READING INTERNATIONAL INC - Quarter Report: 2015 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

__________________________________

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended:  March 31, 2015

OR

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

Commission file number 1-8625

READING INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (213) 235-2240

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, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):  Large accelerated filer ☐  Accelerated filer ☑  Non-accelerated filer ☐

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.  As of May 6, 2015, there were 21,745,484 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share and 1,580,590 shares of Class B Voting Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share outstanding.

 

 

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READING INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

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PART 1 - Financial Information

Item 1 - Financial Statements

Reading International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Reading International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Reading International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Reading International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Reading International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

Reading International, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“RDI” and collectively with our consolidated subsidiaries and corporate predecessors, the “Company,” “Reading” and “we,” “us,” or “our”), was founded in 1983 as a Delaware corporation and reincorporated in 1999 in Nevada.  Our businesses consist primarily of:

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for interim reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim reporting.  As such, certain information and disclosures typically required by US GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  The financial information presented in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015 (the “March Report”) should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (our “2014 Annual Report”) which contains the latest audited financial statements and related notes.  The periods presented in this document are the three months ended March 31, 2015 (“2015 Quarter”) and the three months ended March 31, 2014 (“2014 Quarter”).

In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary to present fairly in all material respects our financial position as of March 31, 2015 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the three ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 have been made. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the entire year.

Expiring Debt and Liquidity Requirements

Expiring Long-Term Debt

Our New Zealand corporate credit facility which would have matured on March 31, 2015 was originally extended to April 30, 2015 and as such the balance of $21.0 million (NZ$28.0 million) is classified as a current liability on the consolidated balance sheet as at  March 31, 2015. We have since received a second extension of this facility to July 30, 2015 in order to provide enough time to complete the loan documentation for our new credit facility.

Additionally, the term of our Union Square Theatre Term Loan would have matured on May 1, 2015 but has been extended to June 1, 2015. Accordingly, the outstanding balance of this debt of $6.4 million has been classified as a current liability on the consolidated balance sheet as at March 31, 2015.

While no assurances can be given that we will be successful, we currently anticipate that these loans will either be extended or replaced prior to their extended maturities.

Tax Settlement Liability

As indicated in our 2014 Annual Report, in accordance with the agreement between the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and our subsidiary, Craig Corporation, it is obligated to pay $290,000 per month $3.5 million per year) in settlement of its tax liability for the tax year ended June 30, 1997.

Liquidity

For the above-mentioned liabilities, we believe that we have the required liquidity to meet these obligations through either the extension or replacement of maturing debt or the generation of cash from our operating activities.  Together with our $39.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, we expect to meet our anticipated short-term working capital requirements for the next twelve months.

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Receivables

Our receivables balance is composed primarily of credit card receivables, representing the purchase price of tickets, concessions, or coupon books sold at our various businesses.  Sales charged on customer credit cards are collected when the credit card transactions are processed.  The remaining receivables balance is primarily made up of the goods and services tax (“GST”) refund receivable from our Australian taxing authorities and the management fee receivable from the managed cinemas and property damage insurance recovery proceeds. We have no history of significant bad debt losses and we have established an allowance for accounts that we deem uncollectible.

Marketable Securities

We had investments in marketable securities of $51,000 and $54,000 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  We account for these investments as available-for-sale investments.  We assess our investment in marketable securities for other-than-temporary impairments in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320-10 for each applicable reporting period.  These investments have a cumulative gain of $9,000 included in accumulated other comprehensive income at March 31, 2015.  For the three months ended March 31, 2015, our net unrealized (loss) on marketable securities was ($1,000). For the three months ended March 31, 2014, our net unrealized gain on marketable securities was $1,000.  During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we did not buy or sell any marketable securities.

Deferred Leasing Costs

We amortize direct costs incurred in connection with obtaining tenants for our properties over the respective term of the lease on a straight-line basis.

Deferred Financing Costs

We amortize direct costs incurred in connection with obtaining financing over the term of the loan using the effective interest method, or the straight-line method, if the result is not materially different.  In addition, interest on loans with increasing interest rates and scheduled principal pre-payments is also recognized using the effective interest method.

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During 2015

No new pronouncements were adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Auditing Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, Interest- Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-03) - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs which requires unamortized debt issuance costs to be presented as a reduction of the corresponding debt liability rather than a separate asset. ASU 2015-03 will be adopted on the effective date for the Company, which is January 1, 2016. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statement disclosures.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The amendments in this update change the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modify related disclosure requirements. The guidance applies prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date, and is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2015. However, all entities may adopt the guidance early for new disposals (or new classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard to achieve a consistent application of revenue recognition within the U.S. resulting in a single revenue model to be applied by reporting companies under U.S., generally accepted accounting principles.  Under the new model, recognition of revenues occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  In addition, the new standard requires that reporting companies disclose the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.  The new standard is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2017; early adoption is prohibited.  The new standard is required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying it recognized at the date of initial application.  We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the impact of the new standard on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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Note 2 – Equity and Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we issued 160,643 and 125,209, respectively,  Class A Nonvoting shares to an executive employee associated with the vesting of his prior years’ stock grants.  During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we accrued $300,000 in compensation expense associated with anticipated executive employee stock grants. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we accrued $187,500 in compensation expense associated with the vesting of executive employee stock grants.

Employee/Director Stock Option Plan

We have a long-term incentive stock option plan that provides for the grant to eligible employees, directors, and consultants of incentive or non-statutory options to purchase shares of our Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and Class B Voting Common Stock.  Currently we issue options under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

When the Company’s tax deduction from an option exercise exceeds the compensation cost resulting from the option, a tax benefit is created.  FASB ASC 718-20 relating to Stock-Based Compensation (“FASB ASC 718-20”), requires that excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises be reflected as financing cash inflows instead of operating cash inflows.  For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no impact to the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows because there were no material recognized tax benefits from stock option exercises during these periods.

