FG Group Holdings Inc. - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

OR

For the transition period from                     to                   

Commission File Number: 1-13906

BALLANTYNE STRONG, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(402) 453-4444

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:)

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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐

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

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.  Financial Information

Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:

Capital lease obligations for property and equipment originating during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $158 and $0, respectively.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Nature of Operations

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (“Ballantyne” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries Strong Westrex, Inc., Strong Technical Services, Inc., Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc., Peintures Elite, Inc. (“Peintures”), Strong Westrex (Beijing) Trading Inc., Convergent Corporation and Convergent Media Systems Corporation (“CMS”) designs, integrates, and installs technology solutions for a broad range of applications; develops and delivers out-of-home messaging, advertising and communications; manufactures projection screens and lighting products; and provides managed services including monitoring of networked equipment to our customers. As of January 1, 2014 the legal entity Peintures Elite, Inc. was dissolved and consolidated into Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc.

The Company’s products are distributed to the retail, financial, government and cinema markets throughout the world.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority owned and controlled domestic and foreign subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all of the disclosures normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual reporting purposes or those made in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2013.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. All other condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to present a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the respective interim periods.  The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of trends or results expected for a full year.

Acquisitions

On September 13, 2013, the Company acquired Peintures Elite, Inc., a manufacturer of paint and lacquer products and the primary provider of paint used in the Company’s screen manufacturing. On October 1, 2013, the Company acquired CMS to provide digital technologies for out-of-home messaging, advertising and communication (the DOOH market) and Enterprise Video Solutions (“EVS”), which provides enterprises with the infrastructure necessary for communications, collaboration, training and education of employees.

The condensed consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2013, September 30, 2014 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 include amounts acquired from, as well as the results of operations of Peintures and CMS. Peintures is included in the systems integration segment and CMS is included in the managed services segment.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not impact the Company’s net income (loss) for 2014 or 2013.

Use of Management Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results and changes in facts and circumstances may alter such estimates and affect results of operations and financial position in future periods.

Fair Value of Financial and Derivative Instruments

The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall.

Fair Values Measured on a Recurring Basis at September 30, 2014:

Fair Values Measured on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2013:

The notes receivable accrues interest at a rate of 15% per annum which is paid in accordance with an agreed-upon cash flow schedule.

Quantitative information about the Company’s level 3 fair value measurements at September 30, 2014 is set forth below:

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s note receivable are prepayment rates, probability of default and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balance of the Company’s Note Receivable fair value:

The carrying values of all other financial assets and liabilities including accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses reported in the consolidated balance sheets equal or approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. All non-financial assets that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, which includes non-financial long-lived assets, are measured at fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 we did not have any significant non-recurring measurements of non-financial assets or liabilities.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”).  ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017 and may be adopted using a full retrospective or a modified cumulative effect approach. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance and has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

3. Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share have been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share has been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding after giving effect to potential common shares from dilutive stock options and certain non-vested shares of restricted stock. The following table provides the reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

     For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, options to purchase 196,500 shares of common stock were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the option’s exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares for the respective periods.  An additional 198,892 and 222,448 options were excluded from the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, thereby decreasing the net loss per share. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, options to purchase 291,000 and 293,200 shares of common stock were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the option’s exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares for the respective periods.

4. Warranty Reserves

     Historically, the Company has generally granted a warranty to its customers for a one-year period following the sale of manufactured film projection equipment and on selected repaired equipment for a one-year period. In most instances, the digital products are covered by the manufacturing firm’s OEM warranty; however, there are certain customers where the Company may grant warranties in excess of the manufacturer’s warranty for digital products. The Company accrues for these costs at the time of sale or repair. The following table summarizes warranty activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

5. Digital Link II Joint Venture

     On March 6, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with RealD to form an operating entity Digital Link II, LLC (the “LLC”). Under the agreement, the LLC was formed with the Company and RealD as the only two members with membership interests of 44.4% and 55.6%, respectively. The LLC was formed for purposes of commercializing certain 3D technology and to fund the deployment of digital projector systems and servers to exhibitors.  

