Envela Corp - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

For the transition period from                                   to                                  

Commission file number 001-11048

DGSE COMPANIES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 972-587-4049

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

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

None

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

¨ Yes        x No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

¨ Yes         x No

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

x Yes          ¨ No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.          ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     ¨ Yes          x No

As of June 30, 2015, which is the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the closing sales price at which the common equity was last sold on the NYSE MKT Exchange (the “Exchange”) was $2,780,992.

As of the close of business on March 25, 2016, there were 12,298,446 shares of DGSE Companies, Inc. common stock issued and outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive proxy statement will be filed by the registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “DGSE” refer to the consolidated business operations of DGSE Companies, Inc., the parent, and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (this “Form 10-K”), including but not limited to the section of this Form 10-K entitled “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” information concerning our business prospects or future financial performance, anticipated revenues, expenses, profitability or other financial items, and our strategies, plans and objectives, together with other statements that are not historical facts, includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” “should,” “anticipate” or “believe.” We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created by these laws. All statements other than statements of historical information provided herein are forward-looking and may contain information about financial results, economic conditions, trends, and known uncertainties. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond our ability to control, and, in many cases, we cannot predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, and readers should not regard those statements as a representation by us or any other person that the results expressed in the statements will be achieved. Important risk factors that could cause results or events to differ from current expectations are described under the section of this Form 10-K entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. These factors are not intended to be an all-encompassing list of risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and results of our business. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereon, including without limitation, changes in our business strategy or planned capital expenditures, store growth plans, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Overview

We were originally formed as a corporation in the State of Nevada on September 16, 1965 under the name “Canyon State Mining Corporation of Nevada.” After several name changes through the years, in 2005 we changed our name to DGSE Companies, Inc. Our principal executive offices are located at 15850 Dallas Parkway, Suite 140, Dallas, Texas 75248. Our telephone number is 972-587-4049. Our primary commercial internet addresses are www.DGSE.com and www.CGDEinc.com, and we also maintain www.DGSECompanies.com primarily as a corporate information and investor relations website. We hold registered trademarks for the company name “Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange” and the corresponding logo.

We buy and sell jewelry, diamonds, fine watches, rare coins and currency, precious metal bullion products, scrap gold, silver, platinum and palladium as well as collectibles and other valuables. Our customers include individual consumers, dealers and institutions throughout the United States. Our operations are organized around two primary types of customers, retail customers and wholesale customers.

Customer Types

Retail

As of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (“Fiscal 2015”), our products and services were marketed through eight retail locations in Illinois, South Carolina, and Texas. During the year ended December 31, 2014 (“Fiscal 2014”), we closed our Southern Bullion Coin & Jewelry (“Southern Bullion”) operations, which included locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. In Fiscal 2015, we closed three locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth (“DFW”) area and one in Summerville, South Carolina, as part of our reconfiguration of that market. Our retail locations operate under a variety of banners, including Charleston Gold & Diamond Exchange, Chicago Gold & Diamond Exchange (formerly Bullion Express), and Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange, and are supported by websites at www.CGDEinc.com and www.DGSE.com.

Our retail footprint has evolved significantly in recent years, growing and contracting largely in line with changes in the precious metals market. In 2011, as we acquired Southern Bullion, precious metal prices hit all-time highs, but by 2012 the markets had softened significantly. During the year ended December 31, 2013 (“Fiscal 2013”), the precious metals market experienced a significant downturn, as evidenced by a nearly 30% decrease in the price of an ounce of gold, as measured by London PM Fix, between January 1 and December 31, 2013. While prices were more stable in 2014, they remained well below levels reached in 2011. This downturn significantly changed the economics of our business, and led us to further evaluate the number and locations of retail stores, resulting in the closure of all Southern Bullion locations in the first half of Fiscal 2014. The volatility in the price per ounce of gold continued in Fiscal 2015, which decreased 11.5% as compared to Fiscal 2014.

As noted above, in early 2015, we also made the decision to close three of our DFW stores and one in South Carolina. Notwithstanding a significant uptick in precious metals pricing, we do not expect to open incremental retail locations in the next 12 months. However, we have recently embarked on a project to reconfigure our retail presence in DFW, which we expect will result in DGSE having fewer, but larger stores in the area. In January 2016, we opened a store in a new 4,400 square foot retail space in Euless, Texas, which will replace at least two much smaller locations in the western part of DFW. In late December 2015, we signed a lease on a new 15,120 square foot retail space in Dallas, Texas, which will replace our main showroom and potentially two smaller locations in the eastern part of the DFW area. We expect to move into this location during the summer of 2016.

Wholesale

Our Fairchild International (“Fairchild”) division is one of the country’s leading dealers of pre-owned fine watches. Fairchild supplies over 1,100 regional jewelry stores across the country, with pre-owned Rolexes and aftermarket Rolex accessories such as bands, bezels and dials. A dealer-only online catalog of Fairchild’s fine watch inventory can be found at our web site at www.Fairchildwatches.com.

In addition to our Fairchild operations, we transact a significant amount of business with wholesalers and other companies in our industry. This wholesale transactional activity occurs at industry-specific trade shows held periodically throughout the year, during in-person and telephonic sales calls, and on industry trade websites that facilitate wholesale trades for our industry.

Products and Services

Jewelry

We sell items in every major jewelry category, including bridal jewelry, fashion jewelry, custom-made jewelry, diamonds and other gemstones, watches and findings (jewelry components).

A substantial percentage of our jewelry inventory is purchased directly from our customers at one of our retail locations. These jewelry items and fine watches are then cleaned, serviced and repaired by our experienced jewelers so that they are in a like-new condition and suitable for resale.

The higher-quality diamonds and gemstones we purchase are certified by the Gemological Institute of America (“GIA”) and other third-party certifying authorities for an independent assessment of their quality. This process aides us in readily reselling these stones individually or as a component of our custom bridal and fashion jewelry. Mid-quality diamonds and gemstones are often utilized in custom fashion jewelry or packaged with lower quality stones and sold to wholesalers across the country and abroad.

We maintain relationships with numerous commercial consignment vendors across the country, which supply us with new and estate jewelry, which supplements jewelry that we purchase over the counter and enhances our overall jewelry offering. During Fiscal 2015, we began accepting consignment merchandise from individuals. Any sales made from this consignment jewelry stock are settled with our commercial and individual consignment vendors on a monthly or quarterly basis.

We also maintain jewelry repair centers in three of our locations and accept repair, polishing and service orders through all of our retail locations.

Jewelry retailing is highly fragmented and competitive. We compete for jewelry sales primarily against specialty jewelers such as Zales, Jared, and Kay’s, as well as other retailers that sell jewelry including department stores, discount stores, apparel outlets, and internet retailers. The jewelry category competes for a share of our customers’ disposable income with other consumer sectors such as electronics, clothing and furniture, as well as travel and restaurants. This competition for consumers’ discretionary spending is particularly relevant to gift giving, and also has some relevance with respect to bridal jewelry (e.g. engagement, wedding, and anniversary).

Bullion

Our bullion trading operation buys and sells all forms of gold, silver, platinum and palladium precious metals products, including United States and other government coins, private mint medallions, wafers, art bars and trade unit bars. Retail bullion transactions are conducted with individual consumers at all of our store locations and online at www.USBullionExchange.com. Wholesale bullion transactions are conducted through our main bullion trading operation in Dallas, Texas, which maintains numerous vendor relationships with major industry wholesalers, mints and institutions.

Bullion products are purchased and sold based on current market pricing for precious metals. This bullion inventory is subject to market value changes created by the underlying commodity markets. We periodically enter into futures contracts and utilize offsetting customer orders in order to hedge our exposure against changes in market prices. While we believe that we have effectively managed the commodity risk associated with our bullion activity, there are several national and international factors, which are out of our control but may affect margins, customer demand and transactional volume in our bullion business. These factors include but are not limited to: U.S. Federal Reserve policies, inflation rates, global economic uncertainty, governmental and private mint supply and other factors.

Elemetal, LLC (“Elemetal”) is our principal supplier of bullion products. Several other bullion wholesalers compete for our business on a regular basis.

Rare Coins, Currency and Collectibles

We buy and sell most numismatic items, including rare coins, currency, medals, tokens and other collectibles. The majority of our rare coin, currency and collectible revenue is derived from individual customers selling their collections to us. We then consolidate these collections and resell them through our retail activities, on the wholesale market through national trade shows, through in-person and telephonic sales calls, and on industry trade websites.

Scrap

Individual and wholesale customers sell their unwanted jewelry and other precious metals items to us at all of our retail locations. After we have purchased these valuables, they are processed at a centralized clearing house, where expert jewelers, gemologists and watchmakers sort items into three main resale categories: Retail Appropriate, Wholesale Appropriate and Refiner Appropriate. Those items deemed appropriate for resale at one of our retail locations are cleaned, serviced and repaired by our experienced jewelers so that they are in a like-new condition. The vast majority of these items are then individually tagged, placed on our e-commerce websites and sent to one of our retail locations for future retail sales. Other items that are not appropriate for our retail locations are grouped into wholesale lots and liquidated at national trade shows or through in-person dealer to dealer transactions. Items that are not appropriate for either retail or wholesale purposes are sold to the refiner.

Elemetal is also the principal refiner of our scrap related products. Several other refiners compete for our business on a regular basis.

Relationship with Elemetal, LLC.

Elemetal is a global precious metals conglomerate based in Dallas, Texas. Its principal holdings include: Elemetal Refining, LLC (formerly known as OPM Metals or OPM), the Ohio-based, largest American-owned refiner of “good delivery” gold and silver; Elemetal Direct, a Texas-based wholesale dealer of precious metals; Elemetal Capital, LLC, a leading market maker in the bullion and precious metals industries; Provident Precious Metals LLC, an online retailer of bullion and precious metal products; and Elemetal Recycling, LLC (formerly known as Echo Environmental), a Texas-based firm focusing on electronic waste recycling and precious metal recovery.

Through a series of transactions beginning in 2010, NTR Metals, LLC (“NTR”) became the largest shareholder of our Common Stock. In April 2012, NTR announced its merger with OPM, the largest American-owned refiner of “good delivery” gold and silver. The combined company was originally called Global Metals Holdings, LLC, and has since been rechristened as Elemetal. In January 2013, NTR announced it would contribute 4,393,142 of its shares of our Common Stock to Elemetal, in exchange for ownership units in Elemetal. NTR also agreed to contribute its option to buy 5,000,000 additional shares of DGSE.

In addition to being our largest shareholder, Elemetal is our primary supplier for bullion products and is our primary refiner of recyclable precious metal. These and other transactions with Elemetal are more fully described in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements, Related Party Transactions.

Sales and Marketing

In Fiscal 2015, our advertising activities continued to rely on local television, radio, print, and digital media. Marketing activities centered on each of the major business categories, emphasizing our broad array of products, expertise, and price advantages compared to our local and regional competition. In Fiscal 2015, we spent $1,571,199 on advertising and marketing in our continuing operations, a 31% year-over-year decrease. Our advertising and marketing spending represents costs for traditional and digital media, in-store displays, brochures and informational pamphlets, production fees, and other related items.

In 2016, we anticipate our radio and digital presence to be a substantially more important part of our marketing strategy. As digital commerce platforms continue double-digit growth, we re-launched our website in 2015 to include what we believe is a state-of-the-art e-commerce platform. Our updated web platform unifies our broad array of inventory across every store and allows for online ordering and in-store pickup of items. The website is also designed to be viewed on a variety of platforms across a multitude of digital devices. We believe this enhanced web platform also allows for personalization of the shopping experience, including recommending inventory, and delivers a seamless digital experience for product research, purchase, and social sharing. Additionally, we anticipate that digital media and marketing will play an increasingly larger role in our overall advertising mix. We anticipate that social interaction and engagement, email marketing programs, and expert video tutorials will provide a stronger connection to our jewelry, bullion, and rare coin customers.

