ptnt20150930_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 September 30, 2015

 

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,” and “smaller reporting 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)

  

 

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, 2015), as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market, was approximately $19,627,000. 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 October 30, 2015 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

3

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

4

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

5

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

6

  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7

ITEM 2:

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

18

ITEM 4:

Controls and Procedures

25

  

  

  

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

25

ITEM 1:

Legal Proceedings

25

ITEM 1A:

Risk Factors

25

ITEM 6:

Exhibits

26

  

  

  

Signature   

27

Certifications   

  

 

 
2

 

  

PART I:

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

September 30,

2015

   

December 31,

2014

 

Assets

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 2,862     $ 23,137  

Short-term investments

    1,494       1,494  

Restricted cash equivalents

    600       800  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    569       143  

Total current assets

    5,525       25,574  
                 

Intangible assets

    52,593       -  

Goodwill

    107       -  

Other assets

    63       4  

Total assets

  $ 58,288     $ 25,578  
                 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 282     $ 675  

Accrued expenses

    205       194  

Accrued contingent consideration, current

    15,033       -  

Notes payable, current

    1,891       -  

Total current liabilities

    17,411       869  
                 

Accrued contingent consideration, non-current

    17,815       -  

Notes payable, non-current

    868       -  

Accrued lease obligation, non-current

    100       251  

Income tax liability

    101       101  

Other liabilities

    45       45  

Total liabilities

    36,340       1,266  
                 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

               
                 

Stockholders’ equity:

               

Common stock

    15       11  

Paid-in capital

    231,276       221,771  

Treasury stock

    (10,323

)

    (10,323

)

Accumulated deficit

    (199,020

)

    (187,147

)

Total stockholders’ equity

    21,948       24,312  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 58,288     $ 25,578  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 
3

 

  

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months
Ended
September 30,

   

Nine Months
Ended
September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 

Revenues

  $ 700     $ -     $ 700     $ -  

Cost of revenues

    210       -       210       -  

Gross margin

    490       -       490       -  
                                 

Operating expenses:

                               

General and administrative

    986       738       2,974       1,619  

Depreciation and amortization

    4,246       -       8,772       1  

Total operating expenses

    5,232       738       11,746       1,620  

Loss from operations

    (4,742

)

    (738

)

    (11,256

)

    (1,620

)

Other income

    3       8       12       23  

Interest expense

    (293

)

    -       (628

)

    -  

Net loss before income taxes

    (5,032

)

    (730

)

    (11,872

)

    (1,597

)

Income tax benefit

    -       -       -       -  

Net loss

    (5,032

)

    (730

)

    (11,872

)

    (1,597

)

                                 

Net loss per share:

                               

Basic and diluted

  $ (0.50

)

  $ (0.10

)

  $ (1.32

)

  $ (0.21

)

                                 

Shares used in computing per share amounts

                               

Basic and diluted

    10,074       7,752       8,997       7,752  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 
4

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three months ended
September 30,

   

Nine months ended
September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 

Net loss

  $ (5,032

)

  $ (730

)

  $ (11,872

)

  $ (1,597

)

Other comprehensive loss:

                               

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities

    -       1       -       -  

Other comprehensive loss before tax

    -       1       -       -  

Income tax provision related to comprehensive income

    -       -       -       -  

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

    -       1       -       -  

Comprehensive loss

  $ (5,032

)

    (729

)

  $ (11,872

)

  $ (1,597

)

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 
5

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net loss

  $ (11,872

)

  $ (1,597

)

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

               

Stock-based compensation

    127       21  

Depreciation and amortization

    8,772       1  

Imputed interest expense on contingent consideration

    437       -  

Imputed interest expense on notes payable

    189       -  

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    (423

)

    (76

)

Accounts payable

    (434

)

    43  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    (140

)

    (180

)

Net cash used in operating activities

    (3,344

)

    (1,788

)

                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Purchase of Prism, net of cash acquired

    (16,131

)

    -  

Purchases of short-term investments

    -       (2,490

)

Redemption of short-term investments

    -       1,494  

Redemptions of restricted cash equivalents

    200       200  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (15,931

)

    (796

)

                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

               