     The Company accounts for its investment by the equity method. Under this method, the Company recorded its proportionate share of LLC net income or loss based on the LLC’s financial statements as of September 30, 2014 and September 20, 2013, respectively. The LLC uses four 13-week periods for a total of 52 weeks to align its fiscal year-end with that of its majority interest holder, RealD. The Company’s portion of income of the LLC was $0 and $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The Company’s portion of income (loss) of the LLC was ($0.1) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

     In the past, the Company sold digital theatre projection equipment, in the normal course of business, to the LLC.  The LLC in turn provides and sells the digital projection equipment to third party customers under system use agreements or through sales agreements. Revenue recognized by the Company on the sale transaction to the LLC is limited by its 44.4% ownership in the joint venture which will be recognized upon sale of the equipment to the third parties. There were no sales to the LLC during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.  The total receivable balance due from the LLC was insignificant at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
     

     The Company received no distributions from the LLC in nine months ended September 30, 2014 or September 30, 2013.

6. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consisted of the following at September 30, 2014:

Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2013:

       The Company recorded amortization expense relating to other identifiable intangible assets of $0.2 million and $0.03 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company’s estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:

7. Goodwill

Goodwill at September 30, 2014 is related to the Systems Integration segment. The following represents a summary of changes in the Company’s carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

8. Restructuring Activities

In connection with the integration of the 2013 CMS acquisition, as well as the Company’s ongoing plans to improve efficiency and effectiveness of its operations, the Company initiated plans in the fourth quarter of 2013 to reduce headcount and move the Company’s warehouse from Omaha, Nebraska to Lawrenceville, Georgia. The Company recorded $1.4 million in severance costs it expects to incur in relation to the integration. Additionally, $0.06 million in costs were recorded for site closure of the Omaha warehouse. The restructuring initiative is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2015.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending restructuring balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which is included in accrued expenses:

9. Debt

The Company is a party to a $20 million Revolving Credit Agreement and Note (collectively, the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”). The Company may request an increase in the Credit Agreement of up to an additional $5 million; however, any advances on the additional $5 million are subject to approval of Wells Fargo. The borrowings from the Credit Agreement are to be used for working capital purposes and for other general corporate purposes. The Company’s accounts receivable, general intangibles and inventory secure the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants, including those relating to our financial condition. The primary financial condition covenants pertain to maintaining a ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth of less than 2 to 1, working capital of $20 million and beginning December 31, 2014 net income before taxes of $1 on a rolling 4-quarter basis, as defined in the Credit Agreement. Other covenants pertain to items such as certain limits on incurring additional debt or lease obligations, certain limits on issuing guarantees and certain limits on loans, advances and investments with third parties. Upon the occurrence of any event of default specified in the Credit Agreement, including a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Credit Agreement), all amounts due there under may be declared to be immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2014, the Company is in compliance with these financial covenants.

The Credit Agreement expires June 30, 2015 at which time all unpaid principal and interest is due. Since inception of the agreement, no amounts have been borrowed on the Credit Agreement. At September 30, 2014, the Company had availability of $20 million.

10. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense/benefit to pretax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment losses) was approximately 74.8% and 74.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively as compared to 47.8% and 21.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rates primarily as a result of differing foreign and U.S. tax rates applied to respective pre-tax earnings by tax jurisdiction. The Company’s effective rate was higher in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the comparable periods of 2013 due to the generated tax benefits from U.S. operating losses at significantly higher rates more than offsetting the tax expense related to our Canadian operations, Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc., which has a lower tax rate.

The Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxable authorities. The Company has examinations not yet initiated for Federal purposes for fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2012. In most cases, the Company has examinations open for State or local jurisdictions based on the particular jurisdiction’s statute of limitations. The Company does not currently have any state or local examinations in process. As of September 30, 2014, total unrecognized tax benefits amounted to approximately $0.03 million.

11. Stock Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on their estimated fair values.  Share-based compensation expense included in selling and administrative expenses approximated $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Company’s 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2010 Plan”) provides the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors with the discretion to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance shares, or performance units.  Vesting terms vary with each grant and may be subject to vesting upon a “change in control” of the Company. On May 14, 2014, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 2010 Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock that are available for issuance under the Plan from 600,000 to 1,600,000 shares.

Options

The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as follows: 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total that would have been received by the option holders if all in-the-money options had been exercised and sold on September 30, 2014.

As of September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards was approximately $0.1 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2014:

Restricted Stock Plans

The Ballantyne Strong, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan (the “Non-Employee Plan”) provides for the award of restricted shares to outside directors. A total of 200,000 shares are reserved for issuance under the Non-Employee Plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted 41,760 restricted shares under the Non-Employee Plan to the Board of Directors. These shares will vest the day preceding the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

In connection with the restricted stock granted to certain employees and non-employee directors, the Company accrues compensation expense based on the estimated number of shares expected to be issued utilizing the most current information available to the Company at the date of the financial statements. The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company awarded 240,000 shares under the 2010 Plan.

