Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (CSSEQ) 10-Q 2020 Q1 Quarterly report

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 quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

OR

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

For the transition period from   to

Commission File Number:  001‑38125

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	81-2560811
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
132 East Putman Avenue – Floor 2W, Cos Cob, CT	06807
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

855‑398‑0443

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

Not Applicable

Former Name or Former Address, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒  No  ☐

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

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

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

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

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of May 14, 2020 totaled 12,007,428 as follows:

Title of Each Class
Class A Common Stock, $.0001 par value per share	4,193,490
Class B Common Stock, $.0001 par value per share*	7,813,938

*Each share convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock at the direction of the holder at any time.

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

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock 9.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock	CSSE CSSEP	The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Table of Contents

		Page
		Number
	PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
ITEM 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23
ITEM 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	35
ITEM 4.	Controls and Procedures	35
	PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	Legal Proceedings	36
ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors	36
ITEM 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities	37
ITEM 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	37
ITEM 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	37
ITEM 5.	Other Information	37
ITEM 6.	Exhibits	38
SIGNATURES		39

2

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Financial Statements

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

	March 31,		December 31,
	2020		2019
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,121,339	$	6,447,402
Accounts receivable, net		25,017,923		34,661,119
Prepaid expenses		862,153		861,190
Inventory, net		338,932		312,033
Goodwill		21,448,106		21,448,106
Indefinite lived intangible assets		12,163,943		12,163,943
Intangible assets, net		30,272,504		35,451,951
Film library, net		37,362,602		33,250,149
Due from affiliated companies		6,790,980		7,642,432
Programming costs, net		15,546,857		14,459,271
Program rights, net		600,551		654,303
Other assets, net		649,911		313,585
Total assets	$	158,175,801	$	167,665,484
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current maturities of commercial loan	$	3,200,000	$	3,200,000
Commercial loan and revolving line of credit, net of unamortized deferred finance cost of $179,373 and $189,525 respectively		11,020,627		11,810,475
Notes payable under revolving credit facility		5,000,000		5,000,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		27,315,709		26,646,390
Ad representation fees payable		11,552,967		12,429,838
Film library acquisition obligations		6,909,100		5,020,600
Programming obligations		7,300,861		7,300,861
Accrued participation costs		5,861,388		5,066,512
Other liabilities		229,846		170,106
Total liabilities		78,390,498		76,644,782
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Stockholders' Equity:
Series A cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock, $.0001 par value, liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 1,599,002 shares issued and outstanding, redemption value of $39,975,050		160		160
Class A common stock, $.0001 par value, 70,000,000 shares authorized; 4,267,725 and 4,259,920 shares issued, 4,193,490 and 4,185,685 shares outstanding, respectively		426		425
Class B common stock, $.0001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 7,813,938 shares issued and outstanding		782		782
Additional paid-in capital		87,854,864		87,610,030
Deficit		(44,123,009)		(32,695,629)
Class A common stock held in treasury, at cost (74,235 shares)		(632,729)		(632,729)
Total stockholders’ equity		43,100,494		54,283,039
Subsidiary convertible preferred stock		36,350,000		36,350,000
Noncontrolling interests		334,809		387,663
Total equity		79,785,303		91,020,702
Total liabilities and equity	$	158,175,801	$	167,665,484

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Revenue:
Online networks	$	9,025,710	$	735,264
Distribution and Production		5,092,789		1,790,234
Total revenue		14,118,499		2,525,498
Less: returns and allowances		(874,426)		(332,344)
Net revenue		13,244,073		2,193,154
Cost of revenue		9,910,390		1,632,101
Gross profit		3,333,683		561,053
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative		6,839,897		2,822,057
Amortization and depreciation		5,204,728		205,623
Management and license fees		1,324,407		219,270
Total operating expenses		13,369,032		3,246,950
Operating loss		(10,035,349)		(2,685,897)
Interest income		(6,438)		(13,525)
Interest expense		329,125		141,123
Acquisition-related costs		98,926		397,935
Loss before income taxes and preferred dividends		(10,456,962)		(3,211,430)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		49,000		(438,000)
Net loss before noncontrolling interests and preferred dividends		(10,505,962)		(2,773,430)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(52,854)		—
Net loss attributable to Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.		(10,453,108)		(2,773,430)
Less: preferred dividends		974,272		603,307
Net loss available to common stockholders	$	(11,427,380)	$	(3,376,737)
Net loss per common share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.95)	$	(0.28)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity

(unaudited)

	Preferred Stock			Common Stock														Subsidiary
				Class A				Class B				Additional						convertible
		Par				Par				Par		Paid-In				Treasury		Preferred		Noncontrolling
	Shares	Value		Shares		Value		Shares		Value		Capital		Deficit		Stock		Stock		Interests			Total
Balance, December 31, 2019 (audited)	1,599,002	$	160		4,259,920	$	425		7,813,938	$	782	$	87,610,030	$	(32,695,629)	$	(632,729)	$	36,350,000	$	387,663	$	91,020,702
Share based compensation - stock options													213,585										213,585
Share based compensation - common stock													31,250										31,250
Shares issued to directors					7,805		1						(1)										—
Dividends															(974,272)								(974,272)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest																					(52,854)		(52,854)
Net loss															(10,453,108)								(10,453,108)
Balance, March 31, 2020	1,599,002	$	160		4,267,725	$	426		7,813,938	$	782	$	87,854,864	$	(44,123,009)	$	(632,729)	$	36,350,000	$	334,809	$	79,785,303

	Preferred Stock			Common Stock
				Class A				Class B				Additional		Retained
		Par				Par				Par		Paid-In		Earnings		Treasury
	Shares	Value		Shares		Value		Shares		Value		Capital		(Deficit)		Stock		Total
Balance, December 31, 2018  (audited)	918,497	$	92		4,227,740	$	421		7,817,238	$	782	$	59,360,583	$	2,281,187	$	(632,729)	$	61,010,336
Share based compensation - stock options													190,847						190,847
Share based compensation - common stock													25,000						25,000
Issuance of preferred stock	140,000		14										3,499,986						3,500,000
Preferred stock issuance costs													(288,160)						(288,160)
Dividends															(603,307)				(603,307)
Net loss															(2,773,430)				(2,773,430)
Balance, March 31, 2019	1,058,497	$	106		4,227,740	$	421		7,817,238	$	782	$	62,788,256	$	(1,095,550)	$	(632,729)	$	61,061,286

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

	Three months ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Cash flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	$	(10,505,962)	$	(2,773,430)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation		244,835		215,847
Amortization of programming costs and rights		110,629		61,798
Amortization of deferred financing costs		10,152		25,823
Amortization and depreciation of intangible and fixed assets		5,204,728		205,623
Amortization of film library		2,441,081		871,126
Bad debt and video return expense		1,721,595		300,403
Deferred income taxes		—		(465,000)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable		7,921,601		2,235,012
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(21,984)		(135,279)
Inventory		(26,899)		(24,533)
Programming costs and rights		(1,144,463)		(147,605)
Film library		(6,553,534)		(2,819,734)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables		(207,552)		(1,218,678)
Film library acquisition obligations		1,888,500		273,250
Accrued participation costs		794,876		(32,015)
Other liabilities		59,740		(350,400)
Deferred revenue		—		6,469
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		1,937,343		(3,771,323)
Cash flows from Investing Activities:
Expenditures for property and equipment		(340,586)		—
Decrease (increase) in due from affiliated companies		851,452		(1,985,500)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		510,866		(1,985,500)
Cash flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of commercial loan		(800,000)		(260,358)
Payment of preferred stock issuance costs		—		(288,160)
Proceeds from issuance of Series A preferred stock		—		3,500,000
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders		(974,272)		(603,307)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(1,774,272)		2,348,175
Net increase (decrease)  in cash and cash equivalents		673,937		(3,408,648)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		6,447,402		7,201,758
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	$	7,121,339	$	3,793,110
Supplemental data:
Interest paid	$	217,222	$	117,453
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash per consolidated balance sheets to statements of cash flows
Per consolidated balance sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,121,339	$	3,043,110
Restricted cash		—		750,000
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per statements of cash flows	$	7,121,339	$	3,793,110

6

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 1 – Description of the Business

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation formed on May 4, 2016. The Company operates video-on-demand networks and is a leading global independent television and film distribution company with one of the largest independently owned television and film libraries.

The Company operates in one reportable segment, across two operations areas, the distribution and production of video content for sale to others and for use on our owned and operated video on demand platforms. The Company currently operates in the United States and internationally and derives its revenue primarily in the United States. The Company has a presence in over 56 countries and territories worldwide. The chief executive officer of the Company is Mr. William J. Rouhana Jr.

Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent in all material respects with those applied in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 30, 2020. These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company following the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations; however, the Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include revenue recognition, estimated film ultimate revenues, allowance for doubtful accounts, intangible assets, share-based compensation expense, valuation allowance for income taxes and amortization of programming and film library costs. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates the assumptions, judgments and estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The interim financial information is unaudited, but reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the information set forth herein. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Note 3 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In March 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2019-02, “Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials.” The amendments in this ASU align the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. In addition, the ASU modifies certain aspects of the capitalization, impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements under the current film and broadcaster entertainment industry guidance. The new guidance is

7

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

effective for the Company’s interim and annual reporting periods starting in the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance will be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-18, “Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808) – Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606.” The amendments in this ASU clarify that certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for as revenue under Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, when the collaborative arrangement participant is a customer in the context of a unit of account and precludes recognizing as revenue consideration received from a collaborative arrangement participant if the participant is not a customer. The new guidance is effective for the Company’s interim and annual reporting periods starting in the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance should be applied retrospectively to the date of initial application of the new revenue guidance in Topic 606 (January 1, 2018 for the Company). The Company does not expect the adoption of the amendments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” The new guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by the amendments in this update. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods starting in fiscal year 2020 for the Company, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption.  The Company impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements is immaterial.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires an entity to assess impairment of its financial instruments based on its estimate of expected credit losses. Since the issuance of ASU 2016-13, the FASB released several amendments to improve and clarify the implementation guidance. The provisions of ASU 2016-13 and the related amendments are effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2022. Entities are required to apply these changes through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company does not expect the adoption of the amendments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) in order to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP. ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee should recognize 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 on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies’ fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (including interim periods within those periods) using a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. Because the Company is an emerging growth company, adoption is not required until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 as recently voted and deferred by FASB. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements. The impact of implementation is not expected to be material.

The Company does not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

8

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 4 – Business Combination

The Company consummated the creation of its Crackle Plus subsidiary on May 14, 2019. In consideration for assets contributed to Crackle Plus by CPE Holdings, Inc. (“CPEH”), a Delaware corporation and affiliate of Sony Pictures Television Inc. (“Sony”), and Crackle, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of CPEH (“Crackle”), Crackle Plus issued to Crackle 37,000 units of preferred equity (“Preferred Units”) and 1,000 units of common equity (“Common Units”), which are now held by CPEH. In consideration for assets contributed to Crackle Plus by the Company, Crackle Plus issued to the Company 99,000 Common Units. From May 2020 to October 2020 (“Exercise Period”), CPEH will have the right to either convert its Preferred Units into Common Units of Crackle Plus or require us to purchase all, but not less than all, of its interest in Crackle Plus (“Put Option”). We may elect to pay the put option in cash or through the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock using a price per share of $25. Subject to certain limitations, in the event that CPEH hasn’t converted its Preferred Units into Common Units of Crackle Plus or exercised its Put Option, Crackle shall be deemed to have automatically exercised the Put Option on the last day of the Exercise Period.

As additional consideration to CPEH, the Company issued to CPEH warrants to purchase (a) Eight Hundred Thousand (800,000) shares of the Class A common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $8.13 per share (the “CSSE Class I Warrants”), (b) warrants to purchase One Million Two Hundred Thousand (1,200,000) shares of the Class A common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $9.67 per share, (the “CSSE Class II Warrants”); (c) warrants to purchase Three Hundred Eighty Thousand (380,000) shares of the Class A common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $11.61 per share, (the “CSSE Class III-A Warrants”); and (d) warrants to purchase One Million Six Hundred Twenty Thousand (1,620,000) shares of the Class A common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $11.61 per share, (the “CSSE Class III-B Warrants”). All the CSSE Warrants have a five-year term commencing on the closing and are exercisable at any time and from time to time during such term.

The Crackle Plus transaction was accounted for as a purchase of a business in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations and the aggregate purchase price consideration of $51,672,531 has been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on management’s analysis and information received from an independent third-party appraisal. The results are as follows:

Purchase price consideration allocated to fair value of net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable, net	$	5,360,667
Prepaid expenses		892,200
Programming Rights		1,155,363
Goodwill		18,911,027
Brand Value		18,807,004
Customer User Base		21,194,641
Content Rights		1,708,270
Partner Agreements		4,005,714
Assets acquired		72,034,886
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(13,061,494)
Programming Obligations		(7,300,861)
Liabilities assumed		(20,362,355)
Total purchase consideration	$	51,672,531

In estimating the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected growth rates and estimated discount rates.

9

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

The amount related to other intangible assets represents the estimated fair values of the brand (trademark), customer user base, content rights, and partner agreements. These long lived assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 16-84 months.

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from the intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition.

The fair values of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed were based upon preliminary valuations performed for the preparation of the pro forma financial information and are subject to the final valuations. These estimates and assumptions are subject to change within the measurement period as additional information is obtained. A decrease in the fair value of the assets acquired or liabilities assumed in the Crackle Plus transaction from the preliminary valuations presented would result in dollar for dollar corresponding increase or decrease, as applicable, in the amount of goodwill resulting from the transaction. In addition, if the value of the other intangible assets is higher than the amount included in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, it may result in higher amortization expense than is presented herein. Any such increases could be material and could result in the Company’s actual future financial condition or results of operations differing materially from that presented herein. As permitted, the final determination of these estimated fair values will be completed as soon as possible but no later than one year from the acquisition date when the Company has completed the detailed valuations and calculations.

Purchase Price Consideration Allocation:

Fair Value of Preferred Units	$	36,350,000
Fair Value of Warrants in CSSE		10,899,204
Fair Value of Put Option		4,423,327
Total Estimated Purchase Price	$	51,672,531

The purchase price paid by the Company reflects the total consideration given in return for the ownership share available to CPEH in the entity. Consideration given has been calculated at the fair market value of the Crackle Plus Preferred Units; the four CSSE tranches of warrants and the Put Option. The Company valued the securities based on the terms of the Contribution Agreement and the use of the Black Scholes model valuation technique on each of the respective components as follows,

1. The Preferred Units have a stated value at the time of the acquisition of $36.35 million, as set forth in the Crackle Plus Operating Agreement;

2. The four (4) tranches of CSSE warrants were individually valued based on the Black Sholes valuation model using their respective terms and strike prices (ranging from a 5% to 50% premium over the initial market price of $7.74). Each tranche used a volatility of 58% and a 5-year risk free rate of 2.2%;

3. The Put Option was valued via the Black-Sholes valuation model assuming an initial price of $36.35 million, strike price of $40M, volatility of 17% and term of 1.5 years reflecting the latest time the Put Option could be exercised or triggered.

All consideration transferred has been determined to represent equity-classified contingent consideration and has been measured at fair value as of the acquisition date. Equity-classified contingent consideration is not remeasured following the acquisition date, and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. The equity classification has been determined based on the terms of the transaction.

10

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

The Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations include gross revenue of $9,289,245 million, gross profit of $2,365,802 million and net loss of $6,018,032 million, from Crackle’s operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Net loss excluding non-cash amortization and depreciation of $5,003,936, was $1,014,096 for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Note 5 – Revenue Recognition

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized as an unsatisfied performance obligation until the terms of a customer contract are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control as we satisfy contractual performance obligations at a point in time or over time. Our contractual performance obligations include licensing of content and delivery of online advertisements on our owned and operated VOD platforms, the distribution of film content and production of episodic television series. Revenue is measured at contract inception as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Our contracts are valued at a fixed price at inception and do not include any variable consideration or financing components in our normal course of business. Sales tax, value added tax, and other taxes that are collected concurrently with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue.

The following tables disaggregates our revenue by operations area:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
							% of
	2020		% of revenue		2019		revenue
Revenue:
Online networks	$	9,025,710	68	%	$	735,264	33	%
Distribution and Production		5,092,789	38	%		1,790,234	82	%
Total revenue		14,118,499	106	%		2,525,498	115	%
Less: returns and allowances		(874,426)	(6)	%		(332,344)	(15)	%
Net revenue	$	13,244,073	100	%	$	2,193,154	100	%

Online Networks

In this operations area, the Company distributes and exhibits VOD content through Crackle Plus directly to consumers across all digital platforms, such as connected TV’s, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and the web through our owned and operated AVOD networks. We also distribute our own and third-party owned content to end viewers across various digital platforms through our SVOD network. We generate advertising revenues primarily by serving video advertisements to our streaming viewers and subscription revenue from consumers.

Revenue from online digital distribution and VOD platforms in our Online Networks operations area are recorded over time as advertisements are delivered and when monthly activity is reported by advertisers.