Repayment of note payable

    (1,000

)

    -  

Net cash used in financing activities

    (1,000

)

    -  
                 
                 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (20,275

)

    (2,584

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    23,137       30,113  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 2,862     $ 27,529  

 

  

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

 

In connection with its acquisition of Prism, the Company assumed liabilities and issued common stock as follows:

 

Cash paid for acquisition

  $ 16,500  

Contingent consideration

    32,411  

Issuance of common stock

    9,380  

Value of net assets acquired

  $ 58,291  
         

Liabilities assumed

  $ 3,611  

 

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. (also referred to as “Company”, “we”, “our” or “us”) was originally incorporated in California in February 1995 and re-incorporated in Delaware in October 1996, and is headquartered outside Sacramento, California. Our headquarters mailing address 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.

 

On December 21, 2011 and in connection with the sale of substantially all of our assets to Bankrate, Inc., we changed our name from InsWeb Corporation (“InsWeb”) to Internet Patents Corporation and subsequently to Prism Technologies Group, Inc. Our business consists of licensing and enforcing a portfolio of patents. On March 26, 2015, we completed a merger with Prism Technologies, LLC (“Prism”), with Prism becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). Prism also operates a patent licensing and enforcement business. Prism 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.

 

2. Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Prism Technologies Group, Inc. 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 September 30, 2015 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

 

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, 2014 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.  

 

 
7

 

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications, which have no effect on previously reported net loss, have been made to the 2014 condensed consolidated statements of operations to conform to the Company’s 2014 financial statement presentation.

 

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 the Company. 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.

 

The Company recognizes revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of a contractual arrangement between the Company 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 the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised licensee agreement to a licensee  and (iv) collectability of consideration to which the Company is entitled to is reasonably assured.

 

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’s operating results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from 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.  The Company 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 its 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, the Company 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’s operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of March 26, 2015. 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, depending on the patent, over a period ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 years. The amortization period of the entire acquired patent portfolio is a weighted average of 3.7 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’s officers is 3 years; the expected term of the agreements.

 

Purchased definite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever 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.

   

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 the Company’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 the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. 

 

In addition, the Company 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)

 

Share-Based Payments

 

The Company accounts 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.

  

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. Early application is not permitted. 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 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern” (Subtopic 205-40) which amends the current guidance in ASC Topic 205 by adding Subtopic 40. Subtopic 40 requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that in aggregate would raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date the financial statements are issued or available to be issued. If substantial doubt existed, management would be required to make certain disclosures related to nature of the substantial doubt and, under certain circumstances, how that substantial doubt would be mitigated. This amendment is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2017 and for subsequent interim and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effects, if any, adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, it is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We are evaluating the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

3.  Acquisition and Purchase Accounting

 

On March 26, 2015 (the “Closing Date”), the Company completed its acquisition of Prism Technologies, LLC (“Prism”) pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) dated November 12, 2014. Prism 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’s operating results are included in the Company’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.

 

 
10

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Contingent Consideration

 

The contingent consideration payable to Prism’s former security holders consists of a share of future revenues related to lawsuits filed by Prism prior to March 26, 2015 (“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 at the time of closing. Prism’s former security holders 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 September 30, are subject to a 20% retention. The retention payments are due in conjunction with the earn-out payment for December 31.

 

The estimated fair values of the Prism purchase price is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

Consideration paid on the Closing Date:

       

Cash payment (portion of $16.5 million cash consideration)

  $ 1,343  

Common stock

    9,380  
         

Consideration paid after the Closing Date:

       

Payable to former Prism shareholders (remaining portion of $16.5 million cash consideration paid in April, 2015)

    15,157  

Contingent consideration expected to be paid

    49,500  

Discount on contingent consideration

    (17,089

)

    $ 58,291  

 

A portion of the consideration at closing was the issuance of 3,500,000 new shares of our common stock. The closing price-per-share of our common stock on the acquisition date was $2.68.

 

The fair value of contingent consideration to be paid as of the date of acquisition is calculated based upon the time value of money and the probability assessment in achieving patent proceeds.

