ptnt20170331_10q.htm

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

 

Or

 

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

 

For the transition period from to

 

Commission file number 0-26083

 


 

 PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

94-3220749

(State or other jurisdiction of

(IRS Employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification Number)

    

101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 100 Folsom, CA 95630

(Address of principal executive offices)

     

(916) 932-2860

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer ☐

  

  

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company ☒

(Do not check if a 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. 

 

The aggregate market value of registrant’s voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the common stock as of the last business day of registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2016), as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market, was approximately $1,819,000. Registrant is a smaller reporting company as defined in Regulation S-K. Shares of common stock held by each officer, director and holder of 5% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐ No ☒

 

The number of outstanding shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, on March 31, 2017 were 10,073,688 shares.   

 

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

INDEX

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1:

Financial Statements (unaudited)

  

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

3

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

4

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

5

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

6

  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7

ITEM 2:

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

22

ITEM 4:

Controls and Procedures

29

  

  

  

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

29

ITEM 1:

Legal Proceedings

29

ITEM 1A:

Risk Factors

29

ITEM 6:

Exhibits

36

  

  

  

Signature   

37

Certifications   

  

 

2

 

 

PART I:

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

March 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 

Assets

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 655     $ 589  

Restricted cash equivalents

          400  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    538       599  

Total current assets

    1,193       1,588  
                 

Intangible assets, net

    13,691       15,255  

Goodwill

    54       54  

Other assets

    22       22  

Total assets

  $ 14,960     $ 16,919  
                 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 388     $ 384  

Accrued expenses

    2,563       1,508  

Accrued contingent consideration, current

    358        

Notes payable, net

    3,487       3,298  

Derivative liability

    464       405  

Debt due to related party

    315       252  

Total current liabilities

    7,575       5,847  
                 

Accrued contingent consideration, non-current

    8,946       11,539  

Other liabilities

          45  

Total liabilities

    16,521       17,431  
                 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

               
                 

Stockholders’ deficit:

               

Common stock

    15       15  

Paid-in capital

    231,393       231,374  

Treasury stock

    (10,323

)

    (10,323

)

Accumulated deficit

    (222,646

)

    (221,578

)

Total stockholders’ deficit

    (1,561

)

    (512

)

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

  $ 14,960     $ 16,919  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

3

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months

Ended March 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
                 

Total revenues

  $ 110     $  

Cost of revenues

    (91 )      

Gross margin

    19        
                 

Operating expenses:

               

General and administrative

    1,445       1,112  

Amortization

    1,325       2,182  
Impairment  of intangible assets     239        

Total operating expenses

    3,009       3,294  

Loss from operations

    (2,990

)

    (3,294

)

Other income (expense), net

    2,251       2  

Interest expense

    (266

)

    (170

)

Interest expense to a related party

    (63

)

     

Net loss before income taxes

    (1,068

)

    (3,462

)

Income tax benefit

           

Net loss

  $ (1,068

)

  $ (3,462

)

                 

Net loss per share:

               

Basic and diluted

  $ (0.11

)

  $ (0.34

)

                 

Shares used in computing net loss per share:

               

Basic and diluted

    10,074       10,074  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

4

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months

Ended March 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

Net loss

  $ (1,068

)

  $ (3,462

)

Comprehensive loss

  $ (1,068

)

  $ (3,462

)

  

See accompanying notes.

 

5

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net loss

  $ (1,068

)

  $ (3,462

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

               

Stock-based compensation

    19       19  

Amortization

    1,325       2,182  
Revaluation of derivative liability     59        
Impairment of intangible assets     239        

Imputed interest expense on contingent consideration

    74       86  

Imputed interest on notes payable

    252       83  
Revaluation of contingent consideration     (2,309 )      

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    61       24  

Accounts payable

    4       104  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    1,010       (30

)

Net cash used in operating activities

    (334

)

    (994

)

                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Redemptions of short-term investments

          1,494  

Redemptions of restricted cash equivalents

    400       200  

Net cash provided by investing activities

    400       1,694  
                 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    66       700  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    589       1,756  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 655     $ 2,456  

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information and non-cash transactions:

 

See accompanying notes.

 

6

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(unaudited)

 

1. Business of Prism Technologies Group, Inc.

 

Prism Technologies Group, Inc. (referred to herein as “PTG”, “we”, “our” or “us”) was originally incorporated in California in February 1995 and re-incorporated in Delaware in October 1996.The mailing address of our headquarters is 101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 100, Folsom, CA 95630, and the telephone number at that location is (916) 932-2860. Our principal website is www.przmgroup.com.

 

Since December 21, 2011, PTG’s business has consisted of licensing and enforcing a portfolio of patents relating to technology that we developed or acquired. On March 26, 2015, we completed our acquisition of Prism Technologies, LLC (“Prism LLC”), with Prism LLC becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Merger”). Prism LLC is a Nebraska limited liability company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Prism LLC has two primary operating subsidiaries: Secure Axcess, LLC, a Texas limited liability company and Millenium Biologix, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company. Prism LLC and its subsidiaries own a portfolio of patents with over 50 issued patents in the areas of computer and network security, semiconductors and medical technology. In September 2015, we changed our name to Prism LLC Technologies Group, Inc. to better reflect the operations of the combined companies.

 

2. Basis of Presentation and Liquidity

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PTG and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Goldrush Insurance Services, Inc. and Prism Technologies LLC. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

 

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not contain all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position as of March 31, 2017 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. The financial data and other information disclosed in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements related to these periods are unaudited. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared under the assumption that PTG will continue to operate as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts of liabilities that may result from uncertainty related to PTG’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

As of March 31, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $0.7 million. In addition to the expenses associated with the patent licensing business, such as salaries and overhead, we have notes payable of $4.3 million, including $3.3 million in installment payments due in 2017. With the consent of the note holder, these installment payments have not been paid as of the date of this report. We have implemented certain initiatives to preserve cash and we have discussed restructuring one of our notes payable with the note holder, but there can be no assurance that the discussions will be successful. We cannot estimate when we will receive revenues from our operations due to the uncertainty associated with patent litigation. We entered into two financing agreements in late 2016 for an aggregate of $750,000 (which are described in Note 10), and we have implemented significant expense reduction initiatives, including a moratorium on salaries for most employees. Unless we are able to defer or restructure our liabilities, substantially reduce our operating expenses, or receive revenues, we anticipate that our cash will be insufficient to fund our operations beyond the fourth quarter of 2017. These factors raise substantial doubt about PTG's ability to continue as a going concern within twelve months following the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q. If our business does not generate revenues before our cash is exhausted and we are unable to raise capital on acceptable terms, we may need to cease operations and, as a result, investors could lose their investment.

 

7

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

2. Basis of Presentation (continued)

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other information as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The December 31, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We believe the disclosures in its notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We have evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing these financial statements. Based upon the evaluation, there was no material impact on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.  

 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  

 

Revenue recognition

 

In general, patent licensing arrangements are expected to provide for the payment of contractually determined fees in consideration for the grant of certain intellectual property rights for patented technologies owned or controlled by PTG. Complex revenue arrangements may require significant judgments, assumptions and estimates about when substantial delivery of contract elements will occur, whether any significant ongoing obligations exist subsequent to contract execution, whether collectability is reasonably assured and determination of the appropriate period in which the completion of the earning process occurs.

 

PTG recognizes revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of a contractual arrangement between PTG and the licensee exists, which create legally enforceable rights and obligations, (ii) delivery of the licensee agreement was provided to the licensee, based upon the point at which control of license transfers to the licensee, (iii) the price to the licensee was fixed or determinable, represents the amount of consideration to which PTG expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised licensee agreement to a licensee  and (iv) collectability of consideration to which PTG is entitled to is reasonably assured.

 

Cost of Revenues

 

Cost of revenues include the costs and expenses incurred in connection with PTG''s patent licensing and enforcement activities, including contingent fee based legal expenses, other patent-related legal expenses paid to external patent counsel, licensing and enforcement related research, consulting expenses and revenue share payments paid to third-parties.  These costs are included under the caption "Cost of revenues" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. 

 

Business Combination Accounting 

  

We account for acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, the net assets acquired were recorded at their estimated fair values and Prism LLC’s operating results are included in PTG’s Consolidated Financial Statements from March 26, 2015 (the “Closing Date”). We recognize, separately from goodwill, the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is measured and recognized as of the acquisition date as the excess of: (a) the aggregate of the fair value of consideration transferred, the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree (if any) and the acquisition date fair value of our previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any), over (b) the fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. At the acquisition date, we measured the fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed that arise from contractual contingencies.  PTG measures the fair values of all noncontractual contingencies if, as of the acquisition date, it is more likely than not that the contingency will give rise to an asset or liability. While we use our best estimates and assumptions as a part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, PTG will record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations. Prism LLC’s operations are included in PTG’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of the Closing Date. Acquisition related costs associated with a business combination are expensed as incurred.