Distribution and Production

In this operations area, the Company distributes movies and television series worldwide to consumers through license agreements across all media, including theatrical, home video, pay-per-view, free, cable, pay television, VOD, mobile and new digital media platforms worldwide. We own the copyright or long-term distribution rights to over 1,000 television series and feature films.

In addition we work with sponsors and use highly regarded independent producers to develop and produce our television and short-form video content, including Brand-related content. We also derive revenue from our subsidiary A Plus, which develops and distributes high-quality, empathetic short-form videos to millions of people worldwide. A Plus enhances our ability to distribute short form versions of our video productions and video library and provide us with content developed and distributed by A Plus that is complementary to the Brand. As a result of launching Crackle Plus we decided to change

11

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

our approach to content production, focusing primarily on co-production partnerships in order to build our AVOD networks, through Crackle Plus, and our worldwide distribution capabilities through Screen Media. By focusing this way, we believe that we will be able to grow our business more rapidly by entering into production agreements with a variety of production partners.

The Company recognizes revenue from the production and distribution of television programs and short-form video content as each episode becomes available for delivery or becomes available for broadcast, and for short-form online videos, revenue is recognized when the videos are posted to a website for viewing. Revenue from the distribution of short-form online media content is included in television and short-form video production revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Cash advances received by the Company are recorded as deferred revenue until all performance obligations have been satisfied.

For all customer contracts, the Company evaluates whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenue on a gross basis) or the agent (i.e., report revenue on a net basis). Generally, the Company reports revenue for show productions, films distributed, and advertising placed on CSSE properties on a gross basis (the amount billed to our customers is recorded as revenue, and the amount paid to our publishers is recorded as a cost of revenue). The Company is the principal because we control the advertising inventory before it is transferred to our customers. Our control is evidenced by our sole ability to monetize the advertising inventory, being primarily responsible to our customers, having discretion in establishing pricing, or a combination of these factors. The Company also generates revenue through agency relationships in which revenue is reported net of agency commissions and publisher payments in arrangements where we do not own the content or the ad inventory.

No impairment losses have arisen from any CSSE contracts with customers during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Performance obligations

The unit of measure under ASC 606 is a performance obligation, which is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct or series of distinct goods or services to a customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Our contracts have either a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and is, therefore, not distinct, or have multiple performance obligations, most commonly due to the contract covering multiple service offerings. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the contract’s transaction price can generally be readily allocated to each performance obligation based upon the selling price of each distinct service in the contract. In cases where estimates are needed to allocate the transaction price, we use historical experience and projections based on currently available information.

Contract Assets

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, from contracts with customers:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2020		2019
Contract Assets	$	25,017,923	$	34,661,119

Contract assets are primarily comprised of contract obligations that are generally satisfied annually under the terms of our contracts and are transferred to accounts receivable when the right to payment becomes unconditional. Contract liabilities relate to advance consideration received from customers under the terms of our contracts primarily related to cash payments received in advance of satisfaction of the contractual performance obligation. We receive payments from customers based upon contractual billing schedules. Contract receivables are recognized in the period the Company provides services when the Company’s right to consideration is unconditional. Payment terms vary by the type and location

12

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

of our customer and the products or services offered. Payment terms for amounts invoiced are typically net 30 or 60 days. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant.

A contract asset results when goods or services have been transferred to the customer, but payment is contingent upon a future event, other than the passage of time (i.e. type of unbilled receivable). Given the nature of our business from time to time we engage with customers for terms that include minimum guarantees which are contractual obligations for payment over a period of time that may extend past one year at a variable rate of payment – based on sales or collections. These minimum guarantees are generally collectible via royalty payments at an agreed rate which are collected on a monthly basis. Contractual arrangements containing minimum guarantees are evaluated on a contract by contract basis for the need for present value treatment. As of the financial statement no material arrangements requiring financing treatment have been identified.

The Company records deferred revenues (also referred to as contract liabilities under Topic 606) when cash payments are received or due in advance of our satisfying our performance obligations. Our deferred revenue balance primarily relates to advance payments received related to our content distribution rights agreements and our production sponsorship arrangements. The Company’s deferred revenue (i.e. contract liabilities) as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, was $0, respectively. These contract liabilities are recognized as revenue as the related performance obligations are satisfied. No significant changes in the timeframe of the satisfaction of contract liabilities have occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Arrangements with multiple performance obligations

In contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company identifies each performance obligation and evaluates whether the performance obligations are distinct within the context of the contract at contract inception. When multiple performance obligations are identified, we identify how control transfers to the customer for each distinct contract obligation and determine the period when the obligations are satisfied. If obligations are satisfied in the same period, no allocation of revenue is deemed to be necessary. In the event performance obligations within a bundled contract do not run concurrently, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or by using expected cost-plus margins. Performance obligations that are not distinct at contract inception are combined.

Practical expedients

The Company has elected to use the practical expedient under the relevant accounting guidance to omit disclosure of remaining (or partially unsatisfied) performance obligations as the related contracts have an original expected duration of one year or less.

The Company has elected to use the practical expedient under the relevant accounting guidance to expense sales commissions as incurred because the amortization period is generally one year or less. These commission costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses.

Note 6 – Share-Based Compensation

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted the 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to attract and retain certain employees. The Plan provides for the issuance of up to 1,250,000 common stock equivalents subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. The Plan generally provides for quarterly and bi-annual vesting over terms ranging from two to three years. The Company accounts for the Plan as an equity plan.

The Company recognizes stock options granted under the Plan at fair value determined by applying the Black Scholes options pricing model to the grant date market value of the underlying common shares of the Company.

13

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

The compensation expense associated with stock options is amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective vesting periods. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $213,585 and $190,847, respectively, of non-cash share-based compensation expense relating to stock options in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The company did not have any stock option grants, forfeitures, exercises or expirations during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Stock options as of March 31, 2020 are as follows:

				Weighted
		Weighted		Average
		Average		Remaining	Aggregate
	Number of	Exercise		Contract	Intrinsic
	Stock Options	Price		Term (Yrs.)	Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	1,032,500	$	7.73	3.33	$	576,000
Outstanding at March 31, 2020	1,032,500	$	7.73	3.06	$	21,350
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2020	740,000	$	7.43	2.42	$	21,350

As of March 31, 2020 the Company had unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense of $1,216,516 related to non-vested stock options under the Plan of which $574,883, $582,347 and $59,286 will be recognized in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.

We used the following weighted average assumptions to estimate the fair value of stock options granted for the periods presented as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Weighted Average Assumptions:	2020			2019
Expected dividend yield		0.0	%		0.0	%
Expected equity volatility		56.1	%		56.1	%
Expected term (years)		5			5
Risk-free interest rate		2.22	%		2.24	%
Exercise price per stock option	$	7.73		$	7.69
Market price per share	$	7.27		$	7.24
Weighted average fair value per stock option	$	3.51		$	3.51

The risk-free rates are based on the implied yield available on US Treasury constant maturities with remaining terms equivalent to the respective expected terms of the options.

The Company estimates expected terms for stock options awarded to employees using the simplified method in accordance with ASC 718, Stock Compensation, because the Company does not have sufficient relevant information to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns. The Company estimates the expected term for stock options using the contractual term. Expected volatility is calculated based on the Company’s peer group because the Company does not have sufficient historical data and will continue to use peer group volatility information until historical volatility of the Company is available to measure expected volatility for future grants.

The Company also awards common stock under the Plan to directors, employees and non-employee executive producers that provide services to the Company. The value is based on the market price of the stock on the date granted and amortized over the vesting period. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized non-cash share-based compensation expense relating to stock grants of $31,250 and $25,000, respectively.

14

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 7 - Earnings Per Share

A reconciliation of shares used in calculating basic and diluted per share data is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Net loss available to common stockholders	$	(11,427,380)	$	(3,376,737)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		12,004,598		11,970,743
Effect of dilutive securities:
Assumed issuance of shares from exercise of stock options(a)		—		—
Assumed issuance of shares from exercise of warrants(a)		—		—
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding(a)		12,004,598		11,970,743
Loss per share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.95)	$	(0.28)

(a)For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, common stock equivalents totaling 101,894 and 109,926, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because their effect is anti-dilutive.

Note 8 – Programming Costs

Programming costs, net of amortization, consists of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2020		2019
Released, net of accumulated amortization of $9,739,813 and $9,682,935, respectively	$	12,604,907	$	11,571,785
In production		—		991,277
In development		2,941,950		1,896,209
	$	15,546,857	$	14,459,271

Programming costs consists primarily of episodic television programs which are available for distribution through a variety of platforms, including Crackle. Amounts capitalized include development costs, production costs and employee salaries.

