UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
DC 20549
FORM
10-K
(Mark
One)
☒ ANNUAL
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended: March 31 , 2022
☐ TRANSITION
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission
File Number: 000-31810
Cinedigm Corp.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 22-3720962
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
264 West 40th Street , New York , NY 10018
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(212)
206-8600
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol Name of each exchange
on which registered
CLASS A COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.001 PER SHARE CIDM NASDAQ GLOBAL MARKET
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit 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
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☒
Smaller reporting company
☒
Emerging growth company
☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the
voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the issuer based on a price of $2.51 per share, the closing price of such
common equity on the Nasdaq Global Market, as of September 30, 2021, was $ 326,631,850 . For purposes of the foregoing calculation, all
directors, officers and shareholders who beneficially own 10% of the shares of such common equity have been deemed to be affiliates, but
the Company disclaims that any of such persons are affiliates.
As of June 27, 2022, 176,737,459
shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
NONE.
CINEDIGM CORP.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
ii
PART
I
1
ITEM
1.
Business
1
ITEM
1A.
Risk
Factors
10
ITEM
1B.
Unresolved
Staff Comments
22
ITEM
2.
Properties
22
ITEM
3.
Legal
Proceedings
22
ITEM
4.
Mine
Safety Disclosures
22
PART
II
23
ITEM
5.
Market
for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
23
ITEM
6.
[Reserved]
24
ITEM
7.
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
24
ITEM
8.
Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data
40
ITEM
9.
Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
41
ITEM
9A.
Controls
and Procedures
41
ITEM
9B.
Other
Information
42
ITEM
9C.
Disclosure
Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
42
PART
III
43
ITEM
10.
Directors,
Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
43
ITEM
11.
Executive
Compensation
49
ITEM
12.
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
60
ITEM
13.
Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
61
ITEM
14.
Principal
Accountant Fees and Services
61
PART
IV
63
ITEM
15.
Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules
63
SIGNATURES
69
i
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Various statements contained in this report or incorporated by reference
into this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking
statements are based on current expectations and are indicated by words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,”
“may,” “will,” “should,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend” or “anticipate”
or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussion of strategy. Forward-looking statements represent as of the date of
this report our judgment relating to, among other things, future results of operations, growth plans, sales, capital requirements and
general industry and business conditions applicable to us. Such forward-looking statements are based largely on our current expectations
and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those that are anticipated or projected
as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, a number of factors, such as:
● successful
execution of our business strategy, particularly for new endeavors;
● the
performance of our targeted markets;
● competitive
product and pricing pressures;
● changes
in business relationships with our major customers;
● successful
integration of acquired businesses;
● the
content we distribute through our in-theatre, on-line and mobile services may expose us to liability;
● general
economic and market conditions;
● our
financial condition and financial flexibility, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain necessary financing for our business
as and when needed;
● disruptions
to our business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including workforce inability to perform in the ordinary course due to illness or access restrictions; and
● the
other risks and uncertainties that are set forth in Item 1, “Business”, Item 1A “Risk Factors” and Item 7, “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.
These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable
factors could also have material adverse effects on future results. Except as otherwise required to be disclosed in periodic reports required
to be filed by public companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to the SEC’s rules, we have no
duty to update these statements, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking
information contained in this report will in fact transpire.
ii
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
Cinedigm Corp. was incorporated in Delaware on March 31, 2000 (“Cinedigm”,
“us”, “our”, and “Company” refers to Cinedigm Corp. and its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise
requires). Cinedigm is (i) a leading independent distributor and aggregator of independent music, television, and other short form content
rights distributed across digital, over-the-top (OTT), physical, and home and mobile entertainment platforms as well as (ii) a leading
servicer of digital cinema assets on over 2,843 domestic and several international countries.
Over the past several years, Cinedigm has transformed itself from being
a digital cinema equipment and physical content distributor to a leading independent streaming company with the planned
phasing out of its legacy projector division.
Cinedigm is a leading independent streaming entertainment company serving
global enthusiast fan bases. Since our inception, we have played a significant role in the digital distribution revolution that continues
to transform the media and entertainment landscape. Cinedigm delivers high-quality, curated content through subscription video on demand
(SVOD) and dedicated ad-supported (AVOD) and free, ad-supported streaming linear (FAST) channels.
Cinedigm’s broad portfolio enables the Company to achieve significant
market share on every key consumer streaming device and platform. As the Company obtains high-growth distribution territories globally,
the Company expects each of these channels to generate high-margin revenues to Cinedigm. As its channel portfolio has grown, the Company’s
viewership and subscription metrics have grown significantly. The Company currently reaches over 23.8 million streaming channel monthly
active viewers. The Company has rights to a library of over 33,000 film & TV assets, 16 different enthusiast streaming brands across
19 live streaming channels, and over 640,000 subscribers (SVOD) reaching 900 million unique streaming devices globally.
Cinedigm has been a technological pioneer over its history and continues
to be one today. Through its world-class, proprietary streaming technology, the Company has become a partner of choice for content producers,
rightsholders, and major media companies seeking to monetize their content in the streaming ecosystem. The Company’s streaming technology
platform, known as Matchpoint TM , is a software-as-a-service platform which automates the distribution of streaming content
and OTT channels. The Company has a long legacy in using technology to transform the entertainment industry, and played a pioneering role
in transitioning over 11,000 movie screens from traditional analog film prints to digital distribution.
Cinedigm is a leading distributor of independent film and television
content. The Company operates a growing portfolio of owned and operated over-the-top (“OTT”) streaming entertainment channels.
The Company distributes content for major brands such as Hallmark, Televisa, ITV, Nelvana, ZDF, Konami, NFL, and NHL as well as leading
international and domestic content creators, movie producers, television producers and other short form digital content producers. Cinedigm
collaborates with producers, major brands and other IP owners to market, source, curate and distribute quality content to targeted audiences
through (i) existing and emerging digital home entertainment platforms, including Apple, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, Xbox, Tubi, PlutoTV,
Vudu and cable/satellite video-on-demand (“VOD”) and (ii) packaged distribution of DVD and Blu-ray discs to wholesalers and
retailers with sales coverage to over 48,000 retail storefronts, including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Amazon.
The Company is well positioned in a changing media and entertainment
landscape. Cinedigm is capitalizing on an evolving competitive environment where the top of the streaming industry is consolidating including
competitors such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and Disney Plus while Cinedigm has a complimentary offering as a leading independent distributor
with a focus on the enthusiast segment of the market. The Company believes the enthusiast segment, focusing on audiences and genres underserved
by the major streamers, will be a significant opportunity on a global basis. Today, the Company operates channels in numerous specialty
sectors, including faith and family, science fiction, horror, kids, and other major segments. Given our extensive experience in operating
and distributing enthusiast content, as well as the Company’s significantly improved financial position, the Company has begun executing
an M&A roll-up strategy with a focus on enthusiast channels, content, and supporting technology. Over the past two years, the Company
has acquired numerous channels and content libraries. The Company is actively focused on integrating the most recent acquisitions, as
well as building and launching a variety of associated critical products, including: Fantawild, Fandor, The Film Detective, Screambox,
Films Around the World, Bloody Disgusting, DMR, and other initiatives driving major technological changes in the entertainment industry.
1
The Company will continue to pursue accretive M&A opportunities
in order to grow profitably and fortify its competitive advantage. The Company has completed & integrated six accretive acquisitions
between October 2020 and March 31, 2022 with ongoing active M&A pipeline. As part of its M&A strategy, the Company is:
● Executing on roll-up by completing several content related acquisitions enabling monetization;
● Focused on acquiring higher quality content and streaming channels;
● Exploring opportunities for new technology and other revenue channels including NFTs, ecommerce, podcasts and merchandise; and
● Leveraging its proprietary tech platform (Matchpoint TM ), which allows for on-boarding multiple acquisitions concurrently.
Some of the evolving consumer habits that are driving consumption of
streaming and OTT content include:
● Continued “cord-cutting” resulting in an increase in SVOD &
AVOD migration,
● Consumer preference towards third party channels and content platforms,
● The rapid adoption of connected televisions and other dedicated streaming
devices,
● A rapid rise in consumption of ad-based content,
● Increasing demand for underserved content; and
● Growth trend in youth (kids) media consumption across multiple devices and
brands.
The Company believes it is positioned to deliver sustained profitable
growth in the future by executing on several key initiatives:
● Content : Delivering high-quality, curated content through subscription
video on demand (SVOD) and dedicated ad-supported (AVOD) and free, ad-supported streaming (FAST) channels
● Technology & Distribution :
o Dramatically expanding streaming content business through its Matchpoint™ platform,
o Launching and scaling our channel portfolio – including the building of an umbrella streaming service encompassing all of the
Company’s brands.
o Accelerating the Company’s device and platform reach, which has
exceeded 700 million consumer devices, and establishing key strategic advantages through partnership deals with connected
streaming TV including Samsung, Roku and Vizio, as well as large OEM’s, cable companies and technology platforms including Sinclair
Broadcast Group, Samsung, Comcast Xfinity, Roku, Amazon, Vewd and Vizio, and others.
o Licensing film and TV content to every key player in OTT streaming ecosystem with Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google.
● Audience : Growing viewership and subscription numbers significantly
beyond our current base of more than 23 million viewers to potentially hundreds of millions of global viewers across billions of connected
devices.
● Financial Performance/Metrics :
o Driving EBITDA through incremental revenue growth from new channel launches, expansion of distribution, improved monetization and
partnerships, and continuous efforts on cost mitigation.
2
The Company announced its acquisition of FoundationTV on March 8, 2021,
which acquisition was consummated on June 14, 2021, and the formation of Cinedigm India, its wholly-owned subsidiary formed to house FoundationTV.
In addition to powering Cinedigm’s portfolio of streaming channels and digital video distribution business, the new division will
allow Cinedigm to expand their global streaming footprint. The Company is developing a channel umbrella with global reach,
which is expected to further enable growth and profitability.
As previously announced, on December 27, 2019, the Company entered
into, and on February 14, 2020 amended, (see Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ), a stock purchase agreement (as
so amended, the “Metaverse Stock Purchase Agreement”) with BeiTai Investment LP (“BeiTai”), a related party for
accounting purposes of Cinedigm, and Aim Right Ventures Limited (“Aim Right”), two shareholders of A Metaverse Company, a
leading Chinese entertainment company (“Metaverse”), formerly Starrise Media Holdings
Limited, and related party, to buy from them an aggregate of 410,901,000 outstanding Metaverse ordinary shares (the “Metaverse
Share Acquisition”). On February 14, 2020, the Company purchased 162,162,162 of the Metaverse ordinary shares from BeiTai and issued
to BeiTai 21,646,604 shares of its Class A common stock in consideration. On April 10, 2020, the Company, in accordance with the terms
of the Metaverse Stock Purchase Agreement, terminated its obligation to purchase Metaverse ordinary shares from Aim Right under the December
27, 2019 stock purchase agreement.
On April 10, 2020, the Company entered into another stock purchase
agreement (the “April Metaverse Stock Purchase Agreement”) with five (5) shareholders of Metaverse - Bison Global Investment
SPC - Bison Global No. 1 SP, Huatai Investment LP, Antai Investment LP, Mingtai Investment LP and Shangtai Asset Management LP - to buy
an aggregate of 223,380,000 outstanding Metaverse ordinary shares from them and for the Company to issue to them an aggregate of 29,855,081
shares of its Class A common stock in consideration therefor (the “April Metaverse Share Acquisition”). On April 15, 2020,
the April Metaverse Share Acquisition was consummated and this transaction was also recorded as an equity investment in Metaverse. Mingtai
is indirectly managed by a subsidiary BFGL, which is controlled by Peixin Xu, one of our directors. BFGL’s subsidiary acts as a manager
of Bison Global. Shangtai and Hutai are indirectly managed by a subsidiary of BFGL. Peixin Xu controls the manager of the general partner
of Antai.
As of March 31, 2022, the market value of Cinedigm’s ownership
in A Metaverse Company (“Metaverse”) ordinary shares was approximately $7.03 million.
On October 11, 2019, the Company received a letter from the Listing
Qualifications staff of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of the Company’s
Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), for the prior 30 consecutive business days, the Company
no longer met the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1 per share (the “Bid Price Rule”), as set forth in Nasdaq
Listing Rule 5450(a)(1).
On December 18, 2019, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq indicating
that the Company no longer met the requirement to maintain a minimum market value of publicly held shares of $15,000,000 (the “MVPHS
Rule”), as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(3)(C).
On April 17, 2020, the Company received notice from Nasdaq that it
has suspended, effective April 16, 2020 and until June 30, 2020, relevant grace periods to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule and
the MVPHS Rule due to the global market impact caused by COVID-19. Specifically, (x) no delisting would occur until July 1, 2020, and
any extension to reach compliance with the Bid Price Rule, if granted by the Panel, would be further extended by the duration of the suspension,
and (y) the Company now had until August 29, 2020 to regain compliance with the MVPHS Rule.
On May 7, 2020, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that the previously
disclosed MVPHS Rule deficiency had been cured, that the Company was in compliance, and that Nasdaq considered the matter closed.
On June 17, 2020, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that the previously
disclosed Bid Price Rule had been cured and that the Company was in compliance, and that Nasdaq considered the matter closed.
On October 5, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq indicating
that the Company no longer met the Bid Price Rule.
On February 2, 2021, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that the previously
disclosed Bid Price Rule had been cured and that the Company was in compliance, and that Nasdaq considered the matter closed.
On April 4, 2022, the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq indicating
that the Company no longer met the Bid Price Rule.
3
Risk and Uncertainties
The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic repercussions created significant
volatility and uncertainty impacting the Company’s results for the year. As part of our Content & Entertainment business, the
Company sells DVDs and Blu-ray discs at brick-and-mortar stores. With the closure of non-essential retail stores beginning in the spring
of 2020, the sale of physical discs through our retail partners declined although this was partially offset by digital purchases of physical
product. As part of our Cinema Equipment business, the Company earns revenue when movies are exhibited in theaters. Many movie theaters
in the United States slowly re-opened with limited capacities through March 31, 2022. The majority of major studios resumed blockbuster
films releases during the year which showed an encouraging return of consumer confidence for the theatrical experience. As vaccines became
readily available and COVID cases decreased, major studios resumed theatrical releases and there was an uptick in box office revenue during
the period ending March 31, 2022.
Longer term, there had been speculation that the future of theatrical
release strategies could change as a result of Major Studios being able to release movies simultaneously in theatres and on streaming
platforms during the pandemic. If fewer movies are released theatrically, a shift to digital viewing reduces revenue opportunities for
virtual print fees and sales of digital cinema equipment. While Studios are still in an experimentation phase regarding theatrical/streaming
strategies we are encouraged by the success of recent exclusive theatrical releases such as Sony’s ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’,
which became the first movie since the pandemic to hit $1 billion globally with no current plans to premiere on any streaming platforms.
CONTENT & ENTERTAINMENT
Content Distribution and our Enthusiast Streaming Channels
Cinedigm Entertainment Group, or CEG, is a leading independent content
distributor in North America. We are unique among most independent distributors because of our direct relationships with thousands of
digital as well as physical retail locations, including Walmart, Target, Apple, Netflix and Amazon, as well as the national Video on Demand
platforms. Our library of films and television episodes encompasses award winning documentaries from Docurama Films®, acclaimed independent
films, festival picks and a wide range of content from brand name suppliers, including Scholastic, NFL, Konami and Hallmark.
Additionally, we are leveraging our infrastructure, technology, content
and distribution expertise to rapidly and cost effectively build and expand our streaming digital network businesses, which operates as
Cinedigm Networks.
The Company currently operates 16 different enthusiast streaming brands
across 19 live streaming channels under a wide array of business models:
Our Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) Services consist of:
● Docurama – a documentary and nonfiction streaming service launched
in September 2014;
● CONtv – a fandom-centric service focused on comics, genre films and
geek culture, launched in March 2015;
● Dove Channel – a faith and family entertainment service launched in
August 2015;
● Viewster Anime – a Japanese Anime streaming service acquired in February,
2018;
● Fandor – an independent film streaming service, acquired in January
2021; and
● Screambox – a horror streaming service acquired in February 2021.
Our Ad-Supported Video on Demand (AVOD) or Free Ad Supported Streaming
Television Channels consist of:
● Dove Channel – a faith and family linear channel launched in 2017;
● Docurama – a documentary and nonfiction linear channel launched in
2018;
● CONtv – a fandom-centric linear channel launched in 2018;
● Comedy Dynamics – a comedy linear channel launched in 2019;
● The Bob Ross Channel, a lifestyle linear channel launched in 2020;
● MyTime, a women’s entertainment linear channel, launched in 2020;
● WhistleTV – a sports lifestyle channel launched in 2020, ended December 31, 2021;
4
● CONtv Anime, an anime linear channel launched in 2020;
● Bloody Disgusting TV a horror linear channel launched in 2020;
● The Film Detective – a classic film linear channel and on demand platform
acquired in 2020; and
● Lone Star – a classic western channel and on demand platform acquired
in 2020;
● Real Madrid TV – a sports and lifestyle linear channel launched
in 2021;
● The Only Way is Essex – a British reality and content linear
channel launched in 2021;
● El Rey – a Latino centric linear channel launched in 2021;
● The Country Network – a country music lifestyle linear channel
launched in 2021;
● So…Real – a reality TV and documentary enthusiast linear
channel launched in 2020;
● Asian Crush – a pan-Asian culture and lifestyle linear channel
acquired in March 2022;
● Retro Crush – a classic anime linear channel acquired in March
2022;
● Cocoro – a kid and family centric Asian linear channel acquired
in March 2022;
● KMTV – a Korean-pop linear channel acquired in March 2022;
● Yuyu – a general programming adjunct linear channel acquired
in March 2022;
● Midnight Pulp – a horror, thriller and cult linear channel acquired
in March 2022.
From time to time, the company will announce channel development deals
with a variety of media companies. The timeline for planning and launching a channel varies from months to years and is also dependent
on carriage conversations with a wide array of platforms and distributors. We announced three channels in 2020 that remain in development
through 2022:
● LIVX, a music and entertainment channel
● Party Crashers, a political news channel
● AudPop, a short form entertainment channel
The digital channels market is a nascent industry, and from time to
time, the Company will cease operating or distributing channels that do not find adequate audiences or meet the needs of platforms or
audiences. In fiscal year 2021, we elected to cease operating or distributing the following channels:
● Bambu, a Chinese entertainment linear channel owned and operated by Cinedigm;
● Hallypop, a Korean music and lifestyle linear channel distributed by Cinedigm;
and
● CombatGo, an international combat sports linear channel distributed by Cinedigm;
We distribute our streaming channels in several distinct ways: direct
to consumer, through major application platforms such as the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Vizio, and Samsung; and through
third party distributors of content on platforms such as Amazon Prime, Twitch, Xumo and Sling/Dish, and a wide variety of
Smart TV manufacturers globally. Through our rapidly expanding base of distribution arrangements, Cinedigm has an estimated addressable
device footprint of more than 330 million devices in North America and more than 370 million internationally. Our focus in
the near term will be to expand our market position in the FAST and AVOD divisions of the streaming industry, taking advantage of the
shift of more than $70 billion dollars in television advertising revenue to the OTT market. We believe our scaled channel portfolio, our
superior capabilities in launching and managing channels at scale, and our strategic partnerships with key content owners and platforms
will provide us a strategic advantage to gain considerable market share in the immediate future.
5
Our Strategy
The shift from traditional entertainment consumption to streaming is
accelerating. We believe that our large library of film and television episodes, long-standing relationships with digital platforms, state
of the art technologies and years of experience operating and growing streaming audiences (collectively, our “Streaming” business)
will allow us to continue to build a diversified portfolio of enthusiasts OTT channels that generate recurring revenue streams from advertising,
merchandising and subscriptions. We believe that our success, market leadership and scale will continue to attract strong brands and media
companies who bring name recognition, high-quality film and television content, and strong marketing support.
We believe that we are well positioned to succeed
in the streaming channel business for the following key reasons:
● More
than 13 years of experience as a primary distributor of content to scale third party OTT platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime,
Apple iTunes and more, and nearly seven years of history operating OTT channels with millions of downloads, hundreds of thousands of
registered users, and hundreds of millions of discrete data points on our customer’s behavior and preferences;
● The
depth and breadth of our almost 33,000 title film and television episode library;
● Our
digital assets and deep, long-standing relationships as launch partners that cover the major digital platforms and devices;
● Our
marketing expertise;
● Our
flexible releasing strategies, which differ from larger entertainment companies that need to protect their legacy businesses;
● Our
proprietary streaming technology enabling us to operate at scale and at lower operating costs than our competitors; and
● Our
experienced management team.
Intellectual Property
We own certain copyrights, trademarks and Internet
domain names in connection with the Content & Entertainment business. We view these proprietary rights as valuable assets. We maintain
registrations, where appropriate, to protect them and monitor them on an ongoing basis.
Customers
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, two customers, Amazon
and Distribution Solutions each represented 18% and 25% respectively of CEG’s revenues and approximately 6% and 8%, respectively,
of our consolidated revenues. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, Amazon and Distribution Solutions
represented 15% and 22% respectively of CEG’s revenues and approximately 9% and 13%, respectively, of our consolidated Revenues.
Competition
Numerous companies are engaged in various forms
of producing and distributing independent movies and alternative content. These competitors may have significantly greater financial,
marketing and managerial resources than we do, may have generated greater revenue and may be better known than we are at this time.
Competitors to our Content & Entertainment and Digital Networks
segment are Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. and RLI/American Multi-Cinema, Inc.
6
CINEMA EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
The Phase I Deployment and Phase II Deployment operations consist of
the following:
Operations of:
Products and services provided:
Cinema Equipment Business
Financing vehicles and administrators for 696 Systems (as defined below)
installed nationwide in our first deployment phase (“Phase I Deployment”) to theatrical exhibitors and for 2,147 Systems installed
domestically and internationally in our second deployment phase (“Phase II Deployment”).
We retain ownership of our digital cinema equipment (the “Systems”) and the residual cash flows related to the Systems in
Phase I Deployment after the after the end of the 10-year deployment payment period.
For certain Phase II Deployment Systems, we do not retain ownership
of the residual cash flows and digital cinema equipment in Phase II Deployment after the completion of cost recoupment and at the expiration
of the exhibitor master license agreements.
The Cinema Equipment Business also provides monitoring, collection, verification and management services to this segment, as well as to
exhibitors who purchase their own equipment, and also collects and disburses VPFs from motion picture studios, and distributors and ACFs
from alternative content providers, movie exhibitors and theatrical exhibitors (collectively, “Services”).
PHASE I DEPLOYMENT AND PHASE II DEPLOYMENT
In June 2005, we formed our Phase I Deployment division in order to
purchase up to 4,000 Systems under an amended framework agreement with Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. (“Christie”). As
of March 31, 2022, Phase I Deployment had 696 Systems installed.
In October 2007, we formed our Phase II Deployment division for the
administration of up to 10,000 additional Systems. As of March 31, 2022, Phase II Deployment had 2,147 of such Systems installed.
Our Phase I Deployment and Phase II Deployment divisions own and license
Systems to theatrical exhibitors and collect virtual print fees (“VPFs”) from motion picture studios and distributors, as well
as alternative content fees (“ACFs”) from alternative content providers and theatrical exhibitors, when content is shown on
exhibitors’ screens. We have licensed the necessary software and technology solutions to the exhibitor and have facilitated the industry’s
transition from analog (film) to digital cinema. As part of the Phase I Deployment of our Systems, we have agreements with nine motion
picture studios and certain smaller independent studios and exhibitors, allowing us to collect VPFs and ACFs when content is shown in
theatres, in exchange for having facilitated and financed the deployment of Systems. Phase 1 DC has agreements with 17 theatrical exhibitors
that license our Systems in order to show digital content distributed by the motion picture studios and other providers, including Content
& Entertainment, which is described below.
Beginning in December 2015, certain of our digital cinema equipment
began to reach the conclusion of their 10-year deployment payment period with certain distributors and, therefore, revenues ceased to
be recognized on such Systems, related to such distributors. Furthermore, because the Phase I Deployment installation period ended in
November 2007, a majority of the VPF revenue associated with the Phase I Deployment Systems has ended. As of March 31, 2022, all of our
696 systems from the Phase I Deployment phase of our cinema equipment business segment had ceased to earn a significant portion of VPF
revenue from certain major studios, although various other studios, consisting mostly of small independent studios, continued to pay VPFs
through March 31, 2022. We expect to continue to earn such ancillary revenue from the cinema equipment segment through December of 2022;
however, such amounts are expected to be significantly less material to our consolidated financial statements. The reduction in VPF revenue
on cinema equipment business systems approximately coincided with the conclusion of certain of our non-recourse debt obligations and,
therefore, the reduced cash outflows related to such non-recourse debt obligations partially offset the reduced VPF revenue since November
2017.
7
Under the terms of our standard cinema equipment licensing agreements,
exhibitors will continue to have the right to use our Systems through the end of the term of the licensing agreement, after which time
they have the option to: (1) return the Systems to us; (2) renew their license agreement for successive one-year terms; or (3) purchase
the Systems from us at fair market value. As permitted by these agreements, we have begun, and expect to continue, to pursue the sale
of the Systems to such exhibitors. Such sales were as originally contemplated as the conclusion of the digital cinema deployment plan.
Cinedigm completed the sale of approximately 906 digital projection Systems for an aggregate sales price of approximately $6.1 million
during the year ended March 31, 2022.
Our Phase II Deployment division has entered into digital cinema deployment
agreements with eight motion picture studios, and certain smaller independent studios and exhibitors, to distribute digital movie releases
to exhibitors equipped with our Systems, for which we and our wholly owned, non-consolidated subsidiary Cinedigm Digital Funding 2, LLC
(“CDF2 Holdings”) earn VPFs. As of March 31, 2022, our Phase II Deployment division has master license agreements with
106 exhibitors covering 2,147 screens, whereby the exhibitors agreed to install our Systems. As of March 31, 2022, we had 2,147 Phase
2 DC Systems installed, including 839 screens under the exhibitor-buyer structure (“Exhibitor-Buyer”), and 1,308 screens covering
23 exhibitors through CDF2.
Exhibitors paid us an installation fee of up to $2.0 thousand per screen
out of the VPFs collected by our Services division. We manage the billing and collection of VPFs and remit to exhibitors all VPFs collected,
less an administrative fee of approximately 10%. For Phase 2 DC Systems we own and finance on a non-recourse basis, we typically received
a similar installation fee of up to $2.0 thousand per screen and an ongoing administrative fee of approximately 10% of VPFs collected.
We have recorded no debt, property and equipment, financing costs or depreciation in connection with Systems covered under the Exhibitor-Buyer
Structure and CDF2 Holdings.
VPFs are earned pursuant to contracts with movie studios and distributors,
whereby amounts are payable to our Phase I and Phase II deployment businesses according to fixed fee schedules, when movies distributed
by studios are displayed in movie theatres using our installed Systems. One VPF is payable to us upon the initial booking of a movie,
for every movie title displayed per System. Therefore, the amount of VPF revenue that we earn depends on the number of unique movie titles
released and displayed using our Systems. Our Phase II Deployment division earns VPF revenues only for Systems that it owns.
Our Phase II Deployment agreements with distributors require payment
of VPFs for ten years from the date that each system is installed; however, we may no longer collect VPFs once “cost recoupment,”
as defined in the contracts with movie studios and distributors, is achieved. Cost recoupment will occur once the cumulative VPFs and
other cash receipts collected by us have equaled the total of all cash outflows, including the purchase price of all Systems, all financing
costs, all “overhead and ongoing costs,” as defined, subject to maximum agreed upon amounts during the four-year roll-out
period and thereafter. Furthermore, if cost recoupment occurs before the end of the eighth contract year, a one-time “cost recoupment
bonus” is payable to us by the studios. Cash flows, net of expenses, received by our Phase II Deployment business, following the
achievement of cost recoupment, must be returned to the distributors on a pro-rata basis.
As of March 31, 2022, the Company has certain booked liabilities in
relation to exhibitors that have received payments that were permitted under the Agreements with Exhibitors. The administrative services
related to the Company give rise to variable consideration and are constrained until the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration
is resolved. As of March 31 2022, most of the Company’s agreements with studios and with exhibitors in relation to VPFs have either
reached the end of the term or are close to termination, with some of the agreements reaching the end of any audit rights.
Customers
No single Phase I or Phase II customer comprised more than 10% of our
consolidated revenue.
Seasonality
Revenues earned by our Cinema Equipment Business segment from the collection
of VPFs from motion picture studios are seasonal, coinciding with the timing of releases of movies by the motion picture studios. Generally,
motion picture studios release the most marketable movies during the summer and the winter holiday season. The unexpected emergence of
a hit movie during other periods can alter the traditional trend. The timing of movie releases can have a significant effect on our results
of operations, and the results of one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for the next quarter or any other quarter. The
seasonality of the motion picture exhibition industry however, has become less pronounced as the motion picture studios are releasing
movies somewhat more evenly throughout the year.
8
SERVICES
Our Services division provides monitoring, billing, collection, verification
and other management services to Phase 1 DC and Phase 2 DC as well as to exhibitor-buyers who purchase their own equipment. Our Services
division provides such services to the 696 screens in the Phase I Deployment for a monthly service fee equal to 5% of the VPFs earned
by Phase 1 DC and an incentive service fee equal to 2.5% of the VPFs earned by Phase 1 DC. The Services division also provides services
to the 2,147 Phase II Systems deployed, for which we typically receive a monthly fee of approximately 10% of the VPFs earned by Phase
2 DC. The total Phase II service fees are subject to an annual limitation under the terms of our agreements with motion picture studios
and are determined based upon the respective Exhibitor-Buyer Structure, or CDF2 agreements. Unpaid service fees in any period remain an
obligation to Phase 2 DC in the cost recoupment framework. Such fees are not recognized as income or accrued as an asset on our balance
sheet given the uncertainty of the receipt and the timing thereof as future movie release and bookings are not known. Service fees are
accrued and recognized only on deployed Phase II Systems. As a result, the annual service fee limitation is variable until these fees
are paid.
In February 2013, we (i) assigned to our wholly owned subsidiary, Cinedigm
DC Holdings LLC (“DC Holdings “), the right and obligation to service the digital cinema projection systems from the Phase
I Deployment and certain systems that were part of the Phase II Deployment, (ii) delegated to DC Holdings the right and obligation to
service certain other systems that were part of the Phase II Deployment and (iii) assigned to DC Holdings the right to receive servicing
fees from the Phase I and Phase II Deployments. We also transferred to DC Holdings certain of our operational staff whose responsibilities
and activities relate solely to the operation of the servicing business and to provide DC Holdings with the right to use the supporting
software and other intellectual property associated with the operation of the servicing business.
Our Services division also has international servicing partnerships
in Australia and New Zealand with the Independent Cinema Association of Australia and as of March 31, 2022, we ceased providing servicing
to such parties.
Competition
Our Services division faces limited competition domestically in its
digital cinema services business as the major Hollywood movie studios have only signed digital cinema deployment agreements with five
entities, including us, and the deployment period in North America is now complete. Competitors include: Digital Cinema Implementation
Partners (“DCIP”), a joint venture of three large exhibitors (Regal Entertainment Group, AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
and Cinemark Holdings, Inc.) focused on managing the conversions of those three exhibitors; Sony Digital Cinema, to support the deployment
of Sony projection equipment; Christie Digital USA, Inc., to support the deployment of Christie equipment; and GDC, Inc., to support the
deployment of GDC equipment. We have a significantly greater market share than all other competitors except for the DCIP consortium, which
services approximately 18,000 total screens representing its consortium members.
As we expand our servicing platform internationally, additional competitors
beyond those listed above consist of Arts Alliance, Inc., a leading digital cinema servicer focused on the European markets, and GDC,
as well as other potential local start-ups seeking to service a specific international market. We typically seek to partner with a leading
local entity to combine our efficient servicing infrastructure and strong studio relationships with the necessary local market expertise
and exhibitor relationships.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The nature of our business does not subject us to environmental
laws in any material manner.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 31, 2022 we had 146 employees, with 6 part-time, 134 full-time
and 6 temporaries, of which 11 are in sales and marketing, 61 are in operations, and 74 are in executive, finance, technology and administrative
functions.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our Internet website address is www.cinedigm.com. We will make available,
free of charge at the “Investor Relations - Financial Information” section of our website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and all amendments to those reports and statements filed
or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable
after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.
In addition, the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy
and information statements, and other information regarding companies that file electronically with the Commission. This information
is available at www.sec.gov, the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
9
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves a degree of risk. The risks
described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also
have a material adverse effect on us. If any of the following risks actually occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash
flows or business could be harmed. In that case, the market price of our stock could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment
in our stock.
Risks Related to our Business
We face the risks of doing business in new and rapidly evolving
markets and may not be able successfully to address such risks and achieve acceptable levels of success or profits.
We have encountered and may continue to encounter the challenges, uncertainties
and difficulties frequently experienced in new and rapidly evolving markets, including:
● limited
operating experience;
● net
losses;
● lack
of sufficient customers or loss of significant customers;
● a
changing business focus;
● the
downward trend in sales of physical DVD and Blu-ray discs;
● rapidly-changing
technology for some of the products and services we offer; and
● difficulties
in managing potentially rapid growth.