As of September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards was approximately $0.9 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.1 years.

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

12.  Foreign Exchange Contracts

The Company’s primary exposure to foreign currency fluctuations pertains to its subsidiaries in Canada and China. In certain instances the Company may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage a portion of this risk. The Company has not designated its foreign exchange forward contracts as hedges.

The following table presents the gross fair value of derivative instruments, all of which are not designated as hedging instruments:

All cash flows related to our foreign currency exchange contracts are classified as operating cash flows.  We recognized in other income, the following realized and unrealized gains from foreign currency forward exchange contracts:

13.  Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations

Concentrations

The Company’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 39.4% and 40.3% of total consolidated net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Trade accounts receivable from these customers represented approximately 22.8% of net consolidated receivables at September 30, 2014. While the Company believes its relationships with such customers are stable, most arrangements are made by purchase order and are terminable at will by either party. A significant decrease or interruption in business from the Company’s significant customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company could also be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic and political conditions in each of the countries in which the Company sells its products and services.

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of accounts receivable. The Company sells product to a large number of customers in many different geographic regions. To minimize credit concentration risk, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition.

Leases

The Company and its subsidiaries lease plant and office facilities, furniture, autos and equipment under operating leases expiring through 2023. These leases generally contain renewal options and the Company expects to renew or replace certain of these leases in the ordinary course of business. The Company also has capital leases for computer equipment. The capital lease obligations related to accrued expenses is included in accrued expenses on the balance sheet.

The Company’s future minimum lease payments are as follows:

14.  Business Segment Information

During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company revised its operating segments, which are organized based on the business leadership views operating the business after the integration of the acquired entities. All prior year segment data has been restated to conform to the new segments. As of September 30, 2014, the Company’s operations were conducted through two business segments: Systems Integration and Managed Services. Systems Integration operations include the sale of digital projection equipment, screens, sound systems in addition to the design, assembly and sale of followspots and other lighting products. Managed Services operations include the delivery of end to end digital signage solutions, video communication solutions, content creation and management and service of digital signage and digital cinema equipment. The Company allocates resources to business segments and evaluates the performance of these segments based upon reported segment operating profit. The Company records intersegment sales at costs approximating market and has eliminated all significant intercompany sales in consolidation.

Summary by Business Segments

 
Summary by Geographical Area

Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market. Identifiable assets by geographical area are based on location of facilities. Net sales by geographical area are based on destination of sales.

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

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. Management’s discussion and analysis contains not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and reflect expectations for future Company performance. For these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section contained in Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. Given the risks and uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements are predictions of future results which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described herein, as well as others not now anticipated. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Except where required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

Overview

The Company designs, integrates, and installs technology solutions for a broad range of applications; develops and delivers out-of-home messaging, advertising and communications; manufactures projection screens and lighting products; and provides managed services including monitoring of networked equipment to our customers. We add value through our design, engineering, manufacturing excellence and customer service. We focus on the retail, financial, government and cinema markets. We have two primary operating segments: Systems Integration and Managed Services. The Systems Integration Segment provides a full range of product solutions primarily for the theatre exhibition industry including a wide spectrum of premier audio-visual products and accessories such as digital projectors, state of the art projection screens, servers, library management systems, and audio systems. We also sell lighting solutions for the architectural and entertainment lighting industry. The Managed Service Segment delivers solutions and services across two primary markets: digital out-of-home and cinema. These markets are served through the capabilities the Company has gained from the acquisition of Convergent in 2013 and from Strong Technical Services (“STS”) respectively. While there is digital signage equipment sold within this segment, the primary focus of this segment is providing solutions and services to our customers.

Our segments were determined based on the manner in which management organizes segments for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Approximately 65% of revenues for the first nine months of 2014 were from systems integration and approximately 35% were from managed services. Additional information related to our reporting segments can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

On September 13, 2013, the Company acquired Peintures Elite, Inc., a manufacturer of paint and lacquer products and the primary provider of paint used in the Company’s screen manufacturing. On October 1, 2013, the Company acquired CMS to provide digital technologies for out-of-home messaging, advertising and communication (the DOOH market) and EVS, which provides enterprises with the infrastructure necessary for communications, collaboration, training and education of employees. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2013, September 30, 2014, and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, include amounts acquired from, as well as the results of operations of Peintures and CMS. Peintures is included in the systems integration segment and CMS is included in the managed services segment.

Results of Operations:

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Revenues

Net revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased 20.2% to $22.7 million from $18.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013.

