditions in the various collectibles markets served by the Company, which could require us to increase that allowance for inventory losses.
Capitalized Software
We capitalize certain costs incurred in the development and upgrading of our software, either from internal or external sources, as part of intangible assets and we amortize these costs on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software of three years. In the three months ended September 30, 2018 we capitalized approximately $194,000 of software development costs as compared to $274,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017. In the three months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded approximately $237,000 as amortization expense for capitalized software as compared to $154,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017. Planning, training, support and maintenance costs incurred either prior to or following the implementation phase of software development projects are recognized as expense in the period in which they are incurred. We evaluate the carrying value of capitalized software for possible impairment, and, if necessary, an impairment loss is recorded in the period in which any impairment is determined to have occurred.
Warranty Costs
We provide a limited warranty covering the coins and trading cards that we authenticate and grade. Under the warranty, if any collectible coin or trading card that was previously authenticated and graded by us is later submitted to us for re-grading and either (i) receives a lower grade upon that re-submittal or (ii) is determined not to have been authentic, we will offer to purchase the collectible or, in the alternative, at the customer’s option, pay the difference in value of the item at its original grade, as compared to its value at its lower grade. However, this warranty is voided if the collectible, upon re-submittal to us, is not in the same tamper-resistant holder in which it was placed at the time we last graded it. We accrue for estimated warranty costs based on historical trends and related experience. We monitor the adequacy of our warranty reserves on an ongoing basis for significant claims resulting from resubmissions receiving lower grades or deemed not to be authentic. Warranty expense recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $112,000 as compared to $113,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Dividends
In accordance with the Company’s current quarterly dividend policy, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.175 per share of common stock in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 as compared to $0.35 per share in the three months ended September 30, 2018. The declaration of cash dividends in the future is subject to final determination each quarter by the Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including the Company’s financial performance and its available cash resources, its cash requirements and alternative uses of cash that the Board may conclude would represent an opportunity to generate a greater return on investment for the Company.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 on Accounting for Leases. The core principle of this guidance is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The adoption of this guidance is expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statement and related disclosures. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted.
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands): | |
| | September 30, | | | June 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2018 | |
Coins | | $ | 496 | | | $ | 490 | |
Grading raw materials consumable inventory | | | 3,233 | | | | 3,303 | |
| | | 3,729 | | | | 3,793 | |
Less inventory reserve | | | (1,217 | ) | | | (1,214 | ) |
Inventories, net | | $ | 2,512 | | | $ | 2,579 | |
The inventory reserve represents a valuation allowance on certain items of our coins inventory based on the current market value of those coins and for our consumables inventories, based upon our review of the expected future usage of that inventory.
Estimated market value of coins can be subjective and can vary depending on market conditions for precious metals, the number of qualified buyers for a particular coin and the uniqueness and special features of a particular coin.
Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands): | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, | | | June 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2018 | |
Coins grading reference sets | | $ | 263 | | | $ | 263 | |
Computer hardware and equipment | | | 2,181 | | | | 2,075 | |
Computer software | | | 1,552 | | | | 1,531 | |
Equipment | | | 4,828 | | | | 4,661 | |
Furniture and office equipment | | | 925 | | | | 925 | |
Leasehold improvements | | | 4,711 | | | | 4,711 | |
Trading card reference library | | | 52 | | | | 52 | |
| | | 14,512 | | | | 14,218 | |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | (6,322 | ) | | | (5,840 | ) |
Property and equipment, net | | $ | 8,190 | | | $ | 8,378 | |
Leasehold improvements at September 30, 2018 include approximately $4,144,000 of leasehold improvements for the Company’s new operations and headquarters facility, of which approximately $2,949,000 was contributed by the landlord.
Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, | | | June 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2018 | |
Warranty reserves | | $ | 944 | | | $ | 862 | |
Professional fees | | | 194 | | | | 151 | |
Other | | | 783 | | | | 985 | |
| | $ | 1,921 | | | $ | 1,998 | |
The following table presents the changes in the Company’s warranty reserve during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Warranty reserve beginning of period | | $ | 862 | | | $ | 834 | |
Provision charged to cost of revenues | | | 112 | | | | 113 | |
Payments | | | (30 | ) | | | (104 | ) |
Warranty reserve, end of period | | $ | 944 | | | $ | 843 | |
The income tax provisions in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were determined based on estimated annual effective tax rates of approximately 25% and 20%, respectively. The rate of 25% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, reflects a federal tax rate of 21% as a result of the Tax Reform Act enacted into law in December 2017. The rate of 20% in the three months ended September 30, 2017 reflects a federal tax rate of 35%. Both three-month periods were adjusted for excess tax benefits or deficiencies, primarily resulting from the vesting of the LTIP shares in June 2018 and August 2017, respectively.
The following table presents the changes in the Company’s weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic | | | 8,933 | | | | 8,573 | |
Dilutive effect of restricted shares | | | 29 | | | | 192 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: Diluted | | | 8,962 | | | | 8,765 | |
A total of 31,000 anti-dilutive unvested restricted shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted income per share in the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to 3,000 anti-dilutive unvested restricted shares that were excluded from the computation in the three months ended September 30, 2017.
In addition, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, 40,000 of unvested performance based shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because we had not achieved the related performance goals required for those shares to vest.
Operating segments are defined as the components or “segments” of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to and in assessing performance of those components or “segments”. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company’s operating segments are organized based on the respective services that they offer to customers. Similar operating segments have been aggregated to reportable operating segments based on having similar services, types of customers, and other criteria.
For our continuing operations, we operate principally in three reportable service segments: coins, trading cards and autographs and other (which includes our non-authentication and grading smaller businesses). Services provided by the coin and the trading cards and autographs segments include authentication, grading, publications, advertising and commissions earned, membership revenues and product sales. The other segment is comprised of CCE, Coinflation.com, Collectors.com and our collectibles trade show business.
