United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2018

OR

For the Transition Period From                      to                     .

Commission file number 1-10593

 

ICONIX BRAND GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

(212) 730-0030

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

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

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

 

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

 

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $.001 Par Value- 66,109,592 shares as of May 7, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

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Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except par value)

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except earnings per share data)

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

(in thousands)

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

 

 

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Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2018

(dollars in thousands (unless otherwise noted) except per share data)

 

 

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management of Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), all adjustments (consisting primarily of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (“Current Quarter”) are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year.  The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

During the Current Quarter, the Company adopted seven new accounting pronouncements.  Refer to Note 20 for further details.

Certain reclassifications, which were immaterial, have been made to conform prior year data to the current presentation.    

Assessment of Going Concern

These consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis that contemplates the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business.  Due to certain developments during the year ended December 31, 2017, including the decision by Target Corporation not to renew the existing Mossimo license agreement following its expiration in October 2018 and by Walmart, Inc. not to renew the existing Danskin Now license agreement following its expiration in January 2019, and the Company’s revised projected future earnings, the Company had initially forecasted that it would unlikely be in compliance with certain of its financial debt covenants in 2018 and beyond and that it may otherwise face possible liquidity challenges in 2018 and beyond. As a result, the Company amended its Senior Secured Term Loan to provide relief under certain covenants and implemented a cost savings plan to improve liquidity.

Following the completion of an exchange (the “Exchange”) whereby the Company exchanged an aggregate principal amount of approximately $125 million of our 1.50% convertible senior subordinated notes due March 2018 (the “1.50% Convertible Notes”) with the same aggregate principal value of our new 5.75% convertible senior subordinated notes due August 2023 (the “5.75% Convertible Notes”), the Company received proceeds of the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan of $110 million, and used these proceeds, as well as cash on hand, to extinguish the remaining 1.50% Convertible Notes outstanding as of their maturity date, March 15, 2018. See Note 9 for further information on these financings.

While conditions and events do exist that may raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months, management believes that (i) as a result of the aforementioned amendments to the Senior Secured Term Loan, (ii) the Exchange, (iii) the extinguishment of the 1.50% Convertible Notes at maturity, as well as (iv) implemented and planned cost savings, that its plans alleviate this substantial doubt, and therefore the management believes that it will continue as a going concern for the next twelve months.

For additional information, please refer to Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

2. Discontinued Operations

On May 9, 2017, the Company signed definitive agreements to sell its Entertainment segment for $349.1 million in cash, which included a customary working capital adjustment.  The sale was completed on June 30, 2017.  As a result of the sale, the Company has classified the results of its Entertainment segment as discontinued operations in its condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (“Prior Year Quarter”).

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The following table presents the details of the Entertainment segment for the Prior Year Quarter which were shown as income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations:

 

 

The cash proceeds from the sale of the Company’s Entertainment segment were utilized by the Company to make mandatory principal prepayments on both its Senior Secured Notes and 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan (as well as a corresponding prepayment premium).  As a result, and in accordance with ASC 205-20-45-6, for the Prior Year Quarter, the Company allocated interest expense of $6.1 million (which includes $0.6 million of amortization of the original issue discount on the 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan) from continuing operations to discontinued operations.  Additionally, for the Prior Year Quarter, the Company allocated the prepayment premium of $15.7 million related to the 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan from continuing operations to discontinued operations on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations.  Refer to Note 9 for further details.

The following table presents cash flow of the Entertainment segment during the Prior Year Quarter:

 

 

3. Revenue Recognition

Adoption of ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC Topic 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”), using the modified retrospective method applied to those license agreements which were not completed as of January 1, 2018.  Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under Topic 605.  Under Topic 605, the Company recognized minimum royalty revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of each contract year, as defined, in each license agreement and royalties exceeding the defined minimum amounts were recognized as income during the period corresponding to the licensee’s sales.  Under Topic 606, the Company is recognizing the minimum royalty revenue on a straight-line basis over the entire contract term and royalties exceeding the defined minimum amounts are recognized only in the subsequent periods to when the minimum guarantee for the contract year has been achieved and when the later of the following events occur: (i) the subsequent sale occurs, or (ii) the performance obligation to which some or all of the sales-based royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied), as is discussed below.  

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We recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings and the corresponding amount to non-controlling interest of $16.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively, net of tax, as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606, with the impact primarily related to our revenues associated with license agreements which have escalating guaranteed minimum royalties in the contract years of the license agreement term.  The impact to revenues for the Current Quarter was a decrease of $1.9 million as a result of applying Topic 606.  

Revenue Recognition

Licensing Revenue

The Company licenses its brands across a broad range of product categories, including fashion apparel, footwear, accessories, sportswear, home furnishings and décor, and beauty and fragrance.  The Company seeks licensees with the ability to produce and sell quality products in their licensed categories and to meet and exceed minimum sales and royalty payment thresholds.

The Company maintains direct-to-retail and traditional wholesale licenses.  Typically, in a direct-to-retail license, the Company grants exclusive rights to one of its brands to a national retailer for a broad range of product categories.  Direct-to-retail licenses provide retailers with proprietary rights to national brands at favorable economics.  In a traditional wholesale license, the Company grants the right to a specific brand to a single or small group of related product categories to a wholesale supplier, who is permitted to sell licensed products to multiple retailers within an approved distribution channel.

The Company’s license agreements typically require the licensee to pay the Company royalties based upon net sales with guaranteed minimum royalties in the event that net sales do not reach certain specified targets.  The Company’s licenses also typically require the licensees to pay to the Company certain minimum amounts for the advertising and marketing of the respective licensed brands.  

Licensing revenue is comprised of revenue related to the Company’s entry into various trade name license agreements that provide revenues based on minimum royalties and advertising/marketing fees and additional revenues based on a percentage of defined sales.  Minimum royalty amounts are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the full contract term.  Minimum royalties that escalate on an annual basis over the contract term are recognized on a straight-line basis over the full contract term.  Royalties exceeding the defined minimum amounts in a specific contract year (sales-based royalties), as defined in each license agreement, are recognized only in the subsequent periods to when the minimum guarantee for the contract year has been achieved and when the later of the following events occur: (i) the subsequent sale occurs, or (ii) the performance obligation to which some or all of the sales-based royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied).  

Within the Company's International segment, the Umbro business purchases replica soccer jerseys for resale to certain licensees. The Company generally does this as an accommodation to its licensees to consolidate ordering from the manufacturers. The revenue associated with such activity is included in licensing revenue and was approximately $2.0 million in the Current Quarter as compared to none in the Prior Year Quarter. The associated cost of goods sold is included in selling general and administrative expenses and was approximately $1.9 million in the Current Quarter as compared to none in the Prior Year Quarter.  Revenue for these sales are recognized upon the transfer of control of the promised product to the customer or licensee in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for these products.

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by license type:

 

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The following table represents our revenues disaggregated by geography:

 

Remaining Performance Obligation

We enter into long-term license agreements with our licensees across all operating segments.  Revenues are recognized on a straight line basis consistent with the nature, timing and extent of our services, which primarily relate to the ongoing brand management and maintenance of the intellectual property.  As of April 1, 2018, the Company and its joint ventures had a contractual right to receive over $470 million of aggregate minimum licensing revenue through the balance of all of their current licenses, excluding any renewals.

As of March 31, 2018, future minimum license revenue to be recognized is as follows: $101.0 million, $104.9 million, $76.0 million, $42.2 million, $35.8 million and $111.2 million for the remainder of FY 2018, FY 2019, FY 2020, FY 2021, FY 2022 and thereafter, respectively.

Contract Balances

Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to licensees.  We record a receivable when amounts are contractually due or when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing.  Deferred revenue is recorded when amounts are contractually due prior to satisfying the performance obligations of the contracts.  For multi-year license agreements, as the performance obligation is providing the licensee with the right of access to the Company’s intellectual property for the contractual term, the Company uses a time lapse measure of progress and straight lines the guaranteed minimum royalties over the contract term.

Contract Asset

We record contract assets when revenue is recognized in advance of cash payment being due from our licensees.  Contract assets due within one year of the most recent balance sheet date are recorded within Other assets – current and long term contract assets are recorded within Other assets on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.  As of March 31, 2018, our contract assets – current and long term contract assets were $6.4 million and $13.7 million, respectively, which has been included within other assets – current and other assets, respectively, in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Deferred Revenue

We record deferred revenue when cash payment is received or due in advance of our performance, including amounts which are refundable.  Advanced royalty payments are recognized ratably over the period indicated by the terms of the license and are reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in deferred revenue at the time the payment is received.  The increase in deferred revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is primarily driven by cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by $2.2 million of revenues recognized that were included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period.

4. Goodwill and Trademarks and Other Intangibles, net

Goodwill

There were no changes in goodwill during the Current Quarter or Prior Year Quarter.  The annual evaluation of the Company’s goodwill, by segment, is typically performed as of October 1, the beginning of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter.  There was no impairment of the Company’s goodwill during the Current Quarter or the Prior Year Quarter.  

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Trademarks and Other Intangibles, net

Trademarks and other intangibles, net, consist of the following:

 

 

The trademarks of Candie’s, Bongo, Joe Boxer, Rampage, Mudd, London Fog, Mossimo, Ocean Pacific, Danskin, Rocawear, Cannon, Royal Velvet, Fieldcrest, Charisma, Starter, Waverly, Ecko, Zoo York, Ed Hardy, Umbro, Modern Amusement, Buffalo, Lee Cooper, Hydraulic and Pony have been determined to have an indefinite useful life.  Each of these intangible assets are tested for impairment annually and as needed on an individual basis bifurcated into separate single units of accounting representing domestic and international assets, with any related impairment charge recorded to the income statement at the time of determining such impairment. The annual evaluation of the Company’s indefinite-lived trademarks is typically performed as of October 1, the beginning of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter.

 

In accordance with ASC 350, there was no impairment of the indefinite-lived trademarks during the Current Quarter or Prior Year Quarter.  Further, in accordance with ASC 360, there were no impairment charges to the Company’s definite-lived trademarks during the Current Quarter or the Prior Year Quarter.

 

During the Current Quarter, the Company completed the sale of the Badgley Mischka and Sharper Image intellectual property and related assets in the Iconix Southeast Asia, Iconix MENA and Iconix Europe joint ventures.  Refer to Note 6 for further details.

Other amortizable intangibles primarily include non-compete agreements and contracts, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 1 to 15 years. Certain trademarks are amortized using estimated useful lives of 10 to 15 years with no residual values.

Amortization expense for intangible assets for the Current Quarter was approximately $0.1 million as compared to amortization expense for intangible assets of $0.2 million for the Prior Year Quarter.  

 

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5. Joint Ventures and Investments

Joint Ventures

As of March 31, 2018, the following joint ventures are consolidated with the Company:

 

 

As part of the formation of certain joint ventures, the Company entered into arrangements whereby the joint venture partner paid for its investment in the joint venture entity through payment of a portion of the purchase price in cash at closing and the remainder due over a pre-determined period of time.

As of March 31, 2018, the following amounts due from such joint venture partners remain recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:

 

 

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Investments

Equity Method Investments

 

 

 

Additionally, through its ownership of Iconix China Holdings Limited, the Company has equity interests in the following private companies which are accounted for as equity method investments:

 

 

Other Equity Investments

 

 

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6. Gains on Sale of Trademarks, Net

The following table details transactions comprising gains on sale of trademarks, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations:

 

 

 

7. Fair Value Measurements

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ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements” (“ASC 820”), establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurement. While ASC 820 does not require any new fair value measurements in its application to other accounting pronouncements, it does emphasize that a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, ASC 820 established the following fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs):

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets

Level 2: Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market-corroborated inputs

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which requires the owner of the assets or liabilities to develop its own assumptions about how market participants would price these assets or liabilities

The valuation techniques that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

(A) Market approach - Uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities

(B) Income approach - Uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on current market expectations about those future amounts, including present value techniques, option-pricing models and excess earnings method

(C) Cost approach - Based on the amount that would currently be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost)

To determine the fair value of certain financial instruments, the Company relies on Level 2 inputs generated by market transactions of similar instruments where available, and Level 3 inputs using an income approach when Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are not available. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of financial assets and financial liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.

Hedge Instruments

From time to time, the Company may purchase hedge instruments to mitigate income statement risk and cash flow risk of revenue and receivables. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had no hedge instruments.

Financial Instruments

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair values of cash, receivables and accounts payable approximated their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of notes receivable and notes payable from and to our joint venture partners approximate their carrying values. The fair value of our other equity investments is not readily determinable and it is not practical to obtain the information needed to determine the value. However, there has been no indication of an impairment of these other equity investments as of March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. The estimated fair values of other financial instruments subject to fair value disclosures, determined based on Level One inputs including broker quotes or quoted market prices or rates for the same or similar instruments and the related carrying amounts are as follows:

 

 

Additionally, the fair value of the available-for-sale securities acquired as part of the 2015 purchase of our joint venture partners’ interest in Iconix China was approximately $1.0 million as of March 31, 2018.  Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, changes in fair value of this other equity investment will be prospectively recorded in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations in future periods.

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Financial instruments expose the Company to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance and to market risk for changes in interest. The Company manages exposure to counterparty credit risk through specific minimum credit standards, diversification of counterparties and procedures to monitor the amount of credit exposure. The Company’s financial instrument counterparties are investment or commercial banks with significant experience with such instruments as well as certain of our joint venture partners – see Note 5.

Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities

The Company accounts for non-recurring adjustments to the fair values of its non-financial assets and liabilities under ASC 820 using a market participant approach. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model with Level 3 inputs to measure the fair value of its non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company also adopted the provisions of ASC 820 as it relates to purchase accounting for its acquisitions. The Company has goodwill, which is tested for impairment at least annually, as required by ASC 350- “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”). Further, in accordance with ASC 350, the Company’s indefinite-lived trademarks are tested for impairment at least annually, on an individual basis as separate single units of accounting. Similarly, consistent with ASC 360- “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”), as it relates to accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, the Company assesses whether or not there is impairment of the Company’s definite-lived trademarks.  There was no impairment, and therefore no write-down, of any of the Company’s long-lived assets during the Current Quarter or the Prior Year Quarter.