We expect competition to be intense. If we are unable to compete
successfully, our business and results of operations will be seriously harmed.
The markets for the digital cinema business and the content distribution
business are competitive, evolving and subject to rapid technological and other changes. We expect the intensity of competition in each
of these areas to increase in the future. Companies willing to expend the necessary capital to create facilities and/or capabilities similar
to ours may compete with our business. Increased competition may result in reduced revenues and/or margins and loss of market share, any
of which could seriously harm our business. In order to compete effectively in each of these fields, we must differentiate ourselves from
competitors.
Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating
histories and greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do, which may permit them to adopt aggressive pricing
policies. As a result, we may suffer from pricing pressures that could adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and our results
of operations. Many of our competitors also have significantly greater name and brand recognition and a larger customer base than us.
If we are unable to compete successfully, our business and results of operations will be seriously harmed.
10
Our plan to acquire additional businesses involves risks, including
our inability to complete or integrate an acquisition successfully, our assumption of liabilities, dilution of your investment and significant
costs.
Strategic and financially appropriate acquisitions are a key component
of our growth strategy. Although there are no acquisitions identified by us as probable at this time, we may make acquisitions of similar
or complementary businesses or assets. Even if we identify appropriate acquisition candidates, we may be unable to negotiate successfully
the terms of the acquisitions, finance them, integrate the acquired business into our then existing business, obtain required regulatory
approvals, and/or attract and retain customers. Completing an acquisition and integrating an acquired business may require a significant
diversion of management time and resources and may involve assuming new liabilities. Any acquisition also involves the risks that the
assets acquired may prove less valuable than expected and/or that we may assume unknown or unexpected liabilities, costs and problems.
If we make one or more significant acquisitions in which any of the consideration consists of our capital stock, your equity interest
in the Company could be diluted, perhaps significantly. If we were to proceed with one or more significant acquisitions in which the consideration
included cash, we could be required to use a substantial portion of our available cash or obtain additional financing to consummate them.
Our previous acquisitions involve risks, including our inability
to integrate successfully the new businesses and our assumption of certain liabilities.
Our previous acquisitions of businesses and their respective assets
also involved the risks that the businesses and assets acquired may prove to be less valuable than we expected and/or that we may assume
unknown or unexpected liabilities, costs and problems. In addition, we assumed certain liabilities in connection with these acquisitions
and we cannot assure you that we will be able to satisfy adequately such assumed liabilities. Other companies that offer similar products
and services may be able to market and sell their products and services more cost-effectively than we can.
We have recorded goodwill impairment charges in the past and
may be required to record additional charges to future earnings if our goodwill becomes further impaired or our intangible assets become
impaired.
We are required under generally accepted accounting principles to review
our goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may
not be recoverable. Goodwill must be tested for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances
indicating that the carrying value of our reporting units and intangible assets may not be recoverable include a decline in stock price
and market capitalization, slower growth rates in our industry or our own operations, and/or other materially adverse events that have
implications on the profitability of our business. We may be required to record additional charges to earnings during any period in which
a further impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets is determined which could adversely affect our results of operations.
If we do not manage our growth, our business will be harmed.
We may not be successful in managing our growth. Past growth has placed,
and future growth will continue to place, significant challenges on our management and resources, related to the successful integration
of the newly acquired businesses. To manage the expected growth of our operations, we will need to improve our existing, and implement
new, operational and financial systems, procedures and controls. We may also need to expand our finance, administrative, client services
and operations staffs and train and manage our growing employee base effectively. Our current and planned personnel, systems, procedures
and controls may not be adequate to support our future operations. Our business, results of operations and financial position will suffer
if we do not effectively manage our growth.
If we are not successful in protecting our intellectual property,
our business will suffer.
We depend heavily on technology and viewing content to operate our
business. Our success depends on protecting our intellectual property, which is one of our most important assets. We have intellectual
property consisting of:
● rights
to certain domain names;
● registered
service marks on certain names and phrases;
● various
unregistered trademarks and service marks;
11
● film,
television and other forms of viewing content;
● know-how;
and
● rights
to certain logos.
If we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, our business,
financial position and results of operations would be harmed. Our means of protecting our intellectual property may not be adequate. Unauthorized
parties may attempt to copy aspects of our intellectual property or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. In addition,
competitors may be able to devise methods of competing with our business that are not covered by our intellectual property. Our competitors
may independently develop similar technology, duplicate our technology or design around any intellectual property that we may obtain.
Although we hold rights to various web domain names, regulatory bodies
in the United States and abroad could establish additional top-level domains, appoint additional domain name registrars or modify the
requirements for holding domain names. The relationship between regulations governing domain names and laws protecting trademarks and
similar proprietary rights is unclear. We may be unable to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to or diminish
the value of our proprietary rights.
Any future debt obligations of ours, and
debt obligations of our non-consolidated subsidiaries, could impair our financial flexibility and restrict our business significantly.
We do not currently have debt obligations. However, if we incur debt
obligations in the future, such debt obligations could have important consequences for us, including:
● limiting
our ability to obtain necessary financing in the future;
● requiring
us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to payments on our debt obligations, thereby reducing the availability of our cash
flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures; and
● other
corporate requirements that may affect or limit our business activities.
CDF2 and CDF2 Holdings are our indirect wholly-owned, non-consolidated
VIEs that are intended to be special purpose, bankruptcy remote entities. CDF2 Holdings has entered into the a lease (the “CHG Lease”)
pursuant to which CHG-Meridian U.S. Finance, Ltd. provided sale/leaseback financing for digital cinema projection systems that were partially
financed as part of the Phase II deployment of our Digital Equipment segment. The CHG Lease is non-recourse to Cinedigm and our subsidiaries,
excluding our VIEs, CDF2 and CDF2 Holdings, as the case may be. Although the Phase II financing arrangements undertaken by CDF2 and CDF2
Holdings are important to us with respect to the success of our Phase II Deployment, our financial exposure related to the debt of CDF2
and CDF2 Holdings is limited to the $2.0 million initial investment we made into CDF2 and CDF2 Holdings. CDF2 Holding’s total stockholder’s
deficit at March 31, 2022 was $55.6 million. We have no obligation to fund the operating loss or the deficit beyond our initial investment,
and accordingly, we carried our investment in CDF2 Holdings at $0 as of March 31, 2022 and 2021.
12
The obligations and restrictions under the CHG Lease could have important
consequences for CDF2 and CDF2 Holdings, including:
● Limiting
our ability to obtain necessary financing in the future;
● restricting
us from incurring liens on the digital cinema projection systems financed and from subleasing, assigning or modifying the digital cinema
projection systems financed; and
● requiring
them to dedicate a substantial portion of their cash flow to payments on their debt obligations, thereby reducing the availability of
their cash flow for other uses.
If we are unable to meet our debt obligations, we could be forced to
restructure or refinance our obligations, to seek additional equity financing or to sell assets, which we may not be able to do on satisfactory
terms or at all. As a result, we could default on those obligations and in the event of such default, our lenders could accelerate our
debt or take other actions that could restrict our operations.
The foregoing risks would be intensified to the extent we borrow additional
money or incur additional debt.
We may not be able to generate the amount
of cash needed to fund our future operations.
Our ability either to make payments on or to refinance our indebtedness,
or to fund planned capital expenditures and research and development efforts, will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future.
Our ability to generate cash is in part subject to general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors that are beyond
our control.
Based on our current level of operations and in conjunction with the
cost reduction measures that we have recently implemented and continue to implement, we believe our cash flow from operations, available
borrowings and loan and credit agreement terms will be adequate to meet our future liquidity needs through at least the next twelve months.
Significant assumptions underlie this belief, including, among other things, that there will be no material adverse developments in our
business, liquidity or capital requirements. If we are unable to service our indebtedness, we will be forced to adopt an alternative strategy
that may include actions such as:
● reducing
capital expenditures;
● reducing
our overhead costs and/or workforce;
● reducing
research and development efforts;
● selling
assets;
● restructuring
or refinancing our remaining indebtedness; and
● seeking
additional funding.
We cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate sufficient
cash flow from operations, or that we will be able to make future borrowings in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay the principal and
interest on our current indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness
on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms
or at all.
13
We have incurred long term losses.
We have incurred long term losses and have financed our operations
principally through equity investments and borrowings. As of March 31, 2022, we had negative working capital, defined as current
assets less current liabilities, of $(4.8) million, and cash and cash equivalents totaling $13.1 million, total equity of $41 million,
and $4.9 million provided by net cash flows from operating activities.
Our net losses and cash outflows may increase as and to the extent
that we increase the size of our business operations, increase our sales and marketing activities, increase our content distribution rights
acquisition activities, enlarge our customer support and professional services and acquire additional businesses. These efforts may prove
to be more expensive than we currently anticipate which could further increase our losses. We must continue to increase our revenues in
order to become profitable. We cannot reliably predict when, or if, we will become profitable. Even if we achieve profitability, we may
not be able to sustain it. If we cannot generate operating income or positive cash flows in the future, we will be unable to meet our
working capital requirements.
Many of our corporate actions may be controlled by our officers,
directors and principal stockholders; these actions may benefit these principal stockholders more than our other stockholders.
As of
March 31, 2022, our directors, executive officers and principal stockholders, those known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of
the outstanding shares of our Common Stock, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, approximately 23.9% of our
outstanding Common Stock. Certain of these stockholders are under the common control of one of our directors. These stockholders, as
a group, may have significant influence over our business affairs, with the ability to control matters requiring approval by our
security holders, including elections of directors and approvals of mergers or other business combinations. In addition, certain
corporate actions directed by our officers may not necessarily inure to the proportional benefit of our other
stockholders.
We face risks associated with our business
in China.
In November 2017, Bison, a Hong Kong-based entity that does business
in mainland China as well as other locations, became our majority owner. We anticipate that Bison’s presence and relationships in China
will provide us with assistance in expanding our business to China. In January 2018, we announced a strategic alliance with A Metaverse
Company, a leading Chinese entertainment company, formerly Starrise Media Holdings Limited,
whose ordinary shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“Metaverse”), to release films in China theatrically and
to digital platforms, and to evaluate opportunities to jointly produce Chinese/American film co-productions, and in February and April
2020, we acquired approximately 26% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Metaverse. Accordingly, we are exposed to risks of doing business
in China. As a result, the economic, political, legal and social conditions in China could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, the legal system in China has inherent uncertainties that may limit the legal protections available in the event of any claims
or disputes that we may have with third parties, including our ability to protect the intellectual property we use in China. As China’s
legal system is still evolving, the interpretation of many laws, regulations and rules is not always uniform and enforcement of these
laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties, which may limit the remedies available in the event of any claims or disputes with
third parties. Some of the other risks related to doing business in China include:
● the
Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities;
● restrictions
on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our cash effectively;
● the
Chinese government may favor local businesses and make it more difficult for foreign businesses to operate in China on an equal footing,
or generally;
● there
are increased uncertainties related to the enforcement of contracts with certain parties; and
● more
restrictive rules on foreign investment could adversely affect our ability to expand our operations in China
As a result of our growing operations in China, these risks could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
14
We are subject to risks from our equity
investment in a foreign company.
We own approximately 18% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Metaverse,
a company that operates in China and whose ordinary shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. We have partnered with Metaverse in
the past, and continue to do so, with respect to the release of U.S.-sourced content in China and China-sourced content in the U.S. We
may experience consequences from economic and regulatory events and requirements outside of the United States that affect the value of
these shares and their value to us, including changes in regulatory requirements that affect Metaverse, fluctuations in international
currency exchange rates, volatility in international political and economic environments, public disclosure requirements, and unforeseen
developments and conditions, including terrorism, war, epidemics and international tensions and conflicts. No assurance can be made that,
if we were to sell these shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong currency, we would receive the full value in U.S. dollars
upon repatriating the proceeds, based on fluctuating currency exchange rates.
While the impact of these factors is difficult to predict, any one
or more of these factors could adversely affect the value of our investment in the Metaverse shares.
Our success will significantly depend on
our ability to hire and retain key personnel.
Our success will depend in significant part upon the continued performance
of our senior management personnel and other key technical, sales and creative personnel. We do not currently have significant “key
person” life insurance policies for any of our employees. We currently have employment agreements with our chief executive officer.
If we lose one or more of our key employees, we may not be able to find a suitable replacement(s) and our business and results of operations
could be adversely affected. In addition, competition for key employees necessary to create and distribute our entertainment content and
software products is intense and may grow in the future. Our future success will also depend upon our ability to hire, train, integrate
and retain qualified new employees and our inability to do so may have an adverse impact upon our business, financial condition, operating
results, liquidity and prospects for growth.
If we do not respond to future changes in technology and customer
demands, our financial position, prospects and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The demand for our Systems and other assets in connection with our
digital cinema business (collectively, our “Digital Cinema Assets”) may be affected by future advances in technology and changes
in customer demands. We cannot assure you that there will be continued demand for our Digital Cinema Assets. Our profitability depends
largely upon the continued use of digital presentations at theatres. Although we have entered into long term agreements with major motion
picture studios and independent studios (the “Studio Agreements”), there can be no assurance that these studios will continue
to distribute digital content to movie theatres. If the development of digital presentations and changes in the way digital files are
delivered does not continue or technology is used that is not compatible with our Systems, there may be no viable market for our Systems
and related products. Any reduction in the use of our Systems and related products resulting from the development and deployment of new
technology may negatively impact our revenues and the value of our Systems.
The demand for DVD products is declining, and we anticipate that this
decline will continue. We anticipate, however, that the distribution of DVD products will continue to generate positive cash flows for
the Company for the foreseeable future. Should a decline in consumer demand be greater than we anticipate, our business could be adversely
affected.
Termination of the MLAs and MLAAs could damage our revenue and
profitability.
The master license agreements with each of our licensed exhibitors
(the “MLAs”) are critical to our business as are master license administrative agreements (the “MLAAs”). The MLAs
have terms, which expire in 2020 through 2022 and provide the exhibitor with an option to purchase our Systems or to renew for successive
one-year periods up to ten years thereafter. The MLAs also require our suppliers to upgrade our Systems when Technology is necessary for
compliance with DCI Specification becomes commercially available and we may determine to enhance the Systems, which may require additional
capital expenditures. If any one of the MLAs were terminated prior to the end of its term, not renewed at its expiration or found to be
unenforceable, or if our Systems are not upgraded or enhanced as necessary, it would have a material adverse effect on our revenue, profitability,
financial condition and cash flows. Additionally, termination of MLAAs could adversely impact our servicing business.
15
An increase in the use of alternative movie distribution channels
and other competing forms of entertainment could drive down movie theatre attendance, which, if causing significant theatre closures or
a substantial decline in motion picture production, may lead to reductions in our revenues.
Various exhibitor chains, which are our distributors, face competition
for patrons from a number of alternative motion picture distribution channels, such as DVD, network and syndicated television, VOD, pay-per-view
television and downloading utilizing the Internet. These exhibitor chains also compete with other forms of entertainment competing for
patrons’ leisure time and disposable income such as concerts, amusement parks and sporting events. An increase in popularity of
these alternative movie distribution channels and competing forms of entertainment could drive down movie theatre attendance and potentially
cause certain of our exhibitors to close their theatres for extended periods of time. Significant theatre closures could in turn have
a negative impact on the aggregate receipt of our VPF revenues, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our business and ability
to service our debt.
An increase in the use of alternative movie distribution channels could
also cause the overall production of motion pictures to decline, which, if substantial, could have an adverse effect on the businesses
of the major studios with which we have Studio Agreements. A decline in the businesses of the major studios could in turn force the termination
of certain Studio Agreements prior to the end of their terms. The Studio Agreements with each of the major studios are critical to our
business, and their early termination may have a material adverse effect on our revenue, profitability, financial condition and cash flows.
Our success depends on external factors in the motion picture
and television industry.
Our success depends on the commercial success of movies and television
programs, which is unpredictable. Operating in the motion picture and television industry involves a substantial degree of risk. Each
movie and television program is an individual artistic work, and inherently unpredictable audience reactions primarily determine commercial
success. Generally, the popularity of movies and television programs depends on many factors, including the critical acclaim they receive,
the format of their initial release, for example, theatrical or direct-to-video, the actors and other key talent, their genre and their
specific subject matter. The commercial success of movies and television programs also depends upon the quality and acceptance of movies
or programs that our competitors release into the marketplace at or near the same time, critical reviews, the availability of alternative
forms of entertainment and leisure activities, general economic conditions and other tangible and intangible factors, many of which we
do not control and all of which may change. We cannot predict the future effects of these factors with certainty, any of which could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects. In addition, because a movie’s
or television program’s performance in ancillary markets, such as home video and pay and free television, is often directly related
to its box office performance or television ratings, poor box office results or poor television ratings may negatively affect future revenue
streams. Our success will depend on the experience and judgment of our management to select and develop new content acquisition and investment
opportunities. We cannot make assurances that movies and television programs will obtain favorable reviews or ratings, will perform well
at the box office or in ancillary markets or that broadcasters will license the rights to broadcast any of our television programs in
development or renew licenses to broadcast programs in our library. The failure to achieve any of the foregoing could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
In addition, the motion picture industry has been significantly affected
by the COVID-19 pandemic in light of mandatory theatre shutdown, changes to the planned production, distribution and release schedules.
The industry may continue to be negatively impacted by delays in the production and release schedules of new motion pictures and TV shows,
which may negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
16
Our business involves risks of liability claims for media content,
which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
As a distributor of media content, we may face potential liability
for:
● defamation;
● invasion
of privacy;
● negligence;
● copyright
or trademark infringement (as discussed above); and
● other
claims based on the nature and content of the materials distributed.
These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully, against
producers and distributors of media content. Any imposition of liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of insurance
coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
O ur revenues and earnings are subject to market downturns .
Our revenues and earnings may fluctuate significantly in the future.
General economic or other conditions could cause lower than expected revenues and earnings within our digital cinema, technology or content
and entertainment businesses. The global economic turmoil of recent years has caused a general tightening in the credit markets, lower
levels of liquidity, increases in the rates of default and bankruptcy, an unprecedented level of intervention from the U.S. federal government
and other foreign governments, decreased consumer confidence, overall slower economic activity and extreme volatility in credit, equity
and fixed income markets. While the ultimate outcome of these events cannot be predicted, a decrease in economic activity in the U.S.
or in other regions of the world in which we do business could adversely affect demand for our movies, thus reducing our revenue and earnings.
While stabilization has continued, it remains a slow process and the global economy remains subject to volatility. Moreover, financial
institution failures may cause us to incur increased expenses or make it more difficult either to financing of any future acquisitions,
or financing activities. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and could result
in significant additional dilution to shareholders.
Changes in economic conditions could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
Our operations and performance could be influenced by worldwide economic
conditions. Uncertainty about current global economic conditions poses a risk as consumers and businesses may postpone spending in response
to tighter credit, negative financial news and/or declines in income or asset values, which could have a material negative effect on the
demand for our products and services. Other factors that could influence demand include continuing increases in fuel and other energy
costs, conditions in the residential real estate and mortgage markets, labor and healthcare costs, access to credit, consumer confidence,
and other macroeconomic factors affecting consumer-spending behavior. These and other economic factors could have a material adverse effect
on demand for our products and services and on our financial condition and operating results. Uncertainty about current global economic
conditions could also continue to increase the volatility of our stock price.
Changes to existing accounting pronouncements or taxation rules
or practices may affect how we conduct our business and affect our reported results of operations.
New accounting pronouncements or tax rules and varying interpretations
of accounting pronouncements or taxation practice have occurred and may occur in the future. A change in accounting pronouncements or
interpretations or taxation rules or practices can have a significant effect on our reported results and may even affect our reporting
of transactions completed before the change is effective. Changes to existing rules and pronouncements, future changes, if any, or the
questioning of current practices or interpretations may adversely affect our reported financial results or the way we conduct our business.
17
Our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards in
the future is subject to substantial limitations and we may not be able to use some identified net operating loss carryforwards, which
could result in increased tax payments in future periods.
Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, if a corporation undergoes
an ownership change (generally defined as a greater than 50% change (by value) in its equity ownership over a three-year period), the
corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards to offset its post-change income
may be limited. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. On November 1, 2018, we experienced an ownership change with respect to
the Bison acquisition. Accordingly, our ability to utilize our NOL carryforwards attributable to periods prior to November 1, 2018 is
subject to substantial limitations. These limitations could result in increased future tax payments, which could be material.
We may experience unanticipated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our business could be adversely affected by the effects of a widespread
outbreak of contagious disease, including the outbreak of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic repercussions created significant
volatility and uncertainty impacting the Company’s results for the year. As part of our Content & Entertainment business, the
Company sells DVDs and Blu-ray discs at brick-and-mortar stores. With the closure of non-essential retail stores beginning in the spring
of 2020, the sale of physical discs through our retail partners declined although this was partially offset by digital purchases of physical
product. As part of our Cinema Equipment business, the Company earns revenue when movies are exhibited in theaters. Many movie theaters
in the United States slowly re-opened with limited capacities through March 31, 2022. The majority of major studios resumed blockbuster
films releases during the year which showed an encouraging return of consumer confidence for the theatrical experience. As vaccines became
readily available and COVID cases decreased, major studios resumed theatrical releases and there was an uptick in box office revenue during
the period ending March 31, 2022.
Longer term, there had been speculation that the future of theatrical
release strategies could change as a result of Major Studios being able to release movies simultaneously in theatres and on streaming
platforms during the pandemic. If fewer movies are released theatrically, a shift to digital viewing reduces revenue opportunities for
virtual print fees and sales of digital cinema equipment. While Studios are still in an experimentation phase regarding theatrical/streaming
strategies we are encouraged by the success of recent exclusive theatrical releases such as Sony’s ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’,
which became the first movie since the pandemic to hit $1 billion globally with no current plans to premiere on any streaming platforms.
R isks Related to Common Stock
The liquidity of the Common Stock is uncertain; the limited trading
volume of the Common Stock may depress the price of such stock or cause it to fluctuate significantly.
Although the Common Stock is listed on Nasdaq, there has been a limited
public market for the Common Stock and there can be no assurance that a more active trading market for the Common Stock will develop.
As a result, you may not be able to sell your shares of Common Stock in short time periods, or possibly at all. The absence of an active
trading market may cause the price per share of the Common Stock to fluctuate significantly.
Substantial resales or future issuances of our Common Stock could
depress our stock price.
The market price for the Common Stock could decline, perhaps significantly,
as a result of resales or issuances of a large number of shares of the Common Stock in the public market or even the perception that such
resales or issuances could occur. In addition, we have outstanding a substantial number of options and warrants exercisable for shares
of Common Stock that may be exercised in the future. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to raise funds through future
offerings of our equity securities.
18
You will incur substantial dilution as a result of certain future
equity issuances.
We have a substantial number of options and warrants currently outstanding
which may be immediately exercised for shares of Common Stock. To the extent that these options or warrants are exercised, or to the extent
we issue additional shares of Common Stock in the future, as the case may be, there will be further dilution to holders of shares of the
Common Stock.
Our issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders
of Common Stock.
Our board of directors is authorized to issue series of preferred stock
without any action on the part of our holders of Common Stock. Our board of directors also has the power, without stockholder approval,
to set the terms of any such series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights, preferences over
our Common Stock with respect to dividends or if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our business and other terms. If we issue preferred
stock in the future that has preference over our Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon our liquidation, dissolution
or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our Common Stock, the rights of holders
of our Common Stock or the price of our Common Stock could be adversely affected.
Our stock price has been volatile and may continue to be volatile
in the future; this volatility may affect the price at which you could sell our Common Stock.
The trading price of the Common Stock has been volatile and may continue
to be volatile in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. Any of the factors listed below could have a material
adverse effect on an investment in our securities:
● actual
or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly financial results or the quarterly financial results of companies perceived to be similar
to us;
● changes
in the market’s expectations about our operating results;
● success
of competitors;
● our
operating results failing to meet the expectation of securities analysts or investors in a particular period;
● changes
in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts concerning us, the market for digital and physical content, content
distribution and entertainment in general;
● operating
and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us;
● our
ability to market new and enhanced products on a timely basis;
● changes
in laws and regulations affecting our business or our industry;
● commencement
of, or involvement in, litigation involving us;
● changes
in our capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the incurrence of debt;
● the
volume of shares of the Common Stock available for public sale;
● any
major change in our board of directors or management;
● sales
of substantial amounts of Common Stock by our directors, executive officers or significant stockholders or the perception that such sales
could occur; and
● general
economic and political conditions such as recessions, interest rates, international currency fluctuations and acts of war or terrorism.
Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price
of the Common Stock irrespective of our operating performance. The stock market in general, and Nasdaq in particular, have experienced
price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the particular companies
affected. The trading prices and valuations of these stocks, and of the Common Stock, may not be predictable. A loss of investor confidence
in the market for retail stocks or the stocks of other companies that investors perceive to be similar to us could depress our stock price
regardless of our business, prospects, financial conditions or results of operations. A decline in the market price of the Common Stock
also could adversely affect our ability to issue additional securities and our ability to obtain additional financing in the future.
19
Anti-takeover provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation
and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could impair a takeover attempt.
Our fifth amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws,
as amended, contain provisions that could have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in our management without
the consent of our board of directors.
These provisions include:
● no
cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;
● the
exclusive right of our board of directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the board of directors or
the resignation, death, or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our board of directors;
● the
ability of our board of directors to determine to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those
shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership
of a hostile acquirer;
● the
requirement that an annual meeting of stockholders may be called only by the board of directors, which may delay the ability of our stockholders
to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors;
● limiting
the liability of, and providing indemnification to, our directors and officers;
● controlling
the procedures for the conduct and scheduling of stockholder meetings; and
● providing
that directors may be removed prior to the expiration of their terms by the Board of Directors only for cause.
In addition, our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance
of 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The terms of our preferred stock may be fixed by the company’s board of directors without
further stockholder action. The terms of any outstanding series or class of preferred stock may include priority claims to assets and
dividends and special voting rights, which could adversely affect the rights of holders of Common Stock. Any future issuance(s) of preferred
stock could make the takeover of the company more difficult, discourage unsolicited bids for control of the company in which our stockholders
could receive premiums for their shares, dilute or subordinate the rights of holders of Common Stock and adversely affect the trading
price of the Common Stock.
These provisions, alone or together, could delay hostile takeovers
and changes in control of the Company or changes in our management.
As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware
law, including Section 203 of the DGCL, which prevents some stockholders holding more than 15% of our outstanding common stock from engaging
in certain business combinations without approval of the holders of substantially all of our outstanding common stock. Any provision of
our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit
the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock, and could also affect the price that some
investors are willing to pay for our securities.
20
We may not be able to maintain the listing of our Common Stock
on Nasdaq, which may adversely affect the flexibility of holders of Common Stock to resell their securities in the secondary market.
The Common Stock is presently listed on Nasdaq. On April 4, 2022, we
received a letter (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications staff of Nasdaq indicating that the Company no longer meets
the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1 per share, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). The Notice did not result
in the immediate delisting of the Common Stock from Nasdaq. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we were provided a period
of 180 calendar days, or until October 3, 2022, in which to regain compliance. There can be no assurance that we regain compliance within
such period, or will be granted an extension of time to cure the deficiency. If the Company is unable to meet the continued listing criteria
of Nasdaq and the Common Stock became delisted, trading of the Common Stock could thereafter be conducted in the over-the-counter markets
in the OTC Pink, also known as “pink sheets” or, if available, on another OTC trading platform. Any such delisting could harm
our ability to raise capital through alternative financing sources on terms acceptable to us, or at all, and may result in the loss of
confidence in our financial stability by suppliers, customers and employees. Investors would likely find it more difficult to dispose
of, or to obtain accurate market quotations for, the Common Stock, as the liquidity that Nasdaq provides would no longer be available
to investors. In addition, the failure of our Common Stock to continue to be listed on the Nasdaq could adversely impact the market price
for the Common Stock and our other securities, and we could face a lengthy process to re-list the Common Stock, if we are able to re-list
the Common Stock.
We have no present intention of paying dividends on our Common
Stock.
We have never paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock and have
no present plans to do so. In addition, certain of our credit facilities restrict our ability to pay dividends on the Common Stock. As
a result, you may not receive any return on an investment in our Common Stock unless you sell any shares you hold for a price greater
than that which you paid for them.
Our ability to raise capital in the future may be limited, which
could make us unable to fund our capital requirements.
Our business and operations may consume resources faster than we
anticipate, or we may require additional funds to pursue acquisition or expansion opportunities. In the future, we may need to raise
additional funds through the issuance of new equity securities, debt or a combination of both. Additional financing may not be
available on favorable terms or at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to fund our
capital requirements. If we issue new debt securities, the debt holders would have rights senior to common stockholders to make
claims on our assets, and the terms of any debt could restrict our operations, including our ability to pay dividends on our Common
Stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our
control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, our stockholders bear the risk of
our future securities offerings reducing the market price of our Common Stock, diluting their interest or being subject to rights
and preferences senior to their own.
We identified material weaknesses in our internal control over
financial reporting, and we may identify additional material weaknesses in the future that may cause us to fail to meet our reporting
obligations or result in material misstatements of our financial statements. If we fail to remediate any material weaknesses or if we
otherwise fail to establish and maintain effective control over financial reporting, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial
results could be adversely affected.
We identified deficiencies in our internal control that we consider
to be material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which existed as of March 31, 2021 and 2022. A material weakness
is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility
that a material misstatement of our consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
21
In the evaluation, management identified material weaknesses in internal
controls related to our financial close and reporting process and information and communication controls. Management also concluded that
we did not have a sufficient complement of corporate personnel with appropriate levels of accounting and controls knowledge and experience
commensurate with our financial reporting requirements to appropriately analyze, record and disclose accounting matters completely and
accurately. As a result of this evaluation, management extensively used outside consultants who possessed the appropriate levels of accounting
and controls knowledge.
Following identification of this control deficiency, management is
implementing modifications to better ensure that the Company has appropriate and timely reviews on all financial reporting analysis. The
material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting will not be considered remediated until these modifications are implemented,
in operation for a sufficient period of time, tested, and concluded by management to be designed and operating effectively. In addition,
as we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, management may determine to take additional
measures to address control deficiencies or determine to modify our remediation plan. Management will test and evaluate the implementation
of these modifications to ascertain whether they are designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance that they will
prevent or detect a material misstatement in the Company’s financial statements.
By taking the remediation steps described in Item 9A, we believe that,
as a result of management’s in-depth review of its accounting processes, and the additional procedures management has implemented,
there are no material inaccuracies or omissions of material fact in this Form 10-K and, to the best of our knowledge, we believe that
the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows in conformity with GAAP.
We may identify future material weaknesses in our internal controls
over financial reporting and we may be unable to accurately report our financial results, or report them within the timeframes required
by law or stock exchange regulations. We cannot assure that our existing material weakness will be remediated or that additional material
weaknesses will not exist or otherwise be discovered, any of which could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition and results
of operations.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We operated from the following leased properties at March 31,
2022.
Location
Square
Feet (Approx.)
Lease
Expiration Date
Primary
Use
264
W. 40 th St. 15 th Floor, New York City, NY 10018
5,363
Jan
31, 2025
Office
space
We do not own any real estate or invest in real estate or related investments.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
22
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
COMMON STOCK
Our Common Stock trades publicly on The Nasdaq
Global Market (“Nasdaq”), under the trading symbol “CIDM”. The following table shows the high and low sales prices
per share of our Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq for the periods indicated:
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2022
2021
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
LOW
April 1 – June 30
$ 1.71
$ 1.14
$ 3.20
$ 0.32
July 1 – September 30
$ 2.63
$ 1.08
$ 2.49
$ 0.55
October 1 – December 31
$ 2.84
$ 1.16
$ 1.09
$ 0.45
January 1 – March 31
$ 1.25
$ 0.64
$ 2.33
$ 0.69
The last reported closing price per share of
our Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq on June 29, 2022 was $0.53 per share. As of June 29, 2022, there were 59 holders of record of our Common
Stock, not including beneficial owners of our Common Stock whose shares are held in the names of various dealers, clearing agencies,
banks, brokers and other fiduciaries.
CLASS B COMMON STOCK
On October 31, 2017, we filed our Fifth Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which, in addition to other things, eliminated the Class B Common Stock. Accordingly, no further
Class B Common Stock will be issued.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have never paid any cash dividends on our Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock and do not anticipate paying any on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Any future payment of dividends
on our Common Stock will be in the sole discretion of our board of directors.
The holders of our Series A 10% Non-Voting
Cumulative Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends. There were $89 thousand of cumulative dividends in arrears on the
Preferred Stock at March 31, 2022.
SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
None.
PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES
There were no purchases of shares of our Common Stock made
by us or on our behalf during the year ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
23
ITEM 6. [Reserved]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be
read in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report.