We allocate certain operating expenses to each service segment based upon each segment’s estimated expense usage. The following tables set forth on a segment basis, including a reconciliation with the condensed consolidated financial statements, (i) revenues, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) stock-based compensation expense, and (iv) operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Net identifiable assets are provided by business segment as of September 30, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Net revenues: | | | | | | | | |
Coins (1) | | $ | 10,121 | | | $ | 13,449 | |
Trading cards and autographs | | | 6,100 | | | | 5,088 | |
Other | | | 1,274 | | | | 1,216 | |
Consolidated total revenue | | $ | 17,495 | | | $ | 19,753 | |
Depreciation and amortization: | | | | | | | | |
Coins | | $ | 324 | | | $ | 176 | |
Trading cards and autographs | | | 141 | | | | 60 | |
Other | | | 148 | | | | 134 | |
Total | | | 613 | | | | 370 | |
Unallocated depreciation and amortization | | | 129 | | | | 72 | |
Consolidated depreciation and amortization | | $ | 742 | | | $ | 442 | |
Stock-based compensation: | | | | | | | | |
Coins | | $ | 65 | | | $ | 57 | |
Trading cards and autographs | | | 4 | | | | 16 | |
Other | | | 7 | | | | 11 | |
Total | | | 76 | | | | 84 | |
Unallocated stock-based compensation | | | 187 | | | | 140 | |
Consolidated stock-based compensation | | $ | 263 | | | $ | 224 | |
Operating income: | | | | | | | | |
Coins | | $ | 2,329 | | | $ | 4,527 | |
Trading cards and autographs | | | 1,563 | | | | 1,376 | |
Other | | | 343 | | | | 265 | |
Total | | | 4,235 | | | | 6,168 | |
Unallocated operating expenses | | | (1,408 | ) | | | (1,646 | ) |
Consolidated operating income | | $ | 2,827 | | | $ | 4,522 | |
(1) Includes service revenues of $1.7 million generated from outside the United States in the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $4.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017.
| | September 30, | | | June 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2018 | |
Identifiable Assets: | | | | | | | | |
Coins | | $ | 10,219 | | | $ | 10,905 | |
Trading cards and autographs | | | 3,854 | | | | 3,877 | |
Other | | | 2,754 | | | | 2,944 | |
Total | | | 16,827 | | | | 17,726 | |
Unallocated assets | | | 15,977 | | | | 14,488 | |
Consolidated assets | | $ | 32,804 | | | $ | 32,214 | |
Goodwill: | | | | | | | | |
Coins | | $ | 515 | | | $ | 515 | |
Other | | | 1,568 | | | | 1,568 | |
Consolidated goodwill | | $ | 2,083 | | | $ | 2,083 | |
8. | RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
During the three months ended September 30, 2018, an adult member of the immediate family (who does not reside with him) of Mr. David Hall, a member of the Board of Directors, paid grading and authentication fees to us of $228,000 as compared to $804,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. At September 30, 2018, the amount owed to the Company by that person for these services was approximately $52,000 as compared to $127,000 at June 30, 2018.
The grading fees charged by the Company to this individual was comparable to the fees charged by the Company in the ordinary course of business to unaffiliated customers for similar services.
The Company is named from time to time, as a defendant in lawsuits and disputes that arise in the ordinary course of business. We establish accruals for lawsuits or disputes when it is determined that a loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated. Accruals can be adjusted from time to time, in light of additional information.
We believe that none of the lawsuits or disputes currently pending against the Company is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
On October 23, 2018, the Company announced that, in accordance with its dividend policy the Board of Directors had approved a second quarter cash dividend of $0.175 per share of common stock, which will be paid on November 30, 2018 to stockholders of record on November 16, 2018.
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Forward-Looking Statements
The discussion in this Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”). Those Sections of the 1933 Act and 1934 Act provide a “safe harbor” from liability for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their expected future financial performance so long as they provide cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause their actual results to differ from projected or anticipated results. Other than statements of historical fact, all statements in this Report and, in particular, any projections of or statements as to our expectations or beliefs concerning our future financial performance or financial condition or as to trends in our business or in our markets, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements often include the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "project," or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." Our actual financial performance in future periods may differ significantly from the currently expected financial performance set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this Report due to the risks to which our business is subject and other circumstances or occurrences which are not presently predictable and over which we do not have control. Consequently, the forward-looking statements and information contained in this Report are qualified in their entirety by, and readers of this Report are urged to read the risk factors that are described in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 (the “Fiscal 2018 10-K”), which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 30, 2018, and the section, entitled “Factors that Can affect our Results of Operations or Financial Position,” below in this Item 2.
Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements that are contained or recent trends that we describe in this Report, which speak only as of the date of this Report, or to make predictions about our future financial performance based solely on our historical financial performance. We also disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Report or in our Fiscal 2018 10-K or any of our other prior filings with the SEC, except as may be required by applicable law or applicable NASDAQ rules.
Our Business
Collectors Universe, Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company”) provides authentication and grading services to dealers and collectors of coins, trading cards, event tickets, autographs, sports and historical memorabilia. We believe that our authentication and grading services add value to these collectibles by providing dealers and collectors with a high level of assurance as to the authenticity and quality of the collectibles they seek to buy or sell; thereby enhancing their marketability and providing increased liquidity to the dealers, collectors and consumers that own, buy and sell such collectibles.
We principally generate revenues from the fees paid for our authentication and grading services. To a lesser extent, we generate revenues from other related services which consist of: (i) revenues from sales of advertising placed and commissions earned on our websites; (ii) sales of printed publications and collectibles price guides and sales of advertising in our publications; (iii) sales of membership subscriptions in our Collectors Club, which is designed primarily to attract interest in high-value collectibles among new collectors; (iv) sales of subscriptions to our CCE dealer-to-dealer Internet bid-ask market for coins that have been authenticated and graded (or “certified”) and (v) the management and operation of collectibles trade shows and conventions. We also generate revenues from sales of our collectibles inventory, which is comprised primarily of collectible coins that we have purchased under our coin grading warranty program; however, such product sales are neither the focus nor an integral part of our on-going revenue generating activities.
