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READING INTERNATIONAL INC - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 or



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

For the transition period from _______ to ______



Commission File No. 1-8625



Picture 3

READING INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEVADA

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

5995 Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 300

Culver City, CA

(Address of principal executive offices)

95-3885184

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

90230

(Zip Code)



Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code:  (213) 235-2240

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



 

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, $0.01 par value

NASDAQ

Class B Voting Common Stock, $0.01 par value

NASDAQ



Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

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

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Yes   No 

Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period than 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K of any amendments to this Form 10-K.  

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

Large Accelerated Filer    Accelerated Filer    Non-Accelerated Filer    Smaller Reporting Company    Emerging Growth Company 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (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 March 12, 2018, there were 21,497,716 shares of class A non-voting common stock, par value $0.01 per share and 1,680,590 shares of class B voting common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.    The aggregate market value of voting and nonvoting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $287,968,855 as of December 31, 2017.

 


 



READING INTERNATIONAL, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

INDEX



Page

PART I

3

Item 1 – Our Business

3

Item 1A – Risk Factors

18

Item 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

27

Item 2 – Properties

28

Item 3 – Legal Proceedings

32

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

32

PART II

32

Item 5 – Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

32

Item 6 – Selected Financial Data

35

Item 7 – Management’s Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

37

Item 7A – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

57

Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

58

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

59

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Consolidated Financial Statements)

60

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Internal Control over Financial Reporting)

61

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016

62

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

63

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

64

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

65

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

66

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

67

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

60

Item 9 – Change in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

110

Item 9A – Controls and Procedures

110

PART III

111

PART IV

112

Item 15 – Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

112

SIGNATURES

115



2


 



The information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 ("2017 Form 10-K" or “2017 Annual Report”) contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements related to trends in the Company's business. The Company's actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include those discussed in "Item 1 – Our Business," "Item 1A – Risk Factors," and "Item 7 – Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" as well as those discussed elsewhere in this 2017 Form 10-K.



PART I



Item 1 – Our Business

GENERAL

Reading International, Inc. (“RDI” and collectively with our consolidated subsidiaries and corporate predecessors, the “Company,” “Reading”, “we,” “us,” or “our”) was incorporated in 1999 incident to our reincorporation in the State of Nevada. Our class A non-voting common stock (“Class A Stock”) and class B voting common stock (“Class B Stock”) are listed for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market (Nasdaq-CM) under the symbols RDI and RDIB, respectively.  Our Corporate Headquarters is located at 5995 Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 300, Culver City (a Los Angeles suburb), California, United States 90230.

Our corporate website address is www.ReadingRDI.com.  We provide, free of charge, on our website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed such material with or furnished it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov).  The contents of our Company website are not incorporated into this report. Our corporate governance charters for our Audit and Conflicts Committee and Compensation and Stock Options Committee are available on our website.

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Synergistic Diversification and Branding

We are a diversified company principally focused on the development, ownership and operation of entertainment and real property assets in three jurisdictions: (i) United States (“U.S.”), (ii) Australia, and (iii) New Zealand.  We group our businesses in two (2) operating segments:



·

Theatrical Motion Picture Exhibition (“Cinema Exhibition”), through our 59 cinemas, and,

·

Real Estate, including real estate development and the rental or licensing of retail, commercial and live theater assets comprising some 21,918,000 square foot of land and approximately 842,000 square feet of net rentable area.

Our portfolio of commercial brands is described as follows:



 

 

 

 

Business Segment / Unit

Our Commercial Brands

Country

Description

Website Link

Cinema Exhibition /    All Countries

Picture 7

United States, Australia, New Zealand

Our Reading Cinemas brand, a name we took from our corporate predecessor (refer to Item 7 – Management’s Discussion & Analysis for our Company History), delivers movie entertainment across our three operating jurisdictions. All our cinemas are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art digital equipment, and some screens feature TITAN XC/LUXE or IMAX.

Reading Cinemas US 

Reading Cinemas AU  

Reading Cinemas NZ   

Picture 6

United States

Since its opening in 1989, the Angelika Film Center (“AFC”) in New York City (“NYC”) is a successful and well-recognized dedicated arthouse in the U.S., featuring independent and foreign films.  Our Angelika brand now has five additional cinemas in the U.S., including the states of Virginia, Texas, California, and Washington D.C. 

Angelika Film Center 

Picture 8

CONSOLIDATED THEATRES

Picture 9

United States

In 2017, our Consolidated Theatres celebrated 100 years of providing cinematic entertainment in the state of Hawaii.  Currently, we have one (1) cinema on the island of Maui and eight (8) cinemas on the island of Oahu, including the newly-opened state-of-the-art 8-screen cinema, Olino by Consolidated Theatres.

Consolidated Theatres 



3


 



Business Segment / Unit

Our Commercial Brands

Country

Description

Description



Picture 10

Picture 11Picture 12

Picture 13 Picture 14

Picture 15

United States

Our City Cinemas circuit, which consists of five cinemas in New York (including one managed cinema), features an eclectic mix of programming, from mainstream blockbusters to independent films.

City Cinemas 

Real Estate / Leasing

Picture 18

United States

The redevelopment of 44 Union Square, a historic Union Square landmark in New York City, is under construction and we anticipate this flagship real estate property in the U.S. will be ready for tenant fit-out by 3rd quarter of 2018.

44 Union Square 

Picture 19

Australia

We just completed a major expansion of Newmarket Village, located in a suburb of Brisbane, that added a new 8-screen Reading Cinemas with TITAN LUXE, an additional 10,150 square feet (943m2) of restaurant tenants and 124 parking spaces.

Newmarket Village 

Picture 20

Australia

Anchored by a 9-screen Reading Cinemas, Auburn/Redyard is an outdoor retail center located in a suburb of Sydney that is undergoing a major facelift to enhance and improve our retail tenancy mix and added three new restaurant tenants in 2017.

Auburn/Redyard 

Picture 2

Australia

Anchored by our own Reading Cinemas, we acquired Cannon Park, comprised of two-adjoining retail centers in the State of Queensland.  The property was purchased in December 2015, in line with our strategic business plan to organically grow our real estate business. 

Cannon Park Townsville 

Picture 21

New Zealand

As a result of an earthquake in November 2016, we now have the opportunity to re-think our Courtenay Central expansion project, which includes plans to construct a supermarket. This property in the heart of New Zealand’s capital city is anchored by our 10-screen Reading Cinemas, which re-opened in March 2017 following the earthquake.  While we re-think our expansion plans, we have launched a pop up food and entertainment experience called The Courtyard.

Courtenay Central 

Real Estate / Live Theatre

Picture 22

United States

We continue to operate three (3) off-Broadway live theatres, one (1) in Chicago and two (2) in Manhattan, New York, all branded under Liberty Theatres.

Liberty Theatres 



We synergistically bring together cinema based entertainment and real estate and believe that these two business segments complement one another, as our cinemas have historically provided the steady cash flows that allow us to be opportunistic in acquiring and holding real estate assets (including non-income producing land) and support our real estate development activities.  Our real estate allows us to develop an asset base that we believe will stand the test of time and one that is capable of being leveraged. More specifically, the combination of these two segments provides a variety of business advantages including the following:

4


 

·

Cinema Anchor Tenancy.  Cinemas can be used as anchors for larger retail developments (referred to as entertainment-themed centers, or “ETCs”), and our involvement in the cinema business can give us an advantage over other real estate developers or redevelopers who must identify and negotiate with third-party anchor tenants.  We have used cinemas to create our own anchors in the following ETCs:





 

 

ETC

City, State or Region / Urban Area

Recent or In-development Projects

Newmarket Village

Newmarket, Queensland / Brisbane

Expansion Project which added an 8-Screen Reading Cinemas and new retail and parking spaces, completed December 2017.

Redyard

Auburn, New South Wales / Sydney

Expansion Project to add new retail, completed December 2017.  Re-development of public alfresco space, target completion Q3-18.

Cannon Park

Townsville / Queensland

Concept master planning in development.

Courtenay Central

Wellington / New Zealand

Re-design of Expansion Project in progress.

Belmont

Perth / Western Australia

No current development planned.



·

Reduced Pressure to Deliver Cinema Business Growth.  Pure cinema operators can encounter financial difficulty as demands upon them to produce cinema-based earnings growth tempt them into reinvesting their cash flow into increasingly marginal cinema sites or overpaying for existing cinemas. While we believe that there will continue to be attractive opportunities to acquire cinema assets and/or to develop upper-end specialty type theaters in the future, we do not feel pressure to build or acquire cinemas for the sake of adding units or building gross revenues. This strategy has, over the years, allowed us to acquire cinemas at multiples of trailing theater cash flow below those paid by third parties in recent acquisitions.  We intend to focus our use of cash flow on our real estate development and operating activities, to the extent that attractive cinema opportunities are not available to us or that such funds are not needed for reinvestment to maintain our cinemas in a competitive position.



·

Flexibility in Property Use.  We are always open to the idea of converting an entertainment property to another use, if there is a higher and better use for the property, or to sell individual assets, if we are presented with an attractive opportunity. Our  Union Square property, where redevelopment is currently in progress, and our Cinema 1,2,3 property on Third Avenue (near 60th Street) in New York City, which is slated for redevelopment, were initially acquired as, and in the case of our Third Avenue property, continues to be used as, an entertainment property.

Insofar as we are aware, we are the only publicly traded company in the world to apply this two-track, synergistic approach to the cinema and real estate development businesses on an international basis.  None of the major cinema exhibition companies (other than Marcus Theatres) have any material landholdings as they operate predominantly on a leased-facility model.

We believe that this synergistic two-pronged strategy – which focuses on the building of long term real estate assets as well as cinema operations – has gained respect in the market, as the trading price of our stock has, generally speaking, outperformed those of our pure cinema competitors in recent periods.



Business Mix and Impact of Foreign Currency Fluctuations

We have worked to maintain a balance both between our cinema and real estate assets and between our U.S. and our Australian and New Zealand assets. In 2017, we invested approximately $38.1 million in our U.S. assets, including approximately $20.1 million for the development of our real estate assets (principally construction of our Union Square property) and $18.0 million for the improvements of our cinema assets (principally upgrading our offerings at our existing cinemas).  We invested approximately $35.6 million in our Australian assets, including approximately $28.2 million for the development of our real estate assets (principally at our Newmarket (Brisbane) and Auburn (Sydney) shopping centers), and $7.5 million for the development of our cinema assets (principally the fit out of our new cinema at Newmarket and the upgrade of certain other cinemas).  We invested approximately $3.3 million in our New Zealand assets, including approximately $2.7 million for the development of real estate assets (principally towards the redevelopment of our Courtenay Central assets), and approximately $571,000 for the development of cinema assets (principally upgrades).



As shown in the chart within the International Business Risks section below, exchange rates for the currencies of these jurisdictions have varied, sometimes materially.  These ratios naturally have an impact on our revenues and asset values, which are reported in USD.  Notwithstanding these fluctuations, however, we continue to believe that, over the long term, operating in Australia and New Zealand is a prudent diversification of risk.  Australia has been identified by the United Nations as one of the Top 10 highest natural resources per person in the world. In 2017, Deutsche Bank named Wellington the best place in the world to live. In 2013, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development rated Australia as the best place to live and work in the world. In our view, the Australian and New Zealand lifestyles support our entertainment/lifestyle focus.

At December 31, 2017, the book value of our assets was $423.0 million, and, as of that same date, we had a consolidated stockholders’ book equity of $181.2 million. Calculated based on book value, $135.2 million, or 32% of our assets, relate to our cinema exhibition activities and $249.2 million, or 59%, of our assets, relate to our real estate activities. 

5


 

Picture 4    Picture 26



For additional segment financial information, please see Note 1 – Description of Business and Segment Reporting to our 2017 consolidated financial statements. 

We have diversified our assets among three countries: the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Based on book value, at December 31, 2017, we had approximately 45% of our assets in the United States, 40% in Australia and 15% in New Zealand compared to 40%, 42%, and 18% respectively, at the end of 2016.

At December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $13.7 million, which has been treated as a corporate asset. Our cash included $9.1 million denominated in U.S. dollars, $2.9 million (AU $3.6 million) in Australian dollars, and $1.7 million (NZ$2.4 million) in New Zealand dollars. We had non-current assets of $169.3 million in the United States, $158.5 million (AU$202.8 million) in Australia and $61.7 million (NZ$86.9 million) in New Zealand.  We had $75.0 million unused capacity of available and unrestricted corporate credit facilities at December 31, 2017.

For 2017, our gross revenues in these jurisdictions were $143.8 million, $106.2 million, and $29.7 million, respectively, compared to $143.1 million, $97.5 million, and $29.9 million for 2016. The United States and Australia both posted revenue increases again in 2017 primarily due to increased box office sales as a result of higher attendance in Australia and increases in our food & beverage (“F&B”). Other revenues increased in all jurisdictions including the business interruption insurance proceeds from our Courtenay Central insurance claim. New Zealand revenue decreased slightly in 2017 compared to 2016 due to the closure of our Courtenay Central ETC and the associated car parking building. The complex and Cinema re-opened for business in March 2017. 



Picture 16     Picture 23

CINEMA EXHIBITION

Overall

We are dedicated to creating inspiring cinema experiences for our guests through hospitality-styled comfort and service, cinematic presentation, uniquely designed venues, curated film and event programming, and crafted food and beverage options. As discussed previously, we manage our worldwide cinema exhibition business under various brands.  Historically, we have focused on the ownership and/or operation of three categories of cinemas:

·

Modern stadium-seating multiplex cinemas featuring conventional film product;

·

Specialty and art cinemas, such as Angelika Film Centers in the U.S. and Rialto Cinema in New Zealand; and,

·

Conventional sloped-floor cinemas in certain markets, including New York City with its prohibitory occupancy and construction costs as well as small town markets that will not support the development of a modern stadium-design multiplex cinema. 

6


 

Shown in the following table are the number of locations and theatre screens in our theatre circuit in each country, by state/territory/ region and indicating our cinema brands and our interest in the underlying asset as of December 31, 2017:  



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

State / Territory /

 

Location

 

Screen

 

Interest in Asset Underlying the Cinema

 

 

Country

 

Region

 

Count

 

Count

 

Leased

 

Owned

 

Operating Brands

United States

 

Hawaii

 

9

 

98

 

9

 

 

 

Consolidated Theatres



 

California

 

7

 

88

 

7

 

 

 

Reading Cinemas, Angelika Film Center



 

New York(3)

 

6

 

23

 

5

 

1

 

Angelika Film Center, City Cinemas



 

Texas

 

2

 

13

 

2

 

 

 

Angelika Film Center



 

New Jersey

 

1

 

12

 

1

 

 

 

Reading Cinemas



 

Virginia

 

1

 

8

 

1

 

 

 

Angelika Film Center



 

Washington DC

 

1

 

3

 

1

 

 

 

Angelika Film Center



 

U.S. Total

 

27

 

245

 

26

 

1

 

 

Australia

 

New South Wales

 

6

 

43

 

4

 

2

 

Reading Cinemas



 

Victoria

 

6

 

43

 

6

 

 

 

Reading Cinemas



 

Queensland

 

5

 

48

 

2

 

3

 

Reading Cinemas, Event Cinemas(1)



 

Western Australia

 

2

 

16

 

1

 

1

 

Reading Cinemas



 

South Australia

 

2

 

15

 

2

 

 

 

Reading Cinemas



 

Australia Total

 

21

 

165

 

15

 

6

 

 

New Zealand

 

Wellington

 

2

 

15

 

1

 

1

 

Reading Cinemas



 

Otago

 

3

 

15

 

2

 

1

 

Reading Cinemas, Rialto Cinemas(2)



 

Auckland

 

2

 

15

 

2

 

 

 

Reading Cinemas, Rialto Cinemas(2)



 

Canterbury

 

1

 

8

 

1

 

 

 

Reading Cinemas



 

Southland

 

1

 

5

 

 

 

1

 

Reading Cinemas



 

Bay of Plenty

 

1

 

5

 

 

 

1

 

Reading Cinemas



 

Hawke's Bay

 

1

 

4

 

 

 

1

 

Reading Cinemas



 

New Zealand Total

 

11

 

67

 

6

 

5

 

 

GRAND TOTAL

 

 

 

59

 

477

 

47

 

12

 

 



(1)

The Company has a 33.3% unincorporated joint venture interest in a 16-screen cinema located in Mt. Gravatt, Queensland managed by Event Cinemas.

(2)

The Company is a 50% joint venture partner in two (2) New Zealand Rialto cinemas.  We are responsible for the booking of these cinemas and our joint venture partner, Event Cinemas, manages their day-to-day operations.

(3)

Our New York statistics include one (1) managed cinema.

We continue to focus on upgrading our existing cinemas and developing new cinema opportunities to provide our customers with premium offerings, including luxury seating, state-of-the-art presentation including sound, lounges, cafés and bar service, and other amenities.  In 2017, we increased the number of auditoriums featuring luxury recliner seating from 58 to 112. In addition, we added large format TITAN XC or LUXE screen offerings to 15 of our cinemas. Our circuit has been completely converted to digital projection and sound systems. In 2017, we upgraded 6 of our auditoriums to feature Dolby ATMOS sound (including our new Newmarket site), which we consider to be the best in the industry at this time.

While attendance and gross box office was somewhat down for the exhibition industry in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand for 2017, compared to 2016, we believe that the cinema exhibition business will continue to generate fairly consistent cash flows in the years ahead, even in recessionary or inflationary environments, because people will continue to spend a reasonable portion of their entertainment dollars on entertainment outside of the home.  When compared to other forms of outside-the-home entertainment, movies continue to be a popular and competitively priced option.

Recognizing that the cinema exhibition business is considered a mature business, we continue to see growth opportunities in our cinema exhibition business principally from (i) the enhancement of our existing cinemas, (ii) the development in select markets of art and specialty cinemas, (iii) the development of new state-of-the-art cinemas on land that we already own or may in the future acquire, and (iv) the development of new cinemas in selected markets. While we continue to consider possible opportunities in third party developments, we prefer, where possible, to put our capital to work in properties that we own rather than take on potentially burdensome lease obligations with their built-in rent increases and pass-throughs. 

7


 

We continue to expand and upgrade our circuit on an opportunistic basis. Our philosophy is not one of growth at any cost and our goal is not to have more screens than anyone else. Rather, our goal is to have high quality, consistently grossing cinemas, and to grow on a steady and sustainable basis. In 2017, we opened a new 8 screen cinema at our Newmarket Shopping Center in Brisbane, Australia, and began the process of repositioning our Cal Oaks cinema, located in Murrieta, California which will feature our new “Spotlight” level of service in 6 out of the 17 auditoriums.  “Spotlight” puts focus directly on our customers by providing an in-auditorium, waitered, enhanced F&B experience for their enjoyment.  We also upgraded 54 of our screens to luxury seating and extended our enhanced food offerings (featuring alcoholic beverages) to 26 of our cinemas.  In 2016, we opened an eight-screen, state-of-the-art cinema, branded Olino by Consolidated Theatres, our ninth theatre and first to break ground since 2001 in the state of Hawaii.  In 2015, we opened a new state-of-the-art cinema (eight screens) in Auckland, New Zealand, completed the renovation and rebranding as an “Angelika” luxury art cinema of our conventional cinema at the Carmel Mountain Plaza in San Diego, California, completely renovated our fourteen-screen Harbourtown cinema in Queensland, Australia, and added the first IMAX screen to our circuit. We currently have 3 new cinemas, representing 17 screens, in our pipeline for opening before the end of 2019, with 15 existing cinemas, representing 113 screens, scheduled for significant updating and refurbishment during that same period.

Since 2015, we have consistently executed our strategic priority of upgrading the food and beverage menu at a number of our U.S. cinemas. We are focused on the renovation and upgrading of our existing U.S. cinemas, along the lines of our Carmel Mountain cinema.  Working with Bruce Seidel (veteran Food Network executive) of Hot Lemon Productions and chef Santos Loo, we are upgrading our food and beverage offerings.  During 2017, we created our “Spotlight” service concept, which is being implemented at our Cal Oaks cinema.  We have obtained beer and wine, and in some cases liquor, licenses for 12 of our venues in the U.S. and are in the application process for an additional 4 venues.  As a result we are currently offering alcoholic beverages at 12 of our U.S. cinemas.  In our international cinema operations, we offer beer and wine menu options for 10 of our cinema locations in Australia and four of our cinema locations in New Zealand.

On January 31, 2016, following our run of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, we surrendered our Gaslamp Cinema in San Diego. In 2015, we paid the landlord a $1.0 million negotiated termination fee, which was less expensive than continuing to operate an unprofitable theater at this location.  This cinema was acquired in 2008 as a part of the acquisition of a package of 15 locations from Pacific Theatres.  The cinema was, at that time, a substantial money-loser and the purchase price was calculated taking into account the losses generated by that cinema and the likelihood that such losses would continue into the future.

Operating Information

At December 31, 2017, our principal tangible assets included:

·

interests in 58 cinemas comprising some 473 screens;

·

fee interests in three live theaters (the Orpheum and Minetta Lane in Manhattan and the Royal George in Chicago);

·

fee interest in one cinema (the Cinemas 1,2,3), in New York City;

·

fee interests in two cinemas in Australia (Bundaberg and Maitland) and four cinemas in New Zealand (Dunedin, Invercargill, Napier and Rotorua);

·

fee interest in our Union Square property, previously used by us as a live theater venue and for rental to third parties and now being redeveloped for retail and office uses;

·

our ETCs in Sydney (Redyard Center), Brisbane (Newmarket Center),  Townsville (Cannon Park), Perth (Belmont) and Wellington (Courtenay Central);

·

an interest in 70.4 acres of currently vacant land located between Auckland and the airport, zoned for light industrial and industrial purposes.

·

an interest in 202 acres of currently vacant land located in Coachella, California zoned for residential and mixed use purposes.

·

fee interest in 2 office buildings, our corporate office in Culver City, Los Angeles as well as an office in Melbourne, Australia. Both buildings are mixed use assets, housing our corporate staff with any surplus space rented, or available to rent to third parties.

·

In addition to the fee interests described immediately above, fee ownership of approximately 20.7 million square feet of developed and undeveloped real estate in the United States, Australia and New Zealand; and,

·

cash and cash equivalents, aggregating $13.7 million.



Although we operate cinemas in three jurisdictions, the general nature of our operations and operating strategies does not vary materially from jurisdiction-to-jurisdiction. In each jurisdiction, our gross receipts are primarily from box office receipts, food and beverage sales, and screen advertising. Our ancillary revenue is created principally from theater rentals (for example, for film festivals and special events), and ancillary programming (such as concerts and sporting events).

Our cinemas generated approximately 63% of their 2017 revenue from box office receipts.  Ticket prices vary by location, and in selected locations we offer reduced rates for senior citizens, children and, in certain markets, military and students.

8


 

Show times and features are placed in advertisements on our various websites, on internet sites and, in some markets, in local newspapers. Film distributors may also advertise certain feature films in various print, radio and television media, as well as on the internet, and those costs are generally paid by distributors. We are increasing our presence in social media, thereby reducing our dependency on print advertising.

F&B sales accounted for approximately 30% of our total 2017 cinema revenue. Although certain cinemas have licenses for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, historically F&B products have been primarily popcorn, candy, and soda. This is changing, as more of our theaters are offering expanded food and beverage offerings.  One of our strategic focuses is to upgrade our existing cinemas with expanded F&B offerings.

Screen advertising and other revenue contribute approximately 7% of our total 2017 cinema revenue.  With the exception of certain rights that we have retained to sell to local advertisers, generally speaking, we are not in the screen advertising business and nationally recognized screen-advertising companies contract with us for the right to show such advertising on our screens.

Management of Cinemas

With the exception of our three unconsolidated cinemas, we manage our cinemas with executives located in Los Angeles and Manhattan in the U.S.; Melbourne, Australia; and Wellington, New Zealand.  Our two New Zealand Rialto cinemas are owned by a joint venture in which Reading New Zealand is a 50% joint venture partner. While we assist in the booking of these two cinemas, our joint venture partner, Event Cinemas, manages their day-to-day operations.  In addition, we have a one-third interest in a 16-screen Brisbane cinema managed by Event Cinemas.

Licensing and Pricing

Film product is available from a variety of sources, ranging from the major film distributors, such as Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros, Buena Vista Pictures (Disney), Sony Pictures Releasing, Universal Pictures and Lionsgate, to a variety of smaller independent film distributors.  In Australia and New Zealand, some of those major distributors distribute through local unaffiliated distributors. Worldwide, the major film distributors dominate the market for mainstream conventional films.  In the U.S., art and specialty film is distributed through the art and specialty divisions of these major distributors, such as Fox Searchlight and Sony Pictures Classics, and through independent distributors such as A24 and Annapurna Pictures. Generally speaking, film payment terms are based upon an agreed-upon percentage of box office receipts that will vary from film-to-film.

Competition 

In certain of our U.S. markets, film may be allocated by the applicable distributor among competitive cinemas, commonly known as “clearance”, while in other such U.S. markets we have access to all film in the market.  This is discussed in greater detail below.  Accordingly, from time-to-time, we are unable to license every film that we may desire to play. In the Australian and New Zealand markets, we generally have access to all film product in the market.

We believe that the success of a cinema depends on its access to popular film product because film patrons tend to decide on a film they would like to see first and then a cinema where the film is available.  If a particular film is only offered at one cinema in a given market, then customers wishing to see that film will, out of necessity, go to that cinema. If two or more cinemas in the same market offer the same film, then customers will typically take into account factors such as the relative convenience, quality and cost of tickets at the various cinemas. For example, most cinema patrons seem to prefer a modern stadium-design multiplex to an older sloped-floor cinema, and to prefer a cinema that either offers convenient access to free parking (or public transport) over a cinema that does not.

This view is being challenged by some exhibitors, who are now promoting a “dine-in” concept.  These exhibitors believe that if offered the right environment, consumers will choose the venue first, and the movie second.  We believe that the jury is out as to the economic viability of this concept given, among other things, the space and fit-out costs involved, the necessarily reduced seat count where food is served at the seat, the split between consumers who want and who oppose having in-auditorium dining (some people just want to see the movie, and find in-auditorium service and dining to be a distraction from the movie itself), and the pricing of such offerings.  It also appears to us, that one still needs to at least offer top film product.  So, even with these dine-in theaters, access to film remains a principal concern.

In certain markets in the U.S., distributors typically take the position that they are free to provide or not provide their films to particular exhibitors, at their complete and absolute discretion, even though the number of “digital prints” is theoretically unlimited and all advertising for conventional film is paid for by the distributors. Some competitors, like AMC, have in recent periods been increasingly aggressive in their efforts to prevent competitors’ access to film product in film zones where they have cinemas.  Currently we still face clearance situations in several markets.

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However the use of clearances is currently being challenged. We believe that, as the two principal justifications for clearances (the cost of producing an additional print and the shared advertising cost) no longer exist, that ultimately clearances should (except in exceptional cases – for example where a distributor’s strategy is for a limited or staged release) go away.  If this occurs, on balance, we believe that this will be a positive development for us, as it will generally increase our access to film in competitive markets.  Pressure on the major chains to stop using “clearances” is increasing.  An investigation by the United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, into the possible anticompetitive activities of major chains has been initiated.   Also, there have been private lawsuits by small chains to stop the practice.  For example, iPic Theaters has obtained a temporary injunction against clearance practices by one major chain in Harris County, Texas, and is seeking further injunctions against other major chains in Texas as well as in other jurisdictions, such as the District of Columbia. In 2016, several major distributors (including 20th Century Fox and Universal Studios) announced that they would no longer grant clearances. We believe that this will increase our access to top film product.

For now, competition for films can be intense, depending upon the number of cinemas in a particular market. Our ability to obtain top grossing first run feature films may be adversely impacted by our comparatively small size, and the limited number of screens and markets that we can supply to distributors. Moreover, in the United States, because of the dramatic consolidation of screens into the hands of a few very large and powerful exhibitors such as Cineworld (the new owners of Regal), AMC (including the newly acquired Carmike) and Cinemark, these mega-exhibition companies are in a position to offer distributors access to many more screens in major markets than we can.  Also, the majors have a significant number of markets where they operate without material competition, meaning that the distributors have no alternative exhibitor for their films in these markets.  Accordingly, distributors may decide to give preference to these mega-exhibitors when it comes to licensing top-grossing films, rather than deal with independents such as ourselves. The situation is different in Australia and New Zealand, where typically every major multiplex cinema has access to all of the film currently in distribution, regardless of the ownership of that multiplex cinema.  However, on the reverse side, we have suffered somewhat in these markets from competition from boutique operators, who are able to book top grossing commercial films for limited runs, thus increasing competition for customers wishing to view such top grossing films.

In general, our cinemas are modern multiplex cinemas with competitive parking. The availability of state-of-the-art technology and/or luxury seating can also be a factor in the preference of one cinema over another. In recent periods, a number of cinemas have been opened or re-opened featuring luxury seating and/or expanded food and beverage service, including the sale of alcoholic beverages and food served to the seat.  We have, for a number of years, offered alcoholic beverages in certain of our Australia and New Zealand cinemas and at certain of our Angelika Film Centers in the U.S.  We are currently working to upgrade the seating and food and beverage offerings (including the offering of alcoholic beverages) at a number of our existing cinemas.

The film exhibition markets in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand are to a certain extent dominated by a limited number of major exhibition companies.  The principal exhibitors in the United States are AMC (with 11,247 screens in 1,027 cinemas, which includes the information of newly acquired Carmike), Regal (with 7,315 screens in 561 cinemas), recently acquired by Cineworld Group, the U.K.’s largest cinema operator, and Cinemark (with 4,561 screens in 339 cinemas).  As of December 31, 2017, we were the 9th largest exhibitor with 1% of the box office in the United States with 245 screens in 27 cinemas under management.

The principal exhibitors in Australia are Greater Union, which does business under the Event Cinemas name (a subsidiary of Amalgamated Holdings Limited) (“Event”), Hoyts Cinemas (“Hoyts”), and Village Cinemas (“Village”). The major exhibitors control approximately 76% of the total cinema box office: Event 41%, Hoyts 22%, and Village 13%.  Event has 566 screens nationally, Hoyts 354 screens, and Village 210 screens.  By comparison, our 149 screens (excluding any partnership theaters) represent approximately 7% of the total box office. In June 2015, Hoyts was acquired by Wanda, which also holds a controlling interest in AMC.

The principal exhibitors in New Zealand are Event Cinemas with 116 screens nationally and Hoyts with 63 screens.  Reading has 54 screens (excluding its interest in unconsolidated joint ventures).  The major exhibitors in New Zealand control approximately 53% of the total box office: Event 33% and Hoyts 20%.  Reading has 15% of the market (Event and Reading market share figures exclude any partnership theaters).

In Australia and New Zealand, the industry is somewhat vertically integrated in that Roadshow Film Distributors, a subsidiary of Village, serves as a distributor of film in Australia and New Zealand for Warner Brothers. Films produced or distributed by the majority of the local international independent producers are also distributed by Roadshow Film Distributors.

Many of our competitors have substantial financial resources which could allow them to operate in a more competitive manner than us.

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In-Home and Mobile Device Competition

The “in-home” and mobile device entertainment industry has experienced significant leaps in recent periods in both the quality and affordability of in-home and mobile device entertainment systems and in the accessibility to, and quality of, entertainment programming through cable, satellite, internet distribution channels, and Blu-ray/DVD. The success of these alternative distribution channels and the entrance of new sources of product (like NetFlix and Amazon) who are producing product competitive with films produced for theatrical release puts additional pressure on film distributors to reduce and/or eliminate the time period between theatrical and secondary release dates and the willingness of consumers to take the time and pay the admission price to go to the movie theater.  To a certain extent, it appears that consumers are willing to choose convenience over presentation quality.  We are responding to this challenge generally by increasing the comfort and service levels available at our cinemas and by, in our case, bringing in more specialized and alternative product to our audiences. We are focusing on the fact that going to the movies is a social experience, and we are working to make that experience the best that it can be. These are issues common to both our U.S. and international cinema operations. 

Competitive issues are discussed in greater detail under the caption, Item 1A – Risk Factors.

Seasonality

Major films are generally released to coincide with holidays. With the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Days, this fact provides some balancing of our revenue because there is no material overlap between holidays in the United States and those in Australia and New Zealand. Distributors will delay, in certain cases, releases in Australia and New Zealand to take advantage of Australian and New Zealand holidays that are not celebrated in the United States. However, the deferral of releases is becoming increasingly less common, given the need to address internet and other channels of distribution that operate on a worldwide basis.    

REAL ESTATE

Overall

We engage in real estate development and the ownership and rental or licensing to third parties of retail, commercial and live theater assets. We own the fee interests in all of our live theaters, and in 12 of our cinemas (as presented in the preceding table within the “Cinema Exhibition” section).  Our real estate business creates long-term value for our stockholders through the continuous improvement and development of our investment and operating properties, including our ETCs.

Our real estate activities have historically consisted principally of:

·

the ownership of fee or long-term leasehold interests in properties used in our cinema exhibition activities or which were acquired for the development of cinemas or cinema-based real estate development projects;

·

the acquisition of fee interests in land for general real estate development;

·

the licensing to production companies of our live theaters; and

·

the redevelopment of our existing fee-owned cinema or live theater sites to their highest and best use. 



Over 2016 and 2017, we added 25,635 square foot of newly constructed net rentable space to our existing ETCs (calculated exclusive of cinema space), of which 24,924 square foot has been rented.

In light of the geographic reach of our business, and the highly localized nature of the real estate business, we have historically made use of third party contractors to provide on-site management of our real estate development and management activities. We have begun, however, in recent periods to selectively build our internal resources in this regard, concentrating on Australia and New Zealand where we have increased our overall real estate team from 3 to 9 full time employees over the last 2 years.

Given the substantial increase in Manhattan rents and commercial real estate values in recent periods, we closed our live theater at our Union Square property and commenced construction of a revitalized retail and office offering, known as 44 Union Square, at that location.  Also, we continue to pursue the redevelopment of our Cinemas 1,2,3 property.

In 2016, we began the construction phase of the redevelopment of our Union Square property into approximately 73,322 square feet of net leasable area (inclusive of anticipated BOMA adjustments), comprised of retail and office space.  A short video on this project can be seen at www.44unionsquare.com.  The redeveloped building, designed by BKSK Architects, features an iconic glass dome, reviewed and approved by the City of New York Landmarks Preservation Commission.  Edifice Real Estate Partners, LLC is our development manager; Newmark Grubb Knight Frank is our leasing agent; and, an affiliate of CNY Construction LLC is our construction manager.  BKSK and Gensler have assisted with the internal layout and interior design of the building.   Construction financing is being provided by the Bank of the Ozarks and an affiliate of Fisher Brothers, who will together provide approximately $57.5 million in financing.  The total cost of the redevelopment is currently estimated at $74.5 million. Newmark advises us that retail tenant demand in our property continues to be strong.   Construction of our redeveloped building is currently more than 50% complete, and we currently anticipate that, subject to the signing of acceptable leases, the building will be ready for the commencement of the construction of tenant improvements in the third quarter of 2018.

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Regarding our Cinemas 1,2,3 property in Manhattan, we have received the consent of the 25% minority member of the ownership entity for the redevelopment of the property. We are evaluating the potential to redevelop the property as a mixed use retail and residential and/or hotel property.  Further, we have completed a preliminary feasibility study and are currently in negotiations with the owner of the approximately 2,600 square foot corner parcel adjacent to our Cinemas 1,2,3 property on the corner of 60th Street and 3rd Avenue for the joint development of our properties.  A combination of the properties would produce approximately 121,000 square foot of FAR and approximately 140,000 square feet of gross buildable area.  While no assurances can be given that we will be able to come to terms with the adjacent owner, negotiations are progressing. On August 31, 2016, we secured a new three-year mortgage loan ($20.0 million) with Valley National Bank, the proceeds of which were used to repay the mortgage on the property with the Bank of Santander ($15.0 million), to repay Reading for its $2.9 million loan to Sutton Hill Properties, LLC (the owner of the property), and for working capital purposes.  We own a 75% managing member interest in Sutton Hill Properties, LLC.

On April 11, 2016, we purchased for $11.2 million a 24,000 square foot office building with 72 parking spaces located at 5995 Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City, California.  We currently use approximately 50% of the leasable area for our headquarters offices and endeavor to lease the remainder to unaffiliated third parties.  Culver City has in recent years developed as a center of entertainment and high-tech activity in Los Angeles County. We moved into the building in February, 2017, and have obtained $8.4 million in financing on the property pursuant to a 10-year, fixed rate mortgage loan at an interest rate of 4.64% per annum and in June 2017 we obtained an additional $1.5 million in financing due to a reappraisal of the property, at an interest rate of 4.44%. Currently, we own essentially all of the office space from which we conduct our executive and administrative operations.   All of our leasehold interests are cinema operating properties.

Overseas, on December 23, 2015, we acquired two adjoining properties in Townsville, Queensland, Australia for a total of $24.1 million (AU$33.4 million) comprising approximately 5.6 acres. The total gross leasable area of the two properties, the Cannon Park City Centre and the Cannon Park Discount Centre, is 133,000 square feet.  Our multiplex cinema at the Cannon Park City Centre is the anchor tenant of that center.  This acquisition is consistent with our business plan to own, where practical, the land underlying our entertainment assets. We operate these two (2) properties as a single ETC.  For additional information, see Note 4Real Estate Transactions.  

We continue to work on the expansion and upgrading of our Auburn ETC in Sydney, Australia, our Newmarket ETC in Brisbane, Australia, and our Courtenay Central ETC in Wellington, New Zealand.

At Auburn, since the beginning of 2016, we have entered into leases representing approximately 15,000 square feet of additional retail space, which will increase the square footage of that center from approximately 117,000 to approximately 132,000 square feet.  Of this 15,500 square feet, 9,600 square feet was completed in 2016, and the remaining 5,900 square feet was completed in Q4 2017.   This expansion is being funded internally.

At Newmarket, we have added a state-of-the art eight-screen cinema, 10,165 square feet of additional retail space and 124 additional parking spaces.   On November 30, 2015, we acquired an approximately 23,000 square foot parcel adjacent to our tenant Coles supermarket.  This property is currently improved with an office building, which is now fully leased.  These leases have early development provisions allowing us to terminate these arrangements in connection with a redevelopment of the property.  We intend to ultimately demolish this office building and to integrate this parcel into our Newmarket development.  This will increase our Newmarket footprint from approximately 204,000 square feet to approximately 227,000 square feet.  Our Newmarket project is currently being funded internally.

In May 2015 we received town planning approval for an $11.8 million (NZ$17.0 million) supermarket and retail expansion at our Courtenay Central ETC, located in Wellington, New Zealand.  The expansion was anticipated to consist of an approximately 36,000 square foot “Countdown” supermarket and approximately 4,000 square feet of general retail space.  In connection with the expansion, we were contemplating an approximately NZ$6.0 million upgrade and re-tenanting of the remainder of Courtenay Central.   However, the earthquake in late 2016 has added complexity to our development activities at Courtenay Central, both necessitating and permitting a complete review of our plans for that location.   

·

First of all, our supermarket tenant advised us that it desired to upgrade the quality of the offering at our Center, which caused initial design and construction delays. This was both good news and bad news, since while we believe that our Center would benefit from an upgraded grocery offering (the tenant being responsible for the increased costs resulting from such enhanced improvements), such upgrades would have delayed the opening date of the supermarket.  However, in some ways, these delay concerns may have been mooted by the earthquake.   

·

This earthquake severely damaged our 9 story parking garage at the Center, necessitating its demolition for health and safety reasons. We have recovered insurance proceeds of $25 million with respect to this damage. However, the location and configuration of the historic parking garage were less than ideal from the point of view of the refurbishment and expansion of Courtenay Central.   Accordingly, while we still intend to construct a supermarket at the site (but now upgraded to a “premium” supermarket), and while we do not contemplate the demolition of any of the remaining elements of Courtenay Central, we are reconsidering the layout of the property and the potential to increase the leasable square footage at the site by optimizing the location and configuration of the replacement parking garage.   This re-evaluation process is ongoing.

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In addition to certain historic railroad properties (such as our 6.8 acre Viaduct Property in downtown Philadelphia) and certain expansion space associated with our existing ETC operations, we have two unimproved properties that we acquired for, and are currently being held for, development:  (i) our 202-acre parcel in Coachella, California (near Palm Springs), currently zoned for residential and mixed-use uses, and (ii) our 70.4–acre parcel in Manukau, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand (located adjacent to the Auckland Airport).

In the second quarter of 2016, the Auckland City Council revised the zoning of the agricultural portion of our property in Manukau (approximately 64.0 acres) to light industrial uses.  The remaining 6.4 acres of our Manukau property were already zoned for heavy industrial use.  Light industrial uses include certain manufacturing, production, logistic, transportation, warehouse and wholesale distribution activities and, on an ancillary basis, certain office, retail and educational uses. That decision was subject to a public announcement process, and became final in September 2016.  Now that our zoning enhancement goal has been achieved, we are working with the southern gateway consortium on the development of a master plan for the construction of needed infrastructure works, while we continue to develop our long range plans for the property.

We have culled our real estate holdings to focus on those projects which we believe offer more upside potential to us. As part of this process, we sold our land holdings in Moonee Ponds, Australia for $17.5 million (AU$23.0 million) and a Los Angeles condominium for $3.0 million in 2015 and our land holdings in Burwood, Australia, for $51.6 million (AU$64.9 million) in 2014, the balance of the sale price of this property of $45.7 million (AU$58.4 million) was received in two installments, a partial payment in June 2017 and the final settlement in December 2017. These sales were made based on our belief that the assets involved had reached the highest value that we could reasonably achieve without investing substantial additional sums for land use planning, construction, and marketing.

While we report our real estate as a separate segment, it has historically operated as an integral portion of our overall business and, historically, has principally been in support of that business.  We have, however, acquired or developed certain properties that do not currently have any cinema or other entertainment component. 

Our real estate activities, holdings and developments are described in greater detail in Item 2 – Properties.  

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2017, we had 84 full-time executive and administrative employees, 69 live theatre employees, 9 Real Estate employees and 2,423 cinema employees. A small number of our cinema employees in New Zealand are union members, as are our projectionists in Hawaii. None of our Australian-based employees or other employees are subject to union contracts. Overall, we are of the view that the existence of these collective-bargaining agreements does not materially increase our costs of labor or our ability to compete. We believe our relations with our employees to be generally good.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The following table sets forth information regarding our key executive officers as of February 28, 2018:



 

 

Name

Age

Title

Ellen M. Cotter

51

Chairperson of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President

Margaret Cotter

50

Vice Chairperson of the Board, Executive Vice President – Real Estate Management and Development-NYC

Dev Ghose

64

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

Andrzej J. Matyczynski

65

Executive Vice President – Global Operations

Robert F. Smerling

83

President – Domestic Cinemas

Wayne D. Smith

60

Managing Director – Australia and New Zealand



Ellen M. Cotter.  Ellen M. Cotter has been a member of our Board of Directors since March 13, 2013, and currently serves as a member of our Executive Committee.  Ms. Cotter was appointed Chairperson of our Board on August 7, 2014 and served as our interim President and Chief Executive Officer from June 12, 2015 until January 8, 2016, when she was appointed our permanent President and Chief Executive Officer.  She joined the Company in March 1998.  Ms. Cotter is also a director of Cecelia Packing Corporation (a Cotter family-owned citrus grower, packer and marketer). Ms. Cotter is a graduate of Smith College and holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.  Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Cotter spent four years in private practice as a corporate attorney with the law firm of White & Case in New York City.  Ms. Cotter is the sister of Margaret Cotter and James J. Cotter, Jr.  Prior to being appointed as our President and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Cotter served for more than ten years as the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) of our domestic cinema operations, in which capacity she had, among other things, responsibility for the acquisition and development, marketing and operation of our cinemas in the United States.  Prior to her appointment as COO of Domestic Cinemas, she spent a year in Australia and New Zealand, working to develop our cinema and real estate assets in those countries.  Ms. Cotter is the Co-Executor of her father’s estate, which is the record owner of 297,070 shares of Class A Stock and 427,808 shares of our Class B Stock (representing 25.5% of such Class B Stock).  Ms. Cotter is a Co-Trustee of the James J. Cotter Foundation (the “Cotter Foundation”), which is the record holder of 102,751 shares of Class A Stock and Co-Trustee of the James J. Cotter, Sr. Trust (the “Cotter Trust”), which is the record owner of 1,897,649 shares of Class A Stock and 696,080 shares of Class B Stock (representing an additional 41.4% of such Class B Stock).  Ms. Cotter also holds various positions in her family’s agricultural enterprises. 