Seasonality

The retail and wholesale jewelry business is seasonal. We realized 27% and 35% of our annual jewelry sales in the fourth quarters of Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014, respectively.

While our bullion, scrap and rare coin businesses are not as seasonal, we believe they are directly impacted by several national and international factors which are out of our control. These factors may affect margins, customer demand and transactional volume in our bullion and rare coin business. These factors include but are not limited to: U.S. Federal Reserve policies, inflation rates, global economic uncertainty, governmental and private mint supply and other factors.

Competition

We operate in a highly competitive industry where competition is based on a combination of price, service and product quality. Our jewelry and scrap activities compete with numerous other competitors in the markets in which we operate. These competitors include big box retailers, national jewelry chains, individual jewelry stores, web-only entities, pawn shops and other businesses who attempt to enter this industry as an add-on to their existing business lines.

The bullion and rare coin industry in which we compete is dominated by substantially larger enterprises, which retail and wholesale bullion, rare coin and other precious metal products through traditional store front locations and via the internet.

We compete in these industries by taking advantage of core competencies in the following areas:

Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we employed 69 individuals, 68 of whom were full time employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union and we believe that our current relations with employees are good. Our management follows the policy of keeping employees informed of decisions and encourages and implements employee suggestions whenever practicable.

Available Information

Our primary commercial websites are located at www.DGSE.com and www.CGDEinc.com. Through the “DGSE Companies” section of these websites, as well as through www.DGSECompanies.com, we make available free of charge all of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and press releases. In addition, a complete copy of our Business Conduct and Ethics Policy, our Related Person Transactions Policy, our Whistleblower Policy and charters for our Audit Committee, our Compliance, Governance and Nominating Committee, and our Compensation Committee are available through www.DGSECompanies.com, as well as information on how to communicate with our Board of Directors (our “Board”).

Discontinued Operations

In February 2014, we elected to discontinue the operations of six of our Southern Bullion locations and in April 2014, we elected to discontinue the operations of the 17 remaining Southern Bullion locations, due to the lack of profitability and management's belief that it was unlikely that profitability would be reached in the foreseeable future. The significant change in the precious metals market in 2013, including a 30% decline in the spot price of gold since the acquisition of Southern Bullion in 2011, had a disproportionately negative impact on the customer traffic, transactional volume and profitability of the Southern Bullion operations. As a result, during 2013, the Southern Bullion operations generated a net loss of approximately $1.9 million. The operating results for all Southern Bullion operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014.

Research & Development

We do not actively engage in research and development activities. As a result, we did not expend any amounts in Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 on research and development.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

You should carefully review and consider the risks described below and the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K before evaluating our business or making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by these risks. The trading price of our Common Stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. You should also refer to the other information included or incorporated by reference in this report, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated. Additional risks which we do not presently consider material, or of which we are not currently aware, may also have an adverse impact on our business. Please also see the section of this Form 10-K entitled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” on page 1.

In Fiscal 2014, we came to an agreed settlement with the SEC, stemming from an investigation of accounting irregularities. As part of this settlement we agreed to a series of corporate governance reforms, which were independently verified in Fiscal 2015. If we are unable to fully implement the corporate governance reforms, we could face additional enforcement actions by the SEC or other governmental or regulatory bodies, as well as additional shareholder lawsuits, all of which could have significant negative financial or operational implications.

On April 16, 2012, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K disclosing that our Board had determined the existence of certain accounting irregularities beginning approximately during the second calendar quarter of 2007 and continuing in periods subsequent thereto (the “Accounting Irregularities”). We brought the Accounting Irregularities to the attention of the SEC in a letter dated April 16, 2012. On June 18, 2012, we received written notice that the SEC had initiated a private investigation into the Accounting Irregularities, to determine whether any persons or entities had engaged in any possible violations of the federal securities laws. On June 2, 2014, we received notice of the entry of an agreed final judgment by the Honorable Judge Jane Boyle (the “Agreed Final Judgment”) in Civil Action No. 3:14-cv-01909-B, entitled Securities and Exchange Commission v. DGSE Companies Inc., et. al., filed on May 27, 2014 in Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas (the “Civil Action”). We consented to the Agreed Final Judgment prior to the filing of the Civil Action by the SEC. The Agreed Final Judgment was entered in connection with the conclusion of the investigation against DGSE by the SEC regarding the Accounting Irregularities.

In connection with the Agreed Final Judgment and as remedial measures in connection with the Accounting Irregularities, we have agreed to undertake certain corporate governance reforms, all of which we believe to be complete at this time (the “Corporate Governance Reforms”). The Corporate Governance Reforms include the appointment of two new independent directors to the Board, establishing the position of a Lead Independent Director on the Board and establishing reasonable term limits for members of the Board, among other reforms. We have engaged a consultant satisfactory to the SEC to confirm implementation of the Corporate Governance Reforms. Due to Board member resignations in the latter half of Fiscal 2015, we were unable to complete our confirmation with the consultant by the initial deadline; however, with the addition of new independent directors, we believe we are now in compliance with the Corporate Governance Reforms. If we fall out of compliance with the Corporate Governance Reforms, or if the independent consultant does not fully confirm our implementation, we may be the subject of additional enforcement actions and further lawsuits, which could be debilitating. The costs of such investigations and of defending lawsuits could be significant and could exceed the amount of any available insurance coverage we have, and we may not have sufficient resources in the future to satisfy such costs. These matters may continue for some time, and we have no way of anticipating when or how they may be resolved. As a result of the recent investigation and settlement, as well as any future investigations or lawsuits, we could face loss of reputation, decline in confidence from investors, fall in the market price for our shares, inability to acquire capital and failure to continue as a going concern.

The Loan Agreement with NTR is collateralized by a general security interest in our assets. If we were to default under the terms of the credit facility, NTR would have the right to foreclose on our assets.

In 2012, we entered into that certain Loan Agreement, dated July 19, 2012, by and between NTR and us (the “Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which NTR agreed to provide us a guidance line of revolving credit in an amount up to $7,500,000. In connection with the Loan Agreement, we granted a security interest in the securities and the respective personal property of each of our subsidiaries. If we were to default under the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement, NTR would have the right to accelerate any indebtedness outstanding and foreclose on our assets in order to satisfy our indebtedness. Such a foreclosure could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, results of operations and financial position. On February 25, 2014, we entered into a one-year extension of the Loan Agreement with NTR, extending the termination date to August 1, 2015, and on February 4, 2015, we entered into an additional two-year extension, extending the termination date to August 1, 2017. As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding balance under the Loan Agreement was $2,303,359. In February 2016, NTR announced that it had made a proposal to convert the outstanding balance to common stock at a price of $0.394 per share. The Board is reviewing and considering the proposal. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

The voting power in our company is substantially controlled by a small number of stockholders, which may, among other things, delay or frustrate the removal of incumbent directors or a takeover attempt, even if such events may be beneficial to our stockholders.

Elemetal, including its affiliate NTR, is our largest shareholder. Elemetal owns 4,695,042 shares of our Common Stock, representing 38.3% of our total outstanding shares of Common Stock. Consequently, Elemetal is in a position to significantly influence any matters that are brought to a vote of the shareholders, including, but not limited to, the election of members of our Board and any action requiring the approval of shareholders, including any amendments to our governing documents, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of ownership also may delay, defer or even prevent a change in control of our company and make some transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of Elemetal. These transactions might include proxy contests, tender offers, mergers or other purchases of Common Stock that could give stockholders the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price for shares of our Common Stock.

In the past, our internal controls over financial reporting and procedures related thereto have been deficient. Although we have taken significant remedial measures, our previous deficiencies could have a material adverse effect on our business and on our investors’ confidence in our reported financial information, and there is no guarantee that our internal controls over financial reporting and procedures will not fail in the future.

Effective internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and to detect and prevent fraud. In the past, our internal controls and procedures have failed. The remedial measures taken by us may not be sufficient to regain the confidence of investors or any loss of reputation, which could in turn affect our finances and operations. Our disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent all errors or all instances of fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our business have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and any design may not succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitation of a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. If there is a failure in any of our internal controls and procedures, we could face investigation or enforcement actions by the SEC and other governmental and regulatory bodies, litigation, loss of reputation and investor confidence, inability to acquire capital and other material adverse effects on our finances and business operations.

The market for precious metals is inherently unpredictable.

Bullion and scrap products are purchased and sold based on current market pricing for precious metals. This bullion and scrap inventory is subject to market value changes created by the underlying commodity markets. We periodically enter into futures contracts in order to hedge our exposure against changes in market prices. There are several national and international factors which are out of our control but which may affect margins, customer demand and transactional volume in our bullion business. These factors include but are not limited to: the policies of the U.S. Federal Reserve, inflation rates, global economic uncertainty, governmental and private mint supply and other factors. If we misjudge the commodity markets underlying the bullion inventory, our bullion business could suffer adverse consequences. Substantially lower precious metals prices could negatively affect our ability to continue purchasing significant volumes of precious metal scrap products which could negatively affect our profitability.

Adverse economic conditions in the U.S. or in other key markets, and the resulting declines in consumer confidence and spending, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Our results are dependent on a number of factors impacting consumer confidence and spending, including, but not limited to: general economic and business conditions; wages and employment levels; volatility in the stock market; home values; inflation; consumer debt levels; availability and cost of consumer credit; economic uncertainty; solvency concerns of major financial institutions; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; fuel and energy costs and/or shortages; tax issues; and general political conditions, both domestic and abroad.

Adverse economic conditions, including declines in employment levels, disposable income, consumer confidence and economic growth could result in decreased consumer spending that would adversely affect sales of consumer goods, particularly those, such as many of our products, which are viewed as discretionary items. In addition, events such as war, terrorism, natural disasters or outbreaks of disease could further suppress consumer spending on discretionary items. If any of these events should occur, our future sales could decline by driving up commodities prices, particularly gold.

We face intense competition.

The industry in which we operate is highly competitive, and we compete with numerous other companies, many of which are larger and have significantly greater financial, distribution, advertising and marketing resources. Our products compete on a number of bases, including price. Significant increases in these competitive influences could adversely affect our operations through a decrease in the number and dollar volume of sales.

For all of our products and services, we compete with a number of comparably sized and smaller firms, as well as a number of larger firms throughout the United States. Many of our competitors have the ability to attract customers as a result of their reputation and through their industry connections. Additionally, other reputable companies may decide to enter our markets to compete with us. These companies may have greater name recognition and have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. If these companies are successful in entering the markets in which we participate or if customers choose to go to our competition, we may attract fewer buyers and our revenue could decrease.

Our wholesale and jewelry business is seasonal, with sales traditionally greater during certain holiday seasons, so events and circumstances that adversely affect holiday consumer spending will have a disproportionately adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our wholesale and jewelry sales are seasonal by nature. Our sales are traditionally greater during significant local holidays that occur in late fall, winter or early spring. The amount of net sales and operating income generated during these seasons depends upon the general level of retail sales at such times, as well as economic conditions and other factors beyond our control. Given the timing of our annual seasonality, inclement weather can at times pose a substantial barrier to consumer retail activity, and have a material negative impact on our store traffic. If events or circumstances were to occur that negatively impact consumer spending during such holiday seasons, it could have a material adverse effect on our sales, profitability and results of operations.

If we misjudge the demand for our products, high inventory levels could adversely affect future operating results and profitability.