Costs to create episodic programming are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management’s estimates of the ultimate revenues expected to be recognized from various forms of exploitation.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 the Company recognized amortization related to episodic television programs of $56,878 and $61,798, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not record any impairments related to our programming costs.

15

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 9 – Film Library

Film library costs, net of amortization, consists of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2020		2019
Acquisition costs	$	57,824,149	$	51,270,615
Accumulated amortization		(20,461,547)		(18,020,466)
Net film library costs	$	37,362,602	$	33,250,149

Film library consists primarily of the cost of acquiring film distribution rights and related acquisition and accrued participation costs. Costs related to film distribution rights are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management’s estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from various forms of exploitation.

Film library amortization recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $2,441,081 and $871,126, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not record any impairments related to our film library.

Note 10 - Intangible Assets

Indefinite lived intangible assets, consists of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2020		2019
Intangible asset - video content license	$	5,000,000	$	5,000,000
Popcornflix film rights and other assets		7,163,943		7,163,943
	$	12,163,943	$	12,163,943

Intangible assets, net, consists of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2020		2019
Acquired customer base, net	$	1,545,913	$	1,660,425
Non-compete agreement, net		242,994		287,175
Website development, net		227,072		259,510
Crackle Plus customer user base, net		7,285,658		11,259,653
Crackle Plus content rights, net		1,210,024		1,352,381
Crackle brand value, net		16,456,129		17,127,807
Crackle Plus partner agreements, net		3,304,714		3,505,000
	$	30,272,504	$	35,451,951

Amortization expense was $5,179,447 and $191,132 for the three ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

16

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

As of March 31, 2020 amortization expense for the next 5 years is expected be:

Remainder of 2020	$	10,902,014
2021		4,755,536
2022		4,159,440
2023		3,774,138
2024		2,987,143
Thereafter		3,694,233
Total	$	30,272,504

Goodwill consists of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2020		2019
Goodwill: Pivotshare	$	1,300,319	$	1,300,319
Goodwill: A Plus		1,236,760		1,236,760
Goodwill: Crackle Plus		18,911,027		18,911,027
	$	21,448,106	$	21,448,106

There was no impairment recorded related to goodwill and intangible assets in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Note 11 – Long-term Debt

Commercial Loan

On August 22, 2019, the Company, entered into an amended and restated loan agreement with Patriot Bank, N.A. Under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, the Company’s outstanding $5,000,000 term loan and $3,500,000 line of credit were consolidated and combined into a term loan in the principal amount of $16,000,000 (the Commercial Loan”). As a result, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of $350,691 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The Commercial Loan is evidenced by a consolidated, amended and restated term promissory note (“Note”). Subject to the terms of the Note, the Commercial Loan bears interest, payable monthly in arrears, at a fixed rate of 5.75% per annum. (which amount increased to 6.25% in March 2020 due to our failure to maintain a minimum cash deposit with Patriot Bank, N.A.) The outstanding principal amount of the Commercial Loan is repayable in consecutive monthly installments in equal amounts of $266,667, which commenced on October 1, 2019 and continues on the same date of each subsequent month thereafter during the term of the Commercial Loan. The Commercial Loan matures on September 1, 2024.

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, at closing the Company paid to Patriot Bank, N.A. an aggregate of approximately $179,000, representing a commitment fee of $85,000, a payment of $25,556 of interest due on the Commercial Loan for the 9 days of the month of August 2019 and $68,090 in fees paid to Patriot Bank’s counsel.

Revolving Credit Facility

On October 11, 2019, the Company consummated the creation of the majority owned subsidiary Landmark Studio Group. Through and in connection with the creation of the Landmark Studio Group subsidiary, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) with Cole Investments VII, LLC. The Revolving Credit Facility consists of a revolving line of credit in the amount of $5,000,000 and bears interest of 8% per annum. The outstanding

17

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

principal is repayable in full on October 10, 2022, the maturity date. At the option of the lender, the loan is repayable in cash or additional equity in the subsidiary. The loan is not collateralized by any assets of the Company.

Long-term debt for the periods presented was as follows:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2020		2019
Commercial Loan	$	14,400,000	$	15,200,000
Revolving Credit Facility		5,000,000		5,000,000
Total Debt		19,400,000		20,200,000
Less: debt issuance costs		179,373		189,525
Less: current portion		3,200,000		3,200,000
Total long-term debt	$	16,020,627	$	16,810,475

The Amended and Restated Loan Agreement includes customary financial covenants, restrictions and interest rate covenants including delivery of financial statements, maintaining an account at Patriot Bank, N.A. with an average balance of $2,500,000 in any trailing 90-day period or the interest rate will increase by 0.50% and maintaining a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.0. The Company did not maintain an average balance of $2,500,000 during the 90-day trailing period ended March 31, 2020 and did not cure such failure within 30 days, and as a result the interest rate increased by 0.50%, from 5.75% to 6.25%. The Company was in compliance with all other covenants as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

As of March 31, 2020, the expected aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the next five years are as follows:

Remainder of 2020	$	2,400,000
2021		3,200,000
2022		8,200,000
2023		3,200,000
2024		2,400,000
	$	19,400,000

Note 12 – Income Taxes

The Company’s current and deferred income tax provision (benefit) are as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Current provision:
States	$	49,000	$	27,000
Total current provision		49,000		27,000
Deferred provision:
Federal		—		(343,000)
States		—		(122,000)
Total deferred provision		—		(465,000)
Total provision for income taxes	$	49,000	$	(438,000)

18

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Deferred income taxes reflect the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, adjusted by the relevant tax rate. The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2020		2019
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry-forwards	$	11,292,000	$	9,680,000
Acquisition-related costs		750,000		723,000
Film library and other intangibles		4,226,000		3,769,000
Deferred state taxes		34,000		34,000
Less: valuation allowance		(13,548,000)		(11,243,000)
Total deferred tax assets		2,754,000		2,963,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Programming costs		2,836,000		2,820,000
Other assets		(82,000)		143,000
Total deferred tax liabilities		2,754,000		2,963,000
Net deferred tax asset	$	—	$	—

The Company and its subsidiaries have combined net operating losses of approximately $41,938,000, $10,845,000 of which were incurred before 2018 and expire between 2031 and 2037 with the balance of $31,873,000 having no expiration under changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act but may only be utilized generally to offset only 80 percent of taxable income. The ultimate realization of the tax benefit from net operating losses is dependent upon future taxable income, if any, of the Company.

Internal Revenue Code Section 382 imposes limitations on the use of net operating loss carryovers when the stock ownership of one or more 5% stockholders (stockholders owning 5% or more of the Company’s outstanding capital stock) has increased by more than 50 percentage points. Additionally the separate-return-limitation-year (SRLY) rules that apply to consolidated returns may limit the utilization of losses in a given year when consolidated tax returns are filed. Management has determined that because of a recent history of recurring losses, the ultimate realization of the net operating loss carryovers is not assured and has recorded a full valuation allowance. Public trading of company stock poses a risk of an ownership change beyond the control of the Company that could trigger a limitation of the use of the loss carryover.

The deferred tax asset valuation allowance increased by $2,305,000 and $104,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Note 13 – Related Party Transactions

(a) Affiliate Resources and Obligations

Management Services Agreement

The Company is a party to a Management Services Agreement with CSS (the “Management Agreement”). Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Company is provided with the operational expertise of the CSS companies’ personnel, including its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, chief strategy officer, and senior brand advisor, and with other services, including accounting, legal, marketing, management, data access and back office systems. The Management Agreement also requires CSS to provide headquarter office space and equipment usage.

Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Company pays a quarterly fee to CSS equal to 5% of the net revenue as reported under GAAP for each fiscal quarter. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded management fee expense of $662,203 and $109,635, respectively, payable to CSS.

19

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

On August 1, 2019, we entered into an amendment (“Amendment”) to the CSS Management Agreement. The Amendment retroactively removed our obligation to pay sales commissions to CSS in connection with sponsorships for our video content or other revenue generating transactions arranged by CSS or its affiliates.

The term of the Management Agreement is five years, with automatic one-year renewals thereafter unless either party elects to terminate by delivering written notice at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term. The Management Agreement is terminable earlier by either party by reason of certain prescribed and uncured defaults by the other party. The Management Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of the Company’s bankruptcy or a bankruptcy of CSS or if the Company no longer has licensed rights from CSS under the License Agreement described below.

License Agreement and Marketing Support Fee

The Company is a party to a trademark and intellectual property license agreement with CSS (the “License Agreement”). Under the terms of the License Agreement, the Company has been granted a perpetual, exclusive license to utilize the Brand and related content, such as stories published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, for visual exploitation worldwide. Under the License Agreement, the Company pays a license fee to CSS equal to 4% of net revenue for each fiscal quarter.