 

Purchase Price Allocation

 

The Company recognized of $0.1 million in goodwill, representing the excess purchase consideration over acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed. The goodwill relates to expected synergies and the assembled workforce of Prism.

 

The acquired intangible assets included a patent portfolio valued, for purchase price allocation purposes, at $58.9 million with a weighted average useful life of 3.7 years and $2.5 million of non-compete agreements with a weighted average useful life of 3 years.

 

Management determined the fair value of intangible assets based on a number of factors, including a third-party valuation, utilizing the income approach in conjunction with discussions with Prism’s management and certain forecasts prepared by Prism. The rate utilized to discount net cash flows to their present values was approximately 32% for the non-compete agreements and a range of 34-35% for the patent portfolio. The discount rates were determined using a weighted-average cost of capital which incorporated a number of factors which included the risk-free rate, the market premium, a company size premium and a company-specific premium for the non-compete agreements. In addition, for the patent portfolio, there was an additional premium applied.

 

 

 
11

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

3.  Acquisition and Purchase Accounting (continued)

 

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Closing Date.

 

   

(in thousands)

 
         

Acquired assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 369  

Intangible assets, net

    58,908  

Covenant not to compete

    2,457  

Other assets

    61  

Goodwill

    107  
         

Assumed liabilities:

       

Notes payable

    (3,570

)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

    (41

)

Total liabilities assumed

    (3,611

)

         

Total purchase price

  $ 58,291  

 

Based upon refinements to our accounting estimates, the total purchase price, net of liabilities assumed, was reduced from $60.2 million at March 31, 2015 to $58.3 million at June 30, 2015. The refinements consisted of a decrease in goodwill from $5.1 million to $0.1 million, offset by an increase in intangible assets from $58.3 million to $61.4 million. The decrease in goodwill resulted from a revision to the revenue base used to calculate the contributory asset charges from a specific year to a range of years, pre and post-merger. In addition, the discount rates for the non-compete agreements and intangible assets were revised. The discount rate for the non-compete agreements increased from 27% to 32% to reflect the three year term of these agreements. The discount rate for the intangible assets decreased from 37% to a range of 34-35% as a result of evaluating the projected cash flows from individual patents rather than the entire portfolio. The refinements were made based on information available as of the transaction date.

 

The fair value of the notes payable was determined, using an annual discount rate of 12.0% to discount the notes payable’s payment stream 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 Company incurred approximately $0 and $219,000 in acquisition-related expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, $107,000 was related to legal expenses, $83,000 in accounting and valuation expenses and $29,000 in special shareholder meeting expenses. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 acquisition related expense of $264,000 each were recognized for legal expenses, valuation and accounting services. These costs are included in the consolidated statement of operations in general and administrative operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015.

  

 
12

 

  

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

3.  Acquisition and Purchase Accounting (continued)

  

Pro forma Results of Operations

 

The pro forma results of operations provided below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are presented as though the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the period presented. The pro forma information presented below does not purport to indicate what the Company's results of operations would have been if the acquisition had in fact occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented nor does it intend to be a projection of the impact on future results or trends.      

 

   

Three months ended
September 30,

   

Nine months ended
September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 

Total revenues

  $ 700     $ 386     $ 700     $ 606  

Operating loss

  $ (4,742

)

  $ (4,945

)

  $ (15,989

)

  $ (15,439

)

Net loss

  $ (5,033

)

  $ (5,245

)

  $ (16,932

)

  $ (16,353

)

Diluted loss per share

  $ (0.50

)

  $ (0.46

)

  $ (1.68

)

  $ (1.45

)

  

 

4.  Fair Value Measurements

 

The following table presents the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands):

 

   

September 30,

2015

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Assets:

                               

Cash equivalents

  $ 2,112     $ 2,112     $     $  

Short-term investments

    1,494       1,494              

Restricted cash equivalents

    600       600                  

Total assets at fair value

  $ 4,206     $ 4,206     $     $  

 

The following table presents the financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

 

   

December 31,

2014

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Assets:

                               

Cash equivalents

  $ 22,600     $ 22,600     $     $  

Short-term investments

    1,494       1,494                  

Restricted cash equivalents

    800       800              

Total assets at fair value

  $ 24,894     $ 24,894     $     $  

 

 

Cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash equivalents include certificates of deposit, money market deposit accounts and money market funds. The carrying value of these cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash equivalents approximates fair value. These securities are considered Level 1 instruments, and we use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets to determine their fair value.

