UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM
For
the quarterly period ended
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As
of November 6, 2020,
ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC
Index to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
i
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Total Current Assets | ||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
| Deposits | ||||||||
| Deferred production costs | ||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | ||||||||
| Accrued interest, current portion | ||||||||
| Deferred revenue | ||||||||
| Convertible debt, net of discount, current portion | ||||||||
| Convertible debt, related party, net of discount, current portion | - | |||||||
| Loans payable, current portion | ||||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Deferred rent | ||||||||
| Bridge note payable | ||||||||
| Accrued interest, non-current portion | ||||||||
| Convertible debt, non-current portion | ||||||||
| Convertible debt, related party, non-current portion | ||||||||
| Loans payable, non-current portion | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities | ||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, $ | ||||||||
| Common stock, $ | ||||||||
| Additional paid in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | ||||||||
| Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(unaudited)
| For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
| In-person | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Multiplatform content | ||||||||||||||||
| Interactive | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| In-person (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | ||||||||||||||||
| Multiplatform content (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interactive (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | ||||||||||||||||
| Online operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling and marketing expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||||
| Impairment of investment in ESA | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss From Operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Other (Expense) Income: | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Conversion inducement expense | - | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Total Other Expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive income: | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic and Diluted | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
(unaudited)
| Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Subscribed | Paid-in | Subscription | Comprehensive | Accumulated | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | Receivable | Income | Deficit | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - January 1, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued for cash | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscription of common stock in connection with exercise of put option | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2020 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash received for subscription | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued upon conversion of debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beneficial conversion feature associated with convertible debt | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrants issued with convertible debt | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - June 30, 2020 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for redemption of debt and accrued interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued in satisfaction of employee bonus obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disgorgement of short swing profits | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
(unaudited)
| Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Subscribed | Paid-in | Subscription | Comprehensive | Accumulated | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | Receivable | Income (Loss) | Deficit | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - January 1, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2019 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - June 30, 2019 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of reverse merger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrants issued to convertible debt holders | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration for convertible debt holders | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
| For the Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| September 30, | ||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||
| Bad debt expense | ||||||||
| Conversion inducement expense | ||||||||
| Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption | ||||||||
| Amortization of debt discount | ||||||||
| Non-cash interest expense | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Impairment of investment in ESA | ||||||||
| Deferred rent | ||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Deposits | ( | ) | ||||||
| Deferred production costs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | ||||||||
| Accrued interest | ( | ) | ||||||
| Deferred revenue | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total Adjustments | ||||||||
| Net Cash Used In Operating Activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows From Investing Activities | ||||||||
| Net cash acquired in Merger | ||||||||
| Return of Simon Investment | ( | ) | ||||||
| Investment in TV Azteca | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Lease incentive reimbursements | ||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Investment in ESA | ( | ) | ||||||
| Purchases of intangible assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Investing Activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from loans payable | ||||||||
| Proceeds from convertible debt, related party | ||||||||
| Proceeds from convertible debt | ||||||||
| Proceeds from disgorgement of short swing profit | - | |||||||
| Issuance costs paid in connection with convertible debt | ( | ) | ||||||
| Repayments of convertible debt | ( | ) | ||||||
| Repayments to Former Parent | ( | ) | ||||||
| Proceeds from sale of common stock | ||||||||
| Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities | ||||||||
| Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash | ||||||||
| Net (Decrease) Increase In Cash And Restricted Cash | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash and restricted cash - Beginning of period | ||||||||
| Cash and restricted cash - End of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash and restricted cash consisted of the following: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
(unaudited)
| For the Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| September 30, | ||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
| Cash paid during the period for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities | ||||||||
| Beneficial conversion feature associated with convertible debt | $ | $ | ||||||
| Contingent consideration for convertible debt holders in connection with Merger | $ | $ | ||||||
| Convertible debt and related interest assumed in Merger | $ | $ | ||||||
| Due to Former Parent satisfied by issuance of common stock in connection with Merger | $ | $ | ||||||
| Guaranteed interest on convertible debt recorded as debt discount | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-cash interest on convertible debt recorded as debt discount | $ | $ | ||||||
| Interest payable on Bridge Note converted to principal | $ | $ | ||||||
| Original issue discount on convertible debt | $ | $ | ||||||
| Shares issued upon conversion of Bridge Note | $ | $ | ||||||
| Shares issued for redemption of debt and accrued interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Warrants issued with convertible debt | $ | $ | ||||||
| Warrants granted to convertible debt holders in connection with Merger | $ | $ | ||||||
| Shares issued in satisfaction of employee bonus obligation | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
Note 1 – Background
Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. (“AESE” and formerly known as Black Ridge Acquisition Corp, or “BRAC”) was incorporated in Delaware on May 9, 2017 as a blank check company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities (a “Business Combination”).
Allied Esports Media, Inc. (“AEM”), a Delaware corporation, was formed in November 2018 to act as a holding company for Allied Esports International Inc. (“Allied Esports”) and immediately prior to the close of the Merger (see below) to also include Noble Link Global Limited (“Noble Link”). Allied Esports, together with its subsidiaries described below, owns and operates the esports-related businesses of AESE. Noble Link (prior to the AEM Merger) and its wholly owned subsidiaries Peerless Media Limited, Club Services, Inc. and WPT Enterprises, Inc. operate the poker-related business of AESE and are collectively referred to herein as “World Poker Tour” or “WPT”. Prior to the Merger, as described below, Noble Link and Allied Esports were subsidiaries of Ourgame International Holdings Limited (the “Former Parent”).
On December 19, 2018, BRAC, Noble Link and AEM executed an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (as amended from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”). On August 9, 2019 (the “Closing Date”), Noble Link was merged with and into AEM, with AEM being the surviving entity, which was accounted for as a common control merger (the “AEM Merger”). Further, on August 9, 2019, a subsidiary of AESE merged with AEM pursuant to the Merger Agreement with AEM being the surviving entity (the “Merger”). The Merger was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, and AEM is deemed to be the accounting acquirer. Consequently, the assets and liabilities and the historical operations that are reflected in these condensed consolidated financial statements prior to the Merger are those of Allied Esports and WPT. The preferred stock, common stock, additional paid in capital and earnings per share amounts in these condensed consolidated financial statements for the period prior to the Merger have been restated to reflect the recapitalization in accordance with the shares issued to the Former Parent as a result of the Merger. References herein to the “Company” are to the combination of AEM and WPT during the period prior to the AEM Merger and are to AESE and its subsidiaries after the Merger.
Allied Esports operates directly and through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Esports Arena Las Vegas, LLC (“ESALV”) and Allied Esports Gaming GmbH. Allied Esports operates global competitive esports properties designed to connect players and fans via a network of connected arenas. ESALV operates a flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Allied Esports GmbH operates a mobile esports truck that serves as both a battleground and content generation hub and also operates a studio for recording and streaming gaming events.
World Poker Tour is an internationally televised gaming and entertainment company with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile applications. WPT has been involved in the sport of poker since 2002 and created a television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments. WPT has broadcasted globally in more than 150 countries and territories and its shows are sponsored by established brands in many areas, including watches, crystal, playing cards and online social poker operators. WPT also operates ClubWPT.com, a subscription-based site that offers its members inside access to the WPT content database, as well as sweepstakes-based poker product that allows members to play for real cash and prizes in 43 states and territories across the United States Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom, with no purchase necessary. WPT also participates in strategic brand licensing, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities.
7
Note 2 – Going Concern and Management’s Plans
As of September 30, 2020, the Company had cash of approximately
$
In
March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) as a pandemic
which continues to spread throughout the United States. As a global entertainment company that hosts numerous live events with
spectators and participants in destination cities, the outbreak has caused people to avoid traveling to and attending these events.
