GEE Group Inc. - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

OR

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

Commission File Number 1-05707

184 Shuman Blvd., Suite 420, Naperville, IL 60563

(Address of principal executive offices)

(630) 954-0400

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

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 (Section 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 o

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.

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

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES, INC.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2016

INDEX

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. Description of Business

General Employment Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company", "us", "our" or "we") was incorporated in the State of Illinois in 1962 and is the successor to employment offices doing business since 1893. We are a provider of permanent and temporary professional, industrial and physician assistant staffing and placement services in and near several major U.S cities. We specialize in the placement of information technology, engineering, medical and accounting professionals for direct hire and contract staffing for our clients, and provide temporary staffing services for our commercial clients. As a result of our acquisition of Scribe Solutions in April 2015, we now also offer data entry assistants (medical scribes) who specialize in electronic medical records (EMR) services for emergency departments, specialty physician practices and clinics.

2. Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six month period ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2016. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015 as filed on December 29, 2015.

Liquidity

The Company has experienced significant losses and negative cash flows from operations in the past. Management has implemented a strategy which included cost reduction efforts, consolidation of certain back office activities to gain efficiencies as well as identifying strategic acquisitions, financed primarily through the issuance of preferred and common stock and convertible debt, to improve the overall profitability and cash flows of the Company.

In 2013, the Company entered into a three year revolving credit agreement with ACF Finco I LP (formerly Keltic) to provide working capital financing. The agreement allows ACF Finco I LP to advance the Company funds based on a percentage of eligible invoices. Management believes with current cash flow from operations, the equity offerings below and the availability under the ACF Finco I LP loan agreement, the Company will have sufficient liquidity for the next 12 months. 

On January 8, 2015, the Company completed a Securities offering with 18 individuals who collectively have purchased a total of 200,000 shares of Preferred Stock from the Company for a total purchase price of $2,000,000. The Company netted approximately $1,960,000, with approximately $1,000,000 to be used as working capital and the remaining $1,000,000 for marketing, acquisitions, expansion and to further the operations of the Company. The Preferred Stock was designated by the Company on December 15, 2014 through the filing of a Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with the Illinois Secretary of State. Each share of Preferred Stock is initially convertible, at the election of the holder, into 50 shares of the Company's Common Stock. The foregoing conversion ratio is subject to standard adjustment mechanisms, as set forth in the Designation. All of the series A Convertible Preferred Stock have been converted into common shares. 

The Company received net proceeds from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company of approximately $7.8 million and issued 1,246,000 common shares, this includes the Underwriters exercise of the over-allotment option.

The offering was made pursuant to the Company's effective registration statements on Form S-3 (File No. 333- 204080), as amended and supplemented filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). 

The Company also issued warrants (the "Underwriter's Warrant") to the Underwriters to purchase up to a total of 124,600 shares of Common Stock, at a price of $8.40 per common share and are exercisable for five years. The Underwriter's Warrant has a seven-year piggyback registration right with respect to shares of common stock underlying the Underwriter's Warrant from the date of the Underwriting Agreement. 

On October 2, 2015, the Company issued and sold a subordinated note in the aggregate principal amount of $4,185,000 (the "Subordinated Note") to JAX Legacy – Investment 1, LLC (the "Investor") pursuant to a Subscription Agreement dated October 2, 2015 between the Company and the Investor (the "Subscription Agreement"). The Subordinated Note is due on October 2, 2018 (the "Maturity Date"). Interest on the Subordinated Note is payable as follows: (i) 10% interest per annum on the outstanding principal balance of the Subordinated Note shall be payable quarterly in arrears, in cash, on each December 30th, March 30th, June 30th, and September 30th, until the Maturity Date and (ii) 4% interest per annum until the Maturity Date on the original principal balance of the Subordinated Note ($566,000), was paid in advance on the issuance date of the Subordinated Note through the issuance to the Investor of 91,309 shares of the Company's common stock (the "Interest Shares"). The Company may prepay the principal and interest under the Subordinated Note at any time, without penalty, provided, however, the Interest Shares shall be deemed paid in full and earned upon the issuance of the Subordinated Note. The Subordinated Note is subordinated in payment to the obligations of the Company to ACF FINCO I LLP pursuant to the terms and provisions of a Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated October 2, 2015 between, ACF FINCO I LLP and the Investor. In connection with the issuance of the Subordinated Note the Company and the Investor entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated October 2, 2015 (the "Registration Rights Agreement") whereby the Company granted to the Investor certain piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares of Company common stock issued or issuable as interest payments under the Subordinated Note, and any shares of Company common stock issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, shares of common stock of the Company issued or issuable as interest payments under the Subordinated Note.