This report contains forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These include statements about our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies
for the future, which are indicated by words or phrases such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,”
“intends,” “plans,” “will,” “estimates,” and similar words. Forward-looking statements
represent, as of the date of this report, our judgment relating to, among other things, future results of operations, growth plans, sales,
capital requirements and general industry and business conditions applicable to us. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees
of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
OVERVIEW
Since our inception, we have played a significant
role in the digital distribution revolution that continues to transform the media landscape. In addition to our pioneering role in transitioning
approximately 12,000 movie screens from traditional analog film prints to digital distribution, we have become a leading distributor of
independent content, both through organic growth and acquisitions. We distribute products for major brands such as Hallmark, Televisa,
ITV, Nelvana, ZDF, Konami, NFL, and Scholastic, as well as leading international and domestic content creators, movie producers, television
producers and other short-form digital content producers. We collaborate with producers, major brands and other content owners to market,
source, curate and distribute quality content to targeted audiences through (i) existing and emerging digital home entertainment platforms,
including but not limited to Apple iTunes, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, Xbox, Pluto, Tubi and most video-on-demand (“VOD”)
and free ad-supported television (“FAST”) streaming platforms, as well as (ii) physical goods, including DVD and Blu-ray Discs.
We report our financial results
in two primary segments as follows: (1) cinema equipment business and (2) content and entertainment business (“Content & Entertainment”
or “CEG”). The cinema equipment business segment consists of the non-recourse, financing vehicles and administrators for our
digital cinema equipment (the “Systems”) installed in movie theatres throughout North America and Australia. It also provides
fee-based support to over 2,843 movie screens as well as directly to exhibitors and other third-party customers in the form of monitoring,
billing, collection and verification services. Our Content & Entertainment segment operates in: (1) ancillary market aggregation and
distribution of entertainment content and (2) branded and curated over-the-top (“OTT”) digital network business providing
entertainment channels and applications.
Beginning in December 2015, certain of our cinema
equipment began to reach the conclusion of their 10-year deployment payment period with certain distributors and, therefore, Virtual Print
Fees (“VPF”) revenues ceased to be recognized on such Systems, related to such distributors. Furthermore, because the Phase
I Deployment installation period ended in November 2007, a majority of the VPF revenue associated with the Phase I Deployment Systems
has ended. The reduction in VPF revenue on cinema equipment business systems approximately coincided with the conclusion of certain of
our non-recourse debt obligations and, therefore, the reduced cash outflows related to such non-recourse debt obligations partially offset
the reduced VPF revenue since November 2017.
Under the terms of our standard cinema equipment
licensing agreements, exhibitors will continue to have the right to use our Systems through the end of the term of the licensing agreement,
after which time, they have the option to: (1) return the Systems to us; (2) renew their license agreement for successive one-year terms;
or (3) purchase the Systems from us at fair market value. As permitted by these agreements, we typically pursue the sale of the Systems
to such exhibitors. Such sales were as originally contemplated as the conclusion of the digital cinema deployment plan.
We are structured so that our cinema equipment
business segment operates independently from our Content & Entertainment business. As of March 31, 2022, we had approximately $0.0
million of non-recourse outstanding debt principal that relates to, and is serviced by, our cinema equipment business. We have approximately
$0.0 million of outstanding debt principal, as of March 31, 2022 that is attributable to our Content & Entertainment and Corporate
segments.
24
Risks and Uncertainties
The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic repercussions created significant
volatility and uncertainty impacting the Company’s results for the year. As part of our Content & Entertainment business, the
Company sells DVDs and Blu-ray discs at brick-and-mortar stores. With the closure of non-essential retail stores beginning in the spring
of 2020, the sale of physical discs through our retail partners declined although this was partially offset by digital purchases of physical
product. As part of our Cinema Equipment business, the Company earns revenue when movies are exhibited in theaters. Many movie theaters
in the United States slowly re-opened with limited capacities through March 31, 2021, and have since reopened as of March 31, 2022. The
majority of major studios resumed blockbuster films releases during the year which showed an encouraging return of consumer confidence
for the theatrical experience. As vaccines became readily available and COVID cases decreased, major studios resumed theatrical
releases and there was an uptick in box office revenue during the year ending March 31, 2022.
Longer term, there had been speculation that the
future of theatrical release strategies could change as a result of Major Studios being able to release movies simultaneously in theatres
and on streaming platforms during the pandemic. If fewer movies are released theatrically, a shift to digital viewing reduces revenue
opportunities for virtual print fees and sales of digital cinema equipment. While Studios are still in an experimentation phase regarding
theatrical/streaming strategies we are encouraged by the success of recent exclusive theatrical releases such as Sony’s ’Spider-Man:
No Way Home’, which became the first movie since the pandemic to hit $1 billion globally with no current plans to release on any
streaming platforms.
Liquidity
We have incurred net losses historically and net income for the year
ended March 31, 2022 of $2.3 million. As of March 31, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $472.3 million and negative working
capital of $4.8 million as of March 31, 2022. Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 was $4.9
million. Based on these conditions, the Company entered into the following transactions described below.
Capital Raises
On February 2, 2021, the Company entered into
a Securities Purchase Agreement with a single institutional investor for the purchase and sale of 5,600,000 shares of Common Stock at
a purchase price of $1.25 per share, in a registered direct offering, pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3
which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 10, 2020 (File No. 333-239710) (the “2020 Shelf Registration
Statement”) and an applicable prospectus supplement. The closing of the sale occurred on February 5, 2021. The aggregate gross proceeds
for the sale was approximately $7.0 million. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale, after deducting the fees of the placement
agent but before paying the Company’s estimated offering expenses, was approximately $6.5 million.
In July 2020, we entered into an At-the-Market
sales agreement (the “ATM Sales Agreement”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.”) and B. Riley FBR,
Inc. (“B. Riley” and, together with A.G.P., the “Sales Agents”), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell,
from time to time, through the Sales Agents, shares of Common Stock at the market prices prevailing on Nasdaq at the time of the sale
of such shares. The Company is not obligated to sell any shares under the ATM Sales Agreement. Any sales of shares made under the ATM
Sales Agreement will be made pursuant the 2020 Shelf Registration Statement, for an aggregate offering price of up to $30 million. During
the year ended March 31, 2021, we sold 28,405,840 shares of Common Stock under the ATM Sales Agreement. Net proceeds from such sales totaled
$18.6 million. No sales under the ATM Sales Agreement were made during the year ended March 31, 2022.
On July 16, 2020, the Company entered into a securities
purchase agreement with certain investors for the purchase and sale of 7,213,334 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at
a purchase price of $1.50 per share, in a registered direct offering, pursuant to the 2020 Shelf Registration Statement and an applicable
prospectus supplement. The closing of the sale occurred on July 20, 2020. The aggregate gross proceeds for the sale was approximately
$10.8 million. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale, after deducting the fees of the placement agents but before paying the Company’s
estimated offering expenses, is approximately $10.1 million.
25
On
May 20, 2020, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) with certain
investors (the “Investors”) for the purchase and sale of 10,666,666 shares of the Common Stock, at a purchase price of $0.75
per share, in a registered direct offering, pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 which was declared effective
by the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2020 ( File
No. 333-238183) and an applicable prospectus supplement. The closing of the sale occurred on May 22, 2020. The aggregate gross proceeds
for the sale was $8.0 million. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale, after deducting the fees of the placement agents but before
paying the Company’s estimated offering expenses, were approximately $7.1 million.
In October 2021, we entered into a Common Stock
Purchase Agreement (the “Equity Line Purchase Agreement”) and a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights
Agreement”) with B. Riley Principal Capital, LLC (“B. Riley Principal Capital”). Pursuant to the Equity Line Purchase
Agreement, the Company has the right to sell to B. Riley Principal Capital up to the lesser of (i) $50,000,000 of newly issued shares
of Common Stock and (ii) the Exchange Cap (as defined in the Equity Line Purchase Agreement), from time to time during the 24-month period
from and after the October 21, 2021. Sales of Common Stock pursuant to the Equity Line Purchase Agreement, and the timing of any sales,
are solely at the option of the Company, and the Company is under no obligation to sell any securities to B. Riley Principal Capital under
the Equity Line Purchase Agreement. As consideration for B. Riley Principal Capital’s commitment to purchase shares of Common Stock
at the Company’s direction upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Equity Line Purchase Agreement, upon execution
of the Equity Line Purchase Agreement, the Company issued 210,084 shares of Common Stock to B. Riley Principal Capital (the “Commitment
Shares”). The purchase price of the shares of Common Stock that we elect to sell to B. Riley Principal Capital pursuant to the Equity
Line Purchase Agreement will be determined by reference to the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock (“VWAP”)
during the applicable purchase date, less a fixed 5% discount to such VWAP. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company
filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 that was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2021 (File
No. 333-260210) for the resale by B. Riley Principal Capital of up to 25,210,084 shares of Common Stock (including the Commitment Shares)
acquired pursuant to the Equity Line Purchase Agreement. During the year ended March 31, 2022, we sold 5,300,000 shares of Common Stock
under the Equity Line Purchase Agreement. Net proceeds from such sales totaled $12.4 million.
As of March 31, 2022, there is still approximately
$38.0 million available under the 2020 Shelf Registration Statement, and $37.6 million available under the Equity Line Purchase Agreement,
to raise additional capital.
Sale of Cinematic Equipment
On March 17, 2021, the Company entered into two separate agreements
for the sale of cinematic equipment to American Multi-Cinema, Inc. (“AMC”). The agreement included the sale in tranches of
a total of 2,369 cinematic projectors starting in March 2021 throughout January 2023 for a total cash consideration of $10.8 million.
For the year ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized revenue for $9.6 million. A portion of the total proceeds was utilized to pay
off the remaining Prospect note payable.
Equity Investment in a Related Party
On December 27, 2019, the Company entered into, and on February 14,
2020 amended, (see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ), a stock purchase agreement (as so amended, the “Metaverse
Stock Purchase Agreement”) with BeiTai Investment LP (“BeiTai”), a related party for accounting purposes of Cinedigm
and Aim Right Ventures Limited (“Aim Right”), two shareholders of A Metaverse Company, a leading Chinese entertainment company
(“Metaverse”), formerly Starrise Media Holdings Limited, to buy from them an
aggregate of 410,901,000 outstanding Metaverse ordinary shares (the “Metaverse Share Acquisition”). On February 14, 2020,
the Company purchased 162,162,162 of the Metaverse ordinary shares from BeiTai and issued BeiTai 21,646,604 shares of its Common Stock
in consideration. The Metaverse shares received were valued at approximately $25 million and the Company issued shares that were valued
at approximately $11.2 million. On April 10, 2020, the Company, in accordance with the terms of the Metaverse Stock Purchase Agreement,
terminated its obligation to purchase Metaverse ordinary shares from Aim Right under the December 27, 2019 stock purchase agreement.
26
On April 10, 2020, the Company entered into another stock purchase
agreement (the “April Metaverse Stock Purchase Agreement”) with five (5) shareholders of Metaverse – Bison Global Investment
SPC – Bison Global No. 1 SP, Huatai Investment LP, Antai Investment LP, Mingtai Investment LP and Shangtai Asset Management LP,
all of which are related parties to the Company to buy an aggregate of 223,380,000 outstanding Metaverse ordinary shares from them and
for the Company to issue to them an aggregate of 29,855,081 shares of its Common Stock as consideration therefor (the “April Metaverse
Share Acquisition”). On April 15, 2020, the April Metaverse Share Acquisition was consummated and this transaction was also recorded
as an equity investment in Metaverse.
Metaverse’s ordinary shares
(HK 1616) are listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Based on the closing price of .152 per share on March
31, 2022, calculated at an exchange rate of 7.85 Hong Kong Dollars to 1 US dollar, the market value of Cinedigm’s ownership in Metaverse
ordinary shares was approximately $7.03 million. Subsequent to the period, trading of Metaverse’s ordinary shares was halted.
(See Note 11)
Borrowings
On June 22, 2021, the maturity date of the East West Credit Facility
(as defined in Note 5 – Notes Payable) with East West Bank was extended from June 30, 2021 to September 28, 2021 and was not extended.
On July 3, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment (the “EWB
Amendment”) to the Loan, Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2018, by and between the Company, East West Bank
and the Guarantors named therein (the “EWB Credit Agreement”). The EWB Amendment reduced the size of the facility to $18.0
million, required certain prepayments and daily cash sweeps from collections of receivables to be made, changed in certain respects how
the borrowing base is calculated, and extended the maturity date to June 30, 2020. In connection with the EWB Amendment, three of our
subsidiaries became additional Guarantors under the EWB Credit Agreement. On June 26, 2020, the Company signed another amendment and extended
the maturity date to June 30, 2021 and on June 22, 2021, the maturity date was extended to September 28, 2021. See Note 5 – Notes
Payable.
On April 15, 2020, the Company received $2.2 million
from East West Bank, the Company’s existing lender, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP Loan”) of
the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP Loan matures on April 10, 2022 (the “Maturity
Date”), accrues interest at 1% per annum and may be prepaid in whole or in part without penalty. No interest payments are due within
the initial six months of the PPP Loan. The interest accrued during the initial six-month period is due and payable, together with the
principal, on the Maturity Date. The Company used all proceeds from the PPP Loan to retain employees, maintain payroll and make lease
and utility payments to support business continuity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which amounts are intended to be eligible for forgiveness,
subject to the provisions of the CARES Act and could be subject to repayment. On January 5, 2021, the Company submitted its application
for forgiveness and, as of June 30, 2021, obtained forgiveness for the full amount.
On June 24, 2020, the Company entered into an exchange agreement pursuant
to which the Company issued 329,501 shares of its Common Stock, in exchange for $842,000, the’ principal amount and accrued and
unpaid interest of outstanding Second Lien Loans (as defined in Note 5 – Notes Payable). The surrendered Second Lien Loans were
immediately canceled. The exchange was consummated on June 24, 2020.
On June 26, 2020, the Company signed a consent
agreement with the holders of the Second Lien loans to extend the maturity date to September 30, 2020 and grant the Company options to
extend further to March 31, 2021 and then to June 30, 2021. A consent fee of $100,000 was paid in connection with this extension.
In a separate exchange with another holder of
Second Lien Notes, on November 19, 2020, the Company issued 452,499 shares of Common Stock in exchange for $247,108 principal amount of
Second Lien Notes. The exchanged Second Lien Notes were immediately cancelled.
27
On December 4, 2020, the Company entered into
exchange agreements (the “December Exchange Agreements”) with certain holders of Second Lien Notes. Pursuant to the December
Exchange Agreements, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,776,284 shares of its Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share Common Stock
in exchange for an aggregate of $1,386,106 of principal amount of Second Lien Notes. The exchanged Second Lien Notes were immediately
cancelled.
On January 21, 2021, the Company entered
into an exchange agreement (the “January Exchange Agreement”) with a holder of notes under its Second Lien Loan Agreement
dated as of July 14, 2016 among the Company, the lenders party thereto, and Cortland Capital Market Services LLC, as Agent (“Second
Lien Notes”). Pursuant to the January Exchange Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,247,626 shares of Common Stock, in
exchange for an aggregate of $1,289,650 of principal amount of Second Lien Notes. The exchanged Second Lien Notes were immediately cancelled.
In three separate exchanges with another holder
of Second Lien Notes, on January 14, 2021 and January 21, 2021, the Company issued 689,500 shares, 580,448 shares and 1,247,626 (an aggregate
of 2,517,574 shares) of Common Stock in exchange for $500,000, $600,000 and $1,289,650 (an aggregate of $2,389,650) principal amount of
Second Lien Notes. The exchanged Second Lien Notes were immediately cancelled.
On February 2, 2021, the Company issued 425,290
shares of Common Stock in exchange for $500,000 principal amount of Second Lien Notes. The exchanged Second Lien Notes were immediately
cancelled.
The Second Lien Loans (as defined in Note 5 – Notes Payable)
were to mature on June 16, 2020. On June 26, 2020, the Company entered into a consent agreement with the lenders of the Second Lien Loans
to an extension of the Second Lien Loans pursuant to which (i) the Company paid down a portion of the outstanding principal amount plus
accrued interest to date, and 47 (ii) the maturity date of the remaining outstanding principal amount of the Second Lien Loans was extended
to September 30, 2019. On July 30, 2019, one of the lenders, signed a waiver to defer the receipt of the portion of the outstanding principal
amount on the Second Lien Loans agreed to be paid no later than September 30, 2019.The Company paid $3.4 million of the outstanding Second
Lien Loans and expects to obtain additional capital from or through Bison Capital Holding Company Limited or an affiliate thereof (“Bison”)
for final payment of the remaining outstanding balances. The Second Lien Loans were to mature on June February 16, 2020. On June 26, 2020,
the Company entered into a consent agreement with the lenders to extend the maturity date to September 30, 2020 and grant the Company
options to extend further to March 31, 2021 and then to June 30, 2021. There was a consent fee of $100,000 for this extension.
On February 9, 2021, the Company prepaid all of
the outstanding obligations in respect of principal, interest, fees and expenses under the Second Lien Loan Agreement, among the Company,
certain lenders and Cortland Capital Market Services LLC. The payoff amount of approximately $3.18 million was comprised of (i) $3.1 million
of principal, (2) accrued payment-in-kind interest of $.018 million, (3) accrued current interest of $0.007 million, and (4) fees and
expenses of $0.004 million. Upon such prepayment, the Second Lien Loan Agreement was terminated effective February 9, 2021.
The $10.0 million note payable (“2018 Loan”) to Bison Global
Investment SPC for and on behalf of Global Investment SPC-Bison Global No. 1, another affiliate of Bison (“Bison Global”),
due July 20, 2019 is guaranteed by Bison Entertainment and Media Group (“BEMG”). On July 20, 2018, the Company also entered
into a side letter (the “Letter”) with BEMG, where BEMG agreed to guarantee the payment directly to Bison Global of any amount
due if (i) the 2018 Loan matures prior to June 28, 2021 or (ii) Bison Global demands payment of the 2018 Loan, in whole or in part, prior
to maturity.
On July 12, 2019, the Company and Bison Global
entered into a termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with respect to the $10.0 million 2018 Loan. Contemporaneously
with the Termination Agreement, the Company entered into a convertible promissory note (“Bison Convertible Note”) with Bison
Global for $10.0 million.
The Bison Convertible Note has a term ending on March 4, 2020, and
had an interest rate of 5% per annum. The principal was payable upon maturity, in cash or in shares of our Common Stock, par value $0.001
per share (the “Common Stock”), or a combination of cash and Common Stock, at the Company’s option. The Bison Convertible
Note was unsecured and may be prepaid without premium or penalty, and contains customary covenants, representations and warranties. The
proceeds of the Bison Convertible Note were used to repay the 2018 Loan. On April 15, 2020, the Company executed a letter amendment (the
“Letter Amendment”) to the Bison Convertible Note. Among other things, the Letter Amendment amended the Bison Convertible
Note, effective as of March 4, 2020, to change the maturity date of the Bison Convertible Note to March 4, 2021. The Bison Convertible
Note due 2021 was converted to Common Stock in March 2021. See Note 5 – Notes Payable.
28
On October 9, 2018, the Company issued a subordinated convertible
note (the “Convertible Note”) to MingTai Investment LP (the “Lender”) for $5.0 million. All proceeds from
the Convertible Note were used to pay the $5.0 million 2013 Notes. See Note 5 – Notes Payable. The Convertible Note bears
interest at 8% and matured on October 9, 2019. The principal is payable upon maturity, in cash or in shares of our Common Stock, or
a combination of cash and Common Stock, at the Company’s option. On October 9, 2019, the Company signed an extension to the
Ming Tai Note of $5.0 million for the first of two (2) permitted additional (1) year extensions at the Company’s option from
the original maturity date to October 9, 2020.
On April 15, 2020, the Company executed a letter amendment (the
“Letter Amendment”) to the Bison Convertible Note (as defined in Note 5 – Notes Payable). Among other things, the
Letter Amendment amended the Note, effective as of March 4, 2020, to extend the maturity date of the Bison Convertible note to March
4, 2021.
On October 9, 2019, the Company signed an extension
to the Ming Tai Note of $5.0 million for the first of two (2) permitted additional (1) year extensions at the Company’s option
from the original maturity date to October 9, 2020. This note will continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, including
the Company’s reservation of its right to further extend the maturity date of this note, if it so elects.
On September 11, 2020, the Bison and Mingtai Notes,
having an aggregate of $15 million principal amount (the “Notes”) were converted in full into an aggregate of 10,000,000
shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $1.50 per share in accordance with the terms of the Notes. Accordingly, the Notes have
been extinguished. The Notes were held by Bison Global and, both of which are affiliates of Peixin Xu, the Chairman of Bison Capital Holding
Company Limited, which is indirectly Cinedigm’s largest stockholder.
On March 4, 2021, Cinedigm DC Holdings, LLC (“CDCH”),
Access Digital Media, Inc., Access Digital Cinema Phase 2, Corp., Christie/AIX, Inc., Cinedigm Digital Funding I, LLC, certain Lenders,
and Prospect Capital Corporation, as administrative agent and collateral agent (“Prospect”), entered into Amendment No. 3
(the “Amendment”) to the Term Loan Agreement dated February 28, 2013 (the “Term Loan Agreement”). Under the Amendment,
the maturity date of the loan under the Term Loan Agreement (the “Loan”) was extended to March 31, 2022. Upon a series of
payments between April 30 and July 9, 2021, the Company paid in full the Prospect loan non-recourse outstanding debt amount by paying
an aggregate principal amount of $7.8 million.
We believe the combination of:
(i) our cash and cash equivalent balances at March 31, 2022 and (ii) expected cash flow from operations, will be sufficient for our operations
and capital needs, for at least twelve months from the filing of this report. Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, and
we may need to use capital resources and obtain additional capital. Failure to generate additional revenues, obtain additional capital
or manage discretionary spending could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In connection with the
preparation of our financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events and apply judgments that
affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates
and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated
financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments
to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects
cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.
Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2
– Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data , of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the following accounting
policies are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require
management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of
matters that are inherently uncertain. Management has reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the
Audit Committee of our board of directors.
29
FAIR VALUE ESTIMATES
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets
Goodwill is the excess of the
purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets of an acquired business. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis
or more often if warranted by events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying value may exceed fair value, also known
as impairment indicators.
Inherent in the fair value determination
for each reporting unit are certain judgments and estimates relating to future cash flows, including management’s interpretation
of current economic indicators and market conditions, and assumptions about our strategic plans with regard to its operations. To the
extent additional information arises, market conditions change, or our strategies change, it is possible that the conclusion regarding
whether our remaining goodwill is impaired could change and result in future goodwill impairment charges that will have a material effect
on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The Company
has the option to assess goodwill for possible impairment by performing a qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than
not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or to perform the quantitative impairment test.
We review the recoverability of our long-lived
assets and finite-lived intangible assets, when events or conditions occur that indicate a possible impairment exists. Determining whether
impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which cash flows are directly related
to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount and the asset’s residual value, if any.
The assessment for recoverability is based primarily on our ability to recover the carrying value of its long-lived and finite-lived assets
from expected future undiscounted net cash flows. If the total of expected future undiscounted net cash flows is less than the total carrying
value of the assets the asset is deemed not to be recoverable and possibly impaired. We then estimate the fair value of the asset to determine
whether an impairment loss should be recognized. An impairment loss will be recognized if the asset’s fair value is determined to be less
than its carrying value. Fair value is determined by computing the expected future discounted cash flows.
During the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, an impairment charge
of $2.0 million and $0 was recorded to intangible assets.
30
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Adoption of ASU Topic 606, “Revenue
from Contracts with Customers”
We determine revenue recognition by:
●
identifying the contract, or contracts, with the customer;
●
identifying the performance obligations in the contract;
●
determining the transaction price;
●
allocating the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract; and
●
recognizing revenue when, or as, we satisfy performance obligations by transferring the promised goods or services.
We recognize revenue in the amount that reflects the consideration
we expect to receive in exchange for the services provided, sales of physical products (DVD’s and Blu-ray Discs) or when the content
is available for subscription on the digital platform or available on the point-of-sale for transactional and video on demand services
which is when the control of the promised products and services is transferred to our customers and our performance obligations under
the contract have been satisfied. Revenues that might be subject to various taxes are recorded net of transaction taxes assessed by governmental
authorities such as sales value-added taxes and other similar taxes.
Payment terms and conditions vary by customer and typically provide
net 30 to 90 day terms. We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when
we expect, at contract inception, that the period between our transfer of a promised product or service to our customer and payment for
that product or service will be one year or less. We have in the past entered into arrangements in connection with activation fees due
from our System deployments that had extended payment terms. The outstanding balances on these arrangements are insignificant and hence
the impact of significant financing would be insignificant.
Cinema Equipment Business
Our Cinema Equipment Business consists of financing vehicles and administrators for 696 Systems installed nationwide in our first deployment
phase (“Phase I Deployment”) to theatrical exhibitors and for 2,147 Systems installed domestically and internationally in
our second deployment phase (“Phase II Deployment”).
We retain ownership of our Systems
and the residual cash flows related to the Systems in Phase I Deployment after the end of the 10-year deployment payment period.
For certain Phase II Deployment
Systems, we do not retain ownership of the residual cash flows and digital cinema equipment in Phase II Deployment after the completion
of cost recoupment and at the expiration of the exhibitor master license agreements.
The Cinema Equipment Business
also provides monitoring, data collection, serial data verification and management services to this segment, as well as to exhibitors
who purchase their own equipment, in order to collect virtual print fees (“VPFs”) from motion picture studios and distributors
and Alternative Content Fees (“ACFs”) from alternative content providers, and to distribute those fees to theatrical exhibitors
(collectively, “Services”).
VPFs are earned, net of administrative
fees, pursuant to contracts with movie studios and distributors, whereby amounts are payable by a studio to Phase I Deployment and to
Phase II Deployment when movies distributed by the studio are displayed on screens utilizing our Systems installed in movie theatres.
VPFs are earned and payable to Phase I Deployment based on a defined fee schedule until the end of the VPF term. One VPF is payable for
every digital title initially displayed per System. The amount of VPF revenue is dependent on the number of movie titles released and
displayed using the Systems in any given accounting period. VPF revenue is recognized in the period the title first plays for general
audience viewing in a digital projector equipped movie theatre. The Phase 1 Deployment’s and Phase 2 Deployments performance obligations
for revenue recognition are met at this time.
31
Phase II Deployment’s agreements
with distributors require the payment of VPFs, according to a defined fee schedule, for ten years from the date each system is installed;
however, Phase II Deployment may no longer collect VPFs once “cost recoupment,” as defined in the contracts with movie studios
and distributors, is achieved. Cost recoupment will occur once the cumulative VPFs and other cash receipts collected by Phase II Deployment
have equaled the total of all cash outflows, including the purchase price of all Systems, all financing costs, all “overhead and
ongoing costs”, as defined, and including service fees, subject to maximum agreed upon amounts during the three-year rollout period
and thereafter. Further, if cost recoupment occurs before the end of the eighth contract year, the studios will pay us a one-time “cost
recoupment bonus.” The Company evaluated the constraining estimates related to the variable consideration, i.e., the one-time bonus
and determined that it is not probable to conclude at this point in time that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue
recognized will occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.
Under the terms of our standard
cinema equipment licensing agreements, exhibitors will continue to have the right to use our Systems through the end of the term of the
licensing agreement, after which time, they have the option to: (1) return the Systems to us; (2) renew their license agreement for successive
one-year terms; or (3) purchase the Systems from us at fair market value. As permitted by these agreements, we typically pursue the sale
of the Systems to such exhibitors. Cinedigm recognizes revenue once the customer takes possession of the Systems and Cinedigm received
the sale proceeds. Such sales were originally contemplated as the conclusion of the digital cinema deployment plan. Total system sales
executed was $6.1 million and $6.7 million, during the year ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Revenues earned in
connection with up front exhibitor contributions are deferred and recognized over the expected cost recoupment period.
Exhibitors who purchased and
own Systems using their own financing in Phase II of the Cinema Equipment Business paid us an upfront activation fee of approximately
$2.0 thousand per screen (the “Exhibitor-Buyer Structure”). Upfront activation fees were recognized in the period in
which these Systems were delivered and ready for content, as we had no further obligations to the customer after that time and collection
was reasonably assured. In addition, we recognize activation fee revenue of between $1.0 thousand and $2.0 thousand on Phase
II Deployment Systems and for Systems installed by CDF2 Holdings, a related party, (See Note 3 – Other Interests ) upon
installation and such fees are generally collected upfront upon installation. Our services division manages and collects VPFs on behalf
of exhibitors, for which it earns an administrative fee equal to 10% of the VPFs collected.
The Cinema Equipment Business
earns an administrative fee of approximately 5% of VPFs collected and, in addition, earns an incentive service fee equal to 2.5%
of the VPFs earned by Phase 1 DC. This administrative fee is related to the collection and remittance of the VPF’s and the performance
obligation is satisfied at that time the related VPF fees are due which is at the time the movies are displayed on screens utilizing our
Systems installed in movie theatres. The service fees are recognized as a point in time revenue when the corresponding VPF fees are due
from the movie studios and distributors.
Content & Entertainment Business
CEG earns fees for the distribution
of content in the home entertainment markets via several distribution channels, including digital, video on demand (“VOD”
or “OTT Streaming and Digital”), and physical goods (e.g., DVDs and Blu-ray Discs) (“Physical Revenue” or “Base
Distribution Business”). Fees earned are typically a percentage based on the net amounts received from our customers. Depending
upon the nature of the agreements with the platform and content providers, the fee rate that we earn varies. The Company’s performance
obligations include the delivery of content for transactional, subscription and ad supported/free ad-supported streaming TV (“FAST”)
on the digital platforms, and shipment of DVDs and Blu-ray Discs. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when the performance obligation
is satisfied, which is when the content is available for subscription on the digital platform, at the time of shipment for physical goods,
or point-of-sale for transactional and VOD services as the control over the content or the physical title is transferred to the customer.
The Company considers the delivery of content through various distribution channels to be a single performance obligation. Physical revenue
is recognized after deducting the reserves for sales returns and other allowances, which are accounted for as variable consideration.
Physical goods reserved for sales
returns and other allowances are recorded based upon historical experience. If actual future returns and allowances differ from past experience,
adjustments to our allowances may be required.
CEG also has contracts for the
theatrical distribution of third party feature movies and alternative content. CEG’s distribution fee revenue and CEG’s participation
in box office receipts are recognized at the time a feature movie and alternative content are viewed. CEG has the right to receive or
bill a portion of the theatrical distribution fee in advance of the exhibition date, and therefore such amount is recorded as a receivable
at the time of execution, and all related distribution revenue is deferred until the third party feature movies’ or alternative
content’s theatrical release date.
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Principal Agent Considerations
We determine whether revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis
based on each revenue stream. Key indicators that we use in evaluating gross versus net treatment include, but are not limited to, the
following:
●
which party is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified good or service; and
●
which party has discretion in establishing the price for the specified good or service.
Shipping and Handling
Shipping and handling costs are incurred to move physical goods (e.g.,
DVDs and Blu-ray Discs) to customers. We recognize all shipping and handling costs as an expense in cost of goods sold because we are
responsible for delivery of the product to our customers prior to transfer of control to the customer.
Credit Losses
We maintain reserves for potential
credit losses on accounts receivable. We review the composition of accounts receivable and analyze historical bad debts, customer concentrations,
customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate the adequacy of these reserves.
Reserves are recorded primarily on a specific identification basis.
Our CEG segment recognizes accounts
receivable, net of an estimated allowance for product returns and customer chargebacks, at the time that it recognizes revenue from a
sale. Reserves for product returns and other allowances is variable consideration as part of the transaction price. If actual future returns
and allowances differ from past experience, adjustments to our allowances may be required.
We record accounts receivable,
long-term in connection with activation fees that we earn from Systems deployments that have extended payment terms. Such accounts receivable
are discounted to their present value at prevailing market rates.
Contract Liabilities
We generally record a receivable
related to revenue when we have an unconditional right to invoice and receive payment, and we record deferred revenue (contract liability)
when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, even if amounts are refundable.
Deferred revenue pertaining to
our Content & Entertainment Business includes amounts related to the sale of DVDs with future release dates.
Deferred revenue relating to
our Cinema Equipment Business pertains to revenues earned in connection with up front exhibitor contributions that are deferred and recognized
over the expected cost recoupment period. It also includes unamortized balances in connection with activation fees due from the Systems
deployments that have extended payment terms.
The ending deferred revenue balance, including current and non-current
balances, as of March 31, 2022 was $0.2 million. For the year ended March 31, 2022, the additions to our deferred revenue balance were
primarily due to cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying performance obligations, while the reductions to our deferred
revenue balance were primarily due to the recognition of revenue upon fulfillment of our performance obligations, both of which were in
the ordinary course of business.
During the year ended March 31, 2022, $813 thousand of revenue was
recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the year.
Participations and royalties
payable
When we use third parties to
distribute company owned content, we record participations payable, which represent amounts owed to the distributor under revenue-sharing
arrangements. When we provide content distribution services, we record accounts payable and accrued expenses to studios or content producers
for royalties owed under licensing arrangements. We identify and record as a reduction to the liability any expenses that are to be reimbursed
to us by such studios or content producers.
33
ASSET ACQUISITIONS
An asset acquisition is an acquisition of an asset,
or a group of assets, that does not meet the definition of a business as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired
are concentrated in a single or group of similar, identifiable assets. Asset acquisitions are accounted for by using the cost accumulation
model whereby the cost of the acquisition, including certain transaction costs, is allocated to the assets acquired on a relative fair
value basis. Determining and valuing intangible assets requires judgment.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with FASB ASC 805,
“Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”), and goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, “ Intangibles — Goodwill
and Other” (“ASC 350”). The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired
in a business combination is recorded as goodwill. ASC 805 specifies criteria to be used in determining whether intangible assets acquired
in a business combination must be recognized and reported separately from goodwill. Amounts assigned to goodwill and other identifiable
intangible assets are based on independent appraisals or internal estimates.