Allied Esports’ and WPT’s businesses have cancelled or postponed live events, and before the reopening of Allied Esports’
flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 25, 2020 these businesses were operating online
only. The arena is currently running under a modified schedule and limited capacity (up to
The aforementioned factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the issuance date of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern and the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
The Company’s continuation is dependent upon attaining and maintaining profitable operations and, until that time, raising additional capital as needed, but there can be no assurance that it will be able to close on sufficient financing. The Company’s ability to generate positive cash flow from operations is dependent upon generating sufficient revenues. To date, the Company’s operations have been funded by the Former Parent, as well as through the issuance of convertible debt, and with cash acquired in the Merger. The Company cannot provide any assurances that it will be able to secure additional funding, either from equity offerings or debt financings, on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. If the Company is unable to obtain the requisite amount of financing needed to fund its planned operations, including the repayment of convertible debt, it would have a material adverse effect on its business and ability to continue as a going concern, and it may have to explore the sale of, or curtail or even cease, certain operations.
8
Note 3 – Significant Accounting Policies
There are no material changes from the significant accounting policies set forth in Note 3 – Significant Accounting Policies of the Company’s accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, except for the following accounting policies and required disclosures.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual consolidated financial statements. For additional information, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements of and notes thereto included in the Company’s amended annual report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 17, 2020.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments which are considered necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of September 30, 2020 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year ending December 31, 2020 or any other period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been derived from the accounting records of AESE, WPT and Allied Esports and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes thereto.
Net Loss per Common Share
Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to AESE common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the impact of common shares, if dilutive, resulting from the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants and the conversion of convertible instruments.
The following securities are excluded from the calculation of weighted average dilutive common shares because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
| September 30, | ||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Restricted common shares | ||||||||
| Options | ||||||||
| Warrants | ||||||||
| Convertible debt | (1) | |||||||
| Unit purchase options | ||||||||
| Contingent consideration shares | ||||||||
| (1) |
9
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue primarily from the following sources:
In-person revenue
The Company’s in-person revenue is comprised of event revenue, sponsorship revenue, merchandising revenue, and other revenue. Event revenue is generated through World Poker Tour events – TV, non-TV, and DeepStacks Entertainment, LLC and DeepStacks Poker Tour, LLC (collectively “DeepStacks”) events – held at the Company’s partner casinos as well as Allied Esports events held at the Company’s esports properties. Event revenues recognized from the rental of the Allied Esports arena and gaming trucks are recognized at a point in time when the event occurs. In-person revenue also includes revenue from ticket sales, admission fees and food and beverage sales for events held at the Company’s esports properties. Ticket revenue is recognized at the completion of the applicable event. Point of sale revenues, such as food and beverage, gaming, and merchandising revenues, are recognized when control of the related goods are transferred to the customer.
The Company also generates sponsorship revenues for naming rights for, and rental of, the Company’s arena and gaming trucks. Sponsorship revenues from naming rights of the Company’s esports arena and from sponsorship arrangements are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the agreement. The Company records deferred revenue to the extent that payment has been received for services that have yet to be performed.
In-person revenue was comprised of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
| For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Event revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Sponsorship revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Ticket and gaming revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Merchandising revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | - | |||||||||||||||
| Total in-person revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Multiplatform content revenue
The Company’s multiplatform content revenue is comprised of distribution revenue, sponsorship revenue, music royalty revenue, online advertising revenue and content revenue. Distribution revenue is generated primarily through the distribution of content from World Poker Tour’s library. World Poker Tour provides video content to global television networks, who then have the right to air the content and place advertisements on the content during the related license period. Revenue from the distribution of video content to television networks is received pursuant to the contract payment terms and is recognized at the point in time that advertisements are aired on the WPT content. Occasionally, WPT will bundle third-party content with its own content in a distribution arrangement and will share the revenue with the third party; however, the revenues related to third party content are de minimis. The Company recognizes distribution revenue pursuant to the terms of each individual contract with the customer and records deferred revenue to the extent the Company has received a payment for services that have yet to be performed or products that have yet to be delivered.
The Company also distributes video content to online channels. Both the global television networks and the online channels place ads within the WPT content and any advertising revenue earned by the global TV network or online channel is shared with WPT. The Company recognizes online advertising revenue at the point in time when the advertisements are placed in the video content.
10
Sponsorship revenue is generated through the sponsorship of the Company’s TV content, live and online events and online streams. Online advertising revenue is generated from third-party advertisements placed on the Company’s website. Music royalty revenue is generated when the Company’s music is played in the Company’s TV series, both on TV networks and online. The Company recognizes sponsorship revenue pursuant to the terms of each individual contract when the Company satisfies the respective performance obligations, which could be recognized at a point in time or over the term of the contract. The Company records deferred revenue to the extent the Company has received a payment for services that have yet to be performed or products that have yet to be delivered.
Music royalty revenue is recognized at the point in time when the music is played.
Multiplatform content revenue was comprised of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
| For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Sponsorship revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Music royalty revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Online advertising revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Total multiplatform revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Interactive revenue
The Company’s interactive revenue is primarily comprised of subscription revenue, licensing, social gaming, and virtual product revenue. Subscription revenue is generated through fixed rate (monthly, quarterly, and annual) subscriptions which offer the opportunity for subscribers to play unlimited poker and access benefits not available to non-subscribers.
The Company recognizes subscription revenue on a straight-line basis and records deferred revenue to the extent the Company receives payments for services that have yet to be provided. Social gaming revenue arises from the sale of online tokens and other online purchases on the Company’s social gaming website and is recognized at the point the product is delivered. Virtual product revenue is generated from the licensing of the Company’s various brands to be used on the customers’ virtual product and social gaming platforms and is recognized over the term of the contractual agreement. The Company generates licensing revenue by licensing the right to use the Company’s brands on products to third parties. Licensing revenue is recognized pursuant to the terms of each individual contract with the customer and is recognized over the term of the contractual agreement. Deferred revenue is recorded to the extent the Company has received a payment for products that have yet to be delivered.
Interactive revenue was comprised of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
| For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Subscription revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Virtual product revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Social gaming revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Licensing revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Total interactive revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
11
The following table summarizes our revenue recognized under ASC 606 in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss:
| For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues Recognized at a Point in Time: | ||||||||||||||||
| Event revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Social gaming revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Sponsorship revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Ticket and gaming revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Merchandising revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Music royalty revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Online advertising revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenues Recognized at a Point in Time | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues Recognized Over a Period of Time: | ||||||||||||||||
| Subscription revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Virtual product revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Sponsorship revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Licensing revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenues Recognized Over a Period of Time | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The timing of the Company’s revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment by its customers. A receivable is recorded when revenue is recognized prior to payment and the Company has an unconditional right to payment. Alternatively, when payment precedes the provision of the related services, the Company records deferred revenue until the performance obligations are satisfied.
As
of September 30, 2020, there remained approximately $
Advertising Costs
The
Company expenses advertising and marketing costs as they are incurred. Marketing and advertising expense was $
12
Foreign Currency Translation
The
Company’s reporting currency is the United States Dollar. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries
are their local currencies (United States Dollar and Euro). Euro-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into the United
States Dollar using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date and revenue and expense accounts are translated using the weighted
average exchange rate in effect for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are made directly to accumulated other comprehensive
(loss) income. Gains (losses) arising from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the
reporting currency were $
Reclassifications
Certain prior period balances have been reclassified in order to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported results of operations or loss per share.
CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The CARES Act, amongst other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. Pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC 740”), the Company recognizes the tax effects of new tax legislation upon enactment. Accordingly, the CARES Act is effective beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2020. The Company does not believe that the new tax provisions outlined in the CARES Act will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. This amendment will be effective for private companies and emerging growth companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10 “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” in July 2018 (“ASU 2018-10” and “ASU 2018-11”), and ASU No. 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842) - Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors” in December 2018 (“ASU 2018-20”). ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-20 provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows all entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to choose an additional (and optional) transition method of adoption, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
13
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The new guidance simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Under current guidance, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test requires entities to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The carrying value in excess of the implied fair value is recognized as goodwill impairment. Under the new standard, goodwill impairment is recognized based on Step 1 of the current guidance, which calculates the carrying value in excess of the reporting unit’s fair value. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). These amendments provide clarifications and corrections to certain ASC subtopics including the following: Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income – Overall (Topic 220-10), Debt - Modifications and Extinguishments (Topic 470-50), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity – Overall (Topic 480-10), Compensation - Stock Compensation - Income Taxes (Topic 718-740), Business Combinations – Income Taxes (Topic 805-740), Derivatives and Hedging – Overall (Topic 815-10), and Fair Value Measurement – Overall (Topic 820-10). The majority of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 will be effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). The amendments in ASU 2018-13 modify the disclosure requirements associated with fair value measurements based on the concepts in the Concepts Statement, including the consideration of costs and benefits. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In February 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842) – Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date (“ASU 2020-02”) which provides clarifying guidance and minor updates to ASU No. 2016-13 – Financial Instruments – Credit Loss (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”) and related to ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2020-02 amends the effective date of ASU 2016-13, such that ASU 2016-13 and its amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
14
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging— Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, to clarify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this update reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock by removing the cash conversion model and the beneficial conversion feature model. Limiting the accounting models will result in fewer embedded conversion features being separately recognized from the host contract. Convertible instruments that continue to be subject to separation models are (1) those with embedded conversion features that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, that meet the definition of a derivative, and that do not qualify for a scope exception from derivative accounting and (2) convertible debt instruments issued with substantial premiums for which the premiums are recorded as paid-in-capital. In addition, this ASU improves disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and earnings-per-share guidance. The ASU also revises the derivative scope exception guidance to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions driven by remote contingent events. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption will be permitted, but no earlier than for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Note 4 – Other Assets
The Company’s other assets consist of the following:
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Investment in ESA | $ | $ | ||||||
| Investment in TV Azteca | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
As
of September 30, 2020, the Company owns a
During
January 2019, the Company contributed $
The
Company paid $
15
Note 5 – Deferred Production Costs
Deferred production costs consist of the following:
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Deferred production costs | $ | |||||||
| Less: accumulated amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Deferred production costs, net | $ | $ | ||||||
| Weighted average remaining amortization period at September 30, 2020 (in years) | ||||||||
Production
costs of $
Note 6 – Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Compensation expense | $ | $ | ||||||
| Payroll tax obligations | - | |||||||
| Rent | ||||||||
| Interactive costs | ||||||||
| Event costs | ||||||||
| Legal and professional fees | ||||||||
| Production costs | ||||||||
| Unclaimed player prizes | ||||||||
| Other accrued expenses | ||||||||
| Other current liabilities | ||||||||
| Accrued leasehold improvements | - | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
16
Note 7 – Convertible Debt and Convertible Debt, Related Party
As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s convertible debt consisted of the following:
| September 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Principal Amount | Debt Discount | Convertible Debt, Net of Debt Discount | Gross Principal Amount | Debt Discount | Convertible Debt, Net of Debt Discount | |||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible bridge notes | $ | $ | - | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Convertible bridge notes, related party | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior secured convertible notes | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
Convertible Bridge Notes and Convertible Bridge Notes, Related Party
Pursuant
to an Amendment and Acknowledgement Agreement dated August 5, 2019,
If any holder elects to convert their Bridge Note into common stock, they would be entitled to receive additional shares of common stock (“Contingent Consideration Shares”) equal to the product of (i) 3,846,153 shares, multiplied by (ii) that holder’s investment amount, divided by (iii) $100,000,000, if at any time within five years after the August 9, 2019 closing date, the last exchange-reported sale price of common stock trades at or above $13.00 for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days.
On
April 29, 2020,
On June 8, 2020, the Company and the Noteholder entered into Secured Convertible Note Modification Agreement No. 3 (“Amendment 3” and together with Amendment 1 and Amendment 2, the “Amendments”). Pursuant to Amendment 3, the Accrued Interest is converted into principal under the Noteholder’s Bridge Note (the “Amended Bridge Note”). See Note 8 - Bridge Note Payable for additional details.
17
On
June 8, 2020,
On August 13, 2020 the Company paid in cash an aggregate of $425,096 related to interest payable on the Extended Bridge Notes, such that the balance of principal and interest outstanding under the Extended Bridge Notes as of September 30, 2020 is $2,000,000 and $24,760, respectively.
The
Company recorded interest expense of $
Senior Secured Convertible Notes
On
June 8, 2020,
The
Senior Notes and two years of interest are payable in equal monthly installments (the “Monthly Redemption Payment”),
commencing on August 7, 2020.
Each Investor may accelerate up to four Monthly Redemption Payments in any calendar month and may elect to have such accelerated Monthly Redemption Payments paid in shares of the Company’s common stock at the Stock Settlement Price of the contemporaneous or immediately prior Monthly Redemption Payment, instead of in cash.
18
Upon
the issuance of the Senior Notes,
During the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2020,
Note 8 – Bridge Note Payable
The
Bridge Note Payable consists of the Amended Bridge Note (see Note 7 – Convertible Debt and Convertible Debt, Related Party,
Convertible Bridge Notes and Convertible Bridge Notes, Related Party). The Amended Bridge Note matures on
Note 9 – Loans Payable
During
May 2020, the Company’s subsidiaries received aggregate cash proceeds of $
19
Under the terms of the CARES Act, as amended by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, the Company’s subsidiaries are eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness for all or a portion of PPP Loans. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of PPP loan proceeds for certain permissible purposes as set forth in the PPP, including, but not limited to, payroll costs (as defined under the PPP) and mortgage interest, rent or utility costs (collectively, “Qualifying Expenses”), and on the maintenance of employee and compensation levels during the twenty-four week period following the funding of the PPP Loan. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the PPP Loans solely for Qualifying Expenses. However, no assurance is provided that the Company will be able to obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loans, in whole or in part.
The
Company recorded interest expense of $
Note 10 – Segment Data
Each of the Company’s business segments offer different, but synergistic products and services, and are managed separately, by different chief operating decision makers.
The Company’s business consists of three reportable segments:
| Poker, gaming, and entertainment, provided through WPT, including televised gaming and entertainment, land-based poker tournaments, online and mobile poker applications. |
| E-sports, provided through Allied Esports, including multiplayer video game competitions. |
| Corporate. |
The following tables present segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
| For
the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 | For
the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gaming
& Entertainment | E-sports | Corporate(1) | TOTAL | Gaming
& Entertainment | E-sports | Corporate(1) | TOTAL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from Operations | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| For
the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 | For
the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gaming
& Entertainment | E-sports | Corporate(1) | TOTAL | Gaming
& Entertainment | E-sports | Corporate(1) | TOTAL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from Operations | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| As of September 30, 2020 | As of December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gaming
& Entertainment | E-sports | Corporate(2) | TOTAL | Gaming
& Entertainment | E-sports | Corporate (2) | TOTAL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Unallocated corporate operating losses result from general corporate overhead expenses not directly attributable to any one of the business segments. These expenses are reported separate from the Company’s identified segments and are included are included in total operating costs and expenses on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. |
| (2) |
20
One customer of the Gaming and Entertainment
segment accounted for
One customer of the Esports segment account
for
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2020,
Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies
Litigations, Claims, and Assessments
The Company is involved in various disputes, claims, liens, and litigation matters arising out of the normal course of business. While the outcome of these disputes, claims, liens and litigation matters cannot be predicted with certainty, after consulting with legal counsel, management does not believe that the outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
On March 23, 2020, an employee of Allied
Esports filed a claim in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging various employment misconduct against Allied Esports, the Company
and an officer of the Company in connection with a competition hosted by Allied Esports. The claim alleged damages in excess of
$
Operating Leases
The
Company’s aggregate rent expense incurred was $
Investment Agreements
TV Azteca Agreement
In
June 2019, the Company entered into an exclusive ten-year strategic investment and revenue sharing agreement (the “TV Azteca
Agreement”) with TV Azteca, in order to expand the Allied Esports brand into Mexico. Pursuant to the terms of the TV Azteca
Agreement, as amended, TV Azteca purchased
21
In
connection with the TV Azteca Agreement, AESE will provide $
On
July 20, 2020, the Company entered into an Amendment to TV Azteca Agreement (the “Azteca Amendment).
Simon Agreement
In June 2019, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Simon Agreement”) with Simon Equity Development, LLC (“Simon”), a shareholder of the Company, pursuant to which Allied Esports would conduct a series of mobile esports gaming tournaments and events at selected Simon shopping malls and online called the Simon Cup, in each of 2019, 2020 and 2021, and would also develop esports and gaming venues at certain Simon shopping malls in the U.S.
