Eterna Therapeutics Inc. - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017

Commission File Number 1-11460

NTN Buzztime, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(760) 438-7400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code)

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

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 filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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 a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company. Yes [  ] No [X]

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2017, computed by reference to the closing sale price of the common stock on the NYSE American on June 30, 2017, was approximately $11.2 million. Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 10% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. The determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

As of March 6, 2018, the registrant had 2,520,554 shares of common stock outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference.

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report where indicated. Such proxy statement will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain “forward-looking statements” – that is statements related to future events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities, including statements related to our strategic plans and targets, revenue generation, product availability and offerings, capital needs, capital expenditures, industry trends and our financial position. Forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us, on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which we operate and on the beliefs and assumptions of management. Forward looking statements often contain words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “could,” “targets,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our business, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. For us, particular factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include (1) our ability to compete effectively within the highly competitive interactive games, entertainment and marketing services industries, (2) the impact of new products and technological change, especially in the mobile and wireless markets, on our operations and competitiveness, (3) our ability to maintain or improve our relationship with Buffalo Wild Wings, who together with its franchisees accounted for a significant portion of our revenues, (4) our ability to maintain an adequate supply of the tablet and related equipment used in our BEOND tablet platform, (5) our ability to adequately protect our proprietary rights and intellectual property, (6) our ability to raise additional funds in the future on favorable terms; we have borrowed substantially all amounts available to us under existing credit facilities and, subject to limited exceptions, our loan and security agreement with East West Bank prohibits us from borrowing additional amounts from other lenders, (7) our ability to significantly grow our subscription revenue and implement our other business strategies, (8) our ability to successfully and efficiently manage the design, manufacturing and assembly process of the tablet and related equipment used in our BEOND tablet platform and (9) the other risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this report and described in other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this report or incorporated by reference herein, which speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect future events or circumstances.

PART I

ITEM 1. Business

About Our Business and How We Talk About It

We deliver interactive entertainment and innovative dining technology to bars and restaurants in North America. Customers subscribe to our customizable solution to differentiate themselves via competitive fun by offering guests trivia, card, sports and single player games, nationwide competitions, and by offering self-service dining features including dynamic menus, touchscreen ordering and secure payment. Our platform can improve operating efficiencies, create connections among the players and venues and amplify guests’ positive experiences. Built on an extended network platform, our interactive entertainment system has historically allowed multiple players to interact at the venue and more recently allows for competition between venues, referred to as massively multiplayer gaming. Our current platform, which we refer to as Buzztime Entertainment On Demand, or BEOND, was commercially launched during 2013 and then scaled during 2014. We continue to enhance our network architecture and the BEOND tablet platform and player engagement paradigms. We also continue to support our legacy network product line, which we refer to as Classic.

We currently generate revenue by charging subscription fees for our service to our network subscribers, by leasing equipment (including tablets used in our BEOND tablet platform and the cases and charging trays for the tablets) to certain network subscribers, by hosting live trivia events, by selling advertising aired on in-venue screens and as part of customized games, from providing professional services (such as developing certain functionality within our platform for customers), and from pay-to-play single player games.

Since 2015, over 115 million games were played on our network annually, and as of December 31, 2017, approximately 56% of our network subscriber venues are affiliated with national and regional restaurant brands, including Buffalo Wild Wings, Buffalo Wings & Rings, Old Chicago, Native Grill & Wings, Houlihans, Beef O’Brady’s, Boston Pizza, and Arooga’s.

We own several trademarks and consider the Buzztime®, Playmaker®, Mobile Playmaker, and BEOND Powered by Buzztime trademarks to be among our most valuable assets. These and our other registered and unregistered trademarks used in this document are our property. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report: (a) to “Buzztime,” “NTN,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to NTN Buzztime, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries; (b) to “network subscribers” or “customers” refer to venues that subscribe to our network service; (c) to “consumers” or “players” refer to the individuals that engage in our games, events, and entertainment experiences available at our customers’ venues and (d) to “venues” or “sites” refer to locations (such as a bar or restaurant) of our customers at which our games, events, and entertainment experiences are available to consumers.

Recent Developments

Amended and Restated Credit Facility

In November 2017, we entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement (the “Amended and Restated Loan Agreement”) with East West Bank (“EWB”). The Amended & Restated Loan Agreement amends and restates the loan and security agreement that we entered into with EWB dated as of April 14, 2015 (as the same has been previously amended, the “Prior Loan Agreement”).

The following is a summary of the material terms of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement:

●          EWB loaned us $4,500,000 as a one-time 36-month term loan, $4,450,000 of which we agreed to use, and did use, to refinance the $4,450,000 that we had outstanding under the Prior Loan Agreement. We applied the additional $50,000 to pay the facility fee ($45,000) and to pay reasonable costs or expenses incurred by EWB in connection with, among other matters, the preparation and negotiation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.

●          We are required to make payments on the loan on the last calendar day of each month commencing on December 31, 2017 and through its maturity date, November 29, 2020. Payments will be interest only until the payment due on June 30, 2018, at which time payments will become principal plus interest.

●          Other than during the continuance of an event of default, the loan bears interest, on the outstanding daily balance thereof, at our option, at either: (A) a variable rate per annum equal to the prime rate as set forth in The Wall Street Journal plus 1.75%, or (B) a fixed rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate for the interest period for the advance plus 4.50%.

●          We continue to grant and pledge to EWB a first-priority security interest in all our existing and future personal property, including our intellectual property, subject to customary exceptions.

●          Subject to customary exceptions, we continue to generally be prohibited from borrowing additional Indebtedness other than subordinated debt and up to $2.0 million in the aggregate for the purpose of equipment financing to the extent EWB approves such debt. “Indebtedness” means (i) all our other indebtedness for borrowed money or the deferred purchase price of property or services, (ii) all our obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures and similar instruments, (iii) all our capital lease obligations, and (iv) all our contingent obligations.

For additional information regarding this credit facility, see “PART II—ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources,” below.

Our Strategy

Below is a discussion of our strategy and highlights of accomplishments and milestones achieved during 2017:

Scale digital menu and payment functionality. We continue focusing on delivering digital menu and payment functionality on the tablet platform, which we believe will improve the operational and marketing value of our product offering. This expanded functionality will help us deliver an enhanced guest experience. Rolling out this functionality will continue to be a key focus for us in 2018. As previously announced in March 2017, we have expanded our relations with Buffalo Wild Wings, who chose us to be its provider of digital menu, order, and payment functionality, and since that time, we have continued making progress on the software integration. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we completed much of the integration work required for payment functionality and subsequently delivered the first batch of tablets with magnetic swipe, Europay, MasterCard® and Visa® (“EMV”) and Near-Field Communication (“NFC”) capabilities to 28 Buffalo Wild Wings locations. Due to the acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings by Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc., and to the attendant changes with Buffalo Wild Wings’ operations, the rollout of our expanded functionality has been put on hold until its new management has time to assess all of the programs at Buffalo Wild Wings. Based on discussions to date, we expect that the rollout could be put on hold for up to six months and that we could re-commence the rollout at additional Buffalo Wild Wings locations shortly thereafter. After the initial set of locations is running smoothly, we anticipate rolling out our system throughout the rest of Buffalo Wild Wings corporate and franchise locations with which we have partnered. We expect our inventory balances to fluctuate as we prepare to expand and support this relationship.

Improve value and price for our “independent” customers. During 2017, we continued to make progress on our hardware design and quality in order to reduce expense, while expanding capabilities, retaining consistency in the design and giving us the ability to offer flexibility in our pricing for quality independent customers. We are now deploying our new tablets and cases into the market and are better positioned in 2018 to acquire new independent sites and new venues in other vertical markets to help grow sites.

Refine our commercial execution. We are focused on increasing our site count of both independent customers and chain customers. Receiving a reference from a national chain account, such as Buffalo Wild Wings, is critical to our chain efforts, and our ability to demonstrate Buffalo Wild Wings as a strategic user of the menu, order and pay functionality is critical to receiving that reference. For our independent customers, we continue to model and test our go-to-market efforts by improving our sales processes, technology and people.