ASC 805 defines the acquirer in a business combination as the entity
that obtains control of one or more businesses in a business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date the acquirer
achieves control. ASC 805 requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest
in the acquirer (if any) at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. ASC 805 also requires the acquirer to
recognize contingent consideration (if any) at the acquisition date, measured at its fair value at that date.
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
2022 and 2021
Revenues
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
2022
2021
$ Change
% Change
Cinema Equipment Business
$ 18,159
$ 3,222
$ 14,937
464 %
Content & Entertainment
37,895
28,197
9,698
34 %
$ 56,054
$ 31,419
$ 24,635
78 %
Revenues generated by our Cinema Equipment Business segment increased
as a result of the revenue recognition for the AMC Equipment Purchase Agreements, and the recognition of variable considerations and
the reopening of theatres showing major studio new content. During the year ended March 31, 2021, theatres re-opened with limited capacities
as vaccines became readily available and as fully reopened as of March 31, 2022. Total system sales
revenue recognized was $11.3 million and $0.6 million, during the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Blockbuster content released during the period ending March 31, 2022 showed an uptick in VPF revenue but fell shy of
pre-pandemic levels. The revenues in the Content & Entertainment Business segment increased by 34% for the year ended
March 31, 2022 compared to the year ended March 31, 2021. The increase is consistent with the addition of five new streaming channels
related to Screambox, Bloody Disgusting and DMR business acquisitions as well as an increase in the number of advertising partners and
stay at home orders increased in home digital viewing.
Direct Operating Expenses
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
2022
2021
$ Change
% Change
Cinema Equipment Business
$ 687
$ 683
$ 4
1 %
Content & Entertainment
20,207
15,420
4,787
31 %
$ 20,894
$ 16,103
$ 4,791
30 %
The increase in direct operating expenses in the year ended March 31,
2022 for the Cinema Equipment Business compared to the prior period was primarily due to a slight increase in asset storage costs. The
increase in direct operating expenses in the year ended March 31, 2022 for the Content & Entertainment Business compared to the prior
period was primarily due to $3.3 million higher content and production costs related to continued growth in revenue and distribution,
and expenses for newly acquired channels. Software as a service (“SaaS”) costs increased $2.4 million on Cinedigm owned and
managed channels from higher transactions and revenue. Other direct operating expenses, including licensing, participations fees and website
content costs were $0.8 million higher. However, direct operating costs were partially offset by $2.5 million lower freight and fulfillment
due to lower physical sales in the year ended March 31, 2022.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
2022
2021
$ Change
% Change
Cinema Equipment Business
$
1,405
$
2,155
$
(750
)
(35
)%
Content & Entertainment
13,935
9,798
4,137
42
%
Corporate
14,211
9,917
4,294
43
%
$
29,551
$
21,870
$
7,681
35
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended March
31, 2022 increased by $8 million primarily due to the acquisitions of Screambox, DMR and Bloody Disguising. $2.4 million increase in personnel
costs, $2.2 million in long term incentive plan stock appreciation rights, $0.4 million in computer related expenses and $0.4 million
in public relations expenses.
34
Recovery of Doubtful Accounts
Recovery of doubtful accounts was $(0.5) million and $(0.1) million
for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense on Property and Equipment
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
2022
2021
$ Change
% Change
Cinema Equipment Business
$ 1,160
3,916
(2,756 )
(70 )%
Content & Entertainment
571
461
110
24 %
Corporate
3
27
(24 )
(89 )%
$ 1,734
$ 4,404
$ (2,670 )
(61 )%
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased in our Cinema Equipment
Business Segment as the majority of our digital cinema projection systems reached the conclusion of their ten-year useful lives during
fiscal years 2022 and 2021. Corporate and Content & Entertainment depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment
is $0.1 million higher due to the addition of software placed into service and amortization related to the business acquisition intangibles.
Amortization of intangible assets
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
2022
2021
$ Change
% Change
Cinema Equipment Business
$ -
23
(23 )
(100 )%
Content & Entertainment
2,830
2,488
342
14 %
Corporate
2
4
(2 )
(50 )%
$ 2,832
$ 2,515
$ 317
13 %
Amortization of intangible assets decrease in our Cinema Equipment Business
Segment as the intangibles held by that segment were fully amortized during the 2021 year. Corporate and Content & Entertainment amortization
expense on intangible assets is $342 thousand higher due to the addition of intangible assets from our acquisitions during the 2022 fiscal
year.
Impairment of intangible assets
During the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we recorded an impairment
of $2.0 million and $0 for our customer relationships, respectively, related to our Content & Entertainment Segment.
Interest expense, net
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
2022
2021
$ Change
% Change
Cinema Equipment Business
$ 138
$ 2,346
$ (2,208 )
(94 )%
Content & Entertainment
-
9
(9 )
(100 )%
Corporate
217
1,695
(1,478 )
(87 )%
$ 355
$ 4,050
$ (3,695 )
(91 )%
Interest expense in the Cinema Equipment Business segment decreased
primarily as a result of satisfying the Prospect Term Loan in during the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Interest expense in our Corporate
segment decreased as a result of lower loan balances from our Credit Facility, the forgiveness of the PPP Loan, reduction in Second Lien
Loans due to exchange for Common Stock and the conversion of the Bison Convertible Note and the Mingtai Convertible Note into shares of
Common Stock.
35
Changes in fair value in Metaverse
During the years ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, we sold 680,000
shares of Metaverse shares for net proceeds of approximately $12.3 thousand and 8,370,000 of Metaverse shares for net proceeds of approximately
$0.8 million, respectively, which resulted in a loss on sale of approximately $1 thousand and $73 thousand, respectively.
As of March, 31, 2022 and 2021, the value of our equity
investment in Metaverse, using the readily determinable fair value method from the quoted trading price of the Stock Exchange of
Hong Kong, was approximately $7.03 million and $6.44 million, respectively, resulting in a change in fair value of approximately
$0.59 million and $(43.5) million for the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively.
Extinguishment of PPP Loan
For the year ended March 31,
2022, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of note payable of $2.2 million for the forgiveness of PPP loan principal and interest due
the approval of our PPP Loan forgiveness application by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This amount represents the entirety of
our PPP loan and interest balance.
Income Tax Expense
For the year ended March 31, 2022, the income
tax (benefit) of $(0.8) million represents a $(0.9) tax benefit mainly related to the releases of valuation allowance for a net change
of the deferred taxes, resulting from acquisition of Foundation TV. We also recorded income tax expense of $0.1 which was mainly
related to taxable income at the state level and timing differences related to fixed asset depreciation .
We recorded an income tax (benefit) of approximately $(0.3) million for year ended March 31, 2021, mainly related to minor changes in
estimates between the State tax income tax provision and tax filings.
Net Income/Loss attributable
to common shareholders
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
2022
2021
$ Change
% Change
Cinema Equipment Business
$ 14,192
$ (6,904 )
$ 21,096
306 %
Content & Entertainment
(5,369 )
(3,767 )
(1,602 )
(43 )%
Corporate
(7,053 )
(52,505 )
45,452
87 %
$ 1,770
$ (63,176 )
$ 64,946
103 %
Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA to be earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation
and amortization, other income, net, stock-based compensation and expenses, merger and acquisition costs, restructuring, transition and
acquisitions expense, net, goodwill impairment and certain other items.
Consolidated
Adjusted EBITDA (including the results of Cinema Equipment Business segment) for the year ended March 31, 2022 increased by $13.9
compared to the year ended March 31, 2021. Adjusted EBITDA from our Cinema Equipment Business segment increased primarily due to the
increase in sales of equipment in the current year, and lower revenue in the prior year due to state mandated theater closures due
to COVID-19, the temporary halt of distribution of major studio releases and the expected decline of the Cinema Equipment Business.
Adjusted EBITDA from the Content & Entertainment business and Corporate decreased by $1.4 million for the year ended March 31,
2022 compared to the year ended March 31, 2021, due to an increase of $4.8 million in direct operating expense and increase
of $8.4 million in selling, general and administrative, higher stock-based
compensation, and other costs versus previous year despite a $9.7 million increase in Streaming digital revenue, adding channels,
and acquisitions.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under
GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. We use Adjusted EBITDA as a financial metric to
measure the financial performance of the business because management believes it provides additional information with respect to the performance
of its fundamental business activities. For this reason, we believe Adjusted EBITDA will also be useful to others, including its stockholders,
as a valuable financial metric.
36
We present Adjusted EBITDA because we believe that Adjusted EBITDA
is a useful supplement to net income (loss) from continuing operations as an indicator of operating performance. We also believe that
Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that is useful both to management and investors when evaluating our performance and comparing our
performance with that of our competitors. We also use Adjusted EBITDA for planning purposes and to evaluate our financial performance
because Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain incremental expenses or non-cash items, such as stock-based compensation charges, that we believe
are not indicative of our ongoing operating performance.
We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure and not a
liquidity measure, and therefore a reconciliation between net loss from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA has been provided in
the financial results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to income from operations or net loss from continuing
operations as an indicator of performance or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as an indicator of cash flows,
in each case as determined in accordance with GAAP, or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not take into account
changes in certain assets and liabilities as well as interest and income taxes that can affect cash flows. We do not intend the presentation
of these non-GAAP measures to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP
measures should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Following is the reconciliation of our consolidated
net loss to Adjusted EBITDA:
For the Fiscal Year Ended
March 31,
($ in thousands)
2022
2021
Net income (loss)
$ 2,271
$ (62,905 )
Add Back:
Income tax (income) expense
(788 )
(315 )
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
1,734
4,404
Amortization of intangible assets
2,832
2,515
(Gain) Loss on extinguishment of note payable
(2,178 )
1,498
Interest expense, net
355
4,050
Intangible impairment
1,968
-
Change in fair value on equity investment in Metaverse
(585 )
43,518
Other expense, net
471
1,475
Recovery of doubtful accounts
(485 )
(122 )
Stock-based compensation and expenses
5,487
2,892
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
(59 )
85
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 11,023
$ (2,905 )
Adjustments related to the Cinema Equipment Business
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
(1,160 )
$ (3,916 )
Amortization of intangible assets
-
(23 )
Stock-based compensation and expenses
-
73
Other expense
(11 )
-
Recovery of doubtful accounts
485
-
Income from operations
(14,347 )
4,142
Adjusted negative EBITDA from Content and Entertainment business
$ (4,010 )
$ (2,629 )
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our
consolidated financial statements included herein.
Cash flow
Changes in our cash flows were as follows:
For the Fiscal Years Ended
March 31,
($ in thousands)
2022
2021
Net cash provided (used in) by operating activities
$ 4,879
$ (20,007 )
Net cash used in investing activities
(12,302 )
(1,710 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
2,636
24,272
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$ (4,787 )
$ 2,555
37
As of March 31, 2022, we had cash balances of $13.1 million.
As of March 31, 2021, we had cash and restricted cash balances of $17.8
million.
For the year ended March 31, 2022, net cash provided by operating activities
is primarily driven by income from operations, excluding non-cash expenses such as depreciation, amortization, recovery for doubtful accounts
and stock-based compensation, gain on extinguishment of note payable, including other changes in working capital. Additionally, during
the year ended March 31, 2022, the Company increased accounts payable by $5.4 million to vendors. Accounts receivable increased
due to growth in streaming and acquisitions of Bloody Disgusting, Screambox and DMR. Cash received from VPFs increased from the previous
period as theatres reopened and major studios resumed blockbuster releases in the theatrical market. Changes in accounts receivable
from our studio customers largely impact cash flows from operating activities and vary based on the seasonality of movie release schedules
by the major studios. Operating cash flows from CEG are typically higher during our fiscal third and fourth quarters, resulting from revenues
earned during the holiday season, and lower in the other two quarters as we pay royalties on such revenues. In addition, we make advances
on theatrical releases and to certain home entertainment distribution clients for which initial expenditures are generally recovered within
six to twelve months. Cash flows were also impacted as a result of COVID-19, as during the year ended March 31, 2022, theatres began reopening
in many major markets with limited capacities and discounts remained in place through the first quarter. When the majority of major studios
began releasing blockbuster content to the theatrical markets and attendance improved the discounts were no longer applicable for the
last three quarters in the year ended March 31, 2022. Because our digital cinema business earns a VPF when a movie is first plays on a
system, the business was able to resume earning VPF revenue.
For the year ended March 31, 2021, net cash used
in operating activities is primarily driven by loss from operations, excluding non-cash expenses such as depreciation, amortization, recovery
for doubtful accounts and stock-based compensation, including other changes in working capital. Additionally, during the year ended March
31, 2021, the Company paid down $29.8 million to vendors at both CEG and Corporate. Cash received from VPFs declined from the previous
period as Phase I Deployment Systems in our Cinema Equipment Business reached the conclusion of their deployment payment periods with
certain major studios. Changes in accounts receivable from our studio customers largely impact cash flows from operating activities and
vary based on the seasonality of movie release schedules by the major studios. Operating cash flows from CEG are typically higher during
our fiscal third and fourth quarters, resulting from revenues earned during the holiday season, and lower in the other two quarters as
we pay royalties on such revenues. In addition, we make advances on theatrical releases and to certain home entertainment distribution
clients for which initial expenditures are generally recovered within six to twelve months. Cash flows were also impacted as a result
of COVID-19, as during the year ended March 31, 2021, theatres in many major markets remained closed throughout the fourth quarter causing
the majority of major studios to move wide releases scheduled for the year ended March 31, 2021 to future dates. Only two major studios
had wide theatrical releases in the last part of the year, however, the theatrical window before the streaming debut was shortened or
eliminated to accommodate the lack of theatrical venues. Because our digital cinema business earns a VPF when a movie is first played
on a system, the temporary theatre closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced revenues.
For the year ended March 31, 2022, cash flows
used in investing activities consisted of proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $0.01 million, purchases of property and
equipment of $0.6 million, and $11.7 million related to the purchase of a business.
For the year ended March 31, 2021, cash flows
used in investing activities consisted of proceeds from the sale of Metaverse shares of $0.8 million, purchases of property and equipment
of $0.06 million, the sale of property and equipment of $0.08 million, and the purchase of intangible assets of $2.5 million related to
the asset acquisition.
For the year ended March 31, 2022, cash flows
provided by financing activities consisted of payments of approximately $7.8 million in notes payable, $2.0 million in Credit Facility
repayments, and $12.4 million received in connection with the issuance Common Stock.
For the year ended March 31, 2021, cash flows provided by financing
activities consisted of payments of approximately $7.7 million in notes payable, $12.8 million in Credit Facility repayments, $42.7 million
received in connection with the issuance Common Stock, and $2.2 million received pursuant to the Payment Protection Program of the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
38
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations
as of March 31, 2022:
Payments Due
Contractual Obligations (in thousands)
Total
2023
2024 &
2025
2026 &
2027
Thereafter
Operating lease obligations
$ 749
$ 258
$ 491
$ —
$ —
We may continue to generate net losses for the
foreseeable future primarily due to depreciation and amortization, interest on our debt obligations, marketing and promotional activities
and content acquisition and marketing costs. Certain of these costs, including costs of content acquisition, marketing and promotional
activities, could be reduced if necessary. We feel we are adequately financed for at least the next twelve months; however, we may need
to raise additional capital for working capital as deemed necessary. Failure to generate additional revenues, raise additional capital
or manage discretionary spending could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Seasonality
Revenues from our Cinema Equipment segment derived
from the collection of VPFs from motion picture studios are seasonal, coinciding with the timing of releases of movies by the motion picture
studios. Generally, motion picture studios release the most marketable movies during the summer and the winter holiday season. The unexpected
emergence of a hit movie during other periods can alter the traditional trend. The timing of movie releases can have a significant effect
on our results of operations, and the results of one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for the next quarter or any other
quarter. While CEG benefits from the winter holiday season, we believe the seasonality of motion picture exhibition, is becoming less
pronounced as the motion picture studios are releasing movies somewhat more evenly throughout the year.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements. In addition,
as discussed further in Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Consolidation and Note - Other Interests to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we hold a 100% equity interest in CDF2 Holdings, which is
an unconsolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”), which wholly owns Cinedigm Digital Funding 2, LLC; however, we are not
the primary beneficiary of the VIE.
Impact of Inflation
The impact of inflation on our operations has
not been significant to date. However, there can be no assurance that a high rate of inflation in the future would not have an adverse
impact on our operating results.
39
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CINEDIGM CORP.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID# 274 ) F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2022 and 2021 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9
40
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Cinedigm Corp.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets of Cinedigm Corp. (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements
of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the
related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our
audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”)
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the
standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged
to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding
of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess
the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond
to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below
are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to
the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our
especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matters does not alter in any way our
opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate
opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Revenue recognition – Content & Entertainment
Business segment.
As disclosed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial
statements, the Company’s Content & Entertainment business segment (“CEG”) earns fees for the distribution of content
in the home entertainment markets via several distribution channels, including digital, video on demand (“VOD”) and physical
goods. Fees earned are a based on a percentage of the net amounts received from customers, when the Company is an agent in the transaction
and represents the entire amount received from the customer when the Company is considered the principal. The Company’s performance
obligations include the delivery of content for transactional, subscription and ad supported streaming on the digital platforms, and shipment
of DVDS and Blu-Ray disks. Revenue is recognized when the content is available for subscription on the digital platform, at the time of
shipment of physical goods, or point-of-sale for transactional and VOD services as the control over the content or the physical titles
is transferred to the customer. Physical revenue is recognized after deducting the reserves for sales returns and revenue reductions,
which are accounted for as variable consideration. Total CEG revenues for the year ended March 31, 2022 $37.9 million.
F- 1
We identified revenue recognition for CEG as a
critical audit matter due the level of judgement and estimation required by management in the recognition of fees earned from customers
and estimation of revenues accrued at period end; this in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing
procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to management’s determination of management’s revenue recognition for CEG.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures
and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We obtained an
understanding and evaluated the design of the Company’s controls over the revenue recognition of CEG, including obtaining and evaluating
the service auditor’s report relating to controls over the third party information used by management in estimating digital revenue.
We gained an understanding of the Company’s role as either principal or agent in the revenue streams and management’s determination
of revenue streams as either gross or net based on the transfer of control for the good and service. Our audit procedures included, among
others, comparing the revenue recognized to third party statements/reports, which can include sales, cash receipts, returns, revenue deductions,
advance payments, advance recoupments, expenses, and other information, to reconcile to the revenue recognized or the net amounts in which
fees are calculated on, as determined by the underlying contracts or third party statements for a sample of transactions. We also tested
the mathematical accuracy of management’s calculations of revenue and the associated timing of revenue recognized in the financial statements,
as well as the Company’s estimation process, on a sample basis, for revenues accrued at period end.
Valuation of Intangible Assets Acquired in
Business Combinations
As disclosed
in Note 4, the Company completed three business combinations during the year ended March 31, 2022. The business combinations were accounted
for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)
Topic 805, Business Combinations. Accordingly, the purchase prices of each acquisition
were allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values, including intangible assets aggregating
to $14.9 million.
The Company
valued the acquired intangible assets, comprised of developed technology, advertiser relationships, and channels and platform, at fair
value on the date of the acquisitions using income approaches. The methods used to estimate fair value required management to make significant
estimates and assumptions related to the forecasts of future cash flows, customer attrition rates, discount rates, and royalty rates.
Auditing
the accounting for acquisitions was complex due to the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the fair values of identified
intangible assets. The significant estimation uncertainty was primarily due to the sensitivity of the respective fair values to underlying
assumptions about future performance of the acquired businesses and due to the limited historical data on which to base these assumptions.
Performing
audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of these estimates and assumptions required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased
extent of effort, including the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and
evaluating the audit evidence obtained. We obtained an understanding and evaluated the design of the Company’s controls over its
accounting for acquisitions.
Our audit
procedures also included evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation models, and testing the completeness, accuracy and relevance
of the underlying data used in the models, and testing the reasonableness of the forecasts of future cash flows, attrition rates, discount
rates, and royalty rates for the intangible assets acquired. We assessed the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of future
cash flows by comparing the projections to historical results. We also evaluated whether the estimated future cash flows were consistent
with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in
evaluating the reasonableness of the valuation models and significant assumptions, including the discount and royalty rates that were
independently developed using publicly available market data for comparable companies.
/s/ EisnerAmper LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor
since 2004
EISNERAMPER LLP
Iselin, New Jersey
July 1, 2022
F- 2
CINEDIGM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
March
31,
2022
2021
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash
equivalents
$
13,062
$
16,849
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $ 2,921 and $ 2,876 , respectively
30,843
21,093
Inventory
116
166
Unbilled revenue
2,349
1,377
Prepaid
and other current assets
5,793
3,657
Total current assets
52,163
43,142
Restricted cash
-
1,000
Equity investment in A Metaverse
Company, a related party, at fair value
7,028
6,443
Property and equipment,
net
1,980
3,500
Operating lease right-of
use assets, net
749
100
Intangible assets, net
20,034
9,860
Goodwill
21,084
8,701
Other
long-term assets
1,598
2,700
Total
assets
$
104,636
$
75,446
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses
$
52,025
$
46,627
Current portion of notes payable, including unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs of $ 0 and $ 460 , respectively (see Note 5)
-
1,956
Current portion of notes payable, non-recourse including unamortized debt discount of $ 0 and $ 763 , respectively (see Note 5)
-
7,786
Current portion of deferred
consideration on purchase of business
3,432
-
Current portion of earnout
consideration on purchase of business
1,081
-
Operating lease liabilities
258
87
Current
portion of deferred revenue
196
924
Total current liabilities
56,992
57,380
Note payable
-
2,152
Deferred consideration on
purchase – net of current portion
5,600
-
Earnout consideration on
purchase – net of current portion
603
-
Operating lease liabilities,
net of current portion
491
13
Other
long-term liabilities
-
19
Total
liabilities
63,686
59,564
Commitments and contingencies
(see Note 7)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, 15,000,000 shares authorized; Series A 10 % - $ 0.001 par value per share; 20 shares authorized; 7 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2022 and 2021. Liquidation preference of $ 3,648
3,559
3,559
Common stock, $ 0.001 par value; Class A stock 275,000,000 and 200,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, 176,629,435 and 167,542,404 shares issued and 175,313,584 and 166,228,568 shares outstanding at March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
174
164
Additional paid-in capital
522,601
499,272
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,315,851 and 1,313,836 Class A common shares at March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
( 11,608
)
( 11,603
)
Accumulated deficit
( 472,310
)
( 474,080
)
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
( 163
)
( 68
)
Total stockholders’
equity of Cinedigm Corp.
42,253
17,244
Deficit
attributable to noncontrolling interest
( 1,303
)
( 1,362
)
Total
equity
40,950
15,882
Total
liabilities and equity
$
104,636
$
75,446
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
F- 3
CINEDIGM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
For the Fiscal Year Ended
March 31,
2022
2021
Revenues
$ 56,054
$ 31,419
Costs and expenses:
Direct operating (excludes depreciation and amortization shown below)
20,894
16,103
Selling, general and administrative
29,551
21,870
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
1,734
4,404
Amortization of intangible assets
2,832
2,515
Intangible impairment
1,968
-
Total operating expenses
56,979
44,892
Loss from operations
( 925 )
( 13,473 )
Interest income, net
1
37
Interest expense
( 356 )
( 4,087 )
Changes in fair value of equity investment in Metaverse, a related party
585
( 43,518 )
Income (loss) on extinguishment of note payable
2,178
( 1,498 )
Other expense, net
-
( 681 )
Net income (loss) from operations before income taxes
1,483
( 63,220 )
Income tax benefit
788
315
Net income (loss)
2,271
( 62,905 )
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling
interest
( 59 )
85
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests
2,212
( 62,820 )
Preferred stock dividends
( 442 )
( 356 )
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$ 1,770
$ ( 63,176 )
Net income (loss) per Class A common stock attributable to common stockholders - basic:
$ 0.01
$ ( 0.49 )
Weighted average number of Class A common stock outstanding: basic
170,643,623
127,787,379
Net income (loss) per Class A common stock attributable to common stockholders - diluted:
$ 0.01
$ ( 0.49 )
Weighted average number of Class A common stock outstanding: diluted
173,827,870
127,787,379
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
F- 4
CINEDIGM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
For the Fiscal Year Ended
March 31,
2022
2021
Net income (loss)
$ 2,271
$ ( 62,905 )
Other comprehensive loss: foreign exchange translation
( 95 )
( 160 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
2,176
( 63,065 )
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest
( 59 )
85
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests
$ 2,117
$ ( 62,980 )
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
F- 5
CINEDIGM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands, except
share data)
Series
A
Preferred Stock
Class
A
Common Stock
Treasury
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Accumulated
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)
Total
Stockholders’
Non-
Controlling
Total
Equity
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Income
Deficit
Interest
( Deficit)
Balances
as of March 31, 2020
7
$ 3,559
61,937,593
$ 62
1,313,836
$ ( 11,603 )
$ 400,784
$ ( 410,904 )
$ 92
$ ( 18,010 )
$ ( 1,277 )
$ ( 19,287 )
Foreign
exchange translation
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
( 160 )
( 160 )
—
( 160 )
Issuance
of Class A common stock in connection with public offerings
—
—
51,885,840
52
—
42,299
—
—
42,351
—
42,351
Issuance
of Class A common stock in connection with the Metaverse transaction, a related party
—
—
29,855,081
30
—
11,016
—
—
11,046
—
11,046
Contributed
capital under the Metaverse transaction, a related party
—
—
—
—
—
17,187
—
—
17,187
—
17,187
Common
stock issued in connection with conversion of Convertible Notes and second lien loans
—
—
16,534,613
16
—
21,536
—
—
21,552
—
21,552
Stock-based
compensation
—
—
1,860,554
1
—
—
2,891
—
—
2,892
—
2,892
Exercise
of warrants for Class A common stock
—
—
236,899
—
—
301
—
—
301
—
301
Class
A common stock to be issued in connection with asset acquisitions
—
—
3,098,126
3
—
—
2,902
—
—
2,905
—
2,905
Issuance
of f Class A common stock for third party professional services
—
—
196,914
—
—
—
—
—
—
Preferred
stock dividends paid with common stock
—
—
622,948
356
( 356 )
—
—
—
Net
loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
( 62,820 )
—
( 62,820 )
( 85 )
( 62,905 )
Balances
as of March 31, 2021
7
$ 3,559
166,228,568
$ 164
1,313,836
$ ( 11,603 )
$ 499,272
$ ( 474,080 )
$ ( 68 )
$ 17,244
$ ( 1,362 )
$ 15,882
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
F- 6
CINEDIGM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands, except share data)
Series
A
Preferred Stock
Class
A
Common Stock
Treasury
Stock
Additional
Paid- In
Accumulated
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Non-
Controlling
Total
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Income
(Deficit)
Interest
Equity
Balances
as of
March 31, 2021
7
$ 3,559
166,228,568
$ 164
1,313,836
$ ( 11,603 )
$ 499,272
$ ( 474,080 )
$ ( 68 )
$ 17,244
$ ( 1,362 )
$ 15,882
Foreing
exchange translation
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
( 95 )
( 95 )
—
( 95 )
Stock
compensation and expenses
—
—
366,056
—
—
—
5,487
—
—
5,487
—
5,487
Issuance
of common stock in connection with business combinations
—
—
2,662,285
3
—
—
4,822
—
—
4,825
—
4,825
Preferred
stock dividends paid in stock
—
—
231,406
—
—
—
354
( 89 )
—
265
—
265
Treasury
stock in connection with taxes withheld from employees
—
—
( 2,015 )
—
2,015
( 5 )
—
—
—
( 5 )
—
( 5 )
Preferred
stock dividends accrued
—
—
—
—
—
—
89
( 353 )
—
( 264 )
—
( 264 )
Issuance
of common stock for third party equity purchase commitment
—
—
527,021
—
—
—
206
—
—
206
—
206
Issuance
of common stock in connection with performance stock units
—
—
263
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Issuance
of common stock in connection with ATM raises, net
—
—
5,300,000
7
—
—
12,371
—
—
12,378
12,378
Net
Income
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,212
—
2,212
59
2,271
Balances
as of March 31, 2022
7
$ 3,559
175,313,584
$ 174
1,315,851
$ ( 11,608 )
$ 522,601
$ ( 472,310 )
$ ( 163 )
$ 42,253
$ ( 1,303 )
$ 40,950
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
F- 7
CINEDIGM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
For the Fiscal Year Ended
March 31,
2022
2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
$ 2,271
$ ( 62,905 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets
4,566
6,919
Deferred income tax
( 888 )
-
Impairment of prepaid advances
1,164
-
Impairment of intangibles
1,968
-
Changes in fair value of equity investment in Metaverse
( 585 )
43,518
Loss from sale of property and equipment
-
44
Amortization of debt issuance costs included in interest expense
-
1,223
Stock-based compensation and expenses
5,487
2,892
Interest expense for deferred consideration
44
-
Change in fair value of earnout for earnout consideration
222
-
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of note payable
( 2,178 )
1,498
Accretion and PIK interest expense added to note payable
-
302
Other
26
-
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable
( 8,088 )
13,692
Inventory
50
406
Unbilled revenue
( 972 )
615
Prepaid and other current assets
( 1,580 )
3,195
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
4,100
( 29,766 )
Deferred revenue
( 728 )
( 1,640 )
Net cash provided (used in) by operating activities
4,879
( 20,007 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
( 316 )
( 64 )
Purchase of intangible assets
( 325 )
( 2,545 )
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired
( 11,672 )
-
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
-
84
Sale of equity investment securities
11
815
Net cash used in investing activities
( 12,302 )
( 1,710 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of notes payable
( 7,786 )
( 7,703 )
Repayments under revolving credit agreement, net
( 1,956 )
( 12,829 )
Proceeds from PPP Loan
-
2,152
Net proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock
12,378
42,652
Net cash provided by financing activities
2,636
24,272
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
( 4,787 )
2,555
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
17,849
15,294
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year
$ 13,062
$ 17,849
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
F- 8
CINEDIGM CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND LIQUIDITY
Cinedigm Corp. (“Cinedigm,”
the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or similar pronouns) was incorporated in Delaware on March 31, 2000. We
are (i) a distributor and aggregator of independent movie, television and other short form content managing a library of distribution
rights to thousands of titles and episodes released across digital, physical, theatrical, home and mobile entertainment platforms (“Streaming”)
and (ii) a servicer of digital cinema assets (“Systems”) for movie screens in both North America and several international
countries.
We report our financial results
in two primary segments as follows: (1) cinema equipment business and (2) content and entertainment business (“Content & Entertainment”
or “CEG”). The cinema equipment business segment consists of the non-recourse, financing vehicles and administrators for our
digital cinema equipment (the “Systems”) installed in movie theatres throughout North America and Australia. It also provides
fee-based support to music and movie screens as well as directly to exhibitors and other third-party customers in the form of monitoring,
billing, collection and verification services. Our Content & Entertainment segment operates in: (1) ancillary market aggregation and
distribution of entertainment content and (2) branded and curated over-the-top (“OTT”) digital network business providing
entertainment channels and applications.
Risks and Uncertainties
The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic repercussions created significant
volatility and uncertainty impacting the Company’s results for the period. As part of our Content & Entertainment business,
the Company sells DVDs and Blu-ray discs at brick-and-mortar stores. Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the year
ended March 31, 2022, the sale of physical discs through our retail partners declined although this was partially offset by digital purchases
of physical product and increases in streaming views. As part of our Cinema Equipment business, the Company earns revenue when movies
are exhibited in theatres. Many movie theaters in the United States slowly re-opened with limited capacities through March 31, 2022. The
majority of major studios resumed blockbuster films releases during the year which showed an encouraging return of consumer confidence
for the theatrical experience. As vaccines became readily available and COVID cases decreased, major studios resumed theatrical releases
and there was an uptick in box-office revenue during the period ending March 31, 2022.
Liquidity
We have incurred net losses historically and have net income of $ 2.3
million for the year ended March 31, 2022. We also have an accumulated deficit of $ 472.3 million and negative working capital of
$ 4.8 million as of March 31, 2022. Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 was $ 4.9 million.
We may continue to generate net losses for the foreseeable future. Based on these conditions, the Company entered into the following transactions
described below:
Sale
of Cinematic Equipment
On March 17, 2021, the Company
entered into two separate agreements for the sale of cinematic equipment to American Multi-Cinema, Inc. (“AMC”). The agreements
included the sale in tranches of a total of 2,369 cinematic projectors starting in March 2021 and continuing through January
2023 for total cash consideration of $ 10.8 million. For the year ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized aggregate revenue for
$9.9 million. A portion of the total proceeds were used to pay down the remaining outstanding balance of the Prospect Loan notes
payable.
F- 9
Borrowings
On June
22, 2021, the maturity date of the East West Credit Facility (as defined in Note 5 - Notes Payable) with East West Bank
was extended from June 30, 2021 to September 28, 2021 and was not extended.