 

 

8. Fair Value Option

During the Current Quarter, the Company elected to account for its 5.75% Convertible Notes under the fair value option.  The fair value carrying amount and the contractual principal outstanding balance of the 5.75% Convertible Notes accounted for under the fair value option as of March 31, 2018 is $109.5 million and $116.2 million, respectively.  The change of $24.4 million in the fair value of the 5.75% Convertible Notes accounted for under the fair value option are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the Current Quarter within Other Income.  

The primary reason for electing the fair value option is for simplification and cost-benefit considerations of accounting for the 5.75% Convertible Notes (the hybrid financial instrument) at fair value in its entirety versus bifurcation of the embedded derivatives.  The 5.75% Convertible Notes contain bifurcatable embedded derivatives and do not require settlement by physical delivery of non-financial assets.  

The significant inputs to the valuation of the 5.75% Convertible Notes at fair value are Level 1 inputs as they are based on the quoted prices of the notes in the active market.

9. Debt Arrangements

The Company’s debt obligations consist of the following:

 

 

 

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Senior Secured Notes and Variable Funding Note

Senior Secured Notes

On November 29, 2012, Icon Brand Holdings, Icon DE Intermediate Holdings LLC, Icon DE Holdings LLC and Icon NY Holdings LLC, each a limited-purpose, bankruptcy remote, wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company, (collectively, the “Co-Issuers”) issued $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2012 Senior Secured Notes in an offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act.

Simultaneously with the issuance of the 2012 Senior Secured Notes, the Co-Issuers also entered into a revolving financing facility of Variable Funding Notes, which allows for the funding of up to $100 million of Variable Funding Notes and certain other credit instruments, including letters of credit. The Variable Funding Notes were issued under the Indenture and allow for drawings on a revolving basis. Drawings and certain additional terms related to the Variable Funding Notes are governed by the Variable Funding Note Purchase Agreement, among the Co-Issuers, Iconix, as manager, certain conduit investors, financial institutions and funding agents, and Barclays Bank PLC, as provider of letters of credit, as swing line lender and as administrative agent. The Variable Funding Notes will be governed, in part, by the Variable Funding Note Purchase Agreement and by certain generally applicable terms contained in the Indenture. Interest on the Variable Funding Notes will be payable at per annum rates equal to the CP Rate, Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate, as defined in the Variable Funding Note Purchase Agreement.

On June 21, 2013, the Co-Issuers issued $275.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2013 Senior Secured Notes in an offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act.

The Senior Secured Notes and the Variable Funding Notes are referred to collectively as the “Securitization Notes.” The Securitization Notes were issued in securitization transactions pursuant to which the Securitized Assets, were transferred to and are currently held by the Co-Issuers. The Securitized Assets do not include revenue generating assets of (x) the Iconix subsidiaries that own the Badgley Mischka trademarks, the Ecko Unltd trademarks, the Mark Ecko trademarks, the Umbro trademarks, and the Lee Cooper trademarks, (y) the Iconix subsidiaries that own Iconix’s other brands outside of the United States and Canada or (z) the joint ventures in which Iconix and certain of its subsidiaries have investments and which own the Artful Dodger trademarks, the Modern Amusement trademarks and the Buffalo trademarks, the Pony trademarks, the Hydraulic trademarks and a 50% interest in the Ice Cream trademarks, and the Billionaire Boys Club trademarks.

The Securitization Notes were issued under the Securitization Notes Indenture among the Co-Issuers and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee and securities intermediary. The Securitization Notes Indenture allows the Co-Issuers to issue additional series of notes in the future subject to certain conditions.

In February 2015, the Company received $100.0 million proceeds from the Variable Funding Notes. There is a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Variable Funding Notes facility of 0.5% per annum. It was anticipated that any outstanding principal of and interest on the Variable Funding Notes would be repaid in full on or prior to January 2018 prior to the amendment entered into on August 18, 2017 as described below. Following the anticipated repayment date in January 2020, additional interest will accrue on the Variable Funding Notes equal to 5% per annum. The Variable Funding Notes and other credit instruments issued under the Variable Funding Note Purchase Agreement are secured by the collateral described below.

On August 18, 2017, the Company entered into an amendment to the Securitization Notes Supplemental Indenture to, among other things, (i) extend the anticipated repayment date for the Variable Funding Notes from January 2018 to January 2020, (ii) decrease the L/C Commitment and the Swingline Commitment (as such terms are defined in the amendment) available under the Variable Funding Notes to $0 as of the closing date, (iii) replace Barclays Bank PLC with Guggenheim Securities Credit Partners, LLC, as provider of letters of credit, as swingline lender and as administrative agent under the purchase agreement and (iv) provide that, upon the disposition of intellectual property assets by the Co-Issuers as permitted by the Securitization Notes Base Indenture, (x) the holders of the Variable Funding Notes will receive a mandatory prepayment, pro rata based on the amount of Variable Funding Notes held by such holder, and (y) the maximum commitment will be permanently reduced by the amount of the mandatory prepayment.

While the Securitization Notes are outstanding, payments of interest are required to be made on the Senior Secured Notes on a quarterly basis. To the extent funds are available, principal payments in the amount of $10.5 million and $4.8 million are required to be made on the 2012 Senior Secured Notes and 2013 Senior Secured Notes, respectively, on a quarterly basis.

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The legal final maturity date of the Senior Secured Notes is in January of 2043, but it is anticipated that, unless earlier prepaid to the extent permitted under the Securitization Notes Indenture, the Senior Secured Notes will be repaid in January of 2020. If the Co-Issuers have not repaid or refinanced the Senior Secured Notes prior to the anticipated repayment date, additional interest will accrue on the Senior Secured Notes at a rate equal to the greater of (A) 5% per annum and (B) a per annum interest rate equal to the excess, if any, by which the sum of (i) the yield to maturity (adjusted to a quarterly bond-equivalent basis), on the anticipated repayment date of the United States treasury security having a term closest to 10 years plus (ii) 5% plus (iii) with respect to the 2012 Senior Secured Notes, 3.4%, or with respect to the 2013 Senior Secured Notes, 3.14%, exceeds the original interest rate. The Senior Secured Notes rank pari passu with the Variable Funding Notes.

Pursuant to the Securitization Notes Indenture, the Securitization Notes are the joint and several obligations of the Co-Issuers only. The Securitization Notes are secured under the Indenture by a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Co-Issuers (the “Collateral”), which includes, among other things, (i) intellectual property assets, including the U.S. and Canadian registered and applied for trademarks for the following brands and other related IP assets: Candie’s, Bongo, Joe Boxer (excluding Canadian trademarks, none of which are owned by Iconix), Rampage, Mudd, London Fog (other than the trademark for outerwear products sold in the United States), Mossimo, Ocean Pacific and OP, Danskin and Danskin Now, Rocawear, Starter, Waverly, Fieldcrest, Royal Velvet, Cannon, Charisma, and Sharper Image (other than for a “Sharper Image” branded website or catalog in the United States and other specified jurisdictions); (ii) the rights (including the rights to receive payments) and obligations under all license agreements for use of those trademarks; (iii) the following equity interests in the following joint ventures: an 85% interest in Hardy Way LLC which owns the Ed Hardy brand, a 50% interest in MG Icon LLC which owns the Material Girl and Truth or Dare brands, and a 100% interest in ZY Holdings LLC which owns the Zoo York brand; and (iv) certain cash accounts established under the Securitization Notes Indenture.

If the Company contributes an Additional IP Holder to Icon Brand Holdings LLC or Icon DE Intermediate Holdings LLC, that Additional IP Holder will enter into a guarantee and collateral agreement in a form provided for in the Securitization Notes Base Indenture pursuant to which such Additional IP Holder will guarantee the obligations of the Co-Issuers in respect of any Securitization Notes issued under the Securitization Notes Indenture and the other related documents and pledge substantially all of its assets to secure those guarantee obligations pursuant to a guarantee and collateral agreement.

Neither the Company nor any subsidiary of the Company, other than the Securitization Entities, will guarantee or in any way be liable for the obligations of the Co-Issuers under the Securitization Notes Indenture or the Securitization Notes.

The Securitization Notes are subject to a series of covenants and restrictions customary for transactions of this type, including (i) that the Co-Issuers maintain specified reserve accounts to be used to make required payments in respect of the Securitization Notes, (ii) provisions relating to optional and mandatory prepayments, including mandatory prepayments in the event of a change of control (as defined in the Securitization Notes Supplemental Indentures) and the related payment of specified amounts, including specified make-whole payments in the case of the Senior Secured Notes under certain circumstances, (iii) certain indemnification payments in the event, among other things, the transfers of the assets pledged as collateral for the Securitization Notes are in stated ways defective or ineffective and (iv) covenants relating to recordkeeping, access to information and similar matters. As of March 31, 2018, the Company is in compliance with all covenants under the Securitization Notes.

The Securitization Notes are also subject to customary rapid amortization events provided for in the Securitization Notes Indenture, including events tied to (i) the failure to maintain a stated debt service coverage ratio, which tests the amount of net cash flow generated by the assets of the Co-Issuers against the amount of debt service obligations of the Co-Issuers (including any commitment fees and letter of credit fees with respect to the Variable Funding Notes, due and payable accrued interest, and due and payable scheduled principal payments on the Senior Secured Notes), (ii) certain manager termination events, (iii) the occurrence of an event of default and (iv) the failure to repay or refinance the Securitization Notes on the anticipated repayment date. If a rapid amortization event were to occur, Icon DE Intermediate Holdings LLC and Icon Brand Holdings LLC would be restricted from declaring or paying distributions on any of its limited liability company interests.

The Company used approximately $150.4 million of the proceeds received from the issuance of the 2012 Senior Secured Notes to repay amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facility (see below) and approximately $20.9 million to pay the costs associated with the 2012 Senior Secured Notes financing transaction. In addition, approximately $218.3 million of the proceeds from the 2012 Senior Secured Notes were used for the Company’s purchase of the Umbro brand. The Company used approximately $7.2 million of the proceeds received from the issuance of the 2013 Senior Secured Notes to pay the costs associated with the 2013 Senior Secured Notes securitized financing transaction.

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In June 2014, the Company sold the “sharperimage.com” domain name and the exclusive right to use the Sharper Image trademark in connection with the operation of a branded website and catalog distribution in specified jurisdictions, in which the Senior Secured Notes had a security interest pursuant to the Indenture. As a result of this permitted disposition, the Company paid an additional $1.6 million in principal in July 2014.

In January 2017, in connection with the sale of the Sharper Image intellectual property and related assets, the Company made a mandatory principal prepayment on its Senior Secured Notes of $36.7 million.  The Company wrote off a pro-rata portion of the Senior Secured Notes’ deferred financing costs of $0.5 million.  As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.5 million which has been recorded on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.  Additionally, the quarterly principal payments on the 2012 Senior Secured notes and 2013 Senior Secured Notes were reduced to $9.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

In July 2017, in connection with the sale of the businesses underlying the Entertainment segment, the Company made a mandatory principal prepayment on its Senior Secured Notes of $152.2 million.  The Company wrote off a pro-rata portion of the Senior Secured Notes’ deferred financing costs of $2.0 million as well as paid a prepayment penalty of $0.3 million.  As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.3 million which has been allocated to discontinued operations on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations in FY 2017.  Additionally, the quarterly principal payments on the 2012 Senior Secured Notes and 2013 Senior Secured Notes were reduced to $7.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the total outstanding principal balance of the Securitization Notes was $497.5 million and $508.2 million, respectively, of which $42.7 million is included in the current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet for both periods. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $42.9 million and $29.9 million, respectively, is included in restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet and represents short-term restricted cash consisting of collections on behalf of the Securitized Assets, restricted to the payment of principal, interest and other fees on a quarterly basis under the Senior Secured Notes.

For the Current Quarter and the Prior Year Quarter, cash interest expense relating to the Senior Secured Notes was approximately $5.6 million and $8.1 million, respectively.

1.50% Convertible Notes

On March 18, 2013, the Company completed the issuance of $400.0 million principal amount of the Company’s 1.50% Convertible Notes in a private offering to certain institutional investors which was exempt from registration under the Securities Act. The net proceeds received by the Company from the offering, excluding the net cost of hedges and sale of warrants (described below) and including transaction fees, were approximately $390.6 million.

 

During FY 2016, the Company repurchased $104.9 million par value of the 1.50% Convertible Notes with a combination of $36.7 million in cash (including interest and trading fees) and the issuance of approximately 7.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock.  The Company accounted for this transaction in accordance with ASC 470-20 resulting in the recognition of a $9.6 million gain which is included in gain on extinguishment of debt, net in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for FY 2016, and a reacquisition of approximately $1.2 million of the embedded conversion option recorded within additional paid in capital on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  

During FY 2017, the Company repurchased $58.9 million par value of the 1.50% Convertible Notes for $59.3 million in cash (including interest and trading fees).  The Company accounted for this transaction in accordance with ASC 470-20 resulting in the recognition of a $1.5 million loss which was included in loss on extinguishment of debt in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations during FY 2017.  

On February 22, 2018, the Company exchanged $125 million of aggregate principal amount of 1.50% Convertible Notes for $125 million of aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Convertible Notes, and on March 15, 2018 (the maturity date), the Company repaid the remaining outstanding principal balance of $111.2 million of the 1.50% Convertible Notes, with the proceeds of the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan of $110 million plus cash on hand, effectively extinguishing the 1.50% Convertible Notes by its terms.  The exchange of the 1.50% Convertible Notes for the 5.75% Convertible Notes was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470 and resulted in the Company recording a gain on extinguishment of debt of $4.5 million, which is recorded in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the Current Quarter.  