 

8

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Intangible Assets

 

The fair value amount assigned to each acquired patent asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period ranging from 1.5 to 6.5 years, depending on the patent. The amortization period of the entire acquired patent portfolio is a weighted average of 4.8 years and was determined using the estimated life of each patent, which is represented by the period over which 100% of the expected discounted cash flows are received, and then using a weighted average approach based on the value of the patent and the estimated life.

 

The amortization period of the covenants not to compete with Prism LLC’s officers is three years; the expected term of the agreements.

 

PTG evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. ASC 360 requires the recognition of impairment losses related to long-lived assets in the event the net carrying value of such assets exceeds fair value. PTG assesses the impairment of its long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Significant judgment is required in determining whether a potential indicator of impairment of the assets exists and in estimating future cash flows for any necessary impairment tests. Recoverability of the intangible assets to be held and used is measured by the comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such an asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

 

As a result of adverse litigation events in the first quarter of 2017, PTG reassessed the recoverability of the intangible assets recorded in connection with the Merger in accordance with ASC 360. PTG determined that the carrying value of certain of its intangible assets were in excess of fair value because the receipt of the forecasted cash flows would likely not be realized. PTG, therefore, recorded impairment charges of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2017. As a result of the recorded impairment charges, the carrying value of the patent portfolio was decreased by $0.2 million. The fair value of the acquired intangible assets were based on estimated future cash flows to be generated from the patent portfolio discounted using a rate commensurate with the risk involved.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of:  (a) the aggregate of the fair value of consideration transferred, the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree (if any) and the acquisition date fair value of PTG’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any), over (b) the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill, deemed to have an indefinite life is subject to periodic impairment testing as described below. 

 

Goodwill is tested for impairment on a periodic basis, and at least annually in the fourth quarter of the year. In the first step of testing for goodwill and intangible assets impairment, we will estimate the fair value of the net assets associated with the goodwill. If the fair value of these net assets is greater than the carrying value of the net assets, including goodwill, then there will be no impairment. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, then we would perform a second step and determine the fair value of the goodwill. In this second step, the fair value of goodwill is determined by deducting the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities from the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole, as if that reporting unit had just been acquired and the purchase price were being initially allocated. If the fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value for a reporting unit, an impairment charge would be recorded to earnings in PTG’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. 

 

In addition, PTG would evaluate goodwill for impairment if events or circumstances change between annual tests indicating a possible impairment.  Examples of such events or circumstances include the following:

 

 

a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate;

 

a more likely than not expectation that a segment or a significant portion thereof will be sold; or

 

the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within the segment.

 

9

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Derivative instruments

 

We assess whether activities which provide capital to fund our operations include embedded features that are derivatives instruments. If a derivative instrument is embedded, the instrument is accounted for separately from the host contract. Changes in fair value are recognized in other income or loss, consistent with the underlying derivative instrument. As a result, any change in the value of our derivative instrument would be substantially offset by an opposite change in the value of the underlying derivative item. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Since this activity is not part of our normal course of business, we consider the risk in this area to be low. 

 

Share-Based Payments

 

We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” Under the provisions of ASC 718, share-based compensation cost is generally estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value as calculated by the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) option-pricing model. The BSM option-pricing model requires various highly judgmental assumptions including expected option life, volatility, and forfeiture rates. If any of the assumptions used in the BSM option-pricing model change significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period. Generally, compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period. However, to the extent performance conditions affect the vesting of an award, compensation cost will be recognized only if the performance condition is satisfied. Compensation cost will not be recognized, and any previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed, if the performance condition is not satisfied.

  

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, related to simplifications of employee share-based payment accounting. This pronouncement eliminates the APIC pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement when awards are settled. The pronouncement also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. The pronouncement is effective for annual periods (and for interim periods within those annual periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard increased the deferred tax asset by $4.0 million from $64.7 million to $68.7 million, with a corresponding increase to the valuation allowance at March 31, 2017. The Company elected to account for forfeitures based upon an estimated forfeiture rate and on a retrospective basis.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”), which amends the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Organizations will now be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. ASU 2015-17 is effective for public companies for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments may be applied prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 effective January 1, 2017. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

10

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting. 

 

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. The amendments in this update clarify how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not elected to early adopt this guidance and is currently evaluating ASU 2016-15 to determine the impact to its consolidated financial statements.

 

11

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

3.  Acquisition and Purchase Accounting

 

On March 26, 2015, (“the Closing Date”), PTG completed its acquisition of Prism LLC pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, with Prism LLC becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of PTG. Prism LLC operated a patent licensing and enforcement business that complemented PTG’s business. Prism LLC was acquired for a purchase price of $58.3 million paid in a combination of cash, stock and potential contingent earn-out payments as discussed further below. We account for acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, the net assets acquired were recorded at their estimated fair values and Prism LLC’s operating results are included in PTG’s Consolidated Financial Statements from the Closing Date. The maximum purchase price, exclusive of the discounting or probability reductions associated with the contingent consideration, is $75.4 million as of the Closing Date. The $75.4 million maximum purchase price is comprised of: (a) $16.5 million in cash ($1.3 million paid at Closing and $15.2 million paid in April, 2015); (b) $9.4 million associated with the issuance of 3.5 million shares of our common stock at Closing; and (c) a total of up to $49.5 million in cash in future contingent consideration.

 

Contingent Consideration

 

The contingent consideration payable to Prism LLC’s former members consists of a share of future revenues related to lawsuits filed by Prism LLC prior to the Closing Date (“Open Suits”). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we will retain the first $16.5 million in litigation or settlement proceeds received from Open Suits after closing (the “Sharing Threshold”), less any cash remaining in Prism LLC at the time of closing. Prism LLC former members will receive 70% of the litigation and settlement proceeds related to Open Suits in excess of the Sharing Threshold, up to $49.5 million. The contingent consideration is calculated quarterly and payable in the quarter following the period in which it is earned. Payments due for the quarters ended March 31, September 30 and December 31, are subject to 20% retention. The retention payments are due in conjunction with the earn-out payment for December 31. See Note 4 for fair value of the consideration. 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

4.  Fair Value Measurements

 

The following table presents the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017 (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,

2017

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Assets:

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 655     $ 655     $     $  

Restricted cash equivalents

                       

Total assets at fair value

  $ 655     $ 655     $     $  

 

   

March 31,

2017

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Liabilities:

                               

Contingent consideration

  $ 9,304     $     $     $ 9,304  

Derivative liability

    464                       464  

Total liabilities at fair value

  $ 9,768     $     $     $ 9,768  

 

The following table presents the financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

   

December 31,

2016

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Assets:

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 589     $ 589     $     $  

Restricted cash equivalents

    400       400              

Total assets at fair value

  $ 989     $ 989     $     $  

 

   

December 31,

2016

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Liabilities:

                               

Contingent consideration

  $ 11,539     $     $     $ 11,539  

Derivative liability

    405                   405  

Total liabilities at fair value

  $ 11,944     $     $     $ 11,944  

 

 

Cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents include certificates of deposit, money market deposit accounts and money market funds. The carrying value of these cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents approximates fair value. For these securities, we use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets to determine their fair value that are considered to be Level 1 inputs.

 

The contingent consideration payable to Prism LLC's former members consists of a share of future revenues related to lawsuits filed by Prism LLC prior to the Closing Date ("Open Suits"). See Note 3 for further discussion. For this liability, we use valuation techniques based on management's assumptions and expectations that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement and are considered to be Level 3 inputs. 

 

As discussed in Note 9, on December 21, 2016 we entered into a non-recourse financing agreement by which the financing company provided PTG with $500,000 in cash. Under ASU 815, the repayment of the premium portion was bifurcated from the repayment of the principal and recorded as an embedded derivative. For this liability, we use valuation techniques based on management's assumptions and expectations that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement and are considered to be Level 3 inputs.

 

13

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

5. Restricted Cash Equivalents

 

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, restricted cash equivalents consisted of $0 and $0.4 million respectively. A portion of the cash equivalents was used as collateral for a letter of credit of the same amount that secured our rent obligations under the office space lease for our former corporate headquarters. On February 28, 2017, the office lease for our former headquarters expired. On March 15, 2017, the landlord released the letter of credit covering the office space and the Company is no longer required to maintain $0.4 million in restricted cash equivalents.

 

6. Other Assets

 

Prism LLC owns several life insurance policies (also referred to as “life settlement contracts”). These life settlement contracts were part of the assets we acquired in the Merger. A life settlement contract is the payment of cash to an insured in return for an assignment of ownership or beneficial interest in, and the right to receive the value of, a life insurance policy upon the death of the insured. In 2016, PTG’s premiums on these life settlement contracts were $40,000 and PTG anticipates paying $38,000 for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to keep the life settlement contracts in force. 