Consumer demand for our products can affect inventory levels. If consumer demand is lower than expected, inventory levels can rise causing a strain on operating cash flow. If the inventory cannot be sold through our wholesale or retail outlets, additional write-downs or write-offs to future earnings could be necessary. Conversely, if consumer demand is higher than expected, insufficient inventory levels could result in unfulfilled customer orders, loss of revenue and an unfavorable impact on customer relationships. In particular, volatility and uncertainty related to macro-economic factors make it more difficult for us to forecast customer demand in our various markets. Failure to properly judge consumer demand and properly manage inventory could have a material adverse effect on profitability and liquidity.

Changes in our liquidity and capital requirements and our ability to secure financing and credit could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We require continued access to capital, and a significant reduction in cash flows from operations or the availability of credit could materially and adversely affect our ability to achieve our planned growth and operating results. Similarly, if actual costs to build new stores significantly exceed planned costs, our ability to build new stores or to operate new stores profitably could be materially restricted. Credit and equity markets remain sensitive to world events and macro-economic developments. Therefore, our cost of borrowing may increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our operations or to refinance long-term obligations as they become payable. In addition, our borrowing costs can be affected by independent rating agencies’ short and long-term debt ratings which are based largely on our performance as measured by credit metrics including interest coverage and leverage ratios. A decrease in these ratings would likely also increase our cost of borrowing and make it more difficult for us to obtain financing. A significant increase in the costs we incur in order to finance our operations may have a material adverse impact on our business results and financial condition.

Interest rate fluctuations could increase our interest expense.

Interest rates could rise which would, in turn, increase our cost of borrowing or could make it difficult or impossible for us to secure financing.

A failure in our information systems could prevent us from effectively managing and controlling our business or serving our customers.

We rely on our information systems to manage and operate our stores and business. This includes our phone system, website, point of sale application, accounting package and other systems. Each store is part of an information network that permits us to maintain adequate cash inventory, reconcile cash balances daily and report revenues and expenses in a timely manner. Any disruption in the availability of our information systems could adversely affect our operation, the ability to serve our customers and our results of operations.

Our success depends on our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified directors, management and other skilled employees. Recent changes in key personnel and directors could cause disruptions in our business.

Our future success and growth depend on the continued services of our directors, key management and employees. The loss of the services of any of these individuals or any other key employee or contractor could materially affect our business. The resignation of all three of our independent directors in August and September of 2015 caused us to be temporarily out of compliance with the continued listing requirements of the NYSE MKT, which require that 50% of the members of the Board are independent and that the audit committee of the Board be comprised of at least two members, all of whom are independent. As of December 31, 2015, we were also out of compliance with the Corporate Governance Reforms we agreed to make in connection with our Agreed Final Judgment with the SEC, which require us to have at least five Board members, at least three-fifths of whom are independent. The Board elected two new independent directors in 2015 and one new independent director in January 2016. On October 15, 2015, DGSE received a letter from the NYSE MKT confirming that, based on the addition of two new independent directors, DGSE has resolved the continued listing deficiencies described above and is now in compliance with the NYSE MKT’s continued listing standards. With the addition of the new independent director in 2016, we believe we are in compliance with the Corporate Governance Reforms set forth in our Agreed Final Judgment with the SEC; however, we must complete the process to confirm this compliance with an independent consultant. Our future success also depends on our ability to identify, attract and retain additional qualified personnel. Competition for employees in our industry is intense and we may not be successful in attracting or retaining them. There are a limited number of people with knowledge of, and experience in, our industry. We do not have employment agreements with many of our key employees. We do not maintain life insurance policies on any of our employees. The loss of key personnel, especially without advance notice, or the inability to hire or retain qualified personnel, could have a material adverse effect on sales and operations. In recent months, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have departed and we named a new Chief Executive Officer and new Chief Financial Officer. There can be no assurance that the recent changes in these two key positions, along with changes in the composition of our Board, will not cause disruption to our operations. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to retain our key management and skilled personnel, or that we will be able to attract, assimilate and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future.

We have not paid dividends on our Common Stock in the past and do not anticipate paying dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

We have not paid Common Stock dividends since our inception and do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. Our current business plan provides for the reinvestment of earnings in an effort to complete development of our technologies and products, with the goal of increasing sales and long-term profitability and value. In addition, our revolving credit facility with NTR currently restricts, and any other credit or borrowing arrangements that we enter into in the future may restrict or limit, our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

We are subject to new and existing corporate governance and internal control reporting requirements, and our costs related to compliance with, or our failure to comply with, existing and future requirements could adversely affect our business.

In addition to the Corporate Governance Reforms, we face corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules and regulations subsequently adopted by the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Exchange. These laws, rules and regulations continue to evolve and may become increasingly stringent in the future. We cannot ensure that we will be able to fully comply with these laws, rules and regulations that address corporate governance, internal control reporting and similar matters. Failure to comply with these laws, rules and regulations could subject us to investigation and enforcement actions and could materially adversely affect our reputation, financial condition and the value and liquidity of our securities.

Our websites may be vulnerable to security breaches and similar threats, which could result in our liability for damages and harm to our reputation.

Despite the implementation of network security measures, our websites are vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptive problems caused by internet users. These occurrences could result in our liability for damages, and our reputation could suffer. The circumvention of our security measures may result in the misappropriation of customer or other confidential information. Any such security breach could lead to interruptions and delays and the cessation of service to our customers and could result in a decline in revenue and income.

Fluctuations in the availability and pricing of commodities, particularly gold, which accounts for the majority of our merchandise costs, could adversely impact our earnings and cash availability.

While jewelry manufacturing is a major driver of demand for gold, management believes that the cost of gold is predominantly driven by investment transactions which have resulted in significant changes in its cost over the past decade. Our cost of merchandise and potentially our earnings may be adversely impacted by investment market considerations that cause the price of gold to significantly increase or decrease.

An inability to increase retail prices to reflect higher commodity costs would result in lower profitability. Historically jewelry retailers have been able, over time, to increase prices to reflect changes in commodity costs. However, in general, particularly sharp increases in commodity costs may result in a time lag before increased commodity costs are fully reflected in retail prices. There is no certainty that such price increases will be sustainable, so downward pressure on gross margins and earnings may occur. In addition, any sustained increases in the cost of commodities could result in the need to fund a higher level of inventory or changes in the merchandise available to the customer.

A significant portion of our profit is generated from the buying and selling of pre-owned jewelry or other precious metal based products. Significant price fluctuations in precious metals, especially downward, can have a severe impact on this part of our business, as people are less likely to sell these products to us if they believe that their merchandise is being undervalued, or if they believe the value is uncertain.

The conflict mineral diligence process, the results from that process and the related reporting obligations could increase costs, adversely affect our reputation and adversely affect our ability to obtain merchandise.

In August 2012, the SEC, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, issued final rules, which require annual disclosure and reporting on the source and use of certain minerals, including gold, from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. The gold supply chain is complex and, while our management believes that the rules only cover less than 1% of annual worldwide gold production (based upon current estimates), the final rules require certain jewelry retailers and manufacturers that file with the SEC to exercise reasonable due diligence in determining the country of origin of the statutorily designated minerals that are used in products sold by us. Jewelry retailers or manufacturers who meet certain criteria were required to file certain reports with the SEC beginning in May 2014, disclosing their due diligence measures related to country of origin, the results of those activities, and related determinations. In conjunction with legal counsel, we have determined that we do not have sufficient control over manufacturing of any of our products to be included in the group of companies required to provide conflict minerals disclosure and reporting.

If our sourcing processes should change or if there is a determination that our current practices should be covered by the conflict minerals reporting and disclosure guidelines, we would need to implement significant additional measures to comply with these rules. We cannot be certain of the costs that might be associated with such regulatory compliance. The final rules also cover tungsten, which is contained in a small portion of items that are sold by us. Other minerals, such as diamonds, could be added to those currently covered by these rules. We may incur reputational risks with customers and other stakeholders if, due to the complexity of the global supply chain, we are unable to sufficiently verify the origin for the relevant metals. Also, if the responses of parts of our supply chain to the verification requests were adverse, it could harm our ability to obtain merchandise and add to compliance costs.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

We own a 20,456 square foot facility at 11311 Reeder Road, Dallas, Texas, which houses our largest retail operation. The land and buildings are subject to a mortgage maturing in August 2016, with a principal balance outstanding of $1,589,522 as of December 31, 2015.

In April 2013, we moved our principal corporate offices to office space at 15850 Dallas Parkway, Suite 140, Dallas, Texas. This property is owned by an affiliate of Elemetal and also serves as their headquarters. We lease space in the building subject to a lease that expired in December 2015. The Company continues to pay this lease on a month-to-month basis with no increase in rent.

In November 2013, we signed an agreement to lease a portion of our Reeder Road facility to a third party, beginning in January 2014. Under the terms of the five-year agreement, we will receive $5,000 per month in base rent initially, increasing to $7,500 per month after 24 months if certain conditions are not met. The lessee will also be required to pay additional rent based on revenue it generates using the facility. Additionally, under certain conditions, we have the right to terminate the agreement after 24 months.

We also lease various properties across the three markets in which we currently operate. These leases have a wide variety of terms, rents and expiration dates. We are constantly evaluating each of our locations in terms of profitability, effectiveness and fit with long-term strategy. During Fiscal 2013, we opened three new stores in existing markets and closed two unprofitable locations. As noted above, during Fiscal 2014, we discontinued operations of all of our Southern Bullion locations, resulting in the closing of 23 stores. In Fiscal 2015, we closed three stores in the DFW market, as part of an initiative to move toward fewer, but larger retail locations and one store in South Carolina. In addition, we opened a new, larger retail space in Euless, Texas in January 2016, which offers a larger selection of merchandise, including an onsite jewelry repair department, than stores closed in Fiscal 2015. In December 2015, we signed a lease on a new 15,120 square foot retail space in Dallas, Texas, which will replace our main showroom and potentially two smaller locations in the eastern part of the DFW area. We expect to move into this location during the summer of 2016.

The following table provides a summary of all materially significant locations out of which we and our subsidiaries operate as of the date of this report.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

On April 16, 2012, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K disclosing that our Board had determined the existence of the accounting irregularities beginning approximately during the second calendar quarter of 2007 and continuing in periods subsequent thereto (the “Accounting Irregularities”), which could affect financial information reported since that time. On April 16, 2012, we also announced that we had engaged forensic accountants to analyze the Accounting Irregularities, and that financial statements and information reported since the inception of the Accounting Irregularities, believed to begin in the second calendar quarter of 2007, should not be relied upon. We brought the Accounting Irregularities to the attention of the SEC in a letter dated April 16, 2012. On June 18, 2012, we received written notice that the SEC had initiated a private investigation into the Accounting Irregularities, to determine whether any persons or entities had engaged in any possible violations of the federal securities laws.

On June 2, 2014, we received notice of the entry of an agreed final judgment by the Honorable Judge Jane Boyle (the “Agreed Final Judgment”) in Civil Action No. 3:14-cv-01909-B, entitled Securities and Exchange Commission v. DGSE Companies Inc., et. al., filed on May 27, 2014 in Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas (the “Civil Action”). We consented to the Agreed Final Judgment prior to the filing of the Civil Action by the SEC. The Agreed Final Judgment was entered in connection with the conclusion of the investigation against us by the SEC regarding the Accounting Irregularities.

In connection with the Agreed Final Judgment and as remedial measures in connection with the Accounting Irregularities, we have agreed to undertake certain corporate governance reforms, all of which we believe to be complete at this time (the “Corporate Governance Reforms”). The Corporate Governance Reforms include the appointment of two new independent directors to the Board, establishing the position of a Lead Independent Director on the Board and establishing reasonable term limits for members of the Board, among other reforms. We have engaged a consultant satisfactory to the SEC to confirm implementation of the Corporate Governance Reforms. Due to Board member resignations in the latter half of Fiscal 2015, we were unable to complete our confirmation with the consultant by the initial deadline; however, with the addition of new independent directors, we believe we are now in compliance with the Corporate Governance Reforms. The Agreed Final Judgment did not require the payment of any civil damages by us in connection with the Accounting Irregularities.