On October 4, 2015, the Company issued to the Sellers of Access Data Consulting Corporation a Sellers' Promissory Note for $3,000,000 (see note 11). Interest on the outstanding principal balance of the Sellers' Promissory Note is payable at the rate of 5.5% per annum. The principal and interest amount of the Sellers' Promissory Note is payable as follows: (i) for the first twelve months commencing on November 4, 2015 and ending on October 4, 2016, a monthly payment of $57,303 in principal and interest, (ii) on October 4, 2016 a balloon payment of principal of $1,000,000, (iii) for the next twelve months commencing on November 4, 2016 and ending on October 4, 2017, a monthly payment of $27,963 in principal and interest, (iv) on October 4, 2017 a balloon payment of principal of $1,202,405 and (v) on October 4, 2017 any and all amounts of previously unpaid principal and accrued interest. The Sellers' Promissory Note is subordinated in payment to the obligations of the Company to ACF FINCO I LLP pursuant to the terms and provisions of a Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated October 5, 2015 between ACF FINCO I LLP and the Sellers.

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Reverse Stock Split

The Reverse Stock Split became effective with the FINRA as of the open of business on October 9, 2015. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every 10 shares of the Company's pre-Reverse Split common stock was combined and reclassified into one share of the Company's common stock. No fractional shares of common stock were issued as a result of the Reverse Split.

Throughout the condensed consolidated financial statements, each instance that refers to a number of shares of the Company's common stock, refers to the number of shares of common stock after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split, unless otherwise indicated.

Estimates and Assumptions

Management makes estimates and assumptions that can affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the amounts of reported revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Those estimates and assumptions typically involve expectations about events to occur subsequent to the balance sheet date, and it is possible that actual results could ultimately differ from the estimates. If differences were to occur in a subsequent period, the Company would recognize those differences when they became known. Significant matters requiring the use of estimates and assumptions include, but may not be limited to, deferred income tax valuation allowances, accounts receivable allowances, accounting for acquisitions, accounting for derivative liabilities and evaluation of impairment. Management believes that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, based on information that is available at the time they are made.

Revenue Recognition

Direct hire placement service revenues are recognized when applicants accept offers of employment, less a provision for estimated losses due to applicants not remaining employed for the Company's guarantee period. Contract staffing service revenues are recognized when services are rendered.

Falloffs and refunds during the period are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as a reduction of placement service revenues and were approximately $218,000 and $90,000 as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 respectively. Expected future falloffs and refunds are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as a reduction of accounts receivable and were approximately $108,000 and $86,000 as of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015 respectively.

Cost of Contract Staffing Services

The cost of contract services includes the wages and the related payroll taxes and employee benefits of the Company's employees while they work on contract assignments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents. At March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, there were no cash equivalents. The Company maintains deposits in financial institutions in excess of amounts guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained at financial institutions and, at times, balances may exceed federally insured limits. We have never experienced any losses related to these balances. Beginning in 2013, insurance coverage reverted to $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution, and our non-interest bearing cash balances may from time to time exceed federally insured limits.

Accounts Receivable

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is calculated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of five years for computer equipment and two to ten years for office equipment, furniture and fixtures. The Company capitalizes computer software purchased or developed for internal use and amortizes it over an estimated useful life of five years. The carrying value of property and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of an asset group is greater than its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value. There was no impairment of property and equipment for the six month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired in the various acquisitions. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment at least annually. Testing goodwill for impairment allows the Company to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the entity determines that this threshold is not met, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

Fair Value Measurement

The Company follows the provisions of the accounting standard which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances fair value measurement disclosure. Under these provisions, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The standard establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use on unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is described below:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge exposure to cash flow, market or foreign currency risk. Terms of convertible promissory note instruments are reviewed to determine whether or not they contain embedded derivative instruments that are required under ASC 815 "Derivative and Hedging" (ASC 815) to be accounted for separately from the host contract, and recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The fair value of derivative liabilities, if any, is required to be revalued at each reporting date, with corresponding changes in fair value recorded in current period operating results.