Systems Integration

Sales of systems integration products and services decreased 3.2% to $15.7 million in 2014 from $16.2 million in 2013. Sales of cinema products and services decreased by $0.6 million as the industry changes to digital projection equipment continues to wind down as expected. This was partially offset by an increase of $0.1 million in sales of security products and services.

Managed Services

Sales of managed services products and services increased 167.9% to $7.2 million in 2014 from $2.7 million in 2013. Sales of products and services related to digital signage were $4.2 million in 2014 resulting from the October 2013 acquisition of Convergent. These sales were driven through the distribution of digital signage equipment as well as content creation, management and distribution. This was in addition to a $0.3 million increase in digital cinema service driven by non-recurring demand revenue and increased Network Operations Center (“NOC”) contracts.

Export Revenues

Sales outside the United States (mainly systems integration sales) increased to $8.2 million in the third quarter of 2014 from $7.3 million a year ago resulting primarily from increased sales in Canada and Asia. Export sales are sensitive to the timing of the digital cinema conversions in these countries and normal replacement cycles. Export sales are sensitive to worldwide economic and political conditions that lead to volatility. Certain areas of the world are more cost conscious than the U.S. market and there are instances where our products are priced higher than local manufacturers making it more difficult to generate sufficient profit to justify selling into these regions. Additionally, foreign exchange rates and excise taxes sometimes make it difficult to market our products overseas at reasonable selling prices.

Gross Profit

Consolidated gross profit increased 21.5% to $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 from $3.3 million a year-ago, and increased as a percent of total revenue to 17.9% from 17.7% in 2013. Gross profit in the systems integration segment increased to $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 from $2.8 million in 2013 and increased as a percentage of sales to 19.5% in 2014 from 17.3% a year-ago. The increase in gross margin was driven by the product mix.

The gross profit in the managed services segment amounted to $1.0 million or 13.8% as a percentage of revenues in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $0.5 million or 19.7% as a percentage of revenues a year ago. The increase in gross margin was driven by higher revenues through the acquisition of CMS, but the decrease in gross margin as a percentage of sales was driven by product mix and lower utilization of field technicians.

Selling Expenses

Selling expenses increased 116.8% to $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $0.9 million a year-ago and as a percentage of revenues increased to 8.1% from 4.5% a year-ago. The increase in selling expenses was primarily due to additional sales staff added as part of the Convergent acquisition.

Administrative Expenses

Administrative expenses increased 21.5% to $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 from $2.5 million a year ago, but as a percentage of total revenues were consistent at 13.5% in 2014 compared to 13.4% in 2013. The increase in expenses is primarily due to additional administrative expenses related to the acquisition of Convergent partially offset by lower compensation related costs.

Other Financial Items

Our results for the third quarter of 2014 reflect no gains or losses pertaining to our 44.4% share of equity in the loss from Digital Link II, LLC, compared to a minimal loss in the third quarter of 2013.

The third quarter of 2014 includes other income of $0.4 million compared to other income of $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2013 primarily related to net gains on foreign currency transactions and interest income.

We recorded income tax benefit of approximately $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to a minimal income tax expense in the third quarter of 2013. The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pretax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was approximately 74.8% and 47.8% in the quarters ending September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s effective rate was higher in the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the comparable period of 2013 due to the generated tax benefits from U.S. operating losses at significantly higher rates more than offsetting the tax expense related to our Canadian operations, Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc., which has a lower tax rate.

As a result of the items outlined above, we generated a net loss of $0.1 million, and basic and diluted loss per share of $0.01 in the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to a minimal net gain and basic and diluted earnings per share a year-ago.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Revenues

Net revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased 5.9% to $66.7 million from $70.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Systems Integration

Sales of systems integration products and services decreased 29.6% to $44.5 million in 2014 from $63.2 million in 2013. Sales of cinema products and services decreased by $16.1 million as the industry changes to digital projection equipment continues to wind down as expected. In addition sales of lighting products decreased by $3.0 million. This decrease was driven by the completion of the World Trade Center project in 2013.

Managed Services

Sales of managed services products and services increased 174.3% to $23.1 million in 2014 from $8.4 million in 2013. Sales of products and services related to digital signage were $12.4 million in 2014 resulting from the October 2013 acquisition of Convergent. These sales were driven through the distribution of digital signage equipment as well as content creation, management and distribution. This was in addition to a $2.7 million increase in digital cinema service driven by non-recurring demand revenue and increased NOC contracts.