On April
15, 2020, the Company received $ 2.2 million from East West Bank, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP Loan”)
of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP Loan matures on April 10, 2022 (the “PPP
Maturity Date”), accrues interest at 1 % per annum and may be prepaid in whole or in part without penalty. No interest payments
are due within the initial six months of the PPP Loan. The interest accrued during the initial six-month period is due and payable, together
with the principal, on the PPP Maturity Date. The Company used all proceeds from the PPP Loan to retain employees, maintain payroll and
make lease and utility payments to support business continuity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which amounts were intended to be eligible
for forgiveness, subject to the provisions of the CARES Act, and could be subject to repayment. On July 7, 2021, the Company received
notification from the lender that the U.S. Small Business Administration had approved the Company’s PPP Loan forgiveness application
for the entire PPP Loan amount and accrued interest effective as of June 30, 2021. The forgiveness of the PPP Loan was recognized as a
gain of $ 2.2 million during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021.
Upon a series
of payments between April 30 and July 9, 2021, the Company paid in full the Prospect loan non-recourse outstanding debt amount by paying
an aggregate principal amount of $ 7.8 million. Pre-payment of the Prospect Loan was permissible without penalty.
Common
Stock Purchase Agreement
In October
2021, we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Equity Line Purchase Agreement”) and a Registration Rights Agreement
(the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with B. Riley Principal Capital, LLC (“B. Riley Principal Capital”). Pursuant
to the Equity Line Purchase Agreement, the Company has the right to sell to B. Riley Principal Capital up to the lesser of (i) $50,000,000
of newly issued shares of Common Stock and (ii) the Exchange Cap (as defined in the Equity Line Purchase Agreement), from time to time
during the 24-month period from and after the October 21, 2021. Sales of Common Stock pursuant to the Equity Line Purchase Agreement,
and the timing of any sales, are solely at the option of the Company, and the Company is under no obligation to sell any securities to
B. Riley Principal Capital under the Equity Line Purchase Agreement. As consideration for B. Riley Principal Capital’s commitment
to purchase shares of Common Stock at the Company’s direction upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Equity
Line Purchase Agreement, upon execution of the Equity Line Purchase Agreement, the Company issued 210,084 shares of Common Stock to B.
Riley Principal Capital (the “Commitment Shares”). The purchase price of the shares of Common Stock that we elect to sell
to B. Riley Principal Capital pursuant to the Equity Line Purchase Agreement will be determined by reference to the volume weighted average
price of the Common Stock (“VWAP”) during the applicable purchase date, less a fixed 5% discount to such VWAP. Pursuant to
the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 that was declared effective by the Securities
and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2021 (File No. 333-260210) for the resale by B. Riley Principal Capital of up to 25,210,084 shares
of Common Stock (including the Commitment Shares) acquired pursuant to the Equity Line Purchase Agreement. During October and November
2021, we sold 5,300,000 shares of Common Stock under the Equity Line Purchase Agreement. Net proceeds from such sales totaled $12.4 million.
F- 10
We believe the combination of:
(i) our cash and cash equivalent balances at March 31, 2022 and (ii) expected cash flow from operations, will be sufficient for our operations
and capital needs, for at least twelve months from the filing of this report. Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, and
we may need to use capital resources and obtain additional capital. Failure to generate additional revenues, obtain additional capital
or manage discretionary spending could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION
Our consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Cinedigm and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated
in consolidation.
Investments in which we do not have a controlling interest or are not
the primary beneficiary, but have the ability to exert significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method at fair value
where we have elected the fair value option. Noncontrolling interests for which we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary
are consolidated and recorded as net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest. See Note 3 - Other Interests to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our noncontrolling interests.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements
and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates include the adequacy of digital revenue,
accounts receivable reserves, return reserves, inventory reserves, recovery of advances, assessment of goodwill impairment, intangible
asset impairment and estimated amortization lives, fair value for asset acquisitions and business combinations, valuation allowances for
income taxes and stock awards. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity
of three months or less to be “cash equivalents.” We maintain bank accounts with major banks, which from time to time may
exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s insured limits. We periodically assess the financial condition of the institutions
and believe that the risk of any loss is minimal. Our Prospect Loan required that we maintain specified cash balances that are restricted
to repayment of interest thereunder. See Note 5- Notes Payable for information about our restricted cash balances.
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash consisted of the following:
As of
(in thousands)
March 31,
2022
March 31,
2021
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$ 13,062
$ 16,849
Restricted Cash
-
1,000
$ 13,062
$ 17,849
F- 11
EQUITY INVESTMENT IN A METAVERSE COMPANY, A RELATED PARTY
On February 14, 2020, the Company acquired an
approximately 11.5 % interest in A Metaverse Company (“Metaverse”), a leading publicly traded Chinese entertainment company,
formerly Starrise Media Holdings Limited, whose ordinary shares are listed on the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong. The Company acquired such interest as a strategic investment and in a private transaction from a shareholder of Metaverse
that is related to our major shareholders. Our major shareholders also maintain a significant beneficial interest ownership in Metaverse.
Upon consummation of the transaction on February 14, 2020, the Company recorded an initial investment of approximately $ 25.1 million,
which is the fair market value of the Metaverse shares on the transaction date on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, in exchange for the
Company’s common stock of $ 11.2 million, valued as of the date of the issuance of the Common Stock of the Company. The difference
in value of shares received in Metaverse and shares issued by the Company is deemed as contributed capital and recorded in additional
paid-in capital.
On April 10, 2020, the Company purchased an additional
15 % interest in Metaverse in a private transaction from shareholders of Metaverse that are affiliated with the major shareholder of the
Company. The Company recorded an additional equity investment of approximately $ 28.2 million, which is the fair market value of the
Metaverse shares on the transaction date on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, in exchange for the Company’s common stock of $ 11.0 million,
valued at the date of the issuance of the Common Stock of the Company. The difference in the value of shares received in Metaverse and
shares issued by the Company is deemed as contributed capital and recorded in additional paid-in capital. This transaction was also recorded
as an equity investment in Metaverse.
The Company has accounted for these investments
under the equity method of accounting as the Company can exert significant influence over Metaverse with its direct ownership and affiliation
with the Company’s majority shareholders. The Company has made an irrevocable election to apply the fair value option under ASC
825-10, Financial Instruments , as it relates to its equity investment in Metaverse.
During the years ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, the Company
sold 680,000 shares of Metaverse shares for net proceeds of approximately $ 12.3 thousand and 8,370,000 of Metaverse shares for net proceeds
of approximately $ 0.8 million, respectively, which resulted in a loss on sale of approximately $ 1 thousand and $ 73 thousand,
respectively.
As of March, 31, 2022 and 2021, the value of our equity investment
in Metaverse, using the readily determinable fair value method from the quoted trading price of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, was approximately
$ 7.03 million and $ 6.44 million, respectively, resulting in a change in fair value of approximately $ 0.59 million for the year ended March
31, 2022. At March 31, 2022, the Company owned 362,307,397 shares or 17 % of Metaverse.
Equity Investment in Metaverse, a related party transaction
On December 27, 2019, the Company
entered into, and on February 14, 2020 amended, (see Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ), a stock purchase
agreement (as so amended, the “Metaverse Stock Purchase Agreement”) with BeiTai Investment LP (“BeiTai”), a related
party for accounting purposes of Cinedigm and Aim Right Ventures Limited (“Aim Right”), two shareholders of A Metaverse Company,
a leading Chinese entertainment company (“Metaverse”), formerly Starrise Media Holdings Limited, to buy from them an aggregate
of 410,901,000 outstanding Metaverse ordinary shares (the “Metaverse Share Acquisition”). On February 14, 2020, the Company
purchased 162,162,162 of the Metaverse ordinary shares from BeiTai and issued BeiTai 21,646,604 shares of its Class
A common stock, par value $ .001 per share (the “Common Stock”) in consideration therefor. The Metaverse shares received
were valued at approximately $ 25 million and the Company issued shares that were valued at approximately $ 11.2 million. On April
10, 2020, the Company, in accordance with the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, terminated its obligation to purchase Metaverse ordinary
shares from Aim Right under the Metaverse Stock Purchase Agreement.
On April 10, 2020, the Company
entered into another stock purchase agreement (the “April Metaverse Stock Purchase Agreement”) with five (5) shareholders
of Metaverse - Bison Global Investment SPC - Bison Global No. 1 SP, Huatai Investment LP, Antai Investment LP, Mingtai Investment LP and
Shangtai Asset Management LP, all of which are related parties to the Company to buy - an aggregate of 223,380,000 outstanding Metaverse
ordinary shares from them and for the Company to issue to them an aggregate of 29,855,081 shares of its Common Stock as consideration
therefor (the “April Metaverse Share Acquisition”). On April 15, 2020, the April Metaverse Share Acquisition was consummated
and this transaction was also recorded as an equity investment in Metaverse.
Metaverse’s ordinary shares
(HK 1616) are listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Based on the closing price of .152 per share on March
31, 2022, calculated at an exchange rate of 7.83 Hong Kong Dollars to 1 US dollar, the market value of Cinedigm’s ownership in Metaverse
ordinary shares was approximately $7.03 million. On April 1, 2022, trading of Metaverse’s ordinary shares was halted. (See
Note 11)
NON-MONETARY TRANSACTIONS
During the
year ended March 31, 2020, the Company entered into agreements with certain vendors to transfer 5,139,762 and 14,184,765 Metaverse
ordinary shares to satisfy outstanding liabilities with these vendors. Upon the sale of the Metaverse shares by the vendors, with certain
restrictions on sales unless the Company gave consent to sell, if the proceeds did not satisfy the amount due to the vendor, the Company
was liable for the balance owed. Pursuant to such agreements, the Company reduced the amount payable to its vendors by $ 0.8 million
as of March 31, 2021. There were no such transactions during the year ended March 31, 2022.
There was no gain or loss resulting
from these transactions for the year ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
F- 12
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
We maintain reserves for potential credit losses
on accounts receivable. We review the composition of accounts receivable and analyze historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer
credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate the adequacy of these reserves. Reserves
are recorded primarily on a specific identification basis.
We record accounts receivable, long-term in connection
with activation fees that we earn from our Systems deployments that have extended payment terms. Such accounts receivable are discounted
to their present value at prevailing market rate.
ADVANCES
Advances, which are recorded within prepaid and other current assets
on the consolidated balance sheets, represent amounts prepaid to studios or content producers for which we provide content distribution
services. We evaluate advances regularly for recoverability and record impairment charges for amounts that we expect may not be recoverable
as of the consolidated balance sheet date. Impairments and accelerated amortization related to advances were $ 1.2 million and $ 0.3 million, for
the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation
and amortization. Depreciation expense is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets
as follows:
Computer equipment and software
3 - 5 years
Internal use software
5 years
Digital cinema projection systems
10 years
Machinery and equipment
3 - 10 years
Furniture and fixtures
3 - 6 years
We capitalize costs associated with software developed
or obtained for internal use when the preliminary project stage is completed, and it is determined that the software will provide significantly
enhanced capabilities and modifications. These capitalized costs are included in property and equipment and include external direct cost
of services procured in developing or obtaining internal-use software and personnel and related expenses for employees who are directly
associated with, and who devote time to internal-use software projects. Capitalization of these costs ceases once the project is substantially
complete and the software is ready for its intended use. Once the software is ready for its intended use, the costs are amortized over
the useful life of the software. Post-configuration training and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the
shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the leasehold improvements. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense
as incurred. Major renewals, improvements and additions are capitalized. Upon the sale or other disposition of any property and equipment,
the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposal is included
in the consolidated statements of operations.
F- 13
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED AND FINITE-LIVED ASSETS
We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets and finite-lived
intangible assets, when events or conditions occur that indicate a possible impairment exists. The assessment for recoverability is based
primarily on our ability to recover the carrying value of our long-lived and finite-lived assets from expected future undiscounted net
cash flows. If the total of expected future undiscounted net cash flows is less than the total carrying value of the asset, the asset
is deemed not to be recoverable and possibly impaired. We then estimate the fair value of the asset to determine whether an impairment
loss should be recognized. An impairment loss will be recognized if the asset’s fair value is determined to be less than its
carrying value. Fair value is determined by computing the expected future discounted cash flows. During the years ended March 31,
2022 and 2021, the Company assessed the future performance of titles included in the customer list intangible asset, which resulted in
an impairment charge of $ 2.0 million and $ 0 was recorded from operations for long-lived assets or finite-lived assets.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization.
For intangible assets that have finite lives, the assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives
of the related assets. For intangible assets with indefinite lives, the assets are tested annually for impairment or sooner if a triggering
event occurs. During the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we recorded an impairment of $ 2.0 million and $ 0 for our customer relationships,
respectively.
Amortization expense is recorded using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:
Trademark
3 years
Content Library
3 – 20 years
Customer Relationships
5 – 13 years
Tradename
2 – 15 years
Theatre Relationship
12 years
Patents
3 years
Supplier Agreements
2 years
Intangible Assets
3 - 4 years
Software
10 years
The Company’s intangible assets include the following on March
31, 2022:
Cost Basis
Accumulated
Amortization
Impairment
Net
Trademark
$ 1,925
$ ( 776 )
$ -
1,149
Content Library
23,685
( 20,665 )
-
3,020
Customer Relationships
10,658
( 7,327 )
( 1,968 )
1,363
Tradename
2,101
( 525 )
-
1,576
Theatre Relationship
550
( 550 )
-
-
Patents
17
( 17 )
-
-
Supplier Agreements
11,430
( 11,384 )
-
46
Intangible Assets
10,081
( 161 )
-
9,920
Software
3,200
( 240 )
-
2,960
Total Intangible Assets
$ 63,647
$ ( 41,645 )
$ ( 1,968 )
20,034
F- 14
The Company’s intangible assets include
the following on March 31, 2021:
Cost Basis
Accumulated
Amortization
Impairment
Net
Trademark
$ 2,839
$ ( 382 )
$ -
2,457
Content Library
23,148
( 20,272 )
-
2,876
Customer Relationships
22,137
( 17,610 )
-
4,527
Theatre Relationship
550
( 550 )
-
-
Total Intangible Assets
$ 48,674
$ ( 38,814 )
$ -
9,860
Below is the amortization expense
per year for the intangible assets:
Total
2023
$
2,734
2024
2,562
2025
1,730
2026
1,651
2027
1,651
Thereafter
9,706
Total
$
20,034
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The fair value measurement disclosures are grouped into three levels
based on valuation factors:
● Level
1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
● Level
2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments and market corroborated inputs)
● Level
3 – significant unobservable inputs (including our own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
on a recurring basis use the market approach, where prices and other relevant information are generated by market transactions involving
identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
The equity investment in Metaverse is in Hong Kong dollars and was
translated into US dollars as of March 31, 2022 and 2021 at an exchange rate of 7.8 and 7.8 Hong Kong Dollars to 1 US Dollar, respectively.
The fair value of this equity investment is measured by the quoted market price of Metaverse on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. The adjustment
to fair value of this investment resulted in a gain of $ 585 and loss of $ 4,518 for the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The following tables summarize the levels of fair
value measurements of our financial assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2022 and, 2021:
As of
March 31, 2022
(in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Equity investment in Metaverse, at fair value
$ 7,028
$ —
$ —
$ 7,028
$ 7,028
$ —
$ —
$ 7,028
Liabilities:
Current portion of earnout consideration on purchase of a business
$ —
$ —
$ 1,081
$ 1,081
Long term portion of earnout consideration on purchase of a business
—
—
603
603
$ —
$ —
$ 1,684
$ 1,684
As of March 31, 2021
(in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Restricted cash
$ 1,000
$ —
$ —
$ 1,000
Equity investment in Metaverse, at fair value
6,443
—
—
6,443
$ 7,443
$ —
$ —
$ 7,443
Our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, unbilled revenue
and accounts payable and accrued expenses are financial instruments and are recorded at cost in the consolidated balance sheets. The
estimated fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying amounts because of their short-term nature.
F- 15
ASSET ACQUISITIONS
An asset acquisition is an acquisition of an asset, or a group of assets,
that does not meet the definition of a business. Asset acquisitions are accounted for by using the cost accumulation model whereby the
cost of the acquisition, including certain transaction costs, is allocated to the assets acquired on the basis of relative fair values.
GOODWILL
Goodwill is the
excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets of an acquired business. Goodwill is tested for impairment on
an annual basis or more often if warranted by events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying value may exceed fair value,
also known as impairment indicators.
Inherent
in the fair value determination for each reporting unit are certain judgments and estimates relating to future cash flows, including management’s
interpretation of current economic indicators and market conditions, and assumptions about our strategic plans with regard to its operations.
To the extent additional information arises, market conditions change, or our strategies change, it is possible that the conclusion regarding
whether our remaining goodwill is impaired could change and result in future goodwill impairment charges that will have a material effect
on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The Company
has the option to assess goodwill for possible impairment by performing a qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than
not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or to perform the quantitative impairment test. The Company
reassessed goodwill impairment on its annual measurement date of March 31, 2022 by performing a qualitative analysis and determined that
it was not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
No goodwill impairment charge
was recorded in the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Gross amounts
of goodwill and accumulated impairment charges that we have recorded are as follows:
(In thousands)
Goodwill at March 31, 2021
$ 8,701
Goodwill from business combinations – see Note 4
12,383
Goodwill at March 31, 2022
$ 21,084
F- 16
ACCOUNTS
PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
As of
(In thousands)
March 31,
2022
March 31,
2021
Accounts payable
$ 34,177
$ 30,111
Amounts due to producers, net
10,430
10,557
Accrued compensation and benefits
3,507
2,995
Accrued taxes (refund) payable
( 78 )
( 99 )
Interest payable
-
10
Accrued other expenses
3,989
3,053
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses
$ 52,025
$ 46,627
PREPAID
AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid
and other current assets consisted of the following:
As of
(In thousands)
March 31,
2022
March 31,
2021
Non-trade accounts receivable
$ 826
$ 413
Advances
2,117
1,841
Due from producers
1,861
589
Prepaid insurance
169
409
Other prepaid expenses
820
405
Total prepaid and other current assets
$ 5,793
$ 3,657
Impairments and accelerated amortization related
to advances were $ 1.2 million and $ 0.3 million, for the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Payment terms and conditions vary by customer and typically provide
net 30 to 90 day terms. We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when
we expect, at contract inception, that the period between our transfer of a promised product or service to our customer and payment for
that product or service will be one year or less. We have in the past entered into arrangements in connection with activation fees due
from our System deployments that had extended payment terms. The outstanding balances on these arrangements are insignificant and hence
the impact of significant financing would be insignificant.
Cinema Equipment Business
Our Cinema Equipment Business consists of financing vehicles and administrators for Systems installed nationwide in our first deployment
phase (“Phase I Deployment”) to theatrical exhibitors and for Systems installed domestically and internationally in our second
deployment phase (“Phase II Deployment”).
We retain
ownership of our Systems and the residual cash flows related to the Systems in Phase I Deployment after the end of the 10 -year deployment
payment period.
For certain
Phase II Deployment Systems, we do not retain ownership of the residual cash flows and digital cinema equipment in Phase II Deployment
after the completion of cost recoupment and at the expiration of the exhibitor master license agreements.
The Cinema
Equipment Business also provides monitoring, data collection, serial data verification and management services to this segment, as well
as to exhibitors who purchase their own equipment, in order to collect virtual print fees (“VPFs”) from motion picture studios
and distributors and Alternative Content Fees (“ACFs”) from alternative content providers, and to distribute those fees to
theatrical exhibitors (collectively, “Services”).
VPFs are
earned, net of administrative fees, pursuant to contracts with movie studios and distributors, whereby amounts are payable by a studio
to Phase I Deployment and to Phase II Deployment when movies distributed by the studio are displayed on screens utilizing our Systems
installed in movie theatres. VPFs are earned and payable to Phase I Deployment based on a defined fee schedule until the end of the VPF
term. One VPF is payable for every digital title initially displayed per System. The amount of VPF revenue is dependent on the number
of movie titles released and displayed using the Systems in any given accounting period. VPF revenue is recognized in the period the
title first plays for general audience viewing in a digital projector equipped movie theatre. The Phase 1 Deployment’s and Phase
2 Deployments performance obligations for revenue recognition are met at this time.
F- 17
Phase II Deployment’s agreements
with distributors require the payment of VPFs, according to a defined fee schedule, for ten years from the date each system is installed;
however, Phase II Deployment may no longer collect VPFs once “cost recoupment,” as defined in the contracts with movie studios
and distributors, is achieved. Cost recoupment will occur once the cumulative VPFs and other cash receipts collected by Phase II Deployment
have equaled the total of all cash outflows, including the purchase price of all Systems, all financing costs, all “overhead and
ongoing costs”, as defined, and including service fees, subject to maximum agreed upon amounts during the three-year rollout period
and thereafter. Further, if cost recoupment occurs before the end of the eighth contract year, the studios will pay us a one-time “cost
recoupment bonus.” The Company evaluated the constraining estimates related to the variable consideration, that it is not probable
to conclude at this point in time that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will occur when the uncertainty
associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.
Under the terms of our standard
cinema equipment licensing agreements, exhibitors will continue to have the right to use our Systems through the end of the term of the
licensing agreement, after which time, they have the option to: (1) return the Systems to us; (2) renew their license agreement for successive
one-year terms; or (3) purchase the Systems from us at fair market value. As permitted by these agreements, we typically pursue the sale
of the Systems to such exhibitors. Cinedigm recognizes revenue once the customer takes possession of the Systems and Cinedigm received
the sale proceeds. Such sales were originally contemplated as the conclusion of the digital cinema deployment plan. Total system sales
executed was $ 6.1 million and $ 6.7 million, during the year ended March
31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Revenues earned in connection with up front exhibitor contributions are
deferred and recognized over the expected cost recoupment period.
Exhibitors
who purchased and own Systems using their own financing in Phase II of the Cinema Equipment Business paid us an upfront activation fee
of approximately $ 2.0 thousand per screen (the “Exhibitor-Buyer Structure”). Upfront activation fees were recognized
in the period in which these Systems were delivered and ready for content, as we had no further obligations to the customer after that
time and collection was reasonably assured. In addition, we recognize activation fee revenue of between $ 1.0 thousand and $ 2.0 thousand
on Phase II Deployment Systems and for Systems installed by CDF2 Holdings, a related party, (See Note 3 - Other Interests )
upon installation and such fees are generally collected upfront upon installation. Our services division manages and collects VPFs on
behalf of exhibitors, for which it earns an administrative fee equal to 10 % of the VPFs collected.
The Cinema
Equipment Business earns an administrative fee of approximately 5 % of VPFs collected and, in addition, earns an incentive service
fee equal to 2.5 % of the VPFs earned by Phase 1 DC. This administrative fee is related to the collection and remittance of the VPF’s
and the performance obligation is satisfied at that time the related VPF fees are due which is at the time the movies are displayed on
screens utilizing our Systems installed in movie theatres. The service fees are recognized as a point in time revenue when the corresponding
VPF fees are due from the movie studios and distributors.
Content & Entertainment Business
CEG earns fees for the distribution
of content in the home entertainment markets via several distribution channels, including digital, video on demand (“VOD”
or “OTT Streaming and Digital”), and physical goods (e.g., DVDs and Blu-ray Discs) (“Physical Revenue” or “Base
Distribution Business”). Fees earned are typically a percentage based on the net amounts received from our customers. Depending
upon the nature of the agreements with the platform and content providers, the fee rate that we earn varies. The Company’s performance
obligations include the delivery of content for transactional, subscription and ad supported/free ad-supported streaming TV (“FAST”)
on the digital platforms, and shipment of DVDs and Blu-ray Discs. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when the content is available
for subscription on the digital platform (the company’s digital content is considered functional IP), at the time of shipment for
physical goods, or point-of-sale for transactional and VOD services as the control over the content or the physical title is transferred
to the customer. The Company considers the delivery of content through various distribution channels to be a single performance obligation.
Physical revenue from the sale of physical goods is recognized after deducting the reserves for sales returns and other allowances, which
are accounted for as variable consideration.
Reserves for potential sales
returns of physical goods and other allowances are recorded based upon historical experience. If actual future returns and allowances
differ from past experience, adjustments to our allowances may be required.
CEG also
has contracts for the theatrical distribution of third party feature movies and alternative content. CEG’s distribution fee revenue
and CEG’s participation in box office receipts are recognized at the time a feature movie and alternative content are viewed. CEG
has the right to receive or bill a portion of the theatrical distribution fee in advance of the exhibition date, and therefore such amount
is recorded as a receivable at the time of execution, and all related distribution revenue is deferred until the third party feature movies’
or alternative content’s theatrical release date.
The Company follows the five-step model established by ASC 606 when
preparing its assessment of revenue recognition
F- 18
Principal Agent Considerations
Revenue earned by our CEG business from the delivery of digital content
and physical goods may be recognized gross or net depending on the terms of the arrangement. We determine whether revenue should be reported
on a gross or net basis based on each revenue stream. Key indicators that we use in evaluating gross versus net treatment include, but
are not limited to, the following:
● which
party is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified good or service; and
● which
party has discretion in establishing the price for the specified good or service.
Shipping and Handling
Shipping and handling costs are incurred to move physical goods (e.g.,
DVDs and Blu-ray Discs) to customers. We recognize all shipping and handling costs as an expense in cost of goods sold because we are
responsible for delivery of the product to our customers prior to transfer of control to the customer.
Credit
Losses
We maintain
reserves for potential credit losses on accounts receivable. We review the composition of accounts receivable and analyze historical bad
debts, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate
the adequacy of these reserves. Reserves are recorded primarily on a specific identification basis.
Our CEG
segment recognizes accounts receivable, net of an estimated allowance for product returns and customer chargebacks, at the time that it
recognizes revenue from a sale. Reserves for product returns and other allowances is variable consideration as part of the transaction
price. If actual future returns and allowances differ from past experience, adjustments to our allowances may be required.
We record
accounts receivable, long-term in connection with activation fees that we earn from Systems deployments that have extended payment terms.
Such accounts receivable are discounted to their present value at prevailing market rates.
Contract Liabilities
We generally
record a receivable related to revenue when we have an unconditional right to invoice and receive payment, and we record deferred revenue
(contract liability) when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, even if amounts are refundable.
Deferred
revenue pertaining to our Content & Entertainment Business includes amounts related to the sale of DVDs with future release dates.
Deferred
revenue relating to our Cinema Equipment Business pertains to revenues earned in connection with up front exhibitor contributions that
are deferred and recognized over the expected cost recoupment period. It also includes unamortized balances in connection with activation
fees due from the Systems deployments that have extended payment terms.
The ending deferred revenue balance, including current and non-current
balances, as of March 31, 2022 was $ 0.2 million. For the year ended March 31, 2022, the additions to our deferred revenue balance were
primarily due to cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying performance obligations, while the reductions to our deferred
revenue balance were primarily due to the recognition of revenue upon fulfillment of our performance obligations, both of which were
in the ordinary course of business. For year ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, there was $ 11,792,210 and $ 14,433,054 , respectively,
included in accounts payable that represents a refund liability, a portion or all of which may be recognized as revenue upon completion
of audit periods.
During the year ended March 31, 2022, $ 813 thousand of revenue was
recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the year. During the year ended March 31, 2022, $ 3.9
million of revenue was recognized that was included in the accounts payable balance as constrained variable consideration at the beginning
of the year. The Company recognized the revenue related once the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration was resolved.
F- 19
Participations
and royalties payable
When we
use third parties to distribute company owned content, we record participations payable, which represent amounts owed to the distributor
under revenue-sharing arrangements. When we provide content distribution services, we record accounts payable and accrued expenses to
studios or content producers for royalties owed under licensing arrangements. We identify and record as a reduction to the liability any
expenses that are to be reimbursed to us by such studios or content producers.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The Company
disaggregates revenue into different revenue categories for the Cinema Equipment and CEG Businesses. The Cinema Equipment Business revenue
categories are: Phase I Deployment revenue, Phase II Deployment revenue, Services, and Digital System Sales, and the Content & Entertainment
Business revenue categories are: Base Distribution Business and OTT Streaming and Digital.
The following
tables present the Company’s revenue categories for the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
Year Ended
March 31,
2022
2021
Cinema Equipment Business:
Phase I Deployment
$ 654
$ 552
Phase II Deployment
4,810
1,531
Services
1,428
539
Digital System Sales
11,267
600
Total Cinema Equipment Business revenue
$ 18,159
$ 3,222
Content & Entertainment Business:
Physical Goods
$ 10,447
$ 10,230
OTT Streaming and Digital
27,448
17,967
Total Content & Entertainment Business revenue
$ 37,895
$ 28,197
Concentrations
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, two customers, Amazon
and Distribution Solutions each represented 18 % and 25 % respectively of CEG’s revenues and approximately 6 % and 8 %, respectively,
of our consolidated revenues. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, Amazon and Distribution Solutions
represented 15 % and 22 % respectively of CEG’s revenues and approximately 9 % and 13 %, respectively, of our consolidated Revenues.
DIRECT OPERATING COSTS
Direct operating costs consist of operating
costs such as cost of revenue, fulfillment expenses, shipping costs, property taxes and insurance on Systems, royalty expenses, impairments
of advances, and marketing and direct personnel costs.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company issues stock-based awards to employees
and non-employees, generally in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and performance stock
units. The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation
(“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires all stock-based payments, including grants of stock options and restricted stock units and modifications
to existing stock options, to be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss based on their fair values.
The Company measures the compensation expense of employee and nonemployee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments
based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. That cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which
the employee and nonemployee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The fair values of options and stock appreciation
rights are calculated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on key assumptions such as stock price,
expected volatility and expected term. The Company’s estimates of these assumptions are primarily based on the trading price of
the Company’s stock, historical data, peer company data and judgment regarding future trends and factors.
F- 20
INCOME
TAXES
The Company accounts for income
taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and for differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities
and their respective tax bases.
Valuation allowances are established
when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will ultimately
be realized. The Company is primarily subject to income taxes in the United States.
The Company accounts for uncertain
tax positions in accordance with an amendment to ASC Topic 740-10, Income Taxes (Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes) , which clarified the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This amendment provides that the tax effects from an uncertain
tax position can be recognized in the financial statements only if the position is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained
were it to be challenged by a taxing authority. The assessment of the tax position is based solely on the technical merits of the position,
without regard to the likelihood that the tax position may be challenged. If an uncertain tax position meets the “more-likely-than-not”
threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 % likely to be recognized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing
authority is recorded. The Company has no uncertain tax positions.
NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
Basic
and diluted net loss per common share has been calculated as follows:
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to common stockholders
=
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
Weighted average number of common stock outstanding during the period
Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to common stockholders
=
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
Weighted average number of common stock outstanding during the period plus potential dilutive shares
Stock issued
and treasury stock repurchased during the period are weighted for the portion of the period that they are outstanding. Shares issued and
any shares that are reacquired during the period are weighted for the portion of the period that they are outstanding.
We
had net income for the year ended March 31, 2022, and therefore the impact of potentially dilutive common shares from outstanding stock
options, stock appreciation rights, and warrants, totaling 3,184,247 shares for the year ended March 31, 2022, respectively, was included
in the computations of diluted earnings per share. The calculation of diluted net income per share for the year ended March 31, 2022
does not include the impact of 6,156,432 potentially dilutive shares relating to stock options, stock appreciation rights, and warrants
as their impact would have been anti-dilutive as their exercise prices are above the Company’s average Common Stock price during
the period.
We incurred a net loss for the
year ended March 31, 2021, and therefore the impact of potentially dilutive common shares from outstanding stock options and warrants,
totaling 11,127,539 shares as of March 31, 2021, were excluded from the computations of loss per share as their impact would
have been anti-dilutive.
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the year ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, comprehensive loss consisted
of net loss and foreign currency translation adjustments.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Adopted
On December
18, 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “ Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, ” which
simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The update also simplifies
GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance to improve consistent application. The amendment in this
update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption
is permitted. The Company adopted this guidance on April 1, 2021 and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated
financial statements.
Not yet
adopted
In June
2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which provides new guidance regarding the measurement and recognition of credit
impairment for certain financial assets. Such guidance will impact how the Company determines its allowance for estimated uncollectible
receivables and evaluates its available-for-sale investments for impairment. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company in the first
quarter of fiscal 2023. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements
and related disclosures.
F- 21
3. OTHER INTERESTS
Investment
in CDF2 Holdings
We indirectly
own 100 % of the common equity of CDF2 Holdings, LLC (“CDF2 Holdings”), which was created for the purpose of capitalizing
on the conversion of the exhibition industry from film to digital technology. CDF2 Holdings assists its customers in procuring the equipment
necessary to convert their systems to digital technology by providing financing, equipment, installation and related ongoing services.
CDF2 Holdings
is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”), as defined in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810 (“ASC 810”),
“Consolidation.” ASC 810 requires the consolidation of VIEs by an entity that has a controlling financial interest in the
VIE which entity is thereby defined as the primary beneficiary of the VIE. To be a primary beneficiary, an entity must have the power
to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, among other factors. Although we
indirectly, wholly own CDF2 Holdings, we, a third party that also has a variable interest in CDF2 Holdings, and an independent third party
manager must mutually approve all business activities and transactions that significantly impact CDF2 Holdings’ economic performance.
We have therefore assessed our variable interests in CDF2 Holdings and determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of CDF2 Holdings.
As a result, CDF2 Holdings’ financial position and results of operations are not consolidated in our financial position and results
of operations. In completing our assessment, we identified the activities that we consider most significant to the economic performance
of CDF2 Holdings and determined that we do not have the power to direct those activities, and therefore we account for our investment
in CDF2 Holdings under the equity method of accounting.