Overview of First Quarter Fiscal 2019 Operating Results
The following table sets forth comparative financial data for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 | |
| | Amount
| | | Percent of Revenues | | | Amount
| | | Percent of Revenues | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | | $ | 17,495 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 19,753 | | | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of revenues | | | 7,202 | | | | 41.2 | % | | | 7,450 | | | | 37.7 | % |
Gross Profit | | | 10,293 | | | | 58.8 | % | | | 12,303 | | | | 62.3 | % |
Selling and marketing expenses | | | 2,808 | | | | 16.0 | % | | | 2,754 | | | | 13.9 | % |
General and administrative expenses | | | 4,658 | | | | 26.6 | % | | | 5,027 | | | | 25.5 | % |
Operating income | | | 2,827 | | | | 16.2 | % | | | 4,522 | | | | 22.9 | % |
Net Interest and other income | | | 3 | | | | - | | | | 31 | | | | 0.1 | % |
Income before provision for income taxes | | | 2,830 | | | | 16.2 | % | | | 4,553 | | | | 23.0 | % |
Provision for income taxes | | | 699 | | | | 4.0 | % | | | 919 | | | | 4.6 | % |
Income from continuing operations | | | 2,131 | | | | 12.2 | % | | | 3,634 | | | | 18.4 | % |
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1 | ) | | | - | |
Net income | | $ | 2,131 | | | | 12.2 | % | | $ | 3,633 | | | | 18.4 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income per diluted share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 0.24 | | | | | | | $ | 0.41 | | | | | |
Loss from discontinued operations | | | - | | | | | | | | - | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 0.24 | | | | | | | $ | 0.41 | | | | | |
Net revenues decreased by $2.3 million, or 11%, to $17.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018 from the quarterly record of $19.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017. The lower revenues in this year’s first quarter was primarily attributable to a decrease of approximately $3.0 million in China revenues, due to the absence of revenues from the banking channel in China in this year’s first quarter partially offset by an increase of $1.0 million in our cards and autographs revenues. See Net Revenues below for a more detailed discussion on the changes in revenues in this year’s first quarter.
Due primarily to the lower revenues, operating income decreased by $1.7 million to $2.8 million from $4.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017.
These, as well as other factors affecting our operating results in the three months ended September 30, 2018, are described in more detail below. See “Factors that Can Affect Our Operating Results and Financial Position” and “Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017”, below.
Factors That Can Affect our Operating Results and Financial Position
Factors That Can Affect our Revenues and Gross Profit Margins. Authentication and grading fees accounted for approximately 87% of our service revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2018. The amount of those fees and our gross profit margins are primarily driven by the volume and mix of coin and collectibles sales and purchase transactions by collectibles dealers and collectors, because our authentication and grading services generally facilitate sales and purchases of coins and other collectibles by providing dealers and collectors with a high level of assurance as to the authenticity and quality of the collectibles they seek to sell or buy. Consequently, dealers and collectors most often submit coins and other collectibles to us for authentication and grading at those times when they are in the market to sell or buy coins and the other high-value collectibles, that we authenticate and grade.
Our authentication and grading revenues and gross profit margins are affected by (i) the volume and mix of authentication and grading submissions among coins and trading cards; (ii) in the case of coins and trading cards, the turnaround times requested by our customers, because we charge higher fees for faster service times; and (iii) the volume and mix of authentication and grading submissions between vintage or “classic” coins and trading cards, and modern coins and trading cards, as vintage or classic collectibles generally are of significantly higher value than modern coins and trading cards; and justify a higher average service fee. Furthermore, because a significant proportion of our costs of revenues are relatively fixed in nature in the short term, our gross profit margin is also affected by the overall volume of collectibles that we authenticate and grade in any period.
In addition, our coin authentication and grading revenues are impacted by the volume of modern coin submissions, which can be volatile, primarily in the U.S., depending on the timing and size of modern coin marketing programs by the United States Mint and by customers or dealers who specialize in sales of such coins.
Our overseas revenues can fluctuate on a quarterly basis due to the number of authentication and grading events we conduct at our overseas operations on a quarterly basis and in China due to the level of revenue generated from the banking channel. The reduction in China revenues to $1.0 million in this year’s first quarter from $4.0 million in last year’s first quarter, reflects the absence of revenues from our banking channel customer in this year’s first quarter partially offset by an increase of $0.7 million in revenue from our non-banking channel customers in China. As previously reported, through February 2018, we had an exclusive relationship with a banking channel customer. Due to changing market conditions in China, and a desire to broaden our customer base, in February 2018, we notified the customer that we had decided to terminate the exclusive relationship but advising the customer that we are prepared to continue to authenticate and grade coins on a non-exclusive basis. At this time, it is too early to predict the longer-term effect this action will have on future coin submissions from this customer or how successful we will be in attracting submissions from other competing banking channel customers. Our experience to date is that revenue from the banking channel occurs in the first half of our fiscal year.
Our revenues and gross profit margin are also affected by the number of coin authentication and grading submissions we receive at collectibles trade shows, where we provide on-site authentication and grading services to show attendees, because show attendees typically request higher priced same-day turnaround for the coins they submit to us for authentication and grading at those shows. The number of trade show submissions varies from period to period depending upon a number of factors, including the number and the timing of the shows in each period and the volume of collectible coins that are bought and sold at those shows by dealers and collectors. In addition, the number of such submissions and, therefore, the revenues and gross profit margin we generate from the authentication and grading of coins at trade shows can be impacted by dealer and collectors sentiment arising from short-term changes in the prices of gold that may occur around the time of shows, because short-term changes in gold prices can affect the willingness of dealers and collectors to sell and purchase coins at the shows.
Our top five customers accounted, in the aggregate, for approximately 11% of our total revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 29% in the same period of the prior year, during which our banking channel coin customer in China accounted for approximately 18% of our total net revenues. As a result, the loss of any of those customers, or a significant decrease in the volume of grading submissions from any of them to us, could cause our net revenues to decline and, therefore, could adversely affect our results of operations.
The following table provides information regarding the respective numbers of coins and trading cards and autographs that we authenticated and graded in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and their estimated values, which are the amounts at which those coins and trading cards and autographs were declared for insurance purposes, by the dealers and collectors who submitted them to us for authentication and grading:
| | Units Processed Three Months Ended September 30, | | | Declared Value (000s) Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Coins(1) | | | 531,300 | | | | 48.2 | % | | | 1,147,500 | | | | 71.0 | % | | $ | 509,642 | | | | 89.0 | % | | $ | 453,532 | | | | 86.1 | % |
Trading cards and Autographs | | | 572,100 | | | | 51.8 | % | | | 468,200 | | | | 29.0 | % | | | 63,217 | | | | 11.0 | % | | | 73,516 | | | | 13.9 | % |
Total | | | 1,103,400 | | | | 100.0 | % | | | 1,615,700 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 572,859 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 527,048 | | | | 100.0 | % |
(1) The lower number of coins authenticated and graded in this year’s first quarter as compared to last year’s first quarter, relates to the lower China revenues and U.S. Modern revenues that are discussed under Net Revenues below.