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Ms. Cotter brings to our Board her nineteen years of experience working in our Company’s cinema operations, both in the United States and Australia.  She has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Reading’s subsidiary, Consolidated Entertainment, LLC, which operates substantially all of our cinemas in Hawaii and California. In addition, with her direct ownership of 802,903 shares of Class A Stock and 50,000 shares of Class B Stock and her positions as Co-Executor of her father’s estate and Co-Trustee of the Cotter Trust and the Cotter Foundation, Ms. Cotter is a significant stakeholder in our Company.  Ms. Cotter is well recognized in and a valuable liaison to the film industry.  In recognition of her contributions to the independent film industry, Ms. Cotter was awarded the first Gotham Appreciation Award at the 2015 Gotham Independent Film Awards.  She was also inducted that same year into the Show East Hall of Fame.

Margaret CotterMargaret Cotter has been a Director of our Company since September 27, 2002, and on August 7, 2014 was appointed Vice Chairperson of our Board and currently serves as a member of our Executive Committee. On March 10, 2016, our Board appointed Ms. Cotter as Executive Vice President-Real Estate Management and Development-NYC, and Ms. Cotter became a full time employee of our Company.  In this position, Ms. Cotter is responsible for the management of our live theater properties and operations, including the oversight of the day to day development process of our Union Square and Cinemas 1, 2, 3 properties.  Ms. Cotter is the owner and President of OBI, LLC (“OBI”), which, from 2002 until her appointment as Executive Vice President – Real Estate Management and Development- NYC, managed our live-theater operations under a management agreement and provided management and various services regarding the development of our New York theater and cinema properties.  Pursuant to the OBI management agreement, Ms. Cotter also served as the President of Liberty Theaters, LLC, the subsidiary through which we own our live theaters.  The OBI management agreement was terminated with Ms. Cotter’s appointment as Executive Vice President-Real Estate Management and Development-NYC.  Ms. Cotter is also a theatrical producer who has produced shows in Chicago and New York and in May 2017 due to other commitments stepped down as a long time board member of the League of Off-Broadway Theaters and Producers. She is a director of Cecelia Packing Corporation. Ms. Cotter, a former Assistant District Attorney for King’s County in Brooklyn, New York, graduated from Georgetown University and Georgetown University Law Center.  She is the sister of Ellen M. Cotter and James J. Cotter, Jr.  Ms. Margaret Cotter is a Co-Executor of her father’s estate, which is the record owner of 297,070 shares of Class A Stock and 427,808 shares of our Class B Stock (representing 25.5% of such Class B Stock).  Ms. Cotter is also a Co-Trustee of the Cotter Trust, which is the record owner of 1,897,649 shares of Class A Stock and 696,080 shares of Class B Voting Common Stock (representing an additional 41.4% of such Class B Stock).  Ms. Cotter is also a Co-Trustee of the Cotter Foundation, which is the record holder of 102,751 shares of Class A Stock and of the James. J. Cotter Grandchildren’s Trust which is the record holder of 274,390 shares of Class A Stock.  Ms. Cotter also holds various positions in her family’s agricultural enterprises.

Ms. Cotter brings to the Board her experience as a live theater producer, theater operator and an active member of the New York theatre community, which gives her insight into live theater business trends that affect our business in this sector, and in New York and Chicago real estate matters.  Operating and the daily oversight of our theater properties for over 18 years, Ms. Cotter contributes to the strategic direction for our developments.  In addition, with her direct ownership of 810,284 shares of Class A Stock and 35,100 shares of Class B Stock and her positions as Co-Executor of her father’s estate and Co-Trustee of the Cotter Trust, the Cotter Foundation, and the James J. Cotter Grandchildren’s Trust, Ms. Cotter is a significant stakeholder in our Company.

Devasis (“Dev”) Ghose.  Dev Ghose was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on May 11, 2015, Executive Vice President on March 10, 2016 and was Corporate Secretary from April 28, 2016 until March 9, 2018.  Over the past 25 years, Mr. Ghose served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in a number of senior finance roles with three NYSE-listed companies:  Skilled Healthcare Group (a health services company, now part of Genesis HealthCare) from 2008 to 2013, Shurgard Storage Centers, Inc. (an international company focused on the acquisition, development and operation of self-storage centers in the U.S. and Europe; now part of Public Storage) from 2004 to 2006, and HCP, Inc., (which invests primarily in real estate serving the healthcare industry) from 1986 to 2003, and as Managing Director-International for Green Street Advisors (an independent research and trading firm concentrating on publicly traded real estate corporate securities in the U.S. & Europe) from 2006 to 2007.  Prior thereto, Mr. Ghose worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers in the U.S. and KPMG in the UK from 1975 to 1985.  He qualified as a Certified Public Accountant in the U.S. and a Chartered Accountant in the U.K., and holds an Honors Degree in Physics from the University of Delhi, India and an Executive M.B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Andrzej J. Matyczynski.  On March 10, 2016, Mr. Matyczynski was appointed as our Executive Vice President—Global Operations.  From May 11, 2015 until March 10, 2016, Mr. Matyczynski acted as the Strategic Corporate Advisor to the Company, and served as our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from November 1999 until May 11, 2015 and as Corporate Secretary from May 10, 2011 to October 20, 2014.  Prior to joining our Company, he spent 20 years in various senior roles throughout the world at Beckman Coulter Inc., a U.S. based multi-national.  Mr. Matyczynski earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.

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Robert F. SmerlingRobert F. Smerling has served as President of our domestic cinema operations since 1994.   He has been involved in the acquisition and/or development of all of our existing cinemas.  Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Smerling was the President of Loews Theaters, at that time a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony.  While at Loews, Mr. Smerling oversaw operations at some 600 cinemas employing some 6,000 individuals and the development of more than 25 new multiplex cinemas.  Among Mr. Smerling’s accomplishments at Loews was the development of the Lincoln Square Cinema Complex with IMAX in New York City, which continues today to be one of the top five grossing cinemas in the United States.  Prior to Mr. Smerling’s employment at Loews, he was Vice Chairman of USA Cinemas in Boston, and President of Cinema National Theatres. Mr. Smerling, a recognized leader in our industry, has been a director of the National Association of Theater Owners, the principal trade group representing the cinema exhibition industry.

Wayne D. Smith.  Wayne D. Smith joined our Company in April 2004 as our Managing Director - Australia and New Zealand, after 23 years with Hoyts Cinemas.  During his time with Hoyts, he was a key driver, as Head of Property, in growing that company’s Australian and New Zealand operations via an AUD$250 million expansion to more than 50 sites and 400 screens.  While at Hoyts, his career included heading up the group’s car parking company, cinema operations, representing Hoyts as a director on various joint venture interests, and coordinating many asset acquisitions and disposals the company made.

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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Our statements in this annual report, including the documents incorporated herein by reference, 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 are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance.  Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies after having considered a variety of risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements 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 and our financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or underlying our forward-looking statements are the following:

·

with respect to our cinema operations:

o

the number and attractiveness to movie goers of the films released in future periods;

o

the amount of money spent by film distributors to promote their motion pictures;

o

the licensing fees and terms required by film distributors from motion picture exhibitors in order to exhibit their films;

o

the comparative attractiveness of motion pictures as a source of entertainment and willingness and/or ability of consumers (i) to spend their dollars on entertainment and (ii) to spend their entertainment dollars on movies in an outside-the-home environment;

o

the extent to which we encounter competition from other cinema exhibitors, from other sources of outside-the-home entertainment, and from inside-the-home entertainment options, such as “home theaters” and competitive film product distribution technology, such as, by way of example, cable, satellite broadcast and Blu-ray/DVD rentals and sales, and so called “movies on demand;”

o

the cost and impact of improvements to our cinemas, such as improved seating, enhanced food and beverage offerings and other improvements;

o

service disruption during theater improvements; and

o

the extent to, and the efficiency with, which we are able to integrate acquisitions of cinema circuits with our existing operations.

·

with respect to our real estate development and operation activities:

o

the rental rates and capitalization rates applicable to the markets in which we operate and the quality of properties that we own;

o

the extent to which we can obtain on a timely basis the various land use approvals and entitlements needed to develop our properties;

o

the risks and uncertainties associated with real estate development;

o

the availability and cost of labor and materials;

o

the ability to obtain all permits to construct improvements;

o

the ability to finance improvements;

o

the disruptions from construction;

o

the possibility of construction delays, work stoppage and material shortage;

o

competition for development sites and tenants;

o

environmental remediation issues;

o

the extent to which our cinemas can continue to serve as an anchor tenant that will, in turn, be influenced by the same factors as will influence generally the results of our cinema operations;

o

the ability to negotiate and execute joint venture opportunities and relationships; and

o

certain of our activities are in geologically active areas, creating a risk of damage and/or disruption of real estate and/or cinema businesses from earthquakes.

·

with respect to our operations generally as an international company involved in both the development and operation of cinemas and the development and operation of real estate and previously engaged for many years in the railroad business in the United States:

o

our ongoing access to borrowed funds and capital and the interest that must be paid on that debt and the returns that must be paid on such capital;

o

expenses, management and Board distraction and other effects of the litigation efforts mounted by James Cotter, Jr. against the Company, including his efforts to cause a sale of voting control of the Company;

o

the relative values of the currency used in the countries in which we operate;

o

changes in government regulation, including by way of example, the costs resulting from the implementation of the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley;

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o

our labor relations and costs of labor (including future government requirements with respect to pension liabilities, disability insurance and health coverage, and vacations and leave);

o

our exposure from time-to-time to legal claims and to uninsurable risks, such as those related to our historic railroad operations, including potential environmental claims and health-related claims relating to alleged exposure to asbestos or other substances now or in the future recognized as being possible causes of cancer or other health related problems;

o

our exposure to cyber-security risks, including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security;

o

changes in future effective tax rates and the results of currently ongoing and future potential audits by taxing authorities having jurisdiction over our various companies; and

o

changes in applicable accounting policies and practices.

The above list is not necessarily exhaustive, as business is by definition unpredictable and risky, and it is 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, the weather, and the extent to which consumers in our markets have the economic wherewithal to spend money on beyond-the-home entertainment. Refer to Item 1A Risk factors for more information.

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 annual report may contain “non-US GAAP financial measures.”  In such case, a reconciliation of this information to our US GAAP financial statements will be made available in connection with such statements.

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Item 1A – Risk Factors

Investing in our securities involves risk.  Set forth below is a summary of various risk factors that you should consider in connection with your investment in our Company. This summary should be considered in the context of our overall Annual Report on Form 10-K, as many of the topics addressed below, and our plans to address or mitigate the risks involved, are discussed in significantly greater detail in the context of specific discussions of our business plan, our operating results, and the various competitive forces that we face.

BUSINESS RISK FACTORS

We are currently engaged principally in the cinema exhibition and real estate businesses.  Because we operate in two business segments (cinema exhibition and real estate), we discuss separately below the risks we believe to be material to our involvement in each of these segments. We have discussed separately certain risks relating to the international nature of our business activities, our use of leverage, and our status as a controlled corporation.  Please note that, while we report the results of our live theater operations as real estate operations – because we are principally in the business of renting space to producers rather than in producing plays ourselves – the cinema exhibition and live theater businesses share certain risk factors and are, accordingly, discussed together below.

Cinema Exhibition and Live Theater Business Risk Factors

We operate in a highly competitive environment with many competitors who are significantly larger and may have significantly better access to funds than we do.  We are a comparatively small cinema operator and face competition from much larger cinema exhibitors.  These larger exhibitors are able to offer distributors more screens in more markets – including markets where they may be the exclusive exhibitor – than can we.  Faced with such competition, we may not be able to get access to all of the films we want, which may adversely affect our revenue and profitability.  While we are concerned about the use of larger competitors of national and international booking power to limit our access to film, there is little we can do to mitigate this risk as antitrust litigation is very expensive and typically long lived.  While several private lawsuits are currently pending challenging the practice of certain competitors to prevent or limit their access to film product, these are private lawsuits.  We have no control over the prosecution of such lawsuits or the terms on which they may be privately resolved or settled.  While several distributors have announced that they will generally provide access of film to all who desire it, this practice is not universal.  Also, for major films, like the most recent installment of Star Wars, the terms of exhibition as a practical matter limited the competitors who could exhibit the film.   This competitive disadvantage has been, in our view, exacerbated in recent periods with the further concentration of the cinema exhibition industry, for example, Cineworld Group Plc’s  acquisition of Regal Entertainment Group and  Dalian Wanda’s acquisition of AMC Entertainment,  which, had previously acquired Carmike Cinemas, Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group and Nordic Cinema Group.

These larger competitors may also enjoy (i) greater cash flow, which can be used to develop additional cinemas, including cinemas that may be competitive with our existing cinemas, (ii) better access to equity capital and debt, (iii) better visibility to landlords and real estate developers, and (iv) better economies of scale than us.

In the case of our live theaters, we compete for shows not only with other “for profit” Off-Broadway theaters, but also with “not-for-profit” operators and, increasingly, with Broadway theaters.  We believe our live theaters are generally competitive with other Off-Broadway venues.  However, due to the increased cost of staging live theater productions, we are seeing an increasing tendency for plays that would historically have been staged in an Off-Broadway theater moving directly to larger Broadway venues.  In 2016, we closed our principal live theater in New York, the Union Square.

We face competition from other sources of entertainment and other entertainment delivery systems.  Both our cinema and live theater operations face competition from “in-home” and mobile device sources of entertainment. These include competition from network, cable and satellite television, internet streaming video services, Video on Demand, Blu-ray/DVD, the internet, video games and other sources of entertainment. The quality of “in-home” and mobile entertainment systems, as well as programming available on an in-home and mobile basis, has increased, while the cost to consumers of such systems (and such programming) has decreased in recent periods, and some consumers may prefer the security and/or convenience of an “in-home” or mobile entertainment experience to the more public and presentation oriented experience offered by our cinemas and live theaters. Film distributors have been responding to these developments by, in some cases, decreasing or eliminating the period of time between cinema release and the date such product is made available to “in-home” or mobile forms of distribution.

There is the risk that, over time, distributors may move towards simultaneous release of motion picture product in multiple channels of distribution. Also, some traditional in-home and mobile distributors have begun the production of full-length movies, specifically for the purpose of direct or simultaneous release to the in-home and mobile markets. These factors may adversely affect the competitive advantage enjoyed by cinemas over “in-home” and mobile forms of entertainment, as it may be that the cinema market and the “in-home” and mobile markets will have simultaneous access to the same motion picture product. In recent times, a number of movies were released on a simultaneous basis to movie exhibitors and to in-home and mobile markets. It is likely that this trend will continue, making it, in our view, increasingly important for exhibitors to enhance the convenience and quality of the theater-going experience.   This can require substantial capital outlays and increased labor expense, which exhibitors may not be able to fully pass on to their customers.   Also, the amount of programming (including without limitation, the live streaming of sporting, theatrical and political events) available on an “in-home” and mobile basis continues to increase.

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The narrowing and/or elimination of this so-called “window” for cinema exhibition may be problematic for the cinema exhibition industry.  However, to date, attempts by the major film distributors to continue to narrow or eliminate the window have  been strenuously resisted by the cinema exhibition industry, and we view the total elimination of the cinema exhibition window by major film distributors, while theoretically possible, to be unlikely.

We also face competition from various other forms of “beyond-the-home” entertainment, including sporting events, concerts, restaurants, casinos, video game arcades, and nightclubs. Our cinemas also face competition from live theaters and vice versa.  Also, social media offerings – such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat – appear to be commanding increasing portions of the recreational time of our potential audience.

Our cinema and live theater businesses may be vulnerable to fears of terrorism and random shooter incidents which could cause customers to avoid public assembly seating, and natural disasters.  Political events, such as terrorist attacks, random shooter incidents and health-related epidemics, such as flu outbreaks, could cause patrons to avoid our cinemas or other public places where large crowds are in attendance. In addition, a natural disaster, such as a typhoon or an earthquake, could impact our ability to operate certain of our cinemas, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our cinema operations depend upon access to film and alternative entertainment product that is attractive to our patrons, and our live theater operations depend upon the continued attractiveness of our theaters to producers.  Our ability to generate revenue and profits is largely dependent on factors outside of our control, specifically, the continued ability of motion picture, alternative entertainment and live theater producers to produce films, alternative entertainment and plays that are attractive to audiences, the amount of money spent by film and alternative entertainment distributors and theatrical producers to promote their motion pictures, alternative entertainment and plays, and the willingness of these distributors and producers to license their films and alternative entertainment on terms that are financially viable to our cinemas and to rent our theaters for the presentation of their plays.  To the extent that popular movies, alternative entertainment and plays are produced, our cinema and live theater activities are ultimately dependent upon our ability, in the face of competition from other cinema and live theater operators to book such movies, alternative entertainment and plays into our facilities, and to provide a superior customer offering.

We rely on film distributors to supply the films shown in our theatres. In North America, the film distribution business is highly concentrated, with seven major film distributors accounting for approximately 87.9% of box office revenues. Numerous antitrust cases and the consent decree resulting from these antitrust cases affect the distribution of films. Consequently, we cannot guarantee a supply of films by entering into long-term arrangements with major distributors. We are therefore required to negotiate licenses for each film and for each theatre. A deterioration of our relationship with any of the seven major film distributors could adversely affect our ability to obtain commercially successful films and to negotiate favorable licensing terms for such films, both of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.

In the U.S., at least until recently, distributors have had broad discretion not to show the same film at competitive cinemas.   This has, in many situations, given the larger exhibitors (as a result of their market power) power to influence distributors to exercise their discretion in this regard in favor of the larger exhibitors.   In this industry, this is called “clearance.”  Recent judicial decisions, however, have thrown doubt on the extent to which this practice will continue to be permitted under applicable antitrust laws.  Several major distributors have advised the market that they will no longer clear their films.

Adverse economic conditions could materially affect our business by reducing discretionary income and by limiting or reducing sources of film and live theater funding.  Cinema and live theater attendance is a luxury, not a necessity.  Furthermore, consumer demand for better and better amenities and food offerings have resulted in an increase of the cost of a night at the movies.  Accordingly, a decline in the economy resulting in a decrease in discretionary income, or a perception of such a decline, may result in decreased discretionary spending, which could adversely affect our cinema and live theater businesses. Adverse economic conditions can also affect the supply side of our business, as reduced liquidity can adversely affect the availability of funding for movies and plays.  This is particularly true in the case of Off-Broadway plays, which are often times financed by high net worth individuals (or groups of such individuals) and that are very risky due to the absence of any ability to recoup investment in secondary markets like Blu-ray/DVD, cable, satellite or internet distribution.

Our screen advertising or auditorium leasing revenue may decline.  Over the past several years, cinema exhibitors have been looking increasingly to screen advertising and auditorium leasing as a way to improve income.  No assurances can be given that this source of income will be continuing, or that the use of screen advertising will not ultimately prove to be counterproductive, by giving consumers a disincentive to choose going to the movies over “in-home” or mobile entertainment alternatives.

We face uncertainty as to the timing and direction of technological innovations in the cinema exhibition business and as to our access to those technologies.  We have converted all of our cinema auditoriums to digital projection.  However, no assurances can be given that other technological advances will not require us to make further material investments in our cinemas or face loss of business.  Also, equipment is currently being developed for holographic or laser projection. The future of these technologies in the cinema exhibition industry is uncertain.

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We face competition from competitors offering food and beverage and luxury seating as an integral part of their cinema offerings.  A number of our competitors offering an expanded food and beverage menu (including the sale of alcoholic beverages) and luxury seating, have emerged in recent periods. In addition, some competitors such as AMC are converting existing cinemas to provide such expanded menu offerings and in-theater dining options. The existence of such cinemas may alter traditional cinema selection practices of moviegoers, as they seek out cinemas with such expanded offerings as a preferred alternative to traditional cinemas.  In order to compete with these new cinemas,  the Company has begun to materially increase its capital expenditures to add such features to many of our cinemas and to take on additional and more highly trained (and, consequently, compensated) staff.  Also, the conversion to luxury seating typically requires a material reduction in the number of seats that an auditorium can accommodate.

We may be subject to increased labor and benefits costs generally. We are subject to laws governing such matters as minimum wages, working conditions and overtime. As minimum wage rates increase, we may need to increase not only the wages of our minimum wage employees, but also the wages paid to employees at wage rates that are above minimum wage. Labor shortages, increased employee turnover and health care mandates could also increase our labor costs. This in turn could lead us to increase prices which could impact our sales. Conversely, if competitive pressures or other factors prevent us from offsetting increased labor costs by increases in prices, our results of operations may be adversely impacted.

Cyber security threats and our failure to protect our electronically stored data could adversely affect our business. We store and maintain electronic information and data necessary to conduct our business.  Data maintained in electronic form is subject to the risk of intrusion, tampering and theft. While we have adopted industry-accepted security measures and technology to protect the confidential and proprietary information, the development and maintenance of these systems is costly and require ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated. As such, we may be unable to anticipate and implement adequate preventive measures in time. This may adversely affect our business, including exposure to government enforcement actions and private litigation, and our reputation with our customers and employees may be injured. In addition to Company-specific cyber threats or attacks, our business and results of operations could also be impacted by breaches affecting our peers and partners within the entertainment industry, as well as other retail companies.

Real Estate Development and Ownership Business Risks

We operate in a highly competitive environment in which we must compete against companies with much greater financial and human resources than we have.  We have limited financial and human resources, compared to our principal real estate competitors.  In recent periods, we have relied heavily on outside professionals in connection with our real estate development activities.  Many of our competitors have significantly greater resources and may be able to achieve greater economies of scale than we can.  Given our structure as a taxable corporation, our cost of capital is typically higher than other real estate investment vehicles such as real estate investment trusts.

Risks Related to the Real Estate Industry Generally

Our financial performance will be affected by risks associated with the real estate industry generally.  Events and conditions generally applicable to developers, owners, and operators of real property will affect our performance as well.  These include (i) changes in the national, regional and local economic climate, (ii) local conditions, such as an oversupply of, or a reduction in demand for, commercial space and/or entertainment-oriented properties, (iii) reduced attractiveness of our properties to tenants, (iv) the rental rates and capitalization rates applicable to the markets in which we operate and the quality of properties that we own, (v) competition from other properties, (vi) inability to collect rent from tenants, (vii) increased operating costs, including labor, materials, real estate taxes, insurance premiums, and utilities, (viii) costs of complying with changes in government regulations, (ix) the relative illiquidity of real estate investments, and (x) decreases in sources of both construction and long-term lending as traditional sources of such funding leave or reduce their commitments to real estate-based lending.  In addition, periods of rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate (for example, due to competition from internet sellers the demand for brick and mortar retail spaces may decline, and due to the increasing popularity of tele-commuting demand for traditional office space may decline), or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in declining rents or increased lease defaults. Increasing cap rates can result in lower property values.  Also, we have holdings in areas that are subject to earthquake, storm and flooding risk.

We may incur costs complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws.  Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar statutory regimes in Australia and New Zealand or under applicable state or local law, all places of public accommodation (including cinemas and theaters) are required to meet certain governmental requirements related to access and use by persons with disabilities.  A determination that we are not in compliance with those governmental requirements with respect to any of our properties could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants.  The cost of addressing these issues could be substantial. 

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Illiquidity of real estate investments could impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties.  Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, tend to limit our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions.  Many of our properties are either (i) “special purpose” properties that could not be readily converted to general residential, retail or office use, or (ii) undeveloped land.  In addition, certain significant expenditures associated with real estate investment, such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investment, and competitive factors may prevent the pass-through of such costs to tenants.

Real estate development involves a variety of risks. 

Real estate development involves a variety of risks, including the following:

·

The identification and acquisition of suitable development properties. Competition for suitable development properties is intense. Our ability to identify and acquire development properties may be limited by our size and resources. Also, as we and our affiliates are considered to be “foreign owned” for purposes of certain Australian and New Zealand statutes, we have been in the past, and may in the future be, subject to regulations that are not applicable to other persons doing business in those countries.

·

The procurement of necessary land use entitlements for the project.  This process can take many years, particularly if opposed by competing interests.  Competitors and community groups (sometimes funded by such competitors) may object based on various factors, including, for example, impacts on density, parking, traffic, noise levels and the historic or architectural nature of the building being replaced. If they are unsuccessful at the local governmental level, they may seek recourse to the courts or other tribunals.  This can delay projects and increase costs. 

·

The construction of the project on time and on budget.  Construction risks include the availability and cost of financing; the availability and costs of material and labor; the costs of dealing with unknown site conditions (including addressing pollution or environmental wastes deposited upon the property by prior owners); inclement weather conditions; and the ever-present potential for labor-related disruptions.

·

The leasing or sell-out of the project.  Ultimately, there are risks involved in the leasing of a rental property or the sale of a condominium or built-for-sale property.  For our ETCs, the extent to which our cinemas can continue to serve as an anchor tenant will be influenced by the same factors as will influence generally the results of our cinema operations.  Leasing or sale can be influenced by economic factors that are neither known nor knowable at the commencement of the development process and by local, national, and even international economic conditions, both real and perceived.

·

The refinancing of completed properties.  Properties are often developed using relatively short-term loans.  Upon completion of the project, it may be necessary to find replacement financing for these loans.  This process involves risk as to the availability of such permanent or other take-out financing, the interest rates, and the payment terms applicable to such financing, which may be adversely influenced by local, national, or international factors.   

The ownership of properties involves risk.  The ownership of investment properties involves risks, such as:  (i) ongoing leasing and re-leasing risks, (ii) ongoing financing and re-financing risks, (iii) market risks as to the multiples offered by buyers of investment properties, (iv) risks related to the ongoing compliance with changing governmental regulation (including, without limitation, environmental laws and requirements to remediate environmental contamination that may exist on a property (such as, by way of example, asbestos), even though not deposited on the property by us), (v) relative illiquidity compared to some other types of assets, and (vi) susceptibility of assets to uninsurable risks, such as biological, chemical or nuclear terrorism, or risks that are subject to caps tied to the concentration of such assets in certain geographic areas, such as earthquakes. Furthermore, as our properties are typically developed around an entertainment use, the attractiveness of these properties to tenants, sources of finance and real estate investors will be influenced by market perceptions of the benefits and detriments of such entertainment-type properties.

A number of our assets are in geologically active areas, presenting risk of earthquake and land movement.  We have properties in California and New Zealand, areas that present a greater risk of earthquake and/or land movement than other locations. New Zealand has in recent periods had several major earthquakes damaging our facilities in Christchurch and Wellington. The ability to insure for such casualties is limited and may become more difficult and/or more expensive in future periods.

We may be subject to liability under environmental laws and regulations. We own and operate a large number of cinemas and other properties within the U.S. and internationally, which may be subject to various foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment or human health. Such environmental laws and regulations include those that impose liability for the investigation and remediation of spills or releases of hazardous materials. We may incur such liability, including for any currently or formerly owned, leased or operated property, or for any site, to which we may have disposed, or arranged for the disposal of, hazardous materials or wastes. Certain of these laws and regulations may impose liability, including on a joint and several liability, which can result in a liable party being obliged to pay for greater than its share, regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal. Environmental conditions relating to our properties or operations could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations and cash flows.

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Legislative or regulatory initiatives related to global warming/climate change concerns may negatively impact our business.  Recently, there has been an increasing focus and continuous debate on global climate change including increased attention from regulatory agencies and legislative bodies. This increased focus may lead to new initiatives directed at regulating an as yet unspecified array of environmental matters. Legislative, regulatory or other efforts in the U.S. to combat climate change could result in future increases in the cost of raw materials, taxes, transportation and utilities for our vendors and for us which would result in higher operating costs for the Company. Also, compliance by our cinemas and accompanying real estate with new and revised environmental, zoning, land-use or building codes, laws, rules or regulations, could have a material and adverse effect on our business. However, we are unable to predict at this time, the potential effects, if any, that any future environmental initiatives may have on our business.

International Business Risks

Our international operations are subject to a variety of risks, including the following:

·

Currency Risk: while we report our earnings and net assets in U.S. dollars, substantial portions of our revenue and of our obligations are denominated in either Australian or New Zealand dollars. The value of these currencies can vary significantly compared to the U.S. dollar and compared to each other. We do not hedge the currency risk, but rather have relied upon the natural hedges that exist as a result of the fact that our film costs are typically fixed as a percentage of the box office, and our local operating costs and obligations are likewise typically denominated in local currencies. However, we do have intercompany debt and our ability to service this debt could be adversely impacted by declines in the relative value of the Australian and New Zealand dollar compared to the U.S. dollar.  Also, our use of local borrowings to mitigate the business risk of currency fluctuations has reduced our flexibility to move cash between jurisdictions.  Set forth below is a chart of the exchange ratios between these three currencies since 1996: 

Picture 1

In recent periods, we have repaid intercompany debt and used the proceeds to fund capital investment in the United States.  Accordingly, our debt levels in Australia are higher than they would have been if funds had not been returned for such purposes.  On a company wide basis, this means that a reduction in the relative strength of the US dollar versus the Australian Dollar and/or the New Zealand dollar will effectively raise the overall cost of our borrowing and capital and make it more expensive to return funds from the United States to Australia and New Zealand.



·

Risk of adverse government regulation: currently, we believe that relations between the United States, Australia, and New Zealand are good.  However, no assurances can be given that these relationships will continue and that Australia and New Zealand will not in the future seek to regulate more highly the business done by U.S. companies in their countries. 

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·

Risk of adverse labor relations: deterioration in labor relations could lead to an increased cost of labor (including future government requirements with respect to pension liabilities, disability insurance and health coverage, and vacations and leave).

Risks Associated with Certain Discontinued Operations

Certain of our subsidiaries were previously in industrial businesses. As a consequence, properties that are currently owned or may have in the past been owned, by these subsidiaries may prove to have environmental issues.  Where we have knowledge of such environmental issues and are in a position to make an assessment as to our exposure, we have established what we believe to be appropriate reserves, but we are exposed to the risk that currently unknown problems may be discovered. These subsidiaries are also exposed to potential claims related to exposure of former employees to coal dust, asbestos, and other materials now considered to be, or which in the future may be found to be, carcinogenic or otherwise injurious to health. 

Operating, Financial Structure and Borrowing Risk

From time to time, we may have negative working capital.  In recent years, as we have invested our cash in new acquisitions and the development of our existing properties, we have had negative working capital. This negative working capital is typical in the cinema exhibition industry because our short-term liabilities are in part financing our long-term assets instead of long-term liabilities financing short-term assets, as is the case in other industries such as manufacturing and distribution.

We are subject to complex taxation, changes in tax rates, adoption of new U.S. or international tax legislation and disagreements with tax authorities that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations We are subject to many different forms of taxation in both the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions where we operate, such as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law in December 2017. The new laws are still evolving and require we interpret the provisions of the law as we try to comply with them. The costs of compliance with these laws and regulations are high and are likely to increase in the future. Any failure on our part to comply with these laws and regulations can result in negative publicity and diversion of management time and effort and may subject us to significant liabilities and other penalties.

We have substantial short to medium term debt.  Generally speaking, we have historically financed our operations through relatively short-term debt.  No assurances can be given that we will be able to refinance this debt, or if we can, that the terms will be reasonable.  However, as a counterbalance to this debt, we have certain unencumbered real property assets, which could be sold to pay debt or encumbered to assist in the refinancing of existing debt, if necessary. 

We have substantial lease liabilities.  Most of our cinemas operate in leased facilities. These leases typically have “cost of living” or other rent adjustment features and require that we operate the properties as cinemas.  A downturn in our cinema exhibition business might, depending on its severity, adversely affect the ability of our cinema operating subsidiaries to meet these rental obligations.  Even if our cinema exhibition business remains relatively constant, cinema level cash flow will likely be adversely affected unless we can increase our revenue sufficiently to offset increases in our rental liabilities. Unlike property rental leases, our newly added digital equipment leases do not have “cost of living” or other lease adjustment features.

Our stock is thinly tradedOur stock is thinly traded, with an average daily volume in 2017 of only approximately 41,000 Class A Stock.  Our Class B Stock is very thinly traded with even less volume.  This can result in significant volatility, as demand by buyers and sellers can easily get out of balance.

Ownership and Management Structure, Corporate Governance, and Change of Control Risks 

Pending disputes among the heirs of James J. Cotter, Sr., have over the past two years caused, and may continue to cause, uncertainty regarding the ongoing control of the Company by the Cotter family and have distracted and may continue to distract the time and attention of our officers and directors from our business and operations and may ultimately interfere with the effective management of the Company.  Up until his death on September 13, 2014, James J. Cotter, Sr., the father of Ellen Cotter, James J. Cotter, Jr. and Margaret Cotter, was our controlling stockholder, having the sole power to vote approximately 66.9% of the outstanding voting stock of the Company.  Under applicable Nevada Law, a stockholder holding more than 2/3rds of the Company’s voting stock has the power at any time, with or without cause, to remove any one or more directors (up to and including the entire board of directors) by written consent taken without a meeting of the stockholders.



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Since his death, disputes have arisen among Ellen Cotter, James J. Cotter, Jr. and Margaret Cotter concerning the voting control of those shares and regarding the exercise by the Estate of James J. Cotter, Sr. Deceased (the “Cotter Estate”) of options to acquire an additional 100,000 shares of Class B Stock.  At the present time, Ellen Cotter is the Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of our Company.  James J. Cotter, Jr. is a director and from June 2013 until June 12, 2015 was the President and from August 7, 2014 until June 12, 2015 was the Chief Executive Officer of our Company, having been removed from those positions by Board action on June 12, 2015.  Margaret Cotter is the Vice-Chair of our Company, Executive Vice-President – Real Estate Management and Development, NYC and the President of Liberty Theaters, LLC, the company through which we own and operate our live theaters.  She heads up the management and redevelopment of our New York properties.



As of December 31, 2017, according to the books of the Company, the Living Trust established by the Declaration of Trust dated June 5, 2013, by James J. Cotter, Sr. (the “Cotter Trust”), held of record 696,080 shares of our Class B  Stock  constituting approximately 41.4% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock.  According to the books of the Company, the Cotter Estate as of that date held of record an additional 427,808 shares of Class B Stock, constituting approximately 25.5% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. We are advised, based upon public filings made by one or more of Ellen Cotter, Margaret Cotter and James J. Cotter, Jr. (the “Cotter Filings”) that the Class B Stock currently held of record by the Cotter Estate will eventually pour over into the Cotter Trust.  We are further advised from the Cotter Filings that the Cotter Trust also provides for the establishment of a voting trust (the “Cotter Voting Trust”) which will eventually hold the Class B Stock currently held by the Cotter Estate and the Cotter Trust.  At the present time, however, such Class B Stock is held of record by the Cotter Trust and the Cotter Estate, respectively.



On December 22, 2014, the District Court of Clark County, Nevada, (the “Nevada District Court”) appointed Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter as co-executors of the Cotter Estate.  While no final ruling has been entered, the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles (the “California Superior Court”), in the case captioned In re James J. Cotter Living Trust dated August 1, 2000 (Case No. BP159755) (the “Trust Case”), has issued its Statement of Decision to the effect that  (subject to appeal) Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter are the Co-Trustees of the Cotter Trust and that Margaret Cotter is the sole Trustee of the Voting Trust.  Accordingly, in the view of the Company, Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter have voting control over the shares held by the Cotter Trust and the Cotter Estate, collectively representing  66.9% of our Company’s Class B Stock.  Taking into account Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter’s personal holdings of voting stock, Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter have the power to vote 71.9% of our Company’s voting stock.  However, there is no assurance that James Cotter, Jr., upon the issuance of a final ruling, will not appeal this decision by the California Superior Court.



We understand from public filings made by Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter and public filings made by James J. Cotter, that James J. Cotter, Jr. is the first alternate trustee of the Voting Trust, in the event that Margaret Cotter is unable or unwilling to serve as trustee.



While our Company is not a party to the Trust Case, our Company has appeared to  protect (a) the business plan adopted by our Board of Directors and its determination that stockholder interests are best achieved by continuing with that business plan rather than selling the Company at this time and (b) in the event that the California Court were to disregard the advice of our Board and order that a controlling interest in our Company be marketed or sold,  that the interests of our Company and stockholders generally are protected.   Our Company’s participation in the Trust Case since August 2017 has been overseen by a Special Independent Committee of the Board of Directors chaired by our Lead Independent Director, Mr. William Gould, and comprised, in addition to Mr. Gould, of directors Doug McEachern and Judy Codding.



On February 8, 2017, James Cotter, Jr. filed in the Trust Case an Ex Parte Petition for Appointment of a trustee ad litem and of a guardian ad litem for the benefit of Cotter, Sr.’s, minor grandchildren (two of whom are the children of Margaret Cotter and three of whom are the children of James Cotter, Jr., and who are referred to herein as the “Cotter Grandchildren”).  Mr. Cotter, Jr., sought the appointment of a trustee ad litem, to evaluate the non-binding indication of interest sent by Patton Vision, LLC (“Patton Vision”), to the Trustees of the Cotter Trust to acquire the RDI shares held by the Cotter Trust at $18.50 per share (referred to in Mr. Cotter, Jr’s pleadings as the “Offer”) and to take reasonable steps to act on the Offer in the trustee’s sole discretion.  Specifically, Mr. Cotter Jr. sought an order “granting the trustee ad litem with full power, authority, and protections under the Cotter Trust and California trust law, as any other named trustee would have, to evaluate the Offer, conduct due diligence, negotiate with Patton Vision or any other potential offerors, and take all actions necessary or appropriate to consummate the sale of the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares, including but not limited to:



a.

communicate solely with Patton Vision regarding their Offer to purchase the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares;

b.

receive solely and exclusively all offers for the purchase of the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares;

c.

enter into purchase and sale agreements with respect to the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares;

d.

take all actions necessary to carry out the terms, conditions, and obligations of any purchase and sale agreement with respect to the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares, including negotiating any modifications thereto;

e.

receive all proceeds of sale from the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares;

f.

return to the co-trustees of the Cotter Trust, namely Margaret Cotter, Ellen Cotter, and James J. Cotter, Jr., net proceeds of the sale of the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares to be invested, managed and distributed in accordance with the terms of the Cotter Trust;

g.

hire investment advisors, tax advisors, accountants, attorneys, or any other advisors the trustee ad litem deems necessary and reasonable, in his or her sole discretion, to carry out his powers; and,

24


 

h.

temporarily suspending James J. Cotter, Jr., Margaret and Ellen’s powers with respect to all of the foregoing matters until further order of this Court.”  



On February 14, 2018, the California Superior Court issued its “Statement of Decision” to appoint a temporary trustee ad litem (the “TTAL”) “with the narrow and specific authority to obtain offers to purchase the RDI stock in the voting trust, but not to exercise any other powers without court approval, specifically the sale of the company or any other powers possessed by the trustees.”  We are informed that the Statement of Decision does not become effective until the Superior Court’s order is issued and filed, which, as of the date of this filing, has not occurred.  No TTAL has been appointed.  The California Superior Court has directed the parties to either agree upon a TTAL, or in the alternative to submit to the court three acceptable names.  No timeline is specified in the Statement of Decision for the appointment of a TTAL or for the execution of such person’s charge to “obtain offers to purchase RDI stock in the voting trust.”   In so far as we are aware, based upon public filings and our internal records, at the present time the Voting Trust does not own any shares of RDI stock.   The shares which are anticipated to flow into the Voting Trust are, insofar as our Company is aware, currently owned by the Cotter Estate and the Cotter Trust.



We continue to believe that, whether or not a final determination is made to sell the voting shares, the appointment of a TTAL poses risks to our Company and our stockholders  for a variety of reasons, including the resultant potential for:  (i) distraction of management and key employees from focusing on the conduct of our business, including the implementation of our three year business strategy, (ii) incurrence of additional general and administrative costs due to the need to implement employee retention programs and to incur legal expenses of the type and at levels not typically required in the ordinary conduct of our Company’s business, (iii) interference with contractual relationships, negotiations and potential negotiations with third parties important to our Company’s business, including, without limitation, current and future lenders, tenants, landlords, suppliers and co-developers, (iv) increased difficulty in hiring and retaining high quality employees and (v) exposure of our Company to potential litigation claims of the type which often accompany any extraordinary corporate transactions together with the expense, distraction and time loss that typically results from any such litigation.  If a decision to sell a controlling interest is made by the California Superior Court, then there would be the additional risk that control might be sold to an unqualified purchaser who might exploit such control position in a manner not consistent with the best interests of our Company or stockholders generally.



Since May 2016, Patton Vision has sent four different indications of interest to us to purchase all of our Company’s outstanding shares.  In each case our Board of Directors has determination that our Company and our stockholders would be best served by our continued independence and by our pursuit of our business strategy.  We were informed that on January 23, 2017, Patton Vision separately sent a similar indication of interest to the co-trustees of the Cotter Trust to purchase the Cotter Trust’s shares and to the Co-Executors of the Cotter Estate to purchase the Cotter Estate’s shares.   



On March 2, 2017, our Board of Directors, following consideration and adoption of our three year business strategy, confirmed its determination that our Company and our stockholders would be best served by our continued independence and by our pursuit of our business strategy.  Our Board of Directors instructed our management to inform Patton Vision that our Board had no interest in engaging in discussions regarding our possible sale.  Our Board of Directors took this action in fulfilling its fiduciary duty on behalf of all stockholders, and in this matter, James J. Cotter, Jr., in his capacity as a director of Reading, abstained.



In mid-September, 2017, Director William Gould (our Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Special Independent Committee) received a letter from Patton Vision once again expressing its desire to meet to discuss a potential acquisition of our Company.  The letter referenced the California Superior Court’s tentative statement of decision regarding the appointment of a TTAL, stated no specific price or other terms and was, in our view, simply a request to do due diligence on our Company.

In response to the September Patton Vision Letter, the Board reviewed with management the progress being made on the strategic plan previously adopted by the Board, and determined (with Director Cotter, Jr., voting no) that there was no reason to deviate from that strategic plan or to reconsider the Board’s prior determination that the best interests of the Company and its stockholders would best be served by continuing to pursue the Company’s strategic plan as an independent company. Our Board of Directors instructed management to communicate the Board’s determination to Patton Vision. Our Board of Directors will be reviewing our management’s updated three year business strategy in late March 2018.

The California Superior Court, in the Trust Case, has jurisdiction over a potentially controlling block of our voting power.  The Cotter Trust, which as described in more detail above, currently owns 41.4% of our Class B Stock, and, at such time as the Cotter Estate is probated, may receive up to an additional 25.5% of our Class B Stock, should the California Superior Court order the sale of the Trusts’ Class B Stock and such sale be completed, then there may be a change of control of our Company (depending on, among other things, who the ultimate purchaser(s) of such shares might be, the number of shares of Voting Stock distributed by the Cotter Estate to the Cotter Trust, and whether the California Superior Court orders a sale of all or only some portion to the Class B Stock held by the Cotter Trust).  We cannot predict what reactions, including appeals or other steps, might be taken by Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter in their respective capacities as Trustees under the Cotter Trust, or in other capacities (for example, as Co-Executors of the Cotter Estate, should the California Superior Court make such an order.  We also cannot predict what action our Board of Directors would take in response, if any.  However, our Board of Directors has an obligation to act in the best interest of our Company, and in the event

25


 

the California Superior Court were to order a sale of the Class B Stock held by the Cotter Trust, our Board of Directors would be obligated to consider the interests of the Company and to act accordingly.    