Expand revenue opportunities. We intend to grow the consumer audience by engaging them more with improved entertainment experiences and providing premium content that we can monetize through direct payment. In addition, we have been researching and testing our services within adjacent markets, such as senior centers, car dealerships and casinos. Although the growth of our previously announced partnership with Heartland has been slower than anticipated due to a variety of technical issues, we continue to work with Heartland and its dealer network. As we announced earlier this year, we entered into a licensing agreement with Scientific Games to license our trivia games for installation on casino slot machines where we will earn a per game license fee for each slot machine that has one of our trivia games installed on it. We have since sold a few contracts and are awaiting installation, which we expect to occur during the second quarter of 2018. We also developed a stand-alone, single unit tablet to serve Scientific Games customers in the market where casinos use tablets in retail settings to redeem loyalty points. We are excited about the value we feel we can bring to this market with both of these product offerings. We also continue to monetize the network through local and national advertising revenue streams. During the third quarter of 2017, we partnered with The Chive, a digital media company, to expand the size and reach of our network, which we believe will allow us to expand our advertising revenues. They have delivered sales as well as a pipeline for growth. Lastly, in January 2018, we signed our first contract to sell several thousands of our tablets to a customer who will deliver their services to their market. We expect to deliver these tablets and recognize revenue sometime between the second and third quarter of 2018. We are also working with this customer to license our gaming content for its customers, which may represent revenue sharing opportunity. We anticipate several follow-on tablet orders and believe that this is an exciting recurring revenue opportunity that can scale.

Products and Services

Our principal product and service is our BEOND platform. Built on an extended network platform, our interactive entertainment system offers trivia, card, sports and single player games, nationwide competitions, and self-service features including dynamic menus, touchscreen ordering and secure payment. Generally, as part of the subscription to our BEOND platform, we provide the equipment used in our BEOND platform (including tablets used in our BEOND tablet platform and the cases and charging trays for the tablets) to network subscribers, though we also lease such equipment to certain network subscribers. In 2017, we began licensing our content to customers to be installed on equipment that they obtain from other parties. In 2018, we began selling the equipment used in our BEOND platform to customers who may not subscribe to our BEOND platform but who can use the equipment in their business for other purposes. 

Our primary network subscribers are bars and restaurants in North America, which we target directly through our internal sales organization. More recently we have begun offering our BEOND platform in adjacent markets, such as senior centers, car dealerships and casinos, which we target through third parties who have existing business relationships with potential customers in such markets.

We primarily develop the content and functionality available through our BEOND platform internally. The tablet used in our BEOND platform is an Android-based tablet customized to our specifications by a single unaffiliated third-party manufacturer. Such third-party also manufacturers the cases and charging trays for the tablets. Such manufacturer sources the raw materials used to manufacture such equipment. See ITEM 1A., Risk Factors—Risk Factors That May Affect Our Business—"A disruption in the supply of equipment could negatively impact our subscriptions and revenue” and “—Our business could be adversely impacted if the sole manufacturer of our customized tablet and our tablet equipment is not able to meet our manufacturing quality standards,” below.

Competition

We face direct competition in venues and face competition for total entertainment and marketing dollars in the marketplace from other companies offering similar content and services. A relatively small number of direct competitors are active in the hospitality marketing services and entertainment markets, including Ziosk and E la Carte, Inc. Competing forms of technology, entertainment, and marketing available in hospitality venues include games, apps and other forms of entertainment offerings available directly to consumers on their smart phones and tablets, on-table bar and restaurant entertainment systems, music and video-based systems, live entertainment and games, cable, satellite and pay-per-view programming, coin-operated single-player games/amusements, and traffic-building promotions like happy hour specials and buffets.

Buzztime Significant Customer

Our customers range from small independently operated bars and restaurants to bars and restaurants operated by national chains. This results in diverse venue sizes and locations. As of December 31, 2017, 2,730 venues in the U.S. and Canada subscribed to our interactive entertainment network, of which, approximately 45% were Buffalo Wild Wings corporate-owned restaurants and its franchisees (collectively, “Buffalo Wild Wings”). For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, revenue generated from Buffalo Wild Wings was as follows:

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, amounts included in accounts receivable from Buffalo Wild Wings was as follows:

Backlog

We generally do not have a significant backlog because we normally can deliver and install new systems at venues within the delivery schedule requested by customers (generally within three to four weeks).

Licensing, Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents

A majority of the gaming content available on our platform is internally developed. The balance is licensed from third parties. We also license third party content for our pay-to-play and free-to-consumer games lobby. The amounts paid for such third party licensed content was not material during either 2017 or 2016.

Our intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, are important to our business and, accordingly, we actively seek to protect the proprietary technology that we consider important to our business. No single patent or copyright is solely responsible for protecting our products.

We keep confidential as trade secrets our technology, know-how and software. Most of the hardware we use in our operations is purchased from a third party and customized for use with our service. We enter into agreements with third parties with whom we conduct business, which contain provisions designed to protect our intellectual property and to limit access to, and disclosure of, our proprietary information. We also enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors.

We believe the duration of our patents is adequate relative to the expected lives of our products. We consider the following United States patents to be important to the protection of our products and service:

We have trademark protection for the names of our key proprietary programming, products, and services to the extent that we believe trademark protection is appropriate. We are expanding our efforts to protect these investments. We consider the Buzztime, Playmaker, Mobile Playmaker and PlayersPlus trademarks and our other related trademarks to be valuable assets, and we seek to protect them through a variety of actions. Our content, branding, and some of our game titles, such as Countdown, SIX, and Showdown are also protected by copyright and trademark law.

Geographic Markets

As of December 31, 2017, 2,730 venues in the U.S. and Canada subscribed to our interactive entertainment network. The following table presents the geographic breakdown of our revenue for the last two fiscal years.

The following table presents the geographic breakdown of our long-term tangible assets for our last two fiscal years.

Government Contracts

We provide our content distribution services through our network to colleges, universities, and a small number of government agencies, typically military base recreation units. However, the number of government customers is small compared to our overall customer base. We provide our products and services to government agencies under contracts with substantially the same terms and conditions as are in place with non-government customers.

Government Regulations

The cost of compliance with federal, state, and local laws has not had a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position to date. In December 2012, we received approval from the Federal Communications Commission, or the FCC, for our BEOND tablet charging trays, and in September 2015, we received FCC approval for our third generation BEOND tablet cases with and without payment electronics. The BEOND tablets we currently use have been certified by its manufacturer.

In addition to laws and regulations applicable to businesses generally, we are also subject to laws and regulations that apply directly to the interactive entertainment and product marketing industries. Additionally, state and federal governments may adopt additional laws and regulations that address issues related to certain aspects of our business such as:

As part of our service, we operate games of chance and games of skill. These games are subject to regulation in many jurisdictions. Our games are played just for fun and winner recognition. None of our games award anything of value to winners. In the future, we may provide nominal monetary prizes to trivia competition participants, in compliance with applicable regulations. Included in our offering are a number of interactive card games, such as Texas Hold’em poker. These card games are restricted in certain jurisdictions. The laws and regulations that govern these games, however, vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and are subject to legislative and regulatory change, as well as law enforcement discretion. We may find it necessary to eliminate, modify, or cancel certain components of our offerings in certain states or jurisdictions based on changes in law, regulations and law enforcement discretion, which could result in additional development costs and/or the possible loss of customers and revenue.

Web Site Access to SEC Filings

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, and proxy statements and other information we file or furnish pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available on our website at www.buzztime.com/business/investor-relations/ under the heading SEC Filings as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish them to, the SEC. In addition, we make available on that same website under the heading Corporate Governance our (i) our code of conduct and ethics; (ii) our corporate governance guidelines; and (iii) the charter of each active committee of our board of directors. We intend to disclose any amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of our code of conduct and ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of Item 406 of Regulation S-K by posting such information on that website.

Materials we file with the SEC may also be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding our company that we file electronically with the SEC.

Employees

As of March 6, 2018, we employed approximately 104 people on a full-time basis and 342 people on a part-time basis. We also utilize independent contractors for specific projects. None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we believe our employee relations are satisfactory.

Our Corporate History

NTN Buzztime, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in 1984 as Alroy Industries and changed its corporate name to NTN Communications, Inc. in 1985. The name was changed to NTN Buzztime, Inc. in 2005 to better reflect the growing role of the Buzztime consumer brand.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

Our business, financial condition and operating results can be affected by a number of factors, whether currently known or unknown, many of which are not exclusively within our control, including but not limited to those described below, any one or more of which could, directly or indirectly, cause our actual financial condition and operating results to differ materially from historical or anticipated future financial condition and operating results. Any of these factors, in whole or in part, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and stock price. We urge investors to carefully consider the risk factors described below in evaluating the information contained in this report.

Risk Factors That May Affect Our Business

We may not be able to compete effectively within the highly competitive and evolving interactive games, entertainment and marketing services industries.

We face intense competition in the markets in which we operate. We face significant competition for entertainment and marketing services in hospitality venues from other companies offering similar content and services. Our services also compete with games, apps and other forms of entertainment offerings available directly to consumers on their smart phones and tablets. See “ITEM 1. Business—Competition,” above. Some of our current and potential competitors enjoy substantial competitive advantages, including greater financial resources for competitive activities, such as content development and programming, research and development, strategic acquisitions, alliances, joint ventures, and sales and marketing. As a result, our current and potential competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively than we can to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards, or consumer preferences.