As of March 31, 2022 and March
31, 2021, our maximum exposure to loss, as it relates to the non-consolidated CDF2 Holdings entity, represents accounts receivable for
service fees under a master service agreement with CDF2 Holdings. Such accounts receivable was $ 0.8 million and $ 0.3 million
as of March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively, which are included in accounts receivable, net on the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets.
The accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Operations include $ 0.8 million and $ 128 thousand of digital cinema servicing revenue from CDF2 Holdings for the
year ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Total Stockholders’
Deficit of CDF2 Holdings at March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 was $ 55.6 million and $ 46.3 million, respectively. We have no
obligation to fund the operating loss or the stockholders’ deficit beyond our initial investment of $ 2.0 million and, accordingly,
our investment in CDF2 Holdings as of March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 is carried at $ 0 .
Majority
Interest in CONtv
We own an 85 %
interest in CON TV, LLC, a worldwide digital network that creates original content, and sells and distributes on-demand digital content
on the Internet and other consumer digital distribution platforms, such as gaming consoles, set-top boxes, handsets, and tablets.
Investment
in Roundtable
On March 15, 2022, the Company
entered into a stock purchase agreement with Roundtable Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“Roundtable”) pursuant to which the
Company purchased 500 shares of Roundtable Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 100 shares of Roundtable Common Stock (together,
the “Roundtable Securities”). The Company paid the purchase price for the Roundtable Securities by issuing to Roundtable 316,937
shares of Common Stock is based on the closing price of the company on the date of the purchase. The Company recorded $ 0.2 million for
the purchase of the Roundtable Securities which is included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The investment
in the Roundtable Securities was made in connection with a proposed collaboration with Roundtable regarding production and distribution
of streaming content including the launch of high profile branded enthusiast streaming channels. The Roundatble investment was accounted for using the cost method.
4. BUSINESS
COMBINATIONS
FoundationTV,
Inc.
On May 12, 2021, the Company entered
into a stock purchase agreement (the “Foundation Stock Purchase Agreement”) with FoundationTV, Inc. (“FoundationTV”),
to buy all of FoundationTV´s issued and outstanding stock in consideration of an aggregate of $5.2 million, of which $0.7 million
was paid in cash and 1,483,129 shares of Common Stock, which were valued at $2.5 million, were issued at closing stock price of $1.69
on the closing date of June 9, 2021, and an additional $2.0 million will be paid in eight equal installments of one installment on each
six month anniversary of closing over forty-eight months, and a final lump sum payment of $225 thousand on the four year anniversary of
the closing, reduced by $0.2 million settlement of a prior relationship. The Foundation Stock Purchase Agreement contained certain
conditions to closing, including that the Company obtain approval of its stockholders, applicable lenders, and regulatory authorities,
as applicable, and representations and warranties and covenants as are customary for transactions of this type. On June 9, 2021, the FoundationTV
acquisition was consummated. The Company incurred transaction costs of $ 36 thousand during the year ended March 31, 2022. As of March
31, 2022, the deferred consideration initially measured by bringing to present value the agreed-upon cash payments discounted by a 3 %
rate, includes a $ 0.5 million short-term payable and a long-term payable for $ 1.5 million. FoundationTV is included as a part
of the Content & Entertainment segment.
Purchase Price
Purchase Price
$ 5,237
Total purchase price
$ 5,237
Allocation of purchase price
Developed technology
3,200
Deferred tax liability
( 888 )
Goodwill
2,925
Total allocation of purchase
price
$ 5,237
F- 22
The
developed technology acquired in this transaction has a useful life of 10 years. During the year ended March 31, 2022, the
Company recorded $ 240 thousand in amortization expense related to the developed technology acquired in the acquisition.
Below is the amortization expense
per year for the developed technology acquired in the business combination:
2023
$ 320
2024
320
2025
320
2026
320
2027
320
2028
320
2029
320
2030
320
2031
320
2032
80
Total
$ 2,960
Bloody
Disgusting, LLC
On September 17, 2021, the
Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Bloody Disgusting Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Bloody Disgusting,
LLC (“Bloody Disgusting”), to buy substantially all of the assets of Bloody Disgusting, in consideration of an aggregate
of $7.8 million, of which $4.0 million was paid in cash and 1,039,501 shares of Common Stock, which were valued at $2.3 million, were
issued at closing stock price of $2.23 on the closing date of September 17, 2021, and $1.7 million as of the fair value of the earnout
liability, related to earnout targets, as defined, to be met as of March 2022, March 2023 and March 2024. The fair value of the earnout
liability was estimated considering the weighted probability of scenarios on the earnout metrics possible outcomes during the earnout
period. The Bloody Disgusting Asset Purchase Agreement contained certain conditions to closing and representations and warranties and
covenants as are customary for transactions of this type. On September 17, 2021, the Bloody Disgusting acquisition was consummated. Bloody
Disgusting, LLC is included as a part of the Content & Entertainment segment.
Purchase Price
Purchase Price
$ 7,780
Total purchase price
$ 7,780
Allocation of purchase price
Current assets
9
Advertiser relationships
3,750
Trade name
1,100
Goodwill
2,921
Total allocation of purchase price
$ 7,780
The advertiser
relationships acquired in this transaction has a useful life of 12 years and the trade name acquired has a useful life of 10 years.
During the year months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recorded $ 211 thousand in amortization expense related to the intangible
assets acquired.
Below is the amortization expense
per year for the intangible assets acquired in the business combination:
Advertiser
relationships
Trade
name
Total
2023
$ 313
$ 110
$ 423
2024
313
110
423
2025
313
110
423
2026
313
110
423
2027
313
110
423
2028
313
110
423
2029
313
110
423
2030
313
110
423
2031
313
110
423
2032
313
55
368
2033
313
—
313
2034
151
—
151
Total
3,594
1,045
$ 4,639
F- 23
DMR
The Company entered into an Equity Purchase
Agreement among the Company, and David Chu, Augustine Hong, Helen Hong, Michael Hong, Justin Lee, Steven Park, and Kingsoon Ong (collectively,
the “Sellers”) and David Chu as representative of the Sellers (the “DMR Agreement”) to acquire all of the outstanding
membership interests of Asian Media Rights, LLC d/b/a Digital Media Rights (“DMR”), a diversified specialty streaming, advertising,
and content distribution company with significant expertise in building audiences for global content in North America (the “Transaction”).
On March 25, 2022, the Company executed the
Amended and Restated Equity Purchase Agreement (the “A&R DMR Agreement”) among the Company, the Sellers and David Chu
as representative of the Sellers that amended and restated the DMR Agreement. Pursuant to the A&R DMR Agreement, the purchase price
for the Transaction is $ 14,794,000 , subject to working capital and other adjustments, consisting of (1) $ 8,000,000 in cash
paid at the closing of the Transaction and (ii) $ 8,400,000 paid, at the Company’s option, in either cash or Common Stock at its
then market value, as follows: (a) $3,000,000 on the first anniversary of the closing of the Transaction, (b) $3,000,000 on the second
anniversary of the closing of the Transaction, and (c) $2,400,000 on the third anniversary of the closing of the Transaction. DMR
is included as a part of the Content & Entertainment segment.
Purchase Price
Purchase Price
$ 14,794
Total purchase price
$ 14,794
Allocation of purchase price
Cash and cash equivalents
862
Accounts receivable
1,531
Prepaid expense
55
Other receivables
3
Right of use asset - operating
841
Furniture & fixtures
6
Computers and related equipment
28
Deposits
43
Channel & platform
6,300
Content rights
299
Investment in Kor TV
300
Goodwill
6,537
Short term liabilities
( 1,450 )
Long term liabilities
( 561 )
Total allocation of purchase price
$ 14,794
The content library acquired
in this transaction has a useful life of 13 years and channel acquired has a useful life of 13 years. During the year
ended March 31, 2022, the Company recorded $ 0 in amortization expense related to the intangible assets acquired.
Below is the amortization expense
per year for the intangible assets acquired in the business combination:
Content Library
Channel
Total
2023
$ 23
$ 485
$ 508
2024
23
485
508
2025
23
485
508
2026
23
485
508
2027
23
485
508
2028
23
485
508
2029
23
485
508
2030
23
485
508
2031
23
485
508
2032
23
485
508
2033
23
485
508
2034
23
485
508
2035
23
480
503
Total
$ 299
$ 6,300
$ 6,599
Combined
The amounts of revenue and net loss for the acquired companies included
in the Company's consolidated statement of operations for the period ending in March 31, 2022 are as follows:
(In thousands)
Total
2022
Revenue
$ 1,319
Net Loss
$ ( 133 )
F- 24
Proforma Information (Unaudited)
The unaudited proforma information in the table below summarizes
the combined results of operations for the Company and its acquisitions of Foundation TV, Inc., Bloody Disgusting, LLC and DMR as if
these acquisitions had been included in the consolidated results of the Company since April 1, 2020 for the each of the two entire
years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
(In thousands)
Proforma
2022
2021
Revenue
$ 64,158
$ 39,513
Net Income (Loss)
$ 945
$ ( 53,570 )
5. NOTES PAYABLE
Notes payable consisted of the following:
March 31, 2022
March 31, 2021
(In thousands)
Current
Portion
Long Term
Portion
Current
Portion
Long Term
Portion
Prospect Loan
$ —
$ —
$ 7,786
$ —
Total non-recourse notes payable
—
—
7,786
—
Total non-recourse notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discounts
$ —
$ —
$ 7,786
$ —
Credit Facility
—
—
1,956
—
PPP Loan
—
—
—
2,152
Total recourse notes payable
—
—
1,956
2,152
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discounts
—
—
—
—
Total recourse notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discounts
$ —
$ —
$ 1,956
$ 2,152
Total notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs
$ —
$ —
$ 9,742
$ 2,152
Non-recourse
debt is generally defined as debt whereby the lenders’ sole recourse with respect to defaults is limited to the value of the asset,
which is collateral for the debt. Certain of our subsidiaries are liable with respect to, and their assets serve as collateral for, certain
indebtedness for which our assets and the assets of our other subsidiaries that are not parties to the transaction are generally not liable.
We have referred to this indebtedness as “non-recourse debt” because the recourse of the lenders is limited to the assets
of specific subsidiaries. Such indebtedness includes the Prospect Loan.
Prospect
Loan
In February 2013, our subsidiaries
Cinedigm DC Holdings, LLC (“CDCH”), Access Digital Media, Inc (“AccessDM”) and Access Digital Cinema Phase 2,
Corp. (“Phase 2 DC”) entered into a term loan agreement (the “Prospect Loan” or the “Term Loan Agreement”)
with Prospect Capital Corporation (“Prospect”), pursuant to which CDCH borrowed $ 70.0 million. The Prospect Loan included
interest at LIBOR plus 9.0 % (with a 2.0 % LIBOR floor), which was payable in cash, and at an additional 2.50 % accrued as
an increase to the aggregate principal amount of the Prospect Loan until the Prospect Loan was paid off, at which time all accrued interest
became payable in cash.
Collections
of CDCH accounts receivable were deposited into accounts designated to pay certain operating expenses, principal, interest, fees, costs
and expenses relating to the Prospect Loan. On a quarterly basis, if there was excess cash flow, it was used for prepayment of the Prospect
Loan. We also maintained a debt service fund under the Prospect Loan for future principal and interest payments. As of March 31, 2022,
and March 31, 2021, the debt service fund had a balance of $ 0 and $ 1.0 million, respectively, which was classified as part of
restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On March
4, 2021, CDCH, AccessDM, Phase 2 DC, Christie/AIX, Inc., Cinedigm Digital Funding I, LLC, certain Lenders, and Prospect Capital Corporation,
as administrative agent and collateral agent, entered into Amendment No. 3 (the “Prospect Amendment”) to the Term Loan Agreement.
Under the Prospect Amendment, the maturity date of the loan under the Term Loan Agreement was extended to March 31, 2022. As a condition
to the effectiveness of the Amendment, CDCH paid $ 3,500,000 to Prospect to reduce the outstanding principal amount of the Loan.
The Prospect
Loan was secured by, among other things, a first priority pledge of the stock of CDF2 Holdings, our wholly-owned unconsolidated subsidiary,
the stock of AccessDM, owned by DC Holdings, and the stock of our Phase 2 DC subsidiary, and was also guaranteed by AccessDM and Phase
2 DC. We provided limited financial support to the Prospect Loan not to exceed $ 1.5 million per year in the event financial performance
did not meet certain defined benchmarks.
The Prospect
Loan contained customary representations, warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default.
Upon a series
of payments between April 30 and July 9, 2021, the Company paid in full the Prospect Loan outstanding non-recourse debt amount by
paying an aggregate principal amount of $ 7.8 million. Pre-payment of the Prospect Loan was permissible without penalty.
F- 25
The following
table summarizes the activity related to the Prospect Loan:
As of
(In thousands)
March 31, 2022
March 31,
2021
Prospect Loan, at issuance
$ 70,000
$ 70,000
PIK Interest
8,016
6,397
Payments to date
( 78,016 )
( 68,611 )
Prospect Loan, gross
$ —
$ 7,786
Less unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discounts
—
—
Prospect Loan, net
—
7,786
Less current portion
—
( 7,786 )
Total long term portion
$ —
$ —
Bison
Convertible Note
The Bison
Convertible Note had a term ending on March 4, 2021, and bears interest at 5 % per annum. The principal was due on March 4, 2021,
in cash or in shares of Common Stock, or a combination of cash and Common Stock, at the Company’s option. The Bison Convertible
Note was convertible at the Company’s option, at any time prior to payment in full of the principal balance and all accrued interest
of the note, to convert this note in whole or in part, into fully paid and nonassessable shares of the Company’s Class A common
stock.
On September 11, 2020, Bison
Global converted the Bison Convertible Note in full into an aggregate of 6,666,667 shares of Common Stock at a conversion price
of $ 1.50 per share. Accordingly, the Bison Convertible Note has been extinguished. In accordance with ASC 470, the Company recognized
a loss on extinguishment of $ 285 thousand related to unamortized debt issuance costs for the nine months ended December 31, 2020.
Credit
Facility and Cinedigm Revolving Loans
On March
30, 2018, the Company entered into the Loan, Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2018, by and between the Company,
East West Bank and the Guarantors named therein (the “Credit Facility”) for a maximum of $ 19.0 million in revolving loans
outstanding at any one time with a maturity date of March 31, 2020, which may be extended for two successive one-year periods at the sole
discretion of the lender, subject to certain conditions.
Interest
under the Credit Facility is due monthly at a rate elected by the Company of either 0.5 % plus Prime Rate or 3.25 % above LIBOR
Rate established by the lender.
On July
3, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility (the “EWB Amendment”). The EWB Amendment reduced the
size of the facility to $ 18.0 million, required certain prepayments and daily cash sweeps from collections of receivables to be made,
changed in certain respects how the borrowing base is calculated, and extended the maturity date to June 30, 2020. In connection with
the EWB Amendment, three of our subsidiaries became Guarantors under the Credit Facility. On June 25, 2020, the Company and East West
Bank amended the Credit Facility to extend the maturity of the Credit Facility to June 30, 2021 and waive events of default provisions.
On June 22, 2021, the maturity date of the Credit Facility was extended to September 28, 2021 . During this extension period, unless an
amendment had been entered into, we were not able to access any additional borrowings under the Credit Facility. The September 28,
2021 expiration date has passed and the agreement was not extended.
As of March
31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, there was $ 0 and $ 2.0 million outstanding, respectively.
PPP Loan
On April 15, 2020, the Company
received $ 2.2 million from East West Bank, the Company’s existing lender, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the
“PPP Loan”) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP Loan matures
on April 10, 2022 (the “PPP Maturity Date”), accrues interest at 1 % per annum and may be prepaid in whole or in part
without penalty. No interest payments are due within the initial six months of the PPP Loan. The interest accrued during the initial six-month
period is due and payable, together with the principal, on the PPP Maturity Date. The Company used all proceeds from the PPP Loan to retain
employees, maintain payroll and make lease and utility payments to support business continuity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which
amounts were intended to be eligible for forgiveness, subject to the provisions of the CARES Act, and could be subject to repayment. On
July 7, 2021, the Company received notification from the lender that the U.S. Small Business Administration had approved the Company’s
PPP Loan forgiveness application for the entire PPP Loan amount and accrued interest effective June 30, 2021. For the year ended March
31, 2022, the Company recognized a gain on extinguishment of note payable of $ 2,178 in the statement of operations for the forgiveness
of PPP loan principal and interest.
F- 26
6. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
COMMON
STOCK
Authorized
Common Stock
On October
11, 2021, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, pursuant to which
the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance was increased to 275,000,000 shares.
During the
year ended March 31, 2022, the Company issued 9,085,016 shares of Common Stock which consist of the sale of shares of our Common
Stock, issuance of Common Stock for business combinations, the issuances of Common Stock in payment of preferred stock dividends and in
payment of board retainer fees, and the issuance of Common Stock as payment pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement (See Note 3).
PREFERRED
STOCK
Cumulative dividends in arrears
on preferred stock were $ 0.1 million and $ 0.1 million as of March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively. In May 2021 and
October 2021, we paid preferred stock dividends in arrears in the form of 53,278 and 102,697 shares of Common Stock,
respectively.
TREASURY
STOCK
We have
treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 1,315,851 and 1,313,836 shares of Common Stock at March 31, 2022 and March
31, 2021, respectively.
CINEDIGM’S
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS
Stock
Based Compensation Awards
Awards issued
under our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”) may be in any of the following forms (or a combination thereof) (i)
stock option awards; (ii) stock appreciation rights; (iii) stock or restricted stock or restricted stock units; or (iv) performance awards.
The 2000 Plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options (“ISOs”) with exercise prices not less than the fair market
value of our Common Stock on the date of grant. ISOs granted to shareholders having more than 10 % of the total combined voting power
of the Company must have exercise prices of at least 110 % of the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant. ISOs
and non-statutory stock options granted under the 2000 Plan are subject to vesting provisions, and exercise is subject to the continuous
service of the participant. The exercise prices and vesting periods (if any) for non-statutory options are set at the discretion of our
compensation committee. On November 1, 2017, upon the consummation of the initial equity investment in Cinedigm by Bison, as a result
of which there was a change of control of the Company, all stock options (incentive and non-statutory) and shares of restricted stock
were vested immediately and the options became fully exercisable.
In connection
with the grants of stock options and shares of restricted stock under the 2000 Plan, we and the participants have executed stock option
agreements and notices of restricted stock awards setting forth the terms of the grants. The 2000 Plan provided for the issuance of up
to 2,380,000 shares of Common Stock to employees, outside directors and consultants.
F- 27
As of March 31, 2022, there were 217,337 stock options outstanding
in the 2000 Plan with weighted average exercise price of $ 14.49 and a weighted average contract life of 1.54 years. As
of March 31, 2021, there were 261,587 shares pursuant to stock options outstanding in the Plan with weighted average exercise
price of $ 14.99 and a weighted average contract life of 2.11 years. A total of 44,000 options expired and 250 options
forfeited during the year ended March 31, 2022.
Options outstanding under the 2000 Plan as of
March 31, 2022 is as follows:
As of March 31, 2022
Range of Prices
Options Outstanding
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
$ 7.40
5,000
3.25
$
7.40
$
—
$ 14.00 - $ 24.40
212,337
1.50
14.65
—
217,337
$
—
An analysis of all options exercisable under
the 2000 Plan as of March 31, 2022 is presented below:
Options Exercisable
Weighted Average
Remaining Life in Years
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
217,337
1.54
$
14.49
—
In August 2017, the Company adopted the 2017
Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan). The 2017 Plan replaced the 2000 Plan, and applies to employees and directors of, and consultants
to, the Company. The 2017 Plan provided for the issuance of up to 2,108,270 shares of Common Stock, in the form of various
awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and cash
awards. The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) is authorized to administer the
2017 Plan and make grants thereunder. The approval of the 2017 Plan did not affect awards already granted under the 2000 Plan. On December
4, 2019, upon shareholder approval, the 2017 Plan was amended to increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock authorized for
issuance thereunder from 2,108,270 shares to 4,098,270 .
On October 23, 2020, the Company amended its
2017 Plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder from 4,098,270 to 14,098,270 .
On October 11, 2021, the Company amended its
2017 Plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder from 14,098,270 to 18,098,270 .
During the year ended March 31, 2022, the Company granted 2,025,250 stock
appreciation rights (“SARs”). The SARs were granted under the 2017 Plan, except for 600,000 SARs granted to
an officer of the Company as an inducement grant. All SARs issued have an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s
Common Stock on the date of grant and a maturity date of 10 years. The SARs were valued on the grant date utilizing an option
pricing model, as follows:
Grant Date: May 23, 2021 – November 30,
2021
Maturity Date: May 23, 2031 – November
30, 2031
Exercise price: $ 1.29 - $ 2.56
Volatility: 94.56 % - 114.42 %
Discount rate: 0.96 % - 1.63 %
Expected term: 6 – 6.5 years
F- 28
Stock appreciation rights outstanding under the
2017 Plan as of March 31, 2022 is as follows:
As of March 31, 2022
Range of Prices
SARs Outstanding
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
$ 0.54 - $ 0.74
5,550,000
8.74
$
0.62
$
1,208
$ 1.16 - $ 1.47
2,283,610
7.90
1.37
—
$ 1.71 - $ 2.10
2,455,738
8.91
1.97
—
$ 2.23 - $ 2.56
604,250
9.60
2.32
—
10,893,598
$
1,208
An analysis of all stock appreciation rights
exercisable under the 2017 Plan as of March 31, 2022 is presented below:
SAR Exercisable
Weighted Average
Remaining Life in Years
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
2,521,323
7.01
$
1.14
158
Total SARs outstanding are as follows:
Year
Ended
March 31,
2022
SARs Outstanding March 31, 2021
9,154,933
Issued
2,025,250
Forfeited
( 286,585 )
Total SARs Outstanding March 31, 2022
10,893,598
In addition, in during the year ended March 31, 2022, the Company granted
performance stock unit awards under the 2017 Plan to employees of the Company that vest upon certain performance goals being achieved.
Upon vesting the award shares are issued to the employee. Following is the activity for performance stock unit awards:
Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested balance at April 1, 2021
-
$
Granted
1,317,554
$
1.25
Vested
( 621,275
)
$
1.25
Unvested balance at March 31, 2022
696,280
$
1.25
During the year ended March 31, 2022, 366,056 shares were issued for
vested awards and 255,219 are to be issued as of March 31, 2022.
Employee and director stock-based compensation
expense related to our stock-based awards was as follows:
Year Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)
2022
2021
Selling, general and administrative
$ 5,487
$ 2,892
$ 5,487
$ 2,892
There was $ 1 and $ 5 thousand of stock-based compensation
recorded for the year ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to employees’ restricted stock awards.
There was $ 386 thousand and $ 293 thousand of stock-based
compensation for the year ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to board of directors. During the year ended March 31,
2022, the Company issued 280,690 restricted shares to non-employee directors.
OPTIONS GRANTED OUTSIDE CINEDIGM’S EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN
In October 2013, we issued options outside of
the 2000 Plan to 10 individuals who became employees as a result of a business combination. The employees received options
to purchase an aggregate of 62,000 shares of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $ 17.50 per share. The options were
fully vested as of October 2017 and expire 10 years from the date of grant, if unexercised. As of March 31, 2022, 12,500 of
such options remained outstanding.
F- 29
WARRANTS
The following table presents information about
outstanding warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock as of March 31, 2022. All of the outstanding warrants are fully vested and
exercisable.
Recipient
Amount
outstanding
Expiration
Exercise price
per share
5-year Warrant issued to Bison Entertainment and Media Group(“ BEMG”) in connection with a term loan agreement
1,400,000
December 2022
$ 1.80
Warrants for the purchase of 298,519 shares
of Common Stock expired unexercised during the year ended March 31, 2022.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We operate from leased properties under non-cancelable
operating lease agreements, certain of which contain escalating lease clauses.
The Company leases office space under an operating lease. The Company’s
portfolio of leases is primarily related to real estate and since most of our leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate,
the Company estimated its incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at either the implementation
date of Topic 842 or at lease commencement for leases entered into thereafter.
The table below presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2022 and March 31,
2021:
(In thousands)
Classification on the Balance Sheet
March 31, 2022
March 31,
2021
Assets
Noncurrent
Operating lease right-of-use asset
$ 749
$ 100
Liabilities
Current
Operating leases – current portion
258
87
Noncurrent
Operating leases – long-term portion
491
13
Total operating lease liabilities
$ 749
$ 100
The weighted average life remaining is 35 months and
the weighted average interest rate 3.38 %.
Lease Costs
The table below presents certain information related to lease costs
for leases:
Year Ended
Year Ended
(In thousands)
March 31,
2022
March 31,
2021
Operating lease cost
$ 125
$ 195
Total lease cost
$ 125
$ 195
Other Information
The table below presents supplemental cash flow
information related to leases:
Year Ended
Year Ended
(In thousands)
March 31,
2022
March 31,
2021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
83
197
Operating cash flows used for operating leases
$ 83
$ 197
Distribution arrangement minimum guaranty
On September 1, 2021 the Company extended a video
works distribution arrangement providing a non-refundable and fully-recoupable advance minimum participation guaranty for a total amount
of $ 3.5 million, where $ 1.5 million is payable no later than November 1, 2021, $ 1.0 million at the first year anniversary
of the arrangement and $ 0.9 million on the second-year anniversary of the arrangement. These payments are subject to the selection
of video works released by the Company whose initial commercial date occurs during the arrangement year. The Company paid the first advance
on October 22, 2021.
F- 30
Hyde Park Agreement
On January 5, 2022, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Hyde
Park Entertainment, Inc. (“Hyde Park”), pursuant to which the Company and Hyde Park are collaborating on the development,
production and/or distribution of a project based on the novel Audition by Ryu Murakami (the “Audition Project”). Each
of the Company and Hyde Park owns 50 % of the rights in connection with the Audition Project. The Company paid $ 100 thousand to Hyde Park
plus $ 26 thousand in legal fees to counsel for the Audition project. Ashok Amritraj, a director of the Company, is the Chairman and CEO
of Hyde Park and has an interest in 100 % of the revenues of Hyde Park. Ashok Amritraj is a current board member and related party to the Company.
8. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION AND DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH
INVESTMENTING AN FINANCING ACTIVITY
Year Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)
2022
2021
Cash interest paid
$ 780
$ 4,052
Income taxes paid
79
232
Accrued dividends on preferred stock
-
89
Issuance of Class A common stock for payment of preferred stock dividends
354
356
Issuance of Class A common stock to Metaverse, a related party
-
11,046
Contributed capital under the Metaverse transaction, a related party
-
17,187
Settlement of second lien loan with Class A common stock
-
6,485
Conversion of note payable
-
15,067
Class A common stock to be issued in connection with the asset acquisition
-
2,905
Metaverse shares used to pay down vendors
-
897
Issuance of Class A common stock for business combination
4,825
-
Deferred consideration in purchase of a business
8,987
-
Earnout consideration in purchase of a business
1,461
-
Treasury shares acquired for withholding taxes
5
-
9. SEGMENT INFORMATION
We operate in two reportable segments:
Cinema Equipment Business and Content & Entertainment Business. Our segments were determined based on the economic characteristics
of our products and services, our internal organizational structure, the manner in which our operations are managed and the criteria
used by our CODM to evaluate performance, which is generally the segment’s operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization.
Operations of: Products and services provided:
Cinema Equipment Business Financing vehicles and administrators for 696 Systems installed
nationwide in our first deployment phase (“Phase I Deployment”) to theatrical exhibitors and for 2,147 Systems installed
domestically and internationally in our second deployment phase (“Phase II Deployment”).
We retain ownership of the Systems and the residual cash flows related to the Systems in Phase I Deployment after the repayment of all non-recourse debt at the expiration of exhibitor master license agreements. For certain Phase II Deployment Systems, we do not retain ownership of the residual cash flows and digital cinema equipment in Phase II Deployment after the completion of cost recoupment and at the expiration of the exhibitor master license agreements.
The Cinema Equipment Business segment also provides monitoring, collection, verification and management services to this segment, as well as to exhibitors who purchase their own equipment, and also collects and disburses VPFs from motion picture studios, distributors and ACFs from alternative content providers, movie exhibitors and theatrical exhibitors (collectively, “Services”).
Content & Entertainment Business Leading independent streaming company of content and channels. We collaborate with producers and other content owners to market, source, curate and distribute independent content to targeted and under-served audiences in theatres and homes, and via mobile and emerging platforms.
F- 31
The following tables present certain financial
information related to our reportable segments and Corporate:
As of March 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Intangible
Assets, net
Goodwill
Total
Assets
Notes
Payable,
Non-
Recourse
Notes
Payable
Operating
lease
liabilities
Cinema Equipment Business
$
—
$
—
$
24,445
$
—
$
—
$
—
Content & Entertainment Business
19,946
21,084
68,873
—
—
—
Corporate
88
-
11,318
—
—
749
Total
$
20,034
$
21,084
$
104,636
$
—
$
—
$
749
As of March 31, 2021
(In thousands)
Intangible
Assets, net
Goodwill
Total
Assets
Notes
Payable,
Non-
Recourse
Notes
Payable
Operating
lease
liabilities
Cinema Equipment Business
$ —
$ —
$ 13,169
$ 7,786
$ —
$ 1
Content & Entertainment Business
9,858
8,701
42,733
—
—
69
Corporate
2
—
19,544
—
4,108
30
Total
$ 9,860
$ 8,701
$ 75,446
$ 7,786
$ 4,108
$ 100
Statements of Operations
Year Ended March 31, 2022
(in thousands)
Cinema
Equipment
Business
Content & Entertainment
Business
Corporate
Consolidated
Revenues
$
18,159
$
37,895
$
-
$
56,054
Direct operating (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
687
20,207
-
20,894
Selling, general and administrative
1,890
13,935
14,211
30,036
Allocation of corporate overhead
560
3,752
( 4,312
)
-
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts
( 485
)
-
-
( 485
)
Intangible Impairment
-
1,968
-
1,968
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
1,160
571
3
1,734
Amortization of intangible assets
-
2,830
2
2,832
Total operating expenses
3,812
43,263
9,904
56,979
Income (loss) from operations
$
14,347
$
( 5,368
)
$
( 9,904
)
$
( 925
)
The following employee and director stock-based
compensation expense related to our stock-based awards is included in the above amounts as follows:
(In thousands)
Cinema
Equipment
Business
Content & Entertainment
Business
Corporate
Consolidated
Direct operating
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
Selling, general and administrative
—
1,034
4,453
5,487
Total stock-based compensation
$ —
$ 1,034
$ 4,453
$ 5,487
F- 32
Statements of Operations
Year Ended March 31, 2021
(in thousands)
Cinema
Equipment
Business
Content & Entertainment
Business
Corporate
Consolidated
Revenues
$ 3,222
$ 28,197
$ —
$ 31,419
Direct operating (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
683
15,420
—
16,103
Selling, general and administrative
2,277
9,798
9,917
21,992
Allocation of corporate overhead
586
3,872
( 4,458 )
—
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts
( 121 )
( 1 )
—
( 122 )
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
3,916
461
27
4,404
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets
23
2,488
4
2,515
Total operating expenses
7,364
32,038
5,490
44,892
Income (loss) from operations
$ ( 4,142 )
$ ( 3,841 )
$ ( 5,490 )
$ ( 13,473 )
The following employee and director stock-based compensation expense
related to our stock-based awards is included in the above amounts as follows:
Cinema
Equipment
Business
Content &
Entertainment
Corporate
Consolidated
Direct operating
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
Selling, general and administrative
—
264
2,628
2,892
Total stock-based compensation
$ —
$ 264
$ 2,628
$ 2,892
11. INCOME
TAXES
We recorded income tax (benefit)
of $( 0.8 ) million from operations and an income tax (benefit) of $( 0.3 ) million for the years ended March 31,
2022 and 2021, respectively. For the year ended March 31, 2022, the $( 0.8 ) income tax benefit primarily related to a net change of deferred
tax liability resulted from the finalization of the acquisition of Foundation TV. The deferred tax liability was offset by a release of
the Company’s valuation allowance. The Company also recorded income tax expense of $ 0.1 , which was mainly related to taxable income
at the state level and timing differences related to fixed asset depreciation. The income tax benefit for the year ended March 31, 2021
was mainly related to changes in estimates from the timing of the income tax provision to the income tax return filings, related to state
income tax expense.
The following table presents
the components of income tax benefit (expense):
For the Fiscal Year
Ended March 31,
(In thousands)
2022
2021
Federal:
Current
$ —
$ —
Deferred
672
—
Total federal
672
—
State:
Current
( 100 )
315
Deferred
216
—
Total State
116
315
Income tax benefit (expense)
$ 788
$ 315
F- 33
Net deferred
taxes consisted of the following:
As of March 31,
(In thousands)
2022
2021
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards
$ 15,853
$ 15,019
Stock-based compensation
2,391
934
Intangibles
5,247
5,879
Accrued liabilities
1,216
1,054
Allowance for doubtful accounts
865
845
Investments
3,797
3,857
Nondeductible interest expense
3,654
3,693
Other
326
113
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
33,349
31,394
Less: Valuation allowance
( 33,212 )
( 30,969 )
Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance
$ 137
$ 425
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization
$ ( 137 )
$ ( 425 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
( 137 )
( 425 )
Net deferred tax
$ —
$ —
We have provided a valuation
allowance equal to our net deferred tax assets for the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. We are required to recognize
all or a portion of our deferred tax assets if we believe that it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized, given the
weight of all available evidence. We assess the realizability of the deferred tax assets at each interim and annual balance sheet date.