In
connection with the Simon Agreement, AESE placed $
The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed indefinitely the parties’ ability to plan and budget for the 2020 and 2021 esports programming and esports venues. The parties have agreed to extend the due date under the applicable agreements from March 8, 2020 to January 31, 2021, in order to continue to develop and budget for the annual esports program and esports venues in future years once the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.
22
Brookfield Partnership
On
January 14, 2020,
Amendments to Employment Agreements
On
April 24, 2020, the employment agreement between the Company and the Chief Executive Officer of WPT (the “WPT CEO”)
was amended such that effective as of May 1, 2020, the WPT CEO annual salary will be reduced by
On
April 24, 2020, the employment agreement (the “CEO Agreement”) between the Company and its Chief Executive Officer
(the “CEO”), was amended such that effective May 1, 2020, the CEO’s annual salary will be reduced by
Note 12 – Stockholders’ Equity
Amendment to Company Charter
On
July 27, 2020, the Company filed an Amendment to its Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware to increase the number of shares of common stock currently authorized by the Certificate by
Put Option Agreement and Exercise
On
February 25, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into a Put Option Agreement (the “Agreement”)
with the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Director (the “Chairman”), pursuant to which the Company has an
option in its discretion, to sell shares of its common stock (the “Option Shares”) to the Chairman for aggregate gross
proceeds of up to $
| b) | The Company may not issue and the Chairman may not purchase Option Shares to the extent that such issuance would result in the Chairman and his affiliates beneficially owning more than 19.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock unless (i) such ownership would not be the largest ownership position in the Company, or (ii) stockholder approval is obtained for ownership in excess of 19.99%; |
23
| d) | Option Shares are subject to a six-month lock-up period whereby they cannot be sold or transferred. |
On
March 9, 2020, the Company provided notice to the Chairman that it had elected to exercise the Put Option to sell
Stock Options
A summary of the option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is presented below:
| Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||
| Average | Average | |||||||||||||||
| Number of | Exercise | Remaining | Intrinsic | |||||||||||||
| Options | Price | Term (Yrs) | Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, January 1, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ||||||||||||||||
| Expired | ||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable, September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2020 are as follows:
| Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding | Average | Exercisable | ||||||||||||
| Exercise | Number of | Remaining Life | Number of | |||||||||||
| Price | Options | In Years | Options | |||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
Effective June 30, 2020 two of the Company’s
directors (the “Resigning Members”) resigned from their positions as members of the Company’s Board of Directors.
Options for the purchase of an aggregate of
24
On August 7, 2020, the Company’s
Board approved, in connection with its general counsel’s transition to a part-time employee, the Company’s waiver of
any forfeiture of non-vested options in connection with such transition and termination of employment scheduled for February 2021,
such that the options for the purchase of
The option grants described below were issued from the Company’s 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”).
On July 1, 2020, the Company issued ten-year
options for the purchase of
On August 6, 2020, the Company issued ten-year
options for the purchase of
The grant date value of options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 were calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, with the following assumptions used:
| Risk free interest rate | % | |||
| Expected term (years) | ||||
| Expected volatility | % | |||
| Expected dividends | % |
The expected term used for options is the estimated period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company utilizes the “simplified” method to develop an estimate of the expected term of “plain vanilla” option grants. The Company is utilizing an expected volatility figure based on a review of the historical volatilities, over a period of time, equivalent to the expected life of the instrument being valued, of similarly positioned public companies within its industry. The risk-free interest rate was determined from the implied yields from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with a remaining term consistent with the expected term of the instrument being valued.
During the three and nine months ended September
30, 2020, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense related to stock options issued as compensation of $
Common Stock and Restricted Common Stock
A summary of the non-vested restricted common stock activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is presented below:
| Number of Restricted Stock | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |||||||
| Non-vested balance, January 1, 2020 | $ | |||||||
| Granted | ||||||||
| Vested | ( | ) | ||||||
| Forfeited | ||||||||
| Non-vested balance, September 30, 2020 | $ | |||||||
25
The stock grants described below were issued from the Company’s Incentive Plan.
On July 1, 2020, the Company issued
On August 7, 2020, the Company issued
On August 7, 2020, the Company issued
On August 7, 2020,
On
September 24, 2020, the Company issued
On
September 24, 2020, the Company issued
The Company recorded stock-based compensation
expense of $
Warrants
A summary of warrant activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is presented below:
| Number of Warrants | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years | Intrinsic Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, January 1, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Issued | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ||||||||||||||||
| Cancelled | ||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable, September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
26
Warrants outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2020 are as follows:
| Warrants Outstanding | Warrants Exercisable | ||||||||||||||
| Exercise Price | Exercisable Into | Outstanding Number of Warrants | Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years | Exercisable Number of Warrants | |||||||||||
| $ | |||||||||||||||
| $ | |||||||||||||||
On
June 8, 2020, the Company issued five-year warrants to purchase
The Company computed the fair value of the warrants using a Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: expected volatility of 45%, risk-free rate of 0.45%, expected term of 5 years, and expected dividends of 0.00%.
Note 13 – Subsequent Events
From October 1, 2020 through November 2, 2020, the Company issued
On October 30, 2020, ESALV entered into an Assent Agreement to Labor Agreement (the “Assent Agreement”) with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Pictures Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada, and Local 720, Las Vegas, Nevada (together, the “Union”), pursuant to which ESALV agreed that the Union would be the exclusive bargaining representative for all stagehand employees, audio visual technicians, wardrobe technicians, wardrobe dressers, and working lead persons employed by ESALV and working at Allied Esports’ flagship arena at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Assent Agreement provides for carveouts from the agreement in connection with third party customers or clients (including the World Poker Tour) producing events at the arena, and in connection with certain ESALV-produced events at the arena utilizing up to a maximum of six (6) regular employees of the Allied Esports group.
On
November 4, 2020, the Company filed with the Delaware Secretary of State an amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Second
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the total number of authorized shares of its common stock from
On November 5, 2020, Allied Esports
entered into an amendment of its lease of event space in Las Vegas Nevada (the “Amended Las Vegas Lease”),
pursuant to which
27
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Cautionary Statements
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2020 and for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and related disclosures as of December 31, 2019 and for the year then ended, which are included in the amended Form 10-K/A (the “Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 17, 2020. References in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to “us”, “we”, “our” and similar terms refer to the Company. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains statements that are forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risk, uncertainties and other factors. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” or “continue,” and similar expressions or variations. Actual results could differ materially because of the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report, and other factors that we may not know. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements above, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Background
Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. (“AESE”), formerly known as Black Ridge Acquisition Corp, or “BRAC”) was incorporated in Delaware on May 9, 2017. Allied Esports Media, Inc. (“AEM”), a Delaware corporation, was formed in November 2018 to act as a holding company for Allied Esports International Inc. (“Allied Esports”) and Noble Link Global Limited (“Noble Link”). Allied Esports, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates the esports-related businesses of AESE. Noble Link (prior to the Merger) and its wholly owned subsidiaries Peerless Media Limited, Club Services, Inc. and WPT Enterprises, Inc. operate the poker-related business of AESE and are collectively referred to herein as “World Poker Tour” or “WPT”. On August 9, 2019, a subsidiary of AESE merged with AEM, with AEM being the surviving entity (the “Merger”).
The Company
Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. operates a premier public esports and entertainment company, consisting of the Allied Esports and World Poker Tour businesses. For the past 16 years of its 18-year history, WPT’s business model has successfully utilized the following three pillars in the sport of poker, which the Company believes can be utilized by Allied Esports:
| ● | in-person experiences; |
| ● | developing multiplatform content; and |
| ● | providing interactive services. |
The Company plans to continue operating the WPT business and to utilize its business model to execute on its growth strategy in the multibillion-dollar esports industry. Allied Esports will do this by collaborating with its strategic investors, including certain affiliates of Simon Property Group, Inc. (collectively, “Simon”), a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, BPR Cumulus, LLC (“Brookfield”) a world premier real estate company, and TV Azteca, a premier television network in Mexico, to deliver best-in-class live events, content and online products.