The increased availability of the internet and wireless networks provides consumers with an increasing number of alternatives to our entertainment offerings. With this increasing competition and the rapid pace of change in product and service offerings, we must be able to compete in terms of technology, content, and management strategy. If we fail to provide competitive, engaging, quality services and products, we will lose revenues to competing companies and technologies. Increased competition may also result in price reductions, fewer customer orders, reduced gross margins, longer sales cycles, reduced revenues, and loss of market share.

New products and rapid technological change, especially in the mobile and wireless markets, may render our operations obsolete or noncompetitive.

The emergence of new entertainment products and technologies, changes in consumer preferences, the adoption of new industry standards, and other factors may limit the life cycle and market penetration of our technologies, products, and services. In particular, the mobile and wireless device, content, applications, social media, and entertainment markets are highly competitive and rapidly changing. Accordingly, our future performance will depend on our ability to:

If we do not compete successfully in developing new products and keep pace with rapid technological change, we will be unable to achieve profitability or sustain a meaningful market position.

We may not be successful in developing and marketing new products and services that respond to technological and competitive developments, changing customer needs, and consumer preferences. We may have to incur substantial costs to modify or adapt our products or services to respond to these developments, customer needs, and changing preferences. We must be able to incorporate new technologies into the products we design and develop in order to address the increasingly complex and varied needs of our customer base. Any significant delay or failure in developing new or enhanced technology, including new product and service offerings, could result in a loss of actual or potential market share and a decrease in revenues.

We receive a significant portion of our revenues from Buffalo Wild Wings, and any decrease in the amount of their business could materially and adversely affect our cash flow and revenue.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, Buffalo Wild Wings accounted for approximately 41%, or $8,678,000, of our total revenue. As of that date, approximately $191,000 was included in accounts receivable. If a significant number of the Buffalo Wild Wings corporate-owned restaurants or its franchisees, or any other customer who may in the future represent a significant portion of our revenue, breach or terminate their subscriptions or otherwise decrease the amount of business they transact with us, we could lose a significant portion of our revenues and cash flow.

A disruption in the supply of equipment could negatively impact our subscriptions and revenue.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, we began having an unaffiliated third party manufacture an Android-based tablet customized to our specifications. Other than a small amount of inventory of the third-party tablet we have historically used in our BEOND platform, we expect to use our customized tablet on a going-forward basis. This third party manufacturer also manufactures our tablet equipment—tablet charging trays and tablet cases. We currently do not have an alternative manufacturing source for our customized tablet or the tablet equipment or alternatives for the tablet equipment.

If our sole manufacturer is delayed in delivering tablets to us, becomes unavailable, has product quality issues, or shortages occur, in addition to not realizing the benefits of having a tablet manufactured to our specifications, we would need to return to the historical third-party tablets or find an alternative device. Similarly, if our sole manufacturer is delayed in delivering the tablet equipment to us, becomes unavailable, has product quality issues, or shortages occur, we may be unable to timely obtain replacement tablet equipment. Delays, unavailability of the tablet or tablet equipment, product quality issues and shortages could damage our reputation and customer loyalty, cause subscription cancellations, increase our expense and reduce our revenue. See also “Our business could be adversely impacted if the sole manufacturer of our customized tablet and tablet equipment is not able to meet our manufacturing quality standards,” below.

If our sole manufacturer and/or suppliers were to go out of business or otherwise become unable to meet our needs for reliable equipment, the process of locating and qualifying alternate sources could take months, during which time our production could be delayed, and may, in some cases, require us to redesign our products and systems. Such delays and potentially costly re-sourcing and redesign could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Our business could be adversely impacted if the sole manufacturer of our customized tablet and our tablet equipment is not able to meet our manufacturing quality standards.

As discussed above, one unaffiliated third party manufactures our customized tablet and our tablet equipment. Continued improvement in supply-chain management and in manufacturing of our customized tablet and tablet equipment and manufacturing quality and product testing are important to our business. Flaws in the design and manufacturing of our customized tablet or tablet equipment or both (by us or our supplier) could result in substantial delays in shipment and in substantial repair, replacement or service costs, could damage our reputation and customer loyalty, could cause subscription cancellations, and could increase our expense and reduce our revenue. Costs associated with tablet or tablet equipment defects due to, for example, problems in our design and manufacturing processes, could include: (a) writing off the value of inventory; (b) disposing of items that cannot be fixed; (c) recalling items that have been shipped; and (d) providing replacements or modifications. These costs could be significant and may increase expenses and lower gross margin. There can be no assurance that our efforts to monitor, develop, modify and implement appropriate test and manufacturing processes for our tablet and related equipment will be sufficient to permit us to avoid quality issues. Significant quality issues could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

If we do not adequately protect our proprietary rights and intellectual property or we are subjected to intellectual property claims by others, our business could be seriously damaged.

We rely on a combination of trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secret laws to protect our proprietary rights in our products. We have a small number of patents and patent applications pending in jurisdictions related to our business activities. Our pending patent applications and any future applications might not be approved. Moreover, our patents might not provide us with competitive advantages. Third parties might challenge our patents or trademarks or attempt to use infringing technologies or brands which could harm our ability to compete and reduce our revenues, as well as create significant litigation expense. In addition, patents and trademarks held by third parties might have an adverse effect on our ability to do business and could likewise result in significant litigation expense. Furthermore, third parties might independently develop similar products, duplicate our products or, to the extent patents are issued to us, design around those patents. Others may have filed and, in the future may file, patent applications that are similar or identical to ours. Such third-party patent applications might have priority over our patent applications. To determine the priority of inventions, we may have to participate in interference proceedings declared by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Such interference proceedings could result in substantial cost to us.

We believe that the success of our business also depends on such factors as the technical expertise and innovative capabilities of our employees. It is our policy that all employees and consultants sign non-disclosure agreements and assignment of invention agreements. Our competitors, former employees, and consultants may, however, misappropriate our technology or independently develop technologies that are as good as or better than ours. Our competitors may also challenge or circumvent our proprietary rights. If we have to initiate or defend against an infringement claim to protect our proprietary rights, the litigation over any such claim, with or without merit, could be time-consuming and costly to us, adversely affecting our financial condition.

From time to time, we hire or retain employees or consultants who may have worked for other companies developing products similar to those that we offer. These other companies may claim that our products are based on their products and that we have misappropriated their intellectual property. Any such claim, with or without merit, could be time-consuming and costly to us, adversely affecting our financial condition.

We may be liable for the content and services we make available on our Buzztime network and the internet.

We make content and entertainment services available on our Buzztime network and the internet which includes games and game content, software, and a variety of other entertainment content. The availability of this content and services and our branding could result in claims against us based on a variety of theories, including defamation, obscenity, negligence, or copyright or trademark infringement. We could also be exposed to liability for third-party content accessed through the links from our websites to other websites. Federal laws may limit, but not eliminate, our liability for linking to third-party websites that include materials that infringe copyrights or other rights, so long as we comply with certain statutory requirements. We may incur costs to defend against claims related to either our own content or that of third parties, and our financial condition could be materially adversely affected if we are found liable for information that we make available. Implementing measures to reduce our exposure may require us to spend substantial resources and may limit the attractiveness of our services to users which would impair our profitability and harm our business operations.

Our cash flow may not cover our capital needs and we may need to raise additional funds in the future. Such funds may not be available on favorable terms or at all and, if available, may dilute current stockholders.

Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

In addition, in order to fully execute on our long-term strategic initiatives discussed above under the section entitled “ITEM 1. Business—Our Strategy,” we believe we will likely require additional funding in the future. If we need to raise additional funds in the future, such funds may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. Furthermore, if we issue equity or debt securities to raise additional funds, our existing stockholders may experience dilution, and the new equity or debt securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of our existing stockholders. If we cannot raise funds on acceptable terms, or at all, we may not be able to continue to develop and implement our BEOND technology platform and product line, develop or enhance our other products and services, successfully execute our business plan or any or all of our strategic initiatives, take advantage of future opportunities, or respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated customer requirements.

We have experienced significant losses, and we may incur significant losses in the future.

We have a history of significant losses, including net losses of $1,077,000 and $2,923,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and have an accumulated deficit of $129,119,000 as of December 31, 2017. We may also incur future operating and net losses, due in part to expenditures required to continue to implement our business strategies, including the continued development and implementation of our BEOND technology platform and product line. Despite significant expenditures, we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability. Moreover, even if we do achieve profitability, the level of any profitability cannot be predicted and may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year. See also “—Risks Relating to the Market for Our Common Stock—If we are again determined to be non-compliant with any of the NYSE American continued listing standards within twelve months of May 12, 2017, depending on the nature of such non-compliance, NYSE Regulation may truncate the compliance procedures available to us or immediately initiate delisting proceedings,” below.