FASB ASC 718-20 requires companies to estimate forfeitures. Based on our historical experience and the relative market price to strike price of the options, we do not currently estimate any forfeitures of vested or unvested options.

In accordance with FASB ASC 718-20, we estimate the fair value of our options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which takes into account assumptions such as the dividend yield, the risk-free interest rate, the expected stock price volatility, and the expected life of the options.  As we intend to retain all earnings, we exclude the dividend yield from the calculation.  We expense the estimated grant date fair values of options issued on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

For the 12,000 and 20,000 options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, we estimated the fair value of these options at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

 

Based on the above calculation and prior years’ assumptions, and, in accordance with the FASB ASC 718-20, we recorded compensation expense for the total estimated grant date fair value of $57,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $34,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, the total unrecognized estimated compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted was $427,000, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average vesting period of 2.38 years. 47,500 options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2015 having an intrinsic value of $320,000 for which we received $326,000 of cash. The intrinsic, unrealized value of all options outstanding, vested and expected to vest, at March 31, 2015 was $2.4 million of which 63.0% are currently exercisable.

Pursuant to both our 1999 Stock Option Plan and our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, all stock options expire no later than ten years from their grant date.  The aggregate total number of shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and Class B Voting Common Stock authorized for issuance under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan is 1,250,000.  At the discretion of our Compensation and Stock Options Committee, the vesting period of stock options is usually between zero and four years.

 

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We had the following stock options outstanding and exercisable as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of all options outstanding, vested, and expected to vest at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was approximately 2.64 and 2.44 years, respectively.  The weighted average remaining contractual life of the exercisable options outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was approximately 3.05 and 3.11 years, respectively.

 

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Note 3 – Business Segments

We organize our operations into two reportable business segments within the meaning of FASB ASC 280-10 - Segment Reporting.  Our reportable segments are (1) cinema exhibition and (2) real estate.  The cinema exhibition segment is engaged in the development, ownership, and operation of multiplex cinemas.  The real estate segment is engaged in the development, ownership, and operation of commercial properties.  Incident to our real estate operations, we have acquired, and continue to hold, raw land in urban and suburban centers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

The tables below summarize the results of operations for each of our principal business segments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Operating expense includes costs associated with the day-to-day operations of the cinemas and the management of rental properties, including our live theater assets (dollars in thousands):

 

 

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Note 4 – Operations in Foreign Currency

We have significant assets in Australia and New Zealand. To the extent possible, we conduct our Australian and New Zealand operations on a self-funding basis.  The carrying value of our Australian and New Zealand assets and liabilities fluctuate due to changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the functional currency of Australia (Australian dollar) and New Zealand (New Zealand dollar).  We have no derivative financial instruments to hedge against the risk of foreign currency exposure.

Presented in the table below are the currency exchange rates for Australia and New Zealand as of March 31, 2015 , December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014

 

 

Note 5 – Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to Reading International, Inc. common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to Reading International, Inc. common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive common shares had been issued.  Stock options and non-vested stock awards give rise to potentially dilutive common shares.  In accordance with FASB ASC 260-10 - Earnings Per Share, these shares are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation under the treasury stock method.  The following is a calculation of earnings (loss) per share (dollars in thousands, except share data):

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the weighted average shares of common stock – diluted included 281,188 of common stock compensation and in-the-money incremental stock options, and for the three months ended March 31, 2014, the weighted average shares of common stock – diluted included 240,643 of common stock compensation and in-the-money incremental stock options.  In addition, 436,662 of out-of-the-money stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 799,516 of out-of-the-money stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 

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Note 6 – Property and Equipment

Operating Property, net

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, property associated with our operating activities is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Depreciation expense for operating property was $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Land Held for Sale – Moonee Ponds

On October 15, 2013, we entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement to sell this property for a sale price of $17.5 million (AUS$23.0 million) payable in full upon closing of the transaction on April 16, 2015.  The property has a book value of $9.4 million (AUS $12.4 million), and while the transaction was treated as a current sale for tax purposes, it does not qualify as a sale under US GAAP until the close of the transaction which occurred on April 16, 2015.  As the scheduled closing date is less than one year away, this asset has been listed as a current asset in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as at March 31, 2015.

Land Held for Sale – Burwood

On May 12, 2014, we entered into a contract to sell our undeveloped 50.6 acre parcel in Burwood, Victoria, Australia, to an affiliate of Australand Holdings Limited for a purchase price of $49.6 million (AUS$65.0 million). 

We received $5.9 million (AUS$6.5 million) on the May 23, 2014 closing.  The balance of the purchase price is due on December 31, 2017.  The agreement provides for mandatory pre-payments in the event that any of the land is sold by the buyer, any such prepayment being in an amount equal to the greater of (a) 90% of the net sale price or (b) the balance of the purchase price multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the square footage of property being sold by the buyer and the denominator of which is the original square footage of the property being sold to the buyer.  The agreement does not provide for the payment of interest on the balance owed.  

Our book value in the property is $39.7 million (AUS$52.1 million) and while the transaction was treated as a current sale for tax purposes, it does not qualify as a sale under US GAAP until the receipt of the payment of the balance of the purchase price due on December 31, 2017 (or earlier depending upon whether any prepayment obligation is triggered).  The asset has been listed as a long term asset.