 

Life settlement contracts are preliminarily recorded at cash surrender value, with premium payments expensed as incurred. The policies are not subject to amortization; however, we analyze the carrying value for the impairment annually. Based upon our analysis, no impairment was noted for the three months ended March 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, PTG sold two life insurance policies with net proceeds of $37,000. The net proceeds from these life insurance policies were recognized in other income for the year ended December 31, 2016. The basis of $40,000 for these life insurance policies was recorded as a decrease in other assets in operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

Life settlement contracts consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 

Number of individual life insurance policies held

    4       4  

Aggregate face/maturity value of all policies

  $ 1,800     $ 1,800  

Cash surrender value of all policies

  $ 18     $ 18  

 

7. Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets, net, include the following amounts (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,
201
7

   

December 31,

2016

 

Goodwill

  $ 54     $ 54  

Patent portfolio

    33,791       34,030  

Covenant not to compete

    1,332       1,332  
Total goodwill and other intangible assets     35,177       35,416  

Accumulated amortization patent portfolio

    (20,356

)

    (19,096

)

Accumulated amortization covenant not to compete

    (1,076

)

    (1,011

)

Total goodwill and other intangible assets, net

  $ 13,745     $ 15,309  

 

Goodwill, the excess of the purchase price paid to former members of Prism LLC over the fair market value of the net assets acquired, in the amount of $0.1 million was recorded as of the Closing Date. We did not have goodwill prior to the acquisition of Prism LLC.

 

14

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

7. Intangible Assets (continued)

 

Acquisition-related intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated economic lives from 3 to 6.5 years. As of March 31, 2017, the weighted-average remaining useful life for acquisition-related intangible assets was approximately 2.38 years.

 

As of March 31, 2017, PTG expects to record $3.9 million in acquisition-related amortization expense for the remaining nine months of 2017. In addition, future amortization of acquisition-related intangibles that will be recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations is estimated as follows (in thousands): 

 

Year Ended December 31,

       

2017

    3,903  

2018

    5,003  

2019

    3,767  

2020

    588  

2021

    430  

Thereafter

     

Total

  $ 13,691  

 

8.

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

When indicators are present, PTG evaluates the recoverability of the patent assets based on comparison to estimated undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of the patent assets, discounted using a rate commensurate with the risk involved. 

 

  ●  As a result of adverse litigation events in the first quarter of 2017, PTG recorded impairment charges of $0.2 million which resulted in reducing the carrying value of the patent portfolio by $0.2 million.

 

The events resulting in the reassessment of the patent assets described above also required a reassessment of the contingent consideration liability. Adjustments to the contingent consideration liability were made representing the difference between the contingent consideration as of the acquisition date and accrued imputed interest compared to the contingent consideration expected to be paid, based upon the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability was reduced by $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2017.

 

 

 

 

15

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

9. Accrued Expenses

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 
                 

Accrued lease obligations (See Note 12)

 

$

   

$

34

 

Incentive compensation accrual

   

1,572

     

912

 

Payroll accrual

   

991

     

562

 
  Total accrued expenses  

$

2,563

   

$

1,508

 

 

10. Notes payable

 

As part of the Merger, PTG assumed $3.6 million in two discounted non-interest bearing notes payable due in four semi-annual installments of $1,000,000 from June 2015 to December 2016. The notes include imputed interest of 12% based on management's assumptions about the risk associated with satisfying the payment obligations, including the fact that certain patents serve as security for the notes.

 

 On December 21, 2016, we entered into a non-recourse financing agreement by which the financing company provided PTG with $500,000 in cash in exchange for a portion of the proceeds we expect to receive in connection with the patent infringement litigation with Sprint Spectrum, L.P, pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Prism LLC Technologies LLC v Sprint Spectrum L.P. D/B/A/ Sprint PCS; Case Nos. 16-1456 and 16-1457), and any related appeals or remands (collectively, the Sprint Litigation). After payment of any fees to PTG's litigation counsel, the financing party is entitled to receive:

 

 

16

 

 

Notes payable (continued)

 

 

two and half times the funding amount ($1.25 million) if repayment in full is made 18 months or less from the date of the funding agreement.

 

three times the funding amount ($1.5 million) if repayment in full is made after 18 months from the date of the funding agreement.

 

To the extent not recovered from the proceeds associated with the Sprint Litigation, however, the financing party is entitled to recover its principal ($500,000) from the proceeds of other current or future cases or patent licensing activities instituted by PTG's subsidiaries. In addition, PTG agreed to reimburse the financing company for certain costs totaling $59,000.

 

The balances of the notes payable consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 

Notes payable, assumed debt

  $ 3,062     $ 3,062  

Notes payable, net due to financing company

    201       108  

Add accreted interest

    224       128  

Fair Value

  $ 3,487     $ 3,298  

 

The installment payments due on December 31, 2015, June 30, 2016 and December 2016 have not been paid as of the date of this report. PTG has postponed payments of the notes payable upon permission from the note holder. 

 

Note Payable, Related Party

 

On December 29, 2016, the Board of Directors of PTG approved a transaction by which Mr. Enan, Chairman and CEO of PTG, provided PTG with $250,000 in cash. In exchange, Mr. Enan is entitled to receive $625,000 when PTG's cumulative Net Cash Flow ("NCF") exceeds $7.5 million. NCF is measured as the cumulative cash received from revenue sources less all cumulative cash operating expenses incurred. The cash contribution is unsecured and non-convertible to equity.

 

The maturity of the non-recourse financing agreement with Mr. Enan consists of the following (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 

Notes payable

  $ 250     $ 250  

Add accreted interest

    65       2  

Fair Value

  $ 315     $ 252  

 

Derivative instruments

 

Our primary objective in holding derivative instruments is to provide capital to fund our operations. Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging, (Topic 815) requires that in certain circumstances embedded derivatives be bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for separately. As discussed in the Notes Payable section above, on December 21, 2016 we entered into a non-recourse financing agreement by which the financing company provided PTG with $500,000 in cash. Under ASU 815, the repayment of the premium portion was bifurcated from the repayment of the principal and recorded as an embedded derivative.

 

17

 

 

Notes payable (continued)

 

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

 

The fair values of our outstanding derivative instruments are as follows (in thousands):

 

Derivative Liabilities

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

March 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 

Derivative liability

 

Derivative liability

    464       405  

Fair Value

      $ 464     $ 405  

 

11. Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic net loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted income per share is a measure of the potential dilution that would occur if stock options had been exercised.

  

The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator used to calculate basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock:

 

   

Three months ended

March 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

2017

   

2016

 
                 

Numerator for basic and diluted net loss per share:

               

Net loss available to common stockholders

  $ (1,068

)

  $ (3,462

)

                 

Denominator for net loss per share:

               

Basic and diluted —weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

    10,074       10,074  
                 

Net loss per share:

               

Basic and diluted

  $ (0.11

)

  $ (0.34

)

 

Potentially dilutive securities are not included in the diluted net loss calculation because we had a net loss from operations, net of tax. There were no antidilutive securities to include in the calculation above for employee stock options and non-employee directors to purchase shares for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and for the comparable period in 2016.

 

 12. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Leases

 

We have a non-cancelable 24 month lease though May 15, 2017 for approximately 650 square feet of office space in Folsom, California, which is currently our corporate headquarters. We also have a non-cancelable sixty month lease for approximately 2,200 square feet of office space in Omaha, Nebraska through August 31, 2017.

 

We had a non-cancelable five-year full-service lease through February 14, 2017 for approximately 16,000 square feet of office space in a building that housed our headquarters until May 2013. On April 16, 2013, we subleased this space for the remainder of our term, which also terminated in February 2017. The monthly sublease rent was less than our rent obligation to the landlord.

 

18

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

13. Legal Proceedings

 

Litigation

 

In the ordinary course of business, we are the subject of, or party to, various pending or threatened legal actions, including various counterclaims in connection with our patent enforcement activities. We believe that any liability arising from these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In connection with any of our patent enforcement actions, it is possible that a defendant may request and/or a court may rule that we have violated statutory authority, regulatory authority, federal rules, local court rules or governing standards relating to the substantive or procedural aspects of such enforcement actions. In such event, a court may issue monetary sanctions against us or our operating subsidiaries or award attorneys' fees and/or expenses to defendant(s) in the action, which could be material and, if required to be paid by us or our operating subsidiaries, could materially harm our operating results and our financial position.

 

Wireless Litigation 

 

On June 23, 2015, Prism LLC won a jury verdict in its patent infringement lawsuit against Sprint Spectrum LP d/b/a Sprint PCS (“Sprint”). At the end of a seven-day trial in Omaha, Nebraska, the jury in the United States District Court (“USDC”) for the District of Nebraska found that Sprint’s network systems and methods infringe multiple claims of Prism LLC’s U.S. Patent Nos. 8,387,155 and 8,127,345. Prism LLC was awarded trial damages of $30 million, representing a reasonable royalty for Sprint’s infringement for the period from February 2012 through December 2014.Sprint appealed the jury verdict, and Prism LLC appealed the District Court’s ruling that the jury verdict included amounts for future infringement. On March 7, 2017, the jury verdict in favor of Prism LLC was unanimously upheld by a three judge panel of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Federal Circuit”). On April 5, 2017, Sprint petitioned the Federal Circuit for rehearing or rehearing en banc. On May 8th, 2017 the Court of  Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected a request by Sprint Spectrum LP d/b/a Sprint PCS for a rehearing of Sprint's appeal of the patent infringement verdict in favor of Prism LLC. No portion of the judgment has been paid by Sprint as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

On October 30, 2015, a jury found that T-Mobile USA, Inc. did not infringe the asserted claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,387,155 and 8,127,345. On April 6, 2016, the District Court denied T-Mobile’s motion for judgment as a matter of law and its motion for attorney fees; the court also denied Prism LLC’s motion for judgment as a matter of law and its motion for a new trial. Both parties have appealed to the Federal Circuit and oral arguments are scheduled for June 7, 2017.