Beginning in 2010, the Texas Comptroller conducted a sales and use tax audit of our operations in Texas with respect to the period March 1, 2006 through November 30, 2009 and subsequently sent a Notification of Audit Results, by letter dated December 17, 2010, asserting that DGSE owed an amount of tax due, plus penalties and interest (the “2010 Sale Tax Audit”). We submitted a request for redetermination to the Texas Comptroller by letter dated January 13, 2011. By letter dated August 25, 2011, the Texas Comptroller stated that our request for a redetermination hearing had been granted.

On July 15, 2014, we received final notice from the Texas Comptroller of its consent to the negotiated payment agreement (the “Payment Agreement”) to pay amounts due by us under the Texas Comptroller’s final decision in connection with the 2010 Sale Tax Audit (the “Decision”), as more fully discussed in our Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2014. The Decision dismissed our Petition for Redetermination and concluded the 2010 Sales Tax Audit based on an agreement between the Texas Comptroller and DGSE, whereby we have agreed to pay: (i) tax due of $800,397; (ii) a 10% penalty; and (iii) interest. The total amount due as of the date of the Payment Agreement was approximately $1.1 million. Pursuant to the terms of the Payment Agreement, we paid an initial payment of $325,000 in July 2014, and in August 2014 began making monthly payments of $47,000 over an 18-month period, until all agreed tax amounts, penalty and accrued interest due under the Decision were paid. Interest accrued on the outstanding tax due, until all amounts were paid.

In Fiscal 2014, we recognized an additional expense of $104,958, to bring the total accrual in this matter to the approximately $1.1 million due, which was expected to cover all tax, penalty and interest through the term of the Payment Agreement. As of December 31, 2015, our remaining obligation under the Payment Agreement was $47,000. The final payment of $47,000 was submitted to the Texas Comptroller in January 2016 to fully satisfy the indebtedness associated with the 2010 Sale Tax Audit.

The Texas Comptroller conducted a sales and use tax audit of our operations in Texas with respect to the period December 1, 2009 through June 30, 2013 and subsequently sent us a preliminary assessment in September 2015 asserting that we owe an amount related to the report. Management believes any potential exposure associated with this audit has been adequately accrued in Fiscal 2015.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Our Common Stock is traded on the NYSE MKT (the “Exchange”), under the symbol “DGSE”. As of March 25, 2016, we had 447 record holders of our Common Stock.

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, the per share high and low sales prices for our Common Stock as reported on the Exchange. We have not declared any dividends with respect to our Common Stock. We intend to retain all earnings to finance future growth; accordingly, it is not anticipated that cash dividends will be paid to holders of Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.

On June 21, 2004, our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2004 Stock Option Plan (the “2004 Plan”) which reserved 1,700,000 shares of our Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of options to purchase our Common Stock. We granted options to purchase an aggregate of 1,459,634 shares of our Common Stock under the 2004 Plan to certain of our officers, directors, key employees and certain other individuals who provided us with goods and services. Each option vested on either January 1, 2004 or immediately upon issuance thereafter. The exercise price of each option issued pursuant to the 2004 Plan is equal to the market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant, as determined by the closing bid price for our Common Stock on the Exchange on the date of grant or, if no trading occurred on the date of grant, on the last day prior to the date of grant on which our securities were listed and traded on the Exchange. Of the options issued under the 2004 Plan, as of December 31, 2015, 845,634 have been exercised, 599,000 have expired, and 15,000 remain outstanding. No further issuances can be made pursuant to the 2004 Plan.

On June 27, 2006, our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), which reserved 750,000 shares for issuance upon exercise of options to purchase our Common Stock or other stock awards. We subsequently granted options to purchase 150,000 shares of our Common Stock pursuant to the 2006 Plan, of which 100,000 have been exercised, 40,000 have expired, and 10,000 remain outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

In January 2014, we granted 112,000 Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to management and key employees, subject to the 2006 Plan. Under the terms of the RSU Award Agreements from January 2014, 25% of these RSUs vested immediately, with the remaining 75% to vest ratably over the next three years, pending the each recipient’s continued employment by DGSE. On September 24, 2014, the Board awarded the three independent directors a total of 42,600 RSUs as compensation for their Board service. 100% of these RSUs vested on the day prior to DGSE’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. On December 10, 2014, the Board awarded DGSE’s former Chief Executive Officer, James D. Clem, 75,000 RSUs as part of his compensation package. 100% of these RSUs vested immediately, and pursuant to this vesting, 75,000 shares of DGSE common stock were issued to Mr. Clem on December 18, 2014. On February 18, 2015, the Company issued 15,000 shares of DGSE’s common stock to management and key employees pursuant to the RSU Award Agreements.

As a result of these grants, as of December 31, 2015, there were 475,400 shares available for future grants under the 2006 Plan.

The following table summarizes options to purchase shares of Common Stock, and Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”), outstanding as of December 31, 2015:

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

Not required because we are a “Smaller Reporting Company” as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “DGSE” refer to the consolidated business operations of DGSE Companies, Inc. (the parent) and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K, including but not limited to this Item 7, information concerning our business prospects or future financial performance, anticipated revenues, expenses, profitability or other financial items, and our strategies, plans and objectives, together with other statements that are not historical facts, includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” “should,” “anticipate” or “believe.” We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created by these laws. All statements other than statements of historical information provided herein are forward-looking and may contain information about financial results, economic conditions, trends, and known uncertainties. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond our ability to control, and, in many cases, we cannot predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, and readers should not regard those statements as a representation by us or any other person that the results expressed in the statements will be achieved. Important risk factors that could cause results or events to differ from current expectations are described under the section of this Form 10-K entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. These factors are not intended to be an all-encompassing list of risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and results of our business. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereon, including without limitation, changes in our business strategy or planned capital expenditures, store growth plans, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Overview of Fiscal 2015

We buy and sell jewelry, diamonds, fine watches, rare coins and currency, precious metal bullion products, scrap gold, silver, platinum and palladium as well as collectibles and other valuables. Our customers include individual consumers, dealers and institutions throughout the United States.

Many aspects of our business are impacted by changes in precious metals pricing, with the greatest impact relating to gold. Following a turbulent Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2014 produced much more stability in gold pricing, albeit at significantly lower prices than were seen between 2010 and 2012. Despite this generally stable pricing, overall demand for gold in 2014 dropped 4% by weight, according to the World Gold Council (the “WGC”). The WGC reported in 2015 that annual demand of gold slightly decreased as compared to 2014 while the price of an ounce of gold declined 11.5% as compared to 2014. However, during the last half of 2015, the demand for gold increased by 6% and 7% as compared to the same period of 2014 and 2013, respectively. An overall bright spot in the market was demand for physical gold in the form of bullion bars and coins, which jumped by 53% as compared to 2014, with demand concentrated in the second half of the year.

As seen in the previous years, the market for buying and selling of pre-owned or “scrap” gold remains extremely negative. According to the WGC, the supply of recycled gold was down an additional 7% in 2015, and is now at its lowest point since 2007. Scrap gold purchases have historically been a critical profit engine for all of our locations, and the downturn in this category has had significant impact on our revenue, profitability and long-term growth plans.

The impact of the precious metals market on DGSE mirrors much of what the WGC reports on a macroeconomic level. DGSE scrap purchases continued to deteriorate in Fiscal 2015, while we saw a 2% growth in our bullion business. Our Fairchild International wholesale watch business also continued to see growth, with a 4% increase in revenue in Fiscal 2015. While the precious metals industry continues to be a challenging environment for DGSE, our focus will be to continue in growing our jewelry, diamond and fine watch business, which we believe will be a growth and profit engine into the future.

In Fiscal 2015, we completed the re-launch of our new websites, which greatly expanded our e-commerce presence and increased our reach of internet customers.

As noted above, the scrap gold buying model has seen a substantial reduction in recent years, and as a result we continue to adapt our retail strategy to meet the demands of the now-current market. The focus of our marketing and merchandising efforts in Fiscal 2015 was growing our jewelry, diamond and watch businesses, and we have seen good results at most of our locations. We continue to believe that the most successful locations will be those that can sustain our full retail “exchange” model: engaging in both buying and selling of precious metals and related merchandise, while maintaining a robust and diverse inventory across all jewelry categories and providing critical services such as watch and jewelry repair. Those locations that have historically been primarily scrap buying shops simply no longer make economic sense in the current environment. In recent years, DGSE has had many small locations spread across the DFW area in order to provide multiple scrap collection sites. We are now focusing on developing larger, full-service stores, with broad inventory offerings across all categories, while also providing value-added services that help drive retail traffic. During Fiscal 2015, we closed our three outlying stores in DFW and one store in South Carolina, and signed a lease on a new location in the western part of the DFW area. We will continue to focus on evolving our business across all of our markets, in an effort to drive efficiency across our geographical footprint, and maximize profitability.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements. The following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and that require significant judgment or use of complex estimates.

Inventories. All inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. We acquire a majority of our inventory from individual customers, including pre-owned jewelry, watches, bullion, rare coins and collectibles. We acquire these items based on our own internal estimate of the fair market value of the items at the time of purchase. We consider factors such as the current spot market price of precious metals and current market demand for the items being purchased. We supplement these purchases from individual customers with inventory purchased from wholesale vendors. These wholesale purchases can take the form of full asset purchases, or consigned inventory. Consigned inventory is accounted for on our balance sheet with a fully offsetting contra account so that consigned inventory has a net zero balance. The majority of our inventory has some component of its value that is based on the spot market price of precious metals. Because the overall market value for precious metals regularly fluctuates, these fluctuations could have either a positive or negative impact on the value of our inventory and could positively or negatively impact our profitability. We monitor these fluctuations to evaluate any necessary impairment to inventory.

Impairment of Long-Lived and Amortized Intangible Assets. We perform impairment evaluations of our long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives whenever business conditions or events indicate that those assets may be impaired.  When the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the assets are less than the carrying value of the long-lived assets, the assets are written down to fair market value and a charge is recorded to current operations. Based on our evaluations, no impairment was required as of December 31, 2015 or 2014.

In relation to the 2011 acquisition of Southern Bullion, the excess of purchase price over tangible assets acquired was calculated at approximately $3.4 million. Since the acquisition of Southern Bullion this excess value had been accounted for as an intangible asset with a 15-year life attributed to the “Southern Bullion Coin & Jewelry” trade name. With the closure of all Southern Bullion stores in Fiscal 2014, the unamortized portion of this intangible asset, approximately $2.9 million, was written off as of the quarter ended June 30, 2014. The impact of this write off is captured in the Discontinued Operations section of the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is generated from wholesale and retail sales of jewelry, rare coins, currency, collectibles, bullion and scrap. The recognition of revenue varies for wholesale and retail transactions and is, in large part, dependent on the type of payment arrangements made between the parties. The Company recognizes sales on a shipping point basis.

We sell jewelry, rare coins and currency to other wholesalers/dealers within our industry on credit, generally for terms of 14 to 60 days, but in no event greater than one year. We grant credit to new dealers based on credit evaluations and for existing dealers based on established business relationships and payment histories. We generally do not obtain collateral with which to secure our accounts receivable when the sale is made to a dealer.

Revenues for monetary transactions (i.e., cash and receivables) with dealers are recognized when the merchandise is shipped to the related dealer.

We do not grant credit to retail customers, however we do offer a structured layaway plan. When a retail customer utilizes the layaway plan, we collect a minimum payment of 25% of the sales price, establish a payment schedule for the remaining balance and hold the merchandise as collateral as security against the customer’s receivable until all amounts due are paid in full. Revenue for layaway sales is recognized when the merchandise is finally paid for in full and delivered to the retail customer.