Investment and Development Property

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our investment and development property is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

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Note 7 – Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and Entities

Our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and entities are accounted for under the equity method of accounting except for Rialto Distribution, which is accounted for as a cost method investment, and, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, included the following (dollars in thousands):

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recorded our share of equity earnings from our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and entities as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Note 8 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In accordance with FASB ASC 350-20-35, Goodwill - Subsequent Measurement and Impairment, we perform an annual impairment review of our goodwill and other intangible assets on a reporting unit basis in the fourth quarter or earlier, if changes in circumstances indicate an asset may be impaired.  No such circumstances existed during the 2015 Quarter. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had goodwill consisting of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

We have intangible assets other than goodwill that are subject to amortization, which we amortize over various periods.  We amortize our beneficial leases over the lease period, the longest of which is 30 years; our trade name using an accelerated amortization method over its estimated useful life of 45 years; and our other intangible assets over 10 years.  For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the amortization expense of intangibles totaled $435,000, and, for the three months ended March 31, 2014, the amortization expense of intangibles totaled $571,000.  The accumulated amortization of intangibles includes $191,000 and $228,000 of the amortization of acquired leases, which are recorded in operating expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

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Note 9 – Prepaid and Other Assets

Prepaid and other assets are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

Note 10 – Income Tax

The provision for income taxes is different from the amount computed by applying U.S. statutory rates to consolidated losses before taxes.  The significant reason for these differences is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Pursuant to FASB ASC 740-10 – Income Taxes (“FASB ASC 740-10”), a provision should be made for the tax effect of earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not permanently invested outside the United States.  Our intent is that earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are not permanently invested outside the United States.  Current earnings were available for distribution in the Reading Australia consolidated group of subsidiaries as of March 31, 2015.  We have provided approximately $930,000 in tax in connection with these earnings as of March 31, 2015. There is no withholding tax on dividends paid by an Australian company to its 80% or more U.S. public company shareholder, thus we have not provided foreign withholding taxes for these  retained earnings.

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Deferred income taxes reflect the “temporary differences” between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, adjusted by the relevant tax rate.  In accordance with FASB ASC 740-10, we record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized.  In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax assets and liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial performance.  FASB ASC 740-10 presumes that a valuation allowance is required when there is substantial negative evidence about realization of deferred tax assets, such as a pattern of losses in recent years, coupled with facts that suggest such losses may continue. 

We have accrued $13.1 million in total tax liabilities as of March 31, 2015, of which $ 5.9 million has been classified as taxes payable-current and $7.2 million have been classified as taxes payable – long-term.  As part of current tax liabilities, we have accrued $4.4 million in connection with the settlement of the IRS claims against our subsidiary Craig Corporation relating to its 1996 tax year. This is an obligation of Craig Corporation, and not of Reading International, Inc.  We believe that the $13.1 million represents an adequate provision for our income and other tax exposures, including income tax contingencies related to foreign withholding taxes.

In accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-25 – Income Taxes - Uncertain Tax Positions (“FASB ASC 740-10-25”), we record interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015,  we recorded a reduction of approximately $1.1 million to our gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, related to closing a prior period U.S. tax audit.  The net tax balance is approximately $2.7 million, and the interest balance is $5.5 million, all of which would affect the effective rate if recognized. For the period ending December 31, 2014, we recorded gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $3.7- million, of which $2.7 million would affect the effective rate if recognized. The interest balance was $5.5 million, all of which would affect the effective rate if recognized.

It is difficult to predict the timing and resolution of uncertain tax positions.  Based upon the Company’s assessment of many factors, including past experience and judgments about future events, we estimate that within the next 12 months the reserve for uncertain tax positions will increase within a range of $100,000 to $1.0 million.  The reasons for such changes include but are not limited to tax positions expected to be taken during the next twelve months, reevaluation of current uncertain tax positions, expiring statutes of limitations, and interest related to the “Tax Audit/Litigation” settlement, which occurred January 6, 2011.

Our Company and subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax, income tax in U.S. states and possessions, and income tax in Australia and New Zealand. Generally, changes to our U.S. federal and most state income tax returns for the calendar year 2010 and earlier are barred by statutes of limitations.  Our income tax returns for Australia filed since inception in 1995 are generally open for examination because of operating losses.  The income tax returns filed in New Zealand for calendar year 2010 and afterward generally remain open for examination as of March 31, 2015.

 

Note 11 – Notes Payable

Notes payable are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

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Derivative Instruments

As indicated in Note 16 – Derivative Instruments, for our Australian NAB Corporate Credit Facility (“NAB Loan”), our U.S. Bank of America Revolver (“BofA Revolver”), and our Trust Preferred Securities Loan we have entered into interest rate swap agreements for all or part of these facilities.  The loan agreement together with the swap results in us paying a total fixed interest rate of 7.85%  (5.50% swap contract rate plus a 2.35% margin under the loan) for our NAB Loan; a total fixed interest rate of 3.65%  (1.15% swap contract rate plus a 2.50% margin under the loan) for our BofA Revolver; and a total fixed interest rate of 5.2%  (1.20% swap contract rate plus a 4.00% margin under the loan) for our Trust Preferred Securities Loan. These rates are instead of the above indicated 4.61%,  2.68% and 4.25% respectively, which are the obligatorily disclosed loan rates. 

New Zealand Corporate Credit Facility

We originally extended our New Zealand Westpac bank loan to April 30, 2015, but have since received a second extension to July 30, 2015.  We have however, signed a new term sheet for our new credit facility and expect the loan documents to be signed prior to the end of the current extension. We anticipate a higher facility limit than we currently have, a similar term, interest only and a 25bps lower margin cost. This loan has been classified as a short-term liability on the consolidated balance sheet as at March 31, 2015.