In addition, James J. Cotter, Jr., has filed a derivative action (discussed in greater detail below) against Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter and certain of our Directors, alleging a variety of misconduct on their part and, among other things, seeking the reinstatement of James J. Cotter, Jr. as president and chief executive officer of our Company, and challenging the voting by Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter of the shares held by the Cotter Estate.  The Nevada District Court dismissed all of Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s derivative claims against Directors Judy Codding, William Gould, Edward L. Kane, Doug McEachern and Michael Wrotniak in December 2017.   See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12—Commitments and Contingencies—Cotter Jr. Related Litigation Matters (including legal costs coverage).   The Nevada District Court also dismissed all of the Defendant Directors Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s claims against them relating to their handling of the Patton Vision indication of interest.



The Nevada derivative litigation and related matters has for multiple years, required the time and attention of Ellen Cotter, Margaret Cotter, our directors and members of our management team  and could, in the future, potentially further distract the time and attention of these key persons from the business and operations of our Company.



Furthermore, the uncertainty as to the future management and control of our Company could potentially  adversely impact, among other things (i) our ability to develop and maintain favorable business relationships, (ii) our ability to attract and retain talented and experienced directors, executives and employees, (iii) the compensation and other terms needed to attract and retain such individuals (including, without limitation, the potential need for retentions agreements and other incentive arrangements typically put into place when control of a public company is uncertain), (iv) our ability to borrow money on favorable long-term terms, and (v) our ability to pursue and complete long-term business objectives. 



The interests of our controlling stockholder may conflict with your interests.  As of December 31, 2017, the Cotter Estate and the Cotter Trust beneficially own 66.9% of our outstanding Class B Stock.  At the present time, according to the books of the Company, Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter vote (including their direct holdings of 50,000 shares and 35,100 shares respectively of the Class B Stock), Class B Stock representing 71.9% of our outstanding Class B Stock.  Our Class A Stock is non-voting, while our Class B Stock represents all of the voting power of our Company.  For as long as the Cotter Estate, the Cotter Trust and/or the Cotter Voting Trust (referred to herein collectively as the “Cotter Entities”) continue to own shares of Class B Stock representing more than 50% of the voting power of our common stock, the Cotter Entities will be able to elect all of the members of our Board of Directors and determine the outcome of all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including matters involving mergers or other business combinations, the acquisition or disposition of assets, the incurrence of indebtedness, the issuance of any additional shares of common stock or other equity securities and the payment of dividends on common stock. The Cotter Entities will also have the power to prevent or cause a change in control, and could take other actions that might be desirable to the Cotter Entities but not to other stockholders.  To the extent that the Cotter Entities hold more than 2/3rds of our outstanding Class B Stock, the Cotter Entities will have the power at any time, with or without cause, to remove any one or more Directors (up to and including the entire board of directors) by written consent taken without a meeting of the stockholders.    

In addition, the Cotter Estate or the Cotter Trust and/or their respective affiliates have controlling interests in companies in related and unrelated industries.  In the future, we may participate in transactions with these companies (see Note 18Related Parties).



While controlling stockholders may owe certain fiduciary duties to our Company and/or minority stockholders, these duties are limited.   No assurances can be given that the Cotter Entities will not take action that, while beneficial to them and legally enforceable, would not necessarily be in the best interests of our Company and/or our stockholders generally.

We are a “Controlled Company” under applicable NASDAQ Regulations.   As permitted by those Regulations, our Board has elected to opt-out of certain corporate governance rules applicable to non-controlled companies.  Generally speaking, the NASDAQ requires listed companies to meet certain minimum corporate governance provisions.  However, a “Controlled Company”, such as we, may elect not to be governed by certain of these provisions.  Our Board of Directors has elected to exempt our Company from requirements that (i) at least a majority of our Directors be independent, and (ii) nominees to our Board of Directors be nominated by a committee comprised entirely of independent Directors or by a majority of our Company’s independent Directors.  Notwithstanding the determination by our Board of Directors to opt-out of these NASDAQ requirements, we believe that a majority of our Board of Directors is nevertheless currently comprised of independent Directors. In this regard, our Board takes note of the fact that notwithstanding the allegations of Mr. Cotter, Jr., in the Derivative Case, the Nevada District Court has determined that, after more than 30 months of litigation, Mr. Cotter, Jr., has failed to demonstrate any issue of fact as to the independence of five our current nine directors:  Directors Judy Codding, William Gould, Edward L. Kane, Doug McEachern and Michael Wrotniak.   Nominations are considered by the Board, acting as a whole.  While as a Controlled Company, we are not subject to the requirement that the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer be determined or recommended to our Board of Directors by a compensation committee comprised entirely of independent Directors or by a majority of our Company’s independent Directors, the current charter of our Compensation and Stock Options Committee nevertheless requires that this committee be comprised entirely of independent Directors.

26


 

We depend on key personnel for our current and future performance.  Our current and future performance depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our senior management team and other key personnel. The loss or unavailability to us of any member of our senior management team or a key employee could significantly harm us. We cannot assure you that we would be able to locate or employ qualified replacements for senior management or key employees on acceptable terms. Due to the uncertainty of our control situation, the ongoing availability of these employees and our ability to replace them is uncertain.

If our company suffers cyber-security attacks, data security challenges or privacy incidents that result in security breaches, we could suffer a loss of sales, additional liability, reputational harm or other adverse consequences.

The effective operation of our international businesses depends on our network infrastructure, computer systems, physical, virtual and/or cloud based, and software. Our information technology systems collect and process information provided by customers, employees and vendors.  In addition, third party vendors’ systems process ticketing for our theaters.  These various information technology systems and the data stored within them are subject to penetration by cyber attackers.  We utilize industry accepted security protocols to securely maintain and protect proprietary and confidential information. However, in spite of our best efforts, our information systems may fail to operate for a variety of technological or human reasons.  An interruption or failure of our information technology systems and of those maintained by our third party providers could adversely affect our business, liquidity or results of operations and result in increases in reputational risk, litigation or penalties.  Furthermore, any such occurrence, if significant could require us to expend resources to remediate and upgrade information technology systems.  Since 2015, we have annually procured cybersecurity insurance to protect against cyber-security risks; however, such we cannot provide any assurance regarding the adequacy of such insurance coverage.



Item 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

27


 

Item 2 – Properties 

EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

As discussed previously, in February 2017, we moved our executive headquarters in the U.S. from an 11,700 square foot leased office space located at 6100 Center Drive, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90045 to a 24,000 square foot Class B office building with 72 parking spaces located at 5995 Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 300, Culver City, California 90230, which we purchased on April 11, 2016.  We are currently using approximately 50% of the leasable area for our headquarters’ offices and intend to lease, over time, the remainder to unaffiliated third parties.



We own an 8,300 square foot office building in Melbourne, Australia, approximately 5,200 square feet of which serve as the headquarters for our Australian and New Zealand operations (the remainder being leased to an unrelated third party). We maintain our accounting personnel and certain IT and operational personnel in approximately 5,900 square foot of offices located in our Wellington Courtenay Central ETC.  We also occupy approximately 3,500 square feet at our Village East leasehold property in New York for administrative purposes.



ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTIES

Entertainment Use Leasehold Interests

As of December 31, 2017, we lease approximately 1,800,000 square feet of completed cinema space in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand as follows:



 

 

 

 



 

Aggregate Square Footage

 

Approximate Range of Remaining Lease Terms
(including renewals)

United States

 

962,000

 

2018 – 2052

Australia

 

659,000

 

2019 – 2039

New Zealand

 

191,000

 

2019 – 2050



In December 2014, we entered into (i) a lease for a new luxury cinema, Olino by Consolidated Theatres, which opened on October 21, 2016 at the new Ka Makana Ali'i Shopping Center developed in Kapolei, Hawaii by an affiliate of DeBartolo Development and (ii) finalized terms for a new eight-screen cinema complex in New Lynn Auckland, New Zealand, which opened in November 2015.

REAL ESTATE INTERESTS

Fee Interests

In Australia, as of December 31, 2017, we owned approximately 1,200,000 square feet of land at nine locations.  Most of this land is located in the greater metropolitan areas of Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney.  Of these fee interests, approximately 208,000 square feet are currently improved with cinemas.  We also own an approximately 23,000 square foot parcel currently improved with an approximately 22,000 square foot office building that we intend to integrate with and into our Newmarket ETC and that, accordingly, is not included in the above table.

In New Zealand, as of December 31, 2017, we owned approximately 3,300,000 square feet of land at six locations. The foregoing includes the Courtenay Central ETC in Wellington, the development land adjacent to our Courtenay Central ETC, the 70.4-acre Manukau site, and the fee interests underlying four cinemas in New Zealand, which properties include approximately 20,000 square feet of ancillary retail space.

In the United States, as of December 31, 2017, we owned approximately 134,000 square feet of improved real estate comprised of three live theater buildings, which include approximately 37,000 square feet of leasable space, the fee interest in the Union Square property (currently being redeveloped), and the fee interest in our Cinemas 1,2,3 in Manhattan (held through a limited liability company in which we have a 75% managing member interest). We also own various properties relating to our historic railroad business. 

Live Theaters

Included among our real estate holdings are three Off-Broadway style live theaters, operated through our Liberty Theaters subsidiary. We license theater auditoriums to the producers of Off-Broadway theatrical productions and provide various box office and food & beverage services. The terms of our licenses are, naturally, principally dependent upon the commercial success of our tenants. While we attempt to choose productions that we believe will be successful, we have no control over the production itself.  At the current time, we have two single-auditorium theaters in Manhattan:

·

the Minetta Lane (399 seats); and,

28


 

·

the Orpheum (347 seats).

We also own a four-auditorium theater complex, the Royal George Theatre in Chicago (main stage 452 seats, cabaret 199 seats, great room 100 seats and gallery 60 seats), which has ancillary retail and office space.

At the end of 2015, we closed our Union Square Theatre as a part of our redevelopment of that property.  As discussed previously, we began the construction phase of the redevelopment during 2016.

Liberty Theaters is primarily in the business of renting theater space. However, we may from time-to-time participate as an investor in a play, which can help facilitate the exhibition of the play at one of our facilities, and do from time-to-time rent space on a basis that allows us to share in a production’s revenue or profits.  Revenue, expense, and profits are reported as a part of the real estate segment of our business.

Joint Venture Interests

Real estate joint ventures comprise of  a 75% managing member interest in the limited liability company that owns our Cinemas 1,2,3 property and a 50% managing member interest in Shadow View Land & Farming, LLC, which owns an approximately 202-acre property in Coachella, California that is currently zoned for residential and mixed use.   

 

29


 

OPERATING PROPERTY

As of December 31, 2017, we own fee interests on approximately 842,000 square feet of income-producing properties (including certain properties principally occupied by our cinemas) as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property

 

Square Feet of  Improvements (rental/entertainment)(1)

 

Percentage Leased(2)

 

Net Book Value(3) 
(US Dollars in thousands)

 

Reporting Segment

 

Address

United States

Cinemas 1, 2, 3(4)

 

0 / 21,000

 

 

n/a

 

$

24,293 

 

Cinema Exhibition

 

1003 Third Avenue, Manhattan, NY

LA Office Building, Culver City

 

12,000 / 14,000

 

 

0%

 

 

13,513 

 

Real Estate

 

5995 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA

Minetta Lane Theatre

 

0 / 9,000

 

 

n/a

 

 

2,515 

 

Real Estate

 

18-22 Minetta Lane, Manhattan, NY

Orpheum Theatre

 

1,000 / 5,000

 

 

100%

 

 

1,374 

 

Real Estate

 

126 2nd Street, Manhattan, NY

Royal George

 

37,000 / 23,000

 

 

91%

 

 

2,300 

 

Real Estate

 

1633 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL



 

 

plus a 55-space parking structure

 

 

 

 

Australia

Newmarket(5)

 

102,000 / 42,000

 

 

74%

 

 

31,804 

 

Real Estate

 

400 Newmarket Road, Newmarket, QLD



 

 

plus a 574-space parking structure

 

 

 

 

Auburn(5)

 

75,000 / 57,000

 

 

79%

 

 

24,621 

 

Cinema Exhibition /

 

100 Parramatta Road, Auburn, NSW



 

 

plus a 757-space parking structure

 

Real Estate

 

 

Cannon Park(6)

 

105,000 / 28,000

 

 

94%

 

 

24,593 

 

Cinema Exhibition / Real Estate

 

High Range Drive, Thuringowa, QLD

Belmont

 

15,000 / 45,000

 

 

71%

 

 

6,459 

 

Cinema Exhibition

 

Knutsford Avenue and Fulham Street, Belmont, WA

York Street Office

 

3,000 / 5,000

 

 

100%

 

 

1,985 

 

Real Estate

 

98 York Street, South Melbourne, VIC

Maitland Cinema

 

0 / 22,000

 

 

n/a

 

 

1,102 

 

Cinema Exhibition

 

Ken Tubman Drive, Maitland, NSW

Bundaberg

 

0 / 14,000

 

 

n/a

 

 

1,267 

 

Cinema Exhibition

 

1 Johanna Boulevard, Bundaberg, QLD

New Zealand

Courtenay Central(5)

 

29,000 / 76,000

 

 

42%

 

 

13,295 

 

Cinema Exhibition /

 

100 Courtenay Place, Wellington



Plus an additional 37,000 feet of land currently used as car parking where our car parking structure once was.

 

 

 

 

Real Estate

 

24 Tory Street, Wellington (Parking)

Dunedin Cinema

 

0 / 25,000

 

 

n/a

 

 

6,486 

 

Cinema Exhibition

 

33 The Octagon, Dunedin

Napier Cinema

 

12,000 / 18,000

 

 

100%

 

 

2,046 

 

Cinema Exhibition

 

154 Station Street, Napier

Invercargill Cinema

 

8,000 / 24,000

 

 

61%

 

 

1,633 

 

Cinema Exhibition

 

29 Dee Street, Invercargill

Rotorua Cinema

 

0 / 19,000

 

 

n/a

 

 

1,825 

 

Cinema Exhibition

 

1281 Eruera Street, Rotorua

TOTAL(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

161,111 

 

 

 

 



(1) Rental square footage refers to the amount of area available to be rented to third parties. A number of our real estate holdings include entertainment components rented to one or more of our subsidiaries at fair market rent. The rental area to such subsidiaries is noted under the entertainment square footage.

(2) Represents the percentage of rental square footage currently leased to third parties.

(3) Refers to the net carrying value of the land and buildings of the property presented as “Operating Property” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017 (net of any impairments recorded).

(4) Owned by a limited liability company in which we hold a 75% managing member interest.  The remaining 25% is owned by Sutton Hill Capital, LLC (“SHC”), a company owned in equal parts by the Cotter Estate or the Cotter Trust and a third party.

(5) Our Courtenay Central parking structure has been demolished due to an earthquake on November 14, 2016.  For further information on the on-going development projects of these properties, refer to succeeding section "Investment and Development Property."

(6) Our Cannon Park City and Discount Centers are operated as a single ETC.

(7) This schedule does not include (i) our leasehold assets on cinemas under leased-facility model, (ii) those portion of the owned assets that are not income-producing or purely used for administrative purposes, and (iii) our assets on our legacy business in Philadelphia and New Jersey.



LONG-TERM LEASEHOLD OPERATING PROPERTY

In certain cases, we have long-term leases that we view more akin to real estate investments than cinema leases. As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately 149,000 square foot of space subject to such long-term leases, which are reported as part of our Cinema Exhibition segment, detailed as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property

 

Square Feet of  Improvements (rental/entertainment)(1)

 

Percentage Leased(2)

 

Net Book Value(3) 
(US Dollars in thousands)

In United States

Village East(4)

 

4,000 / 38,000

 

 

100%

 

$

5,327 

Manville

 

0 / 46,000

 

 

n/a

 

 

3,076 

Tower

 

0 / 17,000

 

 

n/a

 

 

--

In Australia

Waurn Ponds

 

6,000 / 38,000

 

 

100%

 

 

415 

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

8,818 





(1) Rental square footage refers to the amount of area available to be rented to third parties. A number of our real estate holdings include entertainment components rented to one or more of our subsidiaries at fair market rent. The rental area to such subsidiaries is noted under the entertainment square footage.

(2) Represents the percentage of rental square footage currently leased to third parties.

(3) Refers to the net carrying value of the leasehold property presented as “Operating Property” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017 (net of any impairments recorded).

30


 

(4) The lease of the Village East provides for a call option pursuant to which Reading may purchase the cinema ground lease for $5.9 million at the end of the lease term in 2020.  Additionally, the lease has a put option pursuant to which SHC may require Reading to purchase all or a portion of SHC's interest in the existing cinema lease and the cinema ground lease at any time between July 1, 2013 and December 4, 2019.  See Note 18Related Party Transactions to our 2017 consolidated financial statements.





INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY

We are engaged in several investment and development projects relative to our currently undeveloped parcels of land.  In addition, we are currently executing, or still pursuing to execute, our redevelopment plans on several of our existing developed properties to take them to their highest and best use. The following table summarizes our investment and development projects as of December 31, 2017:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property(1)

 

Acreage

 

Net Book Value(2)
(US Dollars in thousands)

 

Status

United States

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Union Square Theatre

 

0.08

 

$

36,013 

 

We closed down the live theatre business and terminated third party retail tenants in order to actively pursue the redevelopment of this property.  Construction phase began and construction financing was obtained during 2016, and we anticipate this redevelopment project will be substantially completed by third quarter of 2018.  The net book value of $36.0 million represents historic cost plus capital expenditures through December 31, 2017.

Coachella, CA

 

202.39

 

 

4,318 

 

We continue to evaluate our options with regards to this property.

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auburn, Sydney, New South Wales

 

2.62

 

 

1,584 

 

We have commenced the development of the next phase of this property.  In 2015 and 2016, we entered into agreements to lease approximately 15,500 square feet of to-be-built retail space. Two (2) newly constructed retailers (Intersport and MCMD) opened during the third quarter of 2016, one (1) (Chicago Jones Cafe) opened in March 2017 and two restaurants  opened at the end of 2017.   The center has approximately 118,000 square feet of land area available for development.

New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manukau, Auckland

 

64.0 acres zoned agricultural and 6.4 acres zoned light industrial

 

 

12,372 

 

In August 2016, the agricultural portion of our property in Manukau (approximately 64.0 acres) was rezoned to light industrial uses.  In 2010, we acquired an adjacent property (6.4 acres) that is already zoned for heavy industrial use.  That property links our existing parcel with the existing road network. We continue to evaluate our options in regards to this property.

Courtenay Central, Wellington (including Wakefield and Taranaki)

 

1.08

 

 

6,967 

 

On November 14, 2016, Wellington experienced a severe 7.8 magnitude earthquake. That earthquake rendered our Tory Street parking building unsafe and ultimately led to the demolition of that building and the temporary closure of our adjacent ETC, which reopened on March 29, 2017. Our supermarket tenant remains committed to the site but has delayed construction in order to upgrade to a “premium” offering. Under the agreement to lease, our tenant is responsible for any increase in our costs resulting from those design changes. In light of the demolition of the existing parking building (a major portion of the cost of which is covered by insurance), we are undertaking a comprehensive redesign analysis, intended to increase the amount of retail leasable space at the center and to better coordinate the interface between the parking building and the remainder of the center. While we work on a redesign of the property, we have activated the building with several temporary “pop-up” retail offerings. We are currently working on plans and in discussions with tenants regarding the construction of additional retail space at the site.

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

$

61,254 

 

 



(1) A number of our real estate holdings include additional land held for development.  In addition, we have acquired certain parcels for future development.

(2) Refers to the recorded values of our non-operating and currently in-development stage properties, which are comprised of land, building, development costs and capitalized interest, and presented as “Investment and Development Property” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017.  Not included in this number is the book value of those portions of such properties which have already been developed.





Some of our income operating properties and our investment and development properties carry various debt encumbrances based on their income streams and geographic locations. For an explanation of our debt and the associated security collateral please see Note 10 – Borrowings to our 2017 consolidated financial statements.

31


 

OTHER PROPERTY INTERESTS AND INVESTMENTS



We own the fee interests in eight parcels comprising 197 acres in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These acres consist primarily of vacant land. With the exception of certain properties located in Philadelphia (including the raised railroad bed near the Center City, known as the North Viaduct), the properties are principally located in rural areas of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These properties are unencumbered by any debt.

Item 3 – Legal Proceedings



The information required under Part I, Item 3 (Legal Proceedings) is incorporated by reference to the information contained in Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) on this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures



Not Applicable.  Properties relating to our legacy business are currently not used and classified as Investment Property.



PART II

Item 5 – Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

MARKET INFORMATION

The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices of the RDI (Class A Stock) and RDIB (Class B Stock) common stock for each of the quarters in 2017 and 2016 as reported by NASDAQ:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Class A Stock

 

Class B Stock



 

High

 

Low

 

High

 

Low

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 4th Quarter

 

$

16.70 

 

$

14.67 

 

$

23.15 

 

$

20.50 

 3rd Quarter

 

 

16.21 

 

 

15.42 

 

 

22.52 

 

 

18.00 

 2nd Quarter

 

 

16.63 

 

 

14.65 

 

 

18.48 

 

 

17.16 

 1st Quarter

 

 

16.95 

 

 

15.23 

 

 

20.34 

 

 

16.29 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 4th Quarter

 

$

16.88 

 

$

12.59 

 

$

18.88 

 

$

15.05 

 3rd Quarter

 

 

13.83 

 

 

12.07 

 

 

16.99 

 

 

12.59 

 2nd Quarter

 

 

13.63 

 

 

11.79 

 

 

13.80 

 

 

11.65 

 1st Quarter

 

 

12.80 

 

 

9.78 

 

 

13.72 

 

 

11.69 



As of December 31, 2017, the approximate number of common stockholders of record was 2,300 for Class A Stock and 375, for Class B Stock. On March 12, 2018, the closing prices per share of our Class A Stock and Class B Stock were $16.86 and $29.41, respectively.

We have never declared a cash dividend on our common stock and we have no current plans to declare a dividend.

The following table summarizes the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights

 

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights

 

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

524,589 

 

$

12.50 

 

 

Restricted stock units

 

138,691 

 

 

13.98 

 

 

Total

 

663,280 

 

 

 

 

457,431 



32


 

Performance Graph

The following line graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on RDI’s common stock for the five-year period ended December 31, 2017 against the cumulative total return as calculated by the NASDAQ composite, a peer group of public companies engaged in the motion picture theater operator industry and a peer group of public companies engaged in the real estate operator industry. Measurement points are the last trading day for each of the five years ended December 31, 2017. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2012 in our common stock, the NASDAQ composite and the noted peer groups, and assumes reinvestment of any dividends. The stock price performance on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.



Picture 5

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES; USE OF PROCEEDS FROM REGISTERED SECURITIES

None.

PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

On March 2, 2017 our Board of Directors authorized a stock buy-back program to spend up to an aggregate of $25.0 million to acquire shares of the Company’s Class A non-voting stock. Below is a summary of share repurchases during 2017: Refer to Note 14 - Share-Based Compensation and Share Repurchase Plans in the 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid per Share

 

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of our Stock Buy-Back Program

 

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Stock Buy-Back Program

March 2017

 

41,899 

 

$

15.99 

 

 

41,899 

 

$

24,330,149 

May 2017

 

98,816 

 

 

15.78 

 

 

98,816 

 

 

22,771,316 

June 2017

 

70,234 

 

 

16.39 

 

 

70,234 

 

 

21,620,212 

August 2017

 

187,207 

 

 

15.81 

 

 

187,207 

 

 

18,659,580 

September 2017

 

5,000 

 

 

15.71 

 

 

5,000 

 

 

18,581,038 

October 2017

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

18,581,038 

November 2017

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

18,581,038 

December 2017

 

6,567 

 

 

16.01 

 

 

6,567 

 

 

18,475,900 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

409,723 

 

$

15.92 

 

 

409,723 

 

$

18,475,900 



33


 

Previously, in May 2014, our Board of Directors had authorized a stock buy-back program to spend up to an aggregate of $10.0 million to acquire shares of the Company’s Class A Stock.  We executed these repurchases pursuant to the publicly announced stock buy-back program requirements.  As of December 31, 2016, we had fully spent the $10.0 million budget.  Refer to Note 14 - Share-Based Compensation and Share Repurchase Plans in the 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.  The following table summarizes the repurchases (by month) during the fiscal year 2016:

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of our Stock Buy-Back Program

 

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Stock Buy-Back Program

11/1/2016 - 11/30/2016

 

81,439 

 

$

15.16 

 

81,439 

 

$

1,608,313 

12/1/2016 - 12/31/2016

 

100,300 

 

 

16.04 

 

100,300 

 

 

--

Total

 

181,739 

 

$

15.64 

 

181,739 

 

$

--

34


 

Item 6 – Selected Financial Data

The table below sets forth certain historical financial data regarding our Company. This information is derived in part from, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this 2017 Annual Report, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ in thousands, except per share data)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015(2)

 

2014(2)

 

2013(3)

Statement of operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

279,734 

 

$

270,473 

 

$

257,865 

 

$

255,242 

 

$

258,221 

Operating income

 

 

20,561 

 

 

20,311 

 

 

23,696 

 

 

22,667 

 

 

20,935 

Net income attributable to RDI

 

 

30,999 

 

 

9,403 

 

 

23,110 

 

 

25,335 

 

 

9,041 

Per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Net income/ attributed to RDI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Basic EPS

 

$

1.35 

 

$

0.40 

 

$

0.99 

 

$

1.08 

 

$

0.39 

    Diluted EPS

 

 

1.33 

 

 

0.40 

 

 

0.98 

 

 

1.07 

 

 

0.38 

Balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

423,026 

 

$

405,766 

 

$

372,198 

 

$

401,586 

 

$

386,807 

Total debt (gross of deferred financing costs)

 

 

134,501 

 

 

148,535 

 

 

130,941 

 

 

164,036 

 

 

168,460 

Working capital (deficit)(4)

 

 

(46,971)

 

 

6,655 

 

 

(35,581)

 

 

(15,119)

 

 

(75,067)

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

181,241 

 

 

146,615 

 

 

138,951 

 

 

133,716 

 

 

123,531 

Statement of cash flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided by / (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Operating activities

 

$

23,851 

 

$

30,188 

 

$

28,574 

 

$

28,343 

 

$

25,183 

  Investing activities

 

 

(6,786)

 

 

(42,861)

 

 

(29,710)

 

 

(9,898)

 

 

(6,142)

  Financing activities

 

 

(22,055)

 

 

11,246 

 

 

(27,961)

 

 

(3,275)

 

 

(17,775)

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBIT

 

$

40,530 

 

$

20,205 

 

$

35,562 

 

$

25,410 

 

$

24,020 

EBITDA

 

$

57,472 

(1)

$

35,894 

 

$

50,124 

(1)

$

40,878 

 

$

39,217 

Debt to EBITDA Ratio

 

 

2.34 

 

 

4.14 

 

 

2.61 

 

 

4.01 

 

 

4.30 

Capital expenditure (including acquisitions)

 

$

76,708 

 

$

49,166 

 

$

53,119 

 

$

14,914 

 

$

20,082 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

 

 

22,931,881 

 

 

23,178,307 

 

 

23,334,892 

 

 

23,237,076 

 

 

23,385,519 

  Weighted average - basic

 

 

23,041,190 

 

 

23,431,855 

 

 

23,293,696 

 

 

23,431,855 

 

 

23,348,003 

  Weighted average - diluted

 

 

23,247,969 

 

 

23,749,221 

 

 

23,495,618 

 

 

23,749,221 

 

 

23,520,271 

Number of employees at 12/31

 

 

2,585 

 

 

2,793 

 

 

2,712 

 

 

2,596 

 

 

2,494 



(1 2017 includes gain on sale of assets amounting to $9.4 million and casualty gain of $9.2 million. 2015 Includes gain on sale of assets amounting to $11.0 million.

(2) Certain 2015 and 2014 balances included the restatement impact as a result of a change in accounting principle (see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Accounting Changes).  For 2014, financial information relating to our Statement of Operations were restated to conform to the restatement adjustments.  For the Balance Sheet, no other changes made, except for the Stockholders’ Equity balance as of 12/31/2014, as we are not required to present the restatement numbers as of December 31, 2014.

(3) 2013 are periods not covered by the restatement as a result of a change in accounting principle. Except for the Stockholders’ Equity balance as of 12/31/2013, no other changes made.

(4) Typically our working capital (deficit) is negative as we receive revenue from our cinema business ahead of the time that we have to pay our associated liabilities. We use the money we receive to pay down our borrowings in the first instance.





Both EBIT and EBITDA are non-US GAAP measures and are presented for informational purposes. They should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings (loss), as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity (as determined in accordance with US GAAP).  These measures should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant US GAAP financial measures.  EBIT and EBITDA as we have calculated them may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

EBIT presented above represents net income (loss) adjusted for interest expense (net of interest income), income tax expense and an adjustment of interest expense for discontinued operations, if any. EBIT is useful in evaluating our operating results for the following reasons:

·

EBIT removes the impact of the varying tax rates and tax regimes in the jurisdictions where we operate and the impact of tax timing differences that may vary from time-to-time and from jurisdiction-to-jurisdiction

·

EBIT removes the impact from our effective tax rate of factors not directly related to our business operations.

·

EBIT removes the impact of our historically significant net loss carry-forwards.

·

EBIT allows a better performance comparison between RDI and other companies. For example, it allows us to compare ourselves with other companies that may have more or less debt than we do.

35


 

We define EBITDA as net income adjusted for interest expense (net of interest income), income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and an adjustment of interest expense, depreciation, and amortization for discontinued operations, if any. EBITDA is useful principally for the following reasons:

·

EBITDA is an industry comparative measure of financial performance. Analysts and financial commentators who report on the cinema exhibition and real estate industries often use EBITDA to determine the valuation of a company in such industries. 

·

EBITDA is a measure used by financial institutions to determine the credit rating of companies in cinema exhibition and real estate industries. 



Reconciliation of EBIT and EBITDA to net income is presented below:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013(1)

Net income (loss) attributable to RDI

 

$

30,999 

 

$

9,403 

 

$

23,110 

 

$

25,335 

 

$

9,041 

  Add: Interest expense, net

 

 

6,194 

 

 

6,782 

 

 

7,304 

 

 

9,000 

 

 

10,037 

  Add: Income tax (benefit) expense

 

 

3,337 

 

 

4,020 

 

 

5,148 

 

 

(8,925)

 

 

4,942 

EBIT

 

$

40,530 

 

$

20,205 

 

$

35,562 

 

$

25,410 

 

$

24,020 

  Add: Depreciation and amortization

 

 

16,942 

 

 

15,689 

 

 

14,562 

 

 

15,468 

 

 

15,197 

EBITDA

 

$

57,472 

 

$

35,894 

 

$

50,124 

 

$

40,878 

 

$

39,217 



(1) 2013 are periods not covered by the restatement as a result of a change in accounting principle.

36


 

Item 7 – Management’s Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)





This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data). The foregoing discussions and analyses contain certain forward-looking statements. Please refer to the “Forward Looking Statements” included as a preface in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors of this 2017 Form 10-K.







 

INDEX

Page

Business Overview

37

Recent Developments

39

Results of Operations

43

Business Segment Results – 2017 vs 2016

45

Non-Segment Results – 2017 vs 2016

48

Business Segment Results – 2016 vs 2015

49

Non-Segments Results – 2016 vs 2015

51

Liquidity and Capital Resources

52

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies

54

Financial Risk Management

54

Critical Accounting Estimates

55







BUSINESS OVERVIEW

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:

·

Cinema exhibition, through our 59, including one managed only cinema multiplex cinemas; and,

·

Real estate, including real estate development and the rental of retail, commercial and live theater assets.

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 operate our worldwide cinema exhibition businesses under various brands:

·

in the U.S., under the following brands: Reading Cinemas, Angelika Film Centers, Consolidated Theatres, and City Cinemas;

·

in Australia, under the Reading Cinemas brand; and,

·

in New Zealand, under the Reading Cinemas and Rialto brands.



37


 

Our Business Strategy: Applying a Synergistic Approach

We believe the cinema business to be one that will likely continue to generate fairly consistent cash flows in the years ahead, even in a recessionary or inflationary environment. This is based on our belief that people will continue to spend a reasonable portion of their entertainment dollars on entertainment outside of the home and that, when compared to other forms of outside-the-home entertainment, movies continue to be a popular and competitively priced option. We believe the cinema exhibition business to be a mature business with most markets either adequately screened or over-screened and we see growth in our cinema business coming principally from (i) the enhancement of our existing cinemas (for example, by the addition of luxury recliner seating and expanding our food and beverage program), (ii) the development in select markets of specialty cinemas and where applicable, new cinemas in underserved markets, and (iii) the opportunistic acquisition of already existing cinemas. From time-to-time, we might invest in the securities of other companies, where we believe the business or assets of those companies to be attractive or to offer synergies to our existing entertainment and real estate businesses. We continue to focus on the development and redevelopment of our existing assets (particularly our real estate assets in (i) New York, (ii) Brisbane and Sydney in Australia, and (iii) Wellington, New Zealand, and our Angelika Film Center chain), as well as to continue to be opportunistic in identifying and endeavoring to acquire undervalued assets, particularly assets with proven cash flow and that we believe to be resistant to recessionary trends.

We see ourselves principally as a geographically diversified real estate and cinema exhibition company and intend to add to stockholder value by building the value of our portfolio of tangible assets, including both entertainment and other types of land and “brick and mortar” assets.  We endeavor to maintain a reasonable asset allocation between our domestic and international assets and operations, and between our cash-generating cinema operations and our cash-consuming real estate investment and development activities.  We believe that, by blending the cash generating capabilities of a cinema operation with the investment and development opportunities of our real estate operations, our business strategy is unique among public companies.

Industry Outlook

Cinema Exhibition

Along with most of our industry, we have completed the conversion of all of our U.S., Australia, and New Zealand cinema operations to digital exhibition.  We believe that a substantial part of this cost of conversion has been or will be recovered by the receipt of “virtual print fees” paid by film distributors for the use of such digital projection equipment.

The “in-home” entertainment industry has experienced significant leaps in recent periods in both the quality and affordability of in-home entertainment systems and in the accessibility to and quality of entertainment programming through alternative film distribution channels, such as network, cable, satellite, internet distribution channels, and Blu-ray/DVD. The success of these alternative distribution channels puts additional pressure on film distributors to reduce and/or eliminate the time period between theatrical and secondary release dates. These are issues common to both our U.S. and international cinema operations.

Certain new entrants to the cinema exhibition market, as well as certain of our historic competitors, have begun to develop new, and to reposition existing, cinemas that offer a broader selection of premium seating and food and beverage choices. These include, in some cases, food service to the seat and the offering of alcoholic beverages. We have for some years offered premium seating, café food selections and alcoholic beverages in certain cinemas.  Based on our experience, we believe that we can compete effectively with this emerging competition. We are currently reviewing the potential for further expanding our offerings at a variety of our cinemas.

Below is a summary discussion of the competitive aspects of our two cinema exhibition markets:

·

North America: We face strong competition in North America as distributors may find it more commercially appealing to deal with major exhibitors, rather than to deal with independents such as us. This competitive disadvantage has increased significantly in recent periods, with the development of mega-circuits such as Regal and AMC, who are able to offer distributors access to screens on a truly nationwide basis, or, on the other hand, to limit access if their desires with respect to film supply are not satisfied. 

AMC has now completed its acquisition of the 4th largest exhibitor in the U.S., Carmike Cinemas, making it the largest circuit in the U.S. and when considered with its parent (Dalian Wanda), the largest exhibitor in the world. Just recently, Regal has been acquired by Cineworld, a major European cinema circuit operator. The restructuring and consolidation undertaken in the industry is decreasing the number of exhibitors in the market, and the emergence of increasingly attractive “in-home” and mobile entertainment alternatives and the continued growth of in-home and mobile viewing options is resulting in pressure for shortened release windows.

38


 

·

Australia / New Zealand: The film exhibition industry in Australia and New Zealand is highly concentrated in that Village, Event, and Hoyts (the “Major Exhibitors”) control approximately 76% of the cinema box office in Australia, while Event and Hoyts control approximately 53% of New Zealand’s cinema box office. The industry is also somewhat vertically integrated in that one of the Major Exhibitors, Roadshow Film Distributors (part of Village), also serves as a distributor of film in Australia and New Zealand for Warner Bros. Films produced or distributed by the majority of the local international independent producers are also distributed by Roadshow. Typically, the Major Exhibitors own the newer multiplex and megaplex cinemas, while the independent exhibitors typically have older and smaller cinemas. In addition, the Major Exhibitors have in recent periods built a number of new multiplexes as joint venture partners or under shared facility arrangements, and have historically not engaged in head-to-head competition. 

Real Estate

A summary discussion of the competitive aspects of the markets where we own real estate properties is as follows:

·

North America: We believe that U.S. retail real estate owners will continue to reuse the space vacated by anchor retailers to offer a variety of entertainment options and ultimately enhance the customer experience. Online marketplaces will offer a platform to brands, designers, and artists to find physical retail space for a short duration. This will likely spur a broader subleasing phenomenon. Subleasing will likely be bigger than leasing, however physical stores will remain, although their form and functionality will continue to evolve. Credit availability may be a concern going forward, due to the continued low CMBS issuances and banks tightening the lending standards across all commercial real estate loan categories due to increased federal scrutiny.

Demand for office space is likely to reduce as corporations adapt to employees’ “live, work, and play” behavior and leverage technology to automate tasks. The leasing of large office spaces and sub-leasing them on demand for a wide variety of short-term rentals, ranging from day offices, hourly use of office space or meeting rooms, to virtual offices and other uses, will be a continuing growth trend. In essence, office space demand will tilt in favor of open, flexible, co-sharing spaces and the per-employee office space requirement is likely to shrink. As a result there will be a higher demand for dynamically configurable spaces.

Our U.S. business plan is aligned with these real estate trends – to expand our U.S. cinema offering, offer premium retail locations and versatile office product.

·

Australia and New Zealand: Over the past few years, there has been a noted stabilization in real estate market activity resulting in some increases to commercial and retail property values in Australia and to a lesser extent in New Zealand. Both countries have relatively stable economies with varying degrees of economic growth that are mostly influenced by global trends.  Also, we have noted that our Australian and New Zealand developed properties have had consistent growth in rentals and values, and we have a number of projects commencing. Once developed, we remain optimistic that our Australian and New Zealand holdings will continue to provide value and cash flows to our operations.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Recent developments in our two business segments are discussed below:

Cinema Exhibition

Our cinema revenue consists primarily of admissions, F&B, advertising and theater rentals.  Cinema operating expense consists of the costs directly attributable to the operation of the cinemas, including film rent expense, operating costs, and occupancy costs.  Cinema revenue and expense fluctuate with the availability of quality first run films and the numbers of weeks such first run films stay in the market.  For a breakdown of our current cinema assets that we own and/or manage, please see Part I, Item 1 – Our Business of this 2017 Annual Report.

While our capital projects in recent years have been focused in growing our real estate segment, we have also achieved some considerable improvements in our cinema exhibition portfolio, as discussed below:

Cinema Additions (including re-openings)

Here are the latest additions to our cinema portfolio since 2015:

·

Opening a new state-of-the-art eight-screen in Newmarket, Brisbane, Australia On December 14, 2017, at the completion of our additional work at our Newmarket Village, Brisbane location, we opened an eight screen Reading Cinemas offering one TITAN LUXE with DOLBY ATMOS sound and recliner seating, and three Gold Lounge auditoriums featuring recliner seating, as well as offering an expanded F&B menu.

·

U.S. Refurbishments In 2017, we continued to expend capital expenditure on refurbishment as detailed in our strategic plan. Significant renovation through the U.S. circuit resulted in seven locations having refurbishment work performed: the Cal Oaks, Valley Plaza and Grossmont locations in California; the Ward and Pearlridge locations in Hawaii; the Paris location in New York and the Manville location in New Jersey. Further, at Cal Oaks, we additionally determined to create and implement our new dine-in concept, Spotlight.

39


 

·

AU and NZ Refurbishments In 2017, we partially renovated six theaters: Belmont, Rouse Hill, West Lakes, Harbourtown, Courtenay Central and Napier.

·

Opening a new state-of-the-art eight-screen cinema (Olino by Consolidated Theatres) in West Oahu, Hawaii.  On October 21, 2016, we opened our ninth theater and our first to break ground since 2001 in the state of Hawaii.  The cinema is located at Ka Makana Ali’i, a 1.4 million square foot regional mall in West Oahu, anchored by Macy’s.  Each of Olino’s well-appointed auditoriums feature luxurious electric recliner seats, expansive wall-to-wall screens and pristine digital projection by Barco, the leader in digital cinema technology. Expanding on the cutting edge technology from the iconic premium large format TITAN XC (Extreme Cinema) at Ward Theatres, Olino introduced a new premium TITAN XC experience, TITAN LUXE.

·

Opening of Reading Cinemas LynnMall.  In November 2015, we opened the new state-of-the-art eight-screen Reading Cinemas LynnMall, our first Reading branded Auckland cinema complex, in New Lynn, New Zealand.  The cinema is located in LynnMall Shopping Centre, anchored by Farmers Department Store, Countdown Supermarket and our own Reading Cinemas.

·

Re-opening of refurbished cinemas.  In September 2015, we reopened a completely refurbished state-of-the-art cinema complex in Harbourtown, Australia.  In October 2015, we reopened the twelve-screen Angelika Film Center & Cafe, a state-of-the-art luxury cinema, located at Carmel Mountain Plaza in San Diego, California.

Cinema Closures

We evaluate the performance of each of our cinemas and in some instances, we may decide to close an operation when it is not economically viable to continue operate from the location.  Here are the recent closures in our cinema business:

·

Gaslamp Cinema in San Diego, California.  This location was closed on January 31, 2016 and we paid the landlord a $1.0 million negotiated termination fee, which was less expensive than continuing to operate an unprofitable theater at this location.

·

Redbank Cinema in Queensland Australia.  In October 2015, at the end of our lease period, we closed our under preforming Redbank cinema.

Upgrades to our Film Exhibition Technology and Theatre Amenities

As discussed previously, we continue to focus in areas of the matured cinema business where we believe we have growth potential and ultimately, provide long-term value to our stockholders.  These are the (i) upgrading of our existing cinemas and (ii) developing new cinemas to provide our customers with premium offerings, including state-of-the-art presentation (including sound, lounges and bar service) and luxury seating.  As of December 31, 2017, the upgrades to our theater circuits’ film exhibition technology and amenities are summarized in the following table (excluding our managed cinema):





 

 

 



Location Count

 

Screen Count

Screen Format

 

 

 

Digital (all cinemas in our theatre circuit)

58

 

473

IMAX

1

 

1

Titan XC and LUXE, with Dolby ATMOS sound system

12

 

15

Dine-in Service (for international operations)

 

 

 

Gold Lounge(1)

9

 

22

Premium(2)

8

 

14

Upgraded Food & Beverage menu (for U.S. operations)(3)

13

 

n/a

Premium Seating (recliner seating features)

20

 

112

Liquor Licenses Obtained(4)

26

 

n/a

(1) Gold Lounge: This is our "First Class Full Dine-in Service" in our Australian and New Zealand cinemas, which includes upgraded F&B menu (with alcoholic beverages), luxury recliner seating features (intimate 30-40 seat cinemas) and waiter service.

(2) Premium Service: This is our "Business Class Dine-in Service" in our Australian and New Zealand cinemas, which includes upgraded F&B menu (with alcoholic beverages) and luxury recliner seating features (less intimate 80-seat cinemas), but no waiter service.

(3) Upgraded Food & Beverage Menu: Contrary to our offerings in Australia and New Zealand, our upgraded F&B offerings in the U.S. cinemas are available in a common counter in each of our cinema locations rather than a dine-in service at each screen room.  We have worked with renowned former Food Network executives and chefs to curate a menu of locally inspired and freshly prepared items.

(4) Liquor Licenses: Licenses are applicable at each cinema location, rather than each theatre room (except for our Hawaii licenses, where we are licensed for particular auditoriums).  In March 2017, we were awarded the liquor license for our Cal Oaks Cinema in California, as well as obtaining a license for the newly opened Cinema at Newmarket making it to a total of 26 cinema locations with liquor licenses in our global circuit.  For accounting purposes, we have capitalized the costs of successfully purchasing or applying for liquor licenses meeting certain thresholds as an intangible asset due to long-term economic benefits derived on future sales of alcoholic beverages. 