 

5. Restricted Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

 

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, restricted cash equivalents consisted of $0.6 million and $0.8 million respectively. A portion of the cash equivalents is used as collateral for a letter of credit of the same amount which secures our remaining rent obligations under the office space lease for our former corporate headquarters. 

  

 
13 

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

6. Other Assets

 

Prism 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.

 

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

Life settlement contracts consist of the following at September 30, 2015 (in thousands):

 

   

September 30,

2015

 

Number of individual life insurance policies held

    6  

Aggregate face/maturity value of all policies

  $ 2,200  

Cash surrender value of all policies

  $ 58  

 

7. Intangible Assets

 

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

 

   

September 30,
2015

 

Goodwill

  $ 107  

Patent portfolio

    58,908  

Covenant not to compete

    2,457  
      61,472  

Accumulated amortization patent portfolio

    (8,350

)

Accumulated amortization covenant not to compete

    (422

)

Total goodwill and other intangible assets

  $ 52,700  

 

        Goodwill, the excess of the purchase price paid to former security holders of Prism 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.

 

8. Accrued Expenses

 

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

 

   

September 30,

2015

   

December 31,

2014

 
                 

Accrued lease obligations

  $ 194     $ 194  

Payroll accrual

    11       -  
    $ 205     $ 194  

 

 
14 

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

9. Notes payable

 

As part of the Merger, the Company 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.

 

The aggregate maturities of the notes payable as of September 30, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,

       

2015

  $ 1,000  

2016

    2,000  

Total

  $ 3,000  

Less imputed interest

    (241

)

Fair Value

  $ 2,759  

 

10. 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

September 30,

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 

Numerator for basic and diluted net loss per share:

                               

Net loss available to common stockholders

  $ (5,032

)

  $ (730

)

  $ (11,872

)

  $ (1,597

)

                                 

Denominator for net loss per share:

                               

Basic and diluted —weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

    10,074       7,752       8,997       7,752  
                                 

Net loss per share:

                               

Basic and diluted

  $ (0.50

)

  $ (0.10

)

  $ (1.32

)

  $ (0.21

)

 

Potentially dilutive securities are not included in the diluted net loss calculation, because we had a net loss from operations, net of tax. The antidilutive securities that are not included in the calculation above are employee stock options and non-employee directors to purchase shares totaling 72,574 and 14,174 for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2015 and 0 for the comparable periods in 2014.

  

 
15 

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

11. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Leases

 

The Company has a non-cancelable 24 month lease through May 15, 2017 for approximately 1,300 square feet of office space in Folsom, California, which is currently our corporate headquarters.

 

Prism leases approximately 2,200 square feet of office space in Omaha, Nebraska under a non-cancelable 60 month lease through August 31, 2017.

 

We have a non-cancelable 5-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. The facility is located in Rancho Cordova, California. The lease includes negotiated annual increases in the monthly rental payments. On April 16, 2013, we subleased this space for the remainder of our term. The monthly sublease rent is less than our rent obligation to the landlord. As of September 30, 2015, we expect to receive $193,000 from the sub-lessee for the remainder of our lease.

 

Until the expiration of the lease in September 2014, we also leased approximately 10,000 square feet of office space in San Francisco, California. This facility was fully subleased to two tenants.

 

12. Legal Proceedings

 