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Recent Developments
COVID-19 Pandemic. The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 respiratory illness has had an adverse effect on the Company. As a global entertainment company that hosts numerous live events with spectators and participants in destination cities, such outbreak has caused people to avoid traveling to and attending our events. Allied Esports and WPT businesses have cancelled or postponed live events, and until Allied Esports’ flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada reopened on June 25, 2020 these businesses were operating online only. The arena is currently running under a modified schedule for daily play and weekly tournaments, and the WPT business continues to operate primarily online. Production of certain content has been temporarily halted. At this time, we cannot determine the extent that such outbreak may have on our operations.
TV Azteca Amended Agreement. On July 20, 2020, we entered into an Amendment to TV Azteca Agreement (the “Azteca Amendment). The Azteca Amendment provides that, subject to the approval of the terms of the Azteca Amendment by the Company’s Board of Directors: (i) TV Azteca waives our obligations under the Term Sheet to pay TV Azteca $1,000,000 on each of March 1, 2021 and March 1, 2022 for various strategic initiatives, and to further invest in and develop an esports platform for the Mexican market; (ii) we shall waive the 24-month lock-up that prohibits TV Azteca from selling or transferring the 763,904 shares of Company common stock TV Azteca purchased pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement (the “Purchased Shares”); (iii) TV Azteca may sell the Purchased Shares in compliance with applicable securities laws, subject to selling at a reasonable market price and subject to a daily volume cap not to exceed 25% of the our total daily Nasdaq trading volume; and (iv) if TV Azteca sells all of the Purchased Shares within a three-month period following our Board of Directors approval of the Azteca Amendment, for gross proceeds of less than $1,600,000, then on March 1, 2021, we shall contribute additional capital to the parties’ strategic alliance pursuant to the Term Sheet in an amount equal to such shortage.
Simon Partnership. We previously entered into a Share Purchase Agreement and an Escrow Agreement (the “Purchase Agreements”) and related services agreements with Simon Equity Development, LLC and its affiliates (collectively, “Simon”), which set forth the terms of a strategic investment by Simon to develop an annual esports program in collaboration with the Company. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreements, $5,000,000 was previously held in an escrow account to be used for development of such activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed indefinitely the parties’ ability to plan and budget for the 2020 and 2021 esports programming and esports venues. On March 26, 2020, the remaining balance in the escrow account, $3,650,000, was transferred to Simon. The parties have agreed to extend the due date from March 8, 2020 to January 31, 2021 under the applicable agreements to continue to develop and budget for the annual esports program and esports venues in future years once the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.
Brookfield Partnership. On January 14, 2020, we issued 758,725 shares of its common stock to BPR Cumulus LLC, an affiliate of Brookfield Property Partners (“Brookfield”) in exchange for $5,000,000 (the “Purchase Price”) pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Price was placed into escrow and is to be used by us or our subsidiaries to develop integrated esports experience venues at mutually agreed upon shopping malls owned and/or operated by Brookfield or any of its affiliates, that will include a dedicated gaming space and production capabilities to attract and to activate esports and other emerging live events.
Litigation. On March 23, 2020, an employee of Allied Esports filed a claim in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging various employment misconduct against Allied Esports, the Company, and an officer of the Company in connection with a competition being hosted by Allied Esports. The claim alleged damages in excess of $3.1 million and suggested that the defendants could be subject to punitive damages. The parties agreed to a mediation and all claims asserted against us by the employee were settled on September 10, 2020 for an amount significantly less than the original claim. The matter is now closed.
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CARES Act. On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) which contains tax and spending provisions intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), a program designed to aid small- and medium-sized businesses through federally guaranteed loans distributed through banks. These loans are intended to guarantee eight weeks of payroll and other costs to provide support to participating businesses and increase the ability of these businesses to retain workers. During May 2020, we received aggregate cash proceeds of $1,592,429 pursuant to three loans provided in connection with the PPP (the “PPP Loans”). While the PPP Loans currently have a two-year maturity, the amended law permits each borrower to request a five-year maturity from its lender.
Under the terms of the CARES Act, as amended by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, we are eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness for all or a portion of PPP Loans. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of PPP Loans proceeds for certain permissible purposes as set forth in the PPP, including, but not limited to, payroll costs (as defined under the PPP) and mortgage interest, rent or utility costs (collectively, “Qualifying Expenses”), and the maintenance of employee and compensation levels during the twenty-four week period following the funding of the PPP Loan. We intend to use the proceeds of the PPP Loan for Qualifying Expenses. However, no assurance is provided that we will be able to obtain forgiveness of any PPP Loans in whole or in part.
Debt Conversion. On April 29, 2020, we entered into a Secured Convertible Note Modification and Conversion Agreement (the “Amendment 1”), with a holder of a $5,000,000 Bridge Note (the “Noteholder”), pursuant to which the Noteholder converted $2,000,000 of the principal amount of its Bridge Note into 1,250,000 shares of our common stock at a reduced conversion price of $1.60 per share. On May 22, 2020, we entered into a Secured Convertible Note Modification and Conversion Agreement No. 2 (“Amendment 2”) with the Noteholder pursuant to which the remaining principal amount of the Note ($3,000,000) was converted into 2,142,857 shares of our common stock at a reduced conversion price of $1.40 per share. Further, pursuant to Amendment 2, interest on the $5,000,000 principal owed to the Noteholder prior to conversion will continue to accrue through the original maturity date of the Bridge Note, as if the principal amount had not been converted. On June 8, 2020, we entered into Secured Convertible Note Modification Agreement No. 3 (“Amendment 3” and together with Amendment 1 and Amendment 2, the “Amendments”) with the Noteholder. Pursuant to Amendment 3, the total minimum accrued interest payable pursuant to Amendment 2 in the amount of $1,421,096 was converted into principal under the Noteholder’s Bridge Note (the “Amended Bridge Note”) The Amended Bridge Note matures on February 23, 2022. Interest on the Amended Bridge Note will accrue commencing on August 23, 2020 at 12% per annum (increasing to 15% per annum upon an event of default as defined). Principal and interest owed under the Amended Bridge Note is not convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock.
We recorded a conversion inducement charge of $5,247,531 as a result of the Amendments, consisting of $4,998,845 representing the value of common stock issued upon conversion in excess of the common stock issuable under the original terms of the $5,000,000 Bridge Note, and $248,686, representing the excess of minimum interest payable pursuant to Amendment 3 over the interest payable pursuant to the original terms of the $5,000,000 Bridge Note.
Extension of Bridge Notes. On June 8, 2020, the Company and the holders (the “Extending Bridge Noteholders”) of two Bridge Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 (together, the “Extended Bridge Notes”), each entered into a Secured Convertible Note Modification (Extension) Agreement with the Company (together, the “Bridge Note Extensions”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Extending Bridge Noteholders agreed to extend the maturity date of their respective Extended Bridge Note until February 23, 2022. Interest on the Extended Bridge Notes will continue to accrue at 12.0% per year and may be prepaid without penalty. The remaining provisions of the Extended Bridge Notes remain unchanged and in effect. One of the Extending Bridge Noteholders is Man Sha, the spouse of Frank Ng, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and a Director.
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On August 13, 2020 we paid an aggregate of $425,096 related to interest payable on the Extended Bridge Notes, such that the balance of principal and interest outstanding under the Extended Bridge Notes as of September 30, 2020 is $2,000,000 and $24,760, respectively.
Senior Secured Convertible Notes. On June 8, 2020, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) between the Company and certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), we issued two senior secured convertible notes (the “Senior Notes”) with an aggregate principal balance of $9,600,000 and immediately vested five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate 1,454,546 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.125 per share for net cash proceeds of $9,000,000. The Senior Notes bear interest at 8% per annum and mature on June 8, 2022, with an aggregate of $1,536,000 of interest guaranteed to be paid to the Investors. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and the Company agreed it would not take on additional debt from third parties without the Investors’ written approval, subject to certain exceptions for ordinary course trade debt. The Company also agreed to use 35% of the proceeds from future financings in excess of $3 million (or $5 million if approved by the Investors) to pay down the outstanding balance on the Senior Notes. The Company reserves its rights under the Purchase Agreement to consummate, subject to certain exceptions, a debtor or equity offering of up to $5 million in the future.