In addition, CSS provides marketing support for the Company’s productions through its email distribution, blogs and other marketing and public relations resources. The Company pays a quarterly fee to CSS for those services equal to 1% of net revenue as reported under GAAP for each fiscal quarter for such support.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded total license fee expense (including for marketing support) of $662,204 and $109,635, respectively, payable to CSS. We believe that the terms and conditions of the CSS License Agreement, which provides us with the rights to use the trademark and intellectual property in connection with our video content, are more favorable to us than any similar agreement we could have negotiated with an independent third party.

The Company also has agreements to provide management services to consolidated subsidiaries which have non-controlling interest holders.  As these subsidiaries are controlled by the Company and consolidated for financial reporting purposes any revenues generated and fees incurred are eliminated in consolidation.  A summary of the relevant ongoing agreements is as follows:

Crackle Plus Management Services Agreement

The Company provides management services to Crackle Plus, including property management, back-office support, accounting, tax, legal and financial services (including strategic financial planning) and technology resources and support for a quarterly fee equal to five percent (5%) of Crackle Plus’s gross revenues, subject to adjustment after the first year.

Landmark Studios Group Management Services Agreement

The Company provides management services to Landmark Studio Group, including property management, back-office support, accounting, tax, legal and financial services (including strategic financial planning) and technology resources and support for a quarterly fee equal to five percent (5%) of Landmark Studio Group’s gross revenues.

Due from Affiliated Companies

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company is owed $6,790,980 and $7,642,432, respectively, from affiliated companies - primarily CSS. The Company is part of CSS’s central cash management system whereby payroll and benefits are administered by CSS and the related expenses are charged to its subsidiaries and funds are transferred between affiliates to fulfill joint liquidity needs and business initiatives.

20

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

As noted above, advances and repayments occur periodically. The Company and CSS do not charge interest on the net advances.

Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

The Company is obligated under non-cancellable lease agreements for certain facilities and services, which frequently include renewal options and escalation clauses. For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis and record the difference between the recognized rent expense and amounts payable under the lease as lease obligations. Lease obligations due within one year are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These leases expire at various points through 2031.

Rent expense related to these leases was $480,301 and $113,210 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company does not record rent expense for its Connecticut office as it is included under the Management Agreement with CSS

Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements as of March 31, 2020 were as follows:

Remainder of 2020		4,461,984
2021		7,136,682
2022		4,011,272
2023		1,269,773
2024		1,295,168
2025 - 2031		8,862,909
Total minimum lease payments	$	27,037,788

Legal and Other Matters

We are not presently a party to any legal proceedings the resolution of which we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, or cash flows. However, legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and an unfavorable outcome could include monetary damages, and excessive verdicts can result from litigation, and as such, could result in a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations, and /or cash flows. Additionally, although we have specific insurance for certain potential risks, we may in the future incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations, and /or cash flows. 

21

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 15 – Equity

Subsidiary convertible preferred stock

The subsidiary convertible preferred stock represents the equity attributable to the noncontrolling interest holder as a part of the Crackle Plus business combination. Given the terms of the transaction, the noncontrolling interest holder has the right to convert its Preferred Units in the Crackle Plus joint venture into Common Units representing common ownership of 49% in the Crackle Plus joint venture or into Series A Preferred Stock in the Company. Based on the terms of the transaction agreement, the noncontrolling interest in the Crackle Plus joint venture is convertible into equity.

Noncontrolling interest

Noncontrolling interests represents a 1% equity interest in the consolidated subsidiary Crackle Plus. The noncontrolling interests are presented as a component of equity and the proportionate share of net income (loss) attributed to the noncontrolling interests is recorded in results of operations. Changes in noncontrolling interests that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for in equity. Gains and losses from the changes in noncontrolling interests that result in a loss of control are recorded in results of operations.

Note 16 – Segment Reporting and Geographic Information

The Company’s reportable segment has been determined based on the distinct nature of its operations, the Company’s internal management structure, and the financial information that is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker. The Company operates in one reportable segment, across two operations areas, the distribution and production of video content for sale to others and for use on our owned and operated video on demand platforms. We have a presence in over 56 countries and territories worldwide and intend to continue to sell our video content internationally.

Net revenue generated in the United States accounted for approximately 99% of total net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. Remaining net revenue was generated in the rest of the world. Long-lived assets are 100% based in the United States

Note 17 – Subsequent Events

COVID-19

There are many uncertainties regarding the current coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, and the Company is closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of its business, including how it will impact its customers, employees,  vendors, and business partners. While the pandemic did not materially adversely affect the Company’s financial results and business operations in the Company’s first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020, we are unable to predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on its financial position and operating results due to numerous uncertainties. The Company expects to continue to assess the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and intends to make adjustments accordingly, if necessary.

Series A Preferred Stock Dividends

The Company has declared and paid monthly dividends of $0.2031 per share on its 9.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) to holders of record as of March 31, 2020 and April 30, 2020. The monthly dividend for March was paid on April 15, 2020 and the monthly dividend for April is expected to be paid on May 15, 2020. The total dividends declared and paid in April and May was approximately $325,000, respectively.

22

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

The following discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 30, 2020 (“Form 10‑K”). Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q, includes forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties and should be read together with the "Risk Factors" section of our report on Form 10‑K for a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expectations, intentions and strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “target,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this Report are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on our company and its subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve many risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Important factors that may affect our actual results include:

· the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), including the measures to reduce its spread, and the impact on the economy and demand for our services, which may precipitate or exacerbate other risks and uncertainties our financial performance, including our ability to generate revenue;

· potential effects of a challenging economy, for example, on the demand for our advertising and marketing services, on our clients’ financial condition and on our business or financial condition;

· the ability of our content offerings to achieve market acceptance;

· our success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in retaining, our officers, key employees or directors;

· our potential ability to obtain additional financing when and if needed;

· our ability to protect our intellectual property;

· our ability to complete strategic acquisitions, including joint ventures and co-production arrangements;

· our ability to manage growth and integrate acquired operations;

· uninterrupted service by the third-party service providers we rely on for the distribution of our content and delivery of ad impressions;

· the potential liquidity and trading of our securities;

· regulatory or operational risks;

23

· our inability to pay dividends if we fall out of compliance with our loan covenants in the future and then are prohibited by our bank lender from paying dividends;

· downward revisions to, or withdrawals of, our credit ratings by third-party rating agencies;

· our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and

· the time during which we will be an Emerging Growth Company under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or JOBS Act.

You should refer to the “Risk Factors” section of the report on Form 10‑K, for a discussion of important factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. You should read this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q and the documents we have filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q and the report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2019, completely and with the understanding our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect, or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may make.

Overview

We operate streaming video-on-demand networks (VOD). The Company owns a majority stake in Crackle Plus, a company formed with Sony Pictures Television, which owns and operates a variety of ad-supported and subscription-based VOD networks including Crackle, Popcornflix, Popcornflix Kids, Truli, Pivotshare, Españolflix and FrightPix. The Company also acquires and distributes video content through its Screen Media subsidiary and produces long and short-form original content through subsidiaries and outside partnerships. The content acquired or produced by the Company is sometimes used exclusively on the Company’s networks and is generally also sold to others with the goal of providing our networks access to original and exclusive AVOD content at a lower cost and to generate additional revenue and operating cash flow for the Company.

We operate one reportable segment across two operations areas:

· Online Networks: In this operations area, we distribute and exhibit VOD content through Crackle Plus directly to consumers across all digital platforms, such as connected TV’s, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and the web through our owned and operated AVOD networks. We also distribute our own and third-party owned content to end viewers across various digital platforms through our SVOD network. We generate advertising revenues primarily by serving video advertisements to our streaming viewers and subscription revenue from consumers.

· Distribution and Production: In this operations area, we distribute movies and television series worldwide to consumers through license agreements across all media, including theatrical, home video, pay-per-view, free, cable, pay television, VOD, mobile and new digital media platforms worldwide. We own the copyright or long-term distribution rights to over 1,000 television series and feature films.

In addition we work with sponsors and use highly regarded independent producers to develop and produce our television and short-form video content, including Brand-related content. We also derive revenue from our subsidiary A Plus, which develops and distributes high-quality, empathetic short-form videos to millions of people worldwide. A Plus enhances our ability to distribute short form versions of our video productions and video library and provide us with content developed and distributed by A Plus that is complementary to the Brand. As a result of launching Crackle Plus we decided to change our approach to content production, focusing primarily on co-production partnerships in order to build our AVOD networks, through Crackle Plus, and our worldwide distribution capabilities through Screen Media. By focusing this way, we believe that we will be able to grow our business more rapidly by entering into production agreements with a variety of production partners. In October 2019, we launched Landmark Studio Group (“Landmark”), our first production co-venture subsidiary. We plan

24

to enter into other similar co-production arrangements going forward. Going forward we will only occasionally produce programming internally.