Export Revenues

Sales outside the United States (mainly systems integration sales) decreased to $22.1 million in 2014 from $23.1 million a year ago resulting primarily from decreased sales in Latin America and China partially offset by increased sales in Canada and Mexico. Export sales are sensitive to the timing of the digital cinema conversions in these countries and normal replacement cycles. Export sales are sensitive to worldwide economic and political conditions that lead to volatility. Certain areas of the world are more cost conscious than the U.S. market and there are instances where our products are priced higher than local manufacturers making it more difficult to generate sufficient profit to justify selling into these regions. Additionally, foreign exchange rates and excise taxes sometimes make it difficult to market our products overseas at reasonable selling prices.

Gross Profit

Consolidated gross profit increased 4.9% to $12.5 million in 2014 from $11.9 million a year-ago, and increased as a percentage of total revenues to 18.8% from 16.8% in 2013. Gross profit in the systems integration segment decreased to $8.2 million in 2014 from $9.8 million in 2013, but increased as a percentage of sales to 18.5% in 2014 from 15.6% a year-ago. The decrease in gross margin dollars was driven by lower volume, but the increase in gross margin as a percentage of sales was driven by product mix.

The gross profit in the managed services segment amounted to $4.3 million or 18.5% as a percentage of revenues in 2014 compared to $2.0 million or 24.3% as a percentage of revenues in 2013. The increase in gross margin was driven by higher revenues through the acquisition of CMS, but the decrease in gross margin as a percentage of sales was driven by product mix and lower utilization of field technicians.

Selling Expenses

Selling expenses increased 91.3% to $4.9 million in 2014 compared to $2.6 million a year-ago and as a percentage of revenues increased to 7.4% from 3.6% a year-ago. The increase in selling expenses was primarily due to additional sales staff added as part of the Convergent acquisition partially offset by lower compensation related costs.

Administrative Expenses

Administrative expenses increased 30.8% to $9.8 million in 2014 from $7.5 million in 2013 and as a percent of total revenue increased to 14.7% in 2014 from 10.6% in 2013. The increase in expenses is primarily due to additional administrative expenses related to the acquisition of Convergent.

Other Financial Items

Our results for 2014 reflect a gain of approximately $0.1 million pertaining to our 44.4% share of equity in the loss from Digital Link II, LLC, compared to a loss of approximately $0.1 million in 2013.

Our results for 2014 include other income of $0.8 million primarily related to net gains on foreign currency transactions and interest income, compared to $0.6 million in 2013.

We recorded income tax benefit of approximately $0.9 million in 2014 compared to income tax expense of $0.5 million in 2013. The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pretax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was approximately 74.6% and 21.0% in the nine months ending September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s effective rate was higher in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the comparable period of 2013 due to the generated tax benefits from U.S. operating losses at significantly higher rates more than offsetting the tax expense related to our Canadian operations, Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc., which has a lower tax rate.

As a result of the items outlined above, we generated net losses of approximately $0.3 million and basic and diluted losses per share of $0.02 in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to earnings of $1.9 million in 2013 and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.13 a year-ago, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the past several years, we have met our working capital and capital resource needs from either our operating or investing cash flows or a combination of both. We ended the third quarter with total cash and cash equivalents of $24.0 million compared to $28.8 million at December 31, 2013.

We are party to a $20 million Revolving Credit Agreement and Note (collectively, the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”) which was renewed on June 20, 2014. The borrowings from the Credit Agreement will primarily be used for working capital purposes and for other general corporate purposes.  The Company’s accounts receivable, general intangibles and inventory secure the Credit Agreement.  Since inception of the agreement, no amounts have been borrowed on the Credit Agreement. At September 30, 2014, the Company had availability of $20 million.