We may not be able to significantly grow our subscription revenue and implement our other business strategies.

Our success depends on our ability to increase market awareness and encourage the adoption of the Buzztime brand and our Buzztime network among hospitality venues such as restaurants, sports bars, taverns and pubs, and within the interactive game player community. Our success also depends on our ability to improve customer retention. We may not be able to leverage our resources to expand awareness of and demand for our Buzztime network. In addition, our efforts to improve our game platform and content may not succeed in generating additional demand for our products or in strengthening the loyalty and retention of our existing customers. The degree of market adoption of our Buzztime network will depend on many factors, including consumer preferences, the availability and quality of competing products and services, and our ability to leverage our brand.

Our success also depends on our ability to implement our other business strategies, which include developing our BEOND tablet platform that allows for consumer play across the digital platform, developing more premium content that allow us to grow the revenue stream directly from consumers, developing dynamic menuing and point-of-sale, or POS, integration competency, and growing our marketing services and sponsorship revenues. Implementing these strategies will require us to dedicate significant resources to, among other things, fully developing and implementing our BEOND tablet platform and product line, expanding our other product offerings, customizing our products and services to meet the unique needs of select accounts, and expanding and improving our marketing services and promotional efforts. We may be unable to successfully implement these strategies as currently planned.

Our products and services are subject to government regulations that may restrict our operations or cause demand for our products to decline significantly.

In addition to laws and regulations applicable to businesses generally, we are also subject to laws and regulations that apply specifically to the interactive entertainment and product marketing industries. In addition, we operate games of chance and, in some instances, we may provide items of nominal value (e.g., key chains, etc.) to the venue that hosts a game, and the venue may award such items to consumers. These games are regulated in many jurisdictions and the laws and regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. See “ITEM 1. BUSINESS—Government Regulations.”

We may find it necessary to eliminate, modify, suspend, or cancel certain features of our products (including the games we offer) in certain jurisdictions based on the adoptions of new laws and regulations or changes in law or regulations or the enforcement thereof, which could result in additional development costs and/or the loss of customers and revenue.

Communication or other system failures could result in customer cancellations and a decrease in our revenues.

We rely on continuous operation of our information technology and communications systems, and those of a variety of third parties, to communicate with and to distribute our services to the locations of our network subscribers. We currently transmit our data to our customers via broadband internet connections including telephone and cable TV networks. Both our communications systems and those of third parties on which we rely are vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, terrorist attacks, floods, storms, fires, power loss, telecommunications and other network failures, equipment failures, computer viruses, computer denial of service or other attacks, and other causes. These systems are also subject to break-ins, sabotage, vandalism, and to other disruptions, for example if we or the operators of these systems and system facilities have financial difficulties. Some of our systems are not fully redundant, and our system protections and disaster recovery plans cannot prevent all outages, errors, or data losses. In addition, our services and systems are highly technical and complex and may contain errors or other vulnerabilities. Any errors or vulnerabilities in our products and services, damage to or failure of our systems, any natural or man-made disaster, or other unanticipated problems at our facilities or those of a third party, could result in lengthy interruptions in our service to our customers, which could reduce our revenues and cash flow, and damage our brand. Any interruption in communications or failure of proper hardware or software function at our or our customers’ venues could also decrease customer loyalty and satisfaction and result in a cancellation of our services.

Our success depends on our ability to recruit and retain skilled professionals.

Our business requires experienced programmers, creative designers, application developers, and sales and marketing personnel. Our success will depend on identifying, hiring, training, and retaining such experienced and knowledgeable professionals. We must recruit and retain talented professionals in order for our business to grow. There is significant competition for the individuals with the skills required to develop the products and perform the services we offer. We may be unable to attract a sufficient number of qualified individuals in the future to sustain and grow our business, and we may not be successful in motivating and retaining the individuals we are able to attract. If we cannot attract, motivate, and retain qualified technical and sales and marketing professionals, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will suffer.

We have incurred significant net operating loss carryforwards that we will likely be unable to use.

As of December 31, 2017, we had federal income tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $66,554,000, portions of which will continue expiring in 2018. As of December 31, 2017, we had state income tax NOL carryforwards of approximately $29,185,000, portions of which will continue expiring in 2018. We believe that our ability to utilize our NOL carryforwards may be substantially restricted by the passage of time and the limitations of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, which apply when there are certain changes in ownership of a corporation. To the extent we begin to realize significant taxable income, these Section 382 limitations may result in our incurring federal income tax liability notwithstanding the existence of otherwise available NOL carryforwards. We have established a full valuation allowance for substantially all of our deferred tax assets, including the NOL carryforwards, since we do not believe we are likely to generate future taxable income to realize these assets.

We are subject to cybersecurity risks and incidents.

Our business involves transmitting payment information of our customers and certain personal information of consumers (such as their name, date of birth, and email address). In the future, we may store and transmit additional personal information of consumers, particularly as the services of the BEOND tablet platform become more advanced to include POS integration. While we have implemented measures designed to prevent security breaches and cyber incidents, any failure of these measures and/or any material security breaches, theft, misplaced or lost data, programming errors, employee errors and/or malfeasance could potentially lead to the compromise of sensitive, confidential or personal data or information, improper use of our systems, software solutions or networks, unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction of information, system downtimes, and operational disruptions. In addition, a cyber-related attack could result in other negative consequences, including damage to our reputation or competitiveness, remediation or increased protection costs, litigation or regulatory action.

We could become subject to additional regulations and compliance requirements as we introduce features in direct payments from consumers.

In preparation for expanding features and functionality to our BEOND tablet platform that involve us accepting credit card and other forms of payments directly from consumers, we certified our compliance with Payment Card Industry (“PCI”) Data Security Standard v3.1 as a service provider, and will be required to do so annually. Compliance with additional regulations and requirements may be difficult for us; thereby limiting our ability to grow the amount of revenue we receive directly from consumers. In addition to these additional regulations and requirements, if we fail to comply with the rules or requirements of any provider of a payment method we accept, if the volume of fraud in our transactions limits or terminates our rights to use payment methods we accept, or if a data breach occurs relating to our payment systems, we may, among other things, be subject to fines or higher transaction fees and may lose, or face restrictions placed upon, our ability to accept credit card and debit card payments from consumers.

Risks Relating to the Market for Our Common Stock

If we are again determined to be non-compliant with any of the NYSE American continued listing standards within twelve months of May 12, 2017, depending on the nature of such non-compliance, NYSE Regulation may truncate the compliance procedures available to us or immediately initiate delisting proceedings.

On May 12, 2017, as previously reported, we received a letter from NYSE Regulation Inc. notifying us that we have regained compliance with Sections 1003(a)(ii) and (iii) of the NYSE American Company Guide. As previously reported, NYSE Regulation previously notified us that we were not in compliance with Section 1003(a)(iii) because we reported stockholders’ equity of less than $6 million as of September 30, 2015 and had net losses in five of our most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, and that we were not in compliance with Section 1003(a)(ii) because we reported stockholders’ equity of less than $4 million as of December 31, 2015 and had net losses in three of our four most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2015.

We believe that the NYSE Regulation may notify us that we are not in compliance with Section 1003(a)(iii) because our stockholders’ equity was less than $6 million as of December 31, 2017 (it was $5,536,000) and because we had net losses in five of our most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2017. As of March 9, 2018, we have not received such a notice from the NYSE Regulation. In accordance with Section 1009(h) of the Company Guide, if we are again determined to be below any of the NYSE American continued listing standards within twelve months of May 12, 2017, NYSE Regulation will examine the relationship between the two incidents of noncompliance and re-evaluate our method of financial recovery from the first incident. NYSE Regulation will then take appropriate action, which, depending on the circumstances, may include truncating the compliance procedures described in Section 1009 of the Company Guide or immediately initiating delisting proceedings.

We are exploring options to address our low stockholders’ equity. We can give no assurances that we will be able to address it successfully, or that, if we receive a notice of non-compliance from NYSE Regulation, that we will be able to address such non-compliance or, even if we do, that we will be able to maintain the listing of our common stock on the NYSE American. In addition, we may determine to pursue business opportunities or grow our business at levels or on timelines that further reduces our stockholders’ equity below the level required to maintain compliance with NYSE American continued listing standards. The delisting of our common stock for whatever reason could, among other things, substantially impair our ability to raise additional capital; result in a loss of institutional investor interest and fewer financing opportunities for us; and/or result in potential breaches of representations or covenants of our warrants or other agreements pursuant to which we made representations or covenants relating to our compliance with applicable listing requirements. Claims related to any such breaches, with or without merit, could result in costly litigation, significant liabilities and diversion of our management’s time and attention and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations. In addition, the delisting of our common stock for whatever reason may materially impair our stockholders’ ability to buy and sell shares of our common stock and could have an adverse effect on the market price of, and the efficiency of the trading market for, our common stock.