In limited circumstances, we exchange merchandise for similar merchandise and/or monetary consideration with both dealers and retail customers, for which we recognize revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 845, Nonmonetary Transactions. When we exchange merchandise for similar merchandise and there is no monetary component to the exchange, we do not recognize any revenue. Instead, the basis of the merchandise relinquished becomes the basis of the merchandise received, less any indicated impairment of value of the merchandise relinquished. When we exchange merchandise for similar merchandise and there is a monetary component to the exchange, we recognize revenue to the extent of the monetary assets received and determines the cost of sale based on the ratio of monetary assets received to monetary and non-monetary assets received multiplied by the cost of the assets surrendered.

We have a return policy (money-back guarantee). The policy covers retail transactions involving jewelry, graded rare coins and currency only. Customers may return jewelry, graded rare coins and currency purchased within 30 days of the receipt of the items for a full refund as long as the items are returned in exactly the same condition as they were delivered. In the case of jewelry, graded rare coins and currency sales on account, customers may cancel the sale within 30 days of making a commitment to purchase the items. The receipt of a deposit and a signed purchase order evidences the commitment. Any customer may return a jewelry item or graded rare coins and currency if they can demonstrate that the item is not authentic, or there was an error in the description of a graded coin or currency piece. Returns are accounted for as a reversal of the original transaction, with the effect of reducing revenues, and cost of sales, and returning the merchandise to inventory. We have established an allowance for estimated returns related to Fiscal 2015 sales, which is based on our review of historical returns experience, and reduces our reported revenues and cost of sales accordingly. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our allowance for returns was $28,402 and $29,814, respectively.

Accounts Receivable. We record trade receivables when revenue is recognized. When appropriate, we will record an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is primarily determined by an analysis of our trade receivables aging. The allowance is determined based on historical experience of collecting past due amounts, based on the degree of their aging. In addition, specific accounts that are doubtful of collection are included in the allowance. These provisions are reviewed to determine the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Trade receivables are charged off when there is certainty as to their being uncollectible. Trade receivables are considered delinquent when payment has not been made within contract terms. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $12,772 and $12,772, respectively.

Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method prescribed by ASC 740, Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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 recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not such assets will be realized.

We account for our position in tax uncertainties in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The guidance establishes standards for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. The guidance provides several clarifications related to uncertain tax positions. Most notably, a “more likely-than-not” standard for initial recognition of tax positions, a presumption of audit detection and a measurement of recognized tax benefits based on the largest amount that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of realization. The guidance applies a two-step process to determine the amount of tax benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. First, we must determine whether any amount of the tax benefit may be recognized. Second, we determine how much of the tax benefit should be recognized (this would only apply to tax positions that qualify for recognition.) No additional liabilities have been recognized as a result of the implementation. We have not taken a tax position that, if challenged, would have a material effect on the financial statements or the effective tax rate during Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014, respectively.

Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

Revenues. Revenues from continuing operations decreased by $9,825,017 or 13.9% in Fiscal 2015, to $60,917,739, compared to $70,742,756 in the prior year. Bullion sales increased approximately 2% compared to Fiscal 2014, while jewelry and scrap sales were down approximately 15% and 40%, respectively, compared to the prior year. Our scrap business has historically been one of our largest revenue and profit drivers, and in Fiscal 2015 that business continued to contract in line with the industry.

Gross Margin. Gross margin decreased in Fiscal 2015 by $2,925,624 to $9,725,844 compared to $12,651,468 in the prior year. The decrease in gross profit dollars was due to decreased sales and lower gross margin as a percentage of revenue. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 16.0% compared to 17.9% in the prior year, due to growth in the low margin bullion sales during Fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1,523,606 or 12% in Fiscal 2015, to $11,149,194 compared to $12,672,800 in the prior year. The overall decrease in SG&A was achieved primarily through continued efforts to reduce expenses at all levels, including store-level operating expenses, corporate overhead, and advertising expense. The decrease was partially offset by an accrual of approximately $360,000 related to a potential Texas sales tax assessment based on a preliminary assessment by Management in connection with the audit of fiscal year 2010 through June 2013 of our Texas sales tax and an accrual of approximately $173,000 related to the accelerated recognition of rent expense associated with the four stores closed during Fiscal 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by $153,471 or 40.2% in Fiscal 2015, to $535,222 compared to $381,751 in Fiscal 2014. This increase was due to one-time write off of assets formerly utilized in four stores closed during Fiscal 2015.

Other Income. Other income decreased by $166,170 or 95% in Fiscal 2015, to $8,019 compared to $174,189 in Fiscal 2014. The decrease in the current period is primarily due to a one-time reimbursement of $106,250 in Fiscal 2014 from our former Chief Executive and Chairman, Dr. L.S. Smith, related to cash bonuses he received during the period covered by the Accounting Irregularities. In 2014, Dr. Smith agreed to this payment as part of the resolution of a Securities and Exchange Commission administrative proceeding instituted against him, related to the Accounting Irregularities.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $6,585 or 2% in Fiscal 2015, to $347,967 compared to $341,382 in Fiscal 2014. The increase is primarily due to a higher balance in trade payables to Elemetal Capital, on which the Company pays interest.

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations. Discontinued operations in Fiscal 2015 generated income of $78,021 compared to a loss of $3,888,038 related to operations of the Southern Bullion locations closed down in February and April of 2014. For Fiscal 2015, the income relates to adjustments in accrued expenses related to the wind down of all Southern Bullion operations. For Fiscal 2014, discontinued operations includes the write-off of the $2.9 million intangible asset attributed to the “Southern Bullion Coin & Jewelry” trade name, as well as the write-off of approximately $296,000 related to the net book value of fixed assets previously utilized in Southern Bullion operations.

Net Loss. We recorded a net loss of $2,252,301 in Fiscal 2015, compared to a net loss of $4,523,731 in Fiscal 2014, a decrease in net loss of $2,266,870. The great majority of this loss, $3,888,038, related to the discontinued operations of Southern Bullion in Fiscal 2014, and the non-cash write off of the Southern Bullion intangible asset.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014, cash provided by (used in) operating activities totaled $133,854 and ($1,582,762), respectively, an increase of $1,716,616. Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2015, was driven largely by a decrease in inventories of $1,578,651 and a decrease in trade receivables of $674,228 due to increased collection efforts at year end. The increase was partially offset by a $509,773 decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses due to the timing of vendor payments and the loss from continuing operations of $2,330,322.

During Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014, cash used in investing activities totaled $437,059 and $155,347, respectively, an increase of $281,712, or 181%. The cash used in both years was the result of purchases of property and equipment. In the current year, property and equipment purchases primarily related to the build out of the Company’s new store in Euless, Texas.

During Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014, cash used in financing activities totaled $143,515 and $212,685, respectively, a decrease of $69,170. The use of cash in financing activities during both periods was primarily the result of repayment of debt, and payments on capital lease obligations. During Fiscal 2014, repayments on our related-party line of credit with NTR totaled $80,000.

We expect our capital expenditures to total approximately $600,000 during the next twelve months. These expenditures will be largely driven by the build out of the new location to consolidate three stores in the eastern part of DFW, upgrades and repairs of existing facilities, and the purchase of a new point-of-sale system. As of December 31, 2015, there were no commitments outstanding for capital expenditures.

In the event of significant growth in retail and/or wholesale jewelry sales, our demand for additional working capital will increase due to a related need to stock additional jewelry inventory and increases in wholesale accounts receivable. Historically, vendors have offered us extended payment terms to finance the need for jewelry inventory growth and our management believes that we will continue to do so in the future.

Our ability to finance our operations and working capital needs are dependent upon management’s ability to negotiate extended terms or refinance the Company’s debt. We have historically renewed, extended or replaced short-term debt as it matures and management believes that we will be able to continue to do so in the near future. In August 2016, our mortgage payable on our largest retail location is due and has been classified as current on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. The balloon payment will be approximately $1.5 million. We believe we will be able to refinance, extend or replace this mortgage payable prior to the termination date.

From time to time, we have adjusted our inventory levels to meet seasonal demand or in order to meet working capital requirements. Management believes that if additional working capital is required, additional loans can be obtained from individuals or from commercial banks. If necessary, inventory levels may be adjusted in order to meet unforeseen working capital requirements.

On July 19, 2012, we entered into the Loan Agreement with NTR, an affiliate of DGSE’s majority stockholder Elemetal, pursuant to which NTR, agreed to provide us with a guidance line of revolving credit in an amount up to $7,500,000. The Loan Agreement anticipated termination–at which point all amounts outstanding thereunder would be due and payable (such amounts, the “Obligations”)–upon the earlier of: (i) August 1, 2014; (ii) the date that is twelve months after we receive notice from NTR demanding the repayment of the Obligations; (iii) the date the Obligations are accelerated in accordance with the terms of the Loan Agreement; or (iv) the date on which the commitment terminates under the Loan Agreement. In connection with the Loan Agreement, we granted a security interest in the respective personal property of each of our subsidiaries. The loan carries an interest rate of two percent (2%) per annum for all funds borrowed pursuant to the Loan Agreement. Proceeds received by us pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement were used for repayment of all outstanding financial obligations incurred in connection with that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2005, between DGSE and Texas Capital Bank, and additional proceeds have been used as working capital in the ordinary course of business. We incurred debt issuance costs associated with the Loan Agreement totaling $56,150. The debt issuance costs were included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and were amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over two years, and were completely amortized as of Fiscal 2014. On February 25, 2014, we entered into a one-year extension of the Loan Agreement with NTR, extending the termination date to August 1, 2015, and on February 4, 2015, we entered into an additional two-year extension, extending the termination date to August 1, 2017, unless earlier terminated as described above. No debt issuance costs were incurred in relation to these extensions. All other terms of the agreement remain the same. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had outstanding balances of $2,303,359 and $2,303,359, respectively, drawn on the NTR credit facility. Any additional drawdown of funds on the Loan Agreement require the approval of NTR.

On February 8, 2016, Elemetal and NTR announced their intentions to convert a portion of the Company’s bullion payable and the outstanding amount under the Loan Agreement, including accrued interest, owed to them into shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the terms of the non-binding proposal (the “Proposal”) from Elemetal, the Company would exchange $2.5 million of the bullion payable owed to Elemetal into 6,345,177 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.394 per share. The proposed exercise price represents an approximately 15% premium over the 120-day moving average closing price of the Company’s stock as of the date of the proposal. In addition, Elemetal would receive a one-year option to purchase 2,538,071 shares of the Company’s common stock at the same exercise price of $0.394 per share. Under the terms of the Proposal from NTR, the Company would exchange all amounts outstanding, including accrued interest, associated with the Loan Agreement into 6,079,154 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.394 per share. The proposed exercise price represents an approximately 15% premium over the 120-day moving average closing price of the Company’s stock as of the date of the Proposal.

On February 10, 2016, the Company acknowledged the receipt of the non-binding proposal from Elemetal and NTR to convert certain debt the Company owes to Elemetal and NTR into shares of the Company’s common stock. The Board, in accordance with its fiduciary duties, is in the process of reviewing and considering the proposal. There can be no assurance that this process will result in any transaction in the future, and no decision has been made to enter into any transaction at this time.

On July 15, 2014, we received final notice from the Texas Comptroller of its consent to a payment agreement to pay amounts due by us under the Texas Comptroller’s decision (the “Decision”) in connection with the 2010 Sales Tax Audit (the “Payment Agreement”). As more fully discussed in the Legal Proceeding section of the this report, pursuant to the terms of the Payment Agreement, we agreed to pay approximately $1.1 million in taxes, penalties and interest. Pursuant to the terms of the Payment Agreement, we were to pay the agreed amount provided in the Decision over an 18-month period, which began with an initial payment of $325,000 in June 2014, followed by monthly payments of $47,000 until all agreed tax amounts, penalty and accrued interest are paid. This expense was fully accrued in Fiscal 2014, but based on the terms of the Payment Agreement, DGSE made payments of $47,000 per month through all of 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the balance of payments to the Texas Comptroller, related to the Decision, was $47,000. The final payment of $47,000 was submitted to the Texas Comptroller in January 2016 to fully satisfy the indebtedness associated with the 2010 Sale Tax Audit.