US Union Square Term Loan

The US Union Square Term loan came due for repayment on May 1, 2015 but has been extended to June 1, 2015. We have signed a term sheet for our new credit facility and expect the loan documents to be signed prior to the end of the current extension. We anticipate a higher loan limit, a 2-year term, interest only with no prepayment penalty. This loan has been classified as a short-term liability on the consolidated balance sheet as at March 31, 2015.

  

Note 12 – Other Liabilities

Other liabilities are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

On August 29, 2014 the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan “SERP” that was effective since March 1, 2007, was ended and replaced with a new Pension annuity.  As a result of the termination of the SERP program, the accrued pension liability of $7.6 million  was reversed and replaced with a new pension annuity liability of $7.5 million.  The valuation of the liability is based on the present value of $10.3 million discounted at a 4.25% over a 15- year term.  Monthly payments of $56,944 will be made to the estate of Jim Cotter Sr. commencing October 1, 2014.  The discounted value of $2.8 million (which is the difference between the estimated payout of $10.3 million and the present value of $7.5 million) will be amortized and expensed based on the 15-year term.  In addition, the accumulated actuarial loss of $3.1 million recorded, as part of other comprehensive income will also be amortized based on the 15-year term.

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As a result of the above, included in our other liabilities are accrued pension costs of $7.6 million at March 31, 2015.  The benefits of our pension plans are fully vested, and, as such, no service costs were recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.  Our pension plans are unfunded.  For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recognized $45,000 of interest cost and $52,000 of amortized actuarial loss.  For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recognized $82,000 of interest cost and $236,000 of amortized actuarial loss.

 

 

 

Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies

Unconsolidated Debt 

Total debt of unconsolidated joint ventures and entities was $569,000 and $592,000 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  Our share of unconsolidated debt, based on our ownership percentage, was $190,000 and $197,000 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  This debt is guaranteed by one of our subsidiaries to the extent of our ownership percentage.

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Note 14 – Noncontrolling interests

Noncontrolling interests are composed of the following enterprises:

 

The components of noncontrolling interests are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

The components of income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Summary of Controlling and Noncontrolling Stockholders’ Equity

A summary of the changes in controlling and noncontrolling stockholders’ equity is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Note 15 – Common Stock

Common Stock Issuance

During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we issued 160,643 and 125,209, respectively, of Class A Nonvoting shares to an executive employee associated with his prior years’ stock grants. 

Common Stock Buyback

On May 16, 2014, the Company's board of directors authorized management, at its discretion, to spend from time to time up to an aggregate of $10.0 million to acquire shares of Reading’s Common Stock. This approved stock repurchase plan supersedes and effectively cancels the program that was approved by the board on May 14, 2004, which allowed management to purchase up to 350,000 shares of Reading’s Common Stock.

The repurchase program allows Reading to repurchase its shares from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission on the open market, in block trades and in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors.  All purchases are subject to the availability of shares at prices that are acceptable to Reading, and accordingly, no assurances can be given as to the timing or number of shares that may ultimately be acquired pursuant to this authorization.

Under this approved buyback program, the company has repurchased $5.9 million worth of common stock.  This leaves $4.1 million available for repurchase as of March  31, 2015.

 

 

Note 16 – Derivative Instruments

As more fully described in our 2014 Annual Report, we are exposed to interest rate changes from our outstanding floating rate borrowings.  We manage our fixed to floating rate debt mix to mitigate the impact of adverse changes in interest rates on earnings and cash flows and on the market value of our borrowings.  From time to time, we may enter into interest rate hedging contracts, which effectively convert a portion of our variable rate debt to a fixed rate over the term of interest rate swaps or fix the maximum variable rate with an interest rate cap.  For an explanation of the impact of swaps on our interest paid for the periods presented, see Note 11 – Notes Payable.

The following table sets forth the terms of our interest rate swap and cap derivative instruments at March 31, 2015:

 

 

In accordance with FASB ASC 815-10-35, Subsequent Valuation of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Instruments (“FASB ASC 815-10-35”), we marked our interest rate swap and cap instruments to market on the consolidated balance sheet resulting in an increase in interest expense of $66,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and a decrease of $194,000 in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we recorded as other long-term liabilities the fair market value of our interest rate swaps and cap of $2.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively.  In accordance with FASB ASC 815-10-35, we have not designated any of our current interest rate swap or cap positions as financial reporting hedges.

 

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Note 17 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC 820-10,  Fair Value Measurement (“FASB ASC 820-10”) establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The statement requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

We used the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair values of the assets and liabilities:

Level 1 Fair Value Measurements – are based on market quotes of our marketable securities.

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements – Interest Rate Swaps and Caps – The fair value of interest rate swap and cap instruments are estimated based on market data and quotes from counter parties to the agreements that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements – Impaired Property – For assets measured on a non-recurring basis, such as real estate assets that are required to be recorded at fair value as a result of an impairment, our estimates of fair value are based on management’s best estimate derived from evaluating market sales data for comparable properties developed by a third party appraiser and arriving at management’s estimate of fair value based on such comparable data primarily based on properties with similar characteristics.

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we held certain items that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  These included available for sale securities and interest rate derivative contracts.  Our available-for-sale securities primarily consist of investments associated with the ownership of marketable securities in New Zealand and the U.S.  Derivative instruments are related to our economic hedge of interest rates.