 

19

 

 

Litigation (continued)

 

Patent Infringement lawsuits against United States Cellular Corporation (8:12-cv-125-LES-SMB) and Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (8:12-cv-126-LES-SMB) have been stayed pending the final resolution of the Sprint and T-Mobile appeals.

 

Glazer Patent Litigation

 

The U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) issued two rulings on September 8, 2015 concerning the validity of U.S. Patent No. 7,631,191 B2 (the “Glazer” patent) owned by Secure Axcess, LLC, a subsidiary of Prism LLC Technologies Group, Inc.

 

● In CBM2014-00100 (consolidated with CBM2015-00009), the PTAB determined that claims 1–32 of the Glazer patent would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the claims were, therefore, unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a).

 

● In IPR2014-00475, the PTAB determined that claims 1–23 and 25-32 of the Glazer patent were unpatentable.

 

In a separate and third PTAB ruling on June 13, 2016 in CBM2015-00027, the PTAB determined that claims 1-5, 16, and 29-32 of the Glazer patent are unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103(a).

 

On February 21, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Federal Circuit”) affirmed the PTAB ruling, without an opinion, in the IPR2014-00475 matter. The Federal Circuit, however, also ruled that the PTAB should not have instituted the proceedings in CBM2014-00100 because the Glazer patent claims do not constitute a “covered business method.” Accordingly, the Federal Circuit vacated the invalidity ruling in the CBM2014-00100 proceedings. However, on March 23, 2017, U.S. Bancorp filed a petition seeking a rehearing of the decision vacating the CBM proceedings. The CBM2015-00027 proceeding is stayed pending the final outcome of the Federal Circuit’s ruling in CBM2014-00100.

 

The Glazer patent is the subject of patent infringement litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Secure Axcess, LLC v. U.S. Bank, et al. 6:13-cv-00717-KNM), which has been stayed pending the IPR and CBM proceedings.

 

System on Chip Litigation

 

In March 2015, Secure Axcess filed lawsuits against six companies in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of patents in the System on Chip patent family. Five of these cases have been dismissed, without prejudice, pursuant to Secure Axcess’ motion or by joint stipulations of dismissal. The defendant in the remaining case was HP Enterprise Services, LLC. On July 21, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas held a claim construction hearing in Secure Axcess, LLC v. HP Enterprise Services, LLC. The parties participated in a mediation on November 9, 2016, and reached settlement on February 3, 2017. That settlement did not have a material impact on our cash position or results of operations.

 

20

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

14. Equity and Stock Options

 

As of March 31, 2017, there was $78,000 in unrecognized compensation cost for all stock options outstanding under PTG’s stock option plans. A portion of the unrecognized compensation cost relates to options to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock to five executive officers of Prism LLC under employment agreements executed in connection with the Merger. The exercise price of all of the options granted to the executive officers of Prism LLC is $2.68. One-half of the options granted to each such executive officer is serviced based and vest as follows: (i) 33.33% will vest upon the first anniversary of the first date of employment, and (ii) 1/24 of the remaining 66.67% will vest at the end of each of the 24 months following such anniversary, so long as the individual remains employed pursuant to the terms of his or her employment agreement.

 

The remaining one-half of the options granted to the five Prism LLC officers are performance based and vest as follows: (i) 33.33% will vest upon the first anniversary of the first date of employment based on achievements measured against financial targets for such period; (ii) 33.33% will vest upon the second anniversary of the first date of employment based on achievements measured against financial targets for the second year of employment; and (iii) 33.34% will vest upon the third anniversary of the first date of employment based on achievements measured against financial targets for the third year of employment. The employee must remain employed for the service based and performance based options to vest; however, all unvested options will immediately vest upon: (A) termination of such person’s employment without good cause; or (B) the occurrence of a change of control as defined in such person’s employment agreement.

 

On June 11, 2015, PTG granted 72,500 performance based stock options, 72,500 service based stock options and 70,000 stock options which vested immediately, to members of management. The service based stock options vest 33% after one year and ratably over the next two years. The performance based stock options vest annually, if financial targets are met.

 

For the performance based options noted above, in accordance with ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation.”, a performance condition must be met for the award to vest and compensation cost will be recognized only if the performance condition is satisfied. The performance based option vesting criteria uses a tiered vesting structure between 0% to 100% based upon a comparison of annual licensing and enforcement outcomes to an annual target approved by PTG’s board of directors. The 2017 financial targets have not been set by PTG’s board of directors, therefore no compensation costs are required to be recorded. When we are able to assess the probability of achieving target levels, the fair value will be calculated at that time. As of March 31, 2017, 50% of the 2015 performance-based options have been vested and none of the 2016 and 2017 performance-based options have been vested.

 

The 2008 Stock Option Plan provides that each non-employee director receive a fully-vested option to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock on July 1st (or the first business day thereafter) of each year in which the director remains in office. Pursuant to the Option Plan, on July 1, 2016, fully-vested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock were granted to each of the three non-employee directors with an exercise price of $0.27.

 

PTG recognized $19,000 in stock compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and $19,000 for the comparable period in 2016.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 there were no common share issuances associated with the exercise of stock options. PTG has reserved common shares for issuance in conjunction with the issuance of options underlying PTG’s stock option plans.

 

15. Subsequent Event.

 

On May 8th, 2017 the Court of  Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected a request by Sprint Spectrum LP d/b/a Sprint PCS for a rehearing of Sprint's appeal of the patent infringement verdict in favor of Prism LLC.

 

 

21

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in particular Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains “forward-looking statements” with respect to our future financial performance. The words or phrases “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and we caution you that any forward-looking information provided by, or on behalf of, PTG is not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, our ability to generate revenues from our business model; our ability to effectively and efficiently manage patent infringement litigation we initiate; the unpredictable nature of patent licensing and patent litigation; the risk that one or more of our patents will be declared invalid; the potential loss of key employees critical to the ongoing success of our business; potential adverse changes in the laws and regulations relating to patents and patent litigation; the risk that the combined company created by the Prism LLC acquisition will not be profitable and the possibility that the expected value creation from the Prism LLC acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; and changes in the taxation of the combined company's income due to the disallowance or expiration of our net operating losses . These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties, which are described in greater detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause PTG’s actual results to differ materially from historical results or those currently anticipated. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update such statements.

 

Overview

 

Our business consists of licensing and enforcing a portfolio of patents relating to technology that was developed by us. On March 26, 2015, we completed a merger with Prism Technologies, LLC (“Prism LLC”), with Prism LLC becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of PTG (the “Merger”). Prism LLC also operates a patent licensing and enforcement business. Prism LLC and its subsidiaries own a portfolio of nine patent families with over 50 issued patents and patent applications in the areas of computer and network security, semiconductors and medical technology. In September 2015, we changed our name to Prism Technologies Group, Inc. to better reflect the operations of the combined companies. 

 

In the Merger, Prism LLC’s former security owners received an aggregate of $16.5 million in cash and 3.5 million shares of our common stock. Subject to certain conditions, we have also agreed to make future earnout payments to former Prism LLC security holders. An “Earnout Event” is defined as receipt by Prism of any amount more than $16.5 million, minus the cash balance of Prism LLC as of closing (the “Sharing Threshold”), in “Prism patent proceeds” from lawsuits filed by Prism LLC on or prior to the closing date of the Merger. Prism patent proceeds include total cash recoveries from litigation or settlement, royalties, license fees and proceeds from patent sales actually received by Prism in connection with its business; minus costs, expenses and fees associated with the production of such revenue (including sales commissions, attorney contingency fees, expert fees and deferred purchase amounts paid to third parties); minus Prism LLC cash operating expenses other than amortization and other noncash expenses for the applicable measurement period. Upon the occurrence of an Earnout Event, an earnout payment in cash equal to 70% of the amount of Prism patent proceeds exceeding the Sharing Threshold shall be paid to the former Prism LLC members, provided, however, that the aggregate amount of such earnout payments, including certain permitted pre-closing distributions, shall not exceed $55 million. As of March 25, 2015, such permitted pre-closing distributions were approximately $5.5 million, resulting in a maximum potential earnout payment of approximately $49.5 million. 