If our common stock were delisted and determined to be a “penny stock,” a broker-dealer may find it more difficult to trade our common stock and an investor may find it more difficult to acquire or dispose of our common stock in the secondary market.

If our common stock were delisted or suspended from trading on the NYSE American, it may be subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules. The SEC has adopted regulations that define a “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price per share of less than $5.00, subject to certain exceptions, such as any securities listed on a national securities exchange. For any transaction involving a “penny stock,” unless exempt, the rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers, subject to certain exceptions. If our common stock were delisted and determined to be a “penny stock,” a broker-dealer may find it more difficult to trade our common stock and an investor may find it more difficult to acquire or dispose of our common stock.

The market price of our common stock historically has been and likely will continue to be highly volatile and our common stock is thinly traded.

The market price for our common stock historically has been highly volatile, and the market for our common stock has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations, based both on our operating performance and for reasons that appear to us unrelated to our operating performance. Our stock is also thinly traded, which can affect market volatility, which could significantly affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, including:

The realization of any of the foregoing could have a dramatic and adverse impact on the market price of our common stock.

Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market or the anticipation of such sales could have a material adverse effect on then-prevailing market prices.

In April 2017, March 2017, and November 2016, we sold an aggregate of approximately 642,000 shares of our common stock in registered direct offerings. In a private placement we completed in November 2013, we issued approximately 120,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase approximately 72,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $20.00 per share. A registration statement registering the resale of the shares we issued in such private placement and the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants we issued in such private placement is currently effective, and we are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain such registration statement continuously effective until all such registered shares have been sold.

In addition, as of December 31, 2017, there were approximately 156,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. The holders of such shares may elect to convert them into shares of our common stock at any time. Based on the current conversion price, we would issue approximately 11,000 shares of our common stock if all of the outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock were so converted. Generally, all of the shares of common stock we may issue upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock may be sold under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933.

As of December 31, 2017, there were also approximately 156,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at exercise prices ranging from $5.10 to $35.00 per share. Registration statements registering such shares of common stock are currently effective.

Accordingly, a significant number of shares of our common stock could be sold at any time. Depending upon market liquidity at the time our common stock is resold by the holders thereof, such resales could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline. In addition, the sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock, or anticipation of such sales, could make it more difficult for us to obtain future financing. To the extent the trading price of our common stock at the time of exercise of any of our outstanding options or warrants exceeds their exercise price, such exercise will have a dilutive effect on our stockholders.

Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders and may restrict our operations.

We may raise additional capital at any time and may do so through one or more financing alternatives, including public or private sales of equity or debt securities directly to investors or through underwriters or placement agents. As discussed above, we are exploring options to address our non-compliance with the NYSE American continued listing standards, in particular, options to address our low stockholders’ equity. We have a shelf registration statement on file under which we could currently sell up to approximately $23.2 million worth of securities. See also “Our ability to raise capital may be limited by applicable laws and regulations,” below. Raising capital through the issuance of common stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of our common stock) may depress the market price of our stock and may substantially dilute our existing stockholders. In addition, our board of directors may issue preferred stock with rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of the holders of our common stock. Debt financings could involve covenants that restrict our operations. These restrictive covenants may include limitations on additional borrowing and specific restrictions on the use of our assets, as well as prohibitions on our ability to create liens or make investments and may, among other things, preclude us from making distributions to stockholders (either by paying dividends or redeeming stock) and taking other actions beneficial to our stockholders. In addition, investors could impose more one-sided investment terms and conditions on companies that have or are perceived to have limited remaining funds or limited ability to raise additional funds. The lower our cash balance, the more difficult it is likely to be for us to raise additional capital on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

Our ability to raise capital may be limited by applicable laws and regulations.

Over the past few years we have raised capital through the sale of our equity securities. The offerings we completed in April 2014, November 2016, March 2017 and April 2017 were equity offerings conducted under the “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3. Using a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to raise additional capital generally takes less time and is less expensive than other means, such as conducting an offering under a Form S-1 registration statement. However, our ability to raise capital using a shelf registration statement may be limited by, among other things, current SEC rules and regulations. Under current SEC rules and regulations, we must meet certain requirements to use a Form S-3 registration statement to raise capital without restriction as to the amount of the market value of securities sold thereunder. One such requirement is that we periodically evaluate the market value of our outstanding shares of common stock held by non-affiliates, or public float, and if, at an evaluation date, our public float is less than $75.0 million, then the aggregate market value of securities sold by us or on our behalf under the Form S-3 in any 12-month period is limited to an aggregate of one-third of our public float. Our public float is currently approximately $8.1 million and therefore we are currently subject to the one-third of our public float limitation. Assuming our public float remains the same amount the next time we are required to evaluate it, we will only be able to sell up to an additional approximately $2.7 million using the “shelf” registration statement. If our ability to utilize a Form S-3 registration statement for a primary offering of our securities is limited to one-third of our public float, we may conduct such an offering pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act or under a Form S-1 registration statement, and we would expect either of those alternatives to increase the cost of raising additional capital relative to utilizing a Form S-3 registration statement.

In addition, under current SEC rules and regulations, our common stock must be listed and registered on a national securities exchange in order to utilize a Form S-3 registration statement (i) for a primary offering, if our public float is not at least $75.0 million as of a date within 60 days prior to the date of filing the Form S-3 or a re-evaluation date, whichever is later, and (ii) to register the resale of our securities by persons other than us (i.e., a resale offering). While currently our common stock is listed on the NYSE American, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain such listing. See also our risk factor “Although we have regained compliance with the continued listing standards of the NYSE American with which we were previously not compliant, if we are again determined to be non-compliant with any of its continued listing standards within twelve months of May 12, 2017, depending on the nature of such non-compliance, NYSE Regulation may truncate the compliance procedures available to us or immediately initiate delisting proceedings” above.

Our ability to timely raise sufficient additional capital also may be limited by the NYSE American’s stockholder approval requirements for transactions involving the issuance of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock. For instance, the NYSE American requires that we obtain stockholder approval of any transaction involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by us of our common stock (or securities convertible into our common stock) at a price less than the greater of book or market value, which (together with sales by our officers, directors and principal stockholders) equals 20% or more of our then outstanding common stock, unless the transaction is considered a “public offering” by the NYSE American staff. In addition, certain prior sales by us may be aggregated with any offering we may propose in the future, further limiting the amount we could raise in any future offering that is not considered a public offering by the NYSE American staff and involves the sale, issuance or potential issuance by us of our common stock (or securities convertible into our common stock) at a price less than the greater of book or market value. The NYSE American also requires that we obtain stockholder approval if the issuance or potential issuance of additional shares will be considered by the NYSE American staff to result in a change of control of our company.

Obtaining stockholder approval is a costly and time-consuming process. If we are required to obtain stockholder approval for a potential transaction, we would expect to spend substantial additional money and resources. In addition, seeking stockholder approval would delay our receipt of otherwise available capital, which may materially and adversely affect our ability to execute our business strategy, and there is no guarantee our stockholders ultimately would approve a proposed transaction. A public offering under the NYSE American rules typically involves broadly announcing the proposed transaction, which often times has the effect of depressing the issuer’s stock price. Accordingly, the price at which we could sell our securities in a public offering may be less, and the dilution existing stockholders experience may in turn be greater, than if we were able to raise capital through other means.

Our charter contains provisions that may hinder or prevent a change in control of our company, which could result in our inability to approve a change in control and potentially receive a premium over the current market value of your stock.

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if such a change in control would benefit our stockholders, or to make changes in our board of directors. For example, our certificate of incorporation (i) prohibits stockholders from filling vacancies on our board of directors, calling special stockholder meetings, or taking action by written consent, and (ii) requires a supermajority vote of at least 80% of the total voting power of our outstanding shares, voting together as a single class, to remove our directors from office or to amend provisions relating to stockholders taking action by written consent or calling special stockholder meetings.

Additionally, our certificate of incorporation and restated bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change of control of our company. Some of these provisions:

These provisions could discourage third parties from taking control of our company. Such provisions may also impede a transaction in which you could receive a premium over then current market prices and your ability to approve a transaction that you consider in your best interest.

In addition, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporate Law, which may prohibit certain business combinations with stockholders owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. These and other provisions in our certificate of incorporation, restated bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirers to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by the then-current board of directors, including delaying or impeding a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest involving our company. Any delay or prevention of a change of control transaction or changes in our board of directors could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

We do not have any unresolved comments issued by the SEC Staff.