The 1.50% Convertible Notes bore interest at an annual rate of 1.50%, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2013. However, the Company recognized an effective interest rate of 6.50% on the carrying amount of the 1.50% Convertible Notes. The effective rate was based on the rate for a similar instrument that does not

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have a conversion feature. The 1.50% Convertible Notes were convertible into cash and, if applicable, shares of the Company’s common stock based on a conversion rate of 32.4052 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to customary adjustments, per $1,000 principal amount of the 1.50% Convertible Notes (which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $30.86 per share) only under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter beginning after December 15, 2017 (and only during such fiscal quarter), if the closing price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on and including the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter was more than 130% of the conversion price per share, which was $1,000 divided by the then applicable conversion rate; (2) during the five consecutive business day period immediately following any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the 1.50% Convertible Notes for each day of that period was less than 98% of the product of (a) the closing price of the Company’s common stock for each day in that period and (b) the conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of the 1.50% Convertible Notes; (3) if specified distributions to holders of the Company’s common stock were made, as set forth in the 1.50% Notes Indenture; (4) if a “change of control” or other “fundamental change,” each as defined in the 1.50% Notes Indenture, occurred; and (5) during the 90 day period prior to maturity of the 1.50% Convertible Notes. If the holders of the 1.50% Convertible Notes exercised the conversion provisions under the circumstances set forth, the Company would have needed to remit the lower of the principal balance of the 1.50% Convertible Notes or their conversion value to the holders in cash. As such, the Company would have been required to classify the entire amount outstanding of the 1.50% Convertible Notes as a current liability in the following quarter. The evaluation of the classification of amounts outstanding associated with the 1.50% Convertible Notes occurred every quarter.

Upon conversion, a holder would receive an amount in cash equal to the lesser of (a) the principal amount of the 1.50% Convertible Note or (b) the conversion value, determined in the manner set forth in the 1.50% Notes Indenture. If the conversion value exceeded the principal amount of the 1.50% Convertible Notes on the conversion date, the Company would also have been required to deliver, at its election, cash or the Company’s common stock or a combination of cash and the Company’s common stock for the conversion value in excess of the principal amount. In the event of a change of control or other fundamental change, the holders of the 1.50% Convertible Notes could require the Company to purchase all or a portion of their 1.50% Convertible Notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 1.50% Convertible Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  Holders of the 1.50% Convertible Notes who converted their 1.50% Convertible Notes in connection with a fundamental change may have been entitled to a make-whole premium in the form of an increase in the conversion rate.

Pursuant to guidance issued under ASC 815- “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”), the 1.50% Convertible Notes are accounted for as convertible debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the embedded conversion option in the 1.50% Convertible Notes has not been accounted for as a separate derivative. For a discussion of the effects of the 1.50% Convertible Notes and the 1.50% Convertible Notes Hedges and Sold Warrants defined and discussed below on earnings per share, see Note 11.

For the Current Quarter and Prior Year Quarter, the Company recorded additional non-cash interest expense of approximately $2.4 million and $3.2 million, respectively, representing the difference between the stated interest rate on the 1.50% Convertible Notes and the rate for a similar instrument that does not have a conversion feature.

For the Current Quarter and Prior Year Quarter, the Company recorded cash interest expense relating to the 1.50% Convertible Notes of approximately $0.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

2016 Senior Secured Term Loan

On March 7, 2016, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), among IBG Borrower LLC, the Company’s wholly-owned direct subsidiary, as borrower (“IBG Borrower”), the Company and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of IBG Borrower, as guarantors (the “Guarantors”), Cortland Capital Market Services LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent (“Cortland”) and the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “Lenders”), including CF ICX LLC and Fortress Credit Co LLC (“Fortress”) which was a privately negotiated transaction.  Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders are providing to IBG Borrower a 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan (the “2016 Senior Secured Term Loan”), scheduled to mature on March 7, 2021, in an aggregate principal amount of $300 million and bearing interest at LIBOR (with a floor of 1.50%) plus an applicable margin of 10% per annum.

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The net cash proceeds of the 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan, which were approximately $264.2 million (after deducting financing, investment banking and legal fees), were, pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, deposited by the Lenders into an escrow account on April 4, 2016.  IBG Borrower deposited into the escrow account certain additional funds, so that the total amount of cash on deposit in the escrow account was sufficient to pay all outstanding obligations, plus accrued interest, under the Company’s 2.50% Convertible Notes due June 2016.  In accordance with the terms of the 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan, the funds in the escrow account were used to repay the 2.50% Convertible Notes (see above discussion on repayment of the 2.50% Convertible Notes) on or before their maturity, with any remaining funds going toward general corporate purposes permitted under the terms of the Credit Agreement.

In December 2016, as a result of the sale of the Sharper Image intellectual property and related assets and in accordance with the Credit Agreement, the Company was required to make a mandatory principal prepayment of $28.7 million and a corresponding prepayment premium of $4.3 million.  The Company wrote off a pro-rata portion of the 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan’s original issue discount and deferred financing costs of $2.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively.  As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $7.4 million which has been recorded on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.  

In January 2017, the Company made a voluntary prepayment and an additional mandatory prepayment of $23.0 million and $23.5 million, respectively, as well as a corresponding prepayment premium of $3.4 million and $3.4 million, respectively.  As the Company was contractually obligated to pay the prepayment premium prior to December 31, 2016, the Company recorded the aggregate $6.8 million of prepayment premium in accrued expenses on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016, with a corresponding amount recorded in loss on extinguishment of debt on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for FY 2016.  For each of the voluntary prepayment of $23.0 million and the mandatory prepayment of $23.5 million, the Company wrote off a pro-rata portion of the 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan’s original issue discount and deferred financing costs of $1.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, which resulted in an aggregate loss on extinguishment of debt of $5.0 million recorded in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations in FY 2017.

On June 30, 2017, in connection with the sale of the Entertainment segment, the Company made a mandatory prepayment of $140.0 million with a corresponding prepayment premium of $15.2 million of the 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan, of which the prepayment premium was allocated to discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.  As part of this mandatory prepayment, the Company wrote-off a pro-rata portion of the original issue discount and deferred financing costs of $9.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively, which was also allocated to discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations in FY 2017.  Additionally, on June 30, 2017, the Company made a voluntary prepayment of $66.0 million with a corresponding prepayment premium of $7.2 million of which the prepayment premium was recorded in loss on extinguishment of debt within continuing operations on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations in FY 2017.  Accordingly, the Company wrote off the remaining portion of the original issue discount and deferred financing costs of $4.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively, which was recorded in loss on extinguishment of debt in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations in FY 2017.  As a result of these prepayments, the Company’s outstanding principal balance of the 2016 Senior Secured Term Loan was zero as of June 30, 2017 and the facility has since been terminated.

Given the principal balance of the loan was reduced to zero as of June 30, 2017, the Company recorded no cash interest during the Current Quarter as compared to $6.3 million in the Prior Year Quarter.  

Senior Secured Term Loan

On August 2, 2017, the Company entered into the Senior Secured Term Loan, among IBG Borrower, the Company’s wholly-owned direct subsidiary, as borrower, the Company and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of IBG Borrower, as Guarantors, Cortland, as administrative agent and collateral agent and the lenders party thereto from time to time, including Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch which was a privately negotiated transaction.  Pursuant to the Senior Secured Term Loan, the lenders provided to IBG Borrower the Senior Secured Term Loan, scheduled to mature on August 2, 2022 in an aggregate principal amount of $300 million and bearing interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 7% per annum.

Pursuant to the terms of the Senior Secured Term Loan, the net proceeds of the Senior Secured Term Loan were to be used to repay the Company’s 1.50% Convertible Notes on or before their maturity (with any remaining funds going toward general corporate purposes).

On the Closing Date the net cash proceeds of the Senior Secured Term Loan were deposited into an escrow account. Effective as of the Closing Date, the funds in the escrow account were subject to release to IBG Borrower from time to time, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent upon each withdrawal, to finance repurchases of, or at the maturity date thereof to

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repay in full, the 1.50% Convertible Notes. The Company had the ability to make these repurchases in the open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and other factors.

Borrowings under the Senior Secured Term Loan were to amortize quarterly at 0.5% of principal, commencing on September 30, 2017. IBG Borrower was obligated to make mandatory prepayments annually from excess cash flow and periodically from net proceeds of certain asset dispositions and from net proceeds of certain indebtedness, if incurred (in each case, subject to certain exceptions and limitations provided for in the Senior Secured Term Loan).

IBG Borrower’s obligations under the Senior Secured Term Loan are guaranteed jointly and severally by the Company and the other Guarantors pursuant to a separate facility guaranty. IBG Borrower’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under the Senior Secured Term Loan are secured by first priority liens on and security interests in substantially all assets of IBG Borrower, the Company and the other Guarantors and a pledge of substantially all equity interests of the Company’s subsidiaries (subject to certain limits including with respect to foreign subsidiaries) owned by the Company, IBG Borrower or any other Guarantor. However, the security interests will not cover certain intellectual property and licenses owned, directly or indirectly by the Company’s subsidiary Iconix Luxembourg Holdings SÀRL or those subject to the Company’s securitization facility. In addition, the pledges exclude certain equity interests of Marcy Media Holdings, LLC, and the subsidiaries of Iconix China Holdings Limited and any interest in the proceeds related to the Company’s previously announced sale of its equity interest in Complex Media, Inc.

In connection with the Senior Secured Term Loan, IBG Borrower, the Company and the other Guarantors made customary representations and warranties and have agreed to adhere to certain customary affirmative covenants. Additionally, the Senior Secured Term Loan mandates that IBG Borrower, the Company and the other Guarantors enter into account control agreements on certain deposit accounts, maintain and allow appraisals of their intellectual property, perform under the terms of certain licenses and other agreements scheduled in the Senior Secured Term Loan and report significant changes to or terminations of licenses generating guaranteed minimum royalties of more than $0.5 million.  Prior to the First Amendment (as discussed below), IBG Borrower was required to satisfy a minimum asset coverage ratio of 1.25:1.00 and maintain a leverage ratio of no greater than 4.50:1.00.

Amendments to Senior Secured Term Loan

First Amendment

On October 27, 2017, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the Senior Secured Term Loan pursuant to which, among other things, the remaining escrow balance of approximately $231 million (after taking into account approximately $59.2 million that was used to buy back 1.50% Convertible Notes in open market purchases in the third quarter of 2017) was returned to the lenders.

The First Amendment also provided for, among other things, (a) a reduction in the existing $300 million term loan, (b) a new senior secured delayed draw term loan facility in the aggregate amount of up to $165.7 million, consisting of (i) a $25 million First Delayed Draw Term Loan to be drawn on or prior to March 15, 2018, which was drawn on October 27, 2017 and (ii) a $140.7 million Second Delayed Draw Term Loan to be drawn on March 14, 2018 for the purpose of repaying the 1.50% Convertible Notes; (c) an increase of the Total Leverage Ratio permitted under the Senior Secured Term Loan from 4.50:1.00 to 5.75:1.00; (d) a reduction in the debt service coverage ratio multiplier in the Company’s asset coverage ratio under the Senior Secured Term Loan; (e) an increase in the existing amortization rate from 2 percent per annum to 10 percent per annum commencing July 2019; and (f) amendments to the mandatory prepayment provisions to (i) permit the Company not to prepay borrowings under the Senior Secured Term Loan from the first $100 million of net proceeds resulting from Permitted Capital Raising Transactions (as defined in the Senior Secured Term Loan) effected prior to March 15, 2018, and (ii) eliminate the requirement that the Company pay a Prepayment Premium (as defined in the Senior Secured Term Loan) on any payments or prepayments made prior to December 31, 2018. Indebtedness issued under the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility was issued with original issue discount.

Conditions to the availability of the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan included (i) the Company raising additional funds through various sources (and/or achieving a reduction in the outstanding principal amount of the 2018 Notes) in an aggregate amount of at least $100 million which will be utilized to repay the 2018 Notes and provide at least $25 million of additional cash to enhance liquidity and be used for general corporate purposes, (ii) the Company being in financial covenant compliance, on a pro forma basis as of the time of the requested borrowing and on a projected basis for the succeeding 12 months, and (iii) there not existing a default or event of default as of the time of the borrowing.

Second Amendment

Given that the Company was unable to timely file its quarterly financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 with the SEC by November 14, 2017 and became in default under the terms of the Senior Secured Term Loan, as amended by the First

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Amendment, on November 24, 2017, the Company entered into the Second Amendment to the Senior Secured Term Loan.  Pursuant to the Second Amendment, among other things, the lenders under the Senior Secured Term Loan agreed, subject to the Company’s compliance with the requirements set forth in the Second Amendment, to waive until December 22, 2017, the potential defaults and events of default arising under the Senior Secured Term Loan (a) from the failure to furnish to the Administrative Agent for the Senior Secured Term Loan (i) the financial statements, reports and other documents as required under Section 6.01(b) of the Senior Secured Term Loan with respect to the fiscal quarter of the Company ended September 30, 2017 and (ii) the related deliverables required under Sections 6.02(b), 6.02(c) and 6.02(e) of the Senior Secured Term Loan or (b) relating to certain other affirmative covenants that may have been abrogated by such failure to make such timely deliveries.

In connection with the Second Amendment, Deutsche Bank was granted additional pricing flex in the form of price protection upon syndication of the Senior Secured Term Loan (“Flex”) and ticking fees on the unfunded portion of the loan. The Second Amendment allows, among other things, for cash payments on account of the Flex and ticking fees to be paid from the proceeds of the First Delayed Draw Term Loan, which was previously fully funded in accordance with the terms of the Senior Secured Term Loan. After giving effect to the additional Flex provided in the Second Amendment, the Company estimates that it could be responsible for payments on account of Flex in an aggregate total amount of up to $12.0 million.  As of March 31, 2018, the Company has paid a total of approximately $5.0 million in Flex which is being amortized over the remaining life of the debt facility utilizing the effective interest rate method with the amortization expense being recorded in interest expense on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

The Senior Secured Term Loan, as amended, contains customary negative covenants and events of default. The Senior Secured Term Loan limits the ability of IBG Borrower, the Company and the other Guarantors, with respect to themselves, their subsidiaries and certain joint ventures, from, among other things, incurring and prepaying certain indebtedness, granting liens on certain assets, consummating certain types of acquisitions, making fundamental changes (including mergers and consolidations), engaging in substantially different lines of business than those in which they are currently engaged, making restricted payments and amending or terminating certain licenses scheduled in the Senior Secured Term Loan. Such restrictions, failure to comply with which may result in an event of default under the terms of the Senior Secured Term Loan, are subject to certain customary and specifically negotiated exceptions, as set forth in the Senior Secured Term Loan.