Real Estate

For 2017, our operating property consisted of the following:

·

our Newmarket, Queensland ETC, our Belmont, Western Australia ETC, our Auburn, New South Wales ETC, our Townsville, Queensland ETC and our Wellington, New Zealand ETC;

·

two (2) single-auditorium live theaters in Manhattan (Minetta Lane and Orpheum) and a four-auditorium live theater complex (including the accompanying ancillary retail and commercial tenants) in Chicago (The Royal George); and,

40


 

·

the ancillary retail and commercial tenants at some of our non-ETC cinema properties.

At the beginning of January 2016, we ceased our live theatre business at our Union Square property in New York, terminated all tenant leases and prepared the property for redevelopment.  Accordingly, this property is no longer treated as an operating property.

In addition, we had various parcels of unimproved real estate held for development in Australia and New Zealand and certain unimproved land in the United States including some that was used in our legacy activities.  We also own an 8,300 square foot commercial building in Melbourne, which serves as our administrative headquarters for Australia and New Zealand, approximately 36% of which is leased to an unrelated third party.  During 2016, we bought a new property in Culver City, California which became our new Corporate Headquarters in Los Angeles (refer to “Strategic Acquisitions” section below for more details).

The key real estate transactions in recent years are as follows:

Strategic Acquisitions

·

Purchase of New Corporate Headquarters Building in Los AngelesOn April 11, 2016, we purchased a 24,000 square foot office building with 72 parking spaces located at 5995 Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City, California (a Los Angeles suburb) for $11.2 million cash and financed the property with a $9.9 million 10-year, fixed-rate mortgage loan.  We currently use approximately 50% of the leasable area for our headquarters offices and we plan to lease the remainder to unaffiliated third parties.

·

Purchase of Cannon Park properties in Queensland, AustraliaIn December 2015, we acquired two adjoining properties in Townsville, Queensland, Australia for a total of $24.1 million (AU$33.4 million). The total gross leasable area of the two adjoining properties, the Cannon Park City Centre and the Cannon Park Discount Centre, is 133,000 square feet.  The Cannon Park City Centre is anchored by a Reading Cinema, which is owned by our 75% owned subsidiary, Australia Country Cinemas, and had three mini-major tenants and ten specialty family oriented restaurant tenants at the time of the acquisition. The Cannon Park Discount Centre is anchored by Kingpin Bowling and supported by four other retailers. The properties are located approximately 0.6 miles from downtown Townsville, the fourth largest city in Queensland, Australia. This acquisition is consistent with our business plan to own, where practical, the land underlying our entertainment assets.  We are now operating these properties as a single ETC.

·

Purchase of Property in Newmarket, Australia.  In November 2015, we acquired a commercial building in Newmarket adjacent to our Newmarket shopping complex currently improved with an office building. The total cost of the acquisition was $5.5 million (AU$7.6 million). Our intention is that this parcel will ultimately be integrated into our Newmarket Shopping Center. 



Opportunistic Sales

·

Sale of Landholding in Burwood, AustraliaOn December 14, 2017, we received the final payment for Burwood of $28.1 million (AU$36.6 million), on June 19, 2017 we received $16.6 million (AU$21.8 million) as a partial payment and on May 23, 2014 we received $5.9 million (AU$6.5 million) as the initial deposit. The total sales price of $50.6 million (AU$64.9 million) was $57,000 (AU$75,000) less than the original contract price due to an earlier settlement being negotiated with the purchaser. We originally 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 $50.7 million (AU$65.0 million) in May 2014.

·

Sale of Properties in Taupo, New ZealandOn March 31, 2015, we entered into sale agreements to sell both of our Lake Taupo properties to the same purchaser.  The first sale agreement for 138 Lake Terrace, an improved 20 unit motor inn, was settled on May 6, 2015 for $1.6 million (NZ$2.2 million).   Settlement of $831,000 (NZ$1.2 million) was received on March 31, 2016 in regards the second sale agreement for 142 Lake Terrace, an unimproved vacant parcel of land.

·

Sale of Doheny Condominium in Los AngelesOn February 25, 2015, we sold our Los Angeles condominium for $3.0 million resulting in a $2.8 million gain on sale.

·

Sale of Landholding in Moonee Ponds, Australia.  In 2013, we entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell our 3.3-acre properties in Moonee Ponds for $17.5 million (AU$23.0 million) which closed on April 16, 2015.

41


 

Value-creating Opportunities

We are engaged in several real estate development projects to take our properties to their highest and best use.  The most notable of these value-creating projects are as follows:

·

Redevelopment of Union Square Property in New York, USA.  We secured construction financing for our Union Square property in December 2016 and have entered into a guaranteed maximum price construction management agreement with an affiliate of CNY. Construction is now more than 50% complete on this re-development project. We anticipate that the project will be ready for tenant fit-out in the third quarter of this year. Retail and office leasing interest to date has been strong and we are currently in discussions with quality tenants. This redevelopment will add approximately 23,000 square footage of rentable space to the current square footage of the building for an approximate total of 73,322 square feet of rentable space, inclusive of anticipated BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) adjustments and subject to lease negotiations and the final tenant mix. During the year ended December 31, 2017 we have invested $17.8 million in new capital expenditures relating to the Union Square re-development project, bringing our total investment in the project to $32.5 million (including direct costs incurred in obtaining the related construction financing) out of a total projected investment of $74.5 million.



·

Expansion Project for our Newmarket Shopping Center at an affluent suburb of Brisbane, Australia.  In December 2017 we opened our eight-screen Reading Cinema, 10,150 square feet of additional retail space and 124 parking spaces. 



·

Courtenay Central Redesign/Expansion/Temporary Closure and the related demolition of adjacent parking building for our Courtenay Central ETC in Wellington, New Zealand.  We continue to make progress on our supermarket development project at our Courtenay Central ETC in Wellington, New Zealand. On November 14, 2016, Wellington experienced a severe 7.8 magnitude earthquake. That earthquake rendered our Tory Street parking building unsafe and ultimately led to the demolition of that building and the temporary closure of our adjacent ETC, which reopened on March 29, 2017. Our supermarket tenant remains committed to the site but has delayed construction in order to upgrade to a “premium” offering. Under the agreement to lease, our tenant is responsible for any increase in our costs resulting from those design changes. In light of the demolition of the existing parking building (a major portion of the cost of which is covered by insurance), we are undertaking a comprehensive redesign analysis, intended to increase the amount of retail leasable space at the center and to better coordinate the interface between the parking building and the remainder of the center. While we work on a redesign of the property, we have activated the building with several temporary “pop-up” retail offerings. We are currently working on plans and in discussions with tenants regarding the construction of additional retail space at the site.



In April 2017, our Insurer completed the examination of our insurance claim with respect to the parking building and shopping center earthquake damage and related business interruption. We received a final settlement of US$20.0 million in May 2017, reaching the policy maximum of US$25.0 million for the loss event. As a result, we recorded a gain of $9.2 million (NZ$12.7 million) representing excess insurance recoveries over the recorded property value during the second quarter ended June 30, 2017. This amount is recorded net of demolition costs incurred and an allocation to lost profits, covered within the same insurance policy.



During the quarter ended June 30, 2017, we recorded a gain on business interruption recoveries of $1.5 million (NZ$2.1 million), presented as part of the relevant segment revenue lines in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for that quarter. While the earthquake has opened up possibilities to reconfigure our Courtenay Central property, the gains recorded during the quarter ended June 30, 2017 do not compensate for the lost time value of the delay of our development plan.



Refer to Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses due to Earthquake for further details on the impact of the earthquake incident.



·

Cinema 1,2,3 Redevelopment – in June 2017, we entered into an exclusive dealing and pre-development agreement with our adjoining neighbors, 260-264 LLC, to jointly develop the properties, currently home to Cinemas 1,2,3 and Anassa Taverna. Under the terms of the agreement, Reading and 260-264 LLC will work together on a comprehensive mixed-use plan to co-develop the properties located on 3rd Avenue, between 59th Street and 60th Streets, in New York City. The parties have completed an initial feasibility study, analyzing various retail, entertainment and residential uses for the site and are working on the terms of a final agreement for the development of the combined property.

·

Manukau Land Rezoning – in August 2016, the Auckland City Council re-zoned 64.0 acres of our 70.4 acre property in Manukau from agricultural to light industrial use. The remaining 6.4 acres were already zoned for heavy industrial use. Now that our zoning enhancement goal is achieved, we are reviewing our options with respect to the value realization opportunities and commercial exploitation of this asset. We see this property as a future value realization opportunity for us. This tract is adjacent to the Auckland Airport which has recently been expanding towards our property.

42


 

Corporate Matters

·

$25-million Stock Repurchase Program. The prior repurchase program was completed at the end of 2016. The new repurchase program approved on March 2, 2017 allows Reading to repurchase its Class A Stock 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. The Board’s authorization is for a two-year period, expiring March 1, 2019, or earlier should the full repurchase authorization be used. 

Our Financing Strategy

Our treasury management is focused on concerted cash management using cash balances to reduce debt. We have used cash generated from operations and other excess cash, to the extent not needed for any capital expenditures, to pay down our loans and credit facilities providing us some flexibility on our available loan facilities for future use and thereby, reducing interest charges. On a periodic basis, we review the maturities of our borrowing arrangements and negotiate for renewals and extensions where necessary in the current circumstances.

Over the past twelve months, we extended the maturity, in April 2017 of the NZ$35.0 million (US$24.9 million) general/non-construction credit line and the NZ$18.0 million (US$12.8 million) construction credit line of our Westpac Corporate Credit Facility to December 31, 2018, from March 31, 2018. Subsequently, in June 2017, we fully paid our loan balance using the cash received from insurance settlement relating to Courtenay Central property damage; we then further extended the maturity, in December 2017 of the NZ$35.0 million (US$24.9 million) general/non-construction credit line of our Westpac Corporate Credit Facility to December 31, 2019.

For a complete list and further details of our value creation projects, see Part I, Item 2 – Properties under the heading “Investment and Development Property”.

OVERALL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



At December 31, 2017, we wholly owned and operated 55 cinemas with 444 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.  During the period, we also (i) owned and operated five ETCs in Australia and New Zealand, (ii) owned the fee interests in three developed commercial properties in Manhattan and Chicago improved with live theaters, which have six stages and, in Chicago, an ancillary retail and commercial space, (iii) owned the fee interests in the Union Square building in Manhattan that we are redeveloping, which had, until the end of 2015, operated as a live theater and rental property, (iv) owned through a 75% owned limited liability company the fee interests underlying one of our Manhattan cinemas, (v) held for development approximately 70.4 acres located in New Zealand, and (vi) owned through a 50% owned and controlled limited liability company of a 202-acre property that is zoned for the development of approximately 150 acres for single-family residential use (550 homes) and approximately 50 acres for high density mixed use in the U.S.  and (vii) owned approximately 200 acres in Pennsylvania and New Jersey from our legacy business.

The Company transacts business in Australia and New Zealand and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. During the current year, compared to the prior year, the Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar weakened against the U.S. dollars by 3.1% and 2.0%, respectively.

43


 

The following table sets forth the overall results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2017:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Change -
Favorable / (Unfavorable)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

% of Revenue

 

2016

 

% of Revenue

 

2015

 

% of Revenue

 

2017 vs. 2016

 

2016 vs. 2015

SEGMENT RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Cinema exhibition operating income

 

$

32,970 

 

12 

%

 

$

35,498 

 

13 

%

 

$

32,118 

 

12 

%

 

(7)

%

 

11 

%



Real estate operating income

 

 

8,011 

 

%

 

 

6,929 

 

%

 

 

6,796 

 

%

 

16 

%

 

%

NON-SEGMENT RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

(473)

 

(0)

%

 

 

(395)

 

(0)

%

 

 

(294)

 

(0)

%

 

(20)

%

 

(34)

%



General and administrative expense

 

 

(19,947)

 

(7)

%

 

 

(21,721)

 

(8)

%

 

 

(14,924)

 

(6)

%

 

%

 

(46)

%



Interest expense, net

 

 

(6,194)

 

(2)

%

 

 

(6,782)

 

(3)

%

 

 

(7,304)

 

(3)

%

 

%

 

%



Equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 

815 

 

%

 

 

999 

 

%

 

 

1,204 

 

%

 

(18)

%

 

(17)

%



Gain on sale of assets

 

 

9,360 

 

%

 

 

393 

 

%

 

 

11,023 

 

%

 

> 100

%

 

(96)

%



Casualty gain (loss)

 

 

9,217 

 

%

 

 

(1,421)

 

--

%

 

 

--

 

--

%

 

(> 100)

%

 

--

 



Other income (expense)

 

 

588 

 

%

 

 

(63)

 

(0)

%

 

 

(440)

 

(0)

%

 

nm

 

 

(86)

%

Income before income taxes

 

 

34,347 

 

12 

%

 

 

13,437 

 

%

 

 

28,179 

 

11 

%

 

> 100

%

 

(52)

%



Income tax benefit (expense)

 

 

(3,337)

 

(1)

%

 

 

(4,020)

 

(1)

%

 

 

(5,148)

 

(2)

%

 

17 

%

 

22 

%

Net income

 

 

31,010 

 

11 

%

 

 

9,417 

 

%

 

 

23,031 

 

%

 

> 100

%

 

(59)

%



Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

11 

 

%

 

 

14 

 

%

 

 

(79)

 

(0)

%

 

nm

 

 

nm

 

Net income attributable to RDI common stockholders

 

$

30,999 

 

11 

%

 

$

9,403 

 

%

 

$

23,110 

 

%

 

> 100

%

 

(59)

%

Basic EPS

 

$

1.35 

 

 

 

 

$

0.40 

 

 

 

 

$

0.99 

 

 

 

 

> 100

%

 

(60)

%



“nm” – not meaningful for further analysis







CONSOLIDATED RESULTS



2017 vs. 2016

Net income attributable to RDI common stockholders increased by $21.6 million, or 229.7%, to $31.0 million. This increase was mainly due to: (i) a non-recurring increase of $10.6 million in casualty gain due to the recognition of the insurance settlement on the Courtenay Central parking structure earthquake damage in Wellington New Zealand (ii) $9.0 million higher gain on property sales in 2017 compared to 2016, (iii) $1.8 million decrease in non-segment general and administrative expenses (iv) $651,000 of other income mainly consisting of a gain on FX of $563,000 relating to short term intercompany loan balances held in foreign operations (v) a $1,082,000, increase in Real Estate segment operating income and (vi) an decrease in income tax expense of $683,000. These were offset by a decrease in Cinema Exhibition segment operating income of $2.5 million mainly relating to lower admissions in the United States and higher occupancy costs. 

2016 vs. 2015

Net income attributable to RDI common stockholders was lower by $13.7 million, or 59%, to $9.4 million. This reduction was mainly due to: (i) a $10.6 million higher gain on property sales in 2015 compared to 2016, (ii) a $6.8 million increase in non-segment general and administrative expenses, and (iii) a $1.4 million casualty loss relating to the 2016 Courtenay Central parking structure earthquake damage in Wellington, New Zealand.  These were offset by (i) an increases in both Cinema Exhibition and Real Estate segment operating income amounting to $3.4 million and $133,000, respectively, and (ii) a decrease in income tax expense amounting to $1.1 million. 

Each of these factors affecting our consolidated results for the three years ended December 31, 2017 are discussed in more detail in the succeeding sections.

44


 

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS – 2017 vs 2016



Presented below is the comparison of the segment operating income of our two business segments for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

2017

 

2016

 

% Change
Favorable/(Unfavorable)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

Segment Revenues

 

$

263,464 

 

$

23,844 

 

$

256,922 

 

$

20,917 

 

%

 

14 

%

Segment Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and products (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

 

(215,020)

 

 

(9,437)

 

 

(205,889)

 

 

(9,044)

 

(4)

%

 

(4)

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(12,213)

 

 

(4,256)

 

 

(11,772)

 

 

(3,522)

 

(4)

%

 

(21)

%

General and administrative expense

 

 

(3,261)

 

 

(2,140)

 

 

(3,763)

 

 

(1,422)

 

13 

%

 

(50)

%

Total segment expenses

 

 

(230,494)

 

 

(15,833)

 

 

(221,424)

 

 

(13,988)

 

(4)

%

 

(13)

%

Segment operating income

 

$

32,970 

 

$

8,011 

 

$

35,498 

 

$

6,929 

 

(7)

%

 

16 

%

Breakdown by country:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

7,207 

 

$

1,196 

 

$

12,351 

 

$

690 

 

(42)

%

 

73 

%

Australia

 

 

21,358 

 

 

5,479 

 

 

18,101 

 

 

5,252 

 

18 

%

 

%

New Zealand

 

 

4,405 

 

 

1,336 

 

 

5,046 

 

 

987 

 

(13)

%

 

35 

%



 

$

32,970 

 

$

8,011 

 

$

35,498 

 

$

6,929 

 

(7)

%

 

16 

%



The discussion for each segment follows:

Cinema Exhibition – 2017 vs. 2016









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

% of Revenue

 

2016

 

% of Revenue

 

2017 vs. 2016
Favorable / (Unfavorable)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admission revenue

 

$

165,877 

 

63 

%

 

$

164,727 

 

64 

%

 

 %

 

Food & beverage revenue

 

 

78,346 

 

30 

%

 

 

75,229 

 

29 

%

 

 %

 

Advertising and other revenue

 

 

19,241 

 

%

 

 

16,966 

 

%

 

13 

 %

 

Total Segment Revenues

 

$

263,464 

 

100 

%

 

$

256,922 

 

100 

%

 

 %

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and products (excl. depreciation and amortization)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film rent and advertising cost

 

$

(83,009)

 

(32)

%

 

$

(82,873)

 

(32)

%

 

 -

 %

 

Food & beverage cost

 

 

(16,060)

 

(6)

%

 

 

(14,734)

 

(6)

%

 

(9)

 %

 

Occupancy expense

 

 

(48,952)

 

(19)

%

 

 

(44,914)

 

(17)

%

 

(9)

 %

 

Other expense

 

 

(66,999)

 

(25)

%

 

 

(63,367)

 

(25)

%

 

(6)

 %

 

Depreciation, amortization, and general and administrative expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(12,212)

 

(5)

%

 

 

(11,772)

 

(5)

%

 

(4)

 %

 

General and administrative expense

 

 

(3,262)

 

(1)

%

 

 

(3,764)

 

(1)

%

 

13 

 %

 

Total Segment Expenses

 

$

(230,494)

 

(87)

%

 

$

(221,424)

 

(86)

%

 

(4)

 %

 

Segment Operating Income

 

$

32,970 

 

13 

%

 

$

35,498 

 

14 

%

 

(7)

 %

 



Cinema Exhibition segment operating income

Cinema Exhibition segment operating income decreased by 7%, or $2.5 million, to $33.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016, primarily driven by lower admissions for our US and New Zealand operations partially offset by improved F&B revenues. The higher revenues of our Australia cinemas and favorable foreign currency movements of our foreign operations helped to offset lower revenues in the U.S. Refer below for further explanations.

45


 

Revenue

Cinema revenue increased by 3%, or $6.5 million, to $263.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016. This was primarily driven by higher admissions in our Australian circuit resulting in higher box office and F&B revenue. F&B revenues were also up in both the United States and New Zealand driven by increased spend per patron due to our expanded F&B offering. These increases were further enhanced as a result of the appreciation of the AU and NZ dollars compared to the US dollar. These items were partially offset by lower admits in the U.S. due in part to industry-wide box office softening in 2017 and the cinema closure resulting from our cinema renovation program. Comparing the current and prior year, the Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar increased against the U.S. dollar by 3.1% and 2.0% (on average rates), respectively.  Shown below is the revenue breakdown by country:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

% of Revenue

 

2016

 

% of Revenue

 

2017 vs. 2016

Favorable / (Unfavorable)

United States

 

$

139,078 

 

52 

%

 

$

139,820 

 

54 

%

 

(1)

%

Australia

 

 

96,606 

 

37 

%

 

 

89,053 

 

35 

%

 

%

New Zealand

 

 

27,780 

 

11 

%

 

 

28,049 

 

11 

%

 

(1)

%

Total Segment Revenues

 

$

263,464 

 

100 

%

 

$

256,922 

 

100 

%

 

%





·

In the United States, 2017 revenues decreased by 1%, or $742,000, primarily driven by lower attendance partially due to the temporary closure of certain sites for renovations along with lower industry-wide box office attendance. This was partially offset by, improved average ticket prices, improved F&B revenues and increased web sale revenues. 

·

Australia’s cinema revenue, stated in U.S. dollars, increased by 8%, or $7.6 million, primarily due to increase in attendance, as well as a favorable movement in foreign exchange movements, offset by a reduction in average ticket prices. 

·

In New Zealand, cinema revenue decreased by 1%, or $269,000, mainly due to the temporary closure of our Courtenay Central ETC (which re-opened in late March 2017). 

Cost of services and products (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Cost of services and products for 2017 increased by 4%, or $9.1 million, to $215.0 million mainly attributable to higher film rent and advertising costs in Australia due to higher box office revenue, higher concession costs due to increased concession sales, additional operating costs amounting to $3.3 million associated with Olino, including an additional $1.8 million in occupancy cost compared to 2016. Further movements were driven by an increase in occupancy of $765,000 as a result of lease options exercised, increased staff costs due to minimum wage increases and a move towards enhanced food & beverage offerings, and increased costs associated with the opening of our new Newmarket cinema in Brisbane, Australia. In addition, the impact of the strengthening Australian and New Zealand dollars relative to the U.S. dollar further contributed to the cost increase. These were partially offset by lower film rent and advertising costs in the United States and New Zealand due to lower box office revenue.

Certain costs incurred in quarters one to three of 2017 have, in quarter four, crystallized as rent liabilities to be paid, and as such have been reclassified from ‘other operating expenses’ to ‘occupancy costs’. These costs have no material impact on our financial results for the periods concerned.

Cost of services and products as a percentage of gross revenue increased by 2% in 2017 to 82% from 80% in 2016.



Depreciation, amortization, general and administrative expense

Depreciation, amortization, general and administrative expense for 2017 remained unchanged compared to 2016 primarily driven by the increase in depreciation resulting from improvements in several of our cinema facilities being offset by savings in general and administrative expenses that have reduced.



46


 

Real Estate – 2017 vs. 2016







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

% of Revenue

 

2016

 

% of Revenue

 

2017 vs. 2016
Favorable / (Unfavorable)

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live theater rental and ancillary income

 

$

4,417 

 

19 

%

 

$

2,840 

 

14 

%

 

56 

 %

Property rental income

 

 

19,427 

 

81 

%

 

 

18,077 

 

86 

%

 

 %

Total Segment Revenues

 

$

23,844 

 

100 

%

 

$

20,917 

 

100 

%

 

14 

 %

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and products (excl. depreciation and amortization)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live theater cost

 

$

(1,106)

 

(5)

%

 

$

(1,371)

 

(7)

%

 

19 

 %

Property cost

 

 

(4,714)

 

(20)

%

 

 

(4,401)

 

(21)

%

 

(7)

 %

Occupancy expense

 

 

(3,617)

 

(15)

%

 

 

(3,270)

 

(16)

%

 

(11)

 %

Depreciation, amortization, and general and administrative expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(4,255)

 

(18)

%

 

 

(3,522)

 

(17)

%

 

(21)

 %

General and administrative expenses

 

 

(2,141)

 

(9)

%

 

 

(1,424)

 

(7)

%

 

(50)

 %

Total Segment Expenses

 

$

(15,833)

 

(66)

%

 

$

(13,988)

 

(67)

%

 

(13)

 %

Segment Operating Income

 

$

8,011 

 

34 

%

 

$

6,929 

 

33 

%

 

16 

 %



Real Estate segment operating income

Real Estate segment operating income increased by 16%, or $1.1 million, to $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016, primarily attributable to: an additional $1.4 million in fees recovered as part of the Stomp settlement ($1.8 million of fees recovered revenue in 2017, including the final settlement received in March 2018, less $415,000 in legal fee cost recovery recorded in 2016). For more information about the legal expense, please refer to Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) on this report. This was offset by an increase in general and administrative costs.  Please refer below for further explanation.

Revenue

Real estate revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by 14% or $2.9 million, mainly driven by fees recovered of $1.8 million in relation to the Stomp settlement, increased rental income as part of the expansion of our Newmarket site in Brisbane Australia, as well as additional rental income from the Newmarket office building purchased in November 2016, the recognition of business interruption insurance on our Courtenay Central property and parking structure, as well as the impact of the favorable foreign exchange rates on our Australia and New Zealand operations.  This was partially offset by the decrease in property rental income attributable to Courtenay Central that was closed for most of Q1 and a reduction in revenue from our live theater operations and our Courtenay Central property and parking structure.    Shown below is the revenue breakdown by country:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

% of Revenue

 

2016

 

% of Revenue

 

2017 vs. 2016
Favorable / (Unfavorable)

United States

 

$

4,739 

 

20 

%

 

$

3,271 

 

16 

%

 

45 

%

Australia

 

 

14,945 

 

63 

%

 

 

13,334 

 

63 

%

 

12 

%

New Zealand

 

 

4,160 

 

17 

%

 

 

4,312 

 

21 

%

 

(4)

%

Total Segment Revenues

 

$

23,844 

 

100 

%

 

$

20,917 

 

100 

%

 

14 

%

Cost of services and products (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Operating expense for 2017 increased by 4%, or $394,000, as a result of a number of pre-opening costs associated with our recently developed Newmarket Village site. This was partially offset by a reduction in costs relating to our live theaters and Courtenay Central during the period it was closed



Depreciation, amortization, general and administrative expense

Depreciation, amortization, general and administrative expense for 2017 increased by 29%, or $1.5 million, primarily driven by the increased salary costs due to staff expansion as we continue to develop our Real Estate capacity, including costs that had previously been incurred by our Cinema segment, as well as an increase in depreciation expense due to recent acquisitions and property enhancements. This has been partially offset by the reduction in doubtful debt expense.



47


 

NON-SEGMENT RESULTS – 2017 vs. 2016



Gain on sale of assets

Net gain on sale of assets for 2017 increased by $9.0 million, primarily due to the gain on sale realized in 2017 on the settlement of the Burwood land of $9.3 million (AU$12.4 million), compared to the gain from the final closing of the second sale agreement of the Taupo property in New Zealand in the amount of $393,000 (NZ$585,000) realized in Q1 2016.



General and administrative expense

Non-segment general and administrative expense for 2017 decreased by $1.8 million or 8%, to $19.9 million.  This primarily relates to a reduction in professional services mainly relating to non-recurring one-off items incurred in 2016 including additional expenses incurred in connection with the 2015 year-end audit ($960,000) and expenses incurred in connection with the change in status of certain executives ($400,000) as well as 2017 savings in legal fees, and reduced occupancy costs due to the purchase of our new company headquarters. These were offset by additional costs incurred in our Australian and New Zealand corporate offices due to additional staff costs and the effects of foreign exchange movements. 

Higher legal expenses in 2016 mainly relate to the defense of the derivative litigation, the arbitration of certain claims related to the termination of James J. Cotter, Jr. as our President and Chief Executive Officer and on a more limited basis, for the work undergone to improve corporate governance matters.  While the legal costs incurred by the Company were undoubtedly high, we believe that the majority of these costs were thrust upon the Company as it became necessary to vigorously defend the Company’s position in the derivative litigation and to resolve Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s claims relating to his termination.  As such, these costs should be treated as non-recurring in nature.



For more information about the legal expense, please refer to Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) on this report.



Casualty Gain

The $9.2 million represents the gain recognized on final insurance settlement relating to the earthquake damage on our Courtenay Central parking structure (excluding business interruption insurance recoveries). Our parking structure at Courtenay Central in Wellington, New Zealand was significantly damaged by the earthquake on November 14, 2016 and was subsequently demolished due to safety reasons.  We filed an insurance claim to recover the impairment loss on the parking structure and the ancillary demolition costs. Refer to Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses due to Earthquake for further details.



Income tax expense

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law.  The Tax Act significantly changed the U.S. corporate income tax law by lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, imposing a one-time mandatory repatriation tax on deferred earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and changing how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax.  We have not completed our determination of the implications of the Tax Act.  However, we have reasonably estimated the impact of the Tax Act and recorded provisional amounts in our financial statements as of December 31, 2017, pursuant to the guidance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.  We recorded income tax expense for the impact of the Tax Act of approximately $13.0 million.  This net amount is primarily comprised of $8.3 million from re-measurement of federal net deferred tax assets resulting from the reduction in the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate and a provisional amount of $4.7 million fom the one-time mandatory repatriation tax on deferred earnings of our foreign subsidiaries.  As we complete our analysis of the Tax Act, collect and prepare necessary data, and interpret any additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS, we may make adjustments to the provisional amounts. Those adjustments may materially impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made. The accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act will be completed in 2018.



Income tax expense decreased by $683,000 or 17%, compared to 2016, mainly due to benefits recognized as the result of the dissolution of a non-operating overseas subsidiary, partially offset by an increase in pre-tax income and the provisional unfavorable effect of the Tax Act.  Please refer to Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II of this Annual Report for further information.



Interest expense, net

Interest expense (net of interest income) decreased by $593,000, or 9%, mainly due to a reduction in the average balance outstanding. This was achieved due to the receipt of the insurance proceeds from the Courtenay Central parking structure of $20.0 million in May 2017, allowing us to fully pay down our Westpac loan in New Zealand. Interest income also includes the $115,000 of interest levied on the Stomp Settlement. 



48


 

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS – 2016 vs. 2015

Presented below is the comparison of the segment operating income for our two business segments for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

2016

 

2015

 

% Change
Favorable/(Unfavorable)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

Segments Revenues

 

$

256,922 

 

$

20,917 

 

$

242,823 

 

$

21,579 

 

%

 

(3)

%

Segment Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and products (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

 

(205,889)

 

 

(9,044)

 

 

(196,544)

 

 

(10,948)

 

(5)

%

 

17 

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(11,772)

 

 

(3,522)

 

 

(11,161)

 

 

(3,107)

 

(5)

%

 

(13)

%

General and administrative expense

 

 

(3,763)

 

 

(1,422)

 

 

(3,000)

 

 

(728)

 

(25)

%

 

(95)

%

Total segment expenses

 

 

(221,424)

 

 

(13,988)

 

 

(210,705)

 

 

(14,783)

 

(5)

%

 

%

Segment operating income

 

$

35,498 

 

$

6,929 

 

$

32,118 

 

$

6,796 

 

11 

%

 

%

Breakdown by country:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

 

12,351 

 

 

690 

 

 

10,190 

 

 

(450)

 

21 

%

 

(254)

%

Australia

 

 

18,101 

 

 

5,252 

 

 

17,988 

 

 

5,400 

 

%

 

(3)

%

New Zealand

 

 

5,046 

 

 

987 

 

 

3,942 

 

 

1,846 

 

28 

%

 

(47)

%



 

$

35,498 

 

$

6,929 

 

$

32,120 

 

$

6,796 

 

11 

%

 

%



The discussion for each segment follows:



Cinema Exhibition – 2016 vs. 2015











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2016

 

% of Revenue

 

2015

 

% of Revenue

 

2016 vs. 2015
Favorable / (Unfavorable)

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admission revenue

 

$

164,727 

 

64 

%

 

$

156,680 

 

65 

%

 

 %

Food & beverage revenue

 

 

75,229 

 

29 

%

 

 

69,184 

 

28 

%

 

 %

Advertising and other revenue

 

 

16,966 

 

%

 

 

16,959 

 

%

 

 -

 %

Total Segment Revenues

 

$

256,922 

 

100 

%

 

$

242,823 

 

100 

%

 

 %

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and products (excl. depreciation and amortization)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film rent and advertising cost

 

$

(82,873)

 

(32)

%

 

$

(78,827)

 

(32)

%

 

(5)

 %

Food & beverage cost

 

 

(14,734)

 

(6)

%

 

 

(12,856)

 

(5)

%

 

(15)

 %

Occupancy expense

 

 

(44,914)

 

(17)

%

 

 

(45,376)

 

(19)

%

 

 %

Other operating expense

 

 

(63,367)

 

(25)

%

 

 

(59,483)

 

(24)

%

 

(7)

 %

Depreciation, amortization, and general and administrative expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(11,772)

 

(5)

%

 

 

(11,160)

 

(5)

%

 

(5)

 %

General and administrative expense

 

 

(3,764)

 

(1)

%

 

 

(3,001)

 

(1)

%

 

(25)

 %

Total Segment Expenses

 

$

(221,424)

 

(86)

%

 

$

(210,703)

 

(87)

%

 

 %

Segment Operating Income

 

$

35,498 

 

14 

%

 

$

32,120 

 

13 

%

 

11 

 %



Cinema segment operating income

Cinema Exhibition segment operating income increased by 11%, or $3.4 million, to $35.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015, primarily driven by higher admissions and F&B revenues and the impact of new and re-opening of cinemas mostly during the last quarter of 2015 and the closure of our money-losing Gaslamp Cinema in January 2016, partially offset by minor unfavorable foreign currency movements. Refer below for further explanations.

Revenue

Cinema revenue increased by 6%, or $14.1 million, to $256.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015, primarily driven by higher admissions and F&B revenues and the impact of new and re-opening of cinemas during the last quarter of 2015, partially offset by slightly weaker foreign currency movements. Comparing the current and prior years, Australian dollars and New Zealand dollars slightly declined against U.S. dollars by 1% and 0.4% (on average rates), respectively.  Shown below is the revenue breakdown by country:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2016

 

% of Revenue

 

2015

 

% of Revenue

 

2016 vs. 2015

Favorable / (Unfavorable)

United States

 

$

139,820 

 

54 

%

 

$

133,423 

 

55 

%

 

%

Australia

 

 

89,053 

 

35 

%

 

 

86,235 

 

36 

%

 

%

New Zealand

 

 

28,049 

 

11 

%

 

 

23,165 

 

10 

%

 

21 

%

Total Segment Revenues

 

$

256,922 

 

100 

%

 

$

242,823 

 

100 

%

 

%



49


 

·

In the United States, 2016 revenues increased by 5%, or $6.4 million, primarily driven by higher average ticket prices, improved F&B revenues and the impact of the refurbishment and rebranding of our Carmel Mountain cinema in San Diego, California to an Angelika Film Center in October 2015, and offset by the impact of the closure of our Gaslamp Cinema in San Diego, California and the slight decline (1%) in attendance. 

·

Australia’s cinema revenue, stated in U.S. dollars, increased by 3%, or $2.8 million, primarily due to increase in attendance (including the impact of the refurbishment of our cinema in Harbourtown, Australia in September 2015), offset by minor unfavorable foreign currency movements and reduction in average ticket prices. 

·

In New Zealand, cinema revenue increased by 21%, or $4.9 million, mainly due to increase in attendance, including the impact of the opening of our LynnMall cinema in November 2015.  The New Zealand exhibition market benefited from the most successful local film release of all time, “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”. 

Cost of services and products (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Cost of services and products for 2016 increased by 5%, or $9.3 million, to $205.9 million mainly attributable to higher film rent and advertising costs, higher F&B costs and the impact of the opening of the new LynnMall cinema in New Zealand, partially offset by the impact of slight decline in foreign currency movements.  This was reduced by the closure of Gaslamp Cinema in San Diego, California on January 31, 2016 and the closure of our Redbank Cinema in Australia on October 7, 2015.

Cost of services and products as a percentage of gross revenue remained stable for 2016 and 2015, in the 80-81% range.



Depreciation, amortization, general and administrative expense

Depreciation, amortization, general and administrative expense for 2016 increased by 10%, or $1.4 million, to $15.5 million primarily driven by the increase in depreciation resulting from improvements in several of our cinema facilities, the opening of our new LynnMall cinema in New Zealand and the re-opening of our Carmel Mountain cinema in San Diego, California.



Real Estate – 2016 vs. 2015





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2016

 

% of Revenue

 

2015

 

% of Revenue

 

2016 vs. 2015
Favorable / (Unfavorable)

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live theater rental and ancillary income

 

$

2,840 

 

14 

%

 

$

3,844 

 

18 

%

 

(26)

 %

Property rental income

 

 

18,077 

 

86 

%

 

 

17,735 

 

82 

%

 

 %

Total Segment Revenues

 

$

20,917 

 

100 

%

 

$

21,579 

 

100 

%

 

(3)

 %

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and products (excl. depreciation and amortization)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live theater cost

 

$

(1,371)

 

(7)

%

 

$

(4,264)

 

(20)

%

 

68 

 %

Property cost

 

 

(4,401)

 

(21)

%

 

 

(3,243)

 

(15)

%

 

(36)

 %

Occupancy expense

 

 

(3,270)

 

(16)

%

 

 

(3,442)

 

(16)

%

 

 %

Depreciation, amortization, and general and administrative expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(3,522)

 

(17)

%

 

 

(3,107)

 

(14)

%

 

(13)

 %

General and administrative expense

 

 

(1,424)

 

(7)

%

 

 

(727)

 

(3)

%

 

(96)

 %

Total Segment Expenses

 

$

(13,988)

 

(67)

%

 

$

(14,783)

 

(69)

%

 

 %

Segment Operating Income

 

$

6,929 

 

33 

%

 

$

6,796 

 

31 

%

 

 %



Real Estate segment operating income

Real Estate segment operating income increased by 2%, or $133,000, to $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015, primarily attributable to: (i) $2.2 million less legal fees incurred in relation to the “STOMP” arbitration process compared to 2015 (For more information about the legal expense, please refer to Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) on this report), (ii) the STOMP settlement, $415,000 was collected in 2016 which was recorded as a recovery against legal expenses allocated to this segment in 2016, and (iii) an increase in property rental income in Australia of $2.0 million of which $2.7 million was attributed to Cannon Park in Australia purchased in December 2015 (offset by a reduction of $706,000 relating to the existing sites), offset by the closure of the Union Square property in New York for redevelopment and a reduction in revenue due to the earthquake and redevelopment of our Courtenay Central assets in Wellington, New Zealand.  Please refer below for further explanation.



50


 

Revenue

Real estate revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by 3% or $662,000, mainly driven by lower property rental income from the U.S. and New Zealand due to the closure of our Union Square property in New York currently being redeveloped and the sale of Taupo property in New Zealand along with reduced revenue due to the earthquake and redevelopment of our Courtenay Central assets in Wellington, New Zealand, in addition to the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange rates on our Australia and New Zealand operations.  This was offset by the increase in property rental income attributable to Cannon Park in Australia, which was purchased in December 2015.    Shown below is the revenue breakdown by country:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2016

 

% of Revenue

 

2015

 

% of Revenue

 

2016 vs. 2015
Favorable / (Unfavorable)

United States

 

$

3,271 

 

16 

%

 

$

5,342 

 

25 

%

 

(39)

%

Australia

 

 

13,334 

 

63 

%

 

 

11,374 

 

52 

%

 

17 

%

New Zealand

 

 

4,312 

 

21 

%

 

 

4,863 

 

23 

%

 

(11)

%

Total Segment Revenues

 

$

20,917 

 

100 

%

 

$

21,579 

 

100 

%

 

(3)

%

Cost of services and products (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Operating expense for 2016 decreased by 17%, or $1.9 million, as a result of the closure of the Union Square property in New York at the beginning of 2016 and the sale of the Taupo property in New Zealand, offset by the purchase of Cannon Park in Australia.  Also, the initial settlement received in 2016 from STOMP in the amount of $415,000 was recorded as a recovery against legal expenses incurred in 2016. 



Depreciation, amortization, general and administrative expense

Depreciation, amortization, general and administrative expense for 2016 increased by 29%, or $1.1 million, primarily driven by increased depreciation expense due to recent acquisitions and property enhancements, as well as increased salary costs due to staff expansion as we continue to develop our Real Estate capacity.



NON-SEGMENT RESULTS – 2016 vs. 2015

Gain on sale of assets

Net gain on sale of assets for 2016 decreased by $10.6 million, primarily due to the following sale transactions resulting in gains realized in 2015: (i) the sale of our Doheny condominium in Los Angeles resulting in a $2.8 million gain during Q1 2015, (ii) the closing of the sale of Moonee Ponds in Australia for a gain of $8.0 million (AU$10.3 million) during Q2 2015 and (iii) the gain on the first of the two sale agreements for our Taupo Property in New Zealand in the amount of $246,000 (NZ$353,000) during Q2 2015, compared to the gain from the final closing of the second sale agreement of the Taupo property in New Zealand in the amount of $393,000 (NZ$585,000) realized in First Quarter 2016.



Non-segment general and administrative expense for 2016 increased by $6.8 million or 46%, to $21.7 million.  Significant elements of this increase were as follows: (i) higher legal expenses ($3.2 million), (ii) release of overaccrual in prior years’ bonus accruals during 2015 resulting in lower general & administrative expenses in 2015 ($1.6 million), (iii) additional expenses incurred in connection with the 2015 year-end audit ($960,000), (iv) expenses incurred in connection with the change in status of certain executives ($400,000), and (v) higher compensation expense relating to equity-based performance awards as a result of the introduction of restricted stock units ($419,000).  The additional expenses incurred for the 2015 audit (not accrued in 2015) related to the further review of the Company’s tax matters for prior years.  We do not expect expenses incurred in connection with the year-end audit and the expenses connected with the change in status of certain executives to recur. 

The increase in legal expenses in 2016 mainly relate to the defense of the derivative litigation, the arbitration of certain claims related to the termination of James J. Cotter, Jr. as our President and Chief Executive Officer and on a more limited basis, for the work undergone to improve corporate governance matters.  While the legal costs incurred by the Company were undoubtedly high, we believe that the majority of these costs were thrust upon the Company as it became necessary to vigorously defend the Company’s position in the derivative litigation and to resolve Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s claims relating to his termination.  As such, these costs should also be treated as non-recurring in nature.



For more information about the legal expense, please refer to Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) on this report.



Casualty loss

Our parking structure at Courtenay Central in Wellington, New Zealand was significantly damaged by the earthquake on November 14, 2016 and was subsequently slated for demolition due to safety reasons.  We filed an insurance claim to recover the impairment loss on the parking structure and the ancillary demolition costs.  The $1.4 million casualty loss relates to the 5% deductible portion calculated based on the estimated value of the insured parking structure and the portion of demolition costs that may not be recoverable under our insurance policy.  Refer to Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses due to Earthquake for further details.



51


 

Income tax expense

Income tax expense decreased by $1.1 million, or 22%, compared to 2015, mainly due to a reduction in pre-tax income.



Interest expense, net

Interest expense (net of interest income) decreased by $522,000, or 7%, mainly due to a reduction in interest rates as a result of our renegotiation of loan arrangements, offset by an increase in loan balance necessitated by our capital project needs.

 



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our cinema exhibition business plan is to enhance our current cinemas where it is financially reasonable to do so; develop our specialty cinemas in select markets; expand our food and beverage offering, and continue on an opportunistic basis, to identify, develop, and acquire cinema properties that allow us to leverage our cinema expertise over a larger operating base.  Our real estate business plan, given the substantial increase in Manhattan rents and commercial real estate values in recent periods, is to progress the redevelopment of our Union Square and Cinemas 1,2,3 properties in the U.S.; to continue the build-out of our Newmarket and Auburn sites in Australia as well as our Courtenay Central site in New Zealand; and to continue to be sensitive to opportunities to convert our entertainment assets to higher and better uses, or, where appropriate, to dispose of such assets.  We will also continue to explore potential synergistic acquisitions that may not readily fall into either our cinema or real estate segment.

The success of our Company is dependent on our ability to execute these business plans effectively through our available resources (both cash and available borrowing facilities) while still timely addressing our liquidity risk.  Liquidity risk is the risk relating to our ability to meet our financial obligations when they come due.  At the present, our financial obligations arise mainly from capital expenditure needs,  working capital requirements, and debt servicing requirements. We manage the liquidity risk by ensuring our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operating activities and to obtain adequate, reasonable financing or extension of maturity dates under reasonable arrangements, and/or to convert non-performing or non-strategic assets into cash. 