Impact of Economic Conditions on our Financial Performance. As discussed above, our operating results are affected by the number of collectibles transactions by collectibles dealers and collectors which, in turn, is primarily affected by (i) the cash flows generated by collectibles dealers and their confidence about future economic conditions, which affect their willingness and the ability of such dealers to purchase collectibles for resale; (ii) the availability and cost of borrowings because collectibles dealers often rely on borrowings to fund their purchases of collectibles, (iii) the disposable income available to collectors and their confidence about future economic conditions, because high-value collectibles are generally purchased with disposable income; (iv) prevailing and anticipated rates of inflation and the strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar, and uncertainties regarding the strength of the economy in the United States, Western Europe and China, because conditions and uncertainties of this nature often lead investors and consumers to purchase or invest in gold and silver coins as a hedge against inflation or reductions in the purchasing power of the U.S. currency; as well as an alternative to investments in government bonds and other treasury instruments; and (v) the performance and volatility of the gold and other precious metals markets, which can affect the level of purchases and sales of collectible coins, because investors and consumers will often increase their purchases of gold coins, as well as other hard assets if they believe that the market prices of those assets will increase. As a result, the volume of collectibles transactions and, therefore, the demand for our authentication and grading services, generally increase during periods characterized by increases in disposable income and the availability of lower cost borrowings, on the one hand, or increases in inflation or in gold prices, economic uncertainties and declines in business and consumer confidence or a weakening of the U.S. dollar on the other hand. By contrast, collectibles transactions and, therefore, the demand for our services generally decline during periods characterized by economic downturns or recessions, declines in consumer and business confidence, an absence of inflationary pressures, or periods of stagnation or a downward trend in the market prices of gold. However, these conditions can sometimes counteract each other as it is not uncommon, for example, for investors to shift funds from gold to other investments during periods of economic growth and growing consumer and business confidence and from stocks and other investments to gold during periods of economic uncertainties and decreases in disposable income and consumer and in business confidence.
Factors That Can Affect our Liquidity and Financial Position. A substantial number of our authentication and grading customers pay our authentication and grading fees when they submit their collectibles to us for authentication and grading or prior to the shipment of the collectible back to them. As a result, historically, we have been able to rely on internally generated cash to fund our continuing operations.
In addition to the operating performances of our businesses, and in particular our coin business, which accounted for approximately 58% of our revenues in this year’s quarter, our overall financial position can also be affected by other factors, including the Company’s tax position and effective tax rate, the dividend policy adopted by the Board of Directors from time to time, the Company’s decisions to invest in and to fund the acquisition of established and/or early stage businesses and any capital raising activities or stock repurchases. Furthermore, our domestic financial position can be impacted by delays in repatriating cash balances back to the United States from China, due to exchange control regulations in China.
As discussed in note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, and in “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Future Sources of Cash” below, the Company continues to have a $10,000,000 three-year unsecured revolving credit line through January 2020. In addition, the Company has borrowings of $3.0 million under an unsecured term loan used to fund capital expenditures and costs associated with the move to our operations and headquarters facility in fiscal 2018. Repayments under this term loan, of $62,500 on a monthly basis plus interest, will commence in October 2018 through September 2022.
We expect that internally generated cash flows, current cash and cash equivalent balances and borrowings available under the credit line will be sufficient to fund our continuing operations at least through the end of September 2019.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
During the three months ended September 30, 2018 there were no changes in our critical accounting policies or estimates which are described in Item 7 of our Fiscal 2018 10-K. Readers of this report are urged to read that Section of the Fiscal 2018 10-K for a more complete understanding and detailed discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Effective, July 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The core principle of ASC 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those good or services. In applying ASC 606, all revenue transactions must be evaluated using a five-step approach to determine the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized. The five-step approach requires (1) identifying the contract with the customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (5) recognizing revenue when performance obligations are satisfied. The Company analyzed the effect of the ASC 606 on its revenue streams and concluded that the adoption of the ASC 606 does not change the amounts and timing of revenue under previous revenue recognition guidance.
Our primary source of revenue is the authentication and grading of collectibles, which represented about 88% of our consolidated revenues in both fiscal 2018 and 2017. Our other sources of revenues represent the balance of our revenues and are small and less than 5% individually. In accordance with ASC 606 we recognize revenue for our main revenue streams as follows:
Authentication and Grading Revenues: We recognize revenue at the time of shipment (i.e. point of time) of the authenticated graded collectible to the customer, net of any taxes collected. Due to the insignificant delay between the completion of our authentication and grading services and the shipment of the collectible back to the customer, the time of shipment corresponds to the completion of our services. We recognize revenue for the sale of special coin inserts at the time the customer takes legal title to the insert. Many of our authentication and grading customers prepay our authentication and grading fees when they submit their collectibles to us for authentication and grading. We record those prepayments as deferred revenue until the collectibles have been authenticated and graded shipped back to them. At that time, we record the revenues from the authentication and grading services we have performed for the customer and deduct this amount from deferred revenue. For certain dealers to whom we extend credit, we record revenue at the time of shipment of the authenticated and graded collectible to the dealer. We provide a limited warranty covering the coins and trading cards that we authenticate and grade. See Warranty Costs below.
Collectors Club Revenues: These revenues represent membership fees paid by customers for annual memberships in our Collectors Club. Those membership fees entitle members to access our on-line and printed publications and, depending on their membership level, to receive vouchers for authentication and grading services during the membership period. We allocate revenue between the vouchers and the membership. We recognize revenue attributable to the authentication and grading vouchers consistent with our Authentication and Grading services above. The balance of the membership fees is recognized ratably over the life of the membership. Memberships are paid in advance of the membership period and prepaid memberships are classified as deferred revenue. In the event vouchers expire unused (i.e. there are unexercised customer rights), we consider the guidance under ASC 606 in determining when to recognize revenue.
Certified Coin Exchanges Subscription Revenues: We recognize subscription revenues related to our CCE exchange for certified coins, ratably over the relevant subscription period. Subscriptions are typically billed and paid on a monthly basis although certain quarterly and annual subscriptions can be paid in advance. Prepaid subscriptions are classified as part of deferred revenue.
Expos Trade Show Revenue: We recognize fees earned from promoting, managing, and operating trade shows in the periods in which the shows take place. Trade show booth fees are typically paid in advance of the show taking place. Certain auction fees are paid at the end of the show. Prepaid show fees are classified as part of deferred revenue.