If an event of default occurs, in addition to the Interest Rate increasing by an additional 3% per annum, Cortland shall, at the request of lenders holding more than 50% of the then-outstanding principal of the Senior Secured Term Loan, declare payable all unpaid principal and accrued interest and take action to enforce payment in favor of the lenders. An event of default includes, among other events: a change of control by which a person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 35% of the voting stock of the Company or IBG Borrower; the failure to extend of the Series 2012-1 Class A-1 Senior Notes Renewal Date (as defined in the Senior Secured Term Loan); the failure of any of Icon Brand Holdings LLC, Icon NY Holdings LLC, Icon DE Intermediate Holdings LLC, Icon DE Holdings LLC and their respective subsidiaries (the “Securitization Entities”) to perform certain covenants; and the entry into amendments to the securitization facility that would be materially adverse to the lenders or Cortland without consent. Subject to the terms of the Senior Secured Term Loan, both voluntary and certain mandatory prepayments will trigger a premium of 5% of the aggregate principal amount during the first year of the loan and a premium of 3% of the aggregate principal amount during the second year of the loan, with no premiums payable in subsequent periods.

As a result of the First Amendment, on October 27, 2017, the Company repaid $231.0 million which represented $240.7 million of outstanding principal balance.  As this transaction was accounted for as a debt modification in accordance ASC 470-50-40, and based on the Company’s accounting policy for debt modifications, the Company wrote-off a pro-rata portion of the original issue discount and deferred financing costs of $9.3 million and $5.4 million, respectively, which were both recorded to interest expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for FY 2017.  As a result of this transaction, the Company’s outstanding principal balance of the Senior Secured Term Loan was reduced to $57.8 million at that time and the Company recorded a gain on modification of debt of $8.8 million (which is net of $0.8 million of additional deferred financing costs associated with the First Amendment) which has been recorded in interest expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for FY 2017.  

On November 2, 2017, the Company drew down the full amount of $25.0 million on the First Delayed Draw Term Loan of which the Company received $24.0 million in cash as this amount was net of the $1.0 million of original issue discount.  

As a result of the Second Amendment, the Company incurred $0.2 million of additional deferred financing costs.  In accordance with ASC 470-50-40, the Company accounted for this amendment as a debt modification and has recorded the additional deferred financing costs against the gain on modification of debt on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for FY 2017.

On December 7, 2017, the Company paid approximately $5.0 million of Flex of which the Company has recorded this amount against the outstanding principal balance of Senior Secured Term Loan on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and is being amortized over the remaining term of loan.

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Third Amendment

 

On February 12, 2018, the Company, through IBG Borrower, entered into the Third Amendment to the Senior Secured Term Loan. The Third Amendment provides for, among other things, amendments to certain restrictive covenants and other terms set forth in the Senior Secured Term Loan, as amended, to permit (i) IBG Borrower to enter into the 5.75% Notes Indenture (as described above) and a related intercreditor agreement that was executed and (ii) the Note Exchange. In connection with the Third Amendment, Deutsche Bank was granted additional pricing flex in the form of price protection upon syndication of the loan (“Third Amendment Flex”). After giving effect to the additional Third Amendment Flex, the Company estimates that it could be responsible for payments on account of the Third Amendment Flex in an aggregate total amount of up to $6.1 million.

Fourth Amendment

The Company, through IBG Borrower, entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Senior Secured Term Loan as of March 12, 2018. The Fourth Amendment provides, among other things, that the funding date for the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan is March 14, 2018 instead of March 15, 2018.  Accordingly, the conditions to the availability of the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan (described above) were satisfied as of March 14, 2018 due, in part, to the transactions contemplated by the Note Exchange, and the Company was able to draw on the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan. On March 14, 2018, the Company drew down $110 million under the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan and used those proceeds, along with cash on hand, to make a payment to the trustee under the indenture governing the 1.50% Convertible Notes to repay the remaining 1.50% Convertible Notes at maturity on March 15, 2018.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the outstanding principal balance of the Senior Secured Term Loan is $170.5 million (which is net of $21.8 million of original issue discount) and $74.8 million (which is net of $8.0 million of original issue discount) of which $3.9 million and $1.7 million is recorded in current portion of long term debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, respectively.

The Company recorded cash interest expense of approximately $2.2 million relating to the Senior Secured Term Loan during the Current Quarter as compared to none for the Prior Year Quarter.  

The Company recorded an expense for the amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing fees of approximately $0.5 million relating to the Senior Secured Term Loan, included in interest expense on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations, during the Current Quarter as compared to none for the Prior Year Quarter.

5.75% Convertible Notes

On February 12, 2018, the Company entered into the Exchange Agreements which was an offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act.  On February 22, 2018, the Company consummated the Note Exchange, pursuant to which the Company exchanged approximately $125 million aggregate principal amount of 1.50% Convertible Notes for 5.75% Convertible Notes issued by the Company in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $125 million.

Consummation of the Note Exchange satisfied one of the principal conditions to the availability of the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan under the Senior Secured Term Loan that the Company achieve a reduction in the outstanding principal amount of the 1.50% Convertible Notes of at least $100.0 million.  In addition, the Company satisfied the remaining conditions to the availability of the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan, which included (i) the Company being in financial covenant compliance, on a pro forma basis as of the time of the requested borrowing and on a projected basis for the succeeding 12 months based on projections reasonably acceptable to the lenders, and (ii) there not existing a default or event of default under the Senior Secured Term Loan as of the time of the borrowing.  On March 14, 2018, the Company drew down $110 million under the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan and used those proceeds, along with cash on hand, to make a payment to the trustee under the indenture governing the 1.50% Convertible Notes in an amount to repay the remaining 1.50% Convertible Notes at maturity on March 15, 2018.

Interest on the 5.75% Convertible Notes may be paid in cash, shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination of both, at the Company’s election. If the Company elects to pay all or a portion of an interest payment in shares of common stock, the number of shares of common stock payable will be equal to the applicable interest payment divided by the average of the 10 individual volume-weighted average prices for the 10-trading day period ending on and including the trading day immediately preceding the relevant interest payment date.

The 5.75% Convertible Notes are (i) secured by a second lien on the same assets that secure the obligations of IBG Borrower under the Senior Secured Term Loan and (ii) guaranteed by IBG Borrower and same guarantors as those under the Senior Secured Term Loan, other than the Company.

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Subject to certain conditions and limitations, the Company may cause all or part of the 5.75% Convertible Notes to be automatically converted.

Holders converting their 5.75% Convertible Notes (including in connection with a mandatory conversion) shall also be entitled to receive a payment from the Company equal to the Conversion Make-Whole Payment if such conversion occurs after a regular record date and on or before the next succeeding interest payment date, through and including the maturity date (determined as if such conversion did not occur).

If the Company elects to pay all or a portion of a Conversion Make-Whole Payment in shares of common stock, the number of shares of common stock payable will be equal to the applicable Conversion Make-Whole Payment divided by the average of the 10 individual volume-weighted average prices for the 10-trading day period immediately preceding the applicable conversion date.

Subject to certain limitations pursuant to the Senior Secured Term Loan, from and after the one-year anniversary of the closing of the Note Exchange, the Company may redeem for cash all or part of the 5.75% Convertible Notes at any time by providing at least 30 days’ prior written notice to holders of the 5.75% Convertible Notes.

If the Company undergoes a fundamental change (which would occur if the Company experiences a change of control or is delisted from NASDAQ) prior to maturity, each holder will have the right, at its option, to require the Company to repurchase for cash all or a portion of such holder’s 5.75% Convertible Notes at a fundamental change purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.75% Convertible Notes to be repurchased, together with interest accrued and unpaid to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date.

The Company will be subject to certain restrictive covenants pursuant to the 5.75% Convertible Note Indenture, including limitations on (i) liens, (ii) indebtedness, (iii) asset sales, (iv) restricted payments and investments, (v) prepayments of indebtedness and (vi) transactions with affiliates.

On various dates subsequent to the Exchange on February 22, 2018 and through March 16, 2018, certain noteholders converted an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $8.8 million of their 5.75% Convertible Notes in to approximately 4.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock.  Pursuant to the note agreement, the Company was required to make a conversion make-whole payment which was also settled in the issuance of approximately 1.9 million shares of the Company’s common stock.  As a result of this transaction, the conversion of the outstanding principal balance of $8.8 million of its 5.75% Convertible Notes represented a reduction of $9.6 million in the fair value of the 5.75% Convertible Notes and $0.8 million was recorded for the difference in the fair value of the debt and the fair value of the common stock issued has been recorded within Other Income in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the Current Quarter.

The Company has elected to account for the 5.75% Convertible Notes based on the Fair Value Option accounting as outlined in ASC 825.  Refer to Note 8 for further details.  As of March 31, 2018, while the debt balance recorded at fair value on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet is $109.5 million, the actual outstanding principal balance of the 5.75% Convertible Notes is $116.2 million.

The Company recorded cash interest expense of approximately $0.7 million relating to the 5.75% Convertible Notes during the Current Quarter as compared to none for the Prior Year Quarter.  

 

Debt Maturities

As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s debt maturities on a calendar year basis are as follows:

 

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10. Stockholders’ Equity

2009 Equity Incentive Plan

On August 13, 2009, the Company’s stockholders approved the Company’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (“2009 Plan”). The 2009 Plan authorizes the granting of common stock options or other stock-based awards covering up to 3.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock. All employees, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company, including those of the Company’s subsidiaries, are eligible to be granted non-qualified stock options and other stock-based awards (as defined) under the 2009 Plan, and employees are also eligible to be granted incentive stock options (as defined) under the 2009 Plan. No new awards may be granted under the Plan after August 13, 2019.

On August 15, 2012, the Company’s stockholders approved the Company’s Amended and Restated 2009 Plan (“Amended and Restated 2009 Plan”), which, among other items and matters, increased the shares available under the 2009 Plan by an additional 4.0 million shares to a total of 7.0 million shares issuable under the Amended and Restated 2009 Plan, and extended the 2009 Plan termination date through August 15, 2022.

2015 Executive Incentive Plan

On December 4, 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved the Company’s 2015 Executive Incentive Plan (“2015 Plan”).  Under the 2015 Plan, the Company’s officers and other key employees designated by the Compensation Committee are eligible to receive awards of cash, common stock or stock units issuable under the Amended and Restated 2009 Plan, or any other combination thereof.  Awards under the 2015 Plan are based on the achievement of certain pre-determined, non-discretionary performance goals established by the Compensation Committee and are further subject, among other things, the 2015 Plan participant’s continuous employment with the Company until the applicable payment date.

 

2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan

On November 4, 2016, the Company’s stockholders approved the Company’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2016 Plan”).  The 2016 Plan replaced and superseded the Amended and Restated 2009 Plan.  Under the 2016 Plan, all employees, directors, officers, consultants and advisors of the Company, including those of the Company’s subsidiaries, are eligible to be granted common stock, options or other stock-based awards.  At inception, there were 2.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock available for issuance under the 2016 Plan.  The 2016 Plan was amended at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to increase the number of shares available under the plan by 1.9 million shares.  

Shares Reserved for Issuance

As of March 31, 2018, there were no common shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan or under any of the Company’s prior plans.  On May 7, 2018, the Company filed a Form S-8 to register the 1.9 million shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan that were approved at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

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Stock Options and Warrants

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

There was no compensation expense related to stock option grants or warrant grants during the Current Quarter or Prior Year Quarter as all prior awards have been fully expensed.  Additionally, no stock options or warrants were granted during the Current Quarter or Prior Year Quarter.

Summaries of the Company’s stock options, warrants and performance related options activity, and related information for the Current Quarter are as follows:

 

 

 

The weighted average contractual term (in years) of options outstanding and exercisable and warrants outstanding and exercisable as of March 31, 2018 was 1.26 and 0.51, respectively.

All warrants issued in connection with acquisitions are recorded at fair market value using the Black Scholes model and are recorded as part of purchase accounting. Certain warrants are exercised using the cashless method.

Restricted stock

Compensation cost for restricted stock is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company’s stock at the date the common stock is issued over the amount the employee must pay to acquire the stock (which is generally zero). The compensation cost, net of projected forfeitures, is recognized over the period between the issue date and the date any restrictions lapse, with compensation cost for grants with a graded vesting schedule recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. The restrictions do not affect voting and dividend rights.

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The following table summarize information about unvested restricted stock transactions:

 

 

The Company has awarded time-based restricted shares of common stock to certain employees. The awards have restriction periods tied to employment and vest over a maximum period of approximately 3 years. The cost of the time-based restricted stock awards, which is the fair market value on the date of grant net of estimated forfeitures, is expensed ratably over the vesting period.

The Company has awarded performance-based restricted shares of common stock to certain employees.  The awards have restriction periods tied to certain performance measures.  The cost of the performance-based restricted stock awards, which is the fair market value on the date of grant net of estimated forfeitures, is expensed when the likelihood of those shares being earned is deemed probable.

Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants for the Current Quarter and Prior Year Quarter was approximately $1.0 million (including approximately $0.2 million related to retention stock discussed below and expense related to performance based awards (long-term incentive compensation discussed below) of approximately $0.3 million) and $1.7 million (including approximately $0.4 million related to retention stock discussed below and expense related to performance based awards (long-term incentive compensation discussed below)  of approximately $0.1 million), respectively.  An additional amount of $7.9 million of expense (including $0.9 million related to retention stock discussed below and expense related to performance based awards (long-term incentive compensation discussed below) of approximately $4.6 million) of compensation expense is expected to be expensed evenly over a period of approximately two years.  For both the Current Quarter and Prior Year Quarter, the Company repurchased shares valued at less than $0.1 million and approximately $0.9 million, respectively, of its common stock in connection with net share settlement of restricted stock grants and option exercises.  

 

Retention Stock

 

On January 7, 2016, the Company awarded to certain employees a retention stock grant of approximately 1.3 million shares in the aggregate with a then current value of approximately $7.5 million.  The awards cliff vest in three years based on the Company’s total shareholder return measured against a peer group, as described in the Company’s Form 10-K/A filed on April 29, 2016.  The measurement period began on the grant date and the beginning measurement amount was calculated based on the 20 day average closing stock price leading up to the grant date.  The measurement period ends on December 31, 2018 and the ending measurement amount is based on the 20 day average closing stock price leading up to December 31, 2018.  The award will vest on a scaled pay out based on the Company’s total shareholder return versus the peer group.  