 

22

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Revenues, Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin

 

 

Three months ended

March 31,

   

Percentage

change

from

 

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

2017

   

2016

   

prior

period

 
                         

Revenues

  $ 110     $       nm  

Cost of revenues

  $ 91     $       nm  

Gross margin

  $ 19     $          

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

Three months ended

March 31,

   

Percentage

change

from

 

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

2017

   

2016

   

prior

period

 
                         

General and administrative

  $ 1,445     $ 1,112       30

%

Amortization

  $ 1,325       2,182       (39

%)

 

Revenues. Revenues, cost of revenues and gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $110,000, $91,000 and $19,000 respectively. This resulted from a settlement of a patent infringement lawsuit in February 2017.We expect that the timing and amount of future revenues from the patent licensing business, if any, will be unpredictable because of the significant uncertainty associated with patent licensing and patent enforcement litigation.

 

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and related expenses, including employee benefits, facility costs, accounting and legal services and insurance for our general management, administrative and accounting personnel, as well as other general corporate expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $1.1 million for the comparable period in 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to recognizing $0.7 million in 2017 for incentive compensation pursuant to a plan adopted by our board of directors on September 1, 2016. The increase was offset by decreases in legal expenses, accounting services and professional services totaling $0.4 million. PTG’s operating initiatives are focused on preserving cash. PTG, therefore, expects general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2017 to be consistent with the expenses incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets. Impairment of long-lived assets (see Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.) consists of impairment charges of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $2.2 million and $23.8 million in 2016 and 2015 respectively, associated with our patent portfolio. These impairment charges were the result of significantly lower than anticipated revenues associated with the patent portfolio acquired in the Merger.

 

Other Income (expense) net. Other income was $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $2,000 for the comparable period in 2016. As a result of adverse litigation events, the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities were adjusted by $2.3 million based upon the deferral and reduction of expected cash flows on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2017. This was offset by $59,000 due to a change in fair value of the derivative liability. Other income in previous periods consisted of interest earned on our investment portfolio of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. We expect that other income will be negligible given PTG’s cash and cash equivalents balance and conservative nature of our investment policy and the current economic conditions in the United States.

 

 Interest Expense and Interest Expense to a Related Party. Interest expense and interest expense to a related party was $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $0.2 million for the comparable period in 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 interest expense consisted of imputed interest related to assuming certain debt from Prism in the Merger and imputed interest associated with the contingent consideration payable to Prism’s former security holders. Additional information related to the Merger is included in Notes 3 and 7. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, interest expense of $158,000 was also recognized for accreted interest on two non-recourse financing agreements; $500,000 was received from an unrelated party on December 23, 2016 and $250,000 was received from Hussein A. Enan, Chairman and CEO of PTG, on December 30, 2016. We expect that interest expense will be significant over the next several years as a result of the interest on the note payable and imputed interest on the earnout.

 

Income Taxes. We recognized no expense for, and did not receive a benefit from income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. 

 

23

 

 

Significant Events During the Quarter Relating to Our Patent Licensing Business

 

On June 23, 2015, Prism won a jury verdict in its patent infringement lawsuit against Sprint Spectrum LP d/b/a Sprint PCS (“Sprint”). At the end of a seven-day trial in Omaha, Nebraska, the jury in the United States District Court (“USDC”) for the District of Nebraska found that Sprint’s network systems and methods infringe multiple claims of Prism’s U.S. Patent Nos. 8,387,155 and 8,127,345. Prism was awarded trial damages of $30 million, representing a reasonable royalty for Sprint’s infringement for the period from February 2012 through December 2014. Sprint appealed the jury verdict, and Prism appealed the District Court’s ruling that the jury verdict included amounts for future infringement. On March 7, 2017, the jury verdict in favor of Prism LLC was unanimously upheld by a three judge panel of the Fedeal Circuit. On April 5, 2017, Sprint petitioned the Federal Circuit for rehearing or rehearing en banc. On May 8th, 2017 the Court of  Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected a request by Sprint Spectrum LP d/b/a Sprint PCS for a rehearing of Sprint's appeal of the patent infringement verdict in favor of Prism LLC. No portion of the judgment has been paid by Sprint as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

On October 30, 2015, a jury found that T-Mobile USA, Inc. did not infringe the asserted claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,387,155 and 8,127,345. On April 6, 2016, the District Court denied T-Mobile’s motion for judgment as a matter of law and its motion for attorney fees; the court also denied Prism’s motion for judgment as a matter of law and its motion for a new trial. Both parties have appealed to the Federal Circuit and oral arguments are scheduled for June 7, 2017.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, related to simplifications of employee share-based payment accounting. This pronouncement eliminates the APIC pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement when awards are settled. The pronouncement also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. The pronouncement is effective for annual periods (and for interim periods within those annual periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard increased the deferred tax asset by $4.0 million from $64.7 million to $68.7 million, with a corresponding increase to the valuation allowance at March 31, 2017. The Company elected to account for forfeitures based upon an estimated forfeiture rate and on a retrospective basis.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"), which amends the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Organizations will now be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. ASU 2015-17 is effective for public companies for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments may be applied prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 effective January 1, 2017. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

 

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. The amendments in this update clarify how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not elected to early adopt this guidance and is currently evaluating ASU 2016-15 to determine the impact to its consolidated financial statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies (continued)

 

 

Revenue recognition. In general, patent licensing arrangements are expected to provide for the payment of contractually determined fees in consideration for the grant of certain intellectual property rights for patented technologies owned or controlled by PTG. Complex revenue arrangements may require significant judgments, assumptions and estimates about when substantial delivery of contract elements will occur, whether any significant ongoing obligations exist subsequent to contract execution, whether collectability is reasonably assured and determination of the appropriate period in which the completion of the earning process occurs.

 

PTG recognizes revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of a contractual arrangement between PTG and the licensee exists, which create legally enforceable rights and obligations, (ii) delivery of the licensee agreement was provided to the licensee, based upon the point at which control of license transfers to the licensee, (iii) the price to the licensee was fixed or determinable, represents the amount of consideration to which PTG expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised licensee agreement to a licensee  and (iv) collectability of consideration to which PTG is entitled to is reasonably assured.

 

Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues include the costs and expenses incurred in connection with PTG's patent licensing and enforcement activities, including contingent fee based legal expenses, other patent-related legal expenses paid to external patent counsel, licensing and enforcement related research, consulting expenses and revenue share payments paid to third-parties.  These costs are included under the caption "Cost of revenues" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. 

 

Fair Value Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP often requires us to determine the fair value of a particular item in order to fairly present our financial statements. Without an independent market or another representative transaction, determining the fair value of a particular item requires us to make several assumptions that are inherently difficult to predict and can have a material impact on the accounting.

 

There are various valuation techniques used to estimate fair value. These include (1) the market approach where market transactions for identical or comparable assets or liabilities are used to determine the fair value, (2) the income approach, which uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts (for example, future cash flows or future earnings) to a single present value amount, and (3) the cost approach, which is based on the amount that would be required to replace an asset. For many of our fair value estimates, including our estimates of the fair value of acquired intangible assets, we use the income approach. Using the income approach requires the use of financial models, which require us to make various estimates including, but not limited to (1) the potential future cash flows for the asset or liability being measured, (2) the timing of receipt or payment of those future cash flows, (3) the time value of money associated with the expected receipt or payment of such cash flows, and (4) the inherent risk associated with the cash flows (risk premium). Making these cash flow estimates is inherently difficult and subjective, and if any of the estimates used to determine the fair value using the income approach turns out to be inaccurate, our financial results may be negatively impacted. Furthermore, relatively small changes in many of these estimates can have a significant impact to the estimated fair value resulting from the financial models or the related accounting conclusion reached. For example, a relatively small change in the estimated fair value of an asset may change a conclusion as to whether an asset is impaired. 

 

While we are required to make certain fair value assessments associated with the accounting for several types of transactions, the following areas are the most sensitive to these assessments.

 

Business Combinations. We must estimate the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities and contingencies assumed, acquired patent portfolios, and contingent consideration issued in a business combination. Our assessment of the estimated fair value of each of these can have a material effect on our reported results as intangible assets are amortized over various estimated useful lives. Furthermore, the estimated fair value assigned to an acquired asset or liability has a direct impact on the amount we recognize as goodwill, which is an asset that is not amortized. Determining the fair value of assets acquired requires an assessment of the related expected future cash flows. Determining the fair value of contingent consideration requires an assessment of the probability-weighted expected future cash flows over the period in which the obligation is expected to be settled, and applying a discount rate that appropriately captures the risk associated with the obligation. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration payable are forecasted earnings. Significant changes in forecasted earnings would result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. This fair value assessment is also required in periods subsequent to a business combination. Such estimates are inherently difficult and subjective and can have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Share-Based Compensation. We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” Under the provisions of ASC 718, share-based compensation cost is generally estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value as calculated by the Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) option-pricing model. The BSM option-pricing model requires various highly judgmental assumptions including expected option life, volatility and forfeiture rates. If any of the assumptions used in the BSM option-pricing model change significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period. Generally, compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period. However, to the extent performance conditions affect the vesting of an award, compensation cost will be recognized only if the performance condition is satisfied. Compensation cost will not be recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed if the performance condition is not satisfied.

 

Income Taxes. Under the asset and liability method prescribed under ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled.