The Senior Notes and two years of interest are payable in equal monthly installments (the “Monthly Redemption Payment”), commencing on August 7, 2020. Each Monthly Redemption Payment may be paid at the Company’s option in cash, or in shares of common stock (the “Stock Settlement Option”) at a price equal to 87% of the lowest daily volume weighted average price in the 10 days prior to the scheduled payment date (the “Stock Settlement Price”), provided that (i) the Company gives thirty days written irrevocable notice (the “Monthly Redemption Notice”), (ii) all amounts due have been paid timely, (iii) there are sufficient number of authorized shares available to be issued, (iv) the Investors do not possess any material non-public information at the time the Company issues the common stock, and (v) the Company’s shares have met certain minimum volume and closing price thresholds. The Stock Settlement Price cannot be lower than $0.734 per share. Monthly Redemption Payments paid in cash require the payment of a 10% premium in addition to the monthly installment.
Each Investor may accelerate up to four Monthly Redemption Payments in any calendar month and may elect to have such accelerated Monthly Redemption Payments paid in shares of the Company’s common stock at the Stock Settlement Price of the contemporaneous or immediately prior Monthly Redemption Payment, instead of in cash.
The Senior Notes are convertible at each Investor’s option, in whole or in part, and from time to time, into shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Holder Conversion Option” and together, with the Stock Settlement Option, the “ECOs”) at $3.30 per share (subject to adjustment to convert at the same price as any subsequent issuances of Company common stock at a lower issuance price, subject to certain exceptions) (the “Holder Conversion Price”); provided, however, that the parties may not affect any such conversion that would result in an Investor (together with its affiliates) owning in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the conversion (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). Each Investor, upon notice to the Company, may elect to increase or decrease its Beneficial Ownership Limitation, provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation may not exceed 9.99%.
Between August 7 and November 2, 2020, we issued 6,282,839 shares of our common stock, as redemption payments on the Senior Notes, of which 4,532,080 shares were issued in connection with accelerated Monthly Redemption Payments.
Additional Common Stock Issuance. On May 15, 2020, the Company closed on a sale of 1,018,848 shares of common stock to the Company’s Chairman of the Board, in exchange for $2,000,000 of cash proceeds, pursuant to the Company’s March 9, 2020 exercise of a February 25, 2020 put option agreement.
On September 29, 2020, the Company received proceeds of $21,875 from the Chairman, representing the disgorgement of short swing profits realized from the sale of shares.
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Results of Operations
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared With the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
| For the | Percentage of Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | Increase | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
| in thousands, except for percentage of revenue data | 2020 | 2019 | (Decrease) | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In-person | $ | 697 | $ | 2,587 | $ | (1,890 | ) | 12 | % | 43 | % | |||||||||
| Multiplatform content | 1,264 | 1,032 | 232 | 21 | % | 17 | % | |||||||||||||
| Interactive | 3,927 | 2,423 | 1,504 | 67 | % | 40 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | 5,888 | 6,042 | (154 | ) | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||||||
| Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In-person (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 640 | 1,197 | (557 | ) | 11 | % | 20 | % | ||||||||||||
| Multiplatform content (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 928 | 787 | 141 | 16 | % | 13 | % | |||||||||||||
| Interactive (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 1,250 | 569 | 681 | 21 | % | 9 | % | |||||||||||||
| Online operating expenses | 330 | 173 | 157 | 6 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Selling and marketing expenses | 168 | 706 | (538 | ) | 3 | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 3,578 | 4,693 | (1,115 | ) | 61 | % | 78 | % | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 577 | 18 | 559 | 10 | % | 0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,738 | 1,716 | 22 | 30 | % | 28 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | 9,209 | 9,859 | (650 | ) | 156 | % | 163 | % | ||||||||||||
| Loss From Operations | (3,321 | ) | (3,817 | ) | 496 | (56 | %) | (63 | %) | |||||||||||
| Other (Expense) Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income | (3 | ) | 16 | 19 | (0 | %) | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption | (1,734 | ) | - | 1,734 | (29 | %) | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (1,490 | ) | (452 | ) | 1,038 | (25 | %) | (7 | %) | |||||||||||
| Total Other Expense | (3,227 | ) | (436 | ) | 2,791 | (55 | %) | (7 | %) | |||||||||||
| Net Loss | $ | (6,548 | ) | $ | (4,253 | ) | $ | 2,295 | (111 | %) | (70 | %) | ||||||||
Revenues
In-person revenues decreased by approximately $1.9 million, or 73%, to approximately $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in in-person revenues is primarily due to a decrease in revenue generated from in-person events, which consists of ticket, merchandising, food, and beverage revenue and sponsorship revenue, due to government mandated closures of our facilities, postponed events, and social distancing measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiplatform content revenues increased by approximately $0.3 million, or 22%, to approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Increase in multiplatform content revenues primarily related to an increase in distribution revenue from two major customers, partially offset by decreased music royalty revenues.
Interactive revenues increased by approximately $1.5 million, or 62%, to approximately $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in interactive revenues all relates to the WPT business and is primarily attributable to the increase in subscription revenue and increased online participation related to social gaming revenue due to the mandatory quarantine and stay-at-home measures imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Costs and expenses
In-person costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased by approximately $0.6 million, or 47%, to approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in in-person costs is primarily related to the decrease in in-person revenues due to the postponement or cancellation of events and the reduced capacity and temporary closure of Allied Esports’ flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiplatform content costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by approximately $0.1 million, or 18%, to approximately $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Certain film production costs are deferred when incurred and are amortized in the proportion of the current year revenues to management’s estimate of ultimate revenue to be recognized from the related production. Increases in estimated ultimate revenues result in a lower amortization rate, and less amortization of capitalized costs, while decreases in estimated ultimate revenues increase the amortization rate and result in higher amortization of capitalized costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, management reduced its estimate of ultimate revenues to be earned in connection with certain productions, which resulted in an increase in amortization of capitalized costs during the period.
Interactive costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by approximately $0.7 million, or 120%, to approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily in connection with increased interactive revenues during the period. Beginning in June 2020, the Company introduced a new poker subscription service, resulting in higher prize pools and revenue share costs. The Company expects that margins related to the new platform will improve as it gains recognition.
Online operating expenses increased by approximately $0.1 million, or 91%, to approximately $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily related to increased software maintenance expenses.
Selling and marketing expenses decreased by approximately $0.5 million, or 76%, to approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to the decrease in events held during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $1.1 million, or 23%, to approximately $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in general and administrative costs primarily results from decreases in accounting, legal, and consulting fees incurred in connection with the Merger during the three months ended September 30, 2019, decreases in travel, meals, and entertainment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and decreases in bonuses earned during the period.
Stock-based compensation increased by approximately $0.6 million to approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $18 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2019, which represents the amortization of stock options and restricted stock which were granted during September 2019 and during the third quarter of 2020.
Depreciation and amortization was approximately $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
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Other income (expense)
Other expense increased by approximately $2.8 million, or 640%, to approximately $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption of approximately $1.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, resulted from the from acceleration of monthly payments on the Senior Secured notes that were issued in June 2020. There was no extinguishment loss recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
Interest expense increased by approximately $1.0 million, or 230%, to approximately $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to the amortization of debt discount on the Senior Notes issued in June 2020. Debt discount on the Senior Notes initially aggregated to approximately $6.3 million and is being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes.