The fair values of the interest rate swap and cap agreements are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future cash payments and cash receipts on the pay and receive legs of the interest swap agreements that have the net effect of swapping the estimated variable rate note payment stream for a fixed rate payment stream over the period of the swap.  The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the interest rate swap agreements are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities.  To comply with the provisions of FASB ASC 820-10, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.  Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by our counterparties and us.  However, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation and determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives.  As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The nature of our interest rate swap and cap derivative instruments is described in Note 16 – Derivative Instruments. 

We have consistently applied these valuation techniques in all periods presented and believe we have obtained the most accurate information available for the types of derivative contracts we hold.  Additionally, there were no transfers of assets and liabilities between levels 1, 2, or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

We measure and record the following assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC 820-10 (dollars in thousands):

 

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We measure the following liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC 820-10 (dollars in thousands):

 

We estimated the fair value of our secured mortgage notes payable, unsecured notes payable, trust preferred securities, and other debt instruments by performing discounted cash flow analyses using an appropriate market discount rate.  We calculated the market discount rate by obtaining period-end treasury rates for fixed-rate debt, or LIBOR rates for variable-rate debt, for maturities that correspond to the maturities of our debt, adding appropriate credit spreads derived from information obtained from third-party financial institutions.  These credit spreads take into account factors such as our credit standing, the maturity of the debt, whether the debt is secured or unsecured, and the loan-to-value ratios of the debt.

 

Note 18 - Subsequent Events

In Australia the closing of the sale of our Moonee Ponds property occurred on April 15, 2015 and as per the purchase and sale agreement we received $17.5 million  (AUS$23.0 million) in sales proceeds.

In New Zealand we received a second extension letter that extended the termination date of the $21.0 million (NZ$28.0 million) Westpac Term Facility from April 30, 2015 to July 30, 2015.  We have signed a new term sheet for our new credit facility and expect the loan documents to be signed prior to the end of the current extension. We anticipate a higher facility limit than we currently have, a similar term, interest only and a 25bps lower margin cost.

In New Zealand during April 2015 we sold our two parcels of land at Lake Taupo for a combined $2.5 million (NZ$3.4 million). $1.6 million (NZ$2.2) million for one parcel will be received by May 6, 2015 and the $898,000 (NZ$1.2 million) for the second parcel will be received by March 31, 2016. Our carrying cost of these two parcels was $1.8 million (NZ$2.5 million) at March 31, 2015.

Liberty Theaters, LLC, the owner of the Orpheum Theater and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, recently received a purported notice of termination from the long-running show “STOMP” in violation of the license agreement between the parties, and has filed a court action seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent the show from moving to a new venue pending an arbitration of the parties’ dispute.  The court hearing on such injunction motion is scheduled for May 21, 2015.

On April 30, 2015, our Ward 16 Theater at Victoria Ward, operated under our Consolidated Theatres brand, became the first movie theater on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawai‘i to be granted a liquor license.

 

 

 

 

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

We are an internationally diversified company principally focused on the development, ownership, and operation of entertainment and real estate assets in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.  Currently, we operate in two business segments:

We believe that these two business segments can complement one another as we can use the comparatively consistent cash flows generated by our cinema operations to fund the front-end cash demands of our real estate development business.

We manage our worldwide cinema exhibition businesses under various different brands:

Cinema Activities

We continue to consider opportunities to expand our cinema operations while continuing to cull those cinema assets that are underperforming or have unacceptable risk profiles on a go-forward basis. We are refurbishing and repositioning our Carmel Mountain theater in San Diego County as a luxury Angelika theater expected to open in the second half of the year.

Real Estate Activities

In recent periods we have focused our real estate development activities on (i) the disposition of certain assets (Lake Taupo, Moonee Ponds, Burwood and the Doheny Condo) which we believe to have achieved their full potential land value, (ii) the improvement and expansion of our shopping center assets including an anchor grocery store tenancy for Wellington, and a multi-plex cinema for Newmarket, (iii) the redevelopment of our Union Square and Cinemas 1, 2, 3 properties in Manhattan and (iv) the procurement of land use entitlements for our landholdings in Coachella, California (202 acres) and Manukau, New Zealand (64 acres). The market for New York City property has continued to strengthen, with comparable sales being reported in the range of $1,100 per buildable square foot. Our business plan is to continue with the build-out of our existing operating properties, such as our Wellington, New Zealand site, and our Newmarket, Australia site,  to redevelop our Union Square and Cinemas 1, 2, 3 properties, to continue to pursue the various land use entitlements needed for the development of our landholdings in New Zealand and California, and to seek out additional, profitable real estate development opportunities while continuing to use and judiciously expand our presence in the cinema exhibition business by identifying, developing, and acquiring cinema properties when and where we believe to be appropriate.  In addition, we may sell all or portions of our properties in order to provide liquidity for other projects. To that end, as mentioned above we have entered into a contract to sell our property in Lake Taupo, New Zealand, for $2.5 million (NZ$3.4 million) which closes in two tranches with a final close expected by March 31, 2016 or earlier as mutually agreed; our Moonee Ponds, Australia, property which closed April 15, 2015; we sold our property in Burwood, Australia, with a balance due of $44.6 million (AUS$58.5 million) that is scheduled to be paid at closing in December 2017; We sold the Doheny Condo for $3.0 million which closed on February 25, 2015.  On March 6, 2015, we acquired an adjoining property to our Newmarket, Australia site for  $5.5 million (AU$7.25 million).    

Financing Activities

We are in process of documenting our new credit facilities in New Zealand and for the Union Square and while no assurance can be given, we believe that we will be able to finalize both these facilities within their extensions periods.