In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we considered both positive and negative evidence, including recent financial performance,
projections of future taxable income and scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities. The net change in the valuation allowance of
$ 2.2 million during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 was mainly due to increases in the deferred tax asset related to the net operating
loss carryfoward and other timing differences. The net change in the valuation allowance of $ 13.4 million during the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2021 was mainly due to increases in the deferred tax asset related to our investment in Starrise, a related
party, and increases in the net operating loss carryforward. We will continue to assess the realizability of the deferred tax assets at
each interim and annual balance sheet date based upon actual and forecasted operating results.
As of March 31, 2022,
we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $ 55.2 million available in the United States
of America (“U.S.”) to reduce future taxable income. U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately
$ 22.6 and $ 55.2 million, respectively, generally begin to expire in 2026. U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards that
were generated during the years ended March 31, 2020, 2021, and 2022 of approximately $ 32.6 million, do not expire.
F- 34
Under the provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code, certain substantial changes in our ownership may result in a limitation on the amount of net operating losses that may be
utilized in future years. During the year ended March 31, 2018, approximately $ 233.5 million of our net operating losses
became subject to limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 in connection with the consummation in November 2017 of the transactions
under the Stock Purchase Agreement with Bison. Approximately $ 209.0 million of our net operating losses will not be able
to be utilized because of the ownership change. Future significant ownership changes could cause a portion or all of our remaining net
operating losses to expire before utilization.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The Act contains several new or changed income tax provisions, including
but not limited to the following: increased limitation threshold for determining deductible interest expense; class life changes to qualified
improvements (in general, from 39 years to 15 years); and the ability to carry back net operating losses incurred from tax years 2018
through 2020 up to the five preceding tax years. The Company has evaluated the new tax provisions of the CARES Act and determined the
impact to be either immaterial or not applicable.
The differences between the United
States statutory federal tax rate and our effective tax rate are as follows:
For the fiscal years
ended March 31,
2022
2021
Provision at the U.S. statutory federal tax rate
21.0 %
21.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
( 83.7 )%
5.7 %
Change in valuation allowance
137.0 %
( 26.7 )%
Non-deductible expenses
31.5 %
( 3.4 )%
Executive officer compensation limitation – Section 162(m)
2.8 %
--
PPP loan forgiveness
( 30.9 )%
--
Losses from non-consolidated entities
( 131.1 )%
3.8 %
Other
0.2 %
0.1 %
Income tax benefit /(expense)
( 53.2 )%
0.5 %
We file income tax returns in
the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. states, and Australia. For federal income tax purposes, our fiscal 2019 through 2022 tax years
remain open for examination by the tax authorities under the normal three-year statute of limitations. For U.S. state and Australian
tax purposes, our fiscal 2018 through 2022 tax years generally remain open for examination by most of the tax authorities under a four-year
statute of limitations.
12.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On April 1, 2022, trading of Metaverse’s ordinary shares was
halted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Unless and until trading is reinstated, the Company will not be able to obtain any readily available
information or observable inputs on the quoted market prices of Metaverse’s stock and therefore will need to change the valuation
methodology of its investments in Metaverse.
F- 35
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM
9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM
9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Definition and Limitations of Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls
and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”)) are designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange
Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The management of the Company, under the supervision
and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in the Exchange Act), as of March 31, 2022. Based on such evaluation, our
principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the
Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, on a timely
basis, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures due to the material weaknesses identified
in our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2022.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate
internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management conducted an evaluation of
the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation,
management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of March 31, 2022.
Material Weakness on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on July 30, 2021, management concluded that our internal control over financial
reporting was not effective as of March 31, 2021. In the evaluation, management identified material weaknesses in internal controls
related to our financial close and reporting process and information and communication controls. Management also concluded that we did
not have a sufficient complement of corporate personnel with appropriate levels of accounting and controls knowledge and experience commensurate
with our financial reporting requirements to appropriately analyze, record and disclose accounting matters completely and accurately.
As a result of this evaluation, management extensively used outside consultants who possessed the appropriate levels of accounting and
controls knowledge.
Remediation . Following
identification of this control deficiency, management is implementing modifications to better ensure that the Company has appropriate
and timely reviews on all financial reporting analysis. The material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting
will not be considered remediated until these modifications are implemented, in operation for a sufficient period of time, tested,
and concluded by management to be designed and operating effectively. In addition, as we continue to evaluate and work to improve our
internal control over financial reporting, management may determine to take additional measures to address control deficiencies or determine
to modify our remediation plan. Management will test and evaluate the implementation of these modifications to ascertain whether they
are designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance that they will prevent or detect a material misstatement in the
Company’s financial statements.
41
The steps we took to
address the deficiencies identified included:
● we
hired a new Chief Financial Officer;
●
we hired a new Executive Vice President (“EVP”) Accounting;
● we
have engaged in efforts to restructure accounting processes and revise organizational structures to enhance accurate accounting and appropriate financial reporting;
● we
have hired additional experienced accounting personnel in the corporate office to enhance the application of accounting standards and
our financial closing and reporting process;
● we
have engaged external advisors to provide financial accounting and reporting assistance;
● we
will enhance information and communication processes through information technology solutions to ensure that information needed for financial
reporting is accurate, complete, relevant and reliable, and communicated in a timely manner; and
● we
have engaged external advisors to evaluate and document the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting and assist with the remediation and implementation of our internal control function.
As noted above, we believe that, as a result
of management’s in-depth review of its accounting processes, and the additional procedures management has implemented, there are
no material inaccuracies or omissions of material fact in this Form 10-K and, to the best of our knowledge, we believe that the consolidated
financial statements in this Form 10-K fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows in conformity with GAAP.
We and our Board treat
the controls surrounding, and the integrity of, our financial statements with the utmost priority. Management is committed to the planning
and implementation of remediation efforts to address control deficiencies and any other identified areas of risk. These remediation efforts
are intended to both address the identified material weakness and to enhance our overall financial control environment. We are committed
to maintaining a strong internal control environment, and we believe the measures described above will strengthen our internal control
over financial reporting and remediate the material weakness we have identified. Our remediation efforts have begun, and we will continue
to devote significant time and attention to these remedial efforts. As we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal
control over financial reporting, management may determine to take additional measures to strengthen controls or to modify the remediation
plan described above, which may require additional implementation time.
Changes in Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes,
other than our remediation efforts discussed above, in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal
quarter ended March 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting.
ITEM
9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT
INSPECTIONS.
Not applicable.
42
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors
Christopher J. McGurk, 65 , has been the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since January 2011. Mr. McGurk was the founder and Chief Executive
Officer of Overture Films from 2006 until 2010 and also the Chief Executive Officer of Anchor Bay Entertainment, which distributed Overture
Films’ products to the home entertainment industry. From 1999 to 2005, Mr. McGurk was Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating
Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (“MGM”), acting as the company’s lead operating executive until MGM was sold for
approximately $5 billion to a consortium of investors. Mr. McGurk joined MGM from Universal Pictures, where he served in various executive
capacities, including President and Chief Operating Officer, from 1996 to 1999. From 1988 to 1996, Mr. McGurk served in several senior
executive roles at The Walt Disney Studios, including Studios Chief Financial Officer and President of The Walt Disney Motion Picture
Group. Mr. McGurk currently serves on the board of IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (Pink:IDWM) and has previously served on the boards of BRE
Properties, Inc., DivX Inc., DIC Entertainment, Pricegrabber.com, LLC and MGM Studios, Inc.
Ashok Amritraj , 66, has been a member of the Board since August
2021. He has been Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment, Inc. (“Hyde Park”) since 2000 and is an internationally renowned
award-winning film producer, having made over 100 films during the span of his 35-year career. Mr. Amritraj is involved with philanthropic
causes, and was appointed a United Nations India Goodwill Ambassador in 2016 and, in 2018, by decree of the President of the Republic
of France, was appointed a Chevalier (Knight) of the Ordre National du Merité. Mr. Amritraj serves on the Producers A2025 Committee
to advance inclusion and equitable opportunities at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as well as on the advisory board for
the Dodge Film School at Chapman University.
Peter C. Brown, 63 , has been a member
of the Board since September 2010. He is Chairman of Grassmere Partners, LLC, a private investment firm, which he founded in 2009. Prior
to founding Grassmere Partners, Mr. Brown served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of AMC Entertainment
Inc. (“AMC”), one of the world’s leading theatrical exhibition companies, from July 1999 until his retirement in February
2009. He joined AMC in 1990 and served as AMC’s President from January 1997 to July 1999 and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer from 1991 to 1997. Mr. Brown currently serves on the board of EPR Properties (NYSE: EPR), a specialty real estate investment
trust (REIT). Mr. Brown also serves as a director of CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL), a global leader in communications, hosting, cloud and IT
services. Past additional public company boards include: National CineMedia, Inc., Midway Games, Inc., LabOne, Inc., and Protection One,
Inc.
Patrick W. O’Brien , 75, has been
a member of the Board since July 2015. He currently serves as the Managing Director & Principal of Granville Wolcott Advisors, a
company he formed in 2009 which provides business consulting, due diligence and asset management services for public and private clients.
From 2005 to 2009, Mr. O’Brien was a Vice President - Asset Management for Bentall-Kennedy Associates Real Estate Counsel where
he represented pension fund ownership interests in hotel real estate investments nationwide. Mr. O’Brien has previously served
as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Livevol, Inc., a private company that was a leader in equity and index options technology which was
successfully sold to CBOE Holdings. During the past five years, Mr. O’Brien has also served on the boards of LVI Liquidation Corp.,
Creative Realities, Inc., ICPW Liquidation Trust, and Merriman Holdings, Inc.
Peixin Xu, 50 , has been a member of the
Board since November 2017. Mr. Xu founded Bison, an investment company with a focus on the media and entertainment, healthcare and financial
service industries, in 2014 and has been serving as a partner and director since then. From 2013 to the present, Mr. Xu has been serving
on the board of directors of Airmedia Group Inc. (Nasdaq: AMCN). Mr. Xu is a designee of Bison in connection with the Bison Agreement.
Executive Officers
The Company’s executive officers are Christopher
J. McGurk, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Gary S. Loffredo, Chief Operating Officer, President of Digital Cinema,
General Counsel, and Secretary, Erick Opeka, Executive Vice President and President of Cinedigm Digital Networks, and John K. Canning,
Chief Financial Officer. Biographical information for Mr. McGurk is included above.
43
Gary S. Loffredo, 57, has been the Company’s
President since December 2020, Chief Operating Officer since February 2019, and General Counsel and Secretary since October 2011. He
had previously served as President of Digital Cinema since 2011, as Senior Vice President - Business Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary
since 2000, as Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer from June 2010 through December 2010, and was a member of the Board from September
2000 - October 2015. From March 1999 to August 2000, he had been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Cablevision Cinemas
d/b/a Clearview Cinemas. Mr. Loffredo was an attorney at the law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP from September 1992 to February
1999. Having been with the Company since its inception and with Clearview Cinemas prior thereto, Mr. Loffredo has over two decades of
experience in the cinema exhibition industry, both on the movie theatre and studio sides, as well as legal training and general business
experience, which skills and understanding are beneficial to the Company.
Erick Opeka, 48, has been the Company’s
Chief Strategy Officer since December 2020 and President of Cinedigm Networks since joining the Company in 2014, when, as EVP of Digital
Networks, he oversaw the distribution of Cinedigm’s OTT networks online, as well as on mobile devices, gaming consoles, and connected
TVs. Mr. Opeka was integral in the development and launch of the Company’s flagship digital first networks, further expanding the
Company’s growth through landmark partnerships with leading platforms such as Sling TV, XUMO, and Twitch, among others. Prior to
joining Cinedigm, Mr. Opeka served as Senior Vice President and head of New Video Digital, which he grew into the largest global aggregator
of independent digital content for more than 850 content partners including A&E Networks, The Jim Henson Company, Berman Braun, and
others.
John K. Canning, 56, joined Cinedigm in September 2021 as Chief
Financial Officer. Prior to Cinedigm, Mr. Canning was the CFO of Firefly Systems Inc., an ad-tech startup in Silicon Valley, from 2019
to August 2021. From 2018-2019, he was the interim CFO at Tapjoy, Inc., also an ad-tech company. From 2016-2018, Mr. Canning was Group
Vice President, Finance, at Discovery Channel Portfolio. Prior to that, Mr. Canning served in various finance leadership roles at various
companies including Clear Channel Outdoor and The Walt Disney Company for a combined total of nearly 10 years. Prior to Disney, Canning
enjoyed a successful management consulting career, spending more than a dozen years at prominent firms including Deloitte and KPMG.
Key Employees
The Company’s key employees, other than
executive officers, are Yolanda Macías, Chief Content Officer of Cinedigm Entertainment Group, and Tony Huidor, Chief Technology
& Product Officer.
Yolanda Macías, 57, joined Cinedigm in
2013 and has been the Chief Content Officer of Cinedigm Entertainment Group since December 2020, in connection with which she is responsible
for acquiring global content rights for all distribution and streaming platforms and oversees all third party digital sales and marketing.
Previously, Ms. Macías has over 25 years of entertainment distribution experience, including executive positions at Vivendi/Universal
from 2004 to 2012, DIRECTV from 1996 to 2003, and The Walt Disney Company from 1992 to 1995.
Tony Huidor, 53, has been the Company’s Chief Technology & Product Officer since July 2021. Since joining Cinedigm in 2015,
he has managed the launch and daily operations of the Company’s portfolio of subscription and ad-supported digital-first channels,
as well as overseeing overall product development of all desktop and mobile apps for Cinedigm’s portfolio of streaming services.
He conceived and designed Cinedigm’s proprietary Matchpoint distribution platform which has allowed the Company to effectively
streamline and scale its digital content distribution business. He previously served as Vice President of Operations for Universal Music
Group (UMG) then later transitioned into VP of Technical Product Development for Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), where he
played an integral part in establishing the company’s digital and mobile business which generated significant revenue for the company.
Prior to his tenure at Universal Music, he worked as Director of Product Development for the Walt Disney Internet Group where he was
responsible for the creation and development of subscription-based video streaming products worldwide. In addition, he established Disney
Mobile where he managed the creation and production of all premium mobile content worldwide across the Disney and Pixar portfolio of
brands with a strong emphasis on the European and Asian-Pacific regions.
44
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors,
executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of its Common Stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership
with the Commission and to furnish the Company with copies of all such reports they file. Based on the Company’s review of the copies
of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that none of its directors,
executive officers or persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Common Stock failed to comply with Section 16(a) reporting requirements
during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (the “Last Fiscal Year”).
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics applicable to all members of the
Board, executive officers and employees. Such code of ethics is available on our Internet website, www.cinedigm.com. We intend to disclose
any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of our code of ethics by filing a Form 8-K with the SEC.
Stockholder Communications
The Board currently does not provide a formal
process for stockholders to send communications to the Board. In the opinion of the Board, it is appropriate for the Company not to have
such a process in place because the Board believes there is currently not a need for a formal policy due to, among other things, the
limited number of stockholders of the Company. While the Board will, from time to time, review the need for a formal policy, at the present
time, stockholders who wish to contact the Board may do so by submitting any communications to the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Loffredo,
264 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018, with an instruction to forward the communication to a particular director or the Board as a
whole. Mr. Loffredo will receive the correspondence and forward it to any individual director or directors to whom the communication
is directed.
MATTERS RELATING TO OUR GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
The Board oversees the Company’s risk management
including understanding the risks the Company faces and what steps management is taking to manage those risks, as well as understanding
what level of risk is appropriate for the Company. The Board’s role in the Company’s risk oversight process includes receiving
regular updates from members of senior management on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal and
regulatory, human resources, employment, and strategic risks.
The Company’s leadership structure currently
consists of the combined role of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and a separate Lead Independent Director. Mr. O’Brien
serves as our Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director’s responsibilities include presiding at all meetings of
the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors, serving as a liaison between
the Chairman and the independent directors, reviewing information sent to the Board, consulting with the Nominating Committee with regard
to the membership and performance evaluations of the Board and Board committee members, calling meetings of and setting agendas for the
independent directors, and serving as liaison for communications with stockholders.
The Board intends to meet at least quarterly and the independent directors
serving on the Board intend to meet in executive session (i.e., without the presence of any non-independent directors and management)
immediately following regularly scheduled Board meetings. During the Last Fiscal Year, the Board held five (5) meetings and acted sixteen
(16) times by unanimous written consent in lieu of holding a meeting. Each current member of the Board, who was then serving, attended
at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board, except for Mr. Xu, and of the committees of the Board on which they served
in the Last Fiscal Year. No individual may be nominated for election to the Board after his or her 73rd birthday. Messrs. Amritraj, Brown
and O’Brien are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq.
The Company does not currently have a policy
in place regarding attendance by Board members at the Company’s annual meetings of stockholders.
The Board has three standing committees, consisting
of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee.
45
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Amritraj,
Brown and O’Brien. Mr. Brown is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held four (4) meetings in the Last Fiscal
Year. The Audit Committee has met with the Company’s management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting
firm to review and help ensure the adequacy of its internal controls and to review the results and scope of the auditors’ engagement
and other financial reporting and control matters. Mr. Brown is financially literate, and Mr. Brown is financially sophisticated, as
those terms are defined under the rules of Nasdaq. Mr. Brown is also a financial expert, as such term is defined under the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002. Messrs. Amritraj, Brown and O’Brien are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq.
The Audit Committee has adopted a formal written
charter (the “Audit Charter”). The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Company has adequate internal controls
and is required to meet with the Company’s auditors to review these internal controls and to discuss other financial reporting
matters. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the auditors. Additionally, the Audit
Committee is responsible for the review and oversight of all related party transactions and other potential conflict of interest situations
between the Company and its officers, directors, employees and principal stockholders. The Audit Charter is available on the Company’s
Internet website at www.cinedigm.com.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs.
Brown and O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met ten (10) times
during the Last Fiscal Year and acted one (1) time by unanimous written consent in lieu of holding a meeting. The Compensation Committee
approves the compensation package of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and, based on recommendations by the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer, approves the levels of compensation and benefits payable to the Company’s other executive officers, reviews
general policy matters relating to employee compensation and benefits and recommends to the entire Board, for its approval, stock option
and other equity-based award grants to its executive officers, employees and consultants and discretionary bonuses to its executive officers
and employees. The Compensation Committee has the authority to appoint and delegate to a sub-committee the authority to make grants and
administer bonus and compensation plans and programs. Messrs. Brown and O’Brien are considered “independent” under
the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq.
The Compensation Committee has adopted a formal
written charter (the “Compensation Charter”). The Compensation Charter sets forth the duties, authorities and responsibilities
of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Charter is available on the Company’s Internet website at www.cinedigm.com.
The Compensation Committee, when determining
executive compensation (including under the executive compensation program, as discussed below under the heading Compensation Discussion
and Analysis), evaluates the potential risks associated with the compensation policies and practices. The Compensation Committee believes
that the Company’s compensation programs are designed with an appropriate balance of risk and reward in relation to the Company’s
overall compensation philosophy and do not encourage excessive or unnecessary risk-taking behavior. In general, the Company compensates
its executives in a combination of cash and equity awards. The equity awards contain either or both performance targets and vesting provisions,
both of which encourage the executives, on a long-term basis, to strive to enhance the value of such compensation as measured by the
trading price of the Class A common stock or other performance metrics. The Compensation Committee does not believe that this type of
compensation encourages excessive or unnecessary risk-taking behavior. As a result, we do not believe that risks relating to our compensation
policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company intends
to recapture compensation if and as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. However, there have been no instances where it needed to recapture
any compensation.
During the Last Fiscal Year, the Compensation
Committee engaged Aon, a compensation consulting firm. The consultant provided guidance for cash and equity compensation to executive
officers and directors, as requested, which the Compensation Committee considered in reaching its determinations of such compensation.
In addition, the consultant was available to respond to specific inquiries throughout the year.
46
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
The Compensation Committee currently consists
of Messrs. Brown and O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. None of such members was, at any
time during the Last Fiscal Year or at any previous time, an officer or employee of the Company.
None of the Company’s directors or executive
officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has one or more of its executive
officers serving as a member of the Company’s board of directors. No member of the Compensation Committee had any relationship
with us requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee consists of Messrs.
Amritraj, Brown and O’Brien. Mr. Brown is the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee held one (1) meeting
during the Last Fiscal Year. The Nominating Committee evaluates and approves nominations for annual election to, and to fill any vacancies
in, the Board and recommends to the Board the directors to serve on committees of the Board. The Nominating Committee also approves the
compensation package of the Company’s directors. Messrs. Amritraj, Brown and O’Brien are considered “independent”
under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq.
The Nominating Committee has adopted a formal
written charter (the “Nominating Charter”). The Nominating Charter sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Nominating
Committee and the general skills and characteristics that the Nominating Committee employs to determine the individuals to nominate for
election to the Board. The Nominating Charter is available on the Company’s Internet website at www.cinedigm.com.
The Nominating Committee will consider any director
candidates recommended by stockholders. In considering a candidate submitted by stockholders, the Nominating Committee will take into
consideration the needs of the Board and the qualifications of the candidate. Nevertheless, the Board may choose not to consider an unsolicited
recommendation if no vacancy exists on the Board and/or the Board does not perceive a need to increase the size of the Board.
There are no specific minimum qualifications
that the Nominating Committee believes must be met by a Nominating Committee-recommended director nominee. However, the Nominating Committee
believes that director candidates should, among other things, possess high degrees of integrity and honesty; have literacy in financial
and business matters; have no material affiliations with direct competitors, suppliers or vendors of the Company; and preferably have
experience in the Company’s business and other relevant business fields (for example, finance, accounting, law and banking). The
Nominating Committee considers diversity together with the other factors considered when evaluating candidates but does not have a specific
policy in place with respect to diversity.
Members of the Nominating Committee meet in advance
of each of the Company’s annual meetings of stockholders to identify and evaluate the skills and characteristics of each director
candidate for nomination for election as a director of the Company. The Nominating Committee reviews the candidates in accordance with
the skills and qualifications set forth in the Nominating Charter and the rules of the Nasdaq. There are no differences in the manner
in which the Nominating Committee evaluates director nominees based on whether or not the nominee is recommended by a stockholder.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines
for its non-employee directors, pursuant to which the non-employee directors are required to acquire, within three (3) years, and maintain
until separation from the Board, shares equal in value to a minimum of three (3) times the value of the annual cash retainer (not including
committee or per-meeting fees) payable to such director. Shares acquired as Board retainer fees and shares owned by an investment entity
with which a non-employee director is affiliated may be counted toward the stock ownership requirement. As of March 31, 2022, each of
Messrs. Brown, O’Brien and Xu currently meet the stock ownership guidelines, and Mr. Amritraj is within the three (3) year acquisition
period.
47
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
The Company is committed to responsible and sustainable
business practices. We are currently in the process of building our ESG strategy, with the goal of transparently communicating about
our most material ESG impacts and initiatives.
Sustainability
The Company is committed to working in a responsible
and sustainable way to produce as few negative environmental effects as possible from our operations. Our core business does not result
in any significant negative environmental effects. We note our leading role in the conversion, starting in 2005, from using analog films,
which had to be shipped to theatre destinations, causing greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately waste of the film after use, to digital
projection of virtually all major and independent studio films, which are now electronically delivered to theatre destinations. In addition,
our current CEG business concentrates on digital and streaming distribution of content, which again is environmentally-friendly. This
conversion and streaming approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with the film exhibition industry.
Talent
We are evolving our culture and our human capital
strategies to best serve all of our employees and align with our growth strategies and the changing social environments. We believe that
fostering a culture that is values-based, responsible, ethical and inclusive motivates and empowers our employees, which enables us to
attract and retain talented people, engage them in meaningful and inspiring work and, as a result, fulfill our business goals and objectives.
We regularly engage with our employees to monitor their needs and expectations and respond to meet these evolving employee needs.
We provide market-competitive compensation and
benefits to our employees. Our benefits programs are reviewed each year to ensure that we are meeting current practices in providing
benefits that meet the health and safety needs of our employees. When special circumstances occur, such as the recent pandemic, we adjust
our benefits to meet our employees’ needs.
Health and Safety
We are focused on the health, safety and well-being
of our employees. We provide mental and physical well-being programs to all employees. We have continued measures to reduce the impact
of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure employee health, safety and well-being.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to diverse representation across
all levels of our workforce to reflect the vibrant and thriving diversity of the communities which make up our customers, stockholders
and home communities. Fostering a work environment that is culturally diverse, inclusive and equitable is important to us. We believe
that our business accomplishments are a result of the efforts of our employees and that a diverse employee population will result in
a better understanding of our customers’ needs. We respect the unique attributes of each individual. Our DE&I purpose is to
evolve the organization and our culture to reflect the customers and communities we serve, where differences in background, thought and
experience are welcomed, valued and celebrated. We demonstrate purposeful actions and incorporate intentional practices to drive these
inclusive behaviors in our daily work. We are committed to continually reviewing our operational practices and aligning DE&I initiatives
with business objectives.
Social
We encourage our employees to give back to the
community. In 2021, we initiated a Community Service Policy that provides paid time off to employees volunteering with qualified charitable
organizations or causes (which organizations or causes may not discriminate based on creed, race, color, national origin, religion, age,
disability, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy or any other legally protected classification). In addition, we have
implemented a summer internship program in conjunction with C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California, a non-profit inner-city youth
program. This 8-week program will provide for four college students to rotate through four departments at Cinedigm.
48
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This section describes the compensation program
and related decisions for our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) in our fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (“Fiscal
2022”). As a “smaller reporting company,” as that term is defined under SEC rules, we are not required to include a
“Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and are permitted to exclude certain executive compensation tables from our disclosure.
We have elected to include this Compensation
Discussion& Analysis (“CD&A”) as well as additional tables required under Item 402 of Regulation S-K on a voluntary
basis. As permitted under Item 402, we are not including pay ratio disclosure in light of our status as a smaller reporting company.
This CD&A is intended to be read in conjunction with the tables beginning on page 49, which provide historical compensation information
for the following NEOs:
NEOs
Title
Christopher J. McGurk
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
Gary S. Loffredo
President, Chief Operating
Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
Erick Opeka
Chief Strategy Officer
and President of Cinedigm Digital Networks
Quick CD&A Reference Guide
Compensation Program Overview
Section I
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Section II
Pay Mix
Section III
Competitive Positioning
Section IV
Elements of Compensation
Section V
Additional Compensation Practices and Policies
Section VI
I. Compensation Program Overview
The Company’s executive compensation program
is designed to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled and experienced individuals to attain the Company’s corporate goals.
To do so, the program provides competitive compensation packages that motivate executive officers, links pay to performance and aligns
executive officers’ interests with those of the Company and its shareholders over the long term.
The executive compensation program for the NEOs
is administered by the Compensation Committee, all of the members of which are independent. The Compensation Committee annually reviews
the executive compensation elements and assesses the integrity of the compensation program as a whole to ensure that it continues to
be aligned with the Company’s compensation objectives and supports the attainment of Company goals.
As the Company has evolved, so too has the compensation
program. During the last several years, Cinedigm’s executive compensation for NEOs has been transitioning to a more performance-oriented
program. The Company aims to improve both shareholder returns and its cash position. To help achieve these goals, the Compensation Committee
has designed the compensation program to reward the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and other employees for achieving strategic
goals and increasing shareholder value by linking a portion of pay to performance through annual cash and equity, and long-term equity
incentives.
II. Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Cinedigm’s executive compensation program
is focused on enabling the Company to hire and retain qualified and motivated executives, motivating them to meet its business needs
and objectives. The executive compensation program has been designed around the following objectives:
● Provide
competitive compensation levels to enable the recruitment and retention of highly qualified executives.
● Strengthen
the link between pay and corporate and business unit performance encouraging and rewarding excellence and contributions to support Cinedigm’s
success.
● Align
the interests of executives with those of shareholders through grants of equity-based compensation that promote increasing shareholder
value and also provide opportunities for ongoing executive share ownership.
An overarching principle in delivering on these
objectives is to ensure that compensation decisions are made in the Company’s best financial interests such that incentive awards
are both affordable and reasonable, taking into account Company performance and circumstances and considering the interests of all stakeholders.
49
III. Pay Mix
The Company’s pay philosophy has evolved
from an emphasis on fixed pay to one that is based on the belief that a substantial portion of each executive’s compensation should
be at risk and dependent upon performance. While the Compensation Committee has not adopted a targeted mix of either long-term to short-term,
fixed to variable, or equity and non-equity compensation, it has taken steps to increase the portion of variable compensation. Steps
in this direction include the continuation of the performance-based annual incentive program (MAIP) and more regular equity grants.
IV. Compensation Determination Process
The Compensation Committee designs the executive
compensation program with the intention of accomplishing the goals described above. In determining executive compensation, the Compensation
Committee obtains input and advice from its independent compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves compensation
and performance awards to the CEO and executive officers and considers financial, operational and share price performance to determine
appropriate executive compensation parameters. The Compensation Committee also considers the results of the prior stockholders’
advisory vote on executive compensation. To date, the stockholders have approved, on a non-binding advisory basis, of executive compensation.
Role of the Independent Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee has selected and retained
Aon as its independent compensation consultant to assist it in the performance of its duties and responsibilities. While the Compensation
Committee took into consideration the review and recommendations of this independent consultant when making decisions about the Company’s
executive and director compensation practices, the Compensation Committee ultimately made its own independent decisions about these matters.
Competitive Assessment
The Compensation Committee uses comparative compensation
information from a relevant group of peer companies as one of several factors considered as part of setting compensation for our CEO
and our other NEOs. The Compensation Committee has not defined a target pay positioning relative to the peer group for the CEO or the
other NEOs, nor does it commit to providing total compensation at a specific percentile or within a specific pay range. During Fiscal
2022, no changes were made to CEO or other NEO compensation. The current CEO and other NEO target compensation was set during fiscal
2021 based on a competitive assessment conducted at that time. The Compensation Committee retains discretion in determining the nature
and extent of the use of peer group data. The Compensation Committee periodically reassesses the companies within the peer groups and
makes changes as appropriate, considering mergers and acquisitions involving peer companies, changes in the Company’s business
and other factors.
The most recent peer group selected by the Compensation
Committee consisted of the following companies:
Avid Technology
Leaf Group Ltd.
Ballantyne Strong, Inc.
Limelight Networks, Inc.
Brightcove Inc.
LiveXLive Media, Inc.
Chicken Soup for the Soul
Entertainment, Inc.
National Cinemedia, Inc.
Dolphin Entertainment,
Inc.
NTN Buzztime, Inc.
Gaia, Inc.
Reading International, Inc.
Glu Mobile Inc.
RealNetworks, Inc.
Harmonic Inc.
TechTarget, Inc.
IMAX Corp.
TravelZoo
50
V. Elements of Compensation
Compensation for executive officers is comprised
primarily of three main components:
● base
salary;
● annual
incentive awards; and
● long-term
incentive equity grants.
These components support the core principles
of our executive officer compensation philosophy of pay for performance and alignment of executive officers’ interests with those
of Cinedigm and its shareholders by emphasizing short- and long-term incentives. Our compensation program encourages our employees to
remain focused on both our short-term and long-term goals: our annual incentive (MAIP) measures and rewards business and individual performance
on an annual basis, while our equity awards typically vest in installments of several years and increase in value with any share price
appreciation, encouraging our executives to focus on the long-term performance of our company.
Base Salary
Base salaries are fixed compensation with the
primary function of aiding in attraction and retention. Base salaries vary among executive officers, and are individually determined
according to each executive officer’s areas of responsibility, role and experience. The Compensation Committee reviews the salaries
for our NEOs periodically, as well as at the time of a promotion, change in responsibilities, or when employment arrangements and/or
agreements are renewed. Any increases are based on an evaluation of the performance of the Company and the executive, the relative strategic
importance of the position, market conditions, and competitive pay levels (though, as noted earlier, the Compensation Committee does
not target a specific percentile or range).
During fiscal 2022, no changes were made to CEO
or other NEO compensation.
Annual Incentive Awards
The annual cash incentive component aims to ensure
that our executive officers are aligned in reaching our short- and long-term goals. Annual cash incentives are designed to provide a
significant pay-for-performance element of our executive compensation package, through the formal performance-based MAIP. The MAIP incorporates
predetermined, specific target award levels and performance metrics and goals that the Compensation Committee deemed rigorous and challenging.
The MAIP goals are critical to Cinedigm’s future success and are designed to reward the collaboration across divisions and segments
required to achieve corporate financial goals.
All NEOs have a target bonus set at a fixed percentage
of their base salary. The program also established threshold and maximum levels of incentive awards defined as a percentage of a participant’s
salary. The Compensation Committee generally establishes the individual payout targets for each NEO based on the executive’s position,
level of responsibility and a review of the competitive market.