In accordance with ASC 718, the Company valued these shares utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation as the awards are based on market conditions.  

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The grant date fair value of the awards issued on January 7, 2016 was $4.25 and was based on the following range of assumptions for the Company and the peer group:

 

 

Mr. Haugh, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, was issued an Employment Inducement Award pursuant to his employment agreement.  The terms of the Employment Inducement Award are similar to the retention stock awards provided to all other employees as described above.  The grant date fair value of Mr. Haugh’s award issued on February 23, 2016 was $5.75 and was based on the following range of assumptions for the Company and the peer group:

 

 

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

On March 31, 2016, the Company approved a new plan for long-term incentive compensation (the “2016 LTIP”) for key employees and granted equity awards under the 2016 LTIP in the aggregate amount of 707,028 shares at a weighted average share price of $7.31 with a then current value of approximately $5.2 million. For each grantee other than Mr. Haugh, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, 33% of the award was in the form of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and 67% of the award was in the form of target level performance stock units (“PSUs”).  Mr. Haugh’s award under the 2016 LTIP consisted of 25% RSUs and 75% PSUs. The RSUs for each grantee vest in three equal installments annually over a three-year period. Other than for Mr. Haugh, the PSUs cliff vest over three years based on the achievement of an aggregate adjusted operating income performance target established by the Compensation Committee.  One-third of Mr. Haugh’s PSUs shall be converted to time-based awards on December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, based on the achievement of aggregate adjusted operating income performance targets established by the Compensation Committee, and such time-based awards shall vest and be settled on December 31, 2018.  For both the Current Quarter and Prior Year Quarter, less than 0.1 million shares were forfeited in respect of the 2016 LTIP.  The weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) of the PSUs is one year.

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On March 7, 2017, the Company approved a new plan for long-term incentive compensation (the “2017 LTIP”) for certain employees and granted equity awards under the 2017 LTIP in the aggregate amount of 871,011 shares at a weighted average share price of $7.52 with a then current value of $6.6 million.  For each grantee, 33% of the award was in the form of RSUs and 67% of the award was in the form of target level PSUs.  The material terms of the PSUs and RSUs are substantially similar to those set forth in the 2016 LTIP.  Specifically, the RSUs vest one third annually on each of March 30, 2018, March 30, 2019 and March 30, 2020.  The PSUs vest based on performance metrics approved by the Compensation Committee, which, for the performance period commencing January 1, 2017 and ending on December 31, 2019, are based on the Company’s achievement of an aggregate adjusted operating income performance target as set forth in the applicable award agreements, and continued employment through December 31, 2019.  For the Current Quarter, less than 0.1 million shares as compared to none for the Prior Year Quarter were forfeited in respect of the 2017 LTIP.  The weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) of the PSUs is two years.

On March 15, 2018, the Company approved a new plan for long-term incentive compensation (the “2018 LTIP”) for certain employees which consisted of (i) equity awards in the aggregate amount of 2,241,828 shares at a weighted average share price of $1.38 with a then current value of $3.1 million and (ii) cash awards in the aggregate amount of approximately $3.1 million.  For each grantee, 50% of the award was in the form of PSUs and 50% of such award was in the form of cash (the “Cash Grant”).  The Cash Grants comprising the 2018 LTIP vest in 48 equal semi-monthly installments on the 15^th and last days of each month, beginning March 31, 2018 and ending March 15, 2020, subject in each case to continued employment through the applicable vesting date.  Each installment is paid within 15 days of the applicable vesting date.  Upon the end of an employee’s employment with the Company, any remaining unpaid portion of the Cash Grant is forfeited.  The PSUs vest based on performance metrics approved by the Compensation Committee over three separate performance periods, commencing on January 1 of each of 2018, 2019 and 2020 and ending on December 31 of each of 2018, 2019 and 2020, which, for each such performance period, are based on the Company’s achievement of an aggregated adjusted operating income performance target to be set by the Compensation Committee prior to March 30 of each applicable performance period, and continued employment through the settlement date.  For the Current Quarter, there were no shares forfeited in respect of the 2018 LTIP.  The weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) of the PSUs is three years.

 

 

11. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the effect of restricted stock-based awards, common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants and shares underlying convertible notes potentially issuable upon conversion. The difference between basic and diluted weighted-average common shares results from the assumption that all dilutive stock options outstanding were exercised and all convertible notes have been converted into common stock.

For the Current Quarter, of the total potentially dilutive shares related to restricted stock-based awards, stock options and warrants, all or approximately 0.6 million shares were anti-dilutive, as compared to less than 0.1 million shares that were anti-dilutive for the Prior Year Quarter.  

For the Current Quarter, all of the shares (approximately 0.8 million) of the performance related restricted stock-based awards issued to the Company’s named executive officers were anti-dilutive as compared to less than 0.1 million of the performance related restricted stock-based awards issued to the Company’s named executive officers were anti-dilutive in the Prior Year Quarter.  

For the Prior Year Quarter, warrants issued in connection with the Company’s 1.50% Convertible Notes financing were anti-dilutive and therefore were not included in this calculation. Note there were no warrants associated with the Company’s 1.50% Convertible Notes for the Current Quarter as the outstanding principal balance was repaid on March 15, 2018 (the maturity date).

A reconciliation of weighted average shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share follows:

 

 

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In accordance with ASC 480, the Company considers its redeemable non-controlling interest in its computation of earnings per share.  For the Current Quarter and Prior Year Quarter, adjustments to the Company’s redeemable non-controlling interest had an impact on the Company’s earnings per share calculation as follows:

 

 

 

12. Contingencies

 

In July 2013, Signature Apparel Group LLC, referred to as Signature, filed an amended complaint in an adversary proceeding captioned Signature Apparel Group LLC v. ROC Fashions, LLC, et al., Adv. Pro. No. 11-02800-REG in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York that, among others, named as defendants the Company and Studio IP Holdings, LLC, referred to as Studio IP (the Company and Studio IP are collectively referred to as Iconix).  The causes of action in the amended complaint relate to a series of events from September 2009 with respect to which Signature sought at least $8.8 million in damages from Iconix.  In August 2017, the Bankruptcy Court rendered a decision in this matter.  In that decision, the Court found that one of Signature’s principals must disgorge $2.05 million of the consulting fees that he received in breach of his fiduciary duties to Signature and that Iconix was jointly and severally liable for this amount, plus interest as applicable.  The Court also found Iconix liable on the causes of action asserted against it in the amended complaint, including negligent misrepresentation, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract (Studio IP only), fraud, and tortious interference with contract (the Company only).  The Court ordered supplemental post-trial briefing related solely to the calculation of additional damages, if any, to be awarded to Signature.  Signature now alleges damages of up to $70 million, plus counsel fees and interest as applicable.  Iconix strongly disagrees with the basis for and amounts of damages claimed by Signature, and argued vigorously that no additional damages are warranted.  On January 12, 2018, Signature filed an application with the Court for reimbursement of its counsel fees and expenses totaling approximately $4.2 million that it purportedly incurred in the adversary proceeding.  Iconix vigorously opposed Signature’s application.  Given the uncertainty of how the Bankruptcy Court will rule with respect to damages and counsel fees, Iconix cannot estimate the amount of additional damages, if any, at this time.  

 

On May 1, 2017, 3TAC, LLC, referred to as 3TAC, a former licensee of the Company, and West Loop South, LLC, referred to as West Loop (3TAC and West Loop collectively referred to as Plaintiffs), sued the Company, its affiliate, IP Holdings Unltd., LLC, referred to as IPHU, and the Company’s former CEO, Neil Cole (the Company, IPHU, and Cole are collectively referred to as the Iconix Parties), in the action captioned 3TAC, LLC and West Loop South, LLC v. Iconix Brand Group, Inc., and Neil Cole, Case No. 16-cv-08795-KBF-RWL in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, tortious inference with contract and business relations, unjust enrichment, trade libel and prima facie tort relating to

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the Iconix Parties’ alleged breach of a Global License Agreement, as amended, between 3TAC and IPHU concerning intellectual property rights in and to the Marc Ecko brands, the Iconix Parties’ alleged interference with 3TAC’s performance thereunder, and the Iconix Parties’ alleged interference with a related sublicense between 3TAC and West Loop.  On October 27, 2017, Judge Katherine B. Forrest granted the Iconix Parties’ motion to dismiss Plaintiffs’ unjust enrichment, trade libel and prima facie tort claims.  Plaintiffs seek damages of up to $19 million for their remaining claims, plus counsel fees and interest.  The Iconix Parties are vigorously defending against the remaining claims.  At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of this matter.

 

On November 1, 2017, Seth Gerszberg and EGRHC, LLC, collectively referred to as Plaintiffs, a successor in interest to Suchman, LLC, referred to as Suchman, a company wholly-owned by Gerszberg that entered into a joint venture with the Company pursuant to which they formed IP Holdings Unltd., LLC, referred to as IPHU, filed an action captioned Gerszberg and EGRHC, LLC v. Iconix Brand Group, Inc., IP Holdings Unltd, LLC and Neil Cole, Case No. 17-cv-08421-KBF-RWL in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  Plaintiffs seek in excess of $100 million for the Company’s, IPHU’s, and Neil Cole’s (collectively referred to as the Iconix Parties) alleged breach of IPHU’s Operating Agreement and related breaches of fiduciary duties, breach of an agreement pursuant to which the Company bought out Suchman’s interest in IPHU and fraudulent inducement into the same, and unjust enrichment.  The core of Plaintiffs’ allegations concern the intellectual property rights in and to the Marc Ecko brands.  The Iconix Parties are vigorously defending against the claims asserted by Plaintiffs.  At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of this matter.

 

In April 2016, New Rise Brands Holdings, LLC, referred to as New Rise, a former licensee of the Ecko Unlimited trademark, and Sichuan New Rise Import & Export Co. Ltd., referred to as Sichuan, the guarantor under New Rise's license agreement, commenced an action captioned New Rise Brands Holdings, LLC and Sichuan New Rise Import & Export Co. Ltd v. IP Holdings, LLC, et al., Index No. 652278/2016 in the New York State Supreme Court, New York County against the Company’s subsidiary, IP Holdings, LLC, referred to as IP Holdings, seeking damages of $15 million, plus punitive damages of $50 million, counsel fees and costs. Among other claims, New Rise and Sichuan allege improper termination of New Rise’s license agreement, fraud and misappropriation. IP Holdings is vigorously defending against the claims and has asserted counterclaims against New Rise and Sichuan. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of this matter.

Two shareholder derivative complaints captioned James v. Cuneo et al, Docket No. 1:16-cv-02212 and Ruthazer v. Cuneo et al, Docket No. 1:16-cv-04208 have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and three shareholder derivative complaints captioned De Filippis v. Cuneo et al. Index No. 650711/2016, Gold v. Cole et al, Index No. 53724/2016 and Rosenfeld v. Cuneo et al., Index No. 510427/2016 have been consolidated in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County.  The complaints name the Company as a nominal defendant and assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty, insider trading and unjust enrichment against certain of the Company's current and former directors and officers arising out of the Company's restatement of financial reports and certain employee departures.  At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of these matters. 

As previously announced, the Company has received a formal order of investigation from the SEC. The Company intends to continue to cooperate fully with the SEC.

Three securities class actions have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, under the caption In re Iconix Brand Group, Inc., et al., Docket No. 1:15-cv-4860, against the Company and certain former officers and one current officer (the “Class Action”). The plaintiffs in the Class Action purport to represent a class of purchasers of the Company’s securities from February 22, 2012 to November 5, 2015, inclusive, and claim that the Company and individual defendants violated sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, by making allegedly false and misleading statements regarding certain aspects of the Company’s business operations and prospects. On October 25, 2017, the Court granted the motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint filed by the Company and the individual defendants with leave to amend.  On November 14, 2017, the plaintiffs filed a second consolidated amended complaint. On February 2, 2018, the defendants moved to dismiss the second consolidated amended complaint. The Company and the individual defendants intend to vigorously defend against the claims. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of these matters.

From time to time, the Company is also made a party to litigation incurred in the normal course of business. In addition, in connection with litigation commenced against licensees for non-payment of royalties, certain licensees have asserted unsubstantiated counterclaims against the Company.  While any litigation has an element of uncertainty, the Company believes that the final outcome of any of these routine matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or future liquidity.  

 

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13. Related Party Transactions

For the Prior Year Quarter, the Company paid less than $0.1 million to Galore Media, Inc. in relation to certain marketing services to promote the Company’s brands and for the rights to certain warrants of Galore Media, Inc. as compared to none during the Current Quarter.  The Company owned a minority interest in Galore Media, Inc.  The Company sold its interest in Galore Media during FY 2017.  Management believes that all transactions were made on terms and conditions no less favorable than those available in the marketplace from unrelated parties.

The Company has entered into certain license agreements in which the core licensee is also one of our joint venture partners.  For the Current Quarter and Prior Year Quarter, the Company recognized the following royalty revenue amounts:

 

 

 

14. Income Taxes

The Company computes its expected annual effective income tax rate in accordance with ASC 740 and makes changes on a quarterly basis as necessary based on certain factors such as changes in forecasted annual pre-tax income; changes to actual or forecasted permanent book to tax differences; impacts from tax audits with state, federal or foreign tax authorities; impacts from tax law changes; or change in judgment as to the realizability of deferred tax assets. The Company identifies items which are unusual and non-recurring in nature and treats these as discrete events. The tax effect of discrete items is recorded in the quarter in which the discrete events occur. Due to the volatility of these factors, the Company's consolidated effective income tax rate can change significantly on a quarterly basis.