 

Results of Operations

At March 31, 2015, we owned and operated 54 cinemas with 443 screens, had interests in certain unconsolidated joint ventures and entities that own an additional 3 cinemas with 29 screens and managed 1 cinema with 4 screens.  Regarding our real estate, during the period, we (i) owned and operated four Entertainment Themed Retail Centers (“ETRCs”) that we developed in Australia and New Zealand, (ii) owned the fee interests in four developed commercial properties in Manhattan and Chicago improved with live theaters comprising seven stages and ancillary retail and commercial space, (iii) owned the fee interests underlying one of our Manhattan cinemas, (iv) held for development an additional four parcels aggregating approximately 75 acres located principally in urbanized areas of Australia and New Zealand (calculated net of our Lake Taupo, Moonee Ponds and Burwood Properties), and (v) owned 50% of a 202-acre property that is zoned for the development of over 500 single-family residential units in the U.S.  In addition, we continue to hold various properties used in our historic railroad operations.

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The tables below summarize the results of operations for each of our principal business segments for the three (“2015 Quarter”) months ended March 31, 2015 and the three (“2014 Quarter”) months ended March 31, 2014, respectively (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cinema Exhibition Segment

Included in the cinema exhibition segment above are revenue and expense from the operations of 54 cinema complexes with 443 screens during the 2015 Quarter and 52 cinema complexes with 434 screens during the 2014 Quarter.  The following tables detail our cinema exhibition segment operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Real Estate Segment

The following tables detail our real estate segment operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Corporate

Quarterly Results

General and administrative expense decreased by $504,000 for the 2015 Quarter compared to the 2014 Quarter, due to a decrease in executive pension costs. Also, the stronger US dollar has also contributed to overall lower costs from our Australian and New Zealand corporate offices.

Net interest expense increased by $278,000 for the 2015 Quarter compared to the 2014 Quarter. Our interest expense was higher in the 2015 Quarter due to a change in mark-to-market interest rate swap valuations for the quarter resulting in a lower decrease than the comparable quarter in 2014.

Other income increased $2.0 million due to the sale of the Doheny Condo in February 2015 for $3.0 million.

Income taxes increased by $931,000 mainly as a result of the reversal of the valuation allowance previously recorded against U.S. deferred tax assets during the first quarter of 2014.

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Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Reading International, Inc. Common Shareholders

We recorded a net income attributable to Reading International, Inc. common shareholders of $3.1 million for the 2015 Quarter compared to a loss of $215,000 for the 2014 Quarter.  As described above, the increase in net income from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to a  $2.1 million increase in segment operating income for the 2015 Quarter as compared to 2014, together with the $3.0 million income from the Doheny Condo sale. This was partially offset by a $931,000 increase in income tax expense for the 2015 Quarter as compared to 2014, coupled with the higher interest expense. 

 

 

Business Plan, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Business Plan

Our cinema exhibition business plan is to continue to identify, develop, and acquire cinema properties, where reasonably available, that allow us to leverage our cinema expertise and technology over a larger operating base. 

Our real estate business plan is to begin development of our existing land assets, to be sensitive to opportunities to convert our entertainment assets to higher and better uses, or, when appropriate, to dispose of such assets. 

In addition, we review opportunities to monetize our assets where such action could lead to a financially acceptable outcome.  We will also continue to investigate potential synergistic acquisitions that may not readily fall into either of our two cinema or real estate segments. 

Contractual Obligations

The following table provides information with respect to the maturities and scheduled principal repayments of our secured debt and lease obligations at March 31, 2015  (in thousands):

 

 

We base estimated interest on long-term debt on the anticipated loan balances for future periods calculated against current fixed and variable interest rates.

We adopted FASB ASC 740-10-25 on January 1, 2007.  As of adoption, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $12.5 million decreasing to $2.7 million as of March 31, 2015 primarily as a result of the settlement on January 6, 2011 of our Tax Audit/Litigation matter.

Unconsolidated Debt

Total debt of unconsolidated joint ventures and entities was $569,000 and $592,000 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Our share of unconsolidated debt, based on our ownership percentage, was $190,000 and $197,000 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  This debt is guaranteed by one of our subsidiaries to the extent of our ownership percentage.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There are no off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements or obligations (including contingent obligations) that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in the financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.

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Currency Risk

We are subject to currency risk because we conduct a significant portion of our business in Australia and New Zealand.  Set forth below is a chart indicating the various exchange rates at certain points in time for the Australian and New Zealand Dollar vis-à-vis the US Dollar over the past 20 years.

We do not engage in currency hedging activities.  Rather, to the extent possible, we operate our Australian and New Zealand operations on a self-funding basis.  Our policy in Australia and New Zealand is to match revenues and expenses, whenever possible, in local currencies.  As a result, we have procured in local currencies the majority of our expenses in Australia and New Zealand.  As our U.S. operations are funded in part by the operational results of Australia and New Zealand, fluctuations in these foreign currencies affect such funding.  As we continue to progress with our acquisition and development activities in Australia and New Zealand, the effect of variations in currency values will likely increase.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operating activities in order to meet our obligations and commitments drives our liquidity position.  This is further affected by our ability to obtain adequate, reasonable financing and/or to convert non-performing or non-strategic assets into cash.

Currently, our liquidity needs arise primarily from:

Expiring Debt and Liquidity Requirements

Expiring Long-Term Debt

Our New Zealand Corporate Credit Facility matured on March 31, 2015. We have now received an extension through to July 30, 2015. As such  the balance of $21.8 million (NZ$28.0 million) has been classified as a current liability on the consolidated balance sheet as at March 31, 2015.