Freestanding warrants issued by the Company in connection with the issuance or sale of debt and equity instruments are considered to be derivative instruments and are evaluated and accounted for in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815. Pursuant to ASC 815, an evaluation of specifically identified conditions is made to determine whether fair value of warrants issued is required to be classified as equity or as a derivative liability.

Intangible Assets

Customer lists, non-compete agreements, customer relationships, management agreements and trade names were recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition and are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from two to ten years using both accelerated and straight-line methods.

Loss per Share

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares may consist of incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants and the conversion of notes payable to common stock. In periods in which a net loss has been incurred, all potentially dilutive common shares are considered anti-dilutive and thus are excluded from the calculation. Common share equivalents of approximately 619,700 and 355,000 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the six months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because their effect is anti-dilutive. Common share equivalents of approximately 677,600 was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, because of the effect is anti-dilutive.

Advertising Expenses

The majority of the Company's advertising expense budget is used to support the Company's business. Most of the advertisements are in print or internet media, with expenses recorded as they are incurred. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, included in selling, general and administrative expenses was advertising expense totaling approximately $251,000 and $549,000, and approximately $143,000 and $350,000, respectively.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The Company records an impairment of long-lived assets used in operations, other than goodwill, when events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired and the estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated by those assets over their remaining lives are less than the carrying amount of those items. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is reduced to fair value, which is typically calculated using the discounted cash flow method. The Company did not record any impairment during the six months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

Stock-Based Compensation

Options awarded to purchase shares of common stock issued to non-employees in exchange for services are accounted for as variable awards in accordance with applicable accounting principles. Such options are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Income Taxes

We record a provision for income taxes for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations using the asset and liability method. Under this method, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the net amount that we believe is more likely than not to be realized.

Due to the private sale of shares of common stock to LEED HR during fiscal 2012 and the resulting change in control, the Company may be limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code as to the amount of net operating losses that may be used in future years.

We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if we believe that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. Although we believe that we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, we can provide no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be materially different. We make adjustments to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results.

Reclassification

Certain reclassifications have been made to the financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 to conform to the current year presentation.

Segment Data

The Company has two operating business segments a) Contract staffing services, and b) Direct hire placement. These operating segments were determined based primarily on how the chief operating decision maker views and evaluates our operations. Operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Other factors, including type of business, type of employee, length of employment and revenue recognition are considered in determining these operating segments.

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of adopting ASU 2016-09 on its financial statements and related disclosures.

No other recent accounting pronouncements were issued by FASB and the SEC that are believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future financial statements. 

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease.

Depreciation expense for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $76,000 and $142,000, and $43,000 and $80,000, respectively.

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Intangible Assets

As of March 31, 2016

As of September 30, 2015

The amortization expense attributable to the amortization of identifiable intangible assets was approximately $407,000 and $744,000 and $81,000 and $168,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition to amortization expense for intangible assets, the Company incurred amortization of deferred financing fees of $28,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016.

The trade names are amortized on a straight – line basis over the estimated useful life of ten years. Customer relationships are amortized based on the future undiscounted cash flows or straight – line basis over estimated remaining useful lives of five to ten years. Non-compete agreements are amortized based on a straight-line basis over the term of the non-compete agreement, typically five years. Over the next five years and thereafter, annual amortization expense for these finite life intangible assets will total approximately $11,667,000, as follows: fiscal 2016 - $1,517,000 fiscal 2017 - $1,474,000, fiscal 2018 - $1,477,000, fiscal 2019 - $1,482,000, fiscal 2020 - $1,479,000 and thereafter - $4,238,000.

Long-lived assets, such as purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company regularly evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate possible impairment and relies on a number of factors, including operating results, business plans, economic projections, and anticipated future cash flows. The Company uses an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows of the related asset or asset group over the remaining life in measuring whether the assets are recoverable.

6. Short-term Debt

The Company must maintain the following EBITDA:

As of March 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the EBITDA covenant and all other administrative covenants. At March 31, 2016, there was approximately $850,000 available on the line of credit. The interest expense related to the lines of credit for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 approximated $182,000 and $291,000, and $122,000 and $201,000, respectively.

7. Accrued Compensation

Accrued Compensation includes accrued wages, the related payroll taxes, employee benefits of the Company's employees while they work on contract assignments, commissions earned and not yet paid and estimated commission payable. 