ITEM 2. Properties

We lease approximately 28,000 square feet of office space in Carlsbad, California. The term of the lease is from June 2011 through November 2018, and we have the option to renew the lease for an additional five-year extension. We also lease approximately 7,500 square feet of warehouse space in Hilliard, Ohio. The term of this lease is from May 2013 through April 2018, and we anticipate extending this lease through April 2019. The facilities that we lease are suitable for our current needs and are considered adequate to support expected growth.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we become subject to legal proceedings and claims, both asserted and unasserted, that arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation in general, and securities litigation in particular, can be expensive and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of legal proceedings are difficult to predict. An unfavorable resolution of one or more legal proceedings could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition. In addition, defending any claim requires resources, including cash to pay legal fees and expenses, and our limited financial resources could severely impact our ability to defend any such claim.

Also from time to time, state and provincial tax agencies have made, and we anticipate will make in the future, inquiries as to whether our service offerings are subject to taxation in their jurisdictions. Many states have expanded their interpretation of their sales and use tax statutes, which generally had the effect of increasing the scope of activities that may be subject to such statutes. We evaluate inquiries from state and provincial tax agencies on a case-by-case basis and have favorably resolved the majority of these inquiries in the past, though we can give no assurances as to our ability to favorably resolve such inquiries in the future. Any such inquiry could, if not resolved favorably to us, materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

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 listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “NTN.” Set forth below are the high and low sales prices (adjusted for the reverse/forward split effected on June 3, 2016) for our common stock during the two most recent fiscal years.

On March 6, 2018, the closing price for our common stock as reported on the NYSE American was $6.60 and there were approximately 541 holders of record.

To date, we have not declared or paid any cash dividends with respect to our common stock, and the current policy of our Board of Directors is to retain earnings, if any, after payment of dividends on the outstanding preferred stock to provide for our growth. In addition, our credit facility with East West Bank generally prohibits us from paying any dividends or making any other distribution or payment on account of or in redemption, retirement or purchase of our common stock. Consequently, no cash dividends are expected to be paid on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determinations to pay cash dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

We have 156,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. The Series A Preferred Stock provides for a cumulative annual dividend of 10 cents per share, payable in semi-annual installments in June and December. Dividends may be paid in cash or in shares of our common stock. In 2017, we paid approximately $16,000 in cash dividends to the Series A Preferred Stockholders.

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

Under SEC rules and regulations, as a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information otherwise required by this item.

ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements and notes, included in Item 8 of this report, to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, the changes in our financial condition and our results of operations. You should also see the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this report. All dollar amounts in MD&A are rounded to the nearest thousand. Our MD&A is organized as follows:

Overview

We deliver interactive entertainment and innovative dining technology to bars and restaurants in North America. Customers subscribe to our customizable solution to differentiate themselves via competitive fun by offering guests trivia, card, sports and single player games, nationwide competitions, and self-service dining features including dynamic menus, touchscreen ordering and secure payment. Our platform can improve operating efficiencies, create connections among the players and venues and amplify guests’ positive experiences.

Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2017 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2016

We generated a net loss of $1,077,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to net loss of $2,923,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Revenue

We currently generate revenue by charging subscription fees for our service to our network subscribers, by leasing equipment (including tablets used in our BEOND tablet platform and the cases and charging trays for the tablets) to certain network subscribers, by hosting live trivia events, by selling advertising aired on in-venue screens and as part of customized games, from providing professional services (such as developing certain functionality within our platform for customers), and from pay-to-play single player games. The table below summarizes the type of revenue we generated for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

Subscription revenue decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily due to lower average site count when compared to 2016. Equipment lease revenue recognized under sales-type lease arrangements in 2017 decreased due to fewer installations of our BEOND platform for customers under sales-type lease arrangements when compared to 2016. Equipment lease revenue (which has lower margins due to the cost we incur to purchase the equipment that we lease) is recognized when we lease the equipment. The equipment lease revenue is a one-time payment that covers the lease of the equipment for three-years, after which the lessee may purchase the equipment for a nominal fee or lease new equipment. We expect the amount of equipment lease revenue to continue fluctuating in correlation with customer contracts under sales-type lease arrangements. Other revenue decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017 due primarily to decreased professional services revenue offset by an increased in our revenue from pay-to-play single player games. The increase in our revenue from pay-to-play single player games is primarily due to it being available all of 2017, whereas during 2016, it was available only since the second quarter.

Geographic breakdown of our ending site count for the Buzztime network is as follows:

Direct Costs and Gross Margin

The following table compares the direct costs and gross margin for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

Direct costs decreased 12% for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily due to decreased depreciation expense for capitalized site equipment and for software development programs of $482,000, decreased service provider fees of $267,000, decreased equipment expense of $199,000, which was related to lower sale-type lease revenue offset by increased repair expense.

Operating Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due to decreased payroll and related expense of $272,000 resulting from capitalizing more payroll compared to 2016, decreased marketing expense of $209,000, decreased equipment expense of $160,000, decreased miscellaneous taxes of $138,000 and decreased other miscellaneous expenses of $91,000, in each case, when compared to 2016.

Depreciation and Amortization

The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily due to assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized sooner than we are replenishing them with new assets.

Other Expense, Net

The increase in total other income (expense), net is primarily due to a one-time payment from a supplier as well as less interest expense due to less long-term debt outstanding. The one-time payment related to a supply chain matter that was resolved in exchange for such payment and which we do not expect to receive again

Income Taxes

We expect to incur state income tax liability in 2017 related to our U.S. operations. We also expect to incur income tax liability in Canada due to the profitability of our Canadian subsidiary. At December 31, 2017, we had available NOL carryforwards of approximately $66,554,000 for federal income tax purposes, which will begin expiring in 2018. The NOL carryforwards for state purposes, which will continue expiring in 2018, are approximately $29,185,000. There can be no assurance that we will ever be able to realize the benefit of some or all of the federal and state loss carryforwards due to continued operating losses. Further, under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and similar state provisions, ownership changes may limit the annual utilization of NOL carryforwards existing prior to a change in control that are available to offset future taxable income. Such limitations would reduce, potentially significantly, the gross deferred tax assets related to the NOL carryforwards. We had a Section 382 analysis performed to determine the impact of changes in ownership. Based on this analysis, no ownership change has occurred that would limit the use of the NOLs, provided we generate sufficient future earnings prior to the expiration of the NOLs and that future changes in ownership do not trigger a Section 382 limitation. We continue to disclose the NOL carryforwards at their original amount as no potential limitation has been quantified. We have also established a full valuation allowance for substantially all deferred tax assets, including the NOL carryforwards, since we could not conclude that we are more likely than not able to generate future taxable income to realize these assets. In addition, we have approximately $170,000 of state tax credit tax carryforwards that expire in the years 2018 through 2026.

EBITDA—Consolidated Operations

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, is not intended to represent a measure of performance in accordance with GAAP. Nor should EBITDA be considered as an alternative to statements of cash flows as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA is included herein because we believe it is a measure of operating performance that financial analysts, lenders, investors and other interested parties find to be a useful tool for analyzing companies like us that carry significant levels of non-cash depreciation and amortization charges in comparison to their net income or loss calculation in accordance with GAAP.

The reconciliation of our consolidated net loss calculated in accordance with GAAP to EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is shown in the table below. EBITDA should not be considered as substitutes for, or superior to, net loss calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $3,378,000 compared to cash and cash equivalents of $5,686,000 as of December 31, 2016.

In November 2017, we entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement (the “Amended and Restated Loan Agreement”) with East West Bank (“EWB”). The Amended & Restated Loan Agreement amends and restates the loan and security agreement that we entered into with EWB dated as of April 14, 2015 (as the same has been previously amended, the “Prior Loan Agreement”).

The following is a summary of the material terms of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement:

●            EWB loaned us $4,500,000 as a one-time 36-month term loan, $4,450,000 of which we agreed to use, and did use, to refinance the $4,450,000 that we had outstanding under the Prior Loan Agreement. We applied the additional $50,000 to pay the facility fee ($45,000) and to pay reasonable costs or expenses incurred by EWB in connection with, among other matters, the preparation and negotiation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.

●            We are required to make payments on the loan on the last calendar day of each month commencing on December 31, 2017 and through its maturity date, November 29, 2020. Payments will be interest only until the payment due on June 30, 2018, at which time payments will become principal plus interest.

●            Other than during the continuance of an event of default, the loan bears interest, on the outstanding daily balance thereof, at our option, at either: (A) a variable rate per annum equal to the prime rate as set forth in The Wall Street Journal plus 1.75%, or (B) -a fixed rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate for the interest period for the advance plus 4.50%.

●            We continue to grant and pledge to EWB a first-priority security interest in all our existing and future personal property, including our intellectual property, subject to customary exceptions.

●            Subject to customary exceptions, we continue to generally be prohibited from borrowing additional Indebtedness other than subordinated debt and up to $2.0 million in the aggregate for the purpose of equipment financing to the extent EWB approves such debt. “Indebtedness” means (i) all our other indebtedness for borrowed money or the deferred purchase price of property or services, (ii) all our obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures and similar instruments, (iii) all our capital lease obligations, and (iv) all our contingent obligations.