Advertising and Commission Revenues: Advertising revenues are recognized in the period when the advertisement is displayed in our publications or websites and customers typically have 30 day credit terms. Click-through commission revenues earned through our websites from third party affiliate programs are recognized in the period in which the commissions are earned and such commissions are paid in the following month.
Coin Sales: Coin sales consist primarily of sales of collectibles coins that we have purchased pursuant to our coin authentication and grading warranty program. We recognized revenues from coin sales when they are shipped or delivered to customers. However, those sales are not considered an integral part of the Company’s on going revenue generating activities.
Contract Balances. As discussed above, the timing of revenue recognition can differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract liabilities are comprised of billings or payments received from our customers in advance of performance under the contract. We refer to these contract liabilities as “Deferred Revenue” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, we recognized $1,596,000 in revenue from the deferred revenue balance of $3,213,000 at June 30, 2018.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs incurred to process and return customer collectibles submitted to us for grading or authentication are recorded as costs of revenues, net of amounts received from customers, in accordance with the guidance for Principals versus Agents as set out in ASC 606.
Goodwill
We test the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually on their respective acquisition anniversary dates, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are determined to exist. When testing for impairment, in accordance with Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, we consider qualitative factors, and where determined necessary, we proceed to the two-step goodwill impairment test. When applying the two-step impairment test, we apply a discounted cash flow model or an income approach in determining a fair value that is used to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit on a total basis, which is then compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the reporting unit, no impairment of goodwill exists as of the measurement date. However, if the fair value is less than the carrying value, then there is the possibility of goodwill impairment and further testing and re-measurement of goodwill would be required.
During the first quarter ended September 30, 2018, we completed the annual goodwill impairment assessment with respect to the goodwill acquired in our fiscal year 2006 purchases of CCE and CoinFacts. We assessed qualitative factors, including the significant excess of their fair values over carrying value in prior years, and any material changes in the estimated cash flows of the reporting units, and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair values of CCE and CoinFacts were greater than their respective carrying values, including goodwill, and therefore, it was not necessary to proceed to the two-step impairment test.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize stock-based compensation attributable to service-based equity grants over the service period based on the grant date fair values of the awards. For performance-based equity grants with financial performance goals, we begin recognizing compensation expense based on their respective grant date fair values when it becomes probable that we will achieve the financial performance goals.
Restricted Stock Awards: Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)
Retention Restricted Shares
To create incentives for the Participants to remain in the Company's service, service-contingent restricted shares were granted to the Participants as follows:
Annual Grants. A total of 45,199 and 21,090 Retention Restricted Shares were granted in September 2018 and December 2017, respectively with vesting in three equal installments each on the last day of the fiscal years following the grants, with the vesting of each such installment contingent on the Participant remaining in the continuous service of the Company through the vesting date of that installment.
One Time Grant. A total of 21,090 Retention Restricted Shares were granted in December 2017, with vesting in two equal installments of which 10,545 shares vested on June 30, 2018 and the remaining shares will vest on June 30, 2019, with the vesting of the remaining installment contingent on the Participant remaining in the continuous service of the Company through that date.
If a Participant's continuous service with the Company ceases, for any reason whatsoever, including a termination of the Participant’s employment with or without cause, prior to any vesting date or dates, the then unvested Retention Restricted Shares will be forfeited.
Assuming continuous service for all Participants, stock-based compensation expense of $599,000 and $1,276,000 attributable to the 45,199 and 42,180 Retention Restricted Shares shares granted in September 2018 and December 2017, respectively, will be recognized over the requisite service period, of which $661,000 has been recognized as an expense through September 30, 2018.
Performance Restricted Shares (“PSUs”)
To create incentives for the Participants to drive significant improvements in the Company’s operating results during the three years ending June 30, 2020 (the "Performance Period"), in December 2017, the Compensation Committee established threshold, target and maximum CARGR (defined as compounded annual consolidated revenue growth rate) goals and Operating Margin (defined as operating income before stock-based compensation expense expressed as a percentage of consolidated revenue) goals, to be achieved over the Performance Period for vesting to occur and granted a total of 42,180 PSUs.
The vesting of the 42,180 PSUs by the Participants will be contingent on (i) the extent to which (if any) the threshold or target CARGR goals or threshold or target Operating Margin goals are achieved or exceeded, or the maximum CARGR or maximum Operating Margin goals are achieved, and (ii) their continued service with the Company through June 30, 2020.
The following table sets forth the percentages of the respective numbers of PSUs granted to each of the Participants that will vest on June 30, 2020 based on the extent to which the goals are achieved or exceeded and assuming their continued service with the Company through June 30, 2020:
| | Financial Performance Goals | |
| | Threshold | | | Target | | | Maximum | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Percent of PSUs Earned | | | 10 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 100 | % |
All of the PSUs will be forfeited if neither the threshold CARGR goal nor the threshold Operating Margin goal is achieved. Also, if a Participant fails to remain in the Company’s continuous service through June 30, 2020, for any reason whatsoever, including a termination of his or her employment with or without cause, then all of his or her PSUs will be forfeited.
Assuming the maximum performance goals are achieved and continuous service by the Participants, $1,276,000 of stock-based compensation expense will be recognized for the PSUs through June 30, 2020.
Stock-based compensation expense for the 42,180 PSUs will be recognized based on a quarterly assessment as to the progress the Company is making towards achieving the threshold, target or maximum performance goals throughout the Performance Period. There was no stock-based compensation expense recognized for the 42,180 PSUs shares through September 30, 2018, as it is not considered probable, at this time, based on the level of operating income before stock-based compensation achieved through September 30, 2018, that the Company will achieve the threshold, target or maximum performances in fiscal 2020.
Total stock-based compensation in the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $263,000 as compared to $224,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Net Revenues
Net revenues consist primarily of fees that we generate from the authentication and grading of high-value collectibles, including coins, trading cards and autographs, and related special inserts, if applicable. To a lesser extent, we generate collectibles related service revenues (which we refer to as “other related revenues”) from advertising and commissions earned on our websites and in printed publications and collectibles price guides; subscription/membership revenues related to our CCE (dealer-to-dealer Internet bid-ask market for certified coins), and Collectors Club memberships; and fees earned from promoting, managing and operating collectibles trade shows. Net revenues also include, to a significantly lesser extent, revenues from the sales of products, which consist primarily of coins that we have purchased under our coin authentication and grading warranty policy. We do not consider such product sales to be the focus or an integral part of our ongoing revenue generating activities.