8. Convertible Note

On August 7, 2014, the Company issued a Convertible Note (the "Note") with an original principal balance of $632,500 to Brio Capital Master Fund LTD ("Brio"), for a purchase price of $550,000. The Note matured on February 6, 2016, and is payable in thirteen monthly installments of $48,654, commencing in the sixth month post-closing. Brio has the right, however not the obligation, six months after closing, to convert all or any part of the outstanding Note into the Company's common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share. After six months from closing, the conversion price will have a one-time reset to the lower of $0.20 or 90% of the average of the 3 lowest closing prices for the previous 10 trading days, subject to a floor of $0.14 per share. The Company can force conversion if the Company's common stock trades at 250% greater than the conversion price for 20 consecutive trading days (see Note 11).

In addition to the Note, the Company issued a warrant to purchase up to 2,371,875 shares of the Company's common stock. The warrant is exercisable at $0.25 per share, vests 6 months after the closing, and expires 5 years thereafter.

To recognize the fair value of the warrants, the Company discounted the note and increased additional paid in capital. The fair value of the conversion feature was approximately $178,000 at inception, the Company discounted the note and created a derivative liability, which is evaluated each quarter and adjusted for any change in value.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, Brio converted $500,000 of its outstanding loan in two tranches into 250,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Based on the closing stock price of $8.50 and $10.30 per common share, the 250,000 shares were valued at approximately $2,350,000 and the Company has recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt of approximately $210,000. Included in the loss in extinguishment was the fair value of the derivative liability at the date of conversion. 

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, Brio converted the remaining $132,500 of its outstanding loan into 66,250 shares of the Company's common stock. Based on the closing stock price of $7.80 per common share, the 66,250 shares were valued at approximately $517,000.

Since the issuance in 2014, the Company received approximately $517,000 in net cash that was converted by Brio into 316,250 shares of the Company's common stock. Related to this transaction the Company recorded approximately $2,867,000 in equity (including 219,000 in warrants valued in 2014), $2,204,000 in a derivative loss, $234,000 extinguishment of debt, and interest expense of approximately $115,500 during the year ended September 30, 2015.

9. Subordinated Debt

On October 2, 2015, the Company issued and sold the Subordinated Note to JAX Legacy – Investment 1, LLC (the "Investor") pursuant to a Subscription Agreement dated October 2, 2015 between the Company and the Investor (the "Subscription Agreement") in the amount of $4,185,000. The Subordinated Note is due on October 2, 2018 (the "Maturity Date"). Interest on the Subordinated Note is payable as follows: (i) 10% interest per annum on the outstanding principal balance of the Subordinated Note shall be payable quarterly in arrears, in cash, on each December 30^th, March 30^th, June 30^th, and September 30^th, until the Maturity Date and (ii) 4% interest per annum until the Maturity Date on the original principal balance of the Subordinated Note, was paid in advance on the issuance date of the Subordinated Note through the issuance to the Investor of 91,309 shares of the Company's common stock (the "Interest Shares") valued at approximately $566,000. The Company may prepay the principal and interest under the Subordinated Note at any time, without penalty, provided, however, the Interest Shares shall be deemed paid in full and earned upon the issuance of the Subordinated Note. The Subordinated Note is subordinated in payment to the obligations of the Company to ACF FINCO I LLP pursuant to the terms and provisions of a Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated October 2, 2015 between, ACF FINCO I LLP and the Investor. In connection with the issuance of the Subordinated Note the Company and the Investor entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated October 2, 2015 (the "Registration Rights Agreement") whereby the Company granted to the Investor certain piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares of Company common stock issued or issuable as interest payments under the Subordinated Note, and any shares of Company common stock issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, shares of common stock of the Company issued or issuable as interest payments under the Subordinated Note. The Company paid fees of approximately $25,000 and 3,636 shares of common stock to the Investor, valued at approximately $23,000. In addition, the Company had approximately $33,000 of legal fees related to the transaction. Total discount recorded at issuance was approximately $647,000. Total amortization of debt discount for the six months ended March 31, 2016 was approximately $107,000.

Over the next four years, the payments of subordinated debt will total approximately $6,965,000 as follows: fiscal 2016 - $270,000 fiscal 2017 - $1,285,000, fiscal 2018 - $1,225,000, fiscal 2019 - $4,185,000.

10. Equity

On October 2, 2015, the Company issued 94,945 shares of common stock to JAX Legacy related to the subordinated note. The stock was valued at approximately $589,000.