On March 19, 2015, Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) sent Prism a letter demanding payment of a fee under an Advisory Agreement dated September 19, 2013 (the “Advisory Agreement). Prism rejected the demand and on April 10, 2015, Maxim filed a Statement of Claim with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) to initiate arbitration of the dispute. In the Statement of Claim, Maxim alleges that Prism is liable for payment of a percentage of the Merger consideration as an advisory fee under the Advisory Agreement. Prism has answered the Statement of Claim and contested FINRA’s jurisdiction. However, Prism also filed a declaratory judgment action in Nebraska state court seeking a declaration that the Advisory Agreement is void, no advisory fee is owed and staying the FINRA arbitration proceeding. In the state court action Prism argues: (i) Maxim did not introduce Prism to the Company and Prism did not seek Maxim’s assistance with the Merger; (ii) Maxim was not registered as an investment advisor and cannot charge an advisory fee; and (iii) the advisory fee demanded by Maxim is grossly excessive under applicable law. On August 8, 2015, the district court denied our motion to stay, and an appeal has been made to the Nebraska Court of Appeals. If the stay is not granted on appeal, the Company and Prism intend to vigorously defend the FINRA arbitration. Although an arbitration award to Maxim would be paid by the Company, it relates to a pre-Merger dispute and would reduce the maximum earnout payable to Prism’s former security holders. As such, an adverse arbitration decision, if any, would have a near term impact on our cash flow but is not expected to have a significant impact on our long term financial condition.

 

As previously reported, in June 2015 a jury awarded Prism $30 million in damages in its case against Sprint Spectrum d/b/a Sprint PCS. No portion of the award has been paid by Sprint and the District Court is considering several post trial motions filed by the parties. 

 

As noted below in Footnote 14, “Subsequent Events, on October 30, 2015 a jury found that T-Mobile did not infringe the asserted claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,387,155 and 8,127,345. The Company is reviewing the decision and evaluating a potential appeal.

 

The table in Item 2 “Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations” lists the pending patent litigation involving the Company and its subsidiaries. 

 

 
16 

 

 

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

13. Equity and Stock Options

 

As of September 30, 2015, there was $192,000 in unrecognized compensation cost for all stock options outstanding. A portion of the unrecognized compensation cost relates to grants of options to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock to five Prism executive officers under employment agreements executed in connection with the Merger. The exercise price of all of the options granted to Prism executive officers is $2.68. One-half of the options granted to each employee 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 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, the Company 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 the Board. The 2016 and 2017 financial targets have not been set by the Board, therefore the fair value of the performance based options will be recognized as zero. When we are able to assess the probability of achieving target levels, the fair value will be calculated at that time. For the 2015 financial target, we determined that 60% of the financial target has been achieved in accordance with the tiered vesting structure and under the terms of the grant agreement and therefore 50% of the 2015 performance based options have been vested as of September 30, 2015.

 

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, 2015 and July 1, 2014, fully-vested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock were granted to each of the three non-employee directors with exercise prices of $3.06 and $3.15 respectively.

 

The Company recognized $32,000 and $127,000 in stock compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and $21,000 for the comparable periods in 2014.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 there were no common share issuances associated with the exercise of stock options.

 

14. Subsequent Event

 

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. The Company is reviewing the decision and evaluating a potential appeal. The suit against T-Mobile USA was the third of five patent infringement lawsuits filed by our subsidiary, Prism Technologies, LLC against wireless carriers. As previously reported, in November 2014, Prism settled on favorable terms with AT&T Wireless, and in June 2015 a jury awarded Prism $30 million in damages in its case against Sprint Spectrum LP, d/b/a Sprint PCS. The remaining two suits are against United States Cellular Corporation and Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless.

 

 
17 

 

  

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 ours 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, us 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 acquisition will not be profitable and the possibility that the expected value creation from the Prism 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, 2014 and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause the Company’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”), with Prism becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). Prism also operates a patent licensing and enforcement business. Prism 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’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 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 as of closing (the “Sharing Threshold”), in “Prism patent proceeds” from lawsuits filed by Prism 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 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 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. 

  

 
18 

 

 

 Results of Operations

 

Significant Events

 

On September 24, 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 nine day trial in Omaha, the jury in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska found that the accused Sprint network systems and methods infringe multiple claims of 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. No portion of the judgment has been paid by Sprint as of the date of this report and the parties are currently briefing a variety of post-trial motions.

 

On July 24, 2015 the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rendered its decision in the Company’s appeal of the dismissal of its lawsuits against The General Automobile Insurance Company and three other entities. The Federal Circuit held that the Company 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 have been terminated.