Results of Operations for the Nine months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared With the Nine months Ended September 30, 2019
| For the | Percentage of Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | Increase | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
| in thousands, except for percentage of revenue data | 2020 | 2019 | (Decrease) | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In-person | $ | 3,701 | $ | 8,554 | $ | (4,853 | ) | 22 | % | 44 | % | |||||||||
| Multiplatform content | 3,187 | 3,874 | (687 | ) | 19 | % | 20 | % | ||||||||||||
| Interactive | 9,628 | 7,187 | 2,441 | 58 | % | 37 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | 16,516 | 19,615 | (3,099 | ) | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||||||
| Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In-person (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 2,135 | 3,335 | (1,200 | ) | 13 | % | 17 | % | ||||||||||||
| Multiplatform content (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 1,954 | 2,908 | (954 | ) | 12 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||
| Interactive (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 2,983 | 1,976 | 1,007 | 18 | % | 10 | % | |||||||||||||
| Online operating expenses | 994 | 401 | 593 | 6 | % | 2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Selling and marketing expenses | 1,093 | 2,393 | (1,300 | ) | 7 | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 12,165 | 13,266 | (1,101 | ) | 74 | % | 68 | % | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 4,913 | 18 | 4,895 | 30 | % | 0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 5,330 | 5,134 | 196 | 32 | % | 26 | % | |||||||||||||
| Impairment of investment in ESA | 1,139 | 600 | 539 | 7 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | 32,706 | 30,031 | 2,675 | 198 | % | 153 | % | |||||||||||||
| Loss From Operations | (16,190 | ) | (10,416 | ) | (5,775 | ) | (98 | %) | (53 | %) | ||||||||||
| Other Income (Expense): | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income | 1 | 15 | 14 | 0 | % | 0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Conversion inducement expense | (5,247 | ) | - | 5,247 | 32 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption | (1,734 | ) | - | 1,734 | 10 | % | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (3,036 | ) | (518 | ) | 2,518 | 18 | % | (3 | %) | |||||||||||
| Total Other Expense | (10,016 | ) | (503 | ) | 9,513 | 61 | % | (3 | %) | |||||||||||
| Net Loss | $ | (26,206 | ) | $ | (10,919 | ) | $ | 15,287 | (159 | %) | (56 | %) | ||||||||
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Revenues
In-person revenues decreased by approximately $4.9 million, or 57% to approximately $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $8.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in in-person revenues is primarily due to a decrease in revenue generated from in-person events, which consists of ticket, merchandising, food, and beverage revenue and sponsorship revenue, due to government mandated closures of our facilities, postponed events, and social distancing measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiplatform content revenues decreased by approximately $0.7 million, or 18%, to approximately $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily related to decreased music royalty revenues. Music royalties are estimated each quarter and are subsequently trued up when actual royalties earned are reported to the Company. There was a $0.6 million decrease in music royalties recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as the result of true up charges recorded in each of the periods.
Interactive revenues increased by approximately $2.4 million, or 34%, to approximately $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in interactive revenues all relates to the WPT business and is primarily attributable to the increase in subscription revenue and increased online participation related to social gaming revenue due to the mandatory quarantine and stay-at-home measures imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Costs and expenses
In-person costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased by approximately $1.2 million, or 36%, to approximately $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in in-person costs is primarily related to the decrease in in-person revenues due to the postponement or cancellation of events and the temporary closure of, and reduced capacity at, Allied Esports’ flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiplatform content costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased by approximately $0.9 million, or 33%, to approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to a decrease in production costs related to television content, since production of content was temporarily stopped as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interactive costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by approximately $1.0 million, or 51%, to approximately $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily in connection with increased interactive revenues during the period.
Online operating expenses increased by approximately $0.6 million, or 148%, to approximately $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily related to increased software maintenance expenses.
Selling and marketing expenses decreased by approximately $1.3 million, or 54%, to approximately $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to the decrease in events held during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $1.1 million, or 8%, to approximately $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $13.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in general and administrative costs primarily results from decreases in accounting, legal, and consulting fees incurred in connection with the Merger during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, decreases in travel, meals, and entertainment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and decreases in bonuses earned during the period.
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Stock-based compensation increased by approximately $4.9 million to approximately $4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $18 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Of the $4.9 million of stock-based compensation recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, approximately $1.3 million related to the amortization of stock options and restricted stock, and approximately $3.7 million was recognized upon the return of cash held in escrow in connection with an escrow agreement with Simon. The $18 thousand of stock-based compensation recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 related to the amortization of stock options and restricted stock.
Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $0.2 million, or 4%, to approximately $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $5.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Impairment expense of approximately $1.1 million and $0.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to our investment in Esports Arena LLC (“ESA”).
Other income (expense)
Other expense increased by approximately $9.5 million to approximately $10.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption of approximately $1.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, resulted from the from acceleration of monthly payments on the Senior Notes during the period. There was no extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Conversion inducement expense of approximately $5.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, resulted from the reduction in the conversion price and the increase in interest payable to induce conversion of certain convertible debt converted during the period. There was no conversion inducement expense recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Interest expense was approximately $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to the amortization of debt discount on the Senior Notes issued in June 2020. Debt discount on the Senior Notes initially aggregated to approximately $6.3 million and is being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes our total current assets, current liabilities and working capital at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively:
| (in thousands) | September 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||
| Current Assets | $ | 13,487 | $ | 15,580 | ||||
| Current Liabilities | $ | 13,434 | $ | 24,627 | ||||
| Working Capital (Deficit) | $ | 53 | $ | (9,047 | ) | |||
The Company’s primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash on the balance sheet and funds raised through debt or equity financing.
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As of September 30, 2020, we had cash and working capital of approximately $5.8 million (excluding approximately $5.0 million of restricted cash) and $53 thousand, respectively. Current liabilities include Senior Notes in the gross principal amount of $5.7 million which is payable in 12 monthly installments through September 1, 2021, and for which certain payments can be accelerated at the option of the lender. As of September 30, 2020, the Company also has a Bridge Note outstanding in the amount of approximately $1.4 million and convertible debt in the aggregate amount of $2.0 million, which mature on February 23, 2022, and loans payable in the aggregate amount of $1.6 million outstanding under the Paycheck Protection Program as described below, which are due in monthly installments beginning in November and continuing through April 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred net losses of approximately $26.2 million and $10.9 million, respectively, and used cash in operations of approximately $6.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively. The aforementioned factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the issuance date of our condensed consolidated financial statements. During the period from October 1, 2020 and November 2, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate 3,120,869 shares of its common stock in satisfaction of $2.6 million and $0.4 million of principal and interest, owed on the Senior Notes, such that the principal owed on the Senior Notes as of November 2, 2020 is approximately $3.1 million.
The Company’s continuation is dependent upon attaining and maintaining profitable operations and the ability to generate positive cash flow from the various revenue sources it is pursuing. Until that time, we will need to raise additional capital to fund the operation at adequate levels to achieve our objectives. There can be no assurance that we will be able to close on sufficient financing to meet our needs. Prior to the Merger, in addition to our revenues, our operations relied heavily on investment from Ourgame by means of operational support and through the issuance of debt.
We continue to pursue sources of additional capital through various financing transactions or arrangements, including joint venturing of projects, debt financing or other means, including equity financing in the capital markets now available to us. However, pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with the Senior Note, the Company agreed it would not take on additional debt from third parties without the Investors’ written approval, subject to certain exceptions for ordinary course trade debt. The Company also agreed to use 35% of the proceeds from future financings in excess of $3.0 million (or $5.0 million if approved by the Investors) to pay down the outstanding balance on the Senior Notes. The Company reserves its rights under the Purchase Agreement to consummate, subject to certain exceptions, a debtor or equity offering of up to $5.0 million in the future.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic which continues to spread throughout the United States. As a global entertainment company that hosts numerous live events with spectators and participants in destination cities, such outbreak has caused people to avoid traveling to and attending our events. Allied Esports and WPT businesses have cancelled or postponed live events, and until Allied Esports’ flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada reopened on June 25, 2020 these businesses were operating online only. The arena is currently running under a modified schedule for daily play and weekly tournaments, and except for a recent WPT live event in Tokyo, the WPT business continues to operate primarily online. Production of new content has been temporarily halted. We are continuing to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 and the related business and travel restrictions and changes to behavior intended to reduce its spread, and the related impact on our operations, financial position and cash flows, as well as the impact on our employees. Due to the rapid development and fluidity of this situation, the magnitude and duration of the pandemic and its impact on our operations and liquidity is uncertain as of the date of this report. While there could ultimately be a material impact on our operations and liquidity, at the time of issuance, the impact cannot be determined.
Paycheck Protection Program Loans
During May 2020, we received aggregate cash proceeds of $1,592,429 pursuant to three loans (the “PPP Loans”) provided in connection with the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the CARES Act. The PPP Loans mature two years from date of issuance and bear interest at a rate of 0.98% per annum. Monthly amortized principal and interest payments are deferred for nine months after the date of disbursement. While the PPP Loans currently have a two-year maturity, the amended law permits the borrower to request a five-year maturity from its lenders.