On October 4, 2015, the Company issued 327,869 shares of common stock to the sellers of Access Data Consulting Corporation. The Company also agreed if the closing price of the Company's common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the day on which the Issued Shares are first freely salable under Rule 144 (the "Rule 144 Date") is less than 90% of the Issue Price, then the Company shall make a one-time adjustment and shall promptly pay to the Sellers, in stock in the form of additional shares of common stock of the Company at the market value on the Rule 144 Date, the difference between the aggregate value of the Issued Shares at the Issue Price and the aggregate value of the Issued Shares at the closing price on the Rule 144 Date. The Company has recorded a liability of approximately $500,000 in contingent consideration.

On April 4, 2016 the Company issued 122,581 shares of common stock to the sellers of Access Data Consulting Corporation related to the guarantee. This was based on market value of the stock on April 4, 2016 being approximately $544,000 less than the $2,000,000 six month guaranteed provided in the Access Data Agreement and based on the closing stock price of $4.44 per common share. The Company accrued an additional expense of approximately $44,000 at March 31, 2016 related to the change in estimated contingent consideration.

Stock Options

The Company has recognized compensation expense in the amount of approximately $230,000 and $392,000 during the three and six months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, related to the issuance of stock options.

In September of 2015, the Company granted options to purchase 45,500 common shares of the Company's stock at an average price of $6.70 per common share. The expense was estimated using Black-Scholes option pricing model using an average expected life of 10 years, expected stock volatility of 99% and a risk free rate of 2.2%. The average fair value of stock options granted was estimated to be $6.00 per share in fiscal 2016.

11. Acquisitions

Scribe

On December 11, 2014, the Company entered into a Stock Exchange Agreement (the "SCRIBE Agreement") with Brittany M. Dewan as Trustee of the Derek E. Dewan Irrevocable Living Trust II dated the 27^th of July, 2010, Brittany M. Dewan, individually, Allison Dewan, individually, Mary Menze, individually, and Alex Stuckey, individually (collectively, the "Scribe Shareholders"). Scribe Solutions, Inc. ("Scribe") provides data entry assistants (medical scribes) who specialize in electronic medical records (EMR) services for emergency departments, specialty physician practices and clinics. The transaction was unanimously approved by written consent of the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") and the holders of a majority of the Company's outstanding stock. The Scribe transaction closed on April 1, 2015. Pursuant to the terms of the SCRIBE Agreement the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Scribe Solutions Inc., ("Scribe") from the Scribe Shareholders for 640,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") of the Company. In addition, the Company exchanged warrants to purchase up to 635,000 shares of the Company's common stock, for $2.00 per share, with a term of 10 years (the "Warrants"), for Scribe warrants held by three individuals. The issuances of Preferred Stock and Warrants by the Company was effected in reliance on the exemptions from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, (the "Securities Act"), and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. 

Under the purchase method of accounting, the transaction was valued for accounting purposes at an estimated $7.7 million, which was the estimated fair value of the Company at the date of acquisition. The estimate was based on the consideration paid of 640,000 preferred shares and the 635,000 warrants granted. The 640,000 preferred shares are valued at approximately $6,400,000, and the 635,000 warrants are valued at approximately $1,330,000. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was used to value the warrants based upon an expected stock price volatility of 253.7%, a 10 year expected life of the warrant and a risk free interest rate of approximately 1.6%. 

The assets and liabilities of Scribe were recorded at their respective fair values as of the closing date of the Scribe Agreement, and the following table summarizes these values based on the balance sheet at April 1, 2015, the closing date. 

The intangibles were recorded, based on the Company's estimate of fair value, which consist primarily of customer lists and trade name with an estimated life of ten years and goodwill.

(in Thousands)

The primary intangible assets acquired have been identified as the customer list, trade name and goodwill and have been allocated as follows: 

Goodwill and intangibles related to the acquisition of Scribe will not be deductible for tax purposes.

Agile

Agile was founded by Seller in 2003 and provides innovative IT staffing solutions and IT consulting services ranging from legacy platforms to emerging technologies to a diversified client base across many industry verticals. Agile has a sophisticated recruiting and delivery engine and utilizes state-of-the-art technology to deliver top talent with a rapid time to market. Agile delivers CIO advisory services and IT project support resources in the areas of application architecture and delivery, enterprise operations, information lifecycle management and project management all with flexible delivery options. The staffing alternatives include the provision of contract IT professionals, contract-to-permanent and permanent placement in addition to providing IT solutions for project work including statement-of-work (SOW) engagements on a time-and-materials (T&M) basis. Agile's IT staffing solutions include providing professionals with expertise in the areas of .net, share-point, enterprise resource planning (ERP), software engineering, database support (Microsoft SQL, Oracle, Sybase & Informix), legacy systems support, data analytics, cloud migration, big data, cyber-security, health IT, network and help-desk support and mobile applications.