 

In connection with a settlement agreement between the parties, on September 3, 2015 the United District Court for the Eastern District of Texas dismissed GE Capital Bank, GE Capital Retail Bank (currently Synchrony Bank), General Electric Capital Corporation, and General Electric Company (collectively “Defendants”) from a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Secure Axcess, LLC, a subsidiary of Prism. The lawsuit alleges infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,631,191. In exchange for a license and release, the Defendants collectively paid a one-time payment in the amount of $700,000. The payment, less the cost of revenues of $210,000 was received in September 2015.

 

 

Revenues, Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin

 

 

Three months ended

September 30,

 

Percentage

change

from

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

2015

   

2014

 

prior

period

                   

Revenues

  $ 700     $ -  

nm

Cost of revenues

  $ 210       -  

nm

Gross margin

    490       -    

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

Three months ended

September 30,

 

Percentage

change

from

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

2015

   

2014

 

prior

period

                   

General and administrative

  $ 986     $ 738   34%

Depreciation and amortization

  $ 4,246       -  

nm

 

  

 

Revenues, Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin
 

 

Nine months ended

September 30,

 

Percentage

change

from

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

2015

   

2014

 

prior

period

                   

Revenues

  $ 700     $ -  

nm

Cost of revenues

  $ 210       -  

nm

Gross margin

    490       -    

  

 
19 

 

 

Results of Operations (continued)

 

 

 

Operating Expenses
   

 

Nine months ended

September 30,

 

Percentage

change

from

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

2015

   

2014

 

prior

period

                   

General and administrative

  $ 2,974     $ 1,619   84%

Depreciation and amortization

  $ 8,772       1  

nm

 

Revenues, cost of revenues and gross margin. Revenues, cost of revenues and gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were $700,000, $210,000 and $490,000 respectively. This resulted from a settlement with GE Capital Bank et al as described above. There were no revenues, cost of revenues and gross margin for the comparable periods in 2014. Our future revenues are expected to consist entirely of royalties from licensing patents and damages for past infringement of our patents, which now included Prism’s patent portfolio. We cannot estimate what additional revenues, if any, we will receive in 2015.

 

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 $986,000 and $2,974,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $738,000 and $1,619,000 for the comparable periods in 2014. The primary reason for the increase was the inclusion of Prism’s results. Prism’s expenses represented $538,000 and $123,000 of the increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. In addition, the Company incurred acquisition related expense (including legal, investor relations and accounting services) of $0 and $219,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 Prism acquisition related expenses of $264,000 each were recognized for legal expenses, valuation and accounting services. The Company also recognized $32,000 and $127,000 of costs related to stock compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The Company recognized stock compensation-related costs of $21,000 each during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 are expected to be consistent with the expenses incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

  

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses consist of amortization of the patent portfolio and the covenant not to compete over their estimated useful lives. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the expenses were $4,246,000 and $8,772,000 respectively, which consisted entirely of amortization expenses associated with the assets acquired from Prism on March 26, 2015. There were no such expenses incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Significant depreciation and amortization expenses are expected for the remainder of 2015 and beyond.

 

Other Income. Other Income was $3,000 and $12,000for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 respectively as compared to $8,000 and $23,000 for the comparable periods in 2014. Other Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 consist of interest earned on our investment portfolio of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. We expect that Other Income will consist entirely of returns received from our investment portfolio in the near future, which will be negligible given the conservative nature of our investment policy and the current economic conditions in the United States.

 

 Interest Expense. Interest expense was $293,000 and $628,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 respectively as compared to $0 for the comparable periods in 2014. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 interest expense consisted of imputed interest related to assuming certain debt from Prism in the Merger and imputed interest associated with the contingent consideration agreed to in the Merger agreement. Additional information related to the Merger is included in Notes 3 and 7. 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

 
20 

 

 

Pending Patent Infringement Litigation

 

The following chart describes the status of pending patent infringement litigation involving the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

Parties

  

Civil Action Number; Court

  

Key Dates

  

  

  

  

  

Gregg Patents

  

  

  

  

Prism Technologies, LLC v. AT&T

  

8:12-cv-00122- LES-TDT (USDC Nebraska)

  

Settled 11-2014

  

  

  

  

  

Prism Technologies, LLC v. Sprint

  

8:12-cv-00123- LES-TDT (USDC Nebraska)