Threshold, target and maximum annual incentive
opportunities for our NEOs for Fiscal 2022 were as follows:
MAIP Potential Awards
Executive Officer
Threshold
Target
(as a % of base salary)
Maximum
Chris McGurk
37.5 %
100 %
150 %
Gary S. Loffredo
29 %
70 %
100 %
Erick Opeka
25 %
60 %
100 %
We do not disclose performance targets, division
targets or individual goals, as we believe that such disclosure would result in competitive harm. Based on our experience, we believe
these targets were rigorous and challenging, and were set sufficiently high to provide incentive to achieve a high level of performance.
We believe it is difficult, although not unattainable, for the targets to be reached and, therefore, no more likely than unlikely that
the targets will be reached.
51
Long-Term Incentive Awards
The Compensation Committee uses equity-based
compensation to reward future performance, as reflected by the market price of our shares and/or other performance criteria. The Compensation
Committee annually considers long-term incentive awards, for which it has the authority to grant a variety of equity-based awards. The
primary objective of such awards is to align the interests of executives with those of the Company and its shareholders by offering incentives
to achieve performance goals believed to be linked to increasing shareholder value, increasing executive share ownership and fostering
a long-term focus. In recent years, the earning and vesting of such awards have been assessed and determined after fiscal year end in
order to permit consideration of year-end performance.
We currently maintain the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”).
The 2017 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. Under the 2017 Plan, the Compensation Committee or the Board has authority
to grant awards of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock,
restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units, cash-based awards, or other stock-based awards to employees, non-employee
directors, and third-party consultants.
The Compensation Committee determines the executive officers’
equity-based awards, taking into account pay mix and the executive officer’s contribution to Company performance. The mix of equity-based
vehicles is structured to enhance the executive officers’ commitment to increasing shareholder value.
Performance Stock Units
In connection with the NEO employment agreement amendments or new arrangements
during fiscal 2021, under the 2017 Plan, the NEOs were awarded new grants of performance stock units (“PSUs”). No new PSU
grants were made to the NEOs during Fiscal 2022.
SARs
In connection with the NEO employment agreement
amendments or new arrangements during fiscal 2021, the Compensation Committee granted SARs to the NEOs under the 2017 Plan. No new SAR
grants were made to the NEOs during Fiscal 2022.
VI. Additional Compensation Arrangements,
Policies and Practices
Mr. McGurk’s Compensation Arrangements
Mr. McGurk joined Cinedigm in January 2011 as
CEO and Chairman of the Board. Accordingly, Mr. McGurk’s compensation package was created in line with the Company’s current
compensation philosophy of a base salary coupled with variable compensation including a large portion of equity-based compensation, through
stock options, linked to stock price performance. When negotiating Mr. McGurk’s employment agreement, the Company sought to provide
salary and bonus amounts that were in line with peer group amounts and that would provide incentive for Mr. McGurk with a view toward
increasing stockholder value.
A summary of Mr. McGurk’s compensation
package is located under the heading “Employment Agreements and Arrangements Between the Company and Named Executives” of
this Item 11.
Employment Agreement with Mr. McGurk and
Employment Arrangements for other NEOs
The Company currently has employment agreements
with Mr. McGurk, Mr. Loffredo and Mr. Opeka for retention during periods of uncertainty and operational challenge. Additionally, the
employment agreements include non-compete and non-solicitation provisions. The provisions for severance benefits are at typical competitive
levels. See “Employment Agreements and Arrangements Between the Company and Named Executives” of this Item 11 for a description
of the material terms of Messrs. McGurk’s, Loffredo’s and Opeka’s employment agreements.
52
Personal Benefits and Perquisites
In addition to the benefits provided to all employees
and grandfathered benefits (provided to all employees hired before January 1, 2005), the CEO and NEOs are eligible for an annual physical
and supplemental life insurance coverage of $200,000.
It is the Company’s policy to provide minimal
and modest perquisites to the CEO and NEOs. With the new employment arrangements, most perquisites previously provided, including automobile
allowances, have been eliminated.
Policy on Deductibility of Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits
the deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain executive officers named in this proxy statement. Pursuant
to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the exemption from the deduction limit that
was previously available for “performance-based compensation” is no longer available. Consequently, for fiscal years beginning
after December 31, 2017, all remuneration in excess of $1 million paid to a specified executive will not be deductible. Given the Company’s
net operating losses, Section 162(m) is not currently a material factor in designing compensation.
Recoupment (“Clawback”) Policy
The Company intends to recapture compensation
as currently required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. However, there have been no instances to date where it needed to recapture any compensation.
Additionally, we recognize that our compensation
program will be subject to the forthcoming amendments to stock exchange listing standards required by Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act,
which requires that stock exchange listing standards be amended to require issuers to adopt a policy providing for the recovery from
any current or former executive officer of any incentive-based compensation (including stock options) awarded during the three-year period
prior to an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance of the issuer with financial reporting requirements. We intend
to adopt such a clawback policy which complies with all applicable standards when such rules are adopted.
Restriction on Speculative Transactions
The Company’s Insider Trading and Disclosure
Policy restricts employees and directors of the Company from engaging in speculative transactions in Company securities, including short
sales, and discourages employees and directors of the Company from engaging in hedging transactions, including “cashless”
collars, forward sales, and equity swaps, that may indirectly involve short sales. Pre-clearance by the Company is required for all equity
transactions.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The following report does not constitute soliciting
material and is not considered filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed
the Compensation Discussion and Analysis that precedes this Report as required by Item 402(b) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K. Based
on its review and discussions with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board the inclusion of the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis in this proxy statement.
The Compensation Discussion and Analysis discusses
the philosophy, principles, and policies underlying the Company’s compensation programs that were in effect during fiscal 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
Patrick W. O’Brien, Chairman
Peter C. Brown
53
Named Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information
concerning compensation received by the Company’s NEOs, consisting of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its two other
most highly compensated individuals who were serving as executive officers at the end of the Last Fiscal Year, plus up to two additional
persons for whom disclosures would have been provided but for the fact that they were not serving as executive officers at the end of
the Last Fiscal Year, for services rendered in all capacities during the Last Fiscal Year.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and Principal Position(s)
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock Awards ($)(1)
Option Awards ($)(2)
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3)
All Other Compensation ($)(4)
Total ($)
Christopher J. McGurk
2022
650,000
650,000
90,146
—
—
33,500
1,423,646
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
2021
600,000
600,000
1,498,866
—
—
33,553
2,732,419
2020
600,000
—
—
—
—
31,722
631,722
Gary S. Loffredo
2022
460,000
322,000
54,088
—
—
33,810
869,898
President, Chief Operating Officer, General
2021
436,250
255,000
875,664
—
—
47,121
1,614,035
Counsel and Secretary
2020
425,000
—
—
—
—
44,541
469,541
Erick Opeka
2022
400,000
240,000
54,088
—
—
20,327
714,415
Chief Strategy Officer and President of Digital Networks
2021
343,750
113,750
875,664
—
—
33,553
1,366,717
2020
325,000
—
—
—
—
15,611
340,611
(1)
Includes shares issued in November
2020 for fiscal year 2019 under performance share units (“PSUs”) to be paid during fiscal year 2021. Includes for 2022s
shares issued in January 2022 for fiscal year 2021 under performance share units (“PSUs”) paid during fiscal year 2023. See
above for a description of the material terms of the PSUs.
(2) The
amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value for all fiscal years presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions
used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 2 to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, included in the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”).
(3) The
amounts in this column reflect amounts earned under annual incentive awards. See below for a description of the material terms of the
annual incentive plan for each NEO.
(4) Includes
life and disability insurance premiums paid by the Company and certain medical expenses paid by the Company for each NEO, (a) for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2020: for Mr. McGurk, $1,104 and $30,618; for Mr. Loffredo, $1,104 and $43,437; and for Mr. Opeka, $1,104
and $14,507, (b) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021: for Mr. McGurk, $1,094 and $32,459; for Mr. Loffredo, $1,094 and $46,027;
and for Mr. Opeka, $1,094 and $32,459, and (c) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022: for Mr. McGurk, $1,019.16 and $32,481.00; for
Mr. Loffredo, $1,019.16 and $32,790.60; and for Mr. Opeka, $1,019.16 and $19,308.62.
54
Employment agreements between the Company and
Named Executives
Christopher J. McGurk . On November 19,
2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. McGurk (the “2020 McGurk Employment Agreement”) that replaced
any prior employment agreements with Mr. McGurk. The 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement took effect on April 1, 2021 and has a term ending
on March 31, 2023, with a one-time automatic renewal for one year unless either party provides written notice to the other no later than
ninety days prior to the expiration of the initial term. Pursuant to the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement, Mr. McGurk will continue to
serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company.
The 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement provides that Mr. McGurk will
receive an annual base salary of $650,000 and will be eligible for (i) under the Company’s Management Annual Incentive Plan, a target
bonus opportunity of $650,000 (the “Target Bonus”) consistent with goals established annually by the Compensation Committee,
(ii) under the Company’s 2017 Plan, performance share units for up to 250,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to EBITDA targets
to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee and such other terms as the Compensation Committee
shall determine, and (iii) under the 2017 Plan, 2,500,000 SARs having an exercise price of $.54 and a term of ten (10) years, one-half
(1/2) of which vested on November 19, 2020 and one-half (1/2) of which will vest on March 31, 2023. Mr. McGurk will also be entitled to
participate in all benefit plans and programs that the Company provides to its senior executives.
The 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement provides
that, in the event of a termination without Cause (as defined in the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement) or a resignation for Good Reason
(as defined in the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement), Mr. McGurk shall be entitled to payment of (i) the greater of any Base Salary for
the remainder of the Term or eighteen (18) months’ Base Salary at the time of termination and (ii) an amount equivalent to one
and one-half (1.5) times the average of the last two (2) bonus payments under the MAIP, if any, under the Employment Agreement. In the
event of, on or after April 1, 2020 and within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined in the 2017 Plan), a termination without
Cause (other than due to Mr. McGurk’s death or disability) or a resignation for Good Reason, then in lieu of receiving the amounts
described above, Mr. McGurk would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to three (3) times the sum of (a) his then-current
annual Base Salary and (b) his Target Bonus for the year of termination.
On December 10, 2020, the Company entered into
an amended employment agreement, effective as of November 19, 2020, with Mr. McGurk (the “2020 A&R McGurk Employment Agreement”).
The 2020 A&R McGurk Employment Agreement restated the 2020 McGurk Employment Agreement, except that in the event of, on or after
April 1, 2020 and within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined in the 2017 Plan), a termination without Cause (other than
due to Mr. McGurk’s death or disability), a resignation for Good Reason, or upon notice by the Company that it does not wish to
renew the Term (as defined in the McGurk Employment Agreement), then in lieu of receiving the amounts for severance other than in connection
with a Change in Control, Mr. McGurk would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to three (3) times the sum of (a) his then-current
annual Base Salary and (b) his Target Bonus (as defined in the 2020 A&R McGurk Employment Agreement) for the year of termination.
Gary S. Loffredo . On December 23, 2020,
the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Loffredo (the “2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement”) that replaced
any prior employment agreements or arrangements with Mr. Loffredo, which took effect on January 1, 2021 and has a term ending on March
31, 2023, with a one-time automatic renewal for one year unless either party provides written notice to the other no later than ninety
days prior to the expiration of the initial term. Pursuant to the 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement, Mr. Loffredo serves as President,
and continues to serve as the Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, of the Company.
55
The 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Loffredo will
receive an annual base salary of $460,000 (as subject to adjustment, the “Loffredo Base Salary”) and will be eligible for
(i) under the Company’s Management Annual Incentive Plan, a target bonus opportunity of $322,000 (the “Loffredo Target Bonus”)
consistent with goals established annually by the Compensation Committee, (ii) under the 2017 Plan, performance share units for up to
150,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, subject to EBITDA targets to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of
the Compensation Committee and such other terms as the Compensation Committee shall determine, and (iii) under the Plan, 1,200,000 SARs
having an exercise price of $.64 and a term of ten (10) years, and vesting as follows: 500,000 SARs vest on March 31, 2022, 500,000 SARs
vest on March 31, 2023, and 200,000 SARs vest on June 30, 2023. Mr. Loffredo will also be entitled to participate in all benefit plans
and programs that the Company provides to its senior executives.
The 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement provides
that, in the event of a termination without Cause (as defined in the 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement) or a resignation for Good Reason
(as defined in the 2020 Loffredo Employment Agreement), Mr. Loffredo shall be entitled to payment of twelve (12) months’ Loffredo
Base Salary at the time of termination. In the event, within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), of a termination
without Cause (other than due to Mr. Loffredo’s death or disability), a resignation for Good Reason, or upon notice by the Company
that it does not wish to renew the Term (as defined in the Loffredo Employment Agreement), then in lieu of receiving the amounts described
above, Mr. Loffredo would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the sum of (a) his then-current annual Loffredo
Base Salary and (b) the Loffredo Target Bonus for the year of termination.
Erick Opeka. On December 23, 2020, the
Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Opeka (the “2020 Opeka Employment Agreement”) that replaced any prior
employment agreement with Mr. Opeka, which took effect on January 1, 2021 and has a term ending on September 15, 2023, with a one-time
automatic renewal for one year unless either party provides written notice to the other no later than ninety days prior to the expiration
of the initial term. Pursuant to the 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement, Mr. Opeka will serve as Chief Strategy Officer of the Company and
continue to serve as President of Cinedigm Networks.
The 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Opeka will receive
an annual base salary of $400,000 (as subject to adjustment, the “Opeka Base Salary”) and will be eligible for (i) under the
MAIP, a target bonus opportunity of $240,000 (the “Opeka Target Bonus”) consistent with goals established annually by the
Compensation Committee, (ii) under the Plan, performance share units for up to 150,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to EBITDA targets
to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee and such other terms as the Compensation Committee
shall determine, and (iii) under the Plan, 1,200,000 SARs having an exercise price of $.64 and a term of ten (10) years, and vesting as
follows: 500,000 SARs vest on March 31, 2022, 500,000 SARs vest on March 31, 2023, and 200,000 SARs vest on December 31, 2023. Mr. Opeka
will also be entitled to participate in all benefit plans and programs that the Company provides to its senior executives.
The 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement provides
that, in the event of a termination without Cause (as defined in the 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement) or a resignation for Good Reason
(as defined in the 2020 Opeka Employment Agreement), Mr. Opeka shall be entitled to payment of twelve (12) months’ Opeka Base Salary
at the time of termination. In the event, within two (2) years after a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), of a termination without
Cause (other than due to Mr. Opeka’s death or disability), a resignation for Good Reason, or upon notice by the Company that it
does not wish to renew the Term (as defined in the Opeka Employment Agreement), then in lieu of receiving the amounts described above,
Mr. Opeka would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the sum of (a) his then-current annual Opeka Base Salary
and (b) the Opeka Target Bonus for the year of termination.
56
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth certain information, as of March 31,
2022, regarding the shares of Cinedigm’s Class A common stock authorized for issuance under Cinedigm’s equity compensation
plan.
Plan
Number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants or rights
(1)
Weighted average of exercise price of outstanding
Number of shares of Class A common stock remaining available for future issuance
Cinedigm Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity
Incentive Plan (“the 2000 Plan”) approved by shareholders
217,337
$
1.54
—
Cinedigm 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”)
10,893,598
$
1.22
7,204,672
Cinedigm compensation plans not approved by shareholders (2)
612,500
$
2.41
—
(1) Shares
of Common Stock.
(2) Reflects
stock options and SARs which were not granted under the 2000 Plan or the 2017 Plan.
The 2000 Plan
Our Board originally adopted the 2000 Plan on
June 1, 2000 and our shareholders approved the 2000 Plan by written consent in July 2000. Certain terms of the Plan were last amended
and approved by our shareholders in September 2016. Under the 2000 Plan, we may grant incentive and non-statutory stock options, stock,
restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), stock appreciation rights, and performance awards to our employees, non-employee directors
and consultants. The primary purpose of the 2000 Plan is to enable us to attract, retain and motivate our employees, non-employee directors
and consultants. The term of the 2000 Plan expires on June 1, 2020. The 2000 Plan has been replaced by the 2017 Plan, and no new awards
will be granted from the 2000 Plan; however, the adoption of the 2017 Plan did not affect awards already granted under the 2000 Plan.
Options granted under the 2000 Plan expire ten
years following the date of grant (or such shorter period of time as may be provided in a stock option agreement or five years in the
case of incentive stock options granted to stockholders who own greater than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company) and
are subject to restrictions on transfer. Options granted under the Plan generally vest over periods of up to three or four years. The
2000 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, and may be amended or terminated by the Board, although no amendment or termination
may adversely affect the right of any individual with respect to any outstanding option without the consent of such individual. The 2000
Plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options with exercise prices of not less than 100% of the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to stockholders of more than 10% of the total combined voting power
of the Company must have exercise prices of not less than 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive
and non-statutory stock options granted under the 2000 Plan are subject to vesting provisions, and exercise is generally subject to the
continuous service of the optionee, except for consultants. The exercise prices and vesting periods (if any) for non-statutory options
may be set at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. Upon a change of control of the Company, all options (incentive
and non-statutory) that have not previously vested will vest immediately and become fully exercisable. Options covering no more than
50,000 shares may be granted to one participant during any calendar year unless pursuant to a multi-year award, in which case no more
than options covering 50,000 shares per year of the award may be granted, and during which period no additional options may be granted
to such participant.
Grants of restricted stock and restricted stock
units are subject to vesting requirements, generally vesting over periods up to three years, determined by the Compensation Committee
and set forth in notices to the participants. Grants of stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units shall not exceed 40% of the
total number of shares available to be issued under the 2000 Plan.
SARs consist of the right to the monetary equivalent
of the increase in value of a specified number of shares over a specified period of time. Upon exercise, SARs may be paid in cash or
shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof. Grants of SARs are subject to vesting requirements, similar to those of stock options,
determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants. RSUs shall be similar
to restricted stock except that no Class A common stock is actually awarded to the Participant on the grant date of the RSUs and the
Compensation Committee shall have the discretion to pay such RSUs upon vesting in cash or shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof.
57
Performance awards consist of awards of stock
and other equity-based awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, the market value of the
Common Stock, or other securities of the Company, and may be paid in shares of Common Stock, cash or another form of property as the
Compensation Committee may determine. Grants of performance awards shall entitle participants to receive an award if the measures of
performance established by the Committee are met. Such measures shall be established by the Compensation Committee but the relevant measurement
period for any performance award must be at least 12 months. Grants of performance awards shall not cover the issuance of shares that
would exceed 20% of the total number of shares available to be issued under the 2000 Plan, and no more than 50,000 shares pursuant to
any performance awards shall be granted to one participant in a calendar year unless pursuant to a multi-year award. The terms of grants
of performance awards would be set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants.
The 2017 Plan
Our Board adopted the 2017 Plan on August 7,
2017 and our stockholders approved the 2017 Plan on August 31, 2017. Under the 2017 Plan, we may grant incentive and non-statutory stock
options, stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), stock appreciation rights, performance awards and other equity-based
awards to our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The primary purpose of the 2017 Plan is to enable us to attract, retain
and motivate our employees, non-employee directors and consultants.
Options granted under the 2017 Plan expire ten
years following the date of grant (or such shorter period of time as may be provided in a stock option agreement, or five years in the
case of incentive stock options granted to stockholders who own greater than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company) and
are subject to restrictions on transfer. The 2017 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, and may be amended or terminated
by the Committee, although no amendment or termination may have a material adverse effect on the rights of any individual with respect
to any outstanding option, without the consent of such individual. The exercise prices of stock options granted must be not less than
100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to stockholders of more than
10% of the total combined voting power of the Company must have exercise prices of not less than 110% of the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive and non-statutory stock options granted under the 2017 Plan may be subject to vesting provisions,
and exercise is generally subject to the continuous service of the optionee, except for consultants. The exercise prices and vesting
periods (if any) for non-statutory options may be set at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. Upon a change of
control of the Company, where the Common Stock does not continue to be publicly traded, unless replacement awards are issued in connection
with the transaction, all options (incentive and non-statutory) that have not previously vested will vest immediately and become fully
exercisable. SARs consist of the right to the monetary equivalent of the increase in value of a specified number of shares over a specified
period of time. Upon exercise, SARs may be paid, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, in cash or shares of Common Stock or
a combination thereof. Grants of SARs are subject to terms determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in agreements between
the Company and the participants.
Grants of restricted stock and restricted stock
units are subject to vesting requirements, generally vesting over periods up to three years, determined by the Compensation Committee
and set forth in notices to the participants.
RSUs shall be similar to restricted stock except that no Common Stock
is actually awarded to the Participant on the grant date of the RSUs and the Compensation Committee shall have the discretion to pay such
RSUs upon vesting in cash or shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof.
Performance awards consist of awards of stock
and other equity-based awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, the market value of the
Common Stock, or other securities of the Company, and may be paid in shares of Common Stock, cash or another form of property as the
Compensation Committee may determine. Grants of performance awards shall entitle participants to receive an award if the measures of
performance established by the Committee are met. Such measures shall be established by the Compensation Committee but the relevant measurement
period for any performance award must be at least 12 months. The terms of grants of performance awards would be set forth in agreements
between the Company and the participants.
With respect to limits on Award grants under
the 2017 Plan, aggregate shares granted to non-employee directors in any year may not exceed $1,000,000 in value.
Our Common Stock is listed for trading on the
Nasdaq under the symbol “CIDM”.
The following table sets forth certain information
concerning outstanding equity awards of the Company’s NEOs at the end of the Last Fiscal Year. All outstanding stock awards reported
in this table represent restricted stock that vests in equal annual installments over three years. At the end of the Last Fiscal Year,
there were no unearned equity awards under performance-based plans.
58
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT MARCH 31, 2022
OPTION AWARDS (1)
STOCK AWARDS
Name
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
Exercisable
(#)
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
Unexercisable
(#)
Option Exercise Price
($)
Option Expiration Date
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not
Vested
(#)
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have
Not Vested
($)
Christopher J. McGurk
150,000 (2)
—
14.00
8/22/2023
—
—
700,000 (3)
—
1.47
6/7/2028
—
—
1,250,000 (4)
1,250,000 (4)
0.54
11/19/2030
—
—
Gary S. Loffredo
35,000 (5)
—
15.40
10/13/2023
—
—
407,610 (6)
—
1.47
12/10/2023
—
—
500,000 (7)
700,000 (7)
0.64
12/3/2030
—
—
Erick Opeka
8,000 (8)
—
18.10
9/2/2024
—
—
355,000 (3)
—
1.16
9/28/2028
—
—
500,000 (7)
700,000 (7)
0.64
12/23/2030
—
—
(1) Reflects
stock options granted under the 2000 Plan and SARs granted under the 2017 Plan.
(2) Of
such total options, 1/3 vested on March 31 of each 2015, 2016 and 2017.
(3) Consists
of stock appreciation rights which vested as to 1/3 on March 31 of each of 2019, 2020 and 2021.
(4) Consists
of stock appreciation rights of which 1,250,000 vested on November 19, 2020, and 1,250,000 will vest on March 31, 2023.
(5) Of
such total options, 1/3 vested on October 13 of each 2014, 2015 and 2016.
(6) Consists
of stock appreciation rights which vested as to 1/3 on December 10 of each of 2019, 2020 and 2021.
(7) Consists
of stock appreciation rights which vest as to 500,000, on March 31, 2022, as to 500,000, on March 31, 2023, and as to 200,000, on June
30, 2023.
(8) 2,000
of such options vested on September 2 of each of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Directors
The following
table sets forth certain information concerning compensation earned by the Company’s non-employee directors for services rendered
as a director during the Last Fiscal Year.
Name
Cash Fees Earned
($)
Stock Awards
($)
Total
($)
Peter C. Brown
$ 95,000
$ 90,000
$ 185,000
Ashok Amritraj (1)
75,000
270,000
345,000
Tom Bu (2)
-
-
-
Patrick W. O’Brien ( Lead Independent Director)
105,000
90,000
195,000
Peixin Xu
-
-
-
(1) Joined
the Board on August 9, 2021.
(2) Resigned
from the Board on August 6, 2021.
Non-employee directors receive the following compensation for board
service. The annual cash retainer amount is $60,000 and the annual stock grant of restricted shares of Common Stock amount is $90,000
based on the trailing 20-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Common Stock as of the date of the most recent
prior annual shareholder’s meeting. In addition, non-employee directors receive annual committee fees of $15,000 for service as
a committee chair and of $5,000 for service on a committee (other than as chair). In addition to the cash and stock retainers paid to
all non-employee directors for Board service, the Lead Independent Director receives an annual cash fee of $20,000. Finally, new non-employee
directors will receive a grant of restricted stock valued at $180,000 based on the trailing 20-day VWAP of the Common Stock as of the
grant date (the director joins the Board), and such shares will vest in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the
date of grant.
The Company has adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines
for its non-employee directors as discussed under MATTERS RELATING TO OUR GOVERNANCE, above.
59
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
As of June 21, 2022, the Company’s directors, executive officers,
and principal stockholders beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, approximately 15.7% of its outstanding Common Stock.
These stockholders have significant influence over the Company’s business affairs, with the ability to control matters requiring
approval by the Company’s stockholders.
The following table sets forth as of June 21, 2022, certain information
with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as to (i) each person known by the Company to beneficially own more than
5% of the outstanding shares of the Class A common stock, (ii) each of the Company’s directors, (iii) each of the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer and its two other most highly compensated individuals who were serving as executive officers at the end of the
Last Fiscal Year, for services rendered in all capacities during the Last Fiscal Year (the “Named Executive Officers”), and
(iv) all of the company’s directors and executive officers as a group.
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
Shares Beneficially Owned (b)
Name (a)
Number
Percent
Christopher J. McGurk
3,584,073 (c)
2.0 %
Gary S. Loffredo
1,143,407 (d)
*
Erick Opeka
1,009,965 (e)
*
Ashok Amritraj
169,645
*
Peter C. Brown
382,101 (f)
*
Patrick W. O’Brien
302,746
*
Peixin Xu
21,760,024 (g)
12.3 %
Mingtai Investment LP
9,005,772 (h)
5.1 %
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)
27,214,627 (i)
15.7 %
(a)
Unless
otherwise indicated, the business address of each person named in the table is c/o Cinedigm Corp., 264 West 40 th Street,
New York, New York 10018.
(b)
Applicable percentage of ownership is based on 145,421,608 shares of
Common Stock outstanding as of June 21, 2022 together with all applicable options, warrants and other securities convertible into
shares of our Common Stock for such stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and
includes voting and investment power with respect to shares. Shares of Common Stock subject to options, warrants or other convertible
securities exercisable within 60 days after June 21, 2022 are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person
holding such options, warrants or other convertible securities, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other
person. Except as otherwise noted, the named beneficial owner has the sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Common
Stock shown. Certain information is based on the numbers of shares reported in the most recent Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G, as amended,
as applicable, filed by stockholders with the SEC through June 21, 2022 and information provided by holders or otherwise known to the
Company
(c)
Includes
(i) 150,000 shares of Common Stock underlying currently exercisable options and (ii) 1,950,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying
currently exercisable stock appreciation rights.
(d)
Includes
35,000 shares of Common Stock underlying currently exercisable options and 907,610 shares of Class A common stock underlying currently
exercisable stock appreciation rights.
(e)
Includes
(i) 8,000 shares of Common Stock underlying currently exercisable options and (ii) 855,000 shares of Common Stock underlying currently
exercisable stock appreciation rights.
(f)
Includes
92,067 shares owned by Grassmere Partners LLC, of which Mr. Brown is Chairman. Mr. Brown disclaims beneficial ownership
of such shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
(g)
Includes
(i) 189,270 shares of Common Stock owned directly, (ii) 1,400,000 shares of Common Stock subject to issuance upon exercise of currently
exercisable warrants held by Bison Entertainment and Media Group (“BEMG”), (iii) 9,005,772 shares of Common
Stock held by Mingtai Investment LP (“Mingtai”), (iv) 3,898,615 shares of Common Stock held by Antai Investment LP (“Antai”),
and (v) 7,266,367 shares of Common Stock held by Shangtai Asset Management LP (“Shangtai”). BEMG is wholly-owned by Bison
Capital Holding Company Limited. Mr. Xu’s spouse, Fengyun Jiang, is the sole owner of Bison Capital Holding Company Limited.
Mingtai is indirectly managed by a subsidiary of Bison Finance Group Limited (“BFGL”), which is controlled by Mr. Xu.
Shangtai is indirectly managed by a subsidiary of BFGL. Mr. Xu controls the manager of the general partner of Antai. The business
address of Mr. Xu is 609-610 21st Century Tower, No. 40 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016.
(h)
The
business address of Mingtai Investment LP is 609-610 21st Century Tower, No. 40 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China,
100016.
(i)
Includes
a total of 4,194,740 shares that are not currently outstanding, consisting of (i) 193,000 shares of Common Stock underlying currently
exercisable options, (ii) 3,712,610 shares of Common Stock underlying currently exercisable stock appreciation rights, and (iii)
1,400,000 shares of Common Stock subject to issuance upon exercise of currently exercisable warrants.
60
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED
TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Related Transactions
The Audit Committee, pursuant to its charter, is responsible for the
review and oversight of all related party transactions and other potential conflict of interest situations, by review in advance or ratification
afterward. The Audit Committee charter does not set forth specific standards to be applied; rather, the Audit Committee reviews each
transaction individually on a case by case, facts and circumstances basis.
On January 5, 2022, the Company entered into a letter agreement with
Hyde Park, pursuant to which the Company and Hyde Park are collaborating on the development, production and/or distribution of a
project based on the novel Audition by Ryu Murakami (the “Audition Project”). Each of the Company and Hyde Park
owns 50% of the rights in connection with the Audition Project. The Company paid $100 thousand to Hyde Park plus $26 thousand in
legal fees to counsel for the Audition project. Ashok Amritraj, a director of the Company, is the Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park and
has an interest in 100% of the revenues of Hyde Park. Ashok Amritraj is a current board member and related party to the Company.
Director Independence
Please see the discussion of director independence under “MATTERS
RELATING TO OUT GOVERNANCE, Board of Directors” starting on page 44 above.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s
financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed
with management the audited financial statements in the Form 10-K, including a discussion of the acceptability of the accounting principles,
the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with
the independent registered public accounting firm, which is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited
financial statements with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the matters required to be discussed by Statements
on Auditing Standards (SAS 61), as may be modified or supplemented, and their judgments as to the acceptability of the Company’s
accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under the standards of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board.
In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed
with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management and the Company, including receiving the written
disclosures and letter from the independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Independence Standards Board Standard
No. 1, as may be modified or supplemented, and has considered the compatibility of any non-audit services with the auditors’ independence.
The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their audit. The Audit Committee meets with the independent
registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations and the overall
quality of the Company’s financial reporting.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred
to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, that the audited financial statements be included in
the Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2022 for filing with the SEC.
Respectfully submitted,
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Peter C. Brown, Chairman
Ashok Amritraj
Patrick W. O’Brien
THE FOREGOING AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT SHALL NOT
BE “SOLICITING MATERIAL” OR BE DEEMED “FILED” WITH THE SEC, NOR SHALL SUCH INFORMATION BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
INTO ANY FILING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE EXCHANGE ACT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATES
IT BY REFERENCE INTO SUCH FILING.
61
EisnerAmper LLP served as the independent registered
public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 and
the Board has appointed EisnerAmper LLP to do so again for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.
The Company’s Audit Committee has adopted
policies and procedures for pre-approving all non-audit work performed by EisnerAmper LLP for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022
and 2021. In determining whether to approve a particular audit or permitted non-audit service, the Audit Committee will consider, among
other things, whether the service is consistent with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee will also consider whether the independent registered public accounting firm is best positioned to provide the most
effective and efficient service to our Company and whether the service might be expected to enhance our ability to manage or control
risk or improve audit quality. Specifically, the Audit Committee has pre-approved the use of EisnerAmper LLP for detailed, specific types
of services within the following categories of non-audit services: acquisition due diligence and audit services; tax services; and reviews
and procedures that the Company requests EisnerAmper LLP to undertake on matters not required by laws or regulations. In each case, the
Audit Committee has required management to obtain specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee for any engagements.
The aggregate fees billed for professional services by EisnerAmper
LLP for these various services were:
For the fiscal years ended
Type of Fees
2022
2021
(1) Audit Fees
$
648,524
$
340,000
(2) Audit-Related Fees
—
—
(3) Tax Fees
—
—
(4) All Other Fees
—
—
$
648,524
$
340,000
In the above table, in accordance with the SEC’s
definitions and rules, “audit fees” are fees the Company paid EisnerAmper LLP for professional services for the audit of
the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 included in Form 10-K and review
of consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into Form S-1 and Form S-3 and included in Form 10-Qs and for services
that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements; “audit-related
fees” are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the
Company’s consolidated financial statements; “tax fees” are fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning; and
“all other fees” are fees for any services not included in the first three categories. All of the services set forth in sections
(1) through (4) above were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the Audit Committee Charter.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and
2021, the Company retained a firm other than EisnerAmper LLP for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
62
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) Financial Statements
See Index to Financial Statements on page 39 herein.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
None.
(a)(3) Exhibits
The exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index beginning on page 62
herein.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Description of Document
3.1
-
Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (39)
3.2
-
Amended a
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