 

Current accounting standards in the United States prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an enterprise's tax returns. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. At March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, we had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. We do not believe there will be any material changes in our unrecognized tax positions over the next twelve months.

 

For tax return purposes, we had net operating loss carry forwards at March 31, 2017 of approximately $162.2 million and $27.6 million for federal income tax and state income tax purposes, respectively. Included in these amounts are unrealized federal and state net operating loss deductions resulting from stock option exercises of approximately $10.3 million and $8.4 million respectively. The benefit of these unrealized stock option-related deductions has not been included in deferred tax assets and will be recognized as a credit to additional paid-in capital when realized. Federal NOLs begin to expire in 2019. State NOLs begin to expire in 2028.

  

The carrying value of our deferred tax assets, which was approximately $68.7 million at March 31, 2017, is dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income. We have established a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets to reflect the uncertainty of realizing the deferred tax benefits, given historical losses. A valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. This assessment requires a review and consideration of all available positive and negative evidence, including our past and future performance, the market environment in which we operate, the utilization of tax attributes in the past, and the length of carryforward periods and evaluation of potential tax planning strategies. We expect to continue to maintain a full valuation allowance until an appropriate level of profitability is sustained or we are able to develop tax strategies that would enable us to conclude that it is more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax assets would be realizable.

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Summarized cash flow information is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Three months ended

March 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

Cash used in operating activities

  $ (334

)

  $ (994

)

Cash provided by (used) in investing activities

    400       1,694  

 

At March 31, 2017, our principal source of liquidity was $0.7 million in cash and cash equivalents. We adhere to an investment policy with minimal market or settlement risk with our current holdings. There are no restrictions or limitations regarding access to the $0.7 million in cash and cash equivalents.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash used in operating activities was $0.3 million, primarily consisting of our net loss of $1.1 million and gain on reduction of contingent consideration of $2.3 million, offset by amortization of intangibles of $1.3 million, increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $1.0 million, imputed interest on contingent consideration and notes payable of $0.3 million, impairment of long-lived assets of $0.2 million and cash provided of $0.1 million which consisted of a decrease to prepaid expenses.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, net cash used in operating activities was $1.0 million, primarily consisting of our net loss of $3.5 million offset by amortization of intangibles of $2.2 million, imputed interest on contingent consideration and notes payable of $0.2 million and cash provided of $0.1 million which consisted of an increase to accounts payable and decrease to prepaid expenses, offset by a decrease in accrued.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash provided by investing activities was $0.4 million, due to redemptions of restricted cash equivalents of $0.4 million. 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, net cash provided by investing activities was $1.7 million, due to redemptions of short-term investments of $1.5 million and redemptions of restricted cash equivalents of $0.2 million. 

 

We have a non-cancelable 24 month lease though May 15, 2017 for approximately 650 square feet of office space in Folsom, California, which is currently our corporate headquarters. We also have a non-cancelable sixty month lease for approximately 2,200 square feet of office space in Omaha, Nebraska through August 31, 2017.

 

We had a non-cancelable lease through February 14, 2017 for approximately 16,000 square feet of office space in a building that housed our corporate headquarters until May 2013.  On April 16, 2013, we subleased this space for the remainder of our term, which also terminated in February 2017. The monthly sublease rent was less than our rent obligation to the landlord.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

 

Future minimum lease commitments, as of March 31, 2017 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

Years ending December 31

 

Future minimum lease

commitments

 

2017

  $ 24  
    $ 24  

 

The balances of the notes payable consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,2017

   

December 31, 2016

 

Notes payable, assumed debt

  $ 3,062     $ 3,062  

Notes payable, net due to financing company

    201       108  

Add accreted interest

    224       128  

Fair Value

  $ 3,487     $ 3,298  

 

The installment payments due on December 31, 2015, June 30, 2016 and December 2016 have not been paid as of the date of this report. PTG has postponed payments of the notes payable upon permission from the note holder. 

 

The maturity of the non-recourse financing agreement with Mr. Enan, Chairman and CEO of PTG consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,2017

   

December 31, 2016

 

Notes payable

  $ 250     $ 250  

Add accreted interest

    65       2  

Fair Value

  $ 315     $ 252  

 

We currently anticipate that our cash and cash equivalents may not be sufficient to meet anticipated cash needs to fund operations beyond the fourth quarter of 2017. In addition to the expenses associated with the patent licensing business, such as salaries and overhead, we have notes payable of $4.3 million, including $3.3 million in installment payments due in 2017. With the consent of the note holder, these installment payments have not been paid as of the date of this report. We have implemented certain initiatives to preserve cash and we have discussed restructuring one of our notes payable with the note holder, but there can be no assurance that the discussions will be successful. We cannot estimate when we will receive revenues from our operations due to the uncertainty associated with patent litigation. We entered into two financing agreements in late 2016 for an aggregate of $750,000 (which are described in Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements), and we have implemented significant expense reduction initiatives, including a moratorium on salaries for most employees. Unless we are able to defer or restructure our liabilities, substantially reduce our operating expenses, or receive revenues, we anticipate that our cash will be insufficient to fund our operations beyond the fourth quarter of 2017. These factors raise substantial doubt about PTG's ability to continue as a going concern within twelve months following the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q. If our business does not generate revenues before our cash is exhausted and we are unable to raise capital on acceptable terms, we may need to cease operations and, as a result, investors could lose their investment.

 

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ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

 

(b)

There has been no change in PTG’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March  31, 2017 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

 

We and our operating subsidiaries are often required to engage in litigation to enforce our patents and patent rights. Please see Item 2 “Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations”, for a description of the significant patent litigation involving PTG and its subsidiaries during the quarter. 

 

In the ordinary course of business, we are the subject of, or party to, various pending or threatened legal actions, including various counterclaims in connection with our patent enforcement activities. A defendant also may request and/or a court may rule that we have violated statutory authority, regulatory authority, federal rules, local court rules, or governing standards relating to the substantive or procedural aspects of such patent enforcement actions. In such event, a court may issue monetary sanctions against us or our operating subsidiaries or award attorney’s fees and/or expenses to a defendant(s), which could be material, and if required to be paid by us or our operating subsidiaries, could materially harm our operating results and our financial position.

 

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The financial statements presented in this report have been prepared under the assumption that PTG will continue to operate as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts of liabilities that may result from uncertainty related to PTG's ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Our patent licensing business has generated minimal revenues and we have relied on our cash and investments to fund our operations. As of March 31, 2017 our cash and cash equivalents totaled $0.7 million. In addition to the expenses associated with the patent licensing business, such as salaries and overhead, we have notes payable of $4.0 million, including $3.2 million in installment payments due in 2017. We have implemented certain initiatives to preserve cash and we have discussed restructuring one of our notes payable with the note holder, but there can be no assurance that the discussions will be successful. We cannot estimate when we will receive revenues from our operations due to the uncertainty associated with patent litigation. We entered into two financing agreements in late 2016 for an aggregate of $750,000 (which are described in Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements), and we have implemented significant expense reduction initiatives, including a moratorium on salaries for most employees. Unless we are able to defer or restructure our liabilities, substantially reduce our operating expenses, or receive revenues, we anticipate that our cash will be insufficient to fund our operations beyond the fourth quarter of 2017. These factors raise substantial doubt about PTG's ability to continue as a going concern within twelve months following the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q. If our business does not generate revenues before our cash is exhausted and we are unable to raise capital on acceptable terms, we may need to cease operations and, as a result, investors could lose their investment.

 

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Our revenues are unpredictable.

 

We received one-time payments of $700,000 in 2015 and $110,000 in February 2017 in connection with our patent licensing and enforcement business. These are the only revenues we have generated since the closing of our asset sale to Bankrate, Inc. on December 21, 2011. We expect that future revenues from the patent licensing business, if any, will be unpredictable because of the significant uncertainty associated with patent licensing and patent enforcement litigation. In addition, defendants will often choose to appeal an adverse damage award, which will delay our receipt of revenue. For example, a jury awarded our subsidiary, Prism Technologies, LLC, $30 million in a patent infringement suit against Sprint Spectrum, LP. The jury verdict was affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in March 2017, but Sprint has petitioned the Federal Circuit for rehearing and no amount has been paid as of the date of this report. We will continue to incur salary, legal and other expenses of operating our business and our results of operations and financial condition will be materially, adversely affected if we fail to effectively manage overhead costs associated with patent licensing and enforcing patented technologies, become involved in expensive litigation or settlement proceedings (which may or may not have successful outcomes) or the patent licensing business does not perform to our expectations.

 

If the validity of any of our patents is challenged, our business may be harmed.

 

The success of the patent licensing business will depend on our ability to generate royalty fees from licensing technology. It is possible, however that one or more of our patents might be declared invalid if challenged. These challenges to the validity of our patents may be made by defendants in the course of litigation or by requesting a reexamination before the USPTO. Several of our patents have been subject to inter partes review or covered business methods proceedings before the USPTO. A final determination that some or all of the patent claims are not patentable might mean that we would be unable to pursue and generate further licensing revenues for that patent. For example, on July 24, 2015, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a trial court’s determination that our Dynamic Tabs patent did not meet the requirements for patent eligible subject matter. We did not appeal the Federal Circuit’s decision and the four cases involving the Dynamic Tabs patent have been terminated. Even if the claims in our patents are upheld as valid, we may incur significant legal and expert fees and costs in the litigation and/or the reexamination process, which may take several years to conclude and delay revenues. In addition, proceedings before the USPTO challenging the patentability of claims in previously issued patents are becoming more common and defendants may also use the pendency of any such action to delay or otherwise impair any pending litigation to enforce our patents.