●            We must comply with the following financial covenants:

○            Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio – We must not have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined below) as of the last day of a fiscal quarter less than 1.25 to 1.00. However, if our unrestricted cash exceeds the loan principal outstanding, then what would otherwise be a breach of the covenant will be deemed automatically cured. The automatic cure may not be used more than (A) two times in any fiscal year or (B) four times during the term of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio means the ratio of (a) Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) for the four fiscal quarters ending on the applicable measuring date, less (i) unfinanced capital expenditures during such period and (ii) cash taxes paid during such period, to (b) the sum of (i) scheduled principal and interest payments with respect to the loan, (ii) scheduled principal and interest payments with respect to other Indebtedness (as defined below) and (C) scheduled lease payments. “Adjusted EBITDA” means (a) EBITDA (which is net income, plus interest expense, plus, to the extent deducted in the calculation of net income, depreciation expense and amortization expense, plus income tax expense) plus (b) other noncash expenses and charges, plus (c) to the extent approved by EWB, other onetime charges, plus (g) to the extent approved by EWB, any losses arising from the sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of assets not in the ordinary course of business.

○            Minimum Liquidity – The aggregate amount of unrestricted cash we have in deposit accounts or securities accounts maintained with EWB must not be less than $2,000,000. This liquidity test will be measured the last day of each calendar month.

○            Maximum Sr. Leverage Ratio – As of the last day of a fiscal quarter, the ratio of (a) all our Indebtedness outstanding on such day, other than subordinated debt, to (b) Adjusted EBITDA for four fiscal quarters ending on such day, must not be greater than 2.75 to 1.00 for fiscal quarters ending December 31, 2017 through March 31, 2018, and must not be greater than 2.50 to 1.00 for fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2018 and later.

As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all covenants except the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. We anticipate that EWB will waive such non-compliance, and EWB informed us that is would forbear from taking action with respect to the event of default caused by such non-compliance. Accordingly, we expect that our repayment terms will not change as a result of this non-compliance.

As of December 31, 2017, $4,500,000 was outstanding under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, all of which is recorded in current portion of long-term debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as a result of the covenant non-compliance as of December 31, 2017 discussed above. We recorded total debt issuance costs of $59,000, which includes the $45,000 facility fee. The debt issuance costs will be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the life of the loan. As of December 31, 2017, the unamortized portion of the debt issuance costs was $56,000 and is recorded as a reduction of long term debt. We have no more borrowing availability under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.

We have another financing arrangement with an equipment lender under which we may request funds to finance the purchase of certain capital equipment. The lender determines whether to extend such funds on a case-by-case basis, taking into account such factors as the lender considers relevant, including the amount outstanding under this financing arrangement. Through December 31, 2017, we borrowed $9,690,000. As of December 31, 2017, $623,000 was outstanding, of which $615,000 is recorded in current portion of long-term debt and $8,000 is recorded in long-term debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. We currently do not expect the lender to lend any additional funds under this financing arrangement.

In connection with preparing the financial statement as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, we evaluated whether there are conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that are known and reasonably knowable that would raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that such financial statements are issued. As a result of such evaluation, we believe we will have sufficient cash to meet our operating cash requirements and to fulfill our debt obligations for at least the next twelve months from the issuance date of such financial statements. To address our low stockholders’ equity, to increase the likelihood that we will be able to successfully execute our operating and strategic plan, and to position us to better take advantage of market opportunities for growth, we are continuing to evaluate additional financing alternatives, including additional equity financings and alternative sources of debt. If our cash and cash equivalents are not sufficient to meet future cash requirements, we may be required to reduce planned capital expenses, reduce operational cash uses or raise capital on terms that are not as favorable to us as they otherwise might be. Any actions we may undertake to reduce planned capital purchases or reduce expenses may be insufficient to cover shortfalls in available funds. If we require additional capital, we may be unable to secure additional capital on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all.

Working Capital

As of December 31, 2017, we had negative working capital (current liabilities in excess of current assets) of $1,109,000 compared to working capital (current assets in excess of current liabilities) of $4,019,000 as of December 31, 2016. Due to the non-compliance with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of December 31, 2017 discussed above, the $4,500,000 outstanding under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement was classified as current portion of long-term debt, which attributed to the negative working capital amounts. The following table shows our change in working capital from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017.

Cash Flows

Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, are summarized as follows:

Net cash provided by operations. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was due to a decrease in net loss of $1,688,000, after giving effect to adjustments made for non-cash transactions, offset by an increase in cash used in operating assets and liabilities of $1,162,000 during 2017 compared to 2016, primarily driven by purchases of site equipment to be installed inventory, which increased to $4,866,000 as of December 31, 2017 from $2,998,000 as of December 31, 2016.

Our largest use of cash is payroll and related costs. Cash used for payroll and related costs increased $105,000 to $11,178,000 for 2017 from $11,073,000 for 2016, primarily due to the timing of hew hires in 2016.

Our primary source of cash is cash we generate from customers. Cash received from customers increased $2,857,000 to $26,050,000 for 2017 from $23,193,000 for 2016. This increase was primarily related to a one-time prepayment from Buffalo Wild Wings for equipment and services to be delivered in the future.

Net cash (used in) investing activities. The $612,000 increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to increased software development expenditures and capital expenditures.

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities. The $4,724,000 increase in cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to the following:

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in our financial condition, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to deferred costs and revenues, depreciation of fixed assets, allowance for doubtful accounts, site equipment to be installed, investments, intangible assets, and contingencies. We base our estimates on a combination of historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. Critical accounting policies and estimates are defined as those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require management’s most subjective judgments.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from nonpayment by our customers. We reserve for all accounts that have been suspended or terminated from our Buzztime network services and for customers with balances that are greater than a predetermined number of days past due. We analyze historical collection trends, customer concentrations and creditworthiness, economic trends and anticipated changes in customer payment patterns when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts for specific and general risks. Additional reserves may also be established if specific customers’ balances are identified as potentially uncollectible. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Site Equipment to be Installed—Site equipment to be installed consist of finished goods related to our BEOND product platform and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. Rapid technological change or new product development could result in an increase in the quantity of obsolete site equipment to be installed on hand, and we could recognize losses from disposal of excess or obsolete site equipment to be installed. Additionally, our carrying costs of our site equipment to be installed are dependent on accurate estimates of customer demand for our products. A significant increase in the demand for our products could result in a short-term increase in the cost of site equipment purchases, while a significant decrease in demand could result in an increase in the amount of excess site equipment quantities on hand. As a result, although we attempt to maximize the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or in technological developments could have a significant impact on the value of our site equipment to be installed and our reported operating results.

The BEOND tablet platform equipment remains in site equipment to be installed until it is installed at our customer sites. For BEOND tablet platform customers that are under sales-type lease arrangements, the cost of the equipment is recognized in direct costs upon installation. For all other BEOND tablet platform customers, the cost of the equipment is reclassified to fixed assets upon installation and depreciated over its useful life.

Fixed Assets—Fixed assets are recorded at cost. Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of future minimum lease payments. Depreciation of fixed assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of leasehold improvements and fixed assets under capital leases is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease period.

We incur a relatively significant level of depreciation expense in relation to our operating income. The amount of depreciation expense in any fiscal year is largely related to the equipment located at our customers’ sites that are not under sales-type lease arrangements. Such equipment includes our Classic Playmaker, our BEOND tablet, other associated electronics and the computers located at our customer’s sites (collectively, “Site Equipment”). The components within Site Equipment are depreciated over two to five years based on the shorter of the contractual capital lease period or the estimated useful life, which considers anticipated technology changes. If our Site Equipment turns out to have longer lives, on average, than estimated, then our depreciation expense would be significantly reduced in those future periods. Conversely, if the Site Equipment turns out to have shorter lives, on average, than estimated, then our depreciation expense would be significantly increased in those future periods.

ASC No. 350 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC No. 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. In accordance with ASC No. 360, we assess potential impairments of our long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group. We performed our annual reviews as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 of our other intangible assets and determined that there were no indications of impairment for either period.