Since our inception in January 2015, our business has grown rapidly. As described below in “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure”, we use Adjusted EBITDA as an important metric for management. Summary data is as follows:

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, our gross revenue was approximately $14.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The increase in gross revenue was primarily due to significant growth in our online networks’ operation area, principally due to our acquisition of the Crackle Plus network in May 2019.

Our Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was approximately, $2.0 million and $(0.8) million, respectively.  As described below in “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure”, we use Adjusted EBITDA as an important metric for management.

Our primary objective is to continue to build and acquire streaming VOD networks to create a leading “network of networks” that provide content for all screens. The Company owns a majority stake in Crackle Plus, a joint venture with Sony Pictures Television, which owns and operates a variety of branded, ad-supported and subscription-based VOD networks including Crackle, Popcornflix, Popcornflix Kids, Truli, Pivotshare, Españolflix and FrightPix.  Our supporting strategies include building our library of video content through a combination of opportunistically acquiring third-party video content and libraries, such as our transformative acquisition of Screen Media and the production of Chicken Soup for the Soul original video content, both of which we will monetize through our traditional television and film distribution activity while retaining the right to use this content on our VOD networks thereby lowering our cost of content acquisition for these VOD networks and providing a competitive advantage.

Recent Developments

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic did not materially adversely affect the Company’s financial results and business operations in the Company’s first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020. We are unable to predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our financial position and operating results due to numerous uncertainties. See “Risk Factors” for additional information in our Form 10-K.  The Company expects to continue to assess the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and intends to make adjustments accordingly. 

JOBS Act Accounting Election

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Company has irrevocably elected to avail itself of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards, and, therefore, will not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as public companies that are not emerging growth companies.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). We use a non-GAAP financial measure to evaluate our results of operations and as a supplemental indicator of our operating performance. The non-GAAP financial measure that we use is Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) is considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Due to the significance of non-cash, non-recurring, and acquisition related expenses recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, and the likelihood of material non-cash, non-recurring, and acquisition related expenses to occur in future periods, we believe that this non-GAAP financial measure enhances the understanding of our historical and current financial results as well as provides investors with measures used by management for the planning and forecasting of future periods, as well as for measuring

25

performance for compensation of executives and other members of management. Further, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA enables our board of directors and management to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions that will directly affect operating decisions and investments. We believe this measure is an important indicator of our operational strength and performance of our business because it provides a link between operational performance and operating income. It is also a primary measure used by management in evaluating companies as potential acquisition targets. We believe the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management. We believe it helps improve investors’ ability to understand our operating performance and makes it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different capital structures or tax rates. In addition, we believe this measure is also among the primary measures used externally by our investors, analysts and peers in our industry for purposes of valuation and comparing our operating performance to other companies in our industry.

The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual, infrequent or non-recurring items or by non-cash items. This non-GAAP financial measure should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, our actual operating results included in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated operating income adjusted to exclude interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization (including tangible and intangible assets), acquisition-related costs, consulting fees related to acquisitions, dividend payments, non-cash share-based compensation expense, and adjustments for other unusual and infrequent in nature identified charges. Adjusted EBITDA is not an earnings measure recognized by U.S. GAAP and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP; accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We believe Adjusted EBITDA to be a meaningful indicator of our performance that provides useful information to investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations. The most comparable GAAP measure is operating income.

Adjusted EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

· Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

· Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for our working capital needs;

· Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the effects of preferred dividend payments, or the cash requirements necessary to fund;

· Although amortization and depreciation is a non-cash charge, the assets being depreciated will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such future replacements;

· Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the effects of the amortization of our film library, which include cash and non-cash amortization of our initial film library investments, participation costs and theatrical release costs;

· Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of stock-based compensation upon our results of operations;

· Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;

· Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our income tax expense (benefit) or the cash requirements to pay our income taxes;

· Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of acquisition related expenses; and the cash requirements necessary;

26

· Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of other non-recurring, infrequent in nature and unusual expenses; and

· Other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to those eliminated in this presentation.

Reconciliation of Historical GAAP Net Income as reported to Adjusted EBITDA

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for the periods presented:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Net loss available to common stockholders	$	(11,427,380)	$	(3,376,737)
Preferred dividends		974,272		603,307
Provision for income taxes		49,000		(438,000)
Other taxes		53,411		281,210
Interest expense, net of interest income(a)		322,687		127,598
Film library and program rights amortization(b)		2,494,832		871,126
Share-based compensation expense(c)		244,835		215,847
Acquisition-related costs(d)		98,926		397,935
Reserve for bad debt and video returns		1,721,595		300,403
Amortization and depreciation		5,204,728		205,623
Transitional expenses(e)		2,113,469		—
All other nonrecurring costs		186,948		24,155
Adjusted EBITDA	$	2,037,323	$	(787,533)

(a) Includes non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs of $10,152 and $25,823 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

(b) Represents amortization of our film library, which include cash and non-cash amortization of our initial film library investments, participation costs and theatrical release costs as well as amortization for our acquired program rights.

(c) Represents expense related to common stock equivalents issued to certain employees and officers under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, as well as common stock grants issued to employees and non-employee directors.

(d) Represents aggregate transaction-related costs, including legal fees, accounting fees, investment advisory fees and various consulting fees.

(e) Represents transitional related expenses primarily associated with the Crackle Plus business combination and our Company strategic shift related to our production business. Costs include primarily non-recurring payroll and related expenses and redundant non-recurring technology costs.

Results of Operations

Revenue

Our online network revenue is derived from content generated by online streaming of films and television programs on our advertising-supported video on demand (AVOD) networks consisting of Crackle, our YouTube channel and Popcornflix®, and our subscription-based video on demand (SVOD) network Pivotshare, all of which collectively form Crackle Plus. Our television and film distribution revenues are derived primarily from our distribution of television series and films in all media, including theatrical, home video, pay-per-view, free, cable and pay television, VOD and new digital media platforms worldwide as well as owned and operated networks, (i.e., Crackle, Popcornflix® and A Plus). Our television and short-form video production revenue is derived primarily from corporate and charitable sponsors that

27

compensate us for the production of half-hour or one-hour episodic television programs as well as short-form video content.

Cost of Revenue

Our cost of revenue is derived from platform costs which are related to the various expenses incurred by the company to support and maintain the AVOD and SVOD networks. These costs are comprised of hosting and bandwidth costs, website traffic costs, royalty fees, and music costs. Also, included in cost of revenue are advertisement representation fees earned by our advertising representation partners (“Ad Rep Partners”) and license fees payable to third parties and the related amortization associated with programming rights.  Also included in our cost of revenue is the amortization of capitalized programming and film library costs relating to both television and short-form online videos as well as film library costs. We record cost of revenue based on the individual-film-forecast method. This method requires costs to be amortized in the proportion that the current period’s revenue bears to management’s estimate of ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from each production or film. Our costs are fixed for each series before we begin production. We have a growing list of independent production companies that we work with. We generally acquire distribution rights of our films covering periods of ten or more years. Cost of revenue also includes distribution costs for television series and films and non-cash amortization of film library costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Our selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries and benefits, non-cash share-based compensation, public and investor relations fees, outside director fees, professional fees and other overhead. A significant portion of selling, general and administrative expenses are covered by our management and license agreements with CSS, as noted below.

Management and License Fees

We pay management fees of five percent (5%) of our net revenue to CSS pursuant to the CSS Management Agreement as amended. CSS provides us with the operational expertise of its personnel, and we also receive other services, including accounting, legal, marketing, management, data access and back office systems, office space and equipment usage. We believe that the terms and conditions of the CSS Management Agreement, as amended, are more favorable and cost effective to us than if we hired the full staff to operate the company.

We pay license and marketing support fees of five percent (5%) of our net revenue to CSS pursuant to a License Agreement, which we refer to as the CSS License Agreement. Four percent (4%) of this fee is a recurring license fee for the right to use all video content of the Brand. One percent (1%) of this fee relates to marketing support activities through CSS’ email distribution, blogs and other marketing and public relations resources. We believe that the terms and conditions of the CSS License Agreement, which provides us with the rights to use the trademark and intellectual property in connection with our video content, are more favorable to us than any similar agreement we could have negotiated with an independent third party.

Interest Expense

Our interest expense is comprised of cash interest paid on our Commercial Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for a full description of the Commercial Loan and Revolving Credit Facility.