During the 4th quarter of 2013 the Company determined that it would no longer indefinitely reinvest $12.0 million of accumulated earnings in Canada. The Company repatriated that $12 million during the second quarter. As of September 30, 2014, $7.5 million of the $24.0 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest the remaining accumulated earnings in its foreign subsidiaries and has not accrued U.S. taxes on those earnings. If these funds are needed for our operations in the U.S. we would be required to accrue and pay U.S. income taxes and foreign taxes on a portion of these funds when repatriated back to the U.S. 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash used by operating activities was $3.3 million in the first nine months of 2014, which included a net loss of $0.3 million, offset by non-cash charges (benefits) deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, reserve provisions and non-cash stock compensation totaling $0.5 million. Changes in working capital used cash from operating activities of $3.5 million, primarily due to decreases in accounts payables, accrued expenses and income taxes, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable. Accounts receivable decreased $6.0 million due to collections of the higher sales volume of the prior 2013 quarter compared to the third quarter of 2014. Accounts payable balances decreased $2.0 million due to payments made to vendors during the quarter for purchases made to fulfill orders during the fourth quarter of 2013. The balance of current income taxes recoverable decreased cash provided by operating activities by $2.9 million due to the tax benefits generated from 2014 U.S. operating losses.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.8 million in the first nine months of 2013, which included net income of $1.9 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for gain on assets, deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, reserve provisions and non-cash stock compensation totaling $2.4 million.  Changes in working capital provided cash from operating activities of $1.5 million.  Additional changes in working capital was driven by a decrease in accounts receivable, partially offset by increases in inventories and decreases in accounts payable and customer deposits. Accounts receivable balances decreased $13.6 million due to collections of the higher sales volume of the prior quarter 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2013. Accounts payable decreased $7.7 million as the Company paid for fourth quarter 2012 inventory purchases.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $1.0 million in 2014 compared to $19.4 million in 2013. The cash used in investing activities in 2014 was primarily for capital expenditures. The cash used in investing activities in 2013 included a deposit of $17.4 million for the acquisition of Convergent, $1.7 million for the acquisition of Elite and $0.2 million of capital expenditures.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing was minimal in 2014 and 2013. 

Hedging and Trading Activities

Our primary exposure to foreign currency fluctuations pertain to our subsidiaries in Canada and China. In certain instances, we may enter into a foreign exchange contract to manage a portion of this risk. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 we recorded $0.1 million in realized and unrealized losses associated with these contracts in our condensed consolidated statement of income. This compares to minimal gains in the comparative period of 2013.

We do not have any trading activities that include non-exchange traded contracts at fair value.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

The future estimated payments under these arrangements are summarized below along with our other contractual obligations: 

There were no other material contractual obligations other than inventory and property, plant and equipment purchases in the ordinary course of business.

Seasonality

Generally, our quarterly revenue and earnings fluctuate moderately from quarter to quarter.  As we increase our sales in our current markets, and as we expand into new markets in different geographies, it is possible we may experience different seasonality patterns in our business.  As a result, the results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for an entire fiscal year.

Litigation

From time to time we may be involved in various claims and legal actions which are routine litigation matters incidental to the business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”).  ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017 and may be adopted using a full retrospective or a modified cumulative effect approach. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance and has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In preparing our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; management must make a variety of decisions which impact the reported amounts and the related disclosures.  These decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates.  In making these decisions, management applies its judgment based on its understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances and our historical experience.

Our accounting policies and estimates that are most critical to the presentation of our results of operations and financial condition, and which require the greatest use of judgments and estimates by management, are designated as our critical accounting policies.  See further discussion of our critical accounting policies under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our year ended December 31, 2013.  We periodically re-evaluate and adjust our critical accounting policies as circumstances change.  There were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The principal market risks affecting us are exposure to interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We market our products throughout the United States and the world. As a result, we could be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic conditions. As a majority of our sales are currently denominated in U.S. dollars, a strengthening of the dollar can and sometimes has made our products less competitive in foreign markets.

Interest Rates — We have a variable interest rate credit facility, however, we have no outstanding balances as of September 30, 2014. If we would borrow up to the maximum amount available under these facilities, a one percent increase in the interest rate would increase interest expense by $0.2 million per annum. Interest rate risks from our other interest related accounts such as our postretirement obligations are not deemed significant.  We currently have long-term notes receivables bearing interest rates of 15% and are recorded at fair market value.  A change in long-term interest rates for comparable types of instruments would have the effect of us recording changes in fair value through our statement of operations.

Foreign Exchange — Exposures to transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency are primarily related to our China and Canadian subsidiaries. From time to time, as market conditions indicate, we will enter into foreign currency contracts to manage the risks associated with forecasted transactions.  At September 30, 2014, we had no outstanding foreign currency forward contracts.

A portion of our cash in the China and Canadian subsidiaries is denominated in foreign currencies, where fluctuations in exchange rates will impact our cash balances in U.S. dollar terms. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar would impact our reported cash balances by approximately $0.5 million.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended) is (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter for the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. Other Information

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business operations, we are involved, from time to time, in certain legal disputes.  No such disputes, individually or in the aggregate, are expected to have a material effect on our business or financial condition.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes a detailed discussion of the Company’s risk factors. There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed.

Item 6.  Exhibits

See the Exhibit Index.

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.

EXHIBIT INDEX