The following tables set forth the information regarding our net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2018 vs. 2017 | |
| | | | | | % of Net | | | | | | | % of Net | | | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | Amount | | | Revenues | | | Amount | | | Revenues | | | Amounts | | | % | |
Authentication and grading fees | | $ | 15,213 | | | | 87.0 | % | | $ | 17,674 | | | | 89.5 | % | | $ | (2,461 | ) | | | (13.9 | %) |
Other related services | | | 2,282 | | | | 13.0 | % | | | 2,079 | | �� | | 10.5 | % | | | 203 | | | | 9.8 | % |
Total revenues | | $ | 17,495 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 19,753 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | (2,258 | ) | | | (11.4 | %) |
The following tables set forth certain information regarding the increases (decreases) in net revenues in our larger markets (which are inclusive of revenues from our other related services) and in the number of units authenticated and graded in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2018 vs. 2017 | |
| | | | | | % of Net | | | | | | | % of Net | | | Increase (Decrease) | |
Coins: | | Amount | | | Revenues | | | Amount | | | Revenues | | | Amounts | | | % | |
United States | | $ | 8,429 | | | | 48.2 | % | | $ | 8,595 | | | | 43.5 | % | | $ | (166 | ) | | | (1.9% | ) |
China | | | 1,069 | | | | 6.1 | % | | | 4,044 | | | | 20.5 | % | | | (2,975 | ) | | | (73.6% | ) |
France & Hong Kong | | | 623 | | | | 3.6 | % | | | 810 | | | | 4.1 | % | | | (187 | ) | | | (23.1% | ) |
Total Coins | | | 10,121 | | | | 57.9 | % | | | 13,449 | | | | 68.1 | % | | | (3,328 | ) | | | (24.7% | ) |
Cards and autographs (1) | | | 6,100 | | | | 34.9 | % | | | 5,088 | | | | 25.8 | % | | | 1,012 | | | | 19.9 | % |
Other (2) | | | 1,274 | | | | 7.2 | % | | | 1,216 | | | | 6.1 | % | | | 58 | | | | 4.8 | % |
| | $ | 17,495 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 19,753 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | (2,258 | ) | | | (11.4% | ) |
| |
| (1) | Consists of revenues from our PSA trading card authentication and grading business and our PSA/DNA autograph authentication and grading business. |
| (2) | Includes the revenues generated by our CCE subscription business, Coinflation.com, Collectors.com, the Expos trade show and sales of product. |
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, our total service revenues decreased by $2,258,000, or 11.4% to $17,495,000 from the quarterly record of $19,753,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017. That decrease was attributable to a decrease of $2,461,000 or 13.9% in authentication and grading fees partially offset by a increase of $203,000 or 9.8%, in other related services. The decrease in authentication and grading fees was attributable to a $922,000 or 19.7%, increase in cards and autographs fees offset by decrease of $3,383,000 or 26.1% in coin fees, primarily related to China.
Revenues from our trading cards and autographs business continued to show consistent growth. Those revenues increased by 19.9% in the first quarter and represented record quarterly revenues for that business. Moreover, our card and autographs business has achieved quarter-over-quarter revenue growth in 32 of the last 33 quarters.
The decreased revenues generated in China in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, reflects the absence of revenues generated in the banking channel in this year’s first quarter as compared to $3,658,000 in last year’s first quarter partially offset by increased revenues of $683,000 from our non-banking channel customers in China, in this year’s first quarter. See Factors that can Affect our Revenues and Gross Profit Margin above, which discusses the banking channel in China in more detail.
The 1.9% decline in U.S. coin revenues in the quarter primarily reflected (i) lower U.S. modern fees of $808,000, or 27%, reflecting lower demand for recent releases of coins by the U.S. Mint and therefore, lower demand for our services, (that we have seen since the second quarter of fiscal 2018), partially offset by (ii) higher show revenues in this year’s first quarter of $424,000 or 29% and (iii) higher vintage coin fees of $110,000, or 3%.
Despite the decrease in our coin authentication and grading revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2018, our coin business represented approximately 58% of total revenues in the period and reflects the continued importance of our coin authentication and grading business to our overall financial performance.
For the reasons discussed above under “Factors That Can Affect our Revenues and Gross Profit Margin”, and “Impact of Economic Conditions on our Financial Performance”, the level of coin service revenues can be volatile.
As previously disclosed, our second fiscal quarter is typically our seasonally slowest quarter of the year in the United States due to the winter holidays that occur in that quarter and we expect that trend to continue in this year’s second quarter. Consistent with our commentary on the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we are seeing improved revenues generated at our domestic coin shows and the level of U.S. vintage revenues have stabilized. Therefore, our current expectation is those parts of the U.S. coin business will continue to perform well in this year’s second quarter. There continues to be uncertainty as to the level of modern coin revenues we expect to generate, and it will probably be in the third quarter of fiscal 2019, before we see an improvement in the overall activity in that part of the coin market.
With respect to China, our current expectation is that we will continue to see stability in our non-banking channel revenues in China in this year’s second quarter. At this time we do not expect to generate revenues from the banking channel in this year’s second quarter, whereas we generated approximately $250,000 in last year’s second quarter.
Gross Profit
Gross profit is calculated by subtracting the cost of revenues from net revenues. Gross profit margin is gross profit stated as a percent of net revenues. The costs of authentication and grading revenues consist primarily of labor to authenticate and grade collectibles, production costs, credit card fees, warranty expense and occupancy, security and insurance costs that directly relate to providing authentication and grading services. Cost of revenues also includes printing, other direct costs of generating our non-grading related services revenues and the costs of product revenues, which represent the carrying value of the inventory of products (primarily collectible coins) that we sold and any inventory related reserves, considered necessary.
Set forth below is information regarding our gross profit in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Amounts | | | % of Revenues | | | Amounts | | | % of Revenues | |
Gross profit | | $ | 10,293 | | | | 58.8 | % | | $ | 12,303 | | | | 62.3 | % |
As indicated in the above table, our gross profit margin was 58.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to 62.3% in the same period of the prior year. The lower gross profit margin in this year’s first quarter, was due to the lower modern revenues in China, (see Net Revenues above). As discussed in prior filings, there can be variability in the gross profit margin due to the mix of revenue and the seasonality of our business. During the three years ended June 30, 2018, our quarterly services gross profit varied between 54% and 65%.