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Additionally, the term of our Union Square Theatre Term Loan matures on May 1, 2015. We have received an extension through to June 1, 2015.  The outstanding balance of this debt of $6.5 million has been classified as a current liability on the consolidated balance sheet as at March 31, 2015.

While no assurances can be given that we will be successful, we currently anticipate that these loans will either be extended or replaced prior to their extension maturities.

Tax Settlement Liability

As indicated in our 2014 Annual Report, in accordance with the agreement between the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and our subsidiary, Craig Corporation, it is obligated to pay $290,000 per month, $3.5 million per year, in settlement for its tax liability for its tax year 1996. At March 31, 2015, Craig Corporation’s remaining tax liability under this agreement was approximately $2.0 million.

For the abovementioned liabilities, we believe that we have sufficient borrowing capacity under our various credit facilities, together with our $39.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, to meet our anticipated short-term working capital requirements for the next twelve months.

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operations was $732,000 for the 2015 Three Months compared to cash used in operations of $1.1 million in the 2014 Three Months. The year-to-year change in cash provided by operations of $1.8 million was due primarily to a $1.3 million increase in operational cash flows together with a $489,000 change in operating assets and liabilities.

Investing Activities

Cash provided by investing activities for the 2015 Three Months was $687,000 compared to $624,000 used in investing activities for the 2014 Three Months, a change of $1.3 million.  The $687,000 of cash used in investing activities for the 2015 Three Months related to:

offset by

The $624,000 of cash used for investing activities for the 2014 Three Months was primarily related to:

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities for the 2015 Three Months was $9.4 million compared to $1.0 million of cash used in financing activities for the same period in 2014 resulting in a change of $8.4 million.  The $9.4 million in cash used in financing activities during the 2015 Three Months was primarily related to:

 

The $1.0 million in cash used in financing activities during the 2014 Three Months was primarily related to:

Critical Accounting Policies

The SEC defines critical accounting policies as those that are, in management’s view, most important to the portrayal of the company’s financial condition and results of operations and the most demanding in their calls on judgment.  Although accounting for our core business of cinema and live theater exhibition with a real estate focus is relatively straightforward, we believe our most critical accounting policies relate to:

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We discuss these critical accounting policies in our 2014 Annual Report and advise you to refer to that discussion.    

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a new standard to achieve a consistent application of revenue recognition within the U.S resulting in a single revenue model to be applied by reporting companies under U.S. general accepted accounting principles. The new standard is effective beginning in the first quarter of 2017. While we feel the impact of the proposed revenue recognition will have minimal impact on our business since our revenues predominantly come from movie ticket sales and concession purchases, we intend to go through the analysis to ensure that we are in compliance.

Financial Risk Management

Our internally developed risk management procedure seeks to minimize the potentially negative effects of changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates on the results of operations.  Our primary exposure to fluctuations in the financial markets is currently due to changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates between U.S and Australia and New Zealand. 

As our operational focus continues to shift to Australia and New Zealand, unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses could materially affect our financial position.  We currently manage our currency exposure by creating, whenever possible, natural hedges in Australia and New Zealand.  This involves local country sourcing of goods and services as well as borrowing in local currencies.

Our exposure to interest rate risk arises out of our long-term debt obligations.  Consistent with our internally developed guidelines, we seek to reduce the negative effects of changes in interest rates by changing the character of the interest rate on our long-term debt, converting a variable rate into a fixed rate by entering into derivative contracts on certain borrowing transactions. Our Australian facility provides for floating interest rates, but we currently have swapped into fixed rate obligations using derivative contracts.

In accordance with FASB ASC 815-10-35, Subsequent Valuation of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Instruments (“FASB ASC 815-10-35”), we marked our interest rate swap and cap instruments to market on the consolidated balance sheet resulting in an increase in interest expense of $66,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and an decrease of $194,000 in interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2014.  At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we recorded the fair market value of our interest rate swaps and cap of $2.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively, as other long-term liabilities.  In accordance with FASB ASC 815-10-35, we have not designated any of our current interest rate swap or cap positions as financial reporting hedges.

Inflation

We continually monitor inflation and the effects of changing prices.  Inflation increases the cost of goods and services used.  Competitive conditions in many of our markets restrict our ability to recover fully the higher costs of acquired goods and services through price increases.  We attempt to mitigate the impact of inflation by implementing continuous process improvement solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency and, as a result, lower costs and operating expenses.  In our opinion, we have managed the effects of inflation appropriately, and, as a result, it has not had a material impact on our operations and the resulting financial position or liquidity.

Litigation

We are currently, and are from time to time, involved with claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business.  Some examples of the types of claims are:

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Where we are the plaintiffs, we expense all legal fees on an on-going basis and make no provision for any potential settlement amounts until received.  In Australia, the prevailing party is entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees, which typically work out to be approximately 60% of the amounts actually spent where first class legal counsel is engaged at customary rates.  Where we are a plaintiff, we have likewise made no provision for the liability for the defendant’s attorneys' fees in the event we are determined not to be the prevailing party.

Where we are the defendants, we accrue for probable damages that insurance may not cover as they become known and can be reasonably estimated.  In our opinion, any claims and litigation in which we are currently involved are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.  However, we do not give any assurance as to the ultimate outcome of such claims and litigation.  The resolution of such claims and litigation could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending on the level of income for such period.  There have been no material changes to our litigation exposure since our 2014 Annual Report.

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

Our statements in this interim quarterly report contain a variety of forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect only our expectations regarding future events and operating performance and necessarily speak only as of the date the information was prepared.  No guarantees can be given that our expectation will in fact be realized, in whole or in part.  You can recognize these statements by our use of words such as, by way of example, “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” and “anticipate” or other similar terminology.