  

Jury verdict for Prism 6-24-2015

  

  

  

  

  

Prism Technologies, LLC v. T-Mobile

  

8:12-cv-00124- LES-TDT (USDC Nebraska)

  

Jury verdict of non-infringement for T-Mobile

  

  

  

  

  

Prism Technologies, LLC v. U.S. Cellular

  

8:12-cv-00125- LES-TDT (USDC Nebraska)

  

Trial date to be determined

  

  

  

  

  

Prism Technologies, LLC v. Cellco Partnership d/b/a/ Verizon Wireless

  

8:12-cv-00126- LES-TDT (USDC Nebraska)

  

Trial date 4-4-2016

  

  

  

  

  

Glazer Patents

  

  

  

  

Secure Axcess, LLC v. U.S. Bank, et al.

  

6:13-cv-00717-KNM (USDC Eastern District Texas)

  

Dist. Ct. stayed case pending CBM

  

  

  

  

  

EMC Corp. and RSA Security, LLC v. Secure Axcess, LLC

  

IPR2014-00475 (PTAB Panel)

  

PTAB Hearing 5-20-205

  

  

  

  

  

PNC Bank, N.A et al. v. Secure Axcess, LLC

  

CBM2014-00100 (PTAB Panel)

  

PTAB Hearing 5-20-205

  

  

  

  

  

Bank of the West, et al. v. Secure Axcess, LLC

  

CBM2015-00009 (PTAB Panel)

  

Consolidated with CBM2014-00100

  

  

  

  

  

T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. v. Secure Axcess, LLC

  

CBM2015-00027 (PTAB Panel)

  

Petition instituted 6-22-2015

  

  

  

  

  

PNC Bank, N.A et al. v. Secure Axcess, LLC

  

CBM2015-00039 (PTAB Panel)

  

Petition denied 7-10-2015

  

  

  

  

  

Weber Patents

  

  

  

  

Secure Axcess, LLC v. Nintendo of America, Inc. et al

  

2:14-cv-01013-RSM USDC Western Dist. Washington

  

Final order of non-infringement issued 8-4-2015

  

  

  

  

  

Ethernet Patents

  

  

  

  

Secure Axcess, LLC v. Ericsson, Inc.

  

6:15-cv-00211; USDC Eastern Dist. Texas

  

Filed March 16, 2015

  

  

  

  

  

Secure Axcess, LLC v. Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.

  

6:15-cv-00212; USDC Eastern Dist. Texas

  

Filed March 16, 2015

  

  

  

  

  

Secure Axcess, LLC v. HP Enterprise Services, LLC

  

6:15-cv-00208; USDC Eastern Dist. Texas

  

Filed March 16, 2015

  

  

  

  

  

Secure Axcess, LLC v. NEC Cloud Communications America, Inc.

  

6:15-cv-00209; USDC Eastern Dist. Texas

  

Filed March 16, 2015

 

 
21 

 

   

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 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern” (Subtopic 205-40) which amends the current guidance in ASC Topic 205 by adding Subtopic 40. Subtopic 40 requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that in aggregate would raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date the financial statements are issued or available to be issued. If substantial doubt existed, management would be required to make certain disclosures related to nature of the substantial doubt and under certain circumstances, how that substantial doubt would be mitigated. This amendment is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and for subsequent interim and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effects, if any, adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.   

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, it is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We are evaluating the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on our 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.

 

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 the Company. 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.

 

The Company recognizes revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of a contractual arrangement between the Company 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 the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised licensee agreement to a licensee  and (iv) collectability of consideration to which the Company is entitled to is reasonably assured.

 

 
22 

 

 

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.

 

For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. At September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, we had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively ($0.1 million of which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate). 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 September 30, 2015 of approximately $149.8 million and $24.2 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 each. 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 and state net operating loss carry forwards begin expiring in 2019 and 2015, respectively.

  

The carrying value of our deferred tax assets, which was approximately $52.4 million at September 30, 2015, 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.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

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

 

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Cash used in operating activities

  $ (3,344

)

  $ (1,788

)

Cash used in investing activities

    (15,931

)

    (796

)

Cash used in financing activities

    (1,000

)

    -  

  

At September 30, 2015, our principal source of liquidity was $2.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.5 million in short-term investments. 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 $2.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.5 million in short-term investments. Since inception, we have financed operations primarily through the sale of preferred and common stock and cash flow from operations.