The table below presents the changes in our total available resources (cash and borrowings), debt-to-equity ratio, working capital and other relevant information addressing our liquidity for the last five years:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015(2)

 

2014(2)

 

2013(3)

Net Cash from Operating Activities

 

$

23,851 

 

$

30,188 

 

$

28,574 

 

$

28,343 

 

$

25,183 

Total Resources (cash and borrowings)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents (unrestricted)

 

$

13,668 

 

$

19,017 

 

$

19,702 

 

$

50,248 

 

$

37,696 

Unused borrowing facility

 

 

137,231 

 

 

117,599 

 

 

70,134 

 

 

45,700 

 

 

19,400 

Restricted for capital projects(1)

 

 

62,280 

 

 

62,024 

 

 

10,263 

 

 

--

 

 

--

Unrestricted capacity

 

 

74,951 

 

 

55,575 

 

 

59,871 

 

 

45,700 

 

 

19,400 

Total resources at 12/31

 

 

150,899 

 

 

136,616 

 

 

89,836 

 

 

95,948 

 

 

57,096 

Total unrestricted resources at 12/31

 

 

88,619 

 

 

74,592 

 

 

79,573 

 

 

95,948 

 

 

57,096 

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total contractual facility

 

$

271,732 

 

$

266,134 

 

$

207,075 

 

$

201,318 

 

$

187,860 

Total debt (gross of deferred financing costs)

 

 

134,501 

 

 

148,535 

 

 

130,941 

 

 

164,036 

 

 

168,460 

Current

 

 

8,109 

 

 

567 

 

 

15,000 

 

 

38,104 

 

 

75,538 

Non-current

 

 

126,392 

 

 

147,968 

 

 

115,941 

 

 

125,932 

 

 

92,922 

Total book equity

 

 

181,241 

 

 

146,615 

 

 

138,951 

 

 

133,716 

 

 

123,531 

Debt-to-equity ratio

 

 

0.74 

 

 

1.01 

 

 

0.94 

 

 

1.23 

 

 

1.36 

Changes in Working Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital (deficit)(4)

 

$

(46,971)

 

$

6,655 

 

$

(35,581)

 

$

(15,119)

 

$

(75,067)

Current ratio

 

 

0.42 

 

 

1.10 

 

 

0.51 

 

 

0.84 

 

 

0.43 

Capital Expenditures (including acquisitions)

 

$

76,708 

 

$

49,166 

 

$

53,119 

 

$

14,914 

 

$

20,082 



(1) This relates to the construction facilities specifically negotiated for: (i) Union Square redevelopment project, obtained in December 2016, and (ii) New Zealand construction projects, obtained in May 2015.

(2) Certain 2015 balances included the restatement impact as a result of a change in accounting principle (see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Accounting Changes). For 2014, no changes made, except for the Stockholders’ Equity balance as of 12/31/2014, as we were not required to present the restatement numbers as of December 31, 2014 for Balance Sheet.

(3) 2013 is not covered by the restatement as a result of a change in accounting principle. Except for the Stockholders’ Equity balance as of 12/31/2013, no other changes made.

(4) Typically our working capital (deficit) is negative as we receive revenue from our cinema business ahead of the time that we have to pay our associated liabilities. We use the money we receive to pay down our borrowings in the first instance.



On March 2, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $25.0 million of Reading’s Class A Stock.

52


 

We manage our cash, investments and capital structure so we are able to meet the short-term and long-term obligations of our business, while maintaining financial flexibility and liquidity. We forecast, analyze and monitor our cash flows to enable investment and financing within the overall constraints of our financial strategy.   In recent years, our treasury management has been focused on more aggressive cash management using cash balances to reduce debt.  In earlier years, we maintained significant cash balances in our bank accounts.  We have used cash generated from operations and other excess cash, to the extent not needed for any capital expenditures, to pay down our loans and credit facilities providing us some flexibility on our available loan facilities for future use and thereby, reducing interest charges.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, we extended the maturity of our primary corporate credit facility from March 2018 to December 2019, pending a longer term credit facility to be negotiated in conjunction with any further redevelopment work on our Courtenay central property.

Refer to Note 10 – Borrowings in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our various borrowing arrangements.

At December 31, 2017, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents totaled $13.7 million. Of this amount, $9.1 million, $2.9 million and $1.7 million were held by our U.S., Australian and New Zealand operations, respectively. Our current intention is to reinvest indefinitely Australian earnings but do not have the same plan for New Zealand earnings. If the Australian earnings were used to fund U.S. operations, they could be subject to additional income taxes upon repatriation.

We have historically funded our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and investments in individual properties primarily from a combination of internally generated cash flows and debt.  As noted in the preceding table, we have $75.0 million unused capacity of available corporate credit facilities at December 31, 2017.  In addition, we have $49.5 million and $12.8 unused capacity for Union Square development uses and construction funding for New Zealand, respectively. 

The change in cash and cash equivalents for the three years ended December 31, 2017 is as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Change

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2017 vs. 2016

 

2016 vs. 2015

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

23,851 

 

$

30,188 

 

$

28,574 

 

 

(21)

%

 

 

%

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(6,786)

 

 

(42,861)

 

 

(29,710)

 

 

84 

%

 

 

(44)

%

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(22,055)

 

 

11,246 

 

 

(27,961)

 

 

(> 100)

%

 

 

> 100

%

Impact of exchange rate on cash

 

 

(359)

 

 

742 

 

 

(1,449)

 

 

(> 100)

%

 

 

> 100

%

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(5,349)

 

$

(685)

 

$

(30,546)

 

 

(> 100)

%

 

 

98 

%



Operating activities

2017 vs. 2016: Cash provided by operating activities for 2017 decreased by $6.3 million or 21%, to $23.9 million, primarily driven by a $16.4 million reduction in net working capital assets, partially offset by a $10.1 million increase in operational cash flows as a result of the decrease in corporate General and Administrative expenses.

2016 vs. 2015: Cash provided by operating activities for 2016 increased by $1.6 million or 6%, to $30.2 million, primarily driven by a $1.3 million increase in operational cash flows as a result of the increase in segment operating income.

Investing activities

2017: In 2017, the $6.8 million of cash used in investing activities was mainly related to the $65.9 million capital expenditures, which includes the redevelopment and expansion of our Newmarket Village ETC in Brisbane, Australia, the on-going development of our Union Square project, and as well as the upgrade of a number of our existing cinemas. We also used $3.7 million towards the demolition of the Courtenay Central car parking structure in Wellington, New Zealand.  These are offset by the $44.7 million received from the sale of our Burwood property as well as the $18.4 million final insurance settlement on our Courtenay Central parking structure.

2016: In 2016, the $42.9 million of cash used in investing activities was mainly related to the $49.2 million capital expenditures, which included the following: (i) $11.2 million acquisition of the new Corporate Headquarters office in Los Angeles, (ii) expenditures relating to the fit-out and opening of Olino and enhancement to our existing cinemas, and (iii) expenditures relating to our various value creation projects, notably the Union Square redevelopment project and expansion projects for our Newmarket and Courtenay centers.  These are offset by the $5.0 million advanced insurance settlement on our Courtenay Central parking structure earthquake damage and $831,000 proceeds from the sale closing of the Lake Taupo undeveloped land.

Financing activities

2017: The $22.0 million of cash used in financing activities was primarily due to the $15.4 million in loan repayments (net of $91.0 million new loan advances), and $6.5 million used as part of the 2017 $25.0 million stock buyback program.

53


 

2016: The $11.2 million of cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to the $17.9 million new loan advances (net of $63.7 million repayments), offset by expenditures relating to the following: (i) $4.0 million capitalized borrowing costs to negotiate new loan arrangements, specifically the new Union Square construction financing and the U.S. Corporate Headquarters term loan, and (ii) $2.9 million cash outlays to complete our $10.0 million stock buyback program.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES



The following table provides information with respect to the maturities and scheduled principal repayments of our recorded contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

Thereafter

 

Total

Debt - current and non-current portion(1)

 

$

8,139 

 

$

89,190 

 

$

248 

 

$

258 

 

$

270 

 

$

8,487 

 

$

106,592 

Subordinated debt(1)

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

27,913 

 

 

27,913 

Pension liability

 

 

2,907 

 

 

684 

 

 

684 

 

 

684 

 

 

684 

 

 

2,492 

 

 

8,135 

Village East purchase option(2)

 

 

5,900 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

5,900 

Lease obligations

 

 

31,609 

 

 

31,554 

 

 

26,675 

 

 

26,407 

 

 

7,840 

 

 

206,733 

 

 

330,818 

Estimated interest on debt(3)

 

 

6,319 

 

 

5,023 

 

 

1,910 

 

 

1,898 

 

 

1,886 

 

 

8,184 

 

 

25,220 

Total

 

$

54,874 

 

$

126,451 

 

$

29,517 

 

$

29,247 

 

$

10,680 

 

$

253,809 

 

$

504,578 





(1)

Information is presented gross of deferred financing costs.

(2)

Represents the lease liability of the option associated with the ground lease purchase of the Village East Cinema.

(3)

Estimated interest on debt is based on the anticipated loan balances for future periods and current applicable interest rates.



Litigation

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued estimates of probable and estimable losses for the resolution of these claims. 

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 usually entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees, which recoveries 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.  It is possible, however, that future results of the operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by the ultimate outcome of the legal proceedings.  

Please refer to Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) on this report for more information.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than the operating lease arrangements detailed in Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) on this report, there are no off-balance sheet 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, revenue or expense, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Currency and interest rate risk

Our Company’s objective in managing exposure to foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations is to reduce volatility of earnings and cash flows in order to allow management to focus on core business issues and challenges.

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 to match revenues and expenses. Since we intend to conduct business on a self-funding basis (except for funds used to pay an appropriate share of our U.S. corporate overhead), we do not believe the currency fluctuations present a material risk to the Company.  As such, we do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge against the risk of foreign currency exposure.  

54


 

Our exposure to interest rate risk arises out of our long-term floating-rate borrowings.  To manage the risk, we utilize interest rate derivative contracts to convert certain floating-rate borrowings into fixed-rate borrowings. It is our Company’s policy to enter into interest rate derivative transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as stated above. Our Company does not enter into these transactions or any other hedging transactions for speculative purposes.

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.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

We believe that the application of the following accounting policies requires significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and hence, are critical to our business operations and the understanding of our financial results:



Impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill and intangible assets

We review long-lived assets, including goodwill and intangibles, for impairment as part of our annual budgeting process, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be fully recoverable. 

(i)

Impairment of Long-lived Assets (other than Goodwill and Intangible Assets with indefinite lives) – we evaluate our long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets using historical and projected data of cash flows as our primary indicator of potential impairment and we take into consideration the seasonality of our business. If the sum of the estimated, undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, then an impairment is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value based on an appraisal or a discounted cash flow calculation.  For certain non-income producing properties or for those assets with no consistent historical or projected cash flows, we obtain appraisals or other evidence to evaluate whether there are impairment indicators for these assets.

Besides the write-down of the carrying amount of our parking structure adjacent to our Courtenay Central ETC in Wellington, New Zealand due to earthquake damage during the 4th quarter of 2016, no other impairment losses were recorded for long-lived and finite-lived intangible assets for the three years ended December 31, 2017.  Refer to Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses due to Earthquake for further details.

(ii)

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets with indefinite lives – goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead, tested for impairment at least annually on a reporting unit basis.  The impairment evaluation is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows of each reporting unit plus the expected terminal value.  There are significant assumptions and estimates used in determining the future cash flows and terminal value.  The most significant assumptions include our cost of debt and cost of equity assumptions that comprise the weighted average cost of capital for each reporting unit. Accordingly, actual results could vary materially from such estimates. 

No impairment losses were recorded for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for the three years ended December 31, 2017.

Business Combination

In recent years, our business acquisition efforts have been focused on our real estate segment.  For real estate acquisitions meeting the definition of a “business” in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date.  To accomplish this, we typically obtain third party valuations to allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including both tangible and intangible components.  The determination of the fair values of the acquisition components and its related determination of the estimated lives of depreciable tangible assets and amortizing intangible assets/liabilities require significant judgment and several considerations, as described in more detail in the section “Business Acquisition Valuation and Purchase Price Allocation” in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recognition of Gift Card Breakage Income

Generally, our revenue recognition is not assessed as an area requiring significant judgment and estimation in that our revenues from ticket and food and beverage sales are recognized when collected principally in cash or credit card at our theatre locations and through our online selling channels.  In regards our real estate business, we execute lease contracts for existing tenancies, but revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 



55


 

Prior to 2014, we recognized revenue for our gift cards and gift certificates issued in the U.S., which do not expire and have no dormancy fees, only when they were redeemed. At the end of fourth quarter of 2016, we determined that we have sufficient historical information to recognize breakage income on them.  Based on our review of our own historical redemption patterns using company-wide data accumulated over many years, we considered it preferable to estimate a certain percentage of our gift card and gift certificate sales to be recorded as breakage income as it better reflects of our historical redemption patterns and our earnings process.  Effectively, we concluded that a portion of these sales may have a remote likelihood of redemption based on our own historical redemption patterns and thus the liability is derecognized for them.  We will continue to review historical gift card redemption information at each reporting period to assess the continued appropriateness of the gift card breakage rates and pattern of redemption.   Please refer to Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Accounting Changes for the impact of this accounting change. 

Tax valuation allowance and deferred taxes We record our estimated future tax benefits and liabilities arising from the temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as operating loss carry-forwards.  We estimate the recoverability of any tax assets recorded on the balance sheet and provide any necessary allowances as required. As of December 31, 2017, we had recorded approximately $31.8 million of deferred tax assets (net of $1.6 million deferred tax liabilities) related to the temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as operating loss carry-forwards and tax credit carry-forwards. These deferred tax assets were offset by a valuation allowance of $6.9 million resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $24.9 million.  The recoverability of deferred tax assets is dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income.

Income taxes In the fourth quarter of calendar 2017, we recorded the impact of the change in the U.S. enacted federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% which reduced our deferred tax assets. During the fourth quarter and in connection with the preparation of our 2017 financial statements, we also determined that realization of our deferred tax assets in the tax jurisdictions was not more likely than not, primarily as a result of cumulative net losses recorded for three years and we recorded certain valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets in these tax jurisdictions. As a result of the change in enacted tax rate and recording changes in valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets various tax jurisdictions, we recorded a charge to income tax provision in the fourth quarter of approximately $8.3 million. See Note 9 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Contingencies (including the insurance recoverability of losses incurred as a result of the recent earthquake in New Zealand)

For loss contingencies, we record any loss contingencies when there is a “probable” likelihood that the liability had been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. 

For other contingencies, 

(i)

for recoveries through an insurance claim, we record a recoverable asset (not to exceed the amount of the total losses incurred) only when the collectability of such claim is considered probable.  To evaluate the probable collectability of an insurance claim, we consider communications with our insurance company.

(ii)

for gain contingencies resulting from legal settlements, we record those settlements in our consolidated statements of operations when cash or other forms of payments are received.

In regards to our significant contingencies during 2017:



Legal contingencies

From time-to-time, we are involved with claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business that may include contractual obligations, insurance claims, tax claims, employment matters, and anti-trust issues, among other matters. We provide accruals for matters that have probable likelihood of occurrence and can be properly estimated as to their expected negative outcome. We do not record expected gains until the proceeds (either in cash or other forms of payments) are received by us.  Please refer to Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) on this report for more information on legal matters.



Contingencies arising from earthquake damage on our Courtenay Central parking garage

We filed an insurance claim with our Insurer shortly after the earthquake incident.  Our policy allows us to record a recoverable asset (to the extent of incurred losses) only when the collectability is probable.  We have recorded certain incurred losses, consisting of the (i) written down carrying value of the damaged parking structure and (ii) certain losses related to the demolition activities, net of any expected insurance recovery, as discussed more fully in Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses due to Earthquake to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



For a summary of our significant accounting policies, including the critical accounting estimates discussed above, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) on this report.

56


 

Item 7A – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

The Securities and Exchange Commission requires that registrants include information about potential effects of changes in currency exchange and interest rates in their Form 10-K filings.  Several alternatives, all with some limitations, have been offered.  The following discussion is based on a sensitivity analysis, which models the effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates. This analysis is constrained by several factors, including the following:

·

it is based on a single point in time; and,

·

it does not include the effects of other complex market reactions that would arise from the changes modeled.

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

At December 31, 2017, approximately 40% and 15% of our assets were invested in assets denominated in Australian dollars (Reading Australia) and New Zealand dollars (Reading New Zealand), respectively, including approximately $4.5 million in cash and cash equivalents.  At December 31, 2016, approximately 42% and 18% of our assets were invested in assets denominated in Australian and New Zealand dollars, respectively, including approximately $10.4 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.  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 $8,810,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017.  As we continue to progress our acquisition and development activities in Australia and New Zealand, that the foreign currency effect on our earnings may be significant in the future.

Historically, our policy has been to borrow in local currencies to finance the development and construction of our long-term assets 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 Trust Preferred Securities in 2007, and their subsequent partial repayment, approximately 73% and 75% of our Australian and New Zealand assets, respectively, remain subject to such exposure, unless we elect to hedge our foreign currency exchange between the U.S. 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 result in an increase or decrease of $12.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively, and the change in our net income for the year would be $2.2 million and $883,000, 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.  We have accumulated unrealized foreign currency translation gains of approximately $23.6 million and $14.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Historically, we maintained most of our cash and cash equivalent balances in short-term money market instruments with original maturities of six months or less.  Some of our money market investments may decline in value if interest rates increase.  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.

We have a combination of fixed and variable interest rate loans. In connection with our variable interest rate loans, a change of approximately 1% in short-term interest rates would have resulted in approximately $1.1 million increase or decrease in our 2017 interest expense.

57


 

Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



 

READING INTERNATIONAL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

59

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Consolidated Financial Statements)

60

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Internal Control over Financial Reporting)

61

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016

62

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

63

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

64

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

65

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

66

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

67

Note 1 – Description of Business and Segment Reporting

67

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

68

Note 3 – Earnings Per Share

79

Note 4 – Real Estate Transactions

79

Note 5 – Properties and Equipments

81

Note 6 – Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

82

Note 7 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets

83

Note 8 – Prepaid and Other Assets

84

Note 9 – Income Taxes

84

Note 10 – Borrowings

87

Note 11 – Pension and Other Liabilities

90

Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies

92

Note 13 – Noncontrolling Interests

99

Note 14 – Share-based Compensation and Repurchase Plans

100

Note 15 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

102

Note 16 – Fair Value Measurements

102

Note 17 – Leases

103

Note 18 – Related Party Transactions

105

Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses due to Earthquake

107

Note 20 – Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information

108

Note 21 – Subsequent Events

108

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

109







58


 

MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING



Board of Directors and Stockholders

Reading International, Inc.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management believes that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2017.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.







 

By: /s/ Ellen M. Cotter

Ellen M. Cotter

Chief Executive Officer

       March 15, 2018

 

By: /s/ Devasis Ghose

Devasis Ghose

Chief Financial Officer

      March 15, 2018

 

59


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

(CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)





Board of Directors and Stockholders

Reading International, Inc.



Opinion on the financial statements

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

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated March 15, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for opinion

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

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2011.

Los Angeles, CA

March 15, 2018

60


 



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

(INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING)



Board of Directors and Stockholders

Reading International, Inc.



Opinion on internal control over financial reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Reading International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, and our report dated March 15th, 2018 expressed unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Discussion and Analysis Report of Reading International Inc. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.



/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP



Los Angeles, California

March 15, 2018

61


 

READING INTERNATIONAL, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share information)





 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,



 

 

2017

 

2016(1)

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

13,668 

$

19,017 

Receivables

 

 

13,050 

 

8,772 

Inventories

 

 

1,432 

 

1,391 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

 

5,325 

 

5,787 

  Land held for sale

 

 

--

 

37,674 

Total Current Assets

 

 

33,475 

 

72,641 

Operating properties, net

 

 

264,724 

 

211,886 

Investment and development properties, net

 

 

61,254 

 

43,687 

Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 

5,304 

 

5,071 

Goodwill

 

 

20,276 

 

19,828 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

8,542 

 

10,037 

Deferred tax assets, net

 

 

24,908 

 

28,667 

Other assets

 

 

4,543 

 

13,949 

Total Assets

 

$

423,026 

$

405,766 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

34,359 

$

26,479 

Film rent payable

 

 

13,511 

 

10,528 

Debt – current portion

 

 

8,109 

 

567 

Taxes payable

 

 

2,938 

 

3,523 

Deferred current revenue

 

 

9,850 

 

10,758 

Other current liabilities

 

 

11,679 

 

14,131 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

80,446 

 

65,986 

Debt – long-term portion

 

 

94,862 

 

115,707 

Subordinated debt

 

 

27,554 

 

27,340 

Noncurrent tax liabilities

 

 

12,274 

 

19,953 

Other liabilities

 

 

26,649 

 

30,165 

Total Liabilities

 

$

241,785 

$

259,151 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Class A non-voting common shares, par value $0.01, 100,000,000 shares authorized,

 

 

 

 

 

33,019,565 issued and 21,251,291 outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 32,856,267

 

 

 

 

 

issued and 21,497,717 outstanding at December 31, 2016

 

$

231 

$

230 

Class B voting common shares, par value $0.01, 20,000,000 shares authorized and

 

 

 

 

 

1,680,590 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

 

17 

 

17 

Nonvoting preferred shares, par value $0.01, 12,000 shares authorized and no issued

 

 

 

 

 

or outstanding shares at December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

 

--

 

--

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

145,898 

 

144,569 

Retained earnings

 

 

32,679 

 

1,680 

Treasury shares, at cost

 

 

(22,906)

 

(16,374)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

20,991 

 

12,075 

Total Reading International, Inc. ("RDI") Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

176,910 

 

142,197 

Noncontrolling Interests

 

 

4,331 

 

4,418 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

181,241 

$

146,615 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

423,026 

$

405,766 



The accompanying Notes are integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.



(1) Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation (see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Reclassifications).

62


 



READING INTERNATIONAL, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

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





 

 

 

 

 

 



 

2017

 

2016(1)

 

2015(1)

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cinema

$

263,464 

$

256,922 

$

242,823 

Real estate

 

16,270 

 

13,551 

 

15,042 

Total Revenues

 

279,734 

 

270,473 

 

257,865 

Costs and Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cinema

 

(207,447)

 

(198,523)

 

(190,007)

Real estate

 

(9,437)

 

(9,044)

 

(10,948)

Depreciation and amortization

 

(16,942)

 

(15,689)

 

(14,562)

General and administrative

 

(25,347)

 

(26,906)

 

(18,652)

Total Costs and Expenses

 

(259,173)

 

(250,162)

 

(234,169)

Operating Income

 

20,561 

 

20,311 

 

23,696 

Interest expense, net

 

(6,194)

 

(6,782)

 

(7,304)

Casualty gain (loss)

 

9,217 

 

(1,421)

 

--

Net gain on sale of assets

 

9,360 

 

393 

 

11,023 

Other income (expense)

 

588 

 

(63)

 

(440)

Income before taxes and earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures

 

33,532 

 

12,438 

 

26,975 

Equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures

 

815 

 

999 

 

1,204 

Income before income taxes

 

34,347 

 

13,437 

 

28,179 

Income tax expense

 

(3,337)

 

(4,020)

 

(5,148)

Net Income

$

31,010 

$

9,417 

$

23,031 

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

11 

 

14 

 

(79)

Net Income attributable to RDI controlling interests

$

30,999 

$

9,403 

$

23,110 

Basic income per share attributable to RDI controlling interests

$

1.35 

$

0.40 

$

0.99 

Diluted income per share attributable to RDI controlling interests

$

1.33 

$

0.40 

$

0.98 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding–basic

 

23,041,190 

 

23,320,048 

 

23,293,696 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding–diluted

 

23,247,969 

 

23,521,157 

 

23,495,618 



The accompanying Notes are integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.



(1) Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation (see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Reclassifications).

 

63


 



READING INTERNATIONAL, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

(U.S. dollars in thousands)







 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

2017

 

2016(1)

 

2015(1)

Net income

 

$

31,010 

$

9,417 

$

23,031 

Foreign currency translation gain (loss)

 

 

8,810 

 

142 

 

(16,488)

Others

 

 

125 

 

127 

 

209 

Total Comprehensive Income

 

$

39,945 

$

9,686 

$

6,752 

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

11 

 

14 

 

(79)

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

19 

 

(1)

 

(46)

Comprehensive income attributable to Reading International, Inc.

 

$

39,915 

$

9,673 

$

6,877 



The accompanying Notes are integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.



(1) Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation (see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Reclassifications).







 

64


 



READING INTERNATIONAL, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

(In thousands)







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Common Shares

 

 

Retained

 

 

Accumulated

Reading

 

 

 

 



Class A

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class B

Additional

Earnings

 

 

Other

International Inc.

 

 

Total



Voting

 

Par

 

Non-Voting

 

Par

Paid-In

(Accumulated

Treasury

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Noncontrolling

Stockholders’



Shares

 

Value

 

Shares

 

Value

Capital

Deficit)

Shares

Income/(Loss)

Equity

Interests

Equity

At January 1, 2015

21,741 

 

$

228 

 

1,495 

 

$

15 

$

140,237 

$

(30,833)

$

(8,582)

$

28,039 

$

129,104 

$

4,612 

$

133,716 

Net income (loss)

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

23,110 

 

--

 

--

 

23,110 

 

(79)

 

23,031 

Other comprehensive loss, net

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(16,233)

 

(16,233)

 

(46)

 

(16,279)

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

1,458 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,458 

 

--

 

1,458 

Share repurchase plan

(240)

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(3,110)

 

--

 

(3,110)

 

--

 

(3,110)

Class A common stock issued for share-based bonuses and options exercised

235 

 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

490 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

492 

 

--

 

492 

In-kind exchange of shares for the exercise of options, net issued

(89)

 

 

(1)

 

--

 

 

 

1,630 

 

--

 

(1,832)

 

--

 

(201)

 

--

 

(201)

Contributions from noncontrolling shareholders

--

 

 

--

 

185 

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

17 

 

17 

Distributions to noncontrolling shareholders

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(173)

 

(173)

At December 31, 2015

21,654 

 

$

229 

 

1,680 

 

$

17 

$

143,815 

$

(7,723)

$

(13,524)

$

11,806 

$

134,620 

$

4,331 

$

138,951 

Net income

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

9,403 

 

--

 

--

 

9,403 

 

14 

 

9,417 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

269 

 

269 

 

(1)

 

268 

Share-based compensation expense

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

609 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

609 

 

--

 

609 

Share repurchase plan

(181)

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(2,850)

 

--

 

(2,850)

 

--

 

(2,850)

Class A common stock issued for share-based bonuses and options exercised

13 

 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

145 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

147 

 

--

 

147 

In-kind exchange of shares for the exercise of options, net issued

12 

 

 

(1)

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(1)

 

--

 

(1)

Contributions from noncontrolling shareholders

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

268 

 

268 

Distributions to noncontrolling shareholders

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(194)

 

(194)

At December 31, 2016

21,498 

 

$

230 

 

1,680 

 

$

17 

$

144,569 

$

1,680 

$

(16,374)

$

12,075 

$

142,197 

$

4,418 

$

146,615 

Net income

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

30,999 

 

--

 

--

 

30,999 

 

11 

 

31,010 

Other comprehensive income, net

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

8,916 

 

8,916 

 

19 

 

8,935 

Share-based compensation expense

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

1,000 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,000 

 

--

 

1,000 

Share repurchase plan

(410)

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(6,532)

 

--

 

(6,532)

 

--

 

(6,532)

Class A common stock issued for share-based bonuses and options exercised

90 

 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

329 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

330 

 

--

 

330 

In-kind exchange of share for the exercise of options, net issued

23 

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

Restricted Stock Units

50 

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

Contributions from noncontrolling shareholders

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

193 

 

193 

Distributions to noncontrolling shareholders

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(310)

 

(310)

At December 31, 2017

21,251 

 

$

231 

 

1,680 

 

$

17 

$

145,898 

$

32,679 

$

(22,906)

$

20,991 

$

176,910 

$

4,331 

$

181,241 



The accompanying Notes are integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.







65


 

 

X

READING INTERNATIONAL, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

(U.S. dollars in thousands)





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

31,010 

$

9,417 

$

23,031 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 

(815)

 

(999)

 

(1,204)

Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 

798 

 

1,004 

 

1,074 

Gain recognized on foreign currency transactions

 

 

(563)

 

--

 

--

Net gain on sale of assets

 

 

(9,360)

 

(393)

 

(11,023)

Change in net deferred tax assets

 

 

4,073 

 

(5,060)

 

(4,067)

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

16,942 

 

15,689 

 

14,562 

Other amortization

 

 

1,406 

 

1,797 

 

919 

Casualty (gain) loss

 

 

(9,217)

 

1,421 

 

--

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

1,000 

 

609 

 

1,458 

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

 

(3,093)

 

1,296 

 

620 

Prepaid and other assets

 

 

496 

 

(599)

 

(2,386)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

(3,740)

 

2,843 

 

6,479 

Film rent payable

 

 

2,764 

 

1,244 

 

282 

Taxes payable

 

 

(839)

 

(1,707)

 

(426)

Deferred revenue and other liabilities

 

 

(7,011)

 

3,626 

 

(745)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

23,851 

 

30,188 

 

28,574 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of and additions to operating and investment properties

 

 

(65,903)

 

(49,166)

 

(53,119)

Change in restricted cash

 

 

33 

 

178 

 

1,292 

Demolition costs of operating property

 

 

(3,700)

 

--

 

--

Disposal of investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 

(432)

 

--

 

--

Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 

124 

 

296 

 

228 

Cash settlement on insurance claim

 

 

18,415 

 

5,000 

 

--

Proceeds from sale of properties

 

 

44,677 

 

831 

 

21,889 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(6,786)

 

(42,861)

 

(29,710)

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of long-term borrowings

 

 

(106,449)

 

(63,748)

 

(35,239)

Proceeds from borrowings

 

 

91,030 

 

81,616 

 

10,500 

Capitalized borrowing costs

 

 

(39)

 

(3,992)

 

(248)

Repurchase of Class A nonvoting common stock

 

 

(6,532)

 

(2,850)

 

(3,310)

Proceeds from stock option exercises

 

 

52 

 

146 

 

492 

Noncontrolling interest contributions

 

 

193 

 

268 

 

17 

Noncontrolling interest distributions

 

 

(310)

 

(194)

 

(173)

Net cash provided by/ (used in) financing activities

 

 

(22,055)

 

11,246 

 

(27,961)

Effect of exchange rate on cash

 

 

(359)

 

742 

 

(1,449)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(5,349)

 

(685)

 

(30,546)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

 

 

19,017 

 

19,702 

 

50,248 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

 

$

13,668 

$

19,017 

$

19,702 

Supplemental Disclosures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

4,880 

$

5,948 

$

9,023 

Income taxes paid, net

 

 

9,245 

 

6,607 

 

8,553 

Non-Cash Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease make-good accrual

 

$

--

$

35 

$

1,314 

In-kind exchange of stock for the exercise of options, net

 

 

788 

 

--

 

1,833 

Additions to operating and investing properties through accrued expenses

 

 

10,804 

 

--

 

--

The accompanying Notes are integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

66


 

 

READING INTERNATIONAL, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

As of and for Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company

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 incorporated in 1999.  Our businesses consist primarily of:

·

the development, ownership and operation of multiplex cinemas in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand; and,

·

the development, ownership, and operation of retail and commercial real estate in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Business Segments

Our business is comprised of two operating segments, as follows: (i) cinema exhibition and (ii) real estate.  Each of these segments has discrete and separate financial information and for which operating results are evaluated regularly by our Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision-maker of the Company.  As part of our real estate segment, we have acquired, and continue to hold, raw land in urban and suburban centers in New Zealand and the United States.

The tables below summarize the results of operations for each of our business segments.  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.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

 

Total

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

 

Total

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

 

Total

Revenue - Third party

 

$

263,464 

 

$

16,270 

 

$

279,734 

 

$

256,922 

 

$

13,551 

 

$

270,473 

 

$

242,823 

 

$

15,042 

 

$

257,865 

Inter-segment Revenue (1)

 

 

--

 

 

7,573 

 

 

7,573 

 

 

--

 

 

7,366 

 

 

7,366 

 

 

--

 

 

6,537 

 

 

6,537 

Total Segment Revenue

 

 

263,464 

 

 

23,843 

 

 

287,307 

 

 

256,922 

 

 

20,917 

 

 

277,839 

 

 

242,823 

 

 

21,579 

 

 

264,402 

Operating expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and products - Third party

 

 

(207,447)

 

 

(9,436)

 

 

(216,883)

 

 

(198,523)

 

 

(9,044)

 

 

(207,567)

 

 

(190,007)

 

 

(10,948)

 

 

(200,955)

Inter-segment Cost of services (1)

 

 

(7,573)

 

 

--

 

 

(7,573)

 

 

(7,366)

 

 

--

 

 

(7,366)

 

 

(6,537)

 

 

--

 

 

(6,537)

Total  of services and products (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

 

(215,020)

 

 

(9,436)

 

 

(224,456)

 

 

(205,889)

 

 

(9,044)

 

 

(214,933)

 

 

(196,544)

 

 

(10,948)

 

 

(207,492)

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(12,213)

 

 

(4,256)

 

 

(16,469)

 

 

(11,772)

 

 

(3,522)

 

 

(15,294)

 

 

(11,161)

 

 

(3,107)

 

 

(14,268)

General and administrative expense

 

 

(3,261)

 

 

(2,140)

 

 

(5,401)

 

 

(3,763)

 

 

(1,422)

 

 

(5,185)

 

 

(3,000)

 

 

(728)

 

 

(3,728)

Total operating expense

 

 

(230,494)

 

 

(15,832)

 

 

(246,326)

 

 

(221,424)

 

 

(13,988)

 

 

(235,412)

 

 

(210,705)

 

 

(14,783)

 

 

(225,488)

Segment operating income

 

$

32,970 

 

$

8,011 

 

$

40,981 

 

$

35,498 

 

$

6,929 

 

$

42,427 

 

$

32,118 

 

$

6,796 

 

$

38,914 



(1) Inter-segment Revenues and Cost of services relates to the internal charge between the two segments where the cinema operates within real estate owned within the group.





A reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes is as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Segment operating income

 

$

40,981 

 

$

42,427 

 

$

38,914 

Unallocated corporate expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

(473)

 

 

(395)

 

 

(294)

General and administrative expense

 

 

(19,947)

 

 

(21,721)

 

 

(14,924)

Interest expense, net

 

 

(6,194)

 

 

(6,782)

 

 

(7,304)

Equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 

815 

 

 

999 

 

 

1,204 

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

9,360 

 

 

393 

 

 

11,023 

Casualty gain (loss)

 

 

9,217 

 

 

(1,421)

 

 

--

Other income (expense)

 

 

588 

 

 

(63)

 

 

(440)

Income before income taxes

 

$

34,347 

 

$

13,437 

 

$

28,179 



67


 

 

Assuming cash and cash equivalents are accounted for as corporate assets, total assets by business segment and by country are presented as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

By segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cinema

 

$

135,184 

 

$

133,057 

Real estate

 

 

249,245 

 

 

240,362 

Corporate (1)

 

 

38,597 

 

 

32,347 

Total assets

 

$

423,026 

 

$

405,766 

By country:

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

188,639 

 

$

161,922 

Australia

 

 

169,035 

 

 

170,556 

New Zealand

 

 

65,352 

 

 

73,288 

Total assets

 

$

423,026 

 

$

405,766 

(1) Corporate Assets includes cash and cash equivalents of $13.7 million and $19.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.



The following table sets forth our operating properties by country:



 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

United States

 

$

89,183 

 

$

75,845 

Australia

 

 

143,200 

 

 

103,430 

New Zealand

 

 

32,341 

 

 

32,611 

Total operating property

 

$

264,724 

 

$

211,886 



The table below summarizes capital expenditures for the three years ended December 31, 2017:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Segment capital expenditures

 

$

76,300 

 

$

49,023 

 

$

52,989 

Corporate capital expenditures

 

 

408 

 

 

143 

 

 

130 

Total capital expenditures

 

$

76,708 

 

$

49,166 

 

$

53,119 



















NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Significant Accounting Policies



Basis of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).    These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are RDGE, CRG, and CDL.  We have also consolidated the following entities that are not wholly-owned for which we have control:

·

Australia Country Cinemas Pty, Limited, a company in which we own a 75% interest and whose only assets are our leasehold cinemas in Townsville and Dubbo, Australia;

·

Sutton Hill Properties, LLC (“SHP”), a company based in New York in which we own a 75% interest and whose only asset is the fee interest in the Cinemas 1,2,3; and,

·

Shadow View Land and Farming, LLC in which we own a 50% controlling membership interest and whose only asset is a 202-acre land parcel in Coachella, California.



Our investment interests in certain joint venture arrangements, for which we own between 20% to 50% and for which we have no control over the operations, are accounted for as unconsolidated joint ventures, and hence, recorded in the consolidated financial statements under the equity method. These investment interests include our:

·

33.3% undivided interest in the unincorporated joint venture that owns the Mt. Gravatt cinema in a suburb of Brisbane, Australia;

·

50% undivided interest in the unincorporated joint venture that owns Rialto Cinemas.

68


 

 

We consider that we have control over our partially-owned subsidiaries and joint venture interests (collectively “investee”) when these conditions exist:

(i)

we own a majority of the voting rights or interests of the investee (typically above 50%), or

(ii)

in the case when we own less than the majority voting rights or interests, we have the power over the investee when the voting rights or interests are sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee unilaterally. 



The Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether or not our voting rights in the investee are sufficient to give it power, including:

(i)

the size of our voting rights and interests relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of other vote holders;

(ii)

potential voting rights and interests held by us;

(iii)

rights and interests arising from other contractual arrangements; and,

(iv)

any additional other relevant facts.



All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. Hence, actual results may differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates and assumptions include, but not limited to:

(i)

projections we make regarding the recoverability and impairment of our assets (including goodwill and intangibles);

(ii)

allocation of insurance proceeds to various recoverable components;

(iii)

recoverability of our deferred tax assets as well as liabilities for transition tax under the Tax Reform Act in 2017; and,

(iv)

estimation of gift card and gift certificate breakage where we have concluded that the likelihood of redemption is remote. 



Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2016 and 2015 comparative information in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to conform to the 2017 presentation.  These reclassifications relate to the following immaterial balances:

(i)

reclassification of Investment in Reading International Trust I to “Other assets” line in our consolidated balance sheets;

(ii)

net-off of interest income against interest expense in our consolidated statements of income; and,

(iii)

combination of certain components in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income into one line, “Others”.



Revenue Recognition 

(i)

Cinema Exhibition Segment (all net of related taxes):

·

Sales of Cinema ticket (excluding bulk and advanced ticket sales) and food and beverage (“F&B”) sales – recognized when sold and collected, either in cash or credit card at our theatre locations and through our online selling channels; 

·

Sales of Bulk and Advanced Cinema Ticket Sales – deferred and recognized as revenue when the promised performance or movie that the ticket has been purchased for is shown;

·

Gift Cards and Gift Certificate Sales – deferred and recognized as revenue when redeemed, except for the breakage portion, as described below;

·

Breakage Income – represents the balance of gift cards and gift certificates for which we believe the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote and determined based upon our historical redemption patterns; and,

·

Advertising Revenues – recognized based on contractual arrangements or relevant admissions information, as appropriate.



(ii)

Real Estate Segment: 

·

Property Rentals –we contractually retain substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership of our real estate properties and therefore, we account for our tenant leases as operating leases.  Accordingly, rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term; and, 

·

Live Theatre License Fees – determined based on fixed and variable fees (percentage of ticket sales) pursuant to our license agreement with the production companies and is recorded on a weekly basis after performance of a show occurs.



Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase as cash equivalents for which cost approximates fair value.

69


 

 

Receivables

Our receivables balance is composed primarily of credit card receivables, representing the purchase price of tickets, food & beverage items, 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 sales tax 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. 

Inventory

Inventory is composed of food and beverage items in our theater operations and is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes those cash accounts for which the use of funds is restricted by any contract or bank covenant.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our restricted cash balance, included as part of prepaid and other current assets, was $17,000 and $17,000, respectively. 

Derivative Financial Instruments

From time-to-time, we purchase interest rate derivative instruments to hedge the interest rate risk that results from the variability of our floating-rate borrowings. Our use of derivative transactions is intended to reduce long-term fluctuations in cash flows caused by market movements. All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value through interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we do not have material derivative positions nor have designated any of these derivatives as accounting hedges.

Operating Properties, net

Our Operating Properties consists of land, buildings and improvements, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment which we use to derive operating income associated with our two business segments, cinema exhibition and real estate.  Buildings and improvements, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment are initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair market value and depreciated over the useful lives of the related assets.  Land is not depreciated.  Expenditures relating to renovations, betterments or improvements to existing assets are capitalized if it improves or extends the lives of the respective assets and/or provide long-term future net cash inflows, including the potential for cost savings.

Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The estimated useful lives are generally as follows:



 

Building and improvements

15 – 60 years

Leasehold improvements

Shorter of the lease term or useful life of the improvement

Theater equipment

7 years

Furniture and fixtures

5 – 10 years



Investment and Development Properties, net

Investment and Development Properties consists of land, buildings and improvements under development, and their associated capitalized interest and other development costs that we are either holding for development, currently developing, or holding for investment appreciation purposes.  These properties are initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair market value.  Within this category are building and improvement costs directly associated with the development of potential cinemas (whether for sale or lease), the development of entertainment-themed centers (“ETCs”), or other improvements to real property. As incurred, we expense start-up costs (such as pre-opening cinema advertising and training expense) and other costs not directly related to the acquisition and development of long-term assets. We cease cost capitalization (including interest) on a development property when the property is complete and ready for its intended use, or if activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use have been substantially curtailed.  However, we do not suspend cost capitalization for brief interruptions and interruptions that are externally imposed, such as mandates from governmental authorities. 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We review long-lived assets, including goodwill and intangibles, for impairment as part of our annual budgeting process, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be fully recoverable. 

70


 

 

We review internal management reports on a monthly basis as well as monitor current and potential future competition in film markets for indications of potential impairment. 

(i)

Impairment of Long-lived Assets (other than Goodwill and Intangible Assets with indefinite lives) – we evaluate our long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets using historical and projected data of cash flows as our primary indicator of potential impairment and we take into consideration the seasonality of our business. If the sum of the estimated, undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, then an impairment is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value based on an appraisal or a discounted cash flow calculation.  For certain non-income producing properties or for those assets with no consistent historical or projected cash flows, we obtain appraisals or other evidence to evaluate whether there are impairment indicators for these assets.

No impairment losses were recorded for long-lived and finite-lived intangible assets for the three years ended December 31, 2017, based on historical information and projected cash flow. We recorded a write-down of the carrying amount of our parking structure adjacent to our Courtenay Central ETC in Wellington, New Zealand due to earthquake damage during the Fourth Quarter of 2016, which was subsequently fully recovered through the final insurance settlement in May 2017.  Refer to Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses due to Earthquake for further details.

(ii)

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets with indefinite lives – goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead, tested for impairment at least annually on a reporting unit basis.  The impairment evaluation is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows of the segment plus the expected terminal value.  There are significant assumptions and estimates used in determining the future cash flows and terminal value.  The most significant assumptions include our cost of debt and cost of equity assumptions that comprise the weighted average cost of capital for each reporting unit. Accordingly, actual results could vary materially from such estimates. 

No impairment losses were recorded for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for the three years ended December 31, 2017.

Variable Interest Entity 

The Company enters into relationships or investments with other entities that may be a variable interest entity (“VIE”). A VIE is consolidated in the financial statements if the Company has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Reading International Trust I is a VIE. It is not consolidated in our financial statements but instead accounted for under the equity method of accounting because we are not the primary beneficiary. We carry our investment in the Reading International Trust I, recorded under “Other Assets”, using the equity method of accounting because we have the ability to exercise significant influence (but not control) over operating and financial policies of the entity. We eliminate transactions with an equity method entity to the extent of our ownership in such an entity.  Accordingly, our share of net income/(loss) of this equity method entity is included in consolidated net income/(loss). We have no implicit or explicit obligation to further fund our investment in Reading International Trust I.