Income Taxes

We provide for federal and state income taxes currently payable, as well as those deferred resulting from temporary differences between reporting income and expenses for financial statement purposes versus income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recoverable. The effect of the change in the tax rate, if it occurs, will be recognized as income or expense in the period of the enacted change in tax rate. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized.

28

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 COMPARED WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019

Revenue

The following table presents revenue line items for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 and for the period-over-period dollar and percentage changes for those line items:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
			% of				% of		Change
	2020		revenue		2019		revenue		Period over Period
Revenue:
Online networks	$	9,025,710	68	%	$	735,264	33	%	$	8,290,446	*	%
Distribution and Production		5,092,789	38	%		1,790,234	82	%		3,302,555	184	%
Total revenue		14,118,499	106	%		2,525,498	115	%		11,593,001	459	%
Less: returns and allowances		(874,426)	(6)	%		(332,344)	(15)	%		(542,082)	163	%
Net revenue	$	13,244,073	100	%	$	2,193,154	100	%	$	11,050,919	504	%

*Not meaningful

Our net revenue increased by $11.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. This increase in net revenue was primarily due to the $8.3 million increase in Online Networks revenue as a result of the Crackle Plus acquisition and the $3.3 million increase in Distribution and Production revenue resulting primarily from video distribution revenue, as further described below. 

Online Network revenue

Our online network revenue is derived from content generated by online streaming of films and television programs on our seven advertising-supported video on demand (AVOD) networks including Crackle, Popcornflix® and our subscription-based video on demand (SVOD) network Pivotshare, all of which collectively form Crackle Plus.

Our online networks revenue increased by $8.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. The increase of $8.3 million was primarily due to the acquisition of the Crackle network which accounted for 94% of our online networks revenues, driven by the delivery of advertisements during the viewing of full length movies, television shows and original programming on our platform.

Distribution and Production revenue

Our distribution and production revenues are derived primarily from our distribution of television series and films in all media, including theatrical, home video, pay-per-view, broadcast and pay television, video on demand (VOD) and new digital media platforms worldwide as well as owned and operated networks, (i.e., Crackle, Popcornflix® and A Plus).

Distribution and production revenues increased by $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to a $2.3 million increase in video distribution and theatrical revenues driven primarily by the performance of The Last Full Measure, $0.8 million increase in AVOD distribution revenue and a $0.5 million increase in internet streaming revenue offset by a $0.3 million decrease in production revenue.

Cost of Revenue

Our cost of revenue for our online networks includes the various expenses incurred by the Company to support and maintain our AVOD and SVOD networks. These costs are comprised of hosting and bandwidth costs, website traffic costs, royalty fees, and music costs. Also included in cost of revenue are advertisement representation fees earned by our advertising representation partners (“Ad Rep Partners”), license fees payable to third parties for content exhibited on our networks and the related amortization associated with programming rights and film library costs.

29

Cost of revenue for our television and film distribution includes distribution costs for television series and films and amortization of film library costs.

We record cost of revenue for our production and content acquisitions based on the individual-film-forecast method. This method requires costs to be amortized in the proportion that the current period’s revenue bears to management’s estimate of ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from each production or content acquisition.

The following table presents cost of revenue line items for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 and the period-over-period dollar and percentage changes for those line items:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
				% of					% of		Change
	2020			revenue		2019			revenue		Period over Period
Cost of revenue:
Programming costs amortization	$	110,629		1	%	$	61,798		3	%	$	48,831	79	%
Film library amortization		2,441,081		18	%		871,126		40	%		1,569,955	180	%
Revenue share and partner fees		2,490,793		19	%		—		0	%		2,490,793	*	%
Distribution and platform costs		4,867,887		37	%		699,177		32	%		4,168,710	596	%
Total cost of revenue	$	9,910,390		75	%	$	1,632,101		74	%	$	8,278,289	507	%
Gross profit	$	3,333,683				$	561,053				$	2,772,630	494	%
Gross profit margin		25	%				26	%					(2)	%

*Not meaningful

Our cost of revenue increased by $8.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. This increase was primarily due to  a $4.2 million increase in distribution and platform costs and $2.5 million increase in revenue share and partner fees as a result of the Crackle Plus acquisition. In addition film library amortization increased $1.6 million as a result of increased distribution revenue generated in the period.

Operating Expenses

The following table presents operating expense line items for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 and the period-over-period dollar and percentage changes for those line items:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
			% of				% of		Change
	2020		revenue		2019		revenue		Period over Period
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	$	6,839,897	52	%	$	2,822,057	129	%	$	4,017,840	142	%
Amortization and depreciation		5,204,728	39	%		205,623	9	%		4,999,105	*	%
Management and license fees		1,324,407	10	%		219,270	10	%		1,105,137	504	%
Total operating expenses	$	13,369,032	101	%	$	3,246,950	148	%	$	10,122,082	312	%

*Not meaningful

Our total operating expenses were 101% of net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 148% in the same period in 2019 and increased in absolute dollars by $10.1 million. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. The increase is primarily due to a $1.9 million increase in payroll, benefits and commissions expense and other operating expenses discussed in the following selling, general and administrative section.

30

Amortization and depreciation expense increased by $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. The increase is primarily due to the amortization of intangible assets formed as a result of the Crackle Plus acquisition in May 2019.

The management and license fee increased $1.1 million or 504% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. The increase is due to and in line with the $11.1 million or 504% increase in net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following table presents selling, general and administrative expense line items for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 and the period-over-period dollar and percentage changes for those line items:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,				Change
	2020		2019		Period over Period
Payroll, benefits and commissions	$	3,369,135	$	1,422,431	$	1,946,704	137	%
Share-based compensation		244,835		215,847		28,988	13	%
Outside professional services		587,643		261,543		326,100	125	%
Public company costs and expenses		102,578		56,622		45,956	81	%
Bad debt expense		847,169		(31,941)		879,110	*	%
Other costs and expenses		1,688,537		897,555		790,982	88	%
	$	6,839,897	$	2,822,057	$	4,017,840	142	%

*Not meaningful

Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. This increase is primarily due to a $1.9 million increase in payroll, benefits and commissions expense, $0.9 million increase in bad debt expense and the $1.2 million combined residual increase in other overhead costs and expenses, respectively. 

Our payroll, benefits and commission expense increased by $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. This increase is primarily due to a 113% increase in headcount as a result of the Crackle Plus acquisition.

Bad debt expense increased $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019 as a result of  reserving certain aged customer balances within our Distribution and Production operation area.

Other costs and expenses increased by $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. This increase is primarily related to a $0.4 million increase in rent, $0.2 million increase in marketing and $0.2 million increase in travel and entertainment expenses.

Outside professional services increased by $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. This increase is primarily related to a $0.2 million increase in legal fees and a $0.1 million increase in consulting expenses.

Public company costs and expenses increased $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. This increase was primarily related to investor relation fees and other public company related costs.

Share-based compensation increased $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. The increase is primarily related to additional stock option grants issued under the Long Term Incentive Plan.

Management and License Fees

We incurred management fees to CSS equal to 5% of total net revenue reported for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. We also incurred license fees to CSS for use of the brand equal to 5% of total net revenue reported for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

31

Interest Expense

For the three month ended March 31, 2020 and 2019,  our interest expense was comprised primarily of interest incurred on the commercial loan and revolving credit facility.

The following table presents interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Commercial Loan	$	217,861	$	115,300
Revolving credit facility		101,112		—
Amortization of deferred financing costs		10,152		25,823
	$	329,125	$	141,123

Interest expense increased $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 2019. The increase is primarily related to amending the commercial loan in August 2019, pursuant to which our existing commercial loan of $5.0 million and line of credit of $3.5 million were consolidated and combined into a term loan of $16.0 million, bearing an interest rate of 6.25%. In addition we entered into a revolving credit facility with Cole Investments VII, LLC in connection with the creation of our Landmark Studio Group subsidiary in October 2019. The Revolving Credit Facility consists of a revolving line of credit in the amount of $5,000,000 and bears interest of 8% per annum.

Acquisition Related Costs

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 acquisition related costs, including legal, accounting and investment advisory fees totaled $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The $0.3 million decrease in acquisition related costs is primarily related to costs incurred in the prior period 2019 related to the formation of Crackle Plus while in the current year we had no such acquisition.

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company’s provision for income taxes consists of federal and state taxes in amounts necessary to align our tax provision to the effective rate that we expect for the full year.