In October 2007, we purchased a retail location, with office and storage facilities in Dallas, Texas. In connection with the purchase, we assumed a loan with a remaining principal balance at that time of $2,323,484 and an interest rate of 6.70%. The loan has required monthly payments of $23,281 with a balloon payment of $1,508,962 due on August 1, 2016. As discussed above, we believe we will be able to refinance, extend or replace this mortgage payable prior to the termination date. As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding balance of the loan was $1,589,522. In November 2013, we signed an agreement to lease a portion of this facility to a third party, beginning in January 2014. Under the terms of the five-year agreement, we will receive $5,000 per month in base rent initially, increasing to $7,500 per month after 24 months. The lessee will also be required to pay additional rent based on revenue it generates using the facility. Under certain conditions, we have the right to terminate the agreement after 24 months.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to our stockholders.

ITEM 7A.  QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Not required because we are a “Smaller Reporting Company” as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

For disclosure required by this Item, please see the section of this Form 10-K entitled “Financial Statements.”

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2015. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2015, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management has the responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officer and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting only provides reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement presentation and preparation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its assessments, management believes that, as of December 31, 2015, our internal control over financial reporting is effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, no changes occurred that our management believes have materially affected, or are likely to affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Information with respect to this Item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2016 Annual Meeting, which we intend to file with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Information with respect to this Item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2016 Annual Meeting, which we intend to file with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Information with respect to this Item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2016 Annual Meeting, which we intend to file with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Information with respect to this Item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2016 Annual Meeting, which we intend to file with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Information with respect to this Item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2016 Annual Meeting, which we intend to file with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

Documents filed as part of this report

Index to Financial Statements

Note: All financial statement schedules have been omitted, since the required information is not applicable or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The information required by this Item pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K is set forth on the financial statement index and exhibit index that follows the signature page of this report.

Index to Exhibits

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

DGSE Companies, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of DGSE Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”), as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Whitley Penn LLP

Dallas, Texas

March 30, 2016

DGSE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

DGSE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

DGSE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

DGSE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

DGSE Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Summary of Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations

A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows:

Principles of Consolidation and Nature of Operations

DGSE Companies, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “DGSE”), buy and sell jewelry, diamonds, fine watches, rare coins and currency, precious metal bullion products, scrap gold, silver, platinum and palladium as well as collectibles and other valuables. DGSE operates eight jewelry stores at both the retail and wholesale level, throughout the United States through its facilities in Illinois, South Carolina, and Texas. The Company also maintains a presence in the retail market through our ecommerce sites, www.dgse.com and www.cgdeinc.com.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

The Company operates the business as one operating and one reportable segment under a variety of banners including Charleston Gold & Diamond Exchange, Chicago Gold & Diamond Exchange (formerly Bullion Express) and Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange. The Company’s fiscal year ends are December 31, 2015 (“Fiscal 2015”) and December 31, 2014 (“Fiscal 2014”).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximates fair value.

Inventories

All inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. The Company acquires a majority of its inventory from individual customers, including pre-owned jewelry, watches, bullion, rare coins and collectibles. The Company acquires these items based on its own internal estimate of the fair market value of the items at the time of purchase. The Company considers factors such as the current spot market price of precious metals and current market demand for the items being purchased. The Company supplements these purchases from individual customers with inventory purchased from wholesale vendors. These wholesale purchases of new merchandise can take the form of full asset purchases, or consigned inventory. Consigned inventory is accounted for on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with a fully offsetting contra account so that consigned inventory has a net zero balance. The majority of the Company’s inventory has some component of its value that is based on the spot market price of precious metals. Because the overall market value for precious metals regularly fluctuates, these fluctuations could have either a positive or negative impact on the value of the Company’s inventory and could positively or negatively impact the profitability of the Company. The Company regularly monitors these fluctuations to evaluate any necessary impairment to its inventory.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, generally from five to ten years, on a straight-line basis. Equipment capitalized under capital leases are amortized over the lesser of the useful life or respective lease terms and the related amortization is included in depreciation and amortization expense. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their useful life or the term of the lease.

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against income as incurred; betterments that increase the value or materially extend the life of the related assets are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recorded to current operating income.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Amortized Intangible Assets

The Company performs impairment evaluations of its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives whenever business conditions or events indicate that those assets may be impaired. When the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the assets are less than the carrying value of the long-lived assets, the assets are written down to fair market value and a charge is recorded to current operations. Based on the Company’s evaluations no impairment was required as of December 31, 2015 or 2014 for continuing operations.

In relation to the 2011 acquisition of Southern Bullion, the excess of purchase price over tangible assets acquired was calculated at approximately $3.4 million. Since the acquisition of Southern Bullion, this excess value had been accounted for as an intangible asset with a 15-year life attributed to the “Southern Bullion Coin & Jewelry” trade name. With the closure of all Southern Bullion stores in the year ended December 31, 2014, the unamortized portion of this intangible asset, approximately $2.9 million, was written off as of the quarter ended June 30, 2014. The impact of this write off is captured in the Discontinued Operations section of the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The line of credit, related party does not bear a market rate of interest. Management believes that, based on the Company’s situation at the time the line was negotiated, it could not have obtained comparable financing, and as such cannot estimate the fair value of the line of credit, related party. The carrying amounts reported for the Company’s long-term debt and capital lease approximate fair value because substantially all of the underlying instruments have variable interest rates, which adjust frequently or the interest rates approximate current market rates. None of these instruments are held for trading purposes.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, and amounted to $1,571,199 and $2,276,603 for Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014, respectively.

Accounts Receivable

The Company records trade receivables when revenue is recognized. When appropriate, the Company will record an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is primarily determined by review of specific trade receivables. Those accounts that are doubtful of collection are included in the allowance. These provisions are reviewed to determine the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Trade receivables are charged off when there is certainty as to being uncollectible. Trade receivables are considered delinquent when payment has not been made within contract terms. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, DGSE’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $12,772 and $12,772, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method prescribed by Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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 recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not such assets will be realized.

The Company accounts for its position in tax uncertainties in accordance with ASC 740. The guidance establishes standards for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. The guidance provides several clarifications related to uncertain tax positions. Most notably, a “more likely-than-not” standard for initial recognition of tax positions, a presumption of audit detection and a measurement of recognized tax benefits based on the largest amount that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of realization. ASC 740 applies a two-step process to determine the amount of tax benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. First, the Company must determine whether any amount of the tax benefit may be recognized. Second, the Company determines how much of the tax benefit should be recognized (this would only apply to tax positions that qualify for recognition). The Company has not taken a tax position that, if challenged, would have a material effect on the financial statements or the effective tax rate during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company’s federal income tax returns and major state income tax return for the years subsequent to December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, remain subject to examination. The Company currently believes that its significant filing positions are highly certain and that all of its other significant income tax filing positions and deductions would be sustained upon audit or the final resolution would not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Therefore, the Company has not established any significant reserves for uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties resulting from audits by tax authorities in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. During Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014, the Company did not incur any federal income tax interest or penalties.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is generated from wholesale and retail sales of jewelry, rare coins, currency, collectibles, bullion and scrap. The recognition of revenue varies for wholesale and retail transactions and is, in large part, dependent on the type of payment arrangements made between the parties. The Company recognizes sales on a shipping point basis.

The Company sells jewelry, rare coins and currency to other wholesalers/dealers within its industry on credit, generally for terms of 14 to 60 days, but in no event greater than one year. The Company grants credit to new dealers based on extensive credit evaluations and for existing dealers based on established business relationships and payment histories. The Company generally does not obtain collateral with which to secure its accounts receivable when the sale is made to a dealer.

Revenues for monetary transactions (i.e., cash and receivables) with dealers are recognized when the merchandise is shipped to the related dealer.

The Company does not grant credit to retail customers, however it does offer a structured layaway plan. When a retail customer utilizes the Company’s layaway plan, the Company generally collects a payment of 25% of the sales price, establishes a payment schedule for the remaining balance and holds the merchandise as collateral as security against the customer’s receivable until all amounts due are paid in full. Revenue for layaway sales is recognized when the merchandise is paid for in full and delivered to the retail customer.

In limited circumstances, the Company exchanges merchandise for similar merchandise and/or monetary consideration with both dealers and retail customers, for which the Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 845, Nonmonetary Transactions. When the Company exchanges merchandise for similar merchandise and there is no monetary component to the exchange, the Company does not recognize any revenue. Instead, the basis of the merchandise relinquished becomes the basis of the merchandise received, less any indicated impairment of value of the merchandise relinquished. When the Company exchanges merchandise for similar merchandise and there is a monetary component to the exchange, the Company recognizes revenue to the extent of the monetary assets received and determines the cost of sale based on the ratio of monetary assets received to monetary and non-monetary assets received multiplied by the cost of the assets surrendered.

The Company has a return policy (money-back guarantee). The policy covers retail transactions involving jewelry, graded rare coins and currency only. Customers may return jewelry, graded rare coins and currency purchased within 30 days of the receipt of the items for a full refund as long as the items are returned in exactly the same condition as they were delivered. In the case of jewelry, graded rare coins and currency sales on account, customers may cancel the sale within 30 days of making a commitment to purchase the items. The receipt of a deposit and a signed purchase order evidences the commitment. Any customer may return a jewelry item or graded rare coins and currency if they can demonstrate that the item is not authentic, or there was an error in the description of a graded coin or currency piece. Returns are accounted for as a reversal of the original transaction, with the effect of reducing revenues, and cost of sales, and returning the merchandise to inventory. DGSE has established an allowance for estimated returns, which is based on the Company’s review of historical returns experience, and reduces the Company’s reported revenues and cost of sales accordingly. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, DGSE’s allowance for returns was $28,402 and $29,814, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, and amounted to $102,663 and $91,103, for 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Taxes Collected From Customers

The Company’s policy is to present taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis. The Company records the amounts collected as a current liability and relieves such liability upon remittance to the taxing authority without impacting revenues or expenses.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into Common Stock. For the calculation of diluted earnings per share, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options and warrants outstanding determined using the treasury stock method.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation by measuring the cost of the employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments, including grants of stock options, based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant. In addition, to the extent that the Company receives an excess tax benefit upon exercise of an award, such benefit is reflected as cash flow from financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Stock-based compensation expense for Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 amounted to $36,882 and $148,500 respectively, and includes compensation expense for new stock-based awards granted during Fiscal 2014.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of certain estimates and assumptions by management in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period including depreciation of property and equipment and amortization or impairment of intangible assets. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and relies on historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances to determine such estimates. Because uncertainties with respect to estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements, actual results could differ from these estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which delays the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 is now effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The standard is to be applied retrospectively, with early application permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the new standard, but does not anticipate a material impact to the consolidated financial statements once implemented in 2018.

On July 22, 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires an entity to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. ASU 2015-11 will not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method or the retail inventory method. ASU 2015-11 is effective for public entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. However, early application is permitted. The Company is evaluating the financial statement implications of adopting ASU 2015-11.

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”), which requires entities to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as non current in a classified balance sheet. Entities are permitted to apply ASU 2015-17 prospectively or retrospectively. For the Company, the new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those years. However, early adoption is permitted. The Company has adopted this standard on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as the Company currently has a full valuation allowance recorded on its deferred tax assets.