These forward-looking statements reflect our expectation after having considered a variety of risks and uncertainties.  However, they are necessarily the product of internal discussion and do not necessarily completely reflect the views of individual members of our Board of Directors or of our management team.  Individual Board members and individual members of our management team may have a different view as to the risks and uncertainties involved, and may have different views as to future events or our operating performance.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or underlying our forward-looking statements are the following:

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The above list is not necessarily exhaustive, as business is by definition unpredictable and risky, and subject to influence by numerous factors outside of our control such as changes in government regulation or policy, competition, interest rates, supply, technological innovation, changes in consumer taste and fancy, weather, and the extent to which consumers in our markets have the economic wherewithal to spend money on beyond-the-home entertainment.

Given the variety and unpredictability of the factors that will ultimately influence our businesses and our results of operation, it naturally follows that no guarantees can be given that any of our forward-looking statements will ultimately prove to be correct.  Actual results will undoubtedly vary and there is no guarantee as to how our securities will perform either when considered in isolation or when compared to other securities or investment opportunities.

Finally, we undertake no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.  Accordingly, you should always note the date to which our forward-looking statements speak.

Additionally, certain of the presentations included in this interim quarterly report may contain “non-GAAP financial measures.”  In such case, a reconciliation of this information to our GAAP financial statements will be made available in connection with such statements.

 

 

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Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

The SEC requires that registrants include information about potential effects of changes in currency exchange and interest rates in their filings.  Several alternatives, all with some limitations, have been offered.  We base the following discussion on a sensitivity analysis that models the effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates.  This analysis is constrained by several factors, including the following:

Although the results of such an analysis may be useful as a benchmark, they should not be viewed as forecasts.

At March 31, 2015, approximately 48% and 21% of our assets were invested in assets denominated in Australian dollars (Reading Australia) and New Zealand dollars (Reading New Zealand), respectively, including approximately $32.0 million in cash and cash equivalents.  At December 31, 2014, approximately 44% and 20% of our assets were invested in assets denominated in Australian dollars (Reading Australia) and New Zealand dollars (Reading New Zealand), including approximately $40.1 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Our policy in Australia and New Zealand is to match revenues and expenses, whenever possible, in local currencies.  As a result, we have procured in local currencies a majority of our expenses in Australia and New Zealand.  Due to the developing nature of our operations in Australia and New Zealand, our revenue is not yet significantly greater than our operating and interest expenses.  Despite this natural hedge, recent movements in foreign currencies have had an effect on our current earnings.  Although foreign currency has had an effect on our current earnings, the effect of the translation adjustment on our assets and liabilities noted in our other comprehensive income was an increase of $9.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.  As we continue to progress our acquisition and development activities in Australia and New Zealand, we cannot assure you that the foreign currency effect on our earnings will be negligible in the future.

Historically, our policy has been to borrow in local currencies to finance the development and construction of our ETRCs in Australia and New Zealand whenever possible.  As a result, the borrowings in local currencies have provided somewhat of a natural hedge against the foreign currency exchange exposure.  Even so, and as a result of our issuance of fully subordinated notes (TPS) in 2007, and their subsequent partial repayment, approximately 66% and 49% of our Australian and New Zealand assets, respectively, remain subject to such exposure, unless we elect to hedge our foreign currency exchange between the US and Australian and New Zealand dollars.  If the foreign currency rates were to fluctuate by 10%, the resulting change in Australian and New Zealand assets would be $11.6 million and $3.8 million, respectively, and the change in our quarterly net income (loss) would be $223,000 and $26,000, respectively.  Presently, we have no plan to hedge such exposure.

We record unrealized foreign currency translation gains or losses that could materially affect our financial position.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we recorded a cumulative unrealized foreign currency translation gain of approximately $21.2 million and $31.1 million, respectively.

Historically, we maintain most of our cash and cash equivalent balances in short-term money market instruments with original maturities of three months or less.  Due to the short-term nature of such investments, a change of 1% in short-term interest rates would not have a material effect on our financial condition.

While we have typically used fixed rate financing (secured by first mortgages) in the U.S., fixed rate financing is typically not available to corporate borrowers in Australia and New Zealand.  The majority of our Australian and New Zealand bank loans have variable rates.  The Australian facility provides for floating interest rates, but we currently have swapped into fixed rate obligations (see Financial Risk Management above).  Taking into consideration our interest rate swaps and cap, a 1% increase or decrease in short-term interest rates would have resulted in approximately $109,000 increase or decrease in our 2015 Quarter’s interest expense.

 

 

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Item 4 – Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Exchange Act reports, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such, term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

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PART II – Other Information

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

For a description of legal proceedings, please refer to Item 3 entitled Legal Proceedings contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Item 1A – Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in risk factors as previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015 with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

For a description of grants of stock to certain executives, see the Stock Based Compensation section under see Note 2 – Equity and Stock-Based Compensation to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 3 – Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 5 – Other Information

On April 21, 2015,  the company announced the appointment of Devasis (“Dev”) Ghose as its Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective May 11, 2015. Mr. Ghose will be assuming the role previously held by Mr. Andrzej Matyczynski, who will be continuing as a corporate advisor to our Company and then retiring in April 2016. 

Item 6 – Exhibits

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

READING INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

Date:May 7, 2015

 

By: /s/ James J. Cotter, Jr.

James J. Cotter, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

 

Date:May 7, 2015

 

By: /s/ Andrzej Matyczynski

Andrzej Matyczynski

Chief Financial Officer

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