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Under the terms of the CARES Act, as amended by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, we are eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness for all or a portion of PPP Loans. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of PPP Loans proceeds for certain permissible purposes as set forth in the PPP, including, but not limited to, payroll costs (as defined under the PPP) and mortgage interest, rent or utility costs (collectively, “Qualifying Expenses”), and on the maintenance of employee and compensation levels during the twenty-four week period following the funding of the PPP Loans. We intend to use the proceeds of the PPP Loans for Qualifying Expenses. However, no assurance is provided that we will be able to obtain forgiveness of any of the PPP Loans in whole or in part.
Cash Flows from Operating, Investing and Financing Activities
The table below summarizes cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by | ||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | (6,525 | ) | $ | (7,751 | ) | ||
| Investing activities | $ | (4,666 | ) | $ | 7,930 | |||
| Financing activities | $ | 9,847 | $ | 3,653 | ||||
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities primarily represents the results of operations exclusive of non-cash expenses (including depreciation, amortization, bad debt expense, deferred rent, conversion inducement expense, extinguishment loss, impairment expense, stock-based compensation, non-cash interest and amortization of debt discount) and the impact of changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $6.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively, representing a decrease of $1.3 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the net loss of approximately $26.2 million and $10.9 million, respectively, adjusted for approximately $20.4 million and $6.1 million, respectively, of net non-cash expenses, and approximately $0.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, of cash used to fund changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities.
Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities primarily relates to the purchase of property and equipment and other investment activity, partially offset by lease incentive reimbursements received.
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $4.7 million as compared to net cash provided by investing activities of approximately $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a difference of approximately $12.6 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we returned $3.7 million of cash held in escrow in connection with the Simon Agreement, invested $1.5 million with TV Azteca as part of our Strategic Investment Agreement, received $1.0 million in lease incentive reimbursements, and purchased $0.5 million of property and equipment and intangible assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we received $14.9 million of net cash acquired related to the Merger, partially offset by our $1.2 million investment in ESA, $3.5 million investment in TV Azteca, and purchase of $2.3 million of property and equipment and intangible assets.
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Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities primarily relates to proceeds received through equity and debt financings, partially offset by repayments of debt.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $9.8 million as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of approximately $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a difference of approximately $6.1 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we received approximately $9.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of convertible debt, $7.0 million of proceeds from the sale of our common stock, and approximately $1.6 million of proceeds received from loans payable, partially offset by approximately $7.0 million of convertible debt repayments and $0.8 million of issuance costs paid. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we received $4.0 million of proceeds from convertible debt, partially offset by approximately $0.3 million of repayments to our former Parent.
Capital Expenditures
We will require additional investment to facilitate our growth plans. As a result, we plan to pivot our business goals to focus on expanding and strengthening our strategic partnerships and developing other potential avenues of business, which we are in the process of finalizing. We will provide further updates in future filings as we update our business plans.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not engage in any off-balance sheet financing activities, nor does the Company have any interest in entities referred to as variable interest entities.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Refer to our amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 17, 2020, for a discussion of our critical accounting policies and use of estimates, as well as Note 3 of Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a summary of changes in significant accounting policies.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. This amendment will be effective for private companies and emerging growth companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10 “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” in July 2018 (“ASU 2018-10” and “ASU 2018-11”), and ASU No. 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842) - Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors” in December 2018 (“ASU 2018-20”). ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-20 provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows all entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to choose an additional (and optional) transition method of adoption, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
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In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The new guidance simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Under current guidance, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test requires entities to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The carrying value in excess of the implied fair value is recognized as goodwill impairment. Under the new standard, goodwill impairment is recognized based on Step 1 of the current guidance, which calculates the carrying value in excess of the reporting unit’s fair value. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). These amendments provide clarifications and corrections to certain ASC subtopics including the following: Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income – Overall (Topic 220-10), Debt - Modifications and Extinguishments (Topic 470-50), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity – Overall (Topic 480-10), Compensation - Stock Compensation - Income Taxes (Topic 718-740), Business Combinations - Income Taxes (Topic 805-740), Derivatives and Hedging – Overall (Topic 815-10), and Fair Value Measurement – Overall (Topic 820-10). The majority of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 will be effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). The amendments in ASU 2018-13 modify the disclosure requirements associated with fair value measurements based on the concepts in the Concepts Statement, including the consideration of costs and benefits. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In February 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842) – Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date (“ASU 2020-02”) which provides clarifying guidance and minor updates to ASU No. 2016-13 – Financial Instruments – Credit Loss (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”) and related to ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2020-02 amends the effective date of ASU 2016-13, such that ASU 2016-13 and its amendments will be effective for us for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 to have material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
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In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”), to clarify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this update reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock by removing the cash conversion model and the beneficial conversion feature model. Limiting the accounting models will result in fewer embedded conversion features being separately recognized from the host contract. Convertible instruments that continue to be subject to separation models are (1) those with embedded conversion features that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, that meet the definition of a derivative, and that do not qualify for a scope exception from derivative accounting and (2) convertible debt instruments issued with substantial premiums for which the premiums are recorded as paid-in-capital. In addition, this ASU improves disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and earnings-per-share guidance. The ASU also revises the derivative scope exception guidance to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions driven by remote contingent events. The amendments in this update are effective for us in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption will be permitted, but no earlier than for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such terms are defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2020. Based on this evaluation our management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2020 to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports was recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis.
Despite not conducting a formal assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting, management identified the following material weaknesses as of December 31, 2019, which persist as of September 30, 2020:
| ● | inadequate internal controls, including inadequate segregation of duties, over the preparation and review of the consolidated financial statements and untimely annual closings of the books; |
| ● | inadequate controls and procedures as they relate to completeness of information reported by certain third parties that process transactions related to specific revenue streams; and |
| ● | inadequate information technology general controls as it relates to user access and change management. |
A material weakness is a control deficiency or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a company with limited accounting resources, a significant amount of management’s time and attention has been and will be diverted from our business to ensure compliance with these regulatory requirements.
Management has taken significant steps to enhance our internal control over financial reporting and plans to take additional steps to remediate the material weaknesses, including:
| ● | hiring new accounting personnel; |
| ● | transitioning oversight of financial reporting to a principal financial officer; and |
| ● | engaging a national accounting advisory firm to assist with the documentation, evaluation, remediation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO. |
Our management will establish procedures to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and are committed to taking further action and implementing necessary enhancements or improvements. Management expects to complete its assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting and has a plan in place to complete the remediation of the foregoing deficiencies during 2020. 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.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting which occurred during our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On March 23, 2020, an employee of Allied Esports filed a claim in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging various employment misconduct against Allied Esports, the Company and an officer of Allied Esports in connection with a competition being hosted by Allied Esports. The claim alleged damages in excess of $3.1 million and suggested that the defendants could be subject to punitive damages. The parties agreed to a mediation and all claims asserted against us by the employee for were settled on September 10, 2020 for an amount significantly less than the original claim. The matter is now closed.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide information required by this Item. However, our current risk factors are set forth in our amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 17, 2020.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
On November 4, 2020, the Company filed with the Delaware Secretary of State an amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the total number of authorized shares of its common stock from 75,000,000 shares to 100,000,000 shares. A copy of the Amendment is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
| Exhibit | Description | |
| 3.1 | Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. | |
| 31.1* | Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer | |
| 31.2* | Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer | |
| 32.1* | Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer | |
| 32.2* | Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer | |
| 99.1* | Press Release | |
| 101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document | |
| 101.SCH* | XBRL Schema Document | |
| 101.CAL* | XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document | |
| 101.DEF* | XBRL Definition Linkbase Document | |
| 101.LAB* | XBRL Labels Linkbase Document | |
| 101.PRE* | XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document |
| * | Filed herewith |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. | ||
| Dated: November 9, 2020 | By: | /s/ Frank Ng |
Frank Ng, Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Dated: November 9, 2020 | By: | /s/ Anthony Hung |
Anthony Hung, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) | ||
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