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued its new lease accounting guidance in Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases (Topic 842). Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. The Company is evaluating the financial statement implications of adopting ASU 2016-02.

Note 2 – Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. Other than Elemetal, LLC (“Elemetal”), the Company has no retail or wholesale customers that account for more than 10% of its revenues. During Fiscal 2015, 24% of sales and 26% of purchases were transactions with Elemetal, and in Fiscal 2014 these transactions represented 23% of sales and 26% of purchases. Elemetal accounted for 74% and 24% of the Company’s accounts receivable, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 3 – Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

Note 4 – Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

Depreciation expense was $521,438 and $353,340 for Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014, respectively, excluding discontinued operations.

Note 5 – Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

Maturities of DGSE’s long-term obligations over the next five years are as follows:

On February 8, 2016, Elemetal and NTR announced their intentions to convert a portion of the Company’s bullion payable and the outstanding amount under the Loan Agreement, including accrued interest, owed to them into shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the terms of the non-binding proposal (the “Proposal”) from Elemetal, the Company would exchange $2.5 million of the bullion payable owed to Elemetal into 6,345,177 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.394 per share. The proposed exercise price represents an approximately 15% premium over the 120-day moving average closing price of the Company’s stock as of the date of the proposal. In addition, Elemetal would receive a one-year option to purchase 2,538,071 shares of the Company’s common stock price at the same exercise price of $0.394 per share. Under the terms of the Proposal from NTR, the Company would exchange all amounts outstanding, including accrued interest, associated with the Loan Agreement into 6,079,154 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.394 per share. The proposed exercise price represents an approximately 15% premium over the 120-day moving average closing price of the Company’s stock as of the date of the Proposal.

On February 10, 2016, the Company acknowledged the receipt of the non-binding proposal from Elemetal and NTR to convert certain debt the Company owes to Elemetal and NTR into shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company’s board of directors, in accordance with its fiduciary duties, is in the process of reviewing and considering the proposal. There can be no assurance that this process will result in any transaction in the future, and no decision has been made to enter into any transaction at this time.

Note 6 – Basic and Diluted Average Shares

A reconciliation of basic and diluted average common shares is as follows:

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately 5,025,000 and 5,030,000 common stock options, respectively, were not added to the diluted average shares because inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were 4,000 and 87,600 unvested Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”), respectively, not added to the diluted average shares because inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive.

Note 7 – Common Stock

In January 2014, DGSE’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) granted 112,000 RSUs to its officers and certain key employees. Each RSU is convertible into one share of Common Stock without additional payment pursuant to the terms of the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated January 23, 2014, between the Company and each recipient (the “RSU Award Agreement”). One-fourth, or 28,000, of the RSUs vested and were exercisable as of the date of the grant, and were subsequently issued in January 2014. An additional one-fourth (calculated using the total number of RSUs at the time of grant) of the RSUs issued in January 2014 will vest and be exercisable on each subsequent anniversary of the date of grant until 100 percent of the RSUs have vested, subject to the recipient’s continued status as an employee on each such date and other terms and conditions of set forth in the RSU Award Agreement.

On May 30, 2014, the Board issued 20,000 shares of DGSE common stock to James Vierling, DGSE’s former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, pursuant to a Separation and Release of Claims Agreement, dated April 17, 2014, between Mr. Vierling and the Company.

On December 10, 2014, the Board awarded DGSE’s former Chief Executive Officer, James D. Clem, 75,000 RSUs as consideration for services rendered to the Company, and to encourage the continuation of such service. 100% of these RSUs vested immediately, and pursuant to this vesting, 75,000 shares of DGSE common stock were issued to Mr. Clem on December 18, 2014.

On November 12, 2014, our former Chief Executive and Chairman, Dr. L.S. Smith, agreed to forfeit 59,738 shares of DGSE common stock which he had previously received as compensation during the period covered by the Accounting Irregularities. These shares were returned to the Company and subsequently cancelled. Dr. Smith agreed to this forfeiture as part of the resolution of an SEC administrative proceeding instituted against him, related to the Accounting Irregularities.

Note 8 – Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units

On June 21, 2004, our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2004 Stock Option Plan (the “2004 Plan”), which reserved 1,700,000 shares of our Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of options to purchase our Common Stock. We granted options to purchase an aggregate of 1,459,634 shares of our Common Stock under the 2004 Plan to certain of our officers, directors, key employees and certain other individuals who provided us with goods and services. Each option vested on either January 1, 2004 or immediately upon issuance thereafter. The exercise price of each option issued pursuant to the 2004 Plan is equal to the market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant, as determined by the closing bid price for our Common Stock on the Exchange on the date of grant or, if no trading occurred on the date of grant, on the last day prior to the date of grant on which our securities were listed and traded on the Exchange. Of the options issued under the 2004 Plan, as of December 31, 2015, 845,634 have been exercised, 599,000 have expired, and 15,000 remain outstanding. No further issuances can be made pursuant to the 2004 Plan.

On June 27, 2006, our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), which reserved 750,000 shares for issuance upon exercise of options to purchase our Common Stock or other stock awards. We subsequently granted options to purchase 150,000 shares of our Common Stock pursuant to the 2006 Plan, of which 100,000 have been exercised, 40,000 have expired, and 10,000 remain outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

On October 25, 2011, the Company entered into a debt cancellation agreement with NTR, whereby NTR agreed to forgive $2,500,000 of payables owed to NTR by the Company. In consideration for this debt forgiveness, NTR was granted options to purchase 5,000,000 shares of the common stock of DGSE, par value $0.01 per share, at an exercise price of fifteen dollars ($15) per share (the “NTR Options”). These options were not issued pursuant to either of the shareholder-approved employee stock option plans. The NTR Options vested immediately upon grant, and expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the activity in common shares subject to options:

Information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 is summarized as follows:

The aggregate intrinsic values in the above table were based on the closing price of our Common Stock of $0.33 as of December 31, 2015.

In January 2014, we granted 112,000 Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to management and key employees, subject to the 2006 Plan. Under the terms of the RSU Award Agreements from January 2014, 25% of these RSUs vested immediately, with the remaining 75% to vest ratably over the next three years, pending each recipient’s continued employment by DGSE. On September 24, 2014, the Board awarded the three independent directors a total of 42,600 RSUs as compensation for their Board service. 100% of these RSUs will vest as of the earlier of the one year anniversary of their award, or on the day prior to DGSE’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Company issued 42,600 shares of DGSE’s common stock to the independent directors on June 9, 2015 related to the September 2014 grant. On December 10, 2014, the Board awarded DGSE’s former Chief Executive Officer, James D. Clem, 75,000 RSUs as part of his compensation package. 100% of these RSUs vested immediately, and pursuant to this vesting, 75,000 shares of DGSE common stock were issued to Mr. Clem on December 18, 2014. On February 18, 2015, the Company issued 15,000 shares of DGSE’s common stock to management and key employees pursuant to the RSU Award Agreement.

A summary of the status of our non-vested RSU grants issued under our 2006 Plan is presented below:

As a result of these grants, as of December 31, 2015, there were 475,400 shares available for future grants under the 2006 Plan.

During 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $36,882 and $148,500, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense attributable to employees and directors which was recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses. At December 31, 2015, there is an estimated $2,440 in unearned stock-based compensation to be expensed through 2017 related to RSU’s.

Note 9 –Litigation

On April 16, 2012, DGSE filed a Current Report on Form 8-K disclosing that our Board had determined the existence of the accounting irregularities beginning approximately during the second calendar quarter of 2007 and continuing in periods subsequent thereto (the “Accounting Irregularities”), which could affect financial information reported since that time. On April 16, 2012, DGSE also announced that the Company had engaged forensic accountants to analyze the Accounting Irregularities, and that financial statements and information reported since the inception of the Accounting Irregularities, believed to begin in the second calendar quarter of 2007, should not be relied upon. The Company brought the Accounting Irregularities to the attention of the SEC in a letter dated April 16, 2012. On June 18, 2012, the Company received written notice that the SEC had initiated a private investigation into the Accounting Irregularities, to determine whether any persons or entities had engaged in any possible violations of the federal securities laws.

On June 2, 2014, the Company received notice of the entry of an agreed final judgment by the Honorable Judge Jane Boyle (the “Agreed Final Judgment”) in Civil Action No. 3:14-cv-01909-B, entitled Securities and Exchange Commission v. DGSE Companies Inc., et. al., filed on May 27, 2014 in Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas (the “Civil Action”). The Company consented to the Agreed Final Judgment prior to the filing of the Civil Action by the SEC. The Agreed Final Judgment was entered in connection with the conclusion of the investigation against the Company by the SEC regarding the Accounting Irregularities.

In connection with the Agreed Final Judgment and as remedial measures in connection with the Accounting Irregularities, the Company has agreed to undertake certain corporate governance reforms, all of which we believe to be complete at this time (the “Corporate Governance Reforms”). The Corporate Governance Reforms include the appointment of two new independent directors to the Board, establishing the position of a Lead Independent Director on the Board and establishing reasonable term limits for members of the Board, among other reforms. The Company has engaged a consultant satisfactory to the SEC to confirm implementation of the Corporate Governance Reforms. Due to Board member resignations in the latter half of Fiscal 2015, we were unable to complete our confirmation with the consultant by the initial deadline; however, with the addition of new independent directors, we believe we are now in compliance with the Corporate Governance Reforms. The Agreed Final Judgment did not require the payment of any civil damages by the Company in connection with the Accounting Irregularities.

Also in connection with the Accounting Irregularities, and the subsequent halt in trading of DGSE’s Common Stock, the Company settled two lawsuits in Fiscal 2013. The first, Civil Action No. 3:12-cv-3664, was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, on September 7, 2012, entitled Grant Barfuss, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated vs. DGSE Companies, Inc.; L.S. Smith, John Benson and William Oyster. This complaint alleged violations of the securities laws and sought unspecified damages. Plaintiffs alleged that certain public filings in 2010 and 2011 were false and misleading. The second suit, Case No. 3:12-cv-03850 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, was filed on September 21, 2012, by Jason Farmer and entitled Jason Farmer, Derivatively on Behalf of Nominal Defendant DGSE Companies, Inc., Plaintiff, v. William H. Oyster, James D. Clem, William Cordeiro, Craig Alan-Lee, David Rector, L.S. Smith, and John Benson, Defendants, and DGSE Companies, Inc., Nominal Defendant. This suit was filed against DGSE, as a nominal defendant, and against certain and former officers and directors. The plaintiff asserted that certain statements made in DGSE’s proxy materials were false and misleading, that the defendants breached fiduciary duties owed to DGSE, for abuse of control, and sought unspecified compensatory and exemplary damages, along with certain corporate governance changes, for the benefit of DGSE.

The approved settlement resolved all issues which were pending before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas in both cases. The defendants agreed to pay $2 million to resolve all claims in both suits (including obligations to pay plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees). The Company also incurred its own attorneys’ fees and expenses associated with finalizing the settlement. A majority of the total settlement amount and related expenses were paid from insurance proceeds.

In Fiscal 2014, the Company settled a civil suit filed in the County Court for Dallas County, Texas, Cause No. CC-13-02999-C entitled Joseph C. Osterman, T.G. Herron, and, Jean K. Herron, Plaintiffs, vs. DGSE Companies, Inc. d/b/a Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange, Defendants. The complaint alleged amounts owed and due to the plaintiffs by DGSE in relation to a variety of promissory notes allegedly issued between 2001 and 2006 by DGSE. Pursuant to a confidential settlement agreement effective February 1, 2014, which admits no liability on the part of the defendant, the Company resolved all claims with plaintiff Osterman to the parties’ mutual satisfaction. Pursuant to a settlement agreement effective October 22, 2014, which admits no liability on the part of DGSE, the Company resolved all claims with plaintiffs Herron to the parties’ mutual satisfaction. The Company recognized $83,000 in Fiscal 2013 and $120,000 in Fiscal 2014 related to these settlements.