Property Held for Sale

When a property is classified as held for sale, we present the respective assets and liabilities related to the property held for sale separately on the balance sheet and cease to record depreciation and amortization expense. Properties held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or their estimated fair value less the estimated costs to sell.  As of December 31, 2016, we classified our landholding in Burwood, Australia as land held for sale as a result of a sale transaction on May 12, 2014, this transaction closed during December 2017.  Refer to Note 4 – Real Estate Transactions for details.

Deferred Leasing/Financing Costs

Direct costs incurred in connection with obtaining tenants and or financing are amortized over the respective term of the loan utilizing the effective interest method, or straight-line method if the result is not materially different.  In addition, interest on loans with increasing interest rates and scheduled principal pre-payments are also recognized on the effective interest method.  Net deferred financing costs are presented as a reduction in the associated Debt account (see Note 10 – Borrowings) in line with our adoption of ASU 2015-03 which became effective since January 1, 2016.

Film Rental Costs

Film rental costs are accrued based on the applicable box office receipts and estimates of the final settlement to the film licensees.

Advertising Expense

We expense our advertising as incurred. The amount of our advertising expense was $2.3 million, $2.3 million, and $2.3 million 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

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Operating Leases

A majority of our cinema operations are conducted in premises under non-cancellable lease arrangements with initial base terms generally ranging between 5 to 15 years, with certain leases containing renewal options to extend the lease term to an additional term of up to 20 years.  We evaluated the classification of our leases and concluded all of these arrangements as operating leases.  Lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial base terms, taking into effect any rate change clauses.  Any subsequent increases or decreases in rental payments that result from factors not anticipated during lease inception or factors that are based on meeting future targets, other than indexation factors, represent contingent rentals and are fully accruable at the period the trigger event occurs.



Share-based Compensation

The determination of the compensation cost for our share-based awards (primarily in the form of stock options or restricted stock units) is made at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award, and such cost is recognized over the grantee’s requisite service period (which typically equates to our vesting term).  Previously recognized compensation cost shall be reversed for any forfeited award to the extent unvested at the time of forfeiture.  Refer to Note 14 – Share-based Compensation and Repurchase Plans for further details.



Treasury Shares

In recent years, we repurchased our own Class A common shares as part of a publicly announced stock repurchase plan with no current intent for retiring those reacquired shares.  We account for these repurchases using the cost method and present as a separate line within the Stockholders’ Equity section in our consolidated balance sheets.  Refer to Note 14 – Share-based Compensation and Repurchase Plans for further details of our stock buyback plan.



Insurance Recoveries and Other Contingency Matters

(i)

Loss contingencies – we record any loss contingencies if there is a “probable” likelihood that the liability had been incurred, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. 

(ii)

Gain contingencies:

·

Insurance recoveries – in the event we incur a loss attributable to an impairment of an asset or incurrence of a liability that is recoverable, in whole or in part, through an insurance claim, we record an insurance recoverable (not to exceed the amount of the total losses incurred) only when the collectability of such claim is probable.  To evaluate the probable collectability of an insurance claim, we consider communications with third parties (such as with our insurance company), in addition to advice from legal counsel.

·

Others – other gain contingencies typically result from legal settlements and we record those settlements in income when cash or other forms of payments are received.



Legal costs relating to our litigation matters, whether we are the plaintiff or the defendant, are recorded when incurred.  For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, we recorded gains/(losses) relating to litigation settlement of $1.8 million, $415,000, and ($495,000), respectively.

Translation Policy

The financial statements and transactions of our Australian and New Zealand cinema and real estate operations are recorded in their functional currencies, namely Australian and New Zealand dollars, respectively, and are then translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of these operations are denominated in their functional currencies and are then translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date.  Revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the reporting period. Translation adjustments are reported in “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” a component of Stockholders’ Equity.

The carrying values of our Australian and New Zealand assets fluctuate due to changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Australian and New Zealand dollars.  Presented in the table below are the currency exchange rates for Australia and New Zealand as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2017:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016

 

 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2015

Spot Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australian Dollar

 

 

0.7815

 

 

0.7230

 

 

0.7286

New Zealand Dollar

 

 

0.7100

 

 

0.6958

 

 

0.6842

Average Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australian Dollar

 

 

0.7670

 

 

0.7440

 

 

0.7524

New Zealand Dollar

 

 

0.7111

 

 

0.6973

 

 

0.7004



72


 

 

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under an asset and liability approach. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled, and are classified as noncurrent on the balance sheets in accordance with current US GAAP. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense (benefit) is the tax payable (refundable) for the period and the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The effect of a change in tax rates or law on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations.

A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits.

We recognize tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions and adjust these liabilities when our judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available.  We record interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense and in income tax related balance sheet accounts.  Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate of the tax liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which it is determined a change in recognition or measurement is appropriate.

The Tax Act creates a new requirement for U.S. corporations to include in U.S. taxable income certain earnings of their foreign subsidiaries, effective beginning tax year 2018. The Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”) framework effectively introduces a minimum tax on foreign earnings of U.S. based consolidated groups. Because of the complexity of the new tax rules related to GILTI, we are continuing to evaluate this provision of the Tax Act and the application of ASC 740, Income Taxes.  As of December 31, 2017, we have not made a policy decision on whether to record deferred tax on GILTI or account for it as a current period expense when incurred. 

Earnings Per Share

The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year, which is calculated using the treasury-stock method for equity-based awards. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS in periods for which they have an anti-dilutive effect. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price over the period are anti-dilutive and, accordingly, are excluded from the calculation.

Business Acquisition Valuation and Purchase Price Allocation

In recent years, our business acquisition efforts have been focused on our real estate segment.  For real estate acquisitions meeting the definition of a “business” in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date.  To accomplish this, we typically obtain third party valuations to allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including both tangible and intangible components.  The determination of the fair values of the acquisition components and its related determination of the estimated lives of depreciable tangible assets and amortizing intangible assets/liabilities require significant judgment and several considerations, described as follows:

(i)

Tangible assets – we allocate the purchase price to the tangible assets of an acquired property (which typically includes land, building and site/tenant improvements) based on the estimated fair values of those tangible assets assuming the building was vacant.  Estimates of fair value for land are based on factors such as comparisons to other properties sold in the same geographic area adjusted for unique characteristics. Estimates of fair values of buildings and site/tenant improvements are based on present values determined based upon the application of hypothetical leases with market rates and terms. Building and site improvements are depreciated over their remaining economic lives, while tenant improvements are depreciated over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases.

(ii)

Intangible assets and liabilities – the valuation of the intangible assets and liabilities in a typical real estate acquisition is described below:

73


 

 

·

Above-market and below-market leases – we record above-market and below-market in-place lease values for acquired properties based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. We amortize any capitalized above-market lease values (an intangible asset) and capitalized below-market lease values (an intangible liability) over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases.

·

Benefit of avoided costs due to existing tenancies – this typically includes (i) in-place leases (the value of avoided lease-up costs) and (ii) leasing commissions and legal/marketing costs avoided with the leases in place. We measure the fair values of the in-place leases based on the difference between (i) the property valued with existing in-place leases adjusted to market rental rates and (ii) the property valued as if vacant.  Factors considered in the fair value determination include an estimate of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases.  We also consider information obtained about each property as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing, and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the intangible assets acquired.  In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal, and other related expenses to the extent that such costs are not already incurred in connection with a new lease origination as part of the transaction.

We amortize the value of in-place leases and unamortized leasing origination costs to expense over the remaining term of the respective leases.  Should a tenant terminate its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease values and leasing origination costs will be charged to expense.

These assessments have a direct impact on revenue and net income, particularly on the depreciable base of the allocated assets which will impact the timing of expense allocation.  In accordance with our adoption of ASU 2015-16, we record the changes in depreciation and amortization in the period we finalized our purchase price allocation.

Accounting Changes 



Change in Accounting Principle during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016

Prior to 2014, we recognized revenue for our gift cards and gift certificates issued in the U.S., which do not expire and have no dormancy fees, only when they were redeemed. At the end of fourth quarter of 2016, we determined that we have sufficient historical information to recognize breakage income on them.  Based on our review of our own historical redemption patterns using company-wide data accumulated over many years, we considered it preferable to estimate a certain percentage of our gift card and gift certificate sales to be recorded as breakage income as it better reflects of our historical redemption patterns and our earnings process.  Effectively, we concluded that a portion of these sales may have a remote likelihood of redemption based on our own historical redemption patterns and thus the liability is derecognized for them.  We will continue to review historical gift card redemption information at each reporting period to assess the continued appropriateness of the gift card breakage rates and pattern of redemption. In accordance with ASC 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, the Company adjusted its comparative financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 to apply this new accounting policy.



74


 

 

The impact of this change in accounting principle to our current and prior years’ financial statements  is presented in the following tables (in condensed format):



Consolidated Statements of Operations





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

(Dollars in thousands)

 

With breakage revenue

 

Without breakage revenue

 

Effect of change

 

With breakage revenue

 

Without breakage revenue

 

Effect of change

 

As restated

 

As previously reported

 

Effect of change

Revenues

$

279,734 

 

$

279,126 

 

$

608 

 

 

$

270,473 

 

$

269,855 

 

$

618 

 

$

257,865 

 

$

257,323 

 

$

542 

Costs and expenses

 

(259,173)

 

 

(259,173)

 

 

--

 

 

 

(250,162)

 

 

(250,162)

 

 

--

 

 

(234,169)

 

 

(234,169)

 

 

--

Operating income

 

20,561 

 

 

19,953 

 

 

608 

 

 

 

20,311 

 

 

19,693 

 

 

618 

 

 

23,696 

 

 

23,154 

 

 

542 

Interest expense (net), casualty loss and others

 

12,971 

 

 

12,971 

 

 

--

 

 

 

(7,873)

 

 

(7,873)

 

 

--

 

 

3,279 

 

 

3,279 

 

 

--

Income before income taxes and equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures

 

33,532 

 

 

32,924 

 

 

608 

 

 

 

12,438 

 

 

11,820 

 

 

618 

 

 

26,975 

 

 

26,433 

 

 

542 

Equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures

 

815 

 

 

815 

 

 

--

 

 

 

999 

 

 

999 

 

 

--

 

 

1,204 

 

 

1,204 

 

 

--

Income before income taxes 

 

34,347 

 

 

33,739 

 

 

608 

 

 

 

13,437 

 

 

12,819 

 

 

618 

 

 

28,179 

 

 

27,637 

 

 

542 

Income tax expense

 

(3,337)

 

 

(3,098)

 

 

(239)

 

 

 

(4,020)

 

 

(3,787)

 

 

(233)

 

 

(5,148)

 

 

(4,943)

 

 

(205)

Net income

$

31,010 

 

$

30,641 

 

$

369 

 

 

$

9,417 

 

$

9,032 

 

$

385 

 

$

23,031 

 

$

22,694 

 

$

337 

Basic EPS

$

1.35 

 

$

1.33 

 

$

0.02 

 

 

$

0.40 

 

$

0.39 

 

$

0.01 

 

$

0.99 

 

$

0.98 

 

$

0.01 

Diluted EPS

$

1.33 

 

$

1.32 

 

$

0.02 

 

 

$

0.40 

 

$

0.38 

 

$

0.02 

 

$

0.98 

 

$

0.97 

 

$

0.01 



Consolidated Balance Sheets





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

2017

 

2016

(Dollars in thousands)

 

With breakage revenue

 

Without breakage revenue

 

Effect of change

 

With breakage revenue

 

Without breakage revenue

 

Effect of change

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

$

33,475 

 

$

33,475 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

72,641 

 

$

72,641 

 

$

--

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

24,908 

 

 

25,147 

 

 

(239)

 

 

 

28,667 

 

 

28,900 

 

 

(233)

Other non-current assets

 

364,643 

 

 

364,643 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

304,458 

 

 

304,458 

 

 

--

Total Assets

 

423,026 

 

 

423,265 

 

 

(239)

 

 

 

405,766 

 

 

405,999 

 

 

(233)

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred current revenue

 

9,850 

 

 

10,458 

 

 

(608)

 

 

 

10,758 

 

 

11,376 

 

 

(618)

Other current liabilities

 

70,596 

 

 

70,596 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

55,228 

 

 

55,228 

 

 

--

Non-current liabilities

 

161,339 

 

 

161,339 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

193,165 

 

 

193,165 

 

 

--

Total Liabilities

 

241,785 

 

 

242,393 

 

 

(608)

 

 

 

259,151 

 

 

259,769 

 

 

(618)

Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

32,679 

 

 

32,310 

 

 

369 

 

 

 

1,680 

 

 

1,295 

 

 

385 

Other equity components

 

148,562 

 

 

148,562 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

144,935 

 

 

144,935 

 

 

--

Total Stockholders' Equity

 

181,241 

 

 

180,872 

 

 

369 

 

 

 

146,615 

 

 

146,230 

 

 

385 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$

423,026 

 

$

423,265 

 

$

(239)

 

 

$

405,766 

 

$

405,999 

 

$

(233)



75


 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

(Dollars in thousands)

 

With breakage revenue

 

Without breakage revenue

 

Effect of change

 

With breakage revenue

 

Without breakage revenue

 

Effect of change

 

As restated

 

As previously reported

 

Effect of change

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

31,010 

 

$

30,641 

 

$

369 

 

 

$

9,417 

 

$

9,032 

 

$

385 

 

$

23,031 

 

$

22,694 

 

$

337 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net deferred tax assets

 

4,073 

 

 

3,834 

 

 

239 

 

 

 

(5,060)

 

 

(5,293)

 

 

233 

 

 

(4,067)

 

 

(4,272)

 

 

205 

Other reconciling adjustments

 

191 

 

 

191 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,128 

 

 

19,128 

 

 

 

 

 

5,786 

 

 

5,786 

 

 

 

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred revenue and other liabilities

 

(7,011)

 

 

(6,403)

 

 

(608)

 

 

 

3,626 

 

 

4,244 

 

 

(618)

 

 

(745)

 

 

(203)

 

 

(542)

Other operating assets and liabilities

 

(4,412)

 

 

(4,412)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

3,077 

 

 

3,077 

 

 

 -

 

 

4,569 

 

 

4,569 

 

 

 -

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

23,851 

 

 

23,851 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

30,188 

 

 

30,188 

 

 

 -

 

 

28,574 

 

 

28,574 

 

 

 -

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(6,786)

 

 

(6,786)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(42,861)

 

 

(42,861)

 

 

 -

 

 

(29,710)

 

 

(29,710)

 

 

 -

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

 

(22,055)

 

 

(22,055)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

11,246 

 

 

11,246 

 

 

 -

 

 

(27,961)

 

 

(27,961)

 

 

 -

Effect of exchange rate on cash

 

(359)

 

 

(359)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

742 

 

 

742 

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,449)

 

 

(1,449)

 

 

 -

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(5,349)

 

 

(5,349)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(685)

 

 

(685)

 

 

 -

 

 

(30,546)

 

 

(30,546)

 

 

 -

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

 

19,017 

 

 

19,017 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

19,702 

 

 

19,702 

 

 

 -

 

 

50,248 

 

 

50,248 

 

 

 -

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

$

13,668 

 

$

13,668 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

19,017 

 

$

19,017 

 

$

 -

 

$

19,702 

 

$

19,702 

 

$

 -





Out-of-Period Adjustment during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017:

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017, we recorded out-of-period adjustments of $544,000 to increase our occupancy cost expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The adjustments were made to correct our rent expense account under the straight line method of expense recognition. We determined that the adjustments did not have a material impact to our current or prior period consolidated financial statements.

Out-of-Period Adjustment during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, we recorded out-of-period adjustments of $611,000 to decrease our income tax expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. The adjustments, which increased deferred tax asset by $611,000, were made to correct our income tax and related deferred tax asset accounts.  We determined that the adjustments did not have a material impact to our current or prior period consolidated financial statements.



Out-of-Period Adjustment during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, we recorded out-of-period adjustments of $514,000 to decrease our income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The adjustments, which increased deferred tax assets by $2,116,000, increased

additional paid in capital by $793,000, increased other comprehensive income by $1,859,000 and decreased other non-current

liabilities by $1,050,000, were made to correct our income tax and related equity and liability accounts.  Of the $514,000 adjustment to decrease the income tax expense in 2015, $1,286,000 relates to the adjustment that should have been recorded in 2014, thus reducing our income tax benefit by this amount.  The remaining $1,800,000 relates to income taxes pertaining to years prior to 2014 cumulatively, that would have increased our deferred tax asset by such amount.  We determined that the adjustments did not have a material impact to our prior period consolidated financial statements.



76


 

 

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Adopted:

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  This new guidance, which became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, provides for the simplification of several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including (i) accounting for tax benefits in excess of compensation cost and tax deficiencies, (ii) accounting for forfeitures, and (iii) classification on the statement of cash flows. The only significant impact of the adoption of this new guidance to us is the immediate recognition of excess tax benefits (or “windfalls”) and tax deficiencies (or “shortfalls”) in the consolidated statement of operations.  Previously, (i) tax windfalls were recorded in additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and (ii) tax shortfalls were recorded in APIC to the extent of previous windfalls and then to the consolidated statement of operations. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.



Further, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07,  Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting.  This new guidance effectively removes the retroactive application imposed in current guidance when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence.  The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting.  The new standard becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2017.  Early adoption is permissible.  The adoption of ASU 2016-07 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.



In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties that are under Common Control.  This new guidance alters how a decision maker needs to consider interests in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) held through an entity under common control and amends the previously issued ASU 2015-02. Under the new ASU, if a decision maker is required to evaluate whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, it will need to consider only its proportionate indirect interest in the VIE held through a common control party. The new standard becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2017.  Early adoption is permissible.  The adoption of ASU 2016-17 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.



Issued:



v

ASUs Effective 2018

·

New Revenue Recognition Model (ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, codified as Topic 606)



In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), (“ASC 606”), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASC 606 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in US GAAP when it becomes effective. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the contracts with customers. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either a retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company is adopting the guidance on January 1, 2018 and has selected the modified retrospective transition method. The Company continues to evaluate and quantify the effect that ASC 606 will have on its consolidated financial statements. While the Company does not believe the adoption of ASC 606 will have a material impact to its results of operations or cash flows, the Company currently expects the following impacts:

·

Through December 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenue associated with gift cards and gift certificates when redeemed, or when the likelihood of redemption became remote (known as "breakage" in our industry) based on historical experience. Under ASU 2014-09 and effective January 1, 2018, the Company will recognize revenue from unredeemed gift cards and certificates as redeemed and will recognize breakage following the proportional method where revenue is recognized in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer when the Company expects that it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur for any estimated breakage amounts. Currently, the Company expects to reduce its deferred revenue up to $1.3 million, before taxes with related impact in retained earnings to be increased net of taxes on January 1, 2018 to give effect to this change in breakage accounting.

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·

We have a loyalty program in every country. For our loyalty programs, we do not expect those accounting changes to have a material impact on cash flows from operations. Through December 31, 2017, the Company recorded the estimated incremental cost of providing awards under our loyalty program at the time the awards are redeemed. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company will estimate the fair value of providing such loyalty program awards at the time the related awards are earned. Currently, the Company expects to increase its deferred revenues up to $1.0 million before taxes with related impact in retained earnings to be decreased net of taxes on January 1, 2018 to give effect to the loyalty program accounting.

·

Pension Cost Presentation  (ASU 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost)



Issued by FASB in March 2017, amendments in this Update (i) require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost, and (ii) provide explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allow only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization.  The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.  Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance.  We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2017-07 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

·

Restricted Cash Presentation as part of Cash and Cash Equivalents (ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows, Topic 230: Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)



Issued by FASB in November 2016, this new guidance requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash and cash equivalents should be combined with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances on the statement of cash flows. The new standard becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.  Early adoption is permissible.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-18 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.



·

Cash Flow Presentation  (ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments)



Issued by FASB in August 2016, the amendments covered in this ASU are improvements to current GAAP, as it will provide guidance to eight (8) specific cash flow classification issues, thereby reducing the current and potential future diversity in practice.  The new standard becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.  Early adoption is permissible.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-15 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.



·

Business Combination Streamlining (ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations Topic 805: Clarifying the Definition of a Business)



Issued by FASB in January 2017, this ASU provides that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the asset is not a “business”, thus reducing the number of transactions that need further evaluation for business combination.   This becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.   We do not expect the ASU 2017-01 to have a material impact to us currently.

78


 

 

v

ASUs Effective 2019 and Beyond

·

New Lease Accounting Model  (ASU 2016-02, Leases: Topic 842)

This new guidance, which becomes effective for us by January 1, 2019, establishes a right-of-use ("ROU") model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months.  Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement.  A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees with capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available.  While we are still evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements, we expect that upon adoption we will recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities and that the amounts could be material since a majority of our operating cinemas are leased.  We have developed an implementation plan. Significant implementation matters that we are addressing includes (i) assessment of lease population, (ii) determination of appropriate discount rate to use and (ii) assessment of renewal options to include in the initial lease term. While the Company is continuing to assess the effect of adoption, the Company currently believes the most significant changes relate to the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet for cinemas currently subject to operating leases.



·

Goodwill Impairment Simplification  (ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment)

Issued by FASB in January 2017, this new guidance removes the second step of the two-step impairment test for measuring goodwill and is to be applied on a prospective basis only. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2020, including interim periods within the year of adoption.  Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.  We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.



NOTE 3 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS and a reconciliation of the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding for the three years ended December 31, 2017:









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to RDI common stockholders

 

$

30,999 

 

$

9,403 

 

$

23,110 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares of common stock – basic

 

 

23,041,190 

 

 

23,320,048 

 

 

23,293,696 

Weighted average dilutive impact of stock-based awards

 

 

206,779 

 

 

201,109 

 

 

201,922 

Weighted average shares of common stock – diluted

 

 

23,247,969 

 

 

23,521,157 

 

 

23,495,618 

Basic EPS attributable to RDI common stockholders

 

$

1.35 

 

$

0.40 

 

$

0.99 

Diluted EPS attributable to RDI common stockholders

 

$

1.33 

 

$

0.40 

 

$

0.98 

Awards excluded from diluted EPS

 

 

149,841 

 

 

92,500 

 

 

--

 

NOTE 4 – REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Discussed below are the real estate transactions impacting the presentation in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the profitability determination in our consolidated statements of income for the three years ended December 31, 2017:

Real Estate Sales



Landholding in Burwood, Australia (Initiated 2015, Settled 2017)

On May 12, 2014, we entered into a contract to sell our undeveloped 50.6 acre parcel in Burwood, Victoria, Australia, to Australand Holdings Limited (now known as Frasers Property Australia, “Frasers”) for a purchase price of $50.6 million (AU$65.0 million).  We received $5.9 million (AU$6.5 million) on May 23, 2014, $16.6 million (AU$ 21.8 million) on June 19, 2017 and final settlement on December 14, 2017 of $28.1 million (AU$36.6 million).

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The final sale price was adjusted by $56,000 (AU$75,000) due to an early settlement agreed between both parties. The final transaction gain is determined as follows:

 





 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

In AU$

Selling price

 

$

64,925 

Less: Property book value

 

 

(52,108)

Total transaction gain, gross

 

 

12,817 

Less: Direct costs incurred(1)

 

 

(439)

Total transaction gain, net

 

$

12,378 



(1) Represents commissions and legal expenses incurred in connection with this transaction. 



Landholding in Moonee Ponds, Australia (Initiated 2013, Settled 2015)

On October 15, 2013, we entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement to sell this property for a sales price of $17.5 million (AU$23.0 million) payable in full upon closing of the transaction on April 16, 2015.  In accordance with the requirements under US GAAP, we recognized a gain of $8.0 million (AU$10.3 million) in the second quarter of 2015 upon the receipt of sale proceeds on April 16, 2015.

Doheny Condo, Los Angeles (Initiated and Settled 2015)

On February 25, 2015, we sold our Los Angeles Condo for $3.0 million resulting in a $2.8 million gain on sale.



Properties in Taupo, New Zealand (Initiated 2015, Settled 2016)

On April 1, 2015, we entered into two definitive purchase and sale agreements to sell our properties in Taupo, New Zealand for a combined sales price of $2.4 million (NZ$3.4 million).  The first agreement relates to a property with a sales price of $1.6 million (NZ$2.2 million) and a book value of $1.3 million (NZ$1.8 million), which closed on April 30, 2015 when we received the sales price in full. The other agreement related to a property with a sales price of $831,000 (NZ$1.2 million) and a book value of $426,000 (NZ$615,000) which was completed and for which we received cash settlement representing the full sales price on March 31, 2016.  The first transaction qualified as a sale under both U.S. GAAP and tax purposes during the year-ended December 31, 2015.  The second transaction was recorded as a sale during the quarter ended March 31, 2016.



Real Estate Acquisitions



New Corporate Headquarters Building, Los Angeles (Asset Acquisition, 2016)

On April 11, 2016, we purchased a 24,000 square foot office building with 72 parking spaces located at 5995 Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City, California (a Los Angeles suburb) for $11.2 million.  The terms and circumstances of this acquisition were not considered to meet the definition of a business combination in accordance with US GAAP.  We intend to use approximately 50% of the leasable area for our headquarters offices and to lease the remainder overtime to unaffiliated third parties.

Building & Landholding in Newmarket, Australia (Asset Acquisition, 2015)

On November 30, 2015, we completed the purchase of an approximately 23,000 square foot parcel adjacent to our existing Newmarket shopping center in Brisbane, Australia for a total consideration of $5.5 million (AU$7.6 million).  The acquired land has an existing office building which was vacant at the time of purchase completion.  We intend, over time, to integrate this property into our Newmarket development thereby increasing our footprint from approximately 204,000 to 227,000 square feet.   The terms and circumstances of this acquisition were not considered to meet the definition of a business combination in accordance with US GAAP.

Cannon Park ETC in Queensland, Australia (Business Combination, 2015)

On December 23, 2015, we completed a 100% acquisition of two adjoining properties in Townsville, Australia for a total of $24.1 million (AU$33.4 million) in cash. The properties are located approximately 6 miles from downtown Townsville, the fourth largest city in Queensland, Australia. The total gross leasable area of the two adjoining properties, the Cannon Park City Centre and the Cannon Park Discount Centre, is 133,000 square feet. The Cannon Park City Centre is anchored by Reading Cinemas, which is operated by Reading International’s 75% owned subsidiary, Australia Country Cinemas, and has three mini-major tenants and ten specialty family oriented restaurant tenants. The Cannon Park Discount Centre is anchored by Kingpin Bowling and supported by four other retailers. This acquisition is consistent with our business plan to own, where practical, the land underlying our entertainment assets.

The acquired assets consist primarily of the land and buildings, which, at the time of acquisition, was approximately 98% leased to existing tenants. Tenancies ranged from having 9 months to 8 years left to run on their leases at the time of purchase.

80


 

 

We have concluded the acquired assets constitute a “business” and we accounted this as a business combination.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the Company finalized the allocation of the purchase price to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on its estimates of their fair values on the acquisition date. The acquired value components of this real estate acquisition included both tangible and intangible assets.  The determination of the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities (and the related determination of estimated lives of depreciable tangible and identifiable intangible assets) requires significant judgment.  The estimates and assumptions include projected timing and amount of future cash flows and discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in the future cash flows.  Typical of a real estate acquisition, there was no goodwill recorded as the purchase price did not exceed the fair value estimates of the net acquired assets.

The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition, as well as adjustments made during the measurement period:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measurement

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Preliminary Purchase Price

 

Period

 

Final Purchase Price



 

Allocation

 

Adjustments(2)

 

Allocation

(Dollars in thousands)

 

US Dollars(1)

 

AU dollars

 

AU dollars

 

US Dollars(1)

 

AU dollars

Tangible Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating property:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

7,525 

 

$

10,421 

 

$

721 

 

$

8,046 

 

$

11,142 

Building and improvements

 

 

16,588 

 

 

22,971 

 

 

(6,453)

 

 

11,928 

 

 

16,518 

Site improvements

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

2,321 

 

 

1,676 

 

 

2,321 

Tenant improvements

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

957 

 

 

691 

 

 

957 

Intangible Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above-market leases

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

61 

 

 

44 

 

 

61 

In-place leases

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

2,135 

 

 

1,542 

 

 

2,135 

Unamortized leasing commissions

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

333 

 

 

240 

 

 

333 

Unamortized legal fees

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

55 

 

 

40 

 

 

55 

Total assets acquired

 

 

24,113 

 

 

33,392 

 

 

130 

 

 

24,207 

 

 

33,522 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below-market leases

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

(130)

 

 

(94)

 

 

(130)

Net assets acquired

 

$

24,113 

 

$

33,392 

 

$

--

 

$

24,113 

 

$

33,392 



(1) The balances were translated into U.S. Dollars based on the applicable exchange rate as of the date of acquisition, December 23, 2015.

(2) The measurement period adjustments were mainly due to the finalization of the valuations of the tangible land, building and improvements, site improvements and tenant improvements, as well as valuations of intangible assets and liabilities typically present in an acquisition of a regional mall with existing tenancies.  This resulted in a reallocation of the purchase price from Building to other tangible assets (site and tenant improvements), as well as to intangible assets, including above and below market leases, in-place leases and unamortized lease origination costs. 



The revenue and earnings from this acquisition, since the acquisition date as included in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, were not significant. Based on the available information provided to us and after exhausting significant efforts to satisfy the pro-forma disclosure requirements assuming the business acquisition happened at the beginning of the year, the Company concluded it to be impracticable to determine and disclose the full-year pro forma combined revenue and earnings for 2015.



NOTE 5 – PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENTS

Operating Property, Net 

Property associated with our operating activities is summarized as follows:



 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Land

 

$

76,457 

 

$

73,803 

Building and improvements

 

 

153,232 

 

 

122,863 

Leasehold improvements

 

 

48,481 

 

 

46,902 

Fixtures and equipment

 

 

145,033 

 

 

118,180 

Construction-in-progress

 

 

26,000 

 

 

11,517 

Total cost

 

 

449,203 

 

 

373,265 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

 

(184,479)

 

 

(161,379)

Operating Properties, net

 

$

264,724 

 

$

211,886 



81


 

 

Of our total operating properties as disclosed above, the gross and carrying amounts of the portion of our properties currently on lease or held for leasing as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Building and improvements

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross balance

 

$

71,749 

 

$

33,879 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

17,585 

 

 

9,982 

Net Book Value

 

$

54,164 

 

$

23,897 



Depreciation expense for operating property was $14.0 million, $15.1 million, and $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.



Investment and Development Property



Investment and development property is summarized as follows:



 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Land

 

$

25,025 

 

$

24,616 

Building

 

 

1,900 

 

 

1,900 

Construction-in-progress (including capitalized interest)

 

 

34,329 

 

 

17,171 

Investment and development property, net

 

$

61,254 

 

$

43,687 



For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we capitalized interest charges of $1.2 million and $297,000 pertaining to our on-going development projects.

 



NOTE 6 – INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES

Our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  The table below summarizes our active investment holdings in two unconsolidated joint ventures:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Interest

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Mt. Gravatt

 

33.3%

 

$

4,118 

 

$

3,874 

Rialto Cinemas

 

50.0%

 

 

1,186 

 

 

1,197 

Total Joint Ventures

 

 

 

 

$

5,304 

 

$

5,071 



Our recorded share of equity earnings from our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Mt. Gravatt

 

$

726 

 

$

805 

 

$

1,046 

Rialto Cinemas

 

 

89 

 

 

194 

 

 

136 

Rialto Distribution

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

22 

Total equity earnings

 

$

815 

 

$

999 

 

$

1,204 



Mt. Gravatt

We own an undivided 33.3% interest in Mt. Gravatt, an unincorporated joint venture that owns and operates a sixteen-screen multiplex cinema in Australia.

Rialto Cinemas

We own an undivided 50.0% interest in the assets and liabilities of the Rialto Entertainment joint venture that owns and operates two (2) movie theaters, with 13 screens in New Zealand.

Rialto Distribution

During 2017, this investment was transferred to our previous business partners.  We paid an amount lower than the accrual we had taken for our debt obligation in the joint venture.  Consequently, we recognized a gain of $15,000 (NZ$21,000) during the quarter ended June 30, 2017.





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NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The table below summarizes goodwill by business segment:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cinema

 

Real Estate

 

Total

Balance at January 1, 2016

 

$

14,491 

 

$

5,224 

 

$

19,715 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

113 

 

 

--

 

 

113 

Balance at December 31, 2016

 

$

14,604 

 

$

5,224 

 

$

19,828 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

448 

 

 

--

 

 

448 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

$

15,052 

 

$

5,224 

 

$

20,276 



The Company is required to test goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis and, if current events or circumstances require, on an interim basis.  To test the impairment of goodwill, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including the goodwill, to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. A reporting unit is generally one level below the operating segment. The most recent annual assessment occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017.  The assessment results indicated that there is no impairment to our goodwill as of December 31, 2017.



The tables below summarize intangible assets other than goodwill:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

December 31, 2017

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Beneficial Leases

 

Trade Name

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Total

Gross carrying amount

 

$

28,860 

 

$

7,254 

 

$

1,139 

 

$

37,253 

Less: Accumulated amortization

 

 

(23,292)

 

 

(4,936)

 

 

(483)

 

 

(28,711)

Net intangible assets other than goodwill

 

$

5,568 

 

$

2,318 

 

$

656 

 

$

8,542 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

December 31, 2016

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Beneficial Leases

 

Trade Name

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Total

Gross carrying amount

 

$

28,671 

 

$

7,254 

 

$

1,084 

 

$

37,009 

Less: Accumulated amortization

 

 

(21,870)

 

 

(4,634)

 

 

(468)

 

 

(26,972)

Net intangible assets other than goodwill

 

$

6,801 

 

$

2,620 

 

$

616 

 

$

10,037 



We amortize our beneficial leases over the lease period, the longest of which is approximately 30 years; our trade name using an accelerated amortization method over its estimated useful life of 45 years; and other intangible assets over its estimated useful life of up to 30 years (except for transferrable liquor licenses, which are indefinite-lived assets, with a balance of $421,000 and $389,000 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016).  For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, our amortization expense was $1.7 million, $1.9 million, and $1.7 million, respectively.



As of December 31, 2017, the estimated amortization expense for our amortizable intangibles, in the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:





 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Estimated Future Amortization Expense

2018

 

$

1,691 

2019

 

 

1,270 

2020

 

 

809 

2021

 

 

802 

2022

 

 

802 

Thereafter

 

 

2,747 

Total future amortization expense

 

$

8,121 

 

83


 

 

NOTE 8 – PREPAID AND OTHER ASSETS

Prepaid and other assets are summarized as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Prepaid and other current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses

 

$

1,625 

 

$

981 

Prepaid taxes

 

 

653 

 

 

1,622 

Income taxes receivable

 

 

1,686 

 

 

1,476 

Prepaid rent

 

 

1,055 

 

 

1,237 

Deposits

 

 

243 

 

 

404 

Restricted cash

 

 

17 

 

 

17 

Investments in marketable securities

 

 

46 

 

 

50 

Total prepaid and other current assets

 

$

5,325 

 

$

5,787 

Other non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recoverable asset(1)

 

$

--

 

$

9,480 

Other non-cinema and non-rental real estate assets

 

 

1,134 

 

 

1,134 

Investment in Reading International Trust I

 

 

838 

 

 

838 

Interest rate cap at fair value

 

 

--

 

 

Straight-line rent asset

 

 

2,564 

 

 

2,457 

Long-term deposits

 

 

 

 

39 

Total non-current assets

 

$

4,543 

 

$

13,949 



(1)

Refer to Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses due to Earthquake for further discussion on this item.

 

NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES



On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law.  The Tax Act significantly changed the U.S. corporate income tax law by lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, imposing a one-time mandatory repatriation tax on earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and changing how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax.  We have not completed our determination of the implications of the Tax Act.  However, we have reasonably estimated the impact of the Tax Act and recorded provisional amounts in our financial statements as of December 31, 2017, pursuant to the guidance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.  We recorded income tax expense for the impact of the Tax Act of approximately $13.0 million.  This net amount is primarily comprised of $8.3 million from re-measurement of federal net deferred tax assets resulting from the reduction in the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate and a provisional amount of $4.7 million from the one-time mandatory repatriation tax on deferred earnings of our foreign subsidiaries.  As we complete our analysis of the Tax Act, collect and prepare necessary data, and interpret any additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS, we may make adjustments to the provisional amount. Those adjustments may materially impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made. The accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act will be completed in 2018.



Income before income taxes includes the following:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

United States

 

$

(5,143)

 

$

(1,886)

 

$

3,826 

Foreign

 

 

38,675 

 

 

14,324 

 

 

23,149 

Income before income taxes and equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures

 

$

33,532 

 

$

12,438 

 

$

26,975 

Equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

Foreign

 

 

815 

 

 

999 

 

 

1,204 

Income before income taxes

 

$

34,347 

 

$

13,437 

 

$

28,179 



84


 

 

Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Current income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal (1)

 

$

(7,846)

 

$

2,982 

 

$

481 

State

 

 

775 

 

 

675 

 

 

516 

Foreign

 

 

7,079 

 

 

4,685 

 

 

3,120 

Total

 

 

 

 

8,342 

 

 

4,117 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

3,654 

 

 

(4,197)

 

 

612 

State

 

 

(2,351)

 

 

(422)

 

 

(940)

Foreign

 

 

2,026 

 

 

297 

 

 

1,359 

Total

 

 

3,329 

 

 

(4,322)

 

 

1,031 

Total income tax expense

 

$

3,337 

 

$

4,020 

 

$

5,148 



(1)

The 2017 amount includes a federal tax benefit of $7,785 related to changes in unrecognized tax benefits and related interest.



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.  The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017 (1)

 

December 31, 2016

Deferred Tax Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating loss carry-forwards

 

$

8,579 

 

$

11,940 

Alternative minimum tax credit carry-forwards

 

 

939 

 

 

1,690 

Compensation and employee benefits

 

 

4,146 

 

 

6,221 

Deferred revenue  

 

 

2,500 

 

 

5,486 

Accrued expenses

 

 

6,178 

 

 

7,134 

Accrued taxes

 

 

2,440 

 

 

3,381 

Land and property

 

 

8,457 

 

 

12,857 

Other

 

 

107 

 

 

995 

Total Deferred Tax Assets

 

 

33,346 

 

 

49,704 

Deferred Tax Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangibles

 

 

(1,087)

 

 

(1,482)

Cancellation of indebtedness

 

 

(481)

 

 

(1,559)

Notes receivable

 

 

--

 

 

(7,403)

Total Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

 

(1,568)

 

 

(10,444)

Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance

 

 

31,778 

 

 

39,260 

Valuation allowance

 

 

(6,870)

 

 

(10,593)

Net deferred tax asset

 

$

24,908 

 

$

28,667 



(1)

We recorded an adjustment to our federal deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 to reflect the reduction in the U.S. statutory federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% resulting from the Tax Act.

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 considered all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial performance. Because there are more negative evidences for New Zealand and certain U.S. state carryforwards as of December 31, 2017, we recorded a valuation allowance of $6.9 million.

As of December 31, 2017, we had the following carry-forwards:

·

approximately $939,000 in U.S. alternative minimum tax credit carry-forwards with no expiration date and are refundable beginning tax year 2018;

·

approximately $8.4 million in available New Zealand loss carry-forwards with no expiration date;

·

approximately $43.7 million in New York state loss carryforwards expiring in 2034; and,

·

approximately $43.8 million in New York city loss carryforwards expiring in 2034.



In 2017 we liquidated a non-operating foreign subsidiary resulting in a reversal of approximately $7.6 million in deferred tax liability and $7.8 million in withholding tax reserves. 

85


 

 

We expect no substantial limitations on the future use of U.S. or foreign loss carry-forwards.

The provision for income taxes is different from amounts computed by applying U.S. statutory rates to consolidated losses before taxes. The significant reason for these differences is as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Expected tax provision

 

$

12,022 

 

$

4,566 

 

$

9,581 

Increase (decrease) in tax expense resulting from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign tax rate differential

 

 

(2,153)

 

 

(648)

 

 

(654)

Change in valuation allowance

 

 

(905)

 

 

129 

 

 

1,531 

State and local tax provision

 

 

(541)

 

 

307 

 

 

1,133 

Prior year adjustments

 

 

(79)

 

 

(954)

 

 

(514)

Unrecognized tax benefits

 

 

(8,498)

 

 

262 

 

 

946 

Advance to Overseas Subsidiary

 

 

(7,620)

 

 

--

 

 

--

Impact of Tax Act

 

 

13,018 

 

 

--

 

 

--

Non-taxable insurance proceeds

 

 

(1,871)

 

 

--

 

 

--

Indefinite reinvestment assertion

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

(3,089)

State rate and law change

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

(3,635)

Other

 

 

(36)

 

 

358 

 

 

(151)

Actual tax provision

 

$

3,337 

 

$

4,020 

 

$

5,148 



The undistributed earnings of the Company's Australian subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, no provision for state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been provided on such undistributed earnings. Due to the enactment of the Tax Act, future repatriations of foreign earnings will generally not be subject to U.S. federal taxation but may incur state taxes.  At December 31, 2017, we have not changed our indefinite reinvestment decision as a result of the Tax Act but will reassess this decision during the course of 2018 as we continue to consider the impact of the Tax Act.

The following table is a summary of the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Unrecognized tax benefits – gross beginning balance

 

$

11,480 

 

$

11,022 

 

$

3,760 

Gross increase (decrease) - prior year tax positions

 

 

(7,905)

 

 

133 

 

 

6,679 

Gross increase (decrease) - current period tax positions

 

 

--

 

 

325 

 

 

583 

Settlements

 

 

(452)

 

 

--

 

 

--

Unrecognized tax benefits – gross ending balance

 

$

3,123 

 

$

11,480 

 

$

11,022 



As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, if recognized, $3.1 million and $9.9 million respectively, of the unrecognized tax benefits would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.

We record interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded an increase to tax interest of $0.4 million, resulting in a total $8.9 million in interest. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded an increase to tax interest of $203,000, resulting in a total $9.1 million in interest.

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, it is probable that within the next 12 months the reserve for uncertain tax positions will increase within a range of $500,000 to $1.5 million. The reasons for such change include but are not limited to tax positions expected to be taken during 2017, revaluation of current uncertain tax positions, and expiring statutes of limitations.

Generally, changes to our federal and most state income tax returns for the calendar year 2013 and earlier are barred by statutes of limitations. Certain U.S. subsidiaries filed federal and state tax returns for periods before these entities became consolidated with us. These subsidiaries were examined by IRS for the years 1996 to 1999 and significant tax deficiencies were assessed for those years. Those deficiencies have been settled, as discussed in “Tax Audit/Litigation,” Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies.  

86


 

 

As of December 31, 2017, federal income tax returns for 2014 and after are open for examination, with the 2015 return being currently under examination. California worldwide unitary income tax returns for 2013 and after are open for examination, but an examination of 2013 through 2015 has been completed, awaiting a final assessment notice. Income tax returns filed in Puerto Rico for 2013 and after are open for examination. Australia income tax returns for calendar years 2012 and after are open for examination, with 2014 and 2015 currently under risk review. New Zealand income tax returns for calendar year 2009 and after were under examination as of December 31, 2017, with no other New Zealand returns being open for examination.