With the exception of the Buffalo brand joint venture, Iconix Middle East joint venture, Diamond Icon joint venture and Umbro China joint venture, the Company is not responsible for the income taxes related to the non-controlling interest’s share of the joint venture’s earnings.  Therefore, the tax liability associated with the non-controlling interest share of the joint venture’s earnings is not reported in the Company’s income tax expense, despite the joint venture’s entire income being consolidated in the Company’s reported income before income tax expense.  As such, the joint venture’s earnings have the effect of lowering our effective tax rate.  This effect is more pronounced in periods in which joint venture earnings are higher relative to our other earnings.  Since the Buffalo brand joint venture is a taxable entity in Canada, the Iconix Middle East joint venture and Diamond Icon joint venture are taxable entities in the United Kingdom and the Umbro China joint venture is a taxable entity in Hong Kong, the Company is required to report its tax liability, including taxes attributable to the non-controlling interest, in its income statement.  All other consolidated joint ventures are partnerships and treated as pass-through entities not subject to taxation in their local tax jurisdiction, and therefore the Company includes only the tax attributable to its proportionate share of income from the joint venture in income tax expense.

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The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, the Company or one or more of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S., various state and local, and foreign jurisdictions. The Company, joined by its domestic subsidiaries, files a consolidated income tax return for Federal income tax purposes.  In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination in such domestic and foreign jurisdictions.  During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Internal Revenue Service initiated an audit of the 2014 federal income tax return which is still ongoing.  For state tax purposes, our 2011 and forward tax years remain open for examination by New York State.  The Company recognized no interest expense related to uncertain tax positions in the Current Quarter as compared to less than $0.1 million during the Prior Year Quarter.  The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all the deferred tax assets will be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income in the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  Based on these items and the three consecutive years of pretax losses (resulting from impairment), management has determined that enough uncertainty exists relative to the realization of the deferred income tax asset balances to warrant the application of a full valuation allowance for all taxing jurisdictions starting as of September 30, 2017, other than for Canadian operations and certain assets for the US that management believe will be available to reduce current federal taxes on the balance sheet at March 31, 2018.  In addition, the Company continues to have deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite lived intangibles on the condensed consolidated balance sheet which cannot be considered to be a source of taxable income to offset deferred tax assets.  

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The new law, which is also commonly referred to as “U.S. tax reform”, significantly changes U.S. corporate income tax laws. The primary impact on the Company was associated with the effect of reducing the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% starting in 2018. As a result, the Company has estimated a net benefit of $67 million recorded during the fourth quarter of 2017.  Other provisions of the law took effect January 1, 2018, including, but not limited to, creating a territorial tax system, eliminating or limiting the deduction of certain expenses including interest expense, and requiring a tax of earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries that are in excess of a specified return.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company continues to evaluate its accounting for the tax effects of the enactment of the law.  However, the Company has made a reasonable estimate and recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 (i) a net income tax provision of $34 million resulting from the remeasurement of the Company’s net deferred income tax assets and liabilities and uncertain tax liabilities based on the new reduced U.S. corporate income tax rate, and (ii) an income tax benefit of $101 million from the remeasurement of the Company’s valuation allowance for the impact of the law on certain tax attributes.  In other cases, the Company has not been able to make a reasonable estimate and continues to account for those items based on its existing accounting under GAAP and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect prior to enactment. One such case is the Company’s intent regarding whether to continue to assert indefinite reinvestment on a part or all the foreign undistributed earnings.  Once the Company finalizes its analysis, it will be able to conclude on further adjustments, if any, to be recorded to these provisional amounts.  Any such change will be reported as a component of income taxes in the period in which such adjustments are determined but in no case later than the fourth quarter of 2018.  

The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate from continuing operations for the Current Quarter was 4.4% which resulted in a $1.7 million income tax provision as compared to the consolidated effective tax rate from continuing operations for the Prior Year Quarter of 46.1% which resulted in a $5.9 million income tax provision.  The decrease in the effective tax rate for the Current Quarter’s effective tax rate as compared to the Prior Year Quarter is primarily a result of the release of a portion of the valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets as well as the impact of the income related to the mark to market adjustment occurring in the Current Quarter of which a large portion was a permanent difference and therefore no tax was provided.  This benefit had the effect of reducing the tax expense on the pretax income which lowers the effective tax rate.  

The Company is currently indefinitely reinvested in all earnings in its foreign subsidiaries.  The Company currently has zero undistributed earnings and profits in its foreign subsidiary.  

Management believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations; however, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the Company's tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management's expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs.

 

 

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15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table sets forth the activity in accumulated other comprehensive income for the Current Quarter and Prior Year Quarter:

 

 

16. Segment and Geographic Data

The Company identifies its operating segments for which separate financial information is available and for which segment results are evaluated regularly by the Chief Executive Officer, the Company’s chief operating decision maker, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.  The Company has disclosed the following operating segments:  men’s, women’s, home, and international.  Since the Company does not track, manage and analyze its assets by segments, no disclosure of segmented assets is reported.  

Additionally, the Company previously owned and operated an Entertainment segment which is included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations as a discontinued operation for the Prior Year Quarter.  See Note 2 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

 

The geographic regions consist of the United States and Other (which principally represent Latin America and Europe). Revenues attributable to each region are based on the location in which licensees are located and where they principally do business.

Reportable data for the Company’s operating segments is as follows:

 

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17. Other Assets- Current and Long-Term

Other Assets - Current

 

 

 

Other Assets – Long Term

 

 

 

 

18. Other Liabilities – Current

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, other current liabilities of $10.2 million and $13.6 million, respectively, related to $10.2 million and $9.2 million, respectively, due to certain joint ventures that are not consolidated with the Company and $0 million and $4.4 million, respectively, owed to Buffalo International for distributions associated with the Buffalo joint venture.  

19. Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of Iconix Luxembourg and Red Diamond Holdings, which are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company located in Luxembourg, is the Euro.  However, the companies have certain dollar denominated assets, in particular cash and notes receivable, that are maintained in U.S. Dollars, which are required to be revalued each quarter. Due to fluctuations in currency in the Current Quarter and the Prior Year Quarter, the Company recorded a $0.6 million currency translation gain and a $0.4 million currency translation loss, respectively, that is included in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  

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Comprehensive income includes certain gains and losses that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income as such amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. The Company’s comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income and foreign currency translation gain or loss. During the Current Quarter and the Prior Year Quarter, the Company recognized as a component of its comprehensive income, a foreign currency translation gain of $2.8 million and foreign currency translation gain of $2.6 million, respectively, due to changes in foreign exchange rates during the Current Quarter and the Prior Year Quarter, respectively.

 

20. Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which is the new comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which such company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted the new standard in the Current Quarter.  Refer to Note 3 for further details.

In January 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, includes amendments on recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments.  It requires an entity to (1) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (2) present in OCI the changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (3) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (4) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price; and (5) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities in connection with other deferred tax assets.  The ASU provides an election to subsequently measure certain nonmarketable equity investments at cost less any impairment and adjusted for certain observable price changes.  The ASU also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements.  The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017.  Certain provisions of the ASU are eligible for early adoption.  The Company adopted the new standard in the Current Quarter which resulted in the Company reclassing the cumulative loss in fair value of our available-for-sale securities of $3.2 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss to accumulated losses as of January 1, 2018 in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.  Change in the fair value of the available-for-sale securities will be recorded within the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations in future periods.  Additionally, the Company’s previously cost method investments are now being categorized as other equity investments and continue to be recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet at cost and assessed for potential impairment on a quarterly basis.  Refer to Note 5 and Note 6 for further details.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement.  The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available.  The Company’s leases are considered operating leases and are not capitalized under ASC 840.  Under ASC 842, the majority of these leases will qualify for capitalization and will result in the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities once the new standard is adopted.  The Company is in the process of reviewing lease contracts to determine the impact of adopting ASC 2016-02.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”, which clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows.  The amendment addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice.  The Company adopted the new standard in the Current Quarter which did not have a material impact to our financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory”, which was issued as part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and, intends to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory.  Under this ASU, an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs.  The Company adopted the new standard in the Current Quarter which did not have a material impact to our financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash.”  The primary purpose of this ASU is to reduce the diversity in practice that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows.  This ASU will require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents.  Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows.  The Company adopted the new standard in the Current Quarter.  

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In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01,”Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business”, to clarify the definition of a business, which is fundamental in the determination of whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisition (or disposals) of assets or businesses.   The guidance is generally expected to result in fewer transactions qualifying as business combinations.  The Company adopted the new standard in the Current Quarter which did not have a material impact to our financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350):  Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and eliminated the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment.  The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019.  This ASU should be applied prospectively.  Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.  We will adopt this accounting guidance in future periods.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718)”, which provides clarity and reduces both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award.  The ASU is effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company adopted the new standard in the Current Quarter which did not have a material impact to our financial statements.

 

 

21. Other Matters

 

During the Current Quarter and the Prior Year Quarter, the Company included in its selling, general and administrative expenses approximately $2.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of charges related to professional fees associated with the continuing correspondence with the Staff of the SEC, the SEC investigation and the class action and derivative litigations.  

22. Subsequent Events

At the Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Company held on April 26, 2018, the Company’s stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting voted to approve the amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of its common stock, $.001 par value per share, from 150 million to 260 million.  

On May 7, 2018, the Company filed a Form S-8 to register the 1.9 million shares that were approved at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

In April 2018, the Company converted a total outstanding principal balance of $2.8 million of its 5.75% Convertible Notes in to 2.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock.

In April 2018, pursuant to a letter agreement entered into simultaneously with the Company’s acquisition of a 51% equity interest in Hydraulic, the Company acquired the remaining 49% ownership interest from its joint venture partner for no consideration effectively increasing the Company’s ownership interest in Hydraulic to 100% until such time as an affiliate of such joint venture partner satisfies its outstanding payment obligations to the Company under a terminated license agreement (through distributions on such 49% interest or otherwise).

 

 

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

Executive Summary. Iconix Brand Group is a brand management company and owner of a diversified portfolio of approximately 30 global consumer brands across women’s, men’s, home and international industry segments.  Additionally, the Company previously owned and operated an Entertainment segment which is included in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations as a discontinued operation for the Prior Year Quarter.  Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.  The Company’s business strategy is to maximize the value of its brands primarily through strategic licenses and joint venture partnerships around the world, as well as to grow the portfolio of brands through strategic acquisitions.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s brand portfolio includes Candie’s ^®, Bongo ^®, Joe Boxer  ^® , Rampage  ^® , Mudd  ^® , London Fog  ^® , Mossimo  ^® , Ocean Pacific/OP  ^® , Danskin /Danskin Now ^® , Rocawear  ^®  /Roc Nation  ^® , Artful Dodger  ^® , Cannon  ^® , Royal Velvet  ^® , Fieldcrest  ^® , Charisma  ^® , Starter  ^® , Waverly  ^® , Ecko Unltd  ^®  /Mark Ecko Cut & Sew ^® , Zoo York  ^® , Umbro  ^® and Lee Cooper  ^®; and interests in Material Girl  ^® , Ed Hardy  ^® , Truth or Dare  ^® , Modern Amusement  ^® , Buffalo  ^® , Hydraulic ^®  and Pony ^® .

The Company looks to monetize the Intellectual Property (herein referred to as “IP”) related to its brands throughout the world and in all relevant categories by licensing directly with leading retailers (herein referred to as “direct to retail” or “DTR”), through a consortia of wholesale licensees, through joint ventures in specific territories and via other activity such as corporate sponsorships and content as well as the sale of IP for specific categories or territories. Products bearing the Company’s brands are sold across a variety of distribution channels. The licensees are generally responsible for designing, manufacturing and distributing the licensed products. The Company supports its brands with marketing, advertising and promotional campaigns designed to increase brand awareness. Additionally, the Company provides its licensees with coordinated trend direction to enhance product appeal and help build and maintain brand integrity.  

Globally, the Company has over 50 DTR licenses and more than 400 total licenses.  Licensees are selected based upon the Company’s belief that such licensees will be able to produce and sell quality products in the categories and distribution channels of their specific expertise and that they are capable of exceeding minimum sales targets and royalties that the Company generally requires for each brand. This licensing strategy is designed to permit the Company to operate its licensing business, leverage its core competencies of marketing and brand management with minimal working capital, and without inventory, production or distribution costs or risks, and maintain high margins. The vast majority of the Company’s licensing agreements include minimum guaranteed royalty revenue which provides the Company with greater visibility into future cash flows.  As of April 1, 2018, the Company had over $470 million of aggregate guaranteed royalty revenue over the terms of the Company’s existing contracts excluding renewals.  

The Company’s OP DTR license agreement at Walmart was not renewed upon expiration in June 2017. The Company’s Starter DTR license agreement at Walmart was not renewed upon expiration in December 2017. In October 2017, the Company also announced that Starter is now available on Amazon exclusively to Amazon Prime members. Additionally, the Company has learned that its Danskin Now license agreement with Walmart will not be renewed upon its expiration in January 2019 and royalty revenue for the Danskin Now brand at Walmart is estimated to decline approximately $15.5 million in 2018. The Company’s Mossimo DTR license agreement at Target will not be renewed upon expiration in October 2018 and royalty revenue for the Mossimo brand at Target is estimated to decline approximately $10.0 million in 2018. The Company’s Material Girl license agreement with Macy’s will not be renewed upon its expiration in January 2020. The Company‘s Royal Velvet license agreement with JC Penney will not be renewed upon its expiration in January 2019. The Company is actively seeking to place OP, Danskin, Mossimo, Material Girl and Royal Velvet with new or existing licensees. At this time, the Company is uncertain how the terms and conditions of any potential replacement licensing arrangements could affect its future revenues and cash flows.

On December 22, 2017 the United States enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The new law, which is also commonly referred to as “U.S. tax reform”, significantly changes U.S. corporate income tax laws by, among other changes, imposing a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred earnings of foreign subsidiaries, reducing the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% starting on January 1, 2018, creating a territorial tax system which generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, eliminating or limiting the deduction of certain expenses including interest expense, and requiring a minimum tax on earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries, which could have a significant impact on our effective tax rate, cash tax expenses and/or deferred income tax balances.

A key initiative in the Company’s global brand expansion plans has been the formation of international joint ventures. The strategy in forming international joint ventures is to partner with best-in-class, local partners to bring the Company’s brands to market more quickly and efficiently, generating greater short- and long-term value from its IP, than the Company believes is possible if it were to build-out wholly-owned operations ourselves across a multitude of regional or local offices. Since September 2008, the Company has established the following international joint ventures: Iconix China, Iconix Latin America, Iconix Europe, Iconix India, Iconix Canada, Iconix Australia, Iconix Southeast Asia, Iconix Israel, Iconix Middle East, Umbro China and Danskin China.