Beginning in 2010, the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas (the “Texas Comptroller”) conducted a sales and use tax audit of our operations in Texas with respect to the period March 1, 2006 through November 30, 2009 and subsequently sent a Notification of Audit Results, by letter dated December 17, 2010, asserting that DGSE owed an amount of tax due, plus penalties and interest (the “2010 Sale Tax Audit”). The Company submitted a request for redetermination to the Texas Comptroller by letter dated January 13, 2011. By letter dated August 25, 2011, the Texas Comptroller stated that DGSE’s request for a redetermination hearing had been granted.

On July 15, 2014, the Company received final notice from the Texas Comptroller of its consent to the negotiated payment agreement (the “Payment Agreement”) to pay amounts due by the Company under the Texas Comptroller’s final decision in connection with the 2010 Sale Tax Audit (the “Decision”), as more fully discussed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2014.

The Decision dismissed our Petition for Redetermination and concluded the 2010 Sales Tax Audit based on an agreement between the Texas Comptroller and DGSE, whereby we have agreed to pay: (i) tax due of $800,397; (ii) a 10% penalty; and (iii) interest. The total amount due as of the date of the Payment Agreement was approximately $1.1 million. Pursuant to the terms of the Payment Agreement, we paid an initial payment of $325,000 in July 2014, and in August 2014 began making monthly payments of $47,000 over an 18-month period, until all agreed tax amounts, penalty and accrued interest due under the Decision were paid. Interest accrued on the outstanding tax due, until all amounts were paid.

In Fiscal 2014, we recognized an additional expense of $104,958, to bring the total accrual in this matter to the approximately $1.1 million due, which is expected to cover all tax, penalty and interest through the term of the Payment Agreement. As of December 31, 2015, our remaining obligation under the Payment Agreement was $47,000. The final payment of $47,000 was submitted to the Texas Comptroller in January 2016 to fully satisfy the indebtedness associated with the 2010 Sale Tax Audit.

The Texas Comptroller conducted a sales and use tax audit of our operations in Texas with respect to the period December 1, 2009 through June 30, 2013 and subsequently sent us a preliminary assessment in September 2015 asserting that we owe an amount related to the report. Management believes any potential exposure associated with this audit has been adequately accrued in Fiscal 2015.

Note 10 – Income Taxes

The income tax provision for continuing operations reconciled to the tax computed at the statutory Federal rate follows:

Deferred income taxes are comprised of the following:

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $2,729,636 of net operating loss carry-forwards, related to the Superior Galleries acquisition which may be available to reduce taxable income in future years, subject to the applicable Internal Revenue Code Section 382 limitations. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $34,900,327 of net operating loss carry-forwards related to Superior Galleries’ post acquisition operating losses and other operating losses incurred by the Company’s other operations. These carry-forwards will expire, starting in 2026 if not utilized. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company determined based on consideration of all available evidence, including but not limited to historical, current and future anticipated financial results as well as applicable IRS limitation and expiration dates related to the Company’s net operating losses a full valuation allowance should be recorded for its net deferred tax assets.

Note 11 – Operating Leases

The Company leases certain of its facilities under operating leases. The minimum rental commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

On January 21, 2013, the Company signed a lease with 15850 Holdings, LLC (an affiliate of Elemetal), for 4,500 square feet of office space in North Dallas, to be used as the Company’s new corporate headquarters. The Company received free rent from April through December of 2013, and paid $7,500 from January of 2014, through the termination date of the current lease in December of 2015. The Company continues to pay this lease on a month-to-month basis with no increase in the rent.

In November 2013, the Company signed an agreement to lease a portion of DGSE’s Reeder Road facility to a third party, beginning in January 2014. Under the terms of the five-year agreement DGSE will receive $5,000 per month in base rent initially, increasing to $7,500 per month after 24 months if certain conditions are met. The lessee will also be required to pay additional rent based on revenue it generates using the facility. Under certain conditions DGSE has the right to terminate the agreement after 24 months.

The minimum rentals to be received under a non-cancellable operating lease as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

Rent expense for Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 was $475,665 and $638,320, respectively, excluding amounts related to discontinued operations.

Note 12 – Discontinued Operations

In February 2014, the Company elected to discontinue the operations of six Southern Bullion locations and in April 2014 elected to discontinue the operations of the 17 remaining Southern Bullion locations, due to the lack of profitability and management's belief that it was unlikely that profitability would be reached in the foreseeable future. The operating results for all Southern Bullion operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for Fiscal 2014 and Fiscal 2015.

Discontinued operations are as follows:

Discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2014, include store operations through April 17, 2014, ongoing expenses for key Southern Bullion personnel involved in winding down the business, and expenses related to cancellation of leases and other contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2014, discontinued operations also includes the write-off of the $2.9 million intangible asset attributed to the “Southern Bullion Coin & Jewelry” trade name, and the write-off of approximately $296,000 related to the net book value of fixed assets previously utilized in Southern Bullion operations. The Company does not anticipate that it will utilize the trade name in the foreseeable future. For the year ended December 31, 2015, income from discontinued operations include adjustments of existing expense accruals related to the winding down the operations of Southern Bullion. The Company believes it has now recognized all material expenses related to the closure of Southern Bullion operations.

Note 13 – Related Party Transactions

DGSE has a corporate policy governing the identification, review, consideration and approval or ratification of transactions with related persons, as that term is defined in the Instructions to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Act (“Related Party”). Under this policy, all Related Party transactions are identified and approved prior to consummation of the transaction to ensure they are consistent with DGSE’s best interests and the best interests of its stockholders. Among other factors, DGSE’s Board considers the size and duration of the transaction, the nature and interest of the of the Related Party in the transaction, whether the transaction may involve a conflict of interest and if the transaction is on terms that are at least as favorable to DGSE as would be available in a comparable transaction with an unaffiliated third party. DGSE’s Board reviews all Related Party transactions at least annually to determine if it is in DGSE’s best interests and the best interests of DGSE’s stockholders to continue, modify, or terminate any of the Related Party transactions. DGSE’s Related Person Transaction Policy is available for review in its entirety under the “Investors” menu of the Company’s corporate relations website at www.DGSECompanies.com.

Elemetal is DGSE’s largest shareholder. Elemetal and its affiliates are also DGSE’s primary refiner and bullion trading partner. In Fiscal 2015, 24% of sales and 26% of purchases were transactions with Elemetal, and in the same period of Fiscal 2014, these transactions represented 23% of DGSE’s sales and 26% of DGSE’s purchases. As of December 31, 2015, the Company was obligated to pay $4,176,037 to Elemetal as a trade payable, and had a $169,136 receivable from Elemetal. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was obligated to pay $3,721,144 to Elemetal as a trade payable, and had a $34,343 receivable from Elemetal. For the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid Elemetal $187,888 and $182,723, respectively, in interest on the Company’s outstanding payable.

On July 19, 2012, the Company entered into the Loan Agreement with NTR, pursuant to which NTR agreed to provide the Company with a guidance line of revolving credit in an amount up to $7,500,000. The Loan Agreement anticipated termination–at which point all amounts outstanding thereunder would be due and payable–upon the earlier of: (i) August 1, 2014; (ii) the date that is twelve months after DGSE receives notice from NTR demanding the repayment of the Obligations; (iii) the date the Obligations are accelerated in accordance with the terms of the Loan Agreement; or, (iv) the date on which the commitment terminates under the Loan Agreement. In connection with the Loan Agreement, DGSE granted a security interest in the respective personal property of each of its subsidiaries. The loan carries an interest rate of two percent (2%) per annum for all funds borrowed pursuant to the Loan Agreement. Proceeds received by DGSE pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement were used for repayment of all outstanding financial obligations incurred in connection with that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2005, between DGSE and Texas Capital Bank, N.A., and additional proceeds are expected were used as working capital in the ordinary course of business. On February 25, 2014, we entered into a one-year extension of the Loan Agreement with NTR, extending the termination date to August 1, 2015, and on February 4, 2015, we entered into an additional two-year extension, extending the termination date to August 1, 2017, unless earlier terminated as described above. All other terms of the agreement remain the same. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the outstanding balance of the NTR loan was $2,303,359. In the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid NTR $45,810 and $46,019, respectively, in interest on the Company’s line of credit.

On February 8, 2016, Elemetal and NTR announced their intentions to convert a portion of the Company’s bullion payable and the outstanding amount under the Loan Agreement, including accrued interest, owed to them into shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the terms of the non-binding proposal (the “Proposal”) from Elemetal, the Company would exchange $2.5 million of the bullion payable owed to Elemetal into 6,345,177 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.394 per share. The proposed exercise price represents an approximately 15% premium over the 120-day moving average closing price of the Company’s stock as of the date of the proposal. In addition, Elemetal would receive a one-year option to purchase 2,538,071 shares of the Company’s common stock price at the same exercise price of $0.394 per share. Under the terms of the Proposal from NTR, the Company would exchange all amounts outstanding, including accrued interest, associated with the Loan Agreement into 6,079,154 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.394 per share. The proposed exercise price represents an approximately 15% premium over the 120-day moving average closing price of the Company’s stock as of the date of the proposal.

On February 10, 2016, the Company acknowledged the receipt of the non-binding proposal from Elemetal and NTR to convert certain debt the Company owes to Elemetal and NTR into shares of the Company’s common stock. The Board, in accordance with its fiduciary duties, is in the process of reviewing and considering the proposal. There can be no assurance that this process will result in any transaction in the future, and no decision has been made to enter into any transaction at this time.

In April 2013, DGSE moved its principal corporate offices to office space at 15850 Dallas Parkway, Suite 140, Dallas, Texas. This property is owned by an affiliate of Elemetal and also serves as their headquarters. DGSE leases space in the building subject to a lease that expired in December 2015. The Company continues to pay this lease on a month-to-month basis with no increase in the rent. For the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized rent expense of $50,500 and $52,500, respectively, related to this lease.

In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013, the Company established a wholly owned subsidiary named Carbon Fund One, LLC to act as the general partner (the “General Partner”) for Carbon Fund One, LP (the “Fund”), which was established at the same time. The Fund was an investment fund specializing in the buying and selling of gemstones. The General Partner receives a one percent ownership interest of the Fund, and is paid 2% carried interest on assets under management by the Fund, and 20% of net earnings before distributions to the limited partners. The Fund was intended to provide an investment vehicle for individuals interested in investment opportunities in diamonds and gemstones, and provide incremental value to the Company’s shareholders by utilizing the Company’s expertise, infrastructure, and retail and wholesale customer base, to generate additional profit through earnings from its role as General Partner. Ultimately DGSE’s management made the decision to end its involvement in the Fund, and the General Partner has wound down the Fund’s activities and liquidated all remaining inventory. The Fund transacted business with the Company from time to time, including buying gemstones from and selling gemstones to the Company. In Fiscal 2015, the Company made no sales to the Fund, had purchases of $5,665 from the Fund, and owed the Fund nothing as of December 31, 2015 in trade payables. In Fiscal 2014, the Company made sales of $37,148 to the Fund, had purchases of $152,328 from the Fund, and owed the Fund $136,755 as of December 31, 2014 in trade payables. Additionally, in Fiscal 2015, the General Partner generated net loss of $1,334 from its role with the Fund, while in the same period of 2014, the General Partner generated net income of $35,190. The loss in the current year was driven by low activity within the Fund, combined with expenses related to the shutdown of the Fund.

Note 14 – Defined Contribution Plan

The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan that is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The plan covers substantially all employees who have completed one month of service. Participants can contribute up to 15 percent of their annual salary subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations. The Company did not contribute to the plan during Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

DGSE COMPANIES, INC.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.