NOTE 10 – BORROWINGS

The Company’s borrowings at December 31, 2017 and 2016, net of deferred financing costs and incorporating the impact of interest rate swaps on our effective interest rates, are summarized below:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

As of December 31, 2017

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Maturity Date

 

Contractual Facility

 

Balance, Gross

 

Balance, Net(3)

 

Stated Interest Rate

 

Effective Interest Rate (1)

Denominated in USD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Trust Preferred Securities (USA)

 

April 30, 2027

 

$

27,913 

 

$

27,913 

 

$

27,554 

 

5.38%

 

5.38%



Bank of America Credit Facility (USA)

 

November 28, 2019

 

 

55,000 

 

 

31,000 

 

 

31,000 

 

4.57%

 

4.57%



Bank of America Line of Credit (USA)

 

October 31, 2019

 

 

5,000 

 

 

 -

 

 

--

 

4.57%

 

4.57%



Cinema 1, 2, 3 Term Loan (USA)

 

September 1, 2019

 

 

19,500 

 

 

19,500 

 

 

19,105 

 

3.25%

 

3.25%



Minetta & Orpheum Theatres Loan (USA)

 

June 1, 2018

 

 

7,500 

 

 

7,500 

 

 

7,470 

 

4.13%

 

4.13%



U.S. Corporate Office Term Loan (USA)(4)

 

January 1, 2027

 

 

9,719 

 

 

9,719 

 

 

9,582 

 

4.64% / 4.44%

 

4.61%



Union Square Construction Financing (USA)

 

December 29, 2019

 

 

57,500 

 

 

8,000 

 

 

5,033 

 

5.81%

 

5.81%

Denominated in foreign currency ("FC")(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



NAB Corporate Loan Facility (AU)

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

51,970 

 

 

30,869 

 

 

30,781 

 

3.66%

 

3.66%



Westpac Bank Corporate (general/non-construction) Credit Facility (NZ)

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

24,850 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

3.70%

 

3.70%



Westpac Bank Corporate (construction) Credit Facility (NZ)

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

12,780 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

3.70%

 

3.70%

Total

 

 

 

 

$

271,732 

 

$

134,501 

 

$

130,525 

 

 

 

 



(1) Both interest rate derivatives associated with the Trust Preferred Securities and Bank of America Credit Facility expired in October 2017 so the effective interest rate no longer applies as of December 31, 2017.

(2) The contractual facilities and outstanding balances of the FC-denominated borrowings were translated into U.S. dollars based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2017.

(3) Net of deferred financing costs amounting to $4.0 million.

(4) In June 2017 we received $1.5M in additional financing on our new U.S. Corporate Headquarters with Citizens Asset Finance, Inc. due to the reappraisal of the property.



   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

As of December 31, 2016

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Maturity Date

 

Contractual Facility

 

Balance, Gross

 

Balance, Net(3)

 

Stated Interest Rate

 

Effective Interest Rate (1)

Denominated in USD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Trust Preferred Securities (USA)

 

April 30, 2027

 

$

27,913 

 

$

27,913 

 

$

27,340 

 

4.89%

 

5.20%



Bank of America Credit Facility (USA)

 

November 28, 2019

 

 

55,000 

 

 

39,950 

 

 

39,759 

 

3.27%

 

3.90%



Bank of America Line of Credit (USA)

 

October 31, 2017

 

 

5,000 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

3.77%

 

3.77%



Cinema 1, 2, 3 Term Loan (USA)(4)

 

September 1, 2019

 

 

19,901 

 

 

19,901 

 

 

19,356 

 

3.25%

 

3.25%



Minetta & Orpheum Theatres Loan (USA)(4)

 

June 1, 2018

 

 

7,500 

 

 

7,500 

 

 

7,398 

 

3.38%

 

3.38%



U.S. Corporate Office Term Loan (USA)(4)

 

January 1, 2027

 

 

8,363 

 

 

8,363 

 

 

8,239 

 

4.64%

 

4.64%



Union Square Construction Financing (USA)(4)

 

December 29, 2019

 

 

57,500 

 

 

8,000 

 

 

4,751 

 

4.52%

 

4.52%

Denominated in FC (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



NAB Corporate Loan Facility (AU)

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

48,080 

 

 

28,558 

 

 

28,421 

 

2.64%

 

2.64%



Westpac Bank Corporate Credit Facility (NZ)

 

March 31, 2018

 

 

36,877 

 

 

8,350 

 

 

8,350 

 

3.80%

 

3.80%

Total

 

 

 

 

$

266,134 

 

$

148,535 

 

$

143,614 

 

 

 

 

(1) Effective interest rate includes the impact of interest rate derivatives hedging the interest rate risk associated with Trust Preferred Securities and Bank of America Credit Facility that were outstanding as of December 31, 2016.

(2) The contractual facilities and outstanding balances of the FC-denominated borrowings were translated into U.S. dollar based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2016.

(3) Net of deferred financing costs amounting to $4.9 million.

(4) The loan for our Minetta & Orpheum Theatres was obtained from Santander Bank. The term loan for our Cinema 1,2,3 Theatre was refinanced during the third quarter of 2016 with Valley National Bank. The term loan, which is collateralized by our new U.S Corporate Headquarters office building, was obtained with Citizens Asset Finance, Inc.  In December 2016, we successfully negotiated the construction financing for our Union Square redevelopment project, $8.0 million of which was advanced from the total construction loan limit of $57.5 million.



87


 

 

Our loan arrangements are presented, net of the deferred financing costs, on the face of our consolidated balance sheet as follows:







 

 

 

 

 



Dollars in thousands

Balance Sheet Caption

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Debt - current portion

$

8,109 

 

$

567 

Debt - long-term portion

 

94,862 

 

 

115,707 

Subordinated debt

 

27,554 

 

 

27,340 

Total borrowings

$

130,525 

 

$

143,614 



Debt denominated in USD

Trust Preferred Securities (“TPS”)

On February 5, 2007, we issued $51.5 million in 20-year fully subordinated notes to a trust over which we have significant influence, which in turn issued $51.5 million in securities.  Of the $51.5 million, $50.0 million in TPS were issued to unrelated investors in a private placement and $1.5 million of common trust securities were issued by the trust to Reading called “Investment in Reading International Trust I” on our balance sheets.  Effective May 1, 2012, the interest rate on our Trust Preferred Securities changed from a fixed rate of 9.22%, which was in effect for five years, to a variable rate of three month LIBOR plus 4.00%, which will reset each quarter through the end of the loan unless we exercise our right to re-fix the rate at the current market rate at that time. There are no principal payments due until maturity in 2027 when the notes and the trust securities are scheduled to be paid in full. We may pay off the debt after the first five years at 100% of the principal amount without any penalty. The trust is essentially a pass through, and the transaction is accounted for on our books as the issuance of fully subordinated notes. The credit facility includes a number of affirmative and negative covenants designed to monitor our ability to service the debt. The most restrictive covenant of the facility requires that we must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio at a certain level. However, on December 31, 2008, we secured a waiver of all financial covenants with respect to our TPS for a period of nine years (through December 31, 2017), in consideration of the payment of $1.6 million, consisting of an initial payment of $1.1 million, a payment of $270,000 made in December 2011, and a payment of $270,000 in December 2014. The covenant wavier expired January 1, 2018 so covenant compliance will begin starting with Q1 2018.

During the first quarter of 2009, we took advantage of the then current market illiquidity for securities such as our TPS to repurchase $22.9 million in face value of those securities through an exchange of $11.5 million worth of marketable securities purchased during the period for the express purpose of executing this exchange transaction with the third party holder of these TPS. During the twelve months ended 2009, we amortized $106,000 of discount to interest income associated with the holding of these securities prior to their extinguishment. On April 30, 2009, we extinguished $22.9 million of these TPS, which resulted in a gain on retirement of subordinated debt (TPS) of $10.7 million net of loss on the associated write-off of deferred loan costs of $749,000 and a reduction in our Investment in Reading International Trust I from $1.5 million to $838,000.

During the three years ended December 31, 2017, we paid $1.4 million in each year in preferred dividends to unrelated investors that are included in interest expense. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had preferred dividends payable of $250,000 and $184,000, respectively.  Interest payments for this loan are required every three months.

Bank of America Credit Facility

On March 3, 2016, we amended our $55.0 million credit facility with Bank of America to permit real property acquisition loans.  This amendment was subject to the provision that the consolidated leverage ratio would be reduced by 0.25% from the established levels in the credit facility during the period of such borrowing subject further to a repayment of such borrowings on the earlier of the eighteen months from the date of such borrowing or the maturity date of the credit agreement.  Such modification was not considered substantial under US GAAP.

Bank of America Line of Credit

In October 2016, the term of this line of credit was extended for another two (2) years until October 31, 2019.  Such modification was not considered to be substantial under US GAAP.

Cinemas 1,2,3 Term Loan and Line of Credit

On August 31, 2016, Sutton Hill Properties LLC (“SHP”), a 75% subsidiary of RDI, refinanced its $15 million Santander Bank term loan with a new lender, Valley National Bank.  This new $20 million loan is collateralized by our Cinema 1,2,3 property and bears an interest rate of 3.25% per annum, with principal installments and accruing interest paid monthly. The new loan matures on September 1, 2019, with a one-time option to extend maturity date for another year.

88


 

 

Minetta and Orpheum Theatres Term Loan

In May 2013, we refinanced our Liberty Theaters loan with a $7.5 million loan, secured by our Minetta and Orpheum theatres, thus releasing the Royal George Theatre from the security and leaving it unencumbered. This new loan has a maturity date of June 1, 2018, and an interest rate of 2.75% above LIBOR. We are currently working on a long term renewal with the current lender Santander.

Union Square Construction Financing

On December 29, 2016, we closed our new construction finance facilities totaling $57.5 million to fund the non-equity portion of the anticipated construction costs of the redevelopment of our property at 44 Union Square in New York City. The combined facilities consist of $50 million in aggregate loans (comprised of three loan tranches) from Bank of the Ozarks (“BOTO”), and a $7.5 million mezzanine loan from Tammany Mezz Investor, LLC, an affiliate of Fisher Brothers.  As of December 31, 2016, Bank of the Ozarks advanced $8.0 million to repay the existing $8.0 million loan with East West Bank.

Presented in the table below is the breakdown of the Union Square construction financing as of December 31, 2017:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Facility Limits and Advances

 

 

 

 

Financing Component

Lender

 

Facility Limit

 

Advanced-to- Date

 

Remaining Facility

 

Interest Rate(1)

 

Maturity Date(2)

Mezzanine loan

Tammany Mezz Investor LLC

 

$

7,500 

 

$

--

 

$

7,500 

 

Greater of (i) 10.50% and (ii) Adjusted LIBOR + 10%

 

December 29, 2019

Senior loan

Bank of the Ozarks

 

 

8,000 

 

 

8,000 

 

 

--

 

Greater of (i) 4.75% and (ii) Adjusted LIBOR + 4.25%

 

December 29, 2019

Building loan

Bank of the Ozarks

 

 

31,130 

 

 

--

 

 

31,130 

 

Greater of (i) 4.75% and (ii) Adjusted LIBOR + 4.25%

 

December 29, 2019

Project loan

Bank of the Ozarks

 

 

10,870 

 

 

--

 

 

10,870 

 

Greater of (i) 4.75% and (ii) Adjusted LIBOR + 4.25%

 

December 29, 2019

Total Union Square Financing

 

 

$

57,500 

 

$

8,000 

 

$

49,500 

 

 

 

 



(1) Not to exceed the New York State maximum lawful borrowing rate, which typically is 16%.

(2) Allowable for up to two (2) extension request options, one (1) year for each extension request.



U.S. Corporate Office Term Loan

On December 13, 2016, we obtained a ten-year $8.4 million mortgage loan on our new Los Angeles Corporate Headquarters at a fixed annual interest rate of 4.64%.  This loan provided for a second loan upon completion of certain improvements.  On June 26, 2017, we obtained a further $1.5 million under this provision at a fixed annual interest rate of 4.44%.

Debt denominated in foreign currencies

Australian NAB Corporate Loan Facility

On December 23, 2015, we amended our Reading Entertainment Australia Term Loan and Corporate Credit Facility with National Australia Bank (“NAB”), from a three-tiered facility comprised of (1) the Bank Bill Discount Facility with a limit of AU$61.3 million, an interest rate of 2.35% above the Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate (BBSY), and amortization at AU$2.0 million per year; (2) the Bill Discount Facility – Revolving with a limit of AU$10.0 million and an interest rate of 1.50% above the BBSY on any undrawn portion; and (3) the Bank Guarantee Facility with a facility limit of AU$5.0 million, into a $48.1 million (AU$66.5 million) Revolving Corporate Markets Loan facility. The new facility has an interest rate of 0.95% above BBSY on any outstanding borrowings and an unchanged maturity date of June 30, 2019.  In addition, we will incur a facility fee of 0.95% per annum.  We also have a $3.6 million (AU$5.0 million) Bank Guarantee facility at a rate of 1.90% per annum. The modifications of this particular term loan were not considered to be substantial under US GAAP.

New Zealand Westpac Bank Corporate Credit Facility

On December 15, 2017, we extended the maturity of the 1st tranche (general/non-construction credit line) of our Westpac Corporate Credit Facility to December 31, 2019. Prior to this on April 26, 2017, we extended the maturity of our entire Westpac Corporate Credit Facility, $37.6 million (NZ$53.0 million) to December 31, 2018, from March 31, 2018.  We are currently working on a longer-term renewal of our Westpac Corporate Credit Facility which will replace the existing facility.



In October 2016, we amended our $34.8 million (NZ$50.0 million) credit facility with Westpac Bank to provide a $2.1 million (NZ$3.0 million) increase, thereby amending the total credit facility to $36.9 million (NZ$53.0 million).  The increase in the credit facility was specific to the second tranche of our credit facility which is a dedicated construction facility, now of $12.5 million (NZ$18.0 million) from the original limit of $10.4 million (NZ$15.0 million).  No drawdowns have been made against the second tranche to date.  This modification was not considered substantial under U.S. GAAP.



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Previously, on May 21, 2015, we refinanced our existing New Zealand Corporate Credit Facility with a $34.2 million (NZ$50.0 million) facility with the same bank (Westpac Bank), bearing an interest rate of 1.75% above Bank Bill Bid Rate and maturing on March 31, 2018. The facility is broken into two tranches, one a $23.9 million (NZ$35.0 million) credit facility and the second tranche for a $10.3 million (NZ$15.0 million) facility to be used for construction funding.



As of December 31, 2017, our aggregate amount of future principal debt payments is estimated as follows:





 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Future Principal Debt Payments

2018

$

8,139 

2019

 

89,190 

2020

 

248 

2021

 

258 

2022

 

270 

Thereafter

 

36,400 

Total future principal debt payments

$

134,505 



The estimated amount of future principal payments in U.S. dollars is subject to change because the payments in U.S. dollars on the debt denominated in foreign currencies, which represents a significant portion of our total outstanding debt balance, will fluctuate based on the applicable foreign currency exchange rates.

NOTE 11 – PENSION AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Other liabilities including pension are summarized as follows:









 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability for demolition and remediation costs(1)

 

$

2,781 

 

$

5,914 

  Lease liability(2)

 

 

5,900 

 

 

5,900 

  Accrued pension(3)

 

 

2,907 

 

 

2,223 

  Security deposit payable

 

 

91 

 

 

77 

  Other

 

 

--

 

 

17 

  Other current liabilities

 

$

11,679 

 

$

14,131 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Straight-line rent liability

 

$

13,444 

 

$

12,413 

  Accrued pension(3)

 

 

5,228 

 

 

5,732 

  Lease make-good provision

 

 

5,648 

 

 

5,146 

  Environmental reserve

 

 

1,656 

 

 

1,656 

  Interest rate swap

 

 

--

 

 

58 

  Deferred Revenue - Real Estate

 

 

18 

 

 

4,398 

  Acquired leases

 

 

186 

 

 

267 

  Other

 

 

469 

 

 

495 

  Other liabilities

 

$

26,649 

 

$

30,165 



(1) Refer to Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses due to Earthquake for details on the estimation of the demolition costs for our Courtenay Central parking structure. 

(2) Represents the lease liability of the option associated with the ground lease purchase of the Village East Cinema. See below for more information.

(3) Represents the pension liability associated with the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan explained below.

Lease Liability - Village East Purchase Option

Our Village East lease includes a call option pursuant to which we may purchase the cinema ground lease for $5.9 million at the end of the lease term in June 2020.  Additionally, our lease has a put option pursuant to which SHC may require our Company to purchase all or a portion of SHC’s interest in the existing cinema lease and the cinema ground lease at any time between July 1, 2013 and December 4, 2019.  SHC’s put option may be exercised on one or more occasions in increments of not less than $100,000 each. Because our late Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and controlling shareholder, Mr. James J. Cotter, Sr. was also the managing member of SHC, RDI and SHC are considered entities under common control.  As a result, we have recorded the Village East Cinema building as a property asset of $4.7 million on our balance sheet based on the cost carry-over basis from an entity under common control with a corresponding lease liability of $5.9 million presented under other liabilities which accreted up to the $5.9 million liability through July 1, 2013 (see Note 18 – Related Parties).  As the put option has been exercisable by SHC since July 1, 2013, the lease liability has been classified as part of other current liabilities.

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Pension Liability - Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

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 $10.2 million discounted at 4.25% over a 15-year term, resulting in a monthly payment of $56,944 payable to the estate of Mr. James J. Cotter, Sr.  The discount rate of 4.25% has been applied since 2014 to determine the net periodic benefit cost and plan benefit obligation and is expected to be used in future years. The discounted value of $2.7 million (which is the difference between the estimated payout of $10.2 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.

As a result of the above, included in our other current and non-current liabilities are accrued pension costs of $8.1 million and $8.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The benefits of our pension plans are fully vested and therefore no service costs were recognized 2016 and 2015.  Our pension plans are unfunded. 

The change in the SERP pension benefit obligation and the funded status are as follows:



 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Benefit obligation at January 1

 

$

7,955 

 

$

7,775 

  Interest cost

 

 

180 

 

 

180 

  Actuarial gain

 

 

--

 

 

--

Benefit obligation at December 31

 

$

8,135 

 

$

7,955 

Funded status at December 31

 

$

(8,135)

 

$

(7,955)



Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consists of:





 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Current liabilities

 

$

2,907 

 

$

2,223 

Other liabilities - Non current

 

 

5,228 

 

 

5,732 

Total pension liability

 

$

8,135 

 

$

7,955 



The components of the net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Net periodic benefit cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest cost

 

$

180 

 

$

180 

Amortization of prior service costs

 

 

--

 

 

--

Amortization of net actuarial gain

 

 

127 

 

 

129 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

307 

 

$

309 

Items recognized in other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

--

 

$

--

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

--

 

 

--

Amortization of net loss

 

 

(127)

 

 

(129)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

 

$

(127)

 

$

(129)

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income

 

$

180 

 

$

180 





Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost consist of the following:



 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Unamortized actuarial loss

 

$

2,592 

 

$

2,719 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

$

2,592 

 

$

2,719 



The estimated unamortized actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year will be $207,000 (gross of any tax effects).

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The following table presents estimated future benefit payments for the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2017:



 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Estimated Future Pension Payments

2018

 

$

2,907 

2019

 

 

684 

2020

 

 

684 

2021

 

 

684 

2022

 

 

684 

Thereafter

 

 

2,492 

Total pension payments

 

$

8,135 



Lease Make-Good Provision

We recognize obligations for future leasehold restoration costs relating to properties that we use mostly on our cinema operations under operating lease arrangements. Each lease is unique to the negotiated conditions with the lessor, but in general most leases require for the removal of cinema-related assets and improvements.  There are no assets specifically restricted to settle this obligation.



A reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amounts of the lease make-good provision is presented in the following table:





 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2017

 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016

Lease make-good provision, at January 1

 

$

5,146 

 

$

5,228 

Liabilities incurred during the year

 

 

--

 

 

35 

Liabilities settled during the year

 

 

--

 

 

(365)

Accretion expense

 

 

282 

 

 

262 

Effect of changes in foreign currency

 

 

220 

 

 

(14)

Lease make-good provision, at December 31

 

$

5,648 

 

$

5,146 

 

NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The foregoing table identifies our known commitments and contingencies as of December 31, 2017:





 

 

Categories

Nature; Company Policy on Recognition and/or Disclosure(2)

Discussion Reference

COMMITMENTS

 

 

  Lease commitments(1)

Off-balance sheet disclosures relating to future minimum lease payments, mostly related to our operating cinemas on leased-facility model.

Refer to Note 17 - Leases

CONTINGENCIES

 

 

  Insurance gain contingencies and derivative loss contingencies on demolition costs relating to recent earthquake incident

Gain contingencies relating to an insurance claim is recognized once collectability is probable; related loss contingencies is recognized when there is probable likelihood of incurrence and amount is reasonably estimable.

Refer to Note 19 – Insurance Recoveries on Impairment and Related Losses Recoverable due to Earthquake.

  Other Litigation matters, notably Derivative Litigation involving James J. Cotter Jr.

Similar policies for gain and loss contingencies as noted above.

Refer below for further discussion.

(1) Starting January 1, 2019, lease commitments relating to our operating cinema leases will be brought forward to our Consolidated Balance Sheet, as required by the new lease accounting model. 

(2) Consistent with our accounting policy for loss and gain contingencies discussed in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and further discussed in more details below.



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Litigation Matters

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued estimates of probable and estimable losses for the resolution of these claims, including legal costs.

·

Where we are the plaintiffs, we accrue legal fees as incurred on an on-going basis and make no provision for any potential settlement amounts until received.  In Australia, the prevailing party is usually entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees, which recoveries 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.  It is possible, however, that future results of the operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by the ultimate outcome of the legal proceedings.  From time-to-time, we are involved with claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business that may include contractual obligations, insurance claims, tax claims, employment matters, and anti-trust issues, among other matters.

All of these matters require significant judgments based on the facts known to us. These judgments are inherently uncertain and can change significantly when additional facts become known. We provide accruals for matters that have probable likelihood of occurrence and can be properly estimated as to their expected negative outcome. We do not record expected gains until the proceeds are received by us.  However, we typically make no accruals for potential costs of defense, as such amounts are inherently uncertain and dependent upon the scope, extent and aggressiveness of the activities of the applicable plaintiff.

Environmental and Asbestos Claims on Reading Legacy Operations

Certain of our subsidiaries were historically involved in railroad operations, coal mining, and manufacturing.  Also, certain of these subsidiaries appear in the chain-of-title of properties that may suffer from pollution.  Accordingly, certain of these subsidiaries have, from time-to-time, been named in and may in the future be named in various actions brought under applicable environmental laws. Also, we are in the real estate development business and may encounter from time-to-time unanticipated environmental conditions at properties that we have acquired for development.  These environmental conditions can increase the cost of such projects and adversely affect the value and potential for profit of such projects. We do not currently believe that our exposure under applicable environmental laws is material in amount.

From time-to-time, there are claims brought against us relating to the exposure of former employees of our railroad operations to asbestos and coal dust. These are generally covered by an insurance settlement reached in September 1990 with our insurance providers. However, this insurance settlement does not cover litigation by people who were not our employees and who may claim second-hand exposure to asbestos, coal dust and/or other chemicals or elements now recognized as potentially causing cancer in humans. Our known exposure to these types of claims, asserted or probable of being asserted, is not material.

Tax Audit/Litigation

The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) examined the tax return of Craig Corporation (“CRG”) for its tax year ended June 30, 1997. CRG was a stand-alone entity in the year of audit but is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In Tax Court, CRG and the IRS agreed to compromise the claims made by the IRS against CRG, and the court order was entered on January 6, 2011.  As of December 31, 2017, the remaining federal tax obligation was $2.8 million. For additional information, see Note 9Income Taxes.

Cotter Jr. Related Litigation Matters (including legal costs coverage)

The following table provides a list of legal matters and current status relating to James J. Cotter, Jr’s (“Cotter, Jr.”) employment termination, Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s subsequent derivative action brought against the Company and all of our Directors alleging, among other things, that such termination violated the fiduciary duties of such Directors, and Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s efforts to cause a change of control of the Company, with detailed discussions follow: 





 

 

 

Description

Plaintiff

Filed with

Current Status

James J. Cotter, Jr. Legal Cases (collectively “Cotter, Jr. Derivative Actions”)

 

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  Cotter, Jr. Derivative Litigation  against all Directors on matters other than the handling by the Directors of the Patton Vision Unsolicited Indication of Interest

Cotter, Jr.

Nevada District Court

Claims against Directors Judy Codding, William Gould, Edward L. Kane, Douglas McEachern and Michael Wrotniak were dismissed on December 29, 2017; court trial for the remaining claim (Cotter vs. Cotter) was postponed at Cotter, Jr.’s request.  No new trial date has been set, and it is anticipated that various summary judgment motions being brought by the Company and the Defendant Directors will be heard before the case is tried.

  Cotter, Jr. Derivative Litigation against all Directors re handling by the Directors of unsolicited indication of interest by Patton Vision, LLC.

Cotter, Jr.

Nevada District Court

Dismissed as to all Directors on December 29, 2017.

  Direct Case against the Company seeking reimbursement and advancement of attorney’s fees incurred with respect to the Employment Arbitration

Cotter, Jr.

Nevada District Court

Summary judgment entered in favor of the Company on October 3, 2016.

  Employment Arbitration

Cotter, Jr.

American Arbitration Association

In Discovery Phase: hearing anticipated in October, 2018.

  T2 Partners Derivative Complaint

T2 Partners Management

Nevada District Court

Settled on October 6, 2016, without the payment of any monetary consideration or any reimbursement of attorneys fees.



James J. Cotter, Jr., Litigation Matters.



The James J. Cotter, Jr. Derivative Litigation:  On June 12, 2015, the Board of Directors terminated James J. Cotter, Jr. as the President and Chief Executive Officer of our Company.  That same day, Mr. Cotter, Jr. filed a lawsuit, styled as both an individual and a derivative action, and titled “James J. Cotter, Jr., individually and derivatively on behalf of Reading International, Inc. vs. Margaret Cotter, et al.” Case No,: A-15-719860-V, Dept. XI, against our Company and each of our then sitting Directors (Ellen Cotter, Margaret Cotter, Guy Adams, William Gould, Edward Kane, Douglas McEachern, and Tim Storey) in the Eighth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada for Clark County (the “Nevada District Court”).   Since that date, our Company has been engaged in ongoing litigation with Mr. Cotter, Jr. with respect to his claims against our Directors. Mr. Cotter, Jr. has over this period of time twice amended his complaint, removing his individual claims and withdrawing his claims against Tim Storey (but reserving the right to reinstitute such claims), adding claims relating to actions taken by our Board since the filing of his original complaint and adding as defendants two of our directors who were not on our Board at the time of his termination:  Judy Codding and Michael Wrotniak.  Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s lawsuit, as amended from time to time, is referred to herein as the “Cotter Jr. Derivative Action” and his complaint, as amended from time to time, is referred to herein as the “Cotter Jr. Derivative Complaint.”  The defendant directors named in the Cotter Jr. Derivative Complaint, from time to time, are referred to herein as the “Defendant Directors.”



The Cotter Jr. Derivative Complaint alleges among other things, that the Defendant Directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by terminating  Mr. Cotter, Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer,  continuing to make use of the Executive Committee that has been in place for more than the past ten years (but which no longer includes Mr. Cotter, Jr. as a member), making allegedly potentially misleading statements in our Company’s press releases and filings with the SEC, paying certain compensation to Ellen Cotter, allowing the Cotter Estate to make use of Class A Stock to pay for the exercise of certain long outstanding stock options to acquire 100,000 shares of Class B Stock (the “Cotter Estate Stock Options”) held of record by the Cotter Estate and determined by the Nevada District Court to be assets of the Cotter Estate, and allowing Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter to vote the 100,000 shares of Class B Stock issued upon the exercise of such options, appointing Ellen Cotter as President and Chief Executive Officer, appointing Margaret Cotter as Executive Vice President-Real Estate Management and Development-NYC, and the way in which the Board handled an unsolicited indication of interest made by a third party to acquire all of the stock of our Company. In the lawsuit, Mr. Cotter, Jr. seeks reinstatement as President and Chief Executive Officer, a declaration that Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter may not vote the above referenced 100,000 shares of Class B Stock, and alleges as damages fluctuations in the price for our Company’s shares after the announcement of his termination as President and Chief Executive Officer and certain unspecified damages to our Company’s reputation.



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On December 29, 2017, the Nevada District Court entered its final order memorializing its determination on December 11, 2017 that Mr. Cotter, Jr., had failed to raise any genuine issue of material fact relating to the disinterestedness and/or independence of Directors Codding, Gould, Kane, McEachern and Wrotniak (the “Dismissed Directors”), and dismissing with prejudice all claims against them. Mr. Cotter, Jr., has appealed this final order to the Nevada Supreme Court. In that same final order, the Nevada District Court also memorialized its dismissal of all claims based upon what the Defendant’ Directors action in regard to what Mr. Cotter, Jr., characterize as an “offer” by Patton Vision, LLC (“Patton Vision”), to purchase all of the outstanding stock of our Company.  The Nevada District Court ruled that Mr. Cotter, Jr., had failed “to show damages relating to an unenforceable, unsolicited, nonbinding offer.”  Mr. Cotter, Jr., has appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court the dismissal with prejudice of the Dismissed Directors.  The Defendant Directors have taken advantage of the appeal by Mr. Cotter, Jr., to appeal certain other ruling by the Nevada District Court pertaining to other motions for summary judgement brought by the Defendant Directors.



Also on December 29, 2017, the Board of Directors, by votes of 5 to 1 with 3 directors abstaining, voted to ratify the decision made by the Board of Directors on June 12, 2017, to terminate Mr. Cotter, Jr., as our Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and to ratify the decision made by the Board’s Compensation and Stock Options Committee on September 21, 2015, to permit the Estate of James J. Cotter, Sr., to use shares of Class A Common Stock to exercise the Cotter Estate Stock Options.  Voting in favor of the ratification motions were directors Codding, Gould, Kane, McEachern and Wrotniak.  Voting against ratification was Mr. Cotter, Jr.   Abstaining were directors Guy Adams, Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter.  



The trial of the remaining issues in the case against the remaining defendants in that case, which was scheduled to begin on January 8, 2018, has been continued by the Nevada District Court at the request of Mr. Cotter, Jr.   Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s request for a continuance was brought before the Nevada District Court on Monday, January 8, 2018, and came as a surprise to our Company and the Defendant Directors since Plaintiff counsel had advised the Nevada District Court as late as the afternoon of Friday, January 5, 2018, that Mr. Cotter, Jr. was prepared to begin jury selection that following Monday.    Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s motion request for a continuance was  based on an asserted medical condition (the nature of which has not been disclosed to our Company or the Defendant Directors).  No new trial date has been set. 

In the meantime, the Nevada District Court has granted the Defendant Directors and the Company leave to file renewed motions for summary judgment arising out of the Nevada District Court’s dismissal of the Dismissed Directors, including a motion based on the fact that Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s claims regarding his termination and the exercise of the Cotter Estate Stock Options have since been ratified by the Dismissed Directors. The Nevada District Court has granted limited discovery regarding the summary judgment motion based upon ratification.   The Company expects that these renewed motions for summary judgment will be filed in April 2018, and the next status conference with the Nevada District Court has been set for April 6, 2018.



The James J. Cotter, Jr., Employment Arbitration:  In addition, our Company is in arbitration with Mr. Cotter, Jr.  (Reading International, Inc. v. James J. Cotter, AAA Case No. 01-15-0004-2384, filed July 2015) (the “Cotter Jr. Employment Arbitration”) seeking declaratory relief and defending claims asserted by Mr. Cotter, Jr.  On January 20, 2017, Mr. Cotter Jr. filed a First Amended Counter-Complaint which includes claims of breach of contract, contractual indemnification, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of California Labor Code § 1102.5, wrongful discharge, and violations of California Code of Procedure § 1060 based on allegations of unlawful and unfair conduct. Mr. Cotter, Jr. seeks compensatory damages estimated by his counsel at more than $1.2 million, plus unquantified special and punitive damages, penalties, interest and attorney’s fees.  On April 9, 2017, the Arbitrator granted without leave to amend the Company’s motion to dismiss Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s claims for retaliation, violation of labor code §1102.5 and wrongful discharge in violation of public policy.  The Cotter Jr. Employment Arbitration is in the discovery phase.

   

The James J. Cotter, Jr., Fee Reimbursement Litigation:  Mr. Cotter, Jr. also brought a direct action in the Nevada District Court (James J. Cotter, Jr. v. Reading International, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Does 1-100 and Roe Entities, 1-100, inclusive, Case No. A-16-735305-B) seeking advancement of attorney’s fees incurred in the Cotter Jr. Employment Arbitration.   Summary judgment was entered against Mr. Cotter, Jr. with respect to that direct action on October 3, 2016.   



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The T2 Derivative Litigation:  For a period of approximately 12 months, between August 6, 2015 and August 4, 2016, our Company and our directors other than Mr. Cotter, Jr. were subject to a derivative lawsuit  filed in the Nevada District Court captioned T2 Partners Management, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, doing business as Kase Capital Management; T2 Accredited Fund, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, doing business as Kase Fund; T2 Qualified Fund, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, doing business as Kase Qualified Fund; Tilson Offshore Fund, Ltd, a Cayman Islands exempted company; T2 Partners Management I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, doing business as Kase Management; T2 Partners Management Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, doing business as Kase Group; JMG Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Pacific Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “T2 Plaintiffs”), derivatively on behalf of Reading International, Inc. vs. Margaret Cotter, Ellen Cotter, Guy Adams, Edward Kane, Douglas McEachern, Timothy Storey, William Gould and Does 1 through 100, inclusive, as defendants, and, Reading International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, as Nominal Defendant.  That complaint was subsequently amended (as amended the “T2 Derivative Complaint”) to add as defendants Directors Judy Codding and Michael Wrotniak (collectively with the directors initially named the “T2 Defendant Directors”) and S. Craig Tompkins, our Company’s legal counsel (collectively with the T2 Defendant Directors, the “T2 Defendants”).    The T2 Derivative Action was settled pursuant to a Settlement Agreement between the parties dated August 4, 2016, which as modified was approved by the Nevada District Court on October 6, 2016.   The District Court’s Order provided for the dismissal with prejudice of all claims contained in the T2 Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint and provide that each side would be responsible for its own attorneys’ fees. 



In the joint press release issued by our Company and the T2 Plaintiffs on July 13, 2016, representatives of the T2 Plaintiffs stated as follows:  "We are pleased with the conclusions reached by our investigations as Plaintiff Stockholders and now firmly believe that the Reading Board of Directors has and will continue to protect stockholder interests and will continue to work to maximize shareholder value over the long-term.  We appreciate the Company's willingness to engage in open dialogue and are excited about the Company's prospects. Our questions about the termination of James Cotter, Jr., and various transactions between Reading and members of the Cotter family-or entities they control-have been definitively addressed and put to rest. We are impressed by measures the Reading Board has made over the past year to further strengthen corporate governance.  We fully support the Reading Board and management team and their strategy to create stockholder value.”



The T2 Plaintiffs alleged in their T2 Derivative Complaint various violations of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement and corporate waste by the T2 Defendant Directors.  More specifically the T2 Derivative Complaint sought the reinstatement of James J. Cotter, Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer, an order setting aside the election results from the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, based on an allegation that Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter were not entitled to vote the shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Cotter Estate and the Cotter Trust, and certain monetary damages, as well as equitable injunctive relief, attorney fees and costs of suit.   In May 2016, the T2 Plaintiffs unsuccessfully sought a preliminary injunction (1) enjoining the Inspector of Elections from counting at our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders any proxies purporting to vote either the 327,808 Class B shares held of record by the Cotter Estate or the 696,080 Class B shares held of record by the Cotter Trust, and (2) enjoining Ellen Cotter, Margaret Cotter and James J. Cotter, Jr. from voting the above referenced shares at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.  This request for preliminary injunctive relief was denied by the Nevada District Court after a hearing on May 26, 2016.



The Cotter Trust Litigation:  



Up until his death on September 13, 2014, James J. Cotter, Sr., the father of Ellen Cotter, James J. Cotter, Jr. and Margaret Cotter, was our controlling stockholder, having the sole power to vote approximately 66.9% of the outstanding voting stock of the Company.  Under applicable Nevada Law, a stockholder holding more than 2/3rds of the Company’s voting stock has the power at any time, with or without cause, to remove any one or more directors (up to and including the entire board of directors) by written consent taken without a meeting of the stockholders.



Since the death of Mr. Cotter, Sr., disputes have arisen among Ellen Cotter, James J. Cotter, Jr. and Margaret Cotter concerning the voting control and disposition of those shares.   At the present time, Mr. Cotter, Jr., is seeking the in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles (the “California Superior Court”), in the case captioned In re James J. Cotter Living Trust dated August 1, 2000 (Case No. BP159755) (the “Trust Case”) the appointment of a trustee ad litem to market and potentially sell a controlling interest in our Company.   In light of our Board’s determination that it would be in the  best interests of our Company and our stockholders generally to continue to pursue our Company’s business plan, and not to sell the Company at this time, the potential disruption to the achievement of that business plan and to the business and affairs of our Company generally if there were to be a change of control transaction at this time, the commitment of Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter to the pursuit and fulfilment of that business plan,  our Company has made filings in the California Superior Court opposing such an appointment of a trustee ad litem.



96


 

 

As of December 31, 2017, according to the books of the Company, the Living Trust established by Declaration of Trust dated June 5, 2013, by James J. Cotter, Sr. (the “Cotter Trust”), held of record 696,080 shares of our Class B Stock constituting approximately 41.4% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock.  According to the books of the Company, the Cotter Estate as of that date held of record an additional 427,808 shares of Cass B Stock, constituting approximately 25.5% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. We are advised, based upon public filings made by one or more of Ellen Cotter, Margaret Cotter and James J. Cotter, Jr. (the “Cotter Filings”) that the Cass B Stock currently held of record by the Cotter Estate will eventually pour over into the Cotter Trust.  We are further advised from the Cotter Filings that the Cotter Trust also provides for the establishment of a voting trust (the “Cotter Voting Trust”) which will eventually hold the Cass B Stock currently held by the Cotter Estate and the Cotter Trust.  At the present time, however, such Cass B Stock is held of record by the Cotter Trust and the Cotter Estate, respectively.



On December 22, 2014, the District Court of Clark County, Nevada, (the “Nevada District Court”) appointed Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter as co-executors of the Cotter Estate.  While no final ruling has been issued, the California Superior Court has, through the issuance of a Statement of Determination, in effect determined (subject to appeal) that Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter are the Co-Trustees of the Cotter Trust and that Margaret Cotter is the sole Trustee of the Voting Trust.  Accordingly, the Company believes that Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter as the Co-Trustees of the Cotter Trust have voting control over the shares held by the Cotter Trust and as the Co-Executors of the Cotter Estate have voting control over the shares held by the Cotter Estate (including the 100,000 shares of Cass B Stock acquired by the Cotter Estate through the exercise of the Cotter Estate Stock Options) and which collectively represent 66.9% of our Company’s Cass B Stock.  Taking into account Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter’s personal holdings of voting stock Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter have the power to vote Cass B Stock representing 71.9% of our Company’s outstanding voting power.  However, the California Superior Court’s ruling is subject to appeal, and no assurances can be given that Mr. Cotter, Jr., will not appeal the determination of the California Superior Court as to voting control over the Cass B Stock held by the Cotter Trust and/or the Voting Trust.



We understand from public filings made by Ellen Cotter and Margaret Cotter and public filings made by James J. Cotter, that James J. Cotter, Jr. is the first alternate trustee of the Voting Trust, in the event that Margaret Cotter is unable or unwilling to serve as trustee.



On February 8, 2017, James Cotter, Jr. filed in the Trust Case an Ex Parte Petition for Appointment of a trustee ad litem and of a guardian ad litem for the benefit of Cotter, Sr.’s, minor grandchildren (two of whom are the children of Margaret Cotter and three of whom are the children of James Cotter, Jr., and who are referred to herein as the “Cotter Grandchildren”).  Mr. Cotter, Jr., seeks the appointment of a trustee ad litem, to evaluate the non-binding indication of interest sent by Patton Vision, to the Trustees of the Cotter Trust to acquire the RDI shares held by the Cotter Trust at $18.50 per share (referred to in Mr. Cotter, Jr’s pleadings as the “Offer”) and to take reasonable steps to act on the “Offer” in the trustee’s sole discretion.  Specifically, Mr. Cotter Jr. sought an order “granting the trustee ad litem with full power, authority, and protections under the Cotter Trust and California trust law, as any other named trustee would have, to evaluate the Offer, conduct due diligence, negotiate with Patton Vision or any other potential offerors, and take all actions necessary or appropriate to consummate the sale of the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares, including but not limited to:



a.

communicate solely with Patton Vision regarding their Offer to purchase the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares;

b.

receive solely and exclusively all offers for the purchase of the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares;

c.

enter into purchase and sale agreements with respect to the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares;

d.

take all actions necessary to carry out the terms, conditions, and obligations of any purchase and sale agreement with respect to the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares, including negotiating any modifications thereto;

e.

receive all proceeds of sale from the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares;

f.

return to the co-trustees of the Cotter Trust, namely Margaret Cotter, Ellen Cotter, and James J. Cotter, Jr., net proceeds of the sale of the Cotter Trust’s RDI shares to be invested, managed and distributed in accordance with the terms of the Cotter Trust;

g.

hire investment advisors, tax advisors, accountants, attorneys , or any other advisors the trustee ad litem deems necessary and reasonable, in his or her sole discretion, to carry out his powers; and,

h.

temporarily suspending James J. Cotter, Jr., Margaret and Ellen’s powers with respect to all of the foregoing matters until further order of this Court.”  



97


 

 

On February 14, 2018, the California Superior Court issued its Statement of Decision announcing its determination to appoint a temporary trustee ad litem (the “TTAL”) “with the narrow and specific authority to obtain offers to purchase the RDI stock in the voting trust, but not to exercise any other powers without court approval, specifically the sale of the company or any other powers possessed by the trustees.”    No TTAL has been appointed.  The California Superior Court has directed the parties to either agree upon a TTAL, or in the alternative to submit to the court three acceptable names.  No time line is specified in the Statement of Decision for the appointment of a TTAL or for the execution of such person’s charge to “obtain offers to purchase RDI stock in the voting trust.”   In so far as we are aware, based upon public filings and our internal records, at the present time the voting trust does not own any shares of RDI stock.   The shares which are anticipated to flow into the voting trust are, insofar as our Company is aware, currently owned by the Cotter Estate and the Cotter Trust.

The California Superior Court, in the Trust Case, has jurisdiction over the Cotter Trust, which as described in more detail above, currently owns 41.4% of our Class B Stock, and, at such time as the Cotter Estate is probated, may receive up to an additional 25.5% of our Class B Stock, has jurisdiction over a potentially controlling block of our voting power.  Should the California Superior Court order the sale of the Trusts’ Class B Stock and such sale be completed, then there may be a change of control of our Company, depending on, among other things, who the ultimate purchaser(s) of such shares might be, the number of shares of Class B Stock distributed by the Cotter Estate to the Cotter Trust, and whether the California Superior Court orders a sale of all or only some portion to the Class B Stock held by the Cotter Trust.  



Costs of Litigation/Arbitration:  Our Company is and was legally obligated to cover the costs and expenses incurred by our Defendant Directors in defending the Cotter Jr. Derivative Action and the T2 Derivative Action.  Furthermore, although in a derivative action the stockholder plaintiff seeks only damages or other relief for the benefit of our Company, and not for the stockholder plaintiff’s individual benefit and, accordingly, although we are, at least in theory, only a nominal defendant, as a practical matter our Company has a direct interest in defending against Mr. Cotter’s claims and opposing the remedies he is seeking. Mr. Cotter, Jr. is, among other things, (a) seeking an order that our Board’s termination of Mr. Cotter, Jr. was ineffective and demanding, as a remedy, that he be reinstated as the President and Chief Executive Officer of our Company, (b) seeking an order limiting the use of our Board’s Executive Committee, and (c) asserting that our Company made has materially misleading statements in certain press releases and filings with the SEC.  Accordingly, our Company is also incurring, on its own account, significant cost and expense defending the decision to terminate Mr. Cotter, Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer, its board committee structure, and the adequacy of those press releases and filings, in addition to its costs incurred in responding to discovery demands and satisfying indemnity obligations to the Defendant Directors.  Likewise, in connection with the T2 Derivative Action, our Company incurred substantial costs defending claims related to the defense of claims relating to the termination of Mr. Cotter, Jr., opposing his reinstatement, and defending the conduct of its annual meetings.  Cost incurred in the Cotter Jr. Employment Arbitration and in the defense of the Cotter Jr. Attorney’s fees case were direct costs of our Company.