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The Company also plans to continue to build and maintain its brand portfolio by acquiring additional brands directly or through joint ventures. In assessing potential acquisitions or investments, the Company primarily evaluates the strength of the target brand as well as the expected viability and sustainability of future royalty streams. The Company believes that this focused approach allows it to effectively screen a wide pool of consumer brand candidates and other asset light businesses, strategically evaluate acquisition targets and complete due diligence for potential acquisitions efficiently.

The Company’s primary goal of maximizing the value of its IP also includes, in certain instances, the sale to third parties of a brand’s trademark in specific territories or categories.  As such, the Company evaluates potential offers to acquire some or all of a brand’s IP by comparing whether the offer is more valuable than the Company’s estimate of the current and potential revenue streams to be earned via the Company’s traditional licensing model.  Further, as part of the Company’s evaluation process, it also considers whether or not the buyer’s future development of the brand may help to expand the brand’s overall recognition and global revenue potential.

The Company identifies its operating segments according to how business activities are managed and evaluated and, for which separate financial information is available and utilized on a regular basis by the Chief Executive Officer in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.  

Therefore, the Company has disclosed these reportable segments for the periods shown below.

 

Results of Operations

Current Quarter compared to Prior Year Quarter

 

Licensing Revenue. Total revenue for the Current Quarter was $48.5 million, a 17% decrease as compared to $58.7 million for the Prior Year Quarter. Total licensing revenue was negatively impacted by approximately $1.0 million due to the deconsolidation of the SE Asia joint venture. Excluding the SE Asia joint venture, licensing revenue was down 16%. The women’s segment decreased 41% from $28.1 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $16.6 million in the Current Quarter primarily due to a decrease in licensing revenue from our Mossimo, Danskin and Ocean Pacific brands as the brands transition from their historical DTR relationships. The men’s segment decreased 2% from $10.2 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $9.9 million in the Current Quarter mainly due to weakness in our Starter and Rocawear brands somewhat offset by strength in our Buffalo brand. The home segment decreased 11% from $7.3 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $6.5 million in the Current Quarter mainly due to weakness in our Waverly brand. The international segment increased 19% from $13.1 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $15.5 million in the Current Quarter, mainly due to $2.0 million of replica jersey sales from our Diamond Icon joint venture.  The Company generally does this as an accommodation to its licensees to consolidate ordering from the manufacturers. Refer to Note 3 of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for details.  Excluding this increase in licensing revenue for Diamond Icon and the impact of deconsolidating the SE Asia joint venture, Licensing Revenue from our international segment increased 12% due to strength in our business in China and Europe.

 

In the Current Quarter, the Company adopted the new revenue recognition accounting standard, ASC 606.  The adoption of the standard decreased the Current Quarter revenue by approximately $1.9 million but is expected to increase the full-year 2018 revenue by approximately $2.5 million to $3.0 million.

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Total selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $28.6 million for the Current Quarter as compared to $25.4 million for the Prior Year Quarter, an increase of $3.2 million or 13%. SG&A from the women’s segment decreased 11% from $2.7 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $2.4 million in the Current Quarter mainly due to a $0.9 million decrease in accounts receivables reserves and write-offs. SG&A from the men’s segment decreased 3% from $4.1 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $4.0 million in the Current Quarter primarily due to a $0.7 million decrease in compensation expense. SG&A from the home segment increased 8% from $0.7 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $0.8 million in the Current Quarter mainly due to a $0.1 million increase in advertising costs. SG&A from the international segment increased 14% from $7.5 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $8.6 million in the Current Quarter mainly due to a $1.9 million increase in cost of goods sold due to replica jersey sales by our Diamond Icon joint venture. Refer to Note 3 of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for details.  Corporate SG&A increased 24% from $10.4 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $12.9 million primarily due to $1.7 million increase in compensation expense mostly related to severance costs related to the Company’s cost saving initiative.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $0.7 million for the Current Quarter, compared to $0.7 million in the Prior Year Quarter.

Equity earnings on joint ventures. Equity earnings on joint ventures was $0.1 million for the Current Quarter, compared to $0.9 million for the Prior Year Quarter. The decrease was primarily due to a $0.4 million decrease in income in our Material Girl joint venture.

Gain on Sale of Trademarks. Gain on Sale of Trademarks was $1.1 million for the Current Quarter, compared to zero in the Prior Year Quarter. The gain in the Current Quarter was related to the completion of the sale of the Sharper Image and Badgley Mischka trademarks in certain of the Company’s international joint ventures.

Operating Income. Total operating income for the Current Quarter decreased to $20.5 million, or approximately 42% of total revenue, compared to approximately $33.6 million or approximately 57% of total revenue in the Prior Year Quarter. Operating income from the women’s segment was $14.6 million in the Current Quarter compared to $26.3 million in the Prior Year Quarter. Operating income from the men’s operating segment was $5.9 million in the Current Quarter compared to $5.9 million in the Prior Year Quarter. Operating income from the home segment was $5.7 million in the Current Quarter compared to $6.6 million in the Prior Year Quarter. Operating income from the international segment was $6.5 million in the Current Quarter compared to $5.5 million in the Prior Year Quarter. Corporate operating loss was $12.2 million in the Current Quarter compared to operating loss of $10.8 million in the Prior Year Quarter.

Other Expenses (income)-Net. Other expenses (income)- net was approximately income of $16.7 million for the Current Quarter as compared to an expense of $20.8 million for the Prior Year Quarter, a decrease of $37.6 million. The decrease was primarily related to (i) a gain of $24.4 million in the Current Quarter related to the mark-to-market adjustment from the Company’s 5.75% Convertible Notes based on the Company’s accounting treatment which requires the fair value of the debt at the end of each period and (ii) a gain of $4.5 million in the Current Quarter on the extinguishment of debt as compared to a $5.5 million loss in the Prior Year Quarter.

Provision for Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate for the Current Quarter is approximately 4.4% resulting in a $1.7 million income tax expense, as compared to an effective income tax rate of 46.1% in the Prior Year Quarter which resulted in a $5.9 million income tax expense. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily as a result of the release of a portion of the valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets as well as the impact of the income related to the mark to market adjustment in the Current Quarter of which a large portion was a permanent difference and therefore no tax was provided.  The Prior Year Quarter included a charge of approximately $2.0 million resulting from an increase in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with negotiations with certain local tax authorities.

Net Income from Continuing Operations. Our net income from continuing operations was approximately $35.6 million in the Current Quarter, compared to net income of approximately $6.9 million in the Prior Year Quarter, as a result of the factors discussed above.

 

Discontinued Operations.  In the three months ended March 31, 2017, our Board of Directors approved a plan to sell the businesses underlying the Entertainment segment.  As a result, we have classified the results of our Entertainment segment as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statement of operations for all periods presented.  Additionally, the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations are classified as held for sale in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016.  On May 9, 2017, we signed a definitive agreement to sell these businesses and completed the sale on June 30, 2017.  See Note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”).

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Historically, our principal capital requirements have been to fund acquisitions, working capital needs, share repurchases and, to a lesser extent, capital expenditures.  Since FY 2016, our principal capital requirements have been to refinance or extinguish existing indebtedness and working capital needs.  We have historically relied on internally generated funds to finance our operations and our primary source of capital needs for acquisition has been the issuance of debt and equity securities. Since FY 2016, we have relied on asset sales and issuance of indebtedness to refinance existing indebtedness.  At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our cash totaled $52.1 million and $65.9 million, respectively, not including short-term restricted cash of $43.7 million and $48.8 million, respectively. Our short term restricted cash primarily consists of collection and investment accounts related to our Senior Secured Notes and Senior Secured Term Loan.  In addition, as of March 31, 2018, approximately $14.5 million, or 15%, of our total cash (including restricted cash) was held in foreign subsidiaries. Our investments in these foreign subsidiaries are considered indefinitely reinvested and unavailable for the payment of any U.S. based expenditures, including debt obligations.  Cash held in these foreign subsidiaries is otherwise considered unrestricted and available for use outside the U.S.

Due to certain developments during the year ended December 31, 2017, including the decision by Target Corporation not to renew the existing Mossimo license agreement following its expiration in October 2018 and by Walmart, Inc. not to renew the existing Danskin Now license agreement following its expiration in January 2019, and the Company’s revised projected future earnings, the Company had initially forecasted that it would unlikely be in compliance with certain of its financial debt covenants in 2018 and beyond and that it may otherwise face possible liquidity challenges in 2018 and beyond. As a result, the Company amended its Senior Secured Term Loan to provide relief under certain covenants and implemented a cost savings plan to improve liquidity.

Following the completion of an exchange (the “Exchange”) whereby the Company exchanged an aggregate principal amount of approximately $125 million of the 1.50% Convertible Notes with the same aggregate principal value of new 5.75% Convertible Notes, the Company received proceeds of the Second Delayed Draw Term Loan of $110 million, and used these proceeds, as well as cash on hand, to extinguish the remaining 1.50% Convertible Notes outstanding as of their maturity date, March 15, 2018. See Note 9 for further information on these financings.

While conditions and events do exist that may raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months, management believes that (i) as a result of the aforementioned amendments to the Senior Secured Term Loan, (ii) the Exchange, (iii) the extinguishment of the 1.50% Convertible Notes at maturity, as well as (iv) implemented and planned cost savings, that its plans alleviate this substantial doubt, and therefore the management believes that it will continue as a going concern for the next twelve months.

For additional information, please refer to Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

We may, from time to time, seek to retire or repurchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity or debt securities, in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise.  Such repurchase or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.  The amounts involved in any such transactions may individually or in the aggregate, be material.

Changes in Working Capital

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the working capital ratio (current assets to current liabilities) was 2.04 to 1 and 2.07 to 1, respectively.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $10.0 million from net cash provided by operating activities of $10.5 million in the Prior Year Quarter to net cash provided by operating activities of $20.5 million in the Current Quarter primarily due to cash provided by working capital items of $8.8 million in the Current Quarter as compared to cash used in working capital items of $12.2 million in the Prior Year Quarter.  Excluding non-cash items, net income decreased from $16.7 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $11.8 million which is primarily as a result of the decrease in total revenues period over period.

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Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased approximately $2.1 million, from cash used in investing activities of $0.8 million in the Prior Year Quarter to cash used in investing activities of $2.9 million in the Current Quarter. The increase between both periods is primarily due to the following: 1) cash paid of $2.1 million related to the acquisition of the trademarks from Iconix Southeast Asia, 2) cash paid of $2.7 million related to the acquisition of the remaining interest in Iconix Canada, and 3) cash paid for the sale of the Badgley Mischka and Sharper Image trademarks in certain of the Company’s international joint ventures offset by the following: 1) proceeds of $1.3 million related to the sale of the interest in the Badgely Mischka trademarks in certain of the Company’s international joint ventures, 2) proceeds of $1.4 million received from Buffalo International as part of the formation of the Buffalo joint venture, and 3) proceeds of $1.0 million received from the sale of Complex Media.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities decreased approximately $75.6 million, from cash used in financing activities of $113.5 million in the Prior Year Quarter to cash used in financing activities of $37.9 million in the Current Quarter. The decrease between both periods is primarily due to proceeds received of $95.7 million which represents the drawdown of the Company’s Second Delayed Draw Term Loan of which there were no comparable debt issuances in the Prior Year Quarter.  This decrease was offset by an increase in payment of long-term debt from $105.9 million in the Prior Year Quarter to $122.4 million in the Current Quarter.  

Other Matters

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are based on the accounting policies used. Certain accounting polices require that estimates and assumptions be made by management for use in the preparation of the financial statements. Critical accounting policies are those that are central to the presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results and that require subjective or complex estimates by management. With the exception of the adoption of ASC 606 related to revenue recognition (refer to Note 3 in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), there have been no material changes with respect to the Company’s critical accounting policies from those disclosed in its 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2018.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 20 of the notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statement for recent accounting pronouncements.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements that are not historical facts contained in this Quarterly Report are forward looking statements that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict and many of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks are detailed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and other SEC filings. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “confident,” “project,” “provide,” “guidance” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We limit exposure to foreign currency fluctuations by requiring the majority of our licenses to be denominated in U.S. dollars. Certain other licenses are denominated in Euro. To mitigate interest rate risks, we have, from time to time, purchased derivative financial instruments such as forward contracts to convert certain portions of our revenue and cash received in foreign currencies to fixed exchange rates. If there were an adverse change in the exchange rate from Euro to U.S. Dollars of less than 10%, the expected effect on net income would be immaterial.

The effect, if any, of these transactions and activities on the trading price of our common stock will depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time, but any of these activities could adversely affect the value of our common stock.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, herein referred to as the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. The purpose of disclosure controls is to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with or submitted to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, material weaknesses were identified in certain of the Company’s review and other controls, which have been enumerated in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.  

Addressing the Material Weaknesses

Material weaknesses identified in 2017, related to the financial reporting for reconsideration events of joint venture accounting and monitoring controls related to the identification of the need for a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets associated with the Company’s intangible asset impairment charges, were remediated at December 31, 2017. However, management concluded at December 31, 2017, that certain management review controls related to our statement of cash flows, our intangible asset impairment testing, the calculation of long term incentive program (“LTIP”) compensation expense, and the financial reporting for the modification of our debt were not adequate as the controls in place failed to detect certain material errors. In 2018, management identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, specifically dealing with the management review controls surrounding the calculation of the adjustment to retained earnings resulting from the implementation of the new revenue recognition standard (ASC 606).  In 2018, additional review procedures are being performed by the Senior Vice President-Finance and the Chief Financial Officer and certain additional control procedures have been adopted to mitigate these material weaknesses.