 

As detailed in the September 30, 2015 balance sheet and Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, we have significant debt payments due in conjunction with the debt that we assumed as part of its Merger with Prism. We also expect to incur significant outflows of cash associated with the earnout to the former owners of Prism, but these payments, correlate to revenues generated by Prism’s patent portfolio.

  

 
23 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net cash used in operating activities was $3.3 million, primarily consisting of our net loss of $11.9 million and cash used of $1.0 million, mainly due to a decrease in accounts payable, an increase in prepaid and other assets and a decrease in accrued expenses, offset by amortization of intangibles of $8.8 million, imputed interest on contingent consideration and notes payable of $0.6 million and stock-based compensation of $0.1 million.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net cash used in operating activities was $1.8 million, primarily consisting of our net loss adjusted for stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization of property and equipment of $1.6 million and cash used of $0.3 million, mainly due to a decrease in accrued expenses and increase prepaid expenses. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $0.1 million.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net cash used in investing activities was $15.9 million, due to purchase of Prism, net of cash acquired for $16.1 million, offset by redemptions of restricted cash equivalents of $0.2 million. 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net cash used in investing activities was $0.8 million representing $2.5 million relating to the purchases of short-term investments, offset by redemptions of short-term investments of $1.5 million and redemptions of restricted cash equivalents of $0.2 million.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net cash used in financing activities was $1.0 million, due to an installment payment due on June 30, 2015. There were no financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

The Company has a non-cancelable 24 month lease though May 15, 2017 for approximately 1,300 square feet of office space in Folsom, California, which is currently our corporate headquarters.

 

Prism currently leases approximately 2,200 square feet of office space in Omaha, Nebraska under a non-cancelable 60 month lease through August 31, 2017.

 

The Company also has 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. The facility is located in Rancho Cordova, California. The lease includes negotiated annual increases in the monthly rental payments. On April 16, 2013, we subleased this space for the remainder of our lease term. As of September 30, 2015, we expect to receive $193,000 from the sub-lessee for the remainder of our lease.

 

Until the expiration of the lease in September 2014, we also leased approximately 10,000 square feet of office space in San Francisco, California. This facility was fully subleased to two tenants. See Note 11 of the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the subleases.

 

Future minimum lease commitments, as of September 30, 2015 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

Years ending December 31

 

Future minimum lease

commitments

 

2015

  $ 107  

2016

    434  

2017

    105  
    $ 646  

 

The aggregate maturities of the note payable are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,

       

2015

  $ 1,000  

2016

    2,000  

Total

  $ 3,000  

Less imputed interest

    (241

)

Fair value

  $ 2,759  

 

We anticipate our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet anticipated cash needs to fund operations and capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months. Although we do not anticipate the need for additional financing, we nevertheless may require additional funds to meet operating needs. We cannot be certain that additional financing will be available when required, on favorable terms or at all. If we are not successful in raising additional capital as required, its business could be materially harmed. If additional funds were raised through the issuance of equity securities, the percentage ownership of the Company’s then-current stockholders would be reduced. 

 

 
24 

 

 

 

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 have been changes to our internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2015 that will materially affect, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, due to the acquisition of Prism on March 26, 2015. We have not yet performed the procedures necessary to evaluate if Prism’s internal controls over financial reporting are effective. We currently plan to evaluate Prism’s controls over financial reporting by the end of 2015.

 

 

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. The table in Item 2 “Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations”  lists the patent litigation involving the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

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.

 

As described in Note 12, “Legal Proceedings”, Prism is defending an action initiated by Maxim Group LLC in which Maxim seeks payment of a fee under an Advisory Agreement dated September 19, 2013.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,2014.

  

 
25 

 

 

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.

 

 
26 

 

 

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: November 13, 2015

PRISM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. 

  

(Registrant)

  

  

  

/s/ STEVEN J. YASUDA

  

Steven J. Yasuda

  

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

27