 

Even if our patents are determined to be valid, third parties may choose to alter their business operations rather than pay us an on-going royalty.

 

We believe that our patents represent unique technologies that a wide range of third parties have or will find valuable to their operations. Nevertheless, we expect that litigation will often be needed to recover damages for past infringement of our patent rights and to incentivize the defendant to accept a license and pay royalties for future use of the technology. Defendants may, however, choose to modify their operations to work around the claims covered by our patents. In that case, such defendants would not pay us royalties for future use and our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects may be adversely affected.

 

We and our potential licensees serve markets that frequently undergo transitions in which products rapidly incorporate new features and performance standards on an industry-wide basis. As a result, our ability to prevent such workarounds by a defendant and to remain competitive in the future will depend on our ability to identify and ensure compliance with evolving industry standards.

 

Our success depends in part upon our ability to retain qualified legal counsel to represent us in licensing efforts and patent enforcement litigation.

 

The success of our patent licensing business depends upon our ability to retain qualified legal counsel to represent us in our patent enforcement activities. As such patent enforcement actions increase, it may become more difficult to find qualified legal counsel to handle all of our cases because legal counsel at larger law firms may have a conflict of interest with other clients, while legal counsel at smaller law firms may not have the resources to handle multiple lawsuits. In addition, contingency fee arrangements, although common in patent enforcement litigation, require legal counsel to be willing to devote substantial time to the case based on an expectation of a successful outcome. Accordingly, PTG must spend considerable time and resources evaluating a potential infringement case before it will be accepted by a law firm on a contingency basis.

 

30

 

 

 

We are dependent on certain key personnel, and the loss of such key personnel, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The success of our patent licensing and enforcement business largely depends on the skills, experience and efforts of key personnel, many of whom are highly skilled and would be difficult to replace. We have entered into three-year employment agreements and non-competition agreements with four Prism employees, but these agreements cannot guarantee their continued employment with us. For a variety of reasons, including our financial condition and the salary moratorium we implemented, a key employee could terminate his or her employment with us. The loss of any of our senior management or other key personnel could harm our ability to implement our business strategy and respond to the rapidly changing market conditions in which we operate. Our future success will depend to a significant extent on the ability of these executives to effectively drive execution of our business strategy, and on the ability of our management team to work together effectively.

 

Trial judges and juries often find it difficult to understand complex patent enforcement litigation, and as a result, we may need to appeal adverse decisions by lower courts in order to successfully enforce our patents.

 

It is difficult to predict the outcome of patent enforcement litigation at the trial level because juries and trial judges may find it hard to understand complex, patented technologies. As a result, there is a higher rate of successful appeals in patent enforcement litigation than other business litigation. Such appeals are expensive and time-consuming and result in increased costs and delayed revenue. Although we may diligently pursue enforcement litigation, we cannot predict with significant reliability the decisions made by juries and trial courts.

 

Our acquisition of patent portfolios may not be successful.

 

A substantial portion of the patent assets of Prism and its subsidiaries were acquired from third parties. We expect to continue to build our patent portfolio by acquisitions from third parties. The terms of any acquisition may require us to pay cash upfront, share a portion of future licensing proceeds, or both. Such acquisitions are subject to numerous risks, including the following:

 

 

our inability to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to any potential acquisition, or if we are able to enter into such agreement, our inability to consummate the potential acquisition;

 

 

difficulty in accurately forecasting financial and other benefits of the specific acquisition;

 

 

diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns; and

 

 

failure of our due diligence process to identify significant issues with respect to patented technologies and patent portfolios, and other legal and financial contingencies.

 

Analyzing the validity and enforceability of patents is a complex and uncertain process and there can be no assurance that a patent that is acquired will produce positive returns on the investment.

 

We may, in certain circumstances, rely on representations, warranties and opinions made by third-parties that, if determined to be false or inaccurate, may expose us to certain material liabilities.

 

We may rely upon representations and warranties made by third parties from whom we acquire patents or the exclusive rights to license and enforce patents. We may also rely upon the opinions of purported experts. In certain instances, we may not have the opportunity to independently investigate and verify the facts upon which such representations, warranties and opinions are made. By relying on these representations, warranties and opinions, we may be exposed to liabilities in connection with the licensing and enforcement of certain patents and patent rights which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

 

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Our patent licensing and enforcement activities are time-consuming and require significant management and financial resources.

 

Each of our patent licensing and enforcement activities could continue for years and consume significant financial and management resources. The counterparties to our licensing and enforcement activities may be large, well-financed companies with substantially greater resources than us. We cannot predict with any certainty the outcome of our licensing and enforcement efforts. In addition, even if we obtain favorable interim rulings or verdicts in particular litigation matters, such rulings may not be predictive of the ultimate resolution of the dispute. Also, we may become subject to claims or sanctions which may be costly or impossible to defend. Unfavorable or adverse outcomes may result in losses, exhaustion of our financial resources or other adverse effects which could adversely impact our ability to generate revenues.

 

Federal courts are becoming more crowded, and as a result, patent enforcement litigation is taking longer.

 

If we are required to litigate to enforce our patented technologies, our patent enforcement actions will be almost exclusively prosecuted in federal court. Federal trial courts that hear patent enforcement actions also hear criminal cases, which will take priority over patent enforcement actions. As a result, it is difficult to predict the length of time it will take to complete an enforcement action. Moreover, we believe an increasing number of civil lawsuits and criminal proceedings are coming before federal judges, increasing the risk of delays in patent enforcement actions which may in turn have an adverse effect on our business.

 

Our business and operations could suffer in the event of security breaches.

 

Attempts by others to gain unauthorized access to information technology systems are becoming more sophisticated. While we have not identified any material incidents of unauthorized access to date, the theft, unauthorized use or publication of our intellectual property or confidential business or personal information could harm our competitive or negotiating positions, reduce the value of our investment in research and development and other strategic initiatives, compromise our patent enforcement strategies or outlook, damage our reputation or otherwise adversely affect our business. In addition, to the extent that any future security breach results in inappropriate disclosure of our employees’, licensees’ or customers’ confidential or personal information, we may incur liability or additional costs to remedy any damages caused by such breach. We could also be impacted by existing and proposed laws and regulations, as well as government policies and practices related to cybersecurity, privacy and data protection.

 

We expect to depend upon relationships with others to provide technology-based opportunities that can develop into profitable royalty-bearing licenses and, if we are unable to maintain and generate new relationships, we may not be able to sustain existing levels of revenue or increase revenue.

 

We may apply for patents on technologies we develop, but we expect to depend increasingly upon the identification and acquisition of new patents and inventions through relationships with inventors, universities, research institutions, technology companies and others. If we are unable to demonstrate success in licensing acquired patents, it will be difficult to maintain those relationships, continue to grow new relationships and sustain revenue and growth.

 

Competition for the acquisition of high quality patent assets is intense and, as a result, we may not be able to grow our portfolio of technologies and patents.

 

We expect to encounter competition in the area of patent acquisition, including competition from venture capital firms and patent aggregators. Most of these competitors have more financial and human resources than we do. Our market share in one or more technology industries may be reduced as more companies seek to acquire these technologies, which could adversely impact our future revenue generation.

 

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In connection with our patent enforcement actions, a court may rule that we violated certain statutory, regulatory, federal, local or governing rules or standards, which may expose us to certain material liabilities.

 

In connection with any of our patent enforcement actions, it is possible that a defendant may claim and/or a court may rule that we violated statutory authority, regulatory authority, federal rules, local court rules or governing standards relating to the substantive or procedural aspects of such enforcement actions. In such event, a court may issue monetary sanctions against us or award attorneys’ fees and/or expenses to a defendant, which if material, could harm our operating results and financial position. Even absent a finding that we violated a law or regulation, an unsuccessful lawsuit might result in a court order awarding the defendant certain costs associated with the lawsuit. For example, the District Court for the District of Nebraska entered an order on January 18, 2017 requiring Prism to pay certain costs to T-Mobile in the amount of $132,484.

 

Usage of our net operating loss carryforwards may be limited as a result of an ownership change or otherwise.