We are in the process of remediating the above weaknesses and testing the operating effectiveness of the new and existing controls. The material weaknesses cannot be considered completely remediated until the applicable additional controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.  As a result of the foregoing, the principal executive officer and the principal financial and accounting officer concluded that as of March 31, 2018, certain of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, including management review controls related to our statement of cash flows, our intangible asset impairment testing, calculation of LTIP compensation expense, and the financial reporting for the modification of our debt were not effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC filings and ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  

Notwithstanding the discussion above, our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer have concluded that the financial statements included in this Quarterly Report present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  

The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also conducted an evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, herein referred to as internal control, to determine whether any changes in internal control occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2018, that may have materially affected, or which are reasonably likely to materially affect internal control. Based on that evaluation, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control during the three months ended March 31, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control, except for the matters discussed above.

The foregoing has been approved by our management team, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who have been involved with the reassessment and analysis of our internal control over financial reporting.

The Audit Committee, which consists of independent, non-executive directors, will continue to meet regularly with management, the Director of Internal Audit, and the independent accountants to review accounting, reporting, auditing and internal control matters. The Audit Committee has direct and private access to the Director of Internal Audit and the external auditors, and will meet with each, separately, in executive sessions. The Company reviewed the results of management’s assessment of its internal control over financial reporting with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and they agreed with the conclusions.

 

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PART II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

In July 2013, Signature Apparel Group LLC, referred to as Signature, filed an amended complaint in an adversary proceeding captioned Signature Apparel Group LLC v. ROC Fashions, LLC, et al., Adv. Pro. No. 11-02800-REG in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York that, among others, named as defendants the Company and Studio IP Holdings, LLC, referred to as Studio IP (the Company and Studio IP are collectively referred to as Iconix).  The causes of action in the amended complaint relate to a series of events from September 2009 with respect to which Signature sought at least $8.8 million in damages from Iconix.  In August 2017, the Bankruptcy Court rendered a decision in this matter.  In that decision, the Court found that one of Signature’s principals must disgorge $2.05 million of the consulting fees that he received in breach of his fiduciary duties to Signature and that Iconix was jointly and severally liable for this amount, plus interest as applicable.  The Court also found Iconix liable on the causes of action asserted against it in the amended complaint, including negligent misrepresentation, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract (Studio IP only), fraud, and tortious interference with contract (the Company only).  The Court ordered supplemental post-trial briefing related solely to the calculation of additional damages, if any, to be awarded to Signature.  Signature now alleges damages of up to $70 million, plus counsel fees and interest as applicable.  Iconix strongly disagrees with the basis for and amounts of damages claimed by Signature, and argued vigorously that no additional damages are warranted.  On January 12, 2018, Signature filed an application with the Court for reimbursement of its counsel fees and expenses totaling approximately $4.2 million that it purportedly incurred in the adversary proceeding.  Iconix vigorously opposed Signature’s application.  Given the uncertainty of how the Bankruptcy Court will rule with respect to damages and counsel fees, Iconix cannot estimate the amount of additional damages, if any, at this time.  

 

On May 1, 2017, 3TAC, LLC, referred to as 3TAC, a former licensee of the Company, and West Loop South, LLC, referred to as West Loop (3TAC and West Loop collectively referred to as Plaintiffs), sued the Company, its affiliate, IP Holdings Unltd., LLC, referred to as IPHU, and the Company’s former CEO, Neil Cole (the Company, IPHU, and Cole are collectively referred to as the Iconix Parties), in the action captioned 3TAC, LLC and West Loop South, LLC v. Iconix Brand Group, Inc., and Neil Cole, Case No. 16-cv-08795-KBF-RWL in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, tortious inference with contract and business relations, unjust enrichment, trade libel and prima facie tort relating to the Iconix Parties’ alleged breach of a Global License Agreement, as amended, between 3TAC and IPHU concerning intellectual property rights in and to the Marc Ecko brands, the Iconix Parties’ alleged interference with 3TAC’s performance thereunder, and the Iconix Parties’ alleged interference with a related sublicense between 3TAC and West Loop.  On October 27, 2017, Judge Katherine B. Forrest granted the Iconix Parties’ motion to dismiss Plaintiffs’ unjust enrichment, trade libel and prima facie tort claims.  Plaintiffs seek damages of up to $19 million for their remaining claims, plus counsel fees and interest.  The Iconix Parties are vigorously defending against the remaining claims.  At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of this matter.

 

On November 1, 2017, Seth Gerszberg and EGRHC, LLC, collectively referred to as Plaintiffs, a successor in interest to Suchman, LLC, referred to as Suchman, a company wholly-owned by Gerszberg that entered into a joint venture with the Company pursuant to which they formed IP Holdings Unltd., LLC, referred to as IPHU, filed an action captioned Gerszberg and EGRHC, LLC v. Iconix Brand Group, Inc., IP Holdings Unltd, LLC and Neil Cole, Case No. 17-cv-08421-KBF-RWL in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  Plaintiffs seek in excess of $100 million for the Company’s, IPHU’s, and Neil Cole’s (collectively referred to as the Iconix Parties) alleged breach of IPHU’s Operating Agreement and related breaches of fiduciary duties, breach of an agreement pursuant to which the Company bought out Suchman’s interest in IPHU and fraudulent inducement into the same, and unjust enrichment.  The core of Plaintiffs’ allegations concern the intellectual property rights in and to the Marc Ecko brands.  The Iconix Parties are vigorously defending against the claims asserted by Plaintiffs.  At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of this matter.

 

In April 2016, New Rise Brands Holdings, LLC, referred to as New Rise, a former licensee of the Ecko Unlimited trademark, and Sichuan New Rise Import & Export Co. Ltd., referred to as Sichuan, the guarantor under New Rise's license agreement, commenced an action captioned New Rise Brands Holdings, LLC and Sichuan New Rise Import & Export Co. Ltd v. IP Holdings, LLC, et al., Index No. 652278/2016 in the New York State Supreme Court, New York County against the Company’s subsidiary, IP Holdings, LLC, referred to as IP Holdings, seeking damages of $15 million, plus punitive damages of $50 million, counsel fees and costs. Among other claims, New Rise and Sichuan allege improper termination of New Rise’s license agreement, fraud and misappropriation. IP Holdings is vigorously defending against the claims and has asserted counterclaims against New Rise and Sichuan. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of this matter.

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Two shareholder derivative complaints captioned James v. Cuneo et al, Docket No. 1:16-cv-02212 and Ruthazer v. Cuneo et al, Docket No. 1:16-cv-04208 have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and three shareholder derivative complaints captioned De Filippis v. Cuneo et al. Index No. 650711/2016, Gold v. Cole et al, Index No. 53724/2016 and Rosenfeld v. Cuneo et al., Index No. 510427/2016 have been consolidated in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County.  The complaints name the Company as a nominal defendant and assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty, insider trading and unjust enrichment against certain of the Company's current and former directors and officers arising out of the Company's restatement of financial reports and certain employee departures.  At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of these matters. 

As previously announced, the Company has received a formal order of investigation from the SEC. The Company intends to continue to cooperate fully with the SEC.

Three securities class actions have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, under the caption In re Iconix Brand Group, Inc., et al., Docket No. 1:15-cv-4860, against the Company and certain former officers and one current officer (the “Class Action”). The plaintiffs in the Class Action purport to represent a class of purchasers of the Company’s securities from February 22, 2012 to November 5, 2015, inclusive, and claim that the Company and individual defendants violated sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, by making allegedly false and misleading statements regarding certain aspects of the Company’s business operations and prospects. On October 25, 2017, the Court granted the motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint filed by the Company and the individual defendants with leave to amend.  On November 14, 2017, the plaintiffs filed a second consolidated amended complaint. On February 2, 2018, the defendants moved to dismiss the second consolidated amended complaint. The Company and the individual defendants intend to vigorously defend against the claims. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of these matters.

From time to time, the Company is also made a party to litigation incurred in the normal course of business. In addition, in connection with litigation commenced against licensees for non-payment of royalties, certain licensees have asserted unsubstantiated counterclaims against the Company.  While any litigation has an element of uncertainty, the Company believes that the final outcome of any of these routine matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or future liquidity.  

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

In addition to the risk factors disclosed in Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, set forth below are certain factors that have affected, and in the future could affect, our operations or financial condition. We operate in a changing environment that involves numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations. The risks described below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our financial condition and/or operating results.

Our existing and future debt obligations could impair our liquidity and financial condition, and in the event we are unable to meet our debt obligations we could lose title to certain trademarks.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet reflects debt of approximately $758.4 million (which is net of $11.4 million of debt issuance costs), including (i) secured debt of $660.3 million under our Series 2012-1 4.229% Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2, Series 2013-1 4.352% Senior Secured Notes and Class A-2 (collectively, the “Senior Secured Notes”), Variable Funding Notes and Senior Secured Term Loan, and (ii) $109.5 million net debt carrying value of our 5.75% Convertible Notes; however, the principal amount owed to the holders of our 5.75% Convertible Notes, was $116.2 million as of such date. In accordance with ASC 825, our 5.75% Convertible Notes are included in our $758.4 million of consolidated debt at a fair value of $109.5 million. We may also assume or incur additional debt, including secured debt, in the future in connection with, or to fund, future acquisitions or refinance our existing debt obligations. Our outstanding debt obligations:

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In addition, as of March 31, 2018, approximately $14.5 million, or 15%, of the Company’s total cash (including restricted cash) was held in foreign subsidiaries. Our investments in these foreign subsidiaries are considered indefinitely reinvested and unavailable for the payment of any U.S. based expenditures, including debt obligations. Any repatriation of cash from these foreign subsidiaries may require the accrual and payment of U.S. federal and certain state taxes, which could negatively impact our results of operations and/or the amount of available funds. While we currently have no intention to repatriate cash from these subsidiaries, should the need arise domestically, there is no guarantee that we could do so without adverse consequences.

In the event that we are unable to raise the additional financing referenced above, or we fail to make any required payment under agreements governing our indebtedness or fail to comply with the financial and operating covenants contained in those agreements, we would be in default regarding that indebtedness. A debt default could significantly diminish the market value and marketability of our common stock, result in the acceleration of the payment obligations under all or a portion of our consolidated indebtedness and impact the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

A substantial portion of our licensing revenue is concentrated with a limited number of licensees, such that the loss of any of such licensees or their renewal on terms less favorable than today, could slow our growth plans, decrease our revenue and impair our cash flows.

Our licenses with Walmart, Target, Kohls, Kmart/Sears and Global Brands Group represent, each in the aggregate, our five largest licensees during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, representing approximately 7%, 7%, 11%, 9% and 12%, respectively, of our total revenue for such period.

Because we are dependent on these licensees for a significant portion of our licensing revenue, if any of them were to have financial difficulties affecting their ability to make payments, cease operations, or if any of these licensees decides not to renew or extend any existing agreement with us, or to significantly reduce its sales of licensed products under any of the agreement(s), our revenue and cash flows could be reduced substantially.

As previously disclosed, the Company was notified of the following non-renewals of license agreements: (i) the OP and Starter DTR license agreements with Walmart, (ii) the Mossimo DTR license agreement with Target, (iii) the Danskin Now DTR license agreement with Walmart, (iv) the Royal Velvet license agreement with J.C. Penney’s and (v) the Material Girl DTR license agreement with Macy’s.  While the Company is actively working to place these brands with other licensees, the failure to enter into replacement license agreements for these brands on economic terms similar to such DTR arrangements may adversely affect our future revenues and cash flows.

In addition, we may face increasing competition in the future for direct-to-retail licenses as other companies owning established brands may decide to enter into licensing arrangements with retailers similar to those we currently have in place. Furthermore, our current or potential direct-to-retail licensees may decide to more prominently promote and market competing brands, or develop or purchase other or establish their own brands, rather than continue their licensing arrangements with us. In addition, increased competition could result in lower sales of products offered by our direct-to-retail licensees under our brands. If our competition for retail licenses increases, it may take us longer to procure additional retail licenses.

We have a material amount of goodwill and other intangible assets, including our trademarks, recorded on our balance sheet. As a result of changes in market conditions and declines in the estimated fair value of these assets, we may, in the future, be required to further write down a portion of this goodwill and other intangible assets and such write-down would, as applicable, either decrease our net income or increase our net loss.

As of March 31, 2018, goodwill represented approximately $63.9 million, or approximately 8% of the Company’s total consolidated assets, and trademarks and other intangible assets represented approximately $468.7 million, or approximately 55% of our total consolidated assets. Under current U.S. GAAP accounting standards, goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets, including most of our trademarks, are no longer amortized, but instead are subject to impairment evaluation based on related estimated fair values, with such testing to be done at least annually.

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There can be no assurance that any future downturn in the business of any of the Company’s segments, or a continued decrease in our market capitalization, will not result in a further write-down of goodwill or trademarks, which would either decrease the Company’s net income or increase the Company’s net loss, which may or may not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

Although we expect the U.S. federal tax reform to have a favorable impact on our overall U.S federal tax liability, the effects of the tax reform are uncertain and include limitations on interest deductions and taxes on cash held outside of the U.S. which may adversely affect our results.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”), was signed into law making significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code’). The Tax Act reduced the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and made other changes that could have a favorable impact on our overall U.S. federal tax liability in a given period. However, the Tax Act also included a number of provisions that limit or eliminate various deductions which could adversely affect our U.S. federal income tax position. For example, the Tax Act limits our ability to deduct interest expenses to the extent that such expenses exceed 30% of our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. 

In addition, under certain circumstances, the Tax Act may require us to pay taxes on cash held abroad, even if the cash is not ultimately repatriated to the U.S. As of March 31, 2018, approximately $14.5 million, or 15%, of the Company’s total cash (including restricted cash) was held in foreign subsidiaries. Although we do not anticipate being required to pay taxes on such foreign cash under the Tax Act because the Company did not generate sufficient earnings and profits to trigger such tax liability, it is not possible for us to determine with certainty whether we will be subject to any such taxes in the future due to the complexity of the income tax laws and the effects of the Tax Act and other factors.

We continue to examine the impact the Tax Act may have on our business, which is uncertain and may be adverse. There can be no assurance that changes in tax laws or regulations, both within the U.S. and the other jurisdictions in which we operate, will not materially and adversely affect our effective tax rate, tax payments, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The risks described herein and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company, or that are currently deemed to be immaterial, also may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or future operating results.

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

There have been no sales of unregistered equity securities in the Current Quarter.

The following table presents information with respect to purchases of common stock made by the Company during the Current Quarter:

 

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

 

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

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