Our effective rate is impacted by permanent differences which consist primarily of charges for incentive stock options issued under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan that are not tax-deductible as well as amortization of pre-acquisition film library costs for Screen Media Ventures for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Temporary timing differences consist primarily of net programming costs being deductible for tax purposes in the period incurred under Internal Revenue Code Section 181(pre-2018) and when placed in service (released) for production costs incurred in the United States under Section 168(k) (post-2017) as contrasted to the capitalization and amortization for financial reporting purposes under the guidance of ASC 926 —Entertainment — Films. The Company also amortized, under Section 197 of the Internal Revenue Code, certain intangible assets acquired in business combinations, with such amortization either not reported in the consolidated financial statements or reported at different amounts. Additionally, acquisition related costs that were expensed for financial reporting purposes are not immediately deductible for tax purposes but are amortized over 15 years under Section 197. 

32

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

Our primary sources of liquidity are our existing cash and cash equivalents, cash inflows from operating activities and financing activities. As of March 31, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $7.1 million. Our total commercial loan principal outstanding was $14.2 million as of March 31, 2020. In addition, the Company has an outstanding revolving credit facility in the amount of $5.0 million as of March 31, 2020.  

Preferred Stock Dividend

We have declared monthly dividends of $0.2031 per share on our Series A Preferred Stock to holders of record as of each month end January through March 2020. Total dividends paid from January through the date of this report were approximately $1.0 million.

Cash Flows

Our cash and cash equivalents balance was $7.1 million as of March 31, 2020 and $6.5 million as of December 31, 2019.  

Cash flow information for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	1,937,343	$	(3,771,323)
Investing activities		510,866		(1,985,500)
Financing activities		(1,774,272)		2,348,175
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	673,937	$	(3,408,648)

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020.  Net cash used in operating activities was $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  The increase in cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily due to a $4.9 million increase related to the effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities and a $0.8 million decrease in net loss adjusted for the exclusion of non-cash expenses.

The net loss adjusted for the exclusion of non-cash expenses was approximately $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to net loss adjusted for the exclusion of non-cash expenses of  $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to the $2.8 million increase in gross profit offset by the $1.9 million increase in payroll, benefits and commission expense as a result of the growth and transformation of the business.

The effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities was a increase of $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to a decrease of $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The most significant drivers contributing to this decrease relate to the following:

· Changes in accounts receivable primarily driven by the timing of collections. Accounts receivable decreased $7.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to a decrease of $2.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

· Changes in film library net asset primarily due to increased investment in our distribution and production operation area.  Film library increased $6.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to a $2.8 million increase for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

33

· Changes in programming costs and rights due to increased investment in our distribution and production operation area.  Programming costs and rights increased $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to a $0.1 million increase for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

· Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses primarily driven by growth of the business and timing of accruals. Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to a decrease of $1.2 million during three months ended March 31, 2019.

· Changes in film library acquisition obligations primarily due to increased investment in our distribution and production line of business and timing of payments. Film library acquisition obligations increased $1.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to a increase of $0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Investing Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, our investing activities provided net cash totaling $0.5 million and required a net use of cash totaling $2.0 million, respectively. This resulted primarily from a decrease in our due-from affiliated companies’ balance driven by our parent company’s central cash management system which from time to time funds are transferred to fulfill joint business needs and liquidity requirements are settled on an ongoing basis. Settlements fluctuate period over period due to timing of liquidity needs.

Financing Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, our financing activities used net cash totaling $1.8 million. This resulted from the payment of scheduled dividend payments to preferred stockholders in the amount of $1.0 million and scheduled debt principal payments on the commercial loan of $0.8 million.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, our financing activities provided net cash totaling $2.3 million. This resulted primarily from proceeds from the sale of our preferred stock of $3.5 million, offset by the payment of scheduled dividend payments to preferred stockholders in the amount of $0.6 million, payment of stock issuance costs of $0.3 million and scheduled debt principal payments on the commercial loan of $0.3 million.

Anticipated Cash Requirements

We believe that cash flow from operations, cash on hand, and the monetization of trade accounts receivable, together with equity and debt offerings, will be adequate to meet our known operational cash and debt service (i.e., principal and interest payments) requirements for the foreseeable future.  We monitor our cash flow liquidity, availability, capital base, operational spending and leverage ratios with the long-term goal of maintaining our credit worthiness.  If we are required to access financing for our operating needs, we may incur additional debt and/or issue preferred stock or common equity, which could serve to materially increase our liabilities and/or cause dilution to existing holders.  There can be no assurance that we would be able to access debt or equity financing if required on a timely basis or at all or  on terms that are commercially reasonable to our company.  If we should be required to obtain debt or equity financing and are unable to do so on the required terms, our operations and financial performance could be materially adversely affected.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported periods. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

34

Our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q, and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2019. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates, since December 31, 2019.

JOBS Act

We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act and are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, only two years of audited financial statements in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements with correspondingly reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy or information statements, and not being required to adopt certain new and revised accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected to avail ourselves of the extended time for the adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and, therefore, will not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as public companies that are not emerging growth companies.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Effect of Inflation and Changes in Prices

Not applicable.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Our management has established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information the Company is required to disclose in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Such disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information the Company is required to disclose in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2020, the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q.

Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the date of our Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q, March 31, 2020, have been designed and are functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

35

Our independent registered public accounting firm has not performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting during any period in accordance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As a result, it is possible, had our independent registered public accounting firm performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, material weaknesses and significant control deficiencies may have been identified. However, for as long as we remain an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we intend to take advantage of the exemption permitting us not to comply with the requirement that our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a‑15(f) and 15d‑15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, from time-to-time, the Company may become subject to claims in legal proceedings. In addition to creating its own content and using its own technologies, the Company distributes third party content and utilizes third party technology, which could further expose the Company to claims arising from actions of such third parties (for which the Company would seek indemnification that may or may not be available under the terms governing the Company’s relationships with such third parties). Legal proceedings are subject-to inherent uncertainties, and an unfavorable outcome could include monetary damages, and in such event, could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.    

Item 1A – Risk Factors

The following risk factor is provided to update the risk factors previously disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The global spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the various attempts to contain it have created significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption. In response to government mandates, health care advisories and otherwise responding to employee and vendor concerns, we have altered certain aspects of our operations. Our workforce has had to spend a significant amount of time working from home, which impacts their productivity. All of our productions are paused, as are productions of third-parties who supply us with content. Other operating partners have similarly had their operations altered or temporarily suspended, including those partners that we use for our Crackle Plus operations as well as development, production and post-production of content. To the extent the resulting economic disruption is severe, we could see some vendors go out of business, resulting in supply constraints and increased costs or delays to our operations. Such pauses may cause us temporarily to have less new content available on our service in subsequent quarters, which could negatively impact consumer demand for and user retention to our services. Temporary operation pauses or permanent shutdowns could result in content asset impairments or other charges and will change the timing and amount of cash outflows associated with operating activity.

The full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and the various responses to it impacts our business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict, including: the duration and scope of the pandemic; governmental, business and individuals’ actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the pandemic; the availability and cost to access the capital markets; the effect on our customers and customer demand for our services; disruptions or restrictions on our employees’ ability to work and travel; interruptions or restrictions related to the provision of streaming services over the internet, including impacts on content delivery networks and streaming quality; and any stoppages, disruptions or increased costs associated with our development, production, post-production, marketing and distribution of original programming. Furthermore, given increased government expenditures associated with their COVID-19 response, we could see increased government obligations which could negatively impact our results of operations. If we need to access the capital markets, there can be no assurance that

36

financing may be available on attractive terms, if at all. We will continue to actively monitor the issues raised by the COVID-19 pandemic and may take further actions that alter our business operations, including content production, as may be required by federal, state, local or foreign authorities, or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, partners and stockholders. It is not clear what the potential effects any such alterations or modifications may have on our business, including the effects on our customers, suppliers or vendors, or on our financial results.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to an increase in our Crackle Plus users relative to our quarterly forecast and historic trends. These results, as well as those of other metrics such as revenues, operating margins, net income and other financial and operating data, may not be indicative of results for future periods. Our increase in user additions may reflect the acceleration of growth that we would have seen in subsequent periods, and user growth may slow or reverse, due to slower acquisition and/or higher cancellations, as government and other restrictions are relaxed. In addition to the potential direct impacts to our business, the global economy is likely to be significantly weakened as a result of the actions taken in response to COVID-19. To the extent that such a weakened global economy impacts customers’ and partners ability or willingness to pay for our services or vendors’ ability to provide services to us, we could see our business and results of operation negatively impacted.

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

None

Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5 – Other Information

None

37

Item 6 – Exhibits

The exhibits filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q are set forth on the Exhibit Index, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Exhibit No.	Description
31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial and Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.2	Certification of Principal Financial and Accounting Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*

*    Included herewith.

38

SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
	(Registrant)
	/s/ Christopher Mitchell
	Christopher Mitchell
	Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
	/s/ William J. Rouhana, Jr.
	William J. Rouhana, Jr.
	Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 14, 2020	(Principal Executive Officer)

39