Selling and Marketing Expenses
Selling and marketing expenses include advertising and promotions costs, trade-show related expenses, customer service personnel costs, business development incentives, depreciation and outside services. Set forth below is information regarding our selling and marketing expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Selling and marketing expenses | | $ | 2,808 | | | $ | 2,754 | |
Percent of net revenue | | | 16.0 | % | | | 13.9 | % |
As indicated in the above table, selling and marketing expenses increased to 16% of revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 13.9% in the same period of the prior year. In absolute dollars, selling and marketing expenses were substantially unchanged in this year’s first quarter and included higher costs in our growing cards and autograph business partially offset by costs savings in other areas of the business.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses are comprised primarily of compensation paid to general and administrative personnel, including executive management, finance and accounting and information technology personnel, non-cash stock-based compensation, facilities management costs, depreciation, amortization and other miscellaneous expenses. Set forth below is information regarding our G&A expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
General and administrative expenses | | $ | 4,658 | | | $ | 5,027 | |
Percent of net revenue | | | 26.6 | % | | | 25.5 | % |
As indicated in the above table, G&A expenses increased to 26.6% of revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to 25.5% in the same period of the prior year. In absolute dollars, G&A expenses decreased by $369,000 in this year’s first quarter, and was primarily due to lower payroll and related costs of $490,000, (including lower performance-based bonuses and incentives due to the lower operating results of the business in this year’s first quarter and staff reductions implemented in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018) and lower recruitment costs of $147,000. Those reductions were partially offset by higher depreciation expense of $203,000, primarily related to depreciation of tenant improvements and other assets capitalized as part of the Company’s new facility and higher amortization expense of capitalized software of $83,000.
Stock-Based Compensation
As discussed in Note 1, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, and Critical Accounting Policies above, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense as follows (in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | |
Included In: | | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Selling and marketing expenses | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 25 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 245 | | | | 199 | |
| | $ | 263 | | | $ | 224 | |
The following table sets forth unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense totaling $1,349,000 related to unvested stock-based equity awards outstanding at September 30, 2018 which represents the expense expected to be recognized through fiscal year 2022, on the assumption that the holders of the equity awards will remain in the Company’s service through fiscal 2022. The amounts do not include the costs or effects of (i) possible grants of additional stock-based compensation awards in the future and (ii) the PSUs granted in December 2017 under the 2018 LTIP (in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, | | Amount | |
2019 (remaining 9 months) | | $ | 663 | |
2020 | | | 450 | |
2021 | | | 221 | |
2022 | | | 15 | |
| | $ | 1,349 | |
Income Tax Expense
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Income tax expense | | $ | 699 | | | $ | 919 | |
The income tax provisions in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were determined based on estimated annual effective tax rates of approximately 25%, and 20%, respectively. The rate of 25% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, reflects a federal tax rate of 21% as a result of the Tax Reform Act enacted into law in December 2017. The rate of 20% in the three months ended September 30, 2017 reflects a federal tax rate of 35%. Both three-month periods were adjusted for excess tax benefits or deficiencies, primarily resulting from the vesting of the LTIP shares in June 2019 and August 2017, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalent Balances
Historically, we have been able to rely on internally generated funds, rather than borrowings, as our primary source of funds to support our operations, because many of our authentication and grading customers pay our fees at the time they submit their collectibles to us for authentication and grading or prior to the shipment of their collectibles back to them. However, as discussed below, we have borrowings of $3 million under out Term Loan and we have $10 million of availability under our Revolving Line of Credit.
At September 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $12,194,000, as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $10,581,000 at June 30, 2018.
Cash Flows
Cash Flows from Continuing Operations. During the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $3,890,000 and $4,155,000, respectively. The lower cash provided by operating activities in the three months ended September 30, 2018, reflects the lower operating results of our businesses in that period as adjusted for non-cash expenses and changes in working capital.
Cash Flows of Discontinued Operations. Discontinued operations used cash of $126,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily related to payments for the now expired obligation for the New York facility, formerly occupied by our discontinued jewelry business.
Cash used by Investing Activities. Investing activities used cash of $491,000 and $1,675,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In the three months ended September 30, 2018, we used $297,000 for capital expenditures and $194,000 for capitalized software. In the three months ended September 30, 2017, we used $1,401,000 for capital expenditures and $274,000 for capitalized software.
Cash used in Financing Activities. In the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, financing activities used net cash of $1,786,000 and $1,973,000, respectively. The lower cash dividends paid to stockholders of $1,786,000 in three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $2,973,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017 was due to a reduction in the Company’s dividend policy in February 2018 (see dividends below). In the three months ended September 30, 2017, we borrowed $1,000,000 under our term loan (see Term Loan below.)
Outstanding Financial Obligations
Lease Obligations
On February 3, 2017, the Company, as tenant, entered into a triple net lease pursuant to which the Company is leasing approximately 62,755 rentable square feet space for its operations and headquarters facility. The term of this lease is 10 years and 10 months, which commenced on the completion of tenant improvements, which occurred effective December 1, 2017. The Company is entitled to an abatement of the monthly rent for the period from the 2nd month through the 11th month of the lease term. The landlord contributed approximately $2.9 million to the tenant improvements. Aggregate minimum obligations over the term of the lease will be approximately $14.2 million.
We also lease smaller offices for our overseas operations including a five year lease for our Shanghai office that commenced in November 2017, with aggregate minimum obligations over the term of the lease of approximately $3.0 million and a three year lease for our offices Hong Kong, which commenced in July 2018, with aggregate minimum obligations over the term of that lease of approximately $625,000.
At September 30, 2018, future minimum lease payments under the lease agreements associated with our continuing operations were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending June 30, | | Gross Amount | | | Sublease Income | | | Net
| |
2019(remaining 9 months) | | $ | 1,729 | | | $ | 26 | | | $ | 1,703 | |
2020 | | | 2,318 | | | | - | | | | 2,318 | |
2021 | | | 2,196 | | | | - | | | | 2,196 | |
2022 | | | 1,936 | | | | - | | | | 1,936 | |
2023 | | | 1,576 | | | | - | | | | 1,576 | |
Thereafter | | | 7,958 | | | | - | | | | 7,958 | |
| | $ | 17,713 | | | $ | 26 | | | $ | 17,687 | |
Term Loan. As previously reported, on September 15, 2017 the Company obtained a five-year, $3,500,000 unsecured term loan. During its first year, the term loan took the form of a non-revolving credit line during which period the Company was entitled to draw down borrowings at such times and in such amounts as it may request, up to a maximum of $3,500,000. During that first year the Company was required to make monthly payments of interest only.