Under the purchase method of accounting, the transaction was valued for accounting purposes at $3,507,000, which was the estimated fair value of the consideration paid by the Company, after it was determined post closing that the net working capital was only approximately $92,000. The estimate was based on the consideration paid of 120,192 shares of common stock valued based on the closing price on July 31, 2015 of $7.20 per share and estimated cash of approximately $2,642,000 paid based on terms of the agreement.

The assets and liabilities of Agile were recorded at their respective fair values as of the closing date of the Agile Agreement, and the following table summarizes these values based on the estimated balance sheet at August 1, 2015. 

The intangibles were recorded, based on the Company's estimate of fair value, which consist primarily of customer lists with an estimated life of five to ten years and goodwill.

(in Thousands)

Intangible asset detail 

Goodwill and intangibles related to the acquisition of Agile will not be deductible for tax purposes.

Access

On October 4, 2015, the Company issued to the Sellers the Sellers' Promissory Note. Interest on the outstanding principal balance of the Sellers' Promissory Note is payable at the rate of 5.5% per annum. The principal and interest amount of the Sellers' Promissory Note is payable as follows: (i) for the first twelve months commencing on November 4, 2015 and ending on October 4, 2016, a monthly payment of $57,303 in principal and interest, (ii) on October 4, 2016 a balloon payment of principal of $1,000,000, (iii) for the next twelve months commencing on November 4, 2016 and ending on October 4, 2017, a monthly payment of $27,963 in principal and interest, (iv) on October 4, 2017 a balloon payment of principal of $1,202,405 and (v) on October 4, 2017 any and all amounts of previously unpaid principal and accrued interest. The Sellers' Promissory Note is subordinated in payment to the obligations of the Company to ACF FINCO I LLP pursuant to the terms and provisions of a Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated October 5, 2015 between ACF FINCO I LLP and the Sellers.

The intangibles were recorded, based on the Company's estimate of fair value, which consist primarily of customer lists with an estimated life of five to ten years and goodwill.

(in Thousands)

Intangible asset detail 

Under the 338(h)(10) election, all goodwill and intangibles related to the acquisition of Access will be fully deductible for tax purposes.

Paladin

 The consideration shall be paid as follows:

The assets and liabilities of Paladin were recorded at their respective fair values as of the closing date of the Paladin Agreement, and the following table summarizes these values based on the estimated balance sheet at January 1, 2016. 

The intangibles were recorded, based on the Company's estimate of fair value, which are expected to consist primarily of customer lists, trade name and a non-compete agreement with estimated lives of five to ten years and goodwill. Upon completion of an independent purchase price allocation and valuation, the allocation intangible assets will be adjusted accordingly. 

Intangible asset detail 

Consolidated pro-forma unaudited financial statements

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information is based on the historical financial statements of the Company and Scribe Solutions Inc., Agile Resources, Inc., Access Data Consulting Corporation and Paladin Consulting, Inc., after giving effect to the Company's acquisition as if the acquisitions occurred on October 1, 2014.

(in Thousands, except per share data)

The Company's consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016 include the actual results of Scribe Solutions Inc., Agile Resources, Inc., Access Data Consulting Corporation and Paladin Consulting, Inc. since the date of acquisition, respectively.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease

The Company leases space for all of its branch offices, which are located either in downtown or suburban business centers, and for its corporate headquarters. Branch offices are generally leased over periods from three to five years. The corporate office lease expires in 2018. The leases generally provide for payment of basic rent plus a share of building real estate taxes, maintenance costs and utilities.

13. Segment Data

The Company provides the following distinctive services: (a) direct hire placement services, (b) temporary professional services staffing in the fields of information technology, engineering, medical, and accounting, and (c) temporary light industrial staffing. Intersegment net service revenues are not significant. Revenues generated from the temporary professional services staffing and light industrial staffing are classified as contract staffing services revenues in the statements of operations. Selling, general and administrative expenses are not separately allocated among professional services or industrial staffing services within the contract staffing services sector for internal reporting purposes.

Unallocated corporate expenses primarily include, corporate legal expenses, consulting expenses, corporate payroll, audit fees, corporate rent and facility costs, board fees and interest expense.