 

Federal and state tax laws impose substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) in the event of an “ownership change,” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (as amended and together with any applicable regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Code”), and in certain other circumstances. On November 30, 2012, our stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation creating a Section 382 stockholder rights plan (the “Stockholder Rights Plan”) designed to preserve NOLs under Section 382 of the Code. If we experience an ownership change, PTG’s ability to fully utilize NOLs will be substantially limited, and the timing of the usage of NOLs could be substantially delayed, which could significantly impair the value of those benefits. The Stockholder Rights Plan is intended to act as a deterrent to any person or group from acquiring beneficial ownership of 4.9% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Our stockholders also approved that certain Section 382 Rights Agreement between us and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (the “Rights Agreement”). Although our Stockholder Rights Plan and the Rights Agreement are designed to protect against the occurrence of an ownership change under Section 382 of the Code, there is no assurance that such an ownership change could not occur or that the utilization of our NOLs could not be otherwise restricted by legislative, judicial or regulatory developments. In addition, an ownership change could occur if we issue a significant number of new shares of common stock to raise capital.

 

Risks Related to the Merger

 

We may not realize the potential value and benefits created by the Merger.

 

As disclosed above in “Item 1.—Business,” we completed a merger with Prism LLC on March 26, 2015, with Prism LLC becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary. We may not be able to realize the expected potential value and benefits created by the Merger due to many factors, including the unpredictable nature of patent litigation. Based on our periodic evaluation of the recoverability of the asset recorded in connection with this transaction, we determined that the carrying value of the asset was in excess of fair value and therefore recorded impairment charges in the fourth quarter of 2015, the second quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017. For more information, see Note 8 to our Combined Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

If we are unable to make the payments on the notes assumed in connection with the Merger, our business and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

 

As part of the Merger, we assumed $3.6 million in two discounted non-interest bearing notes payable, due in four semi-annual installments of $1,000,000 from June 2015 to December 2016. The notes include imputed interest of 12.0% per annum based on management’s assumptions about the risk associated with satisfying the payment obligations, including the fact that certain patents serve as security for the notes. The installment payment due on December 31, 2015 was deferred to June 30, 2016 with the consent of the note holder. We have not paid the installments due in June 2016 and December 2016, but we have discussed restructuring the notes payable with the notes holder. If we fail to negotiate a restructuring of the notes and do not pay any installment due, the note holder may assert the right to accelerate the entire outstanding balance, impose additional late charges, or contest our ownership of the patents serving as collateral. Any of these actions could result in additional expenses or delay revenues and our business would be materially harmed.

 

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We may incur unforeseen or unexpected liabilities as a result of the Merger.

 

As a result of the Merger, Prism LLC became a wholly owned subsidiary of PTG and Prism LLC’s liabilities, including contingent liabilities, were consolidated with ours. There may be unforeseen or unexpected liabilities related to the Merger or Prism LLC. Among other things, if Prism LLC’s liabilities are greater than expected, or if there are obligations of Prism LLC of which we were not aware at the time of completion of the Merger, our business and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We may be required to make substantial cash payments to Prism LLC’s former members.

 

Subject to certain conditions, in connection with the Merger we agreed to make future earnout payments to the members of Prism LLC immediately prior to the Merger. An “Earnout Event” is defined in the merger agreement as receipt by Prism LLC of any amount more than $16.5 million, minus the cash balance of Prism LLC as of the Closing Date (the “Sharing Threshold”), in Prism Patent Proceeds from lawsuits filed by Prism LLC on or prior to the Closing Date (“Open Suits”). “Prism Patent Proceeds” include total cash recoveries from litigation or settlement, royalties, license fees and proceeds from patent sales actually received by Prism LLC in connection with its business; minus costs, expenses and fees associated with the production of such revenue (including sales commissions, attorneys’ contingency fees, expert fees and deferred purchase amounts paid to third parties); minus Prism LLC cash operating expenses other than amortization and other noncash expenses for the applicable measurement period. Upon the occurrence of an Earnout Event, an earnout payment in cash equal to 70% of the amount of Prism Patent Proceeds from Open Suits exceeding the Sharing Threshold shall be paid to the former members of Prism LLC, provided, however, that the aggregate amount of such earnout payments, including certain permitted pre-closing distributions, shall not exceed $55 million. As of December 31, 2016, such permitted pre-closing distributions were approximately $5.5 million, resulting in a maximum potential earnout payment of approximately $49.5 million.

 

Risks Related to the Industry

 

Our industry is subject to rapid technological change, uncertainty and shifting market opportunities.

 

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to define and keep pace with changes in industry standards, technological developments and varying customer requirements. Changes in industry standards and needs could adversely affect the development of, and demand for, our technology, rendering our technology currently under development obsolete and unmarketable. The patents and applications comprising our portfolio have fixed terms and, if we fail to anticipate or respond adequately to these changes through the development or acquisition of new patentable inventions, patents or other technology, we could miss a critical market opportunity, reducing or eliminating our ability to capitalize on our patents, technology solutions or both.

 

Potential patent and litigation reform legislation, USPTO rule changes, legislation affecting mechanisms for patent enforcement and available remedies, and unfavorable court decisions may affect our investments in research and development and our strategies for patent prosecution, licensing and enforcement and could have a material adverse effect on our licensing business as well as our business as a whole.

 

Potential changes to certain U.S. laws, rules and regulations may occur in the future, some or all of which may affect our research and development investments, patent prosecution costs, the scope of future patent coverage we secure, remedies that we may be entitled to in patent litigation, and attorneys’ fees or other remedies that could be sought against us, and may require us to reevaluate and modify our research and development activities and patent prosecution, licensing and enforcement strategies. In recent years, the U.S. Congress has considered multiple patent reform measures, including bills that would implement heightened pleadings requirements, fee-shifting, limitations on discovery, disclosure of real party-in-interest information and stays of customer suits. If passed, such bills could significantly increase the cost and risk of patent enforcement litigation. There can be no assurance that these bills, or similar future legislative developments, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Rulings in our legal proceedings as well as those of third parties may also affect our strategies for patent prosecution, licensing and enforcement. For example, in recent years, U.S. courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, have taken some actions that have been viewed as unfavorable to patent holders, including PTG. Court decisions may change the law applicable to various patent law issues, such as, for example, patentability, validity, patent exhaustion, patent misuse, remedies, permissible licensing practices, claim construction and damages, in ways that are detrimental to the abilities of patentees to enforce patents and obtain damages awards.

 

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Delays in getting patents issued by the USPTO could result in delays in recognizing revenues.

 

We will continue to pursue several patent applications currently pending before the USPTO and we intend to continue to apply for additional patents. In addition, we expect to acquire patent applications from third parties. Patent applications have been increasing each year and we believe it is resulting in longer delays in obtaining approval of pending patent applications. The application delays could cause delays in recognizing revenue from these patents and could cause us to miss opportunities to license patents before other competing technologies are developed or introduced into the market.

 

Risks Related to our Common Stock

 

Our stock price has been volatile and may continue to fluctuate widely.

 

The trading price of our common stock has been volatile. During the period from October 1, 2015 through April 30, 2017, the trading price per share of our common stock ranged from a high of $2.80 to a low of $0.14. On February 23, 2017, we voluntarily delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market and our stock began trading on the OTCQB Market under the symbol “PRZM”. The trading price of our common stock may be significantly affected by factors including actual or anticipated operating results, announcements regarding licensing or litigation developments, disputes concerning the validity of one or more of our patents, our limited trading volume and expectations regarding our future cash reserves. Any negative change in the public’s perception of the prospects of the patent licensing business could also depress our stock price regardless of our results.

 

Our common stock is considered a “penny stock” and may be difficult to sell.

 

Our common stock is subject to certain rules and regulations relating to “penny stock.” Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system). The penny stock rules require a broker−dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker−dealer must also provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker−dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. In addition, the penny stock rules generally require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock, the broker−dealer make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for a stock that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. Since PTG’s securities are subject to the penny stock rules, investors in PTG may find it more difficult to sell their securities.

 

Our adoption of the Stockholder Rights Plan and the Rights Agreement may reduce the attractiveness of our stock to investors because it limits the ability of persons or entities from acquiring a significant percentage of our outstanding stock.

 

The Stockholder Rights Plan and the Rights Agreement are intended to act as deterrents to any person or group, together with such person’s or group’s affiliates and associates, from being or becoming a beneficial owner of 4.9% or more of our common stock. The inability of some stockholders to acquire a significant position could substantially reduce the market liquidity of our common stock, making it more difficult for a stockholder to dispose of, or obtain accurate quotations for the price of, our common stock.

 

Delaware law and our charter documents contain provisions that could discourage or prevent a potential takeover, even if such a transaction would be beneficial to our stockholders.

 

Provisions of Delaware law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws could make the acquisition of PTG through a tender offer, a proxy contest or other means more difficult and could make the removal of incumbent directors and officers more difficult. We expect these provisions to discourage takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of PTG to first negotiate with our board of directors.

 

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ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Document

 

31.1

  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

  

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).

 

 

 

 

 

32

  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

 

 

 

101.INS*

 

XBRL Instance

 

 

 

 

 

101.SCH*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

 

 

 

 

101.CAL*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

 

 

 

 

 

101.DEF*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

 

 

 

 

 

101.LAB*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels

 

 

 

 

 

101.PRE*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

 

* XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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

 

 

Dated: May 15, 2017

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. 

  

(Registrant)

  

  

  

/s/ STEVEN J. YASUDA

  

Steven J. Yasuda

  

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

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