The Directors and Officer’s Insurance Policy, in the amount of $10 million, being used to cover a portion of the costs of defending the Cotter Jr. Derivative Action, has been exhausted.  We are now covering the defense costs of the Defendant Directors, in addition to our own costs incurred in connection with the Cotter Jr. Derivative Action. In 2017, these out-of-pocket costs totaled approximately $4.0 million.   We believe that approximately $1.7 million of this amount was spent in the months of November and December, in anticipation that the case would in fact go to trial on or about January 8, 2018, and accordingly will have only marginal salvage value.



We have also incurred legal expense representing the interests of our Company in the Cotter Trust Litigation, opposing Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s Ex Parte Motion to seek a guardian ad litem to market stock potentially representing a controlling interest in our Company without the involvement of our Board of Directors and without any safeguards to protect the interests of non-controlling stockholders.



The Special Independent Committee.    On August 7, 2017, our Board  appointed a Special Independent Committee to, among other things, review, consider, deliberate, investigate, analyze, explore, evaluate, monitor and exercise general oversight of any and all activities of the Company directly or indirectly involving, responding to or relating to the Cotter  Jr. Derivative Action, the Cotter Jr. Employment Arbitration, the Cotter Trust Litigation, and any other litigation or arbitration matters involving any one or more of Ellen Cotter, Margaret Cotter, James J. Cotter, Jr., the Cotter Estate and/or the Cotter Trust.



The STOMP Arbitration 



98


 

 

In April 2015, Liberty Theatres, LLC (“Liberty”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, commenced an American Arbitration Association arbitration proceeding against The Stomp Company Limited Partnership (“Stomp”), the producer of the show STOMP, in response to Stomp’s purported termination of their license agreement with Liberty relating to such show.  STOMP has been playing at our Orpheum Theatre in New York City for 23 years and still continues to play to date.  Liberty sought specific performance, injunctive and declaratory relief and damages.  Stomp counterclaimed for unspecified damages, alleging that Liberty has interfered with the Stomp’s endeavors to move the show to another Off-Broadway theater. Stomp based its purported termination of the license agreement upon the alleged deficient condition of the Orpheum Theater.

On December 18, 2015, the Arbitrator issued his Partial Final Award of Arbitration, providing for, among other things (i) the issuance of a permanent injunction prohibiting Stomp from “transferring or taking actions to market, promote, or otherwise facilitate any transfer of, STOMP to another theatre in New York City having fewer than 500 seats without Liberty’s prior written consent”, (ii) the Stomp’s Notice of Termination purportedly terminating the parties’ license agreement was invalid, null and void and the License Agreement remains in full force and effect, and (iii) the award to Liberty of its reasonable attorneys’ fees in an amount to be determined by the Arbitrator.  

In explaining his decision to award Liberty its reasonable attorneys’ fees, the Arbitrator stated as follows:  “Liberty is entitled to such an award [of attorneys’ fees] not only because it is the prevailing party in this proceeding, but because [the Producer] unfairly disparaged the Orpheum and caused Liberty to incur attorneys’ fees in order to address and resolve [the Producer’s] groundless and frivolous allegations with respect to the Orpheum’s condition, Liberty’s performance under the License Agreement, and Stomp’s reasons for seeking to transfer STOMP to a larger theatre.”

In April 2016, we received a Final Award in our arbitration with Stomp.  The Final Award awards us $2.3 million in attorney’s fees and costs.  In September 2016, the parties agreed on the payment terms of the Final Award (“Payment Agreement”), on a basis that is intended to allow recovery by Liberty of the entire Final Award (plus interest at 4%), while at the same time allowing the show to continue playing at our Orpheum Theater. The total of $2.3 million plus interest has now been paid in full, final payment being received on March 5, 2018. STOMP continues to play at our Orpheum Theater.

 



NOTE 13 – NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

As of December 31, 2017, the non-controlling interests in our consolidated subsidiaries are comprised of the following:

·

Australia Country Cinemas Pty Ltd. -- 25% non-controlling interest owned by Panorama Cinemas for the 21st Century Pty Ltd.;

·

Shadow View Land and Farming, LLC -- 50% non-controlling membership interest owned by either the estate of Mr. James J. Cotter, Sr. (the “Cotter Estate”) or the James J. Cotter Sr. Living Trust (the “Cotter Trust”); and,

·

Sutton Hill Properties, LLC -- 25% non-controlling interest owned by Sutton Hill Capital, LLC (which in turn is 50% owned by the Cotter Estate and/or the Cotter Trust).

The components of non-controlling interest are as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

Australian Country Cinemas, Pty Ltd

 

$

138 

 

$

264 

Shadow View Land and Farming, LLC

 

 

2,127 

 

 

1,980 

Sutton Hill Properties, LLC

 

 

2,066 

 

 

2,174 

Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries

 

$

4,331 

 

$

4,418 



The components of income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests are as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Australian Country Cinemas, Pty Ltd

 

$

164 

 

$

140 

 

$

126 

Shadow View Land and Farming, LLC

 

 

(45)

 

 

(58)

 

 

(77)

Sutton Hill Properties, LLC

 

 

(108)

 

 

(68)

 

 

(128)

Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries

 

$

11 

 

$

14 

 

$

(79)



Shadow View Land and Farming, LLC

This land is held in Shadow View Land and Farming, LLC, in which the Cotter Estate or the Cotter Trust now owns a 50% interest.  We are the managing member of Shadow View Land and Farming, LLC. We consolidate the Cotter Estate’s and/or the Cotter Trust’s interest in the property and its expenses with that of our interest and show their interest as a non-controlling interest.

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NOTE 14 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION AND SHARE REPURCHASE PLANS

2010 Stock Incentive Plan

The Company may grant stock options and other share-based payment awards of our Class A Stock to eligible employees, directors, and consultants under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”), which originally allows for an aggregate total number of 1,250,000 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2010 Plan.  As of September 30, 2017, there were 302,540 shares authorized for issuance under the 2010 Plan and available for future grants or awards. 

During the Company’s 2017 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on November 7, 2017, the Company's stockholders, upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, approved an amendment to the Company's 2010 Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock issuable under such plan by an additional 947,460 shares.  The effect of the increase is to restore the amount of shares of Class A Common Stock available under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan from the 302,540 shares available as of September 30, 2017, back up to its original reserve of 1,250,000 shares.  There were no new grants during the 4th quarter of 2017.  Accordingly, as of December 31, 2017, we had 1,250,000 shares remaining for future issuances. 

Since the adoption of the 2010 Plan, the Company has granted awards primarily in the form of stock options or stock grants.  In the first quarter of 2016, the Company started to award restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to directors and certain members of management.  Stock options are generally granted at exercise prices equal to the grant-date market prices and typically expire no later than five years from the grant date.  In contrast to a stock option where the grantee buys the Company’s share at an exercise price determined on grant date, an RSU entitles the grantee to receive one share for every RSU based on a vesting plan.  At the discretion of our Compensation and Stock Options Committee, the vesting period of stock options and RSUs ranges from zero to four years.  At the time the options are exercised or RSUs vest, at the discretion of management, we will issue treasury shares or make a new issuance of shares to the option or RSU holder. 

Stock Options

We estimate the grant-date fair value of our stock options using the Black-Scholes option-valuation 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.  We expense the estimated grant-date fair values of options over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. Based on our historical experience and the relative market price to strike price of the options, we have not hereto estimated any forfeitures of vested or unvested options.

The weighted average assumptions used in the option-valuation model for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Stock option exercise price

 

$

$15.94 

 

$

11.87 

 

$

13.30 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

1.66% 

 

 

1.20% 

 

 

2.23% 

Expected dividend yield

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

Expected option life in years

 

 

3.75 

 

 

3.75 

 

 

4.00 

Expected volatility

 

 

24.95% 

 

 

25.01% 

 

 

31.86% 

Weighted average fair value

 

$

3.45 

 

$

2.49 

 

$

3.82 



We recorded compensation expense of $310,000, $284,000, and $282,000 for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.  At December 31, 2017, the total unrecognized estimated compensation cost related to non-vested stock options was $878,000 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of 1.91 years. Cash and other consideration received from option exercises during 2017, 2016, and 2015 totaled $574,000, $146,000 and $3.0 million respectively. 

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The following is a summary of the status of RDI’s outstanding stock options for the three years ended December 31, 2017:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Outstanding Stock Options



Number of Options

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value



Class A

 

Class B

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class A&B

 

Class A&B

Outstanding - January 1, 2015

568,250 

 

185,100 

 

$

6.88 

 

$

9.90 

 

2.40 

 

$

4,197,000 

Granted

112,000 

 

--

 

 

13.30 

 

 

         --

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

(185,685)

 

(185,100)

 

 

6.09 

 

 

9.90

 

 

 

 

327,170 

Expired

(8,000)

 

--

 

 

6.23 

 

 

         --

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding - December 31, 2015

486,565 

 

--

 

$

8.68 

 

$

--

 

2.89 

 

$

2,188,011 

Granted

169,327 

 

--

 

 

11.87 

 

 

         --

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

(46,815)

 

--

 

 

9.50 

 

 

--

 

 

 

 

220,002 

Expired

(74,000)

 

--

 

 

7.02 

 

 

         --

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding - December 31, 2016

535,077 

 

--

 

$

9.84 

 

$

         --

 

2.61 

 

$

3,615,191 

Granted

169,762 

 

--

 

 

15.94 

 

 

         --

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

(177,750)

 

--

 

 

7.85 

 

 

         --

 

 

 

 

702,840 

Expired

(2,500)

 

--

 

 

6.23 

 

 

         --

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding - December 31, 2017

524,589 

 

--

 

$

12.50 

 

$

         --

 

3.15 

 

$

3,054,325 



The following is a summary of the status of RDI’s vested and unvested stock options as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Vested and Unvested Stock Options



Number of Options

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value



Class A

 

Class B

 

Class A

 

 

Class B

 

Class A&B

 

Class A&B

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

186,832 

 

--

 

$

9.84 

 

$

--

 

2.30 

 

$

2,202,772 

December 31, 2016

296,500 

 

--

 

 

7.88 

 

 

--

 

1.59 

 

 

2,584,500 

December 31, 2015

256,065 

 

--

 

 

7.64 

 

 

--

 

2.14 

 

 

1,401,321 

Unvested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

337,757 

 

--

 

$

13.86 

 

$

--

 

3.62 

 

$

851,552 

December 31, 2016

238,577 

 

--

 

 

12.28 

 

 

--

 

3.87 

 

 

1,030,691 

December 31, 2015

230,500 

 

--

 

 

9.83 

 

 

--

 

3.72 

 

 

786,690 



Termination of Previous President’s Unvested Stock Options

Mr. James Cotter, Jr. has asserted in past communications with the Company that options to acquire 50,000 shares of Class A Stock, issued to him in connection with his retention as the President of our Company, survived his termination as President.  On August 3, 2016, our Compensation and Stock Options Committee met, reviewed the issue and determined that such 50,000 options had in fact terminated with the termination of Mr. Cotter, Jr.’s employment as President.  Accordingly, these options are not, and have not been outstanding since the effective date of Mr. Cotter, Jr’s termination.  This was recorded as a forfeiture during the quarter ended September 30, 2016. 

Restricted Stock Units



We estimate the grant-date fair values of our RSUs using the Company’s stock price at grant-date and record such fair values as compensation expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis.  During 2017 and 2016, RSU awards were granted to both our directors and certain members of management.  These RSU awards vest 25% at the end of each year for 4 years (in the case of members of management) and vest 100% at the end of one year (in the case of directors).  During the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we recognized compensation expense of $668,000 and $396,000 respectively.  The total unrecognized compensation expense related to these unvested RSUs was $852,000 as of December 31, 2017.

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Below is a table that shows the restricted stock units that have been issued and vested during the years ending December 31, 2017 along with the dollar value of these awards:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Number of options

 

$ value of options



Granted

Vesting

Unvested

 

Granted

Vesting

Unvested

2016  68,153  38,062  30,091 

 

815,160  454,966  360,193 
2017  70,538  949  69,589 

 

1,124,348  14,880  1,109,467 

Total

138,691  39,011  99,680 

 

1,939,507  469,846  1,469,661 



2017 Stock Repurchase Plan

On March 2, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management, at its discretion, to spend up to an aggregate of $25.0 million to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2017, we have spent $6.5 million at an average share price of $15.92, leaving $18.5 million available to repurchase under this plan.



2014 Stock Repurchase Plan

On May 16, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management, at its discretion, to spend up to an aggregate of $10.0 million to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock. This approved stock repurchase plan supersedes and effectively cancels the program that was approved by the Board of Directors on May 14, 2004, which allowed management to purchase up to 350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2016, we have fully spent the $10.0 million budget at an average price of $11.74. 

 

NOTE 15 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to RDI:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Foreign Currency Items(1)

 

Unrealized Gain (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments

 

Accrued Pension Service Costs(2)

 

Total

Balance at January 1, 2017

 

$

14,784 

 

$

10 

 

$

(2,719)

 

$

12,075 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

 

 

8,791 

 

 

(2)

 

 

127 

 

 

8,916 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

$

23,575 

 

$

 

$

(2,592)

 

$

20,991 



(1)

Net of income tax expense of $659,152.

(2)

Net of income tax expense of $79,572.

 

NOTE 16 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS



Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. If quoted prices in an active market are available, fair value is determined by reference to these prices. If quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined by valuation models that primarily use, as inputs, market-based or independently sourced parameters, including but not limited to interest rates, volatilities, and credit curves. Additionally, we may reference prices for similar instruments, quoted prices or recent transactions in less active markets. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date.  Assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value (either recurring or non-recurring basis) are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

·

Level 1: Quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. This consist primarily of investments in marketable securities which are our investments associated with the ownership of marketable securities in U.S. and New Zealand. These investments are valued based on observable market quotes on the last trading date of the reporting period.

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·

Level 2: Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.  This category includes our derivative financial instruments which are valued based on discounted cash flow models that incorporate observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves from the derivative counterparties. The credit valuation adjustments associated with our non-performance risk and counterparty credit risk are incorporated in the fair value estimates of our derivatives.  As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we concluded that the credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives.

·

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity may require significant judgment in order to determine the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This category includes:

i.

Debt – includes secured and unsecured notes payable, trust preferred securities and other debt instruments.  The borrowings are valued based on discounted cash flow models that incorporate appropriate market discount rates. We calculated the market discount rate by obtaining period-end treasury rates for fixed-rate debt, or LIBOR 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 rate, debt maturity, types of borrowings, and the loan-to-value ratios of the debt.

ii.

Goodwill, Other Intangibles and Other Long-lived Assets - refer to the “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” section in Note 2  – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a description of valuation methodology used for fair value measurements of goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets.  Given this category represents several lines in our Consolidated Balance Sheet and since the recorded values agree to fair values, we did not include this in the subsequent tables presented.

Also, our Level 1 financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.  The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate the fair values due to their short maturities.  There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2017 and 2016.  Additionally, there were no transfers of assets and liabilities between Levels 1, 2, or 3 during the three years ended December 31, 2017.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we do not have material financial assets and liabilities carried and measured at fair value on a recurring basis.



Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements 

The following tables provide information about financial assets and liabilities not carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in our consolidated balance sheets:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

Value(1)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Notes payable

 

Debt - current and long-term portion

 

$

106,588 

 

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

106,894 

 

$

106,894 

  Subordinated debt

 

Subordinated debt

 

 

27,913 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

16,088 

 

 

16,088 

Total

 

 

 

$

134,501 

 

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

122,982 

 

$

122,982 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

Value(1)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Notes payable

 

Debt - current and long-term portion

 

$

120,622 

 

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

121,204 

 

$

121,204 

  Subordinated debt

 

Subordinated debt

 

 

27,913 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

15,247 

 

 

15,247 

Total

 

 

 

$

148,535 

 

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

136,451 

 

$

136,451 



(1) These balances are presented gross of deferred financing costs.



 

NOTE 17 – LEASES

Our leasing business consists of various arrangements, where we act either (i) as the lessor (for our owned properties rented to third parties), or (ii) as the lessee (mostly our cinema locations on leased-facility model).  Below are the rental commitments for these various lease arrangements:



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As Lessor – Future Rental Commitments from our Tenants

Real estate revenue amounted to $16.3 million, $13.6 million, and $15.0 million, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.  Also, there were no material contingent rentals recognized for the three years then ended December 31, 2017.  As of December 31, 2017, the minimum future rentals on our real estate properties currently leased to third parties under non-cancellable operating lease arrangements for the next five years are summarized as follows:





 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Future Minimum Rentals

2018

 

$

9,583 

2019

 

 

8,692 

2020

 

 

7,200 

2021

 

 

6,599 

2022

 

 

5,807 

Thereafter

 

 

16,986 

Total

 

$

54,867 



As Lessee – Future Lease Commitments to our Landlords

The Company has entered into various leases for our cinema exhibition segment.  We also lease office space and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases.  As of December 31, 2017, the remaining terms of these leases, inclusive of renewal options, range from 1 to 35 years.  All of our leases are accounted for as operating leases and we do not have any capital leases as of December 31, 2017.



We determine the annual base rent expense of our cinemas by amortizing total minimum lease obligations on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.  Certain of our cinema leases provide for both base and in addition contingent rentals based upon a specified percentage of cinema revenue with a guaranteed minimum.  Substantially all of our leases require the payment of property taxes, insurance, and other costs applicable to the property.  The base rent and contingent rental expenses are summarized as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Base rent expense

 

$

31,630 

 

$

29,824 

 

$

30,565 

Contingent rental expense

 

 

2,505 

 

 

1,484 

 

 

1,848 

Total cinema rent expense

 

$

34,135 

 

$

31,308 

 

$

32,413 



Future minimum lease payments by year and, in the aggregate, under non-cancelable operating leases consisted of the following:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Minimum Lease Payments at December 31, 2017

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Ground Lease

 

Premises Lease

 

Equipment Lease

 

Total

2018

 

$

3,629 

 

$

27,980 

 

$

--

 

$

31,609 

2019

 

 

3,717 

 

 

27,837 

 

 

--

 

 

31,554 

2020

 

 

2,792 

 

 

23,883 

 

 

--

 

 

26,675 

2021

 

 

2,730 

 

 

23,677 

 

 

--

 

 

26,407 

2022

 

 

2,771 

 

 

5,069 

 

 

--

 

 

7,840 

Thereafter

 

 

20,823 

 

 

185,910 

 

 

--

 

 

206,733 

Total

 

$

36,462 

 

$

294,356 

 

$

--

 

$

330,818 



We expect the amount of minimum lease payments will fluctuate depending on the foreign currency exchange rates of the Australian dollar to the U.S. dollar and the New Zealand dollar to the U.S. dollar, mainly because a significant portion of our cinema exhibition business is conducted in Australia and New Zealand. See Note 18Related Parties for the amount of leases associated with any related party leases.



Debt Guarantee

As of December 31, 2017 we no longer have any guarantee in place relating to our unconsolidated joint ventures. The total estimated debt of unconsolidated joint ventures and entities, consisting solely of Rialto Distribution (see Note 6 – Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures), was $1.0 million (NZ$1.5 million) as of December 31, 2016. Our share of the unconsolidated debt, based on our ownership percentage, was NZ$500,000 as of December 31, 2016.  This debt was guaranteed by one of our subsidiaries to the extent of our ownership percentage up until the point that this was transferred to one of our business partners.  Based on the financial position of Rialto Distribution and in consideration of this debt guarantee, we accrued $348,000 (NZ$500,000) as of December 31, 2016, recorded as part of Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.



104


 

 

NOTE 18 – RELATED PARTIES

The following table identifies our related parties as of December 31, 2017, in accordance with ASC 850, Related Party Transactions:





 

 

Categories

Related Parties

Discussion Notes

  Principal Owners and immediate families

  Cotter Family’s Estate and Living Trust (controlling family)

  Mark Cuban (above 10% voting ownership)

The Cotter Family is involved in certain litigation matters.  Refer to Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies for further details.

  Key Executive Officers and immediate families

  Ellen M. Cotter

  Margaret Cotter

  Devasis Ghose

  Andrzej J. Matyczynski

  Robert F. Smerling

  Wayne D. Smith

Refer to Part I, Item 1 – Our Business – Key Executive Officers of the Registrant for their profile.

  Investments in Joint Ventures accounted for under equity method

  Rialto Cinemas

  Mt. Gravatt

Refer to Note 6 – Investment in Joint Ventures

  Other Affiliates

  Entities under common control

  All subsidiaries of RDI

Refer to Exhibit 21 of this 2017 Form 10-K filing for the complete list of subsidiaries.  Refer below for further discussions on certain key transactions with related parties, including those with minority interests.



Sutton Hill Capital

In 2001, we entered into a transaction with Sutton Hill Capital, LLC (“SHC”) regarding the master leasing, with an option to purchase, of certain cinemas located in Manhattan including our Village East and Cinemas 1,2,3 theaters.  In connection with that transaction, we also agreed (i) to lend certain amounts to SHC, to provide liquidity in its investment, pending our determination whether or not to exercise our option to purchase and (ii) to manage the 86th Street Cinema on a fee basis. SHC is a limited liability company owned in equal shares by the Cotter Estate or the Cotter Trust and a third party.

As previously reported, over the years, two of the cinemas subject to the master leasing agreement have been redeveloped and one (the Cinemas 1,2,3 discussed below) has been acquired.  The Village East is the only cinema that remains subject to this master lease. We paid an annual rent of $590,000 for this cinema to SHC in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015.  During this same period, we received management fees from the 86th Street Cinema of $141,000, $150,000 and $151,000 during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.



In 2005, we acquired (i) from a third party the fee interest underlying the Cinemas 1,2,3 and (ii) from SHC its interest in the ground lease estate underlying and the improvements constituting the Cinemas 1,2,3. The ground lease estate and the improvements acquired from SHC were originally a part of the master lease transaction, discussed above.  In connection with that transaction, we granted to SHC an option to acquire at cost a 25% interest in the special purpose entity (Sutton Hill Properties, LLC) formed to acquire these fee, leasehold and improvements interests. On June 28, 2007, SHC exercised this option, paying $3.0 million and assuming a proportionate share of SHP’s liabilities.  At the time of the option exercise and the closing of the acquisition of the 25% interest, SHP had debt of $26.9 million, including a $2.9 million, non-interest bearing intercompany loan from the Company.  Since the acquisition by SHC of its 25% interest, SHP has covered its operating costs and debt service through cash flow from the Cinema 1,2,3, (ii) borrowings from third parties, and (iii) pro-rata contributions from the members.  We receive an annual management fee equal to 5% of SHP’s gross income for managing the cinema and the property, amounting to $177,000 during 2015.  This management fee was modified in 2015, as discussed below, retroactive to December 1, 2014.



On June 29, 2010, we agreed to extend our existing lease from SHC of the Village East Cinema by 10 years, with a new termination date of June 30, 2020. This amendment was reviewed and approved by our Audit and Conflicts Committee. The Village East lease includes a sub-lease of the ground underlying the cinema that is subject to a longer-term ground lease between SHC and an unrelated third party that expires in June 2031 (the “cinema ground lease”).  The extended lease provides for a call option pursuant to which Reading may purchase the cinema ground lease for $5.9 million at the end of the lease term.  Additionally, the lease has a put option pursuant to which SHC may require Reading to purchase all or a portion of SHC’s interest in the existing cinema lease and the cinema ground lease at any time between July 1, 2013 and December 4, 2019.  SHC’s put option may be exercised on one or more occasions in increments of not less than $100,000 each.  We recorded the Village East Cinema building as a property asset of $4.7 million on our balance sheet based on the cost carry-over basis from an entity under common control with a corresponding capital lease liability of $5.9 million presented under other liabilities (see Note 11 – Pension and Other Liabilities).



105


 

 

In February 2015, we and SHP entered into an amendment to the management agreement dated as of June 27, 2007 between us and SHP.  The amendment, which was retroactive to December 1, 2014, memorialized our undertaking to SHP with respect to $750,000 (the “Renovation Funding Amount”) of renovations to Cinemas 1,2,3 funded or to be funded by us.  In consideration of our funding of the renovations, our annual management fee under the management agreement was increased commencing January 1, 2015 by an amount equivalent to 100% of any incremental positive cash flow of Cinemas 1,2,3 over the average annual positive cash flow of the Cinemas 1,2,3 over the three-year period ended December 31, 2014 (not to exceed a cumulative aggregate amount equal to the Renovation Funding Amount), plus a 15% annual cash-on-cash return on the balance outstanding from time to time of the Renovation Funding Amount, payable at the time of the payment of the annual management fee (the “Improvements Fee”). Under the amended management agreement, we are entitled to retain ownership of (and any right to depreciate) any furniture, fixtures and equipment purchased by us in connection with such renovation and have the right (but not the obligation) to remove all such furniture, fixtures and equipment (at our own cost and expense) from the Cinemas upon the termination of the management agreement.  The amendment also provides that, during the term of the management agreement, SHP will be responsible for the cost of repair and maintenance of the renovations. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, we received no Improvements Fee.  This amendment was approved by SHC and by the Audit and Conflicts Committee of our Board of Directors.



On August 31, 2016, we refinanced the debt of Cinemas 1, 2, 3, pursuant to a $20.0 million loan from Valley National Bank.  Refer to Note 10 – Borrowings for further details on this loan transaction.  The proceeds from the loan were used to retire an existing $15.0 million first mortgage loan and the above referenced $2.9 million intercompany loan, with the remainder to be used for working capital and to cover cash flow shortfalls.   Since the cash flow from the Cinemas 1, 2, 3 is not sufficient to service this loan, it is anticipated that the members of SHP (our Company and SHC) will ultimately need to make periodic contributions to the capital of SHP in order to avoid dilution of their respective interests in SHP.   In 2016, our Company and SHC funded capital calls of $506,000 and $169,000, respectively. No contributions were called on in 2017.



The Valley National Loan has been guaranteed by our Company and an environmental indemnity has been provided by our Company.  SHC has agreed to indemnify our Company to the extent of 25% of any loss incurred by our Company with respect to any such guarantee and/or indemnity (a percentage reflecting SHC’s membership interest in SHP).  The refinancing transaction, including the guarantee and indemnity, were review and approved by the Audit and Conflicts Committee of our Board of Directors. 



OBI Management Agreement

Pursuant to a Theater Management Agreement (the “Management Agreement”), our live theater operations were, until March 2016, managed by Off-Broadway Investments, LLC (“OBI Management”), which is wholly owned by Ms. Margaret Cotter who is the daughter of the late Mr. James J. Cotter, Sr., the sister of Ellen Cotter and James Cotter, Jr.,  and a member of our Board of Directors. That Management Agreement was terminated effective March 10, 2016 in connection with the retention by our Company of Margaret Cotter as a full time employee.

The Theater Management Agreement generally provided for the payment of a combination of fixed and incentive fees for the management of our four live theaters that were operating during this time.  Historically, these fees have equated to approximately 21% of the net cash flow generated by these properties. The fees to be paid to OBI for 2016 and 2015 were 79,000 and 589,000, respectively.  We also reimbursed OBI for certain travel expenses, shared the cost of an administrative assistant and provided office space at our New York offices.  The increase in the payment to OBI for 2015 was attributable to work done by Margaret Cotter, working through OBI, with respect to the development of our Union Square and Cinemas 1,2,3 properties.

OBI Management historically conducted its operations from our office facilities on a rent-free basis, and we shared the cost of one administrative employee of OBI Management. We reimbursed travel related expenses for OBI Management personnel with respect to travel between New York City and Chicago in connection with the management of the Royal George complex. Other than these expenses, OBI Management was responsible for all of its costs and expenses related to the performance of its management functions.  The Management Agreement renewed automatically each year unless either party gives at least six months’ prior notice of its determination to allow the Management Agreement to expire.  In addition, we could terminate the Management Agreement at any time for cause.

Effective March 10, 2016, Margaret Cotter became a full time employee of the Company and the Management Agreement was terminated.  As Executive Vice-President Real Estate Management and Development - NYC, Ms. Cotter continues to be responsible for the management of our live theater assets, continues her role heading up the pre-redevelopment of our New York properties and is our senior executive responsible for the redevelopment of our New York properties.  Pursuant to the termination agreement, Ms. Cotter gave up any right she might otherwise have, through OBI, to income from STOMP.

Ms. Cotter's compensation as Executive Vice-President was recommended by the Compensation Committee as part of an extensive review of our Company’s overall executive compensation and approved by the Board. 

106


 

 

Live Theater Play Investment

From time to time, our officers and Directors may invest in plays that lease our live theaters. The play STOMP has been playing in our Orpheum Theatre since prior to the time we acquired the theatre in 2001. The Cotter Estate or the Cotter Trust and a third party own an approximately 5% interest in that play, an interest that they have held since prior to our acquisition of the theater. Refer to Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies for more information about the show STOMP.

Shadow View Land and Farming LLC

During 2012, Mr. James J. Cotter, Sr., our then Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and controlling stockholder, contributed $2.5 million cash and $255,000 of his 2011 bonus as his 50% share of the purchase price of a land parcel in Coachella, California and to cover his 50% share of certain costs associated with that acquisition.  This land is held in Shadow View Land and Farming, LLC, in which the Cotter Estate or the Cotter Trust owns a 50% interest. We are the managing member of Shadow View Land and Farming, LLC (See Note 13 – Non-Controlling Interests). The property is held debt free, and operating and holding costs are covered by member contributions.   The Audit and Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors is charged with responsibility for oversight of our management of Shadow View.

NOTE 19 – INSURANCE RECOVERIES ON IMPAIRMENT AND RELATED LOSSES DUE TO EARTHQUAKE

On November 14, 2016, we filed an initial insurance claim with our Insurer with respect to earthquake damage to our parking building adjacent to our Courtenay Central entertainment-themed center (“ETC”) in Wellington, New Zealand and to the ETC itself. Also, we filed a separate business interruption claim to recover lost profits as a result of the earthquake. As of December 31, 2016, we recorded a recoverable asset to the extent of our incurred losses that we deemed probable of recoverability under our insurance claim, consisting of the (i) written down carrying value of the damaged parking building and (ii) a significant portion of the derivative loss contingencies on demolition activities. We received an initial settlement from our Insurer in December 2016 amounting to $5.0 million (NZ$7.1 million).  In April 2017, our insurance company concluded that our losses exceeded the earthquake coverage policy limit of $25.0 million (NZ$36.0 million) and thus paid a final settlement of US$20.0 million (NZ$28.9 million) in May 2017, taking us to the policy limit. 



Over the course of assessing the total magnitude of earthquake damage up to the point of final insurance settlement, we determined our incurred losses and lost profits as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covered Risks

 

Basis for Allocation
(Dollars in thousands)

 

Commentary

 

% Allocation

 

Allocation of Insurance Proceeds
(Dollars in thousands)

Property damage

 

NZ$

44,808 

 

Estimated replacement cost for Courtenay Central parking building, as determined by an independent construction cost consultant.

 

81%

 

NZ$

29,093 

Demolition costs

 

 

7,276 

 

Actual costs incurred and best estimates of remaining costs to complete the demolition activities of Courtenay Central parking building

 

13%

 

 

4,724 

Business interruption

 

 

3,415 

 

Estimated lost profits during the closure period relating to our various revenue-generating components within Courtenay Central ETC (including our cinema and property operations)

 

6%

 

 

2,217 

Total

 

NZ$

55,499 

 

 

 

100%

 

NZ$

36,034 



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As a result of the final settlement, we recorded total insurance gain of $10.7 million (NZ$14.8 million) during the quarter ended June 30, 2017, determined as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Recoverable Components



 

 

 

Non-Operating Income

 

Operating Income

 

 

 

(mainly in New Zealand Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)

 

f

 

Property Damage(1)

 

Demolition Costs(1)

 

Total

 

Business Interruption(2)

 

Grand Total

Insurance Proceed Allocation

 

A

 

$

29,093 

 

$

4,724 

 

$

33,817 

 

$

2,217 

 

$

36,034 

Movements in Recoverable Components

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total expected incurred losses, November 30, 2016

 

B

 

 

14,246 

 

 

8,500 

 

 

22,746 

 

 

--

 

 

22,746 

Less: Casualty Losses recorded in 2016 Earnings(3) - in NZ$

 

C

 

 

(795)

 

 

(1,224)

 

 

(2,019)

 

 

--

 

 

(2,019)

- in US$

 

D

 

US$

(560)

 

US$

(861)

 

US$

(1,421)

 

US$

--

 

US$

(1,421)

Recoverable Assets, December 31, 2016(4)

 

E=B-C

 

$

13,451 

 

$

7,276 

 

$

20,727 

 

$

--

 

$

20,727 

Add: Upward changes in estimates and others

 

F

 

 

347 

 

 

--

 

 

347 

 

 

111 

 

 

458 

Net recoverable balances charged against proceeds

 

G=E+F

 

 

13,798 

 

 

7,276 

 

 

21,074 

 

 

111 

 

 

21,185 

Casualty gain, recorded in 2017 Earnings- in NZ$

 

H=A-G

 

$

15,295 

 

$

(2,552)

 

$

12,743 

 

$

2,106 

 

$

14,849 

Casualty gain, recorded in 2017 Earnings - in US$

 

I

 

US$

11,063 

 

US$

(1,846)

 

US$

9,217 

 

US$

1,523 

 

US$

10,740 

Net Casualty gain for 2016 and 2017 Earnings - in US$

 

∑(D+I)

 

US$

10,503 

 

US$

(2,707)

 

US$

7,796 

 

US$

1,523 

 

US$

9,319 



(1) The net impact to 2017 earnings of $9.2 million (NZ$12.7 million) is recorded as “Casualty gain” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

(2) The impact to 2017 operating earnings of $1.5 million (NZ$2.1 million) is recorded as part of the applicable segment revenues in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

(3) The casualty losses recorded in 2016 as a separate line in our Consolidated Statement of Operations is made up the following: (i) 5% deductible of $795,000 (NZ$560,000) calculated based on the estimated value of the insured damaged parking structure for insurance purposes, and (ii) $862,000 (NZ$1.2 million) of total estimated demolition costs was preliminarily assessed as expenses not reimbursable under our insurance policy and hence, we recorded in profit and loss.

(4) The recoverable asset of $9.5 million (NZ$13.6 million), net of advance payment of $5.0 million (NZ$7.1 million), as of December 31, 2016 was presented as part of “Other non-current assets as the timing of the insurance claim receipt was not fixed nor reliably determinable as of the time of our initial assessment. 

 

NOTE 20 – UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

First
Quarter

 

Second Quarter

 

Third Quarter

 

Fourth Quarter(1)

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Revenue

 

$

69,454 

 

$

72,413 

 

$

66,087 

 

$

71,780 

  Net income

 

 

3,041 

 

 

19,052 

 

 

1,458 

 

 

7,459 

  Net income attributable to RDI shareholders

 

 

3,029 

 

 

19,032 

 

 

1,556 

 

 

7,382 

  Basic earnings per share

 

 

0.13 

 

 

0.82 

 

 

0.07 

 

 

0.33 

  Diluted earnings per share

 

 

0.13 

 

 

0.81 

 

 

0.07 

 

 

0.32 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Revenue

 

$

64,789 

 

$

66,918 

 

$

71,315 

 

$

67,451 

  Net income

 

 

2,224 

 

 

2,922 

 

 

3,917 

 

 

354 

  Net income attributable to RDI shareholders

 

 

2,226 

 

 

2,970 

 

 

3,855 

 

 

352 

  Basic earnings per share

 

 

0.09 

 

 

0.13 

 

 

0.17 

 

 

0.01 

  Diluted earnings per share

 

 

0.09 

 

 

0.13 

 

 

0.16 

 

 

0.02 



(1) Net income for the 4th quarter of 2017 includes approximately $2.5 million net tax benefit from non-recurring items of tax benefit and expense related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted December 2017 and dissolution of a non-operating foreign subsidiary.

 

NOTE 21 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On March 5, 2018, we received the remaining proceeds on our Stomp arbitration matter (as discussed in Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies), including interest, totaling $720,000 which has been recorded in our 2017 results of operation.

108


 

 

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Balance at

January 1

 

Additions

 

Deductions

 

Balance at

December 31

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

$

828 

 

$

320 

 

$

60 

 

$

1,088 

2016

 

$

426 

 

$

1,010 

 

$

608 

 

$

828 

2015

 

$

586 

 

$

786 

 

$

946 

 

$

426 

Tax valuation allowance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

$

10,593 

 

$

--

 

$

3,723 

 

$

6,870 

2016

 

$

11,530 

 

$

--

 

$

937 

 

$

10,593 

2015

 

$

15,936 

 

$

--

 

$

4,406 

 

$

11,530 

 

109


 

 

Item 9 – Change in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A – Controls and Procedures

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Attestation of Registered Public Accounting Firm



Our management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and our registered public accounting firm’s audit report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting are included in Part II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) of this Form 10-K.



Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures



We have formally adopted a policy for disclosure controls and procedures that provides guidance on the evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures and is designed to ensure that all corporate disclosure is complete and accurate in all material respects and that all information required to be disclosed in the periodic reports submitted by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods and in the manner specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. A disclosure committee consisting of the principal accounting officer, and senior officers of each significant business line and other select employees assisted the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer in this evaluation. Based upon our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as required by the Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d – 15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report.



Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There were  no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred since September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f), including maintenance of (i) records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets, and (ii) policies and procedures that provide reasonable assurance that (a) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, (b) our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our Board of Directors and (c) we will prevent or timely detect unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of the inherent limitations of any system of internal control. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses of judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper overriding of controls. As a result of such limitations, there is risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

110


 

 

PART III

Item 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14

Information required by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference from Reading International, Inc.’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which the company intends to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year.

111


 

 

PART IV

Item 15 – Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

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

1.  Financial Statements



The following financial statements are filed as part of Part II, Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as summarized below:





 

Description

Page

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

59

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Consolidated Financial Statements)

60

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Internal Control over Financial Reporting)

61

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016

62

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

63

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

64

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

65

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017

66

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

67



2.  Financial Statements and Schedules for the years ended December 31, 2017,  2016, and 2015





 

Description

Page

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

109

3.  Exhibits



(b) Exhibits

See Item (a) 3. above.

(c) Financial Statement Schedule

See Item (a) 2. above.

112


 

 

EXHIBITS

*These exhibits constitute the executive compensation plans and arrangements of the Company.

+These exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K Filing.  Links are included within the “Description” column.

 Included is the amended and restated version of this exhibit, redlined to show the amendment adopted on November 7, 2017



 

 

Exhibit No.

Description

Links for Exhibits Incorporated by Reference

3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Reading International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, effective as of August 6, 2014

Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

3.2+

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Reading International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, effective as of November 7, 2017(1)

N/A

4.1

Form of Preferred Securities Certificate evidencing the preferred securities of Reading International Trust I

Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.2

Form of Common Securities Certificate evidencing common securities of Reading International Trust I

Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.3

Form of Reading International, Inc. and Reading New Zealand, Limited, Junior Subordinated Note due 2027

Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.4

Indenture among Reading International, Inc., Reading New Zealand Limited, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as indenture trustee.

Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.5

Form of Indenture

Filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s report on Form S-3 on October 20, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.1*+

Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, as of November 7, 2017

N/A

10.2*

1999 Stock Option Plan of Reading International, Inc., as amended on December 31, 2001

Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on January 21, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.3*+

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-Employee Director) under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan

N/A

10.4*+

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-Directors) under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan

N/A

10.5*

Award forms under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan  (i) Stock Option Agreement, (ii) Stock Bonus Agreement, (iii)  Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, and (iv) Stock Appreciation Right Agreement

Filed as Exhibits 4.2,  4.3,  4.4 and 4.5, respectively, to the Company’s report on Form S-8 on May 26, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.6

Amended and Restated Lease Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2000, as amended and restated as of January 29, 2002, between Sutton Hill Capital, L.L.C. and Citadel Cinemas, Inc.

Filed as Exhibit 10.40 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.7

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Master Operating Lease dated as of September 1, 2005

Filed as Exhibit 10.58 to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.8

Assignment and Assumption of Lease between Sutton Hill Capital L.L.C. and Sutton Hill Properties, LLC dated as of September 19, 2005

Filed as Exhibit 10.56 to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.9

Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Master Operating Lease Agreement, dated June 29, 2010, between Sutton Hill Capital, L.L.C. and Citadel Cinemas, Inc.

Filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.10

Omnibus Amendment Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2003, between Citadel Cinemas, Inc., Sutton Hill Capital, L.L.C., Nationwide Theatres Corp., Sutton Hill Associates, and Reading International, Inc.

Filed as Exhibit 10.49 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.11

Theater Management Agreement, effective as January 1, 2002, between Liberty Theaters, Inc. and OBI LLC

Filed as Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.

113


 

 

10.12

Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated February 5, 2007, among Reading International Inc., as sponsor, the Administrators named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as property trustee, and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company as Delaware trustee

Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.13

Amended and Restated Corporate Markets Loan & Bank Guarantee Facility Agreement dated December 23, 2015, among Reading Entertainment Australia Pty Ltd and National Australia Bank Limited

Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference. 

10.14

Wholesale Term Loan Facility dated May 21, 2015, among Reading Courtenay Central Limited and Westpac New Zealand Limited

Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.15

Master Lease Agreement dated October 26, 2012, between Consolidated Cinema Services LLC and Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC

Filed as Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.16

Amendment dated October 31, 2012 to the Master Lease Agreement dated October 26, 2012, between Consolidated Cinema Services LLC and Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC

Filed as Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.17*

Form of Indemnification Agreement, as routinely granted to the Company’s Officers and Directors

Filed as Exhibit 10.77 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.18*

Employment Agreement between Reading International, Inc. and Devasis Ghose, Chief Financial Officer

Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.19*

Separation and Release Agreement dated May 30, 2014 between Reading International, Inc. and Andrzej Matyczynski

Filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.20*

First Amendment to the Separation and Release Agreement between Reading International, Inc. and Andrzej Matyczynski, effective as of August 6, 2014

Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.21*

Second Amendment to the Separation and Release Agreement between Reading International, Inc. and Andrzej Matyczynski, effective as of November 26, 2014

Filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.22*

Third Amendment to the Separation and Release Agreement between Reading International, Inc. and Andrzej Matyczynski, effective as of May 1, 2015

Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.23*

Amended and Restated Compensatory Arrangements for Executive and Management Employees dated as of March 28, 2016

Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.24

OBI Termination Agreement and Release

Filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on April 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

18

Preferability Letter from Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Grant Thornton LLP.

Filed as Exhibit 18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed on March 13, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference

21+

List of Subsidiaries,  

N/A

23.1+

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Grant Thornton LLP.

N/A

31.1+

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,  

N/A

31.2+

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,  

N/A

32.1+

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

N/A

32.2+

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

N/A

101.INS+

XBRL Instance Document

N/A

101.SCH+

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

N/A

101.CAL+

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

N/A

114


 

 

101.DEF+

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

N/A

101.LAB+

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels

N/A

101.PRE+

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

N/A

115


 

 

SIGNATURES

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

READING INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Registrant)





 

 

 



 

 

 

Date:

March 15, 2018

By:

/s/ Devasis Ghose



 

 

Devasis Ghose



 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer



 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

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





 

 



 

 

Signature

Title(s)

Date



 

 

/s/ Ellen M. Cotter

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board and Director

March 15, 2018

Ellen M. Cotter

(Principal Executive Officer)

 



 

 

/s/ Devasis Ghose

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

March 15, 2018

Devasis Ghose

(Principal Financial Officer)

 



 

 

/s/ Steve Lucas

Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

March 15, 2018

Steve Lucas

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 



 

 

/s/ Margaret Cotter

Vice Chairman of the Board and Director

March 15, 2018

Margaret Cotter

 

 



 

 

/s/ James J. Cotter

Director

March 15, 2018

James J. Cotter

 

 



 

 

/s/ Guy W. Adams

Director

March 15, 2018

Guy W. Adams

 

 



 

 

/s/ William D. Gould

Director

March 15, 2018

William D. Gould

 

 



 

 

/s/ Edward L. Kane

Director

March 15, 2018

Edward L Kane

 

 



 

 

/s/ Douglas J. McEachern

Director

March 15, 2018

Douglas J. McEachern

 

 



 

 

/s/ Dr. Judy Codding

Director

March 15, 2018

Dr. Judy Codding

 

 



 

 

/s/ Michael Wrotniak

Director

March 15, 2018

Michael Wrotniak

 

 



 

 



 

 





116