The Company used the borrowings under this loan of $3,000,000 to fund the Company’s share of the construction and related facility costs for its new operations and headquarter facility, as well as its moving costs, and lease exit costs for its prior facility.
In September 2018, the loan was automatically converted into a four-year term loan in the principal amount of the borrowings then outstanding, which was $3,000,000. The Company is required to repay those borrowings in 48 equal monthly principal payments, of $62,500 together with interest, commencing in October 2018. No penalty will be payable on any prepayment of the loan as the Company has chosen a 90-day LIBOR Rate.
The agreement governing the term loan contains two financial covenants, which require the Company to maintain (a) a funded debt coverage ratio and (b) a debt service coverage ratio, respectively. The loan agreement also contains certain other covenants typical for this type of loan, including a covenant which provides that, without the bank’s consent, the Company may not incur additional indebtedness for borrowed money, except for (i) borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit line, (ii) purchase money indebtedness and (iii) capitalized lease obligations.
At September 30, 2018, the Company had $3,000,000 of outstanding borrowings under the loan of which $750,000 is classified as a current liability and $2,250,000 is classified as a long-term liability in the consolidated condensed balance sheet at September 30, 2018. The Company was in compliance with its loan covenants at September 30, 2018
Revolving Credit Line. On January 10, 2017 the Company obtained a three-year, $10 million unsecured revolving credit line (the “Credit Line”) from a commercial bank. The Company is entitled to obtain borrowings under the Credit Line at such times and in such amounts as it may request, provided that the maximum principal amount of the borrowings that may be outstanding at any one time under the Credit Line may not exceed $10 million and each year there must be a period of 30 consecutive days during which no borrowings are outstanding. The Company also may, at any time or from time to time and at its option, repay outstanding borrowings, in whole or in part, and may reborrow amounts so repaid at such times and in such amounts as it deems appropriate.
Credit Line borrowings will bear interest, at the Company’s option, at LIBOR plus 2.25% or at 0.25% below the highest prime lending rate published from time to time by the Wall Street Journal. The Company is required to pay a quarterly unused commitment fee of 0.0625% of the amount by which (if any) that the average of the borrowings outstanding under the Credit Line in any calendar quarter is less than $4 million.
The loan agreement contains a financial covenant that requires the Company to maintain a funded debt coverage ratio and certain other covenants typical for this type of credit line. At September 30, 2018 the Company was in compliance with those covenants. There were no borrowings outstanding under the line of credit at September 30, 2018.
Dividends. Our current dividend policy calls for us to pay quarterly cash dividends of $0.175 per share of common stock to our stockholders, for an expected total annual cash dividend of $0.70 per common share. This compared to an annual dividend of $1.40 per share of common stock through February 2018.
The declaration of cash dividends in the future, pursuant to our current dividend policy, is subject to determination each quarter by the Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including the Company’s financial performance (and in particular the on-going performance of the Company’s coin business), its available cash resources, its cash requirements and alternative uses of cash that the Board may conclude would represent an opportunity to generate a greater return on investment for the Company. For these reasons, as well as others, there can be no assurance that the Board of Directors will not decide to reduce the amount, or suspend or discontinue the payment, of cash dividends in the future.
Share Buyback Program. In December 2005, our Board of Directors approved a common stock buyback program that authorized up to $10,000,000 of stock repurchases in open market or privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC rules, when opportunities to make such repurchases, at attractive prices, become available. At September 30, 2018, we continued to have $3.7 million available under this program. However, no open market repurchases of common stock have been made under this program since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.
Future Uses of Cash.
We plan to use our cash resources, consisting of available cash and cash equivalent balances, internally generated cash flows, and borrowings under our line of credit (i) to introduce new collectibles related services and initiatives for our existing customers and other collectibles customers (ii) to fund the international expansion of our business; (iii) to fund working capital requirements; (iv) to fund repayments under the term loan (v) to fund acquisitions; (vi) to fund the payment of cash dividends; and (vii) for other general corporate purposes.
Although we have no current plans to do so, we also may seek to sell additional shares of our stock to finance the growth of our collectibles businesses. However, there is no assurance that we would be able to raise additional capital on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 on Accounting for Leases. The core principle of this guidance is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset, not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The adoption of this guidance is expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statement and related disclosures. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in financial market prices, including interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and other relevant market rate or price risks.
Due to the cash and cash equivalent balances that we maintain, we are exposed to risk of changes in short-term interest rates. At September 30, 2018, we had $12,194,000 in cash and cash equivalents, of which, $7,136,000 was invested in money market accounts, and the balance of $5,058,000 (which is inclusive of cash in overseas bank accounts) was held in non-interest bearing accounts. Changes in short-term interest rates could result in changes in the amount of income we are able to generate on available cash. However, any adverse impact on our operating results from reductions in interest rates is not expected to be material.
We do not engage in any activities that would expose us to significant foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity price risks. When considered appropriate, we repatriate excess cash from foreign operations. Overseas cash balances were approximately $1,724,000 at September 30, 2018, of which $1,122,000 was in China. Due to the evolving exchange control rules in China, delays can be experienced in transferring funds from China.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our CEO and CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
In accordance with SEC rules, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness, as of September 30, 2018, of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2018, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, that has materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of Part 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 that we filed with the SEC on August 30, 2018.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirement 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.
| | COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. |
| | |
Date:November 1, 2018 | By: | /s/ JOSEPH J. ORLANDO |
| | Joseph J. Orlando |
| | Chief Executive Officer |
| | COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. |
| | |
Date:November 1, 2018 | By: | /s/ JOSEPH J. WALLACE |
| | Joseph J. Wallace |
| | Chief Financial Officer |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. | Description |
Exhibit 31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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Exhibit 31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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Exhibit 32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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Exhibit 32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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Exhibit 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document |
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Exhibit 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
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Exhibit 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
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Exhibit 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
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Exhibit 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document |
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Exhibit 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
E-1