Revenue Recognition—We recognize revenue from recurring subscription fees for our service earned from our network subscribers, from leasing equipment (including tablets used in our BEOND tablet platform and the cases and charging trays for such tablets) to certain network subscribers, from hosting live trivia events, from selling advertising aired on in-venue screens and as part of customized games and directly from consumers who pay to play or use the premium content we began offering via our BEOND tablet platform in 2014. To the extent any of the foregoing contains multiple deliverables, we evaluate the criteria in ASC No. 605, Revenue Recognition, to determine whether such deliverables represent separate units of accounting. In order to be considered a separate unit of accounting, the delivered items in an arrangement must have stand-alone value to the customer and objective and reliable evidence of fair value must exist for any undelivered elements. Arrangements for the transmission of our Buzztime network contain two deliverables: the installation of equipment and the transmission of our network content for which we receive monthly subscription fees. As the installation deliverable does not have stand-alone value to the customer, it does not represent a separate unit of accounting. Therefore, for our Classic product, all installation fees received are deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the customer relationship. Because deployment of our BEOND tablet platform is still new, we have not yet established an estimated life of a BEOND customer, and therefore, we are deferring and recognizing installation fees as revenue on a straight-line basis over the customer contract term. All installation fees not recognized in revenue have been recorded as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

In addition, the direct expenses of the installation, commissions, setup and training are being deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis and are classified as deferred costs on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For these direct expenses that are associated with our Classic product, the amortization period approximates the estimated life of the customer relationship for deferred direct costs that are of an amount that is less than or equal to the deferred revenue for the related contract. For costs that exceed the deferred revenue, the amortization period is the initial term of the contract, in accordance with ASC No. 605, which is generally one year. For direct costs associated with our BEOND tablet platform, the amortization period approximates the life of the contract.

We evaluate our lease transactions in accordance with ASC No. 840, Leases, to determine classification of the leases against the following criteria:

Because our current leasing agreement meets at least one of the criteria above, because collectability of the minimum lease payments is reasonably assured and because there are no important uncertainties surrounding the amount of reimbursable costs yet to be incurred under the lease, we classify the lease as a sales-type lease, and we recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, product delivery has occurred or the services have been rendered, the price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

We recognize revenues from selling advertising, from hosting live trivia events and from consumers who pay to play our premium content when all material services or conditions relating to the transaction have been performed or satisfied.

We have arrangements with certain third parties to share the revenue generated from some of our products and services. We evaluate recognition of the associated revenue in accordance with ASC No. 605-45, Revenue Recognition, Principal Agent Considerations. When indicators suggest that we are functioning as a principal, we record revenue gross and the corresponding amounts paid to third parties are recorded as direct expense. Conversely, when indicators suggest that we are functioning as an agent, we record revenue net of amounts paid to third parties.

Software Development Costs—We capitalize costs related to the development of certain software products in accordance with ASC No. 350. Amortization of costs related to interactive programs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the programs’ estimated useful lives, generally two to three years. Amortization expense relating to capitalized software development costs totaled $230,000 and $386,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately $784,000 and $642,000, respectively, of capitalized software costs were not subject to amortization as the development of various software projects was not complete.

We performed our annual review of software development projects for the year ended December 31, 2017 and determined to abandon various software development projects that we concluded were no longer a current strategic fit or for which we determined that the marketability of the content had decreased due to obtaining additional information regarding the specific industry for which the content was intended. As a result, an impairment of $5,000 was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statements of operations. We also performed our annual review for the year ended December 31, 2016 and determined that there were no indications of impairments during this period.

Stock Based Compensation—We estimate the fair value of our stock options using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, consistent with the provisions of ASC No. 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation and ASC No. 505-50, Equity – Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. The fair value of stock options granted is recognized to expense over the requisite service period. Stock-based compensation expense for share-based payment awards to employees is recognized using the straight-line single-option method. Stock-based compensation expense for share-based payment awards to non-employees is recorded at its fair value on the grant date and is periodically re-measured as the underlying awards vest.

We used the historical stock price volatility as an input to value our stock options under ASC No. 718. The expected term of our stock options represents the period of time options are expected to be outstanding, and is based on observed historical exercise patterns for our company, which we believe are indicative of future exercise behavior. For the risk-free interest rate, we use the observed interest rates appropriate for the term of time options are expected to be outstanding. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history and expectation of dividend payouts.

The following weighted average assumptions were used for grants issued during 2017 and 2016 under the ASC No. 718 requirements:

ASC No. 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised if necessary in subsequent periods if actual forfeiture rates differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical activity for our company. Stock-based compensation expense for employees for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $457,000 and $419,000, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses based upon the departments to which substantially all of the associated employees report and credited to additional paid-in-capital.

Income Taxes—Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. 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. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

ASC No. 740, Income Taxes, defines the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements as “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” criterion are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We have reviewed our tax positions and determined that an adjustment to the tax provision is not considered necessary nor is a reserve for income taxes required.

Earnings Per Share—Basic and diluted loss per common share have been computed by dividing the losses applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Our basic and fully diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) calculation are the same since the increased number of shares that would be included in the diluted calculation from assumed exercise of common stock equivalents would be anti-dilutive to the net loss in each of the years shown in the consolidated financial statements.

Segment Reporting—In accordance with ASC No. 280, Segment Reporting, we have determined that we operate as one operating segment. Decisions regarding our overall operating performance and allocation of our resources are assessed on a consolidated basis.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This update was issued to address the income tax accounting treatment of the stranded tax effects within other comprehensive income due to the prohibition of backward tracing due to an income tax rate change that was initially recorded in other comprehensive income. This issue came about from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017, which changed our income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The ASU changed current accounting whereby an entity may elect to reclassify the stranded tax effect from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (which is January 1, 2019 for us), although early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The amendments in Part I of this update change the classification analysis of certain equity-linked financial instruments (or embedded features) with down round features. When determining whether certain financial instruments should be classified as liabilities or equity instruments, a down round feature no longer precludes equity classification when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock. The amendments also clarify existing disclosure requirements for equity-classified instruments. As a result, a freestanding equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded conversion option) no longer would be accounted for as a derivative liability at fair value as a result of the existence of a down round feature. For freestanding equity classified financial instruments, the amendments require entities that present EPS in accordance with Topic 260 to recognize the effect of the down round feature when it is triggered. That effect is treated as a dividend and as a reduction of income available to common shareholders in basic EPS. Convertible instruments with embedded conversion options that have down round features are now subject to the specialized guidance for contingent beneficial conversion features (in Subtopic 470-20, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options), including related EPS guidance (in Topic 260). The amendments in Part II of this Update re-characterize the indefinite deferral of certain provisions of Topic 480 that now are presented as pending content in the Codification, to a scope exception. Those amendments do not have an accounting effect. For public business entities, the amendments in Part I of this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (which is January 1, 2019 for us). Early adoption is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-11 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (which is January 1, 2018 for us). Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-09 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This update removes the requirement to perform step two of the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for an entity to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This update is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (which is January 1, 2020 for us). Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This update requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the total beginning and ending amounts for the periods shown on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (which is January 1, 2019 for us), including interim periods within those periods, using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. This update requires entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (which is January 1, 2018 for us), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition method, which is a cumulative-effective adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first effective reporting period. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update is intended to add or clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows and to eliminate the diversity in practice related to such classifications. This update is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (which is January 1, 2018 for us), with early adoption permitted. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires lessees to recognize at the lease commencement date a lease liability, which is the lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis, and a right-of-use assets, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Lessees will no longer be provided with a source of off-balance sheet financing. This update is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (which is January 1, 2019 for us), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Lessees and lessors 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. Applying a full retrospective transition approach is not allowed. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This update outlines a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This new revenue recognition model provides a five-step analysis in determining when and how revenue is recognized. The new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 is now effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (which is January 1, 2018 for us), including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. We have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopting the guidance. We will apply the full-retrospective method when adopting this guidance. This update requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required for customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. We continue to evaluate the effect of adopting this update and expect to complete our assessment by the end of the quarter ending March 31, 2018.

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Under SEC rules and regulations, as a smaller reporting company we are not required to provide the information otherwise required by this item.

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule” on page F-1 for a listing of the Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule filed with this report.

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed, in our Exchange Act reports 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 our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and we were required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. We have carried out an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.

Based on our evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that there were no material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report in providing reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and therefore there were no corrective actions taken.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. According to the guidelines established by Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, one or more material weaknesses renders a company’s internal control over financial reporting ineffective. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. Other Information

Not Applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information required by this item will be set forth under the headings “PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS,” “BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE,” “EXECUTIVE OFFICERS,” and “SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE” in our definitive proxy statement relating to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), which we expect to filed no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and is incorporated in this report by reference.

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item will be set forth under the heading “EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION” in the Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item will be set forth under the headings “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT” and “EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION” in the Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item will be set forth under the headings “PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS,” “BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE” and “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS” in the Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this item will be set forth under the headings “PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES” in the Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

PART IV

ITEM 15. Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are set forth in the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page F-1.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules. None

(3) Exhibits.

ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.

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.

Dated: March 9, 2018

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Ram Krishnan and Allen Wolff, and each of them acting individually, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power to act alone, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this annual report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or their substitute or resubstitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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.

NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of NTN Buzztime, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NTN Buzztime, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except par value amount)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)