UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

 

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

 

For the transition period from                   to

 

Commission file number: 001-38226

 

ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) 
 
Delaware   82-1659427

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

17877 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 300

Irvine, California, 92614

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(949) 225-2600

(Issuer’s telephone number)

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which
registered
Common Stock   AESE   NASDAQ

 

Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company
  Emerging growth company

 

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

 

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

 

As of November 6, 2020, 35,110,843 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, were issued and outstanding.

  

 

 

 

 

 

ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC

 

Index to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

PART I  
   
FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
   
ITEM 1. Financial Statements 1
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2020 (unaudited) and December 31, 2019 1
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 2
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 3
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 4
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 5
   
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 7
   
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 28
   
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 41
   
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures 41
   
PART II  
   
OTHER INFORMATION  
   
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings 42
   
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors 42
   
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 42
   
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 42
   
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 42
   
ITEM 5. Other Information 42
   
ITEM 6. Exhibits 42
   
Signatures 43

 

i

 

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2020   2019 
   (unaudited)     
Assets        
Current Assets        
Cash  $5,772,970   $8,440,573 
Restricted cash   5,000,000    3,650,000 
Accounts receivable   1,342,629    2,121,326 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,371,539    1,367,795 
Total Current Assets   13,487,138    15,579,694 
Property and equipment, net   17,610,568    20,554,307 
Goodwill   4,083,621    4,083,621 
Intangible assets, net   12,954,948    14,789,876 
Deposits   704,500    712,463 
Deferred production costs   11,446,098    10,962,482 
Other assets   5,000,000    4,638,631 
Total Assets  $65,286,873   $71,321,074 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
Current Liabilities          
Accounts payable  $985,481   $956,871 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   3,960,864    3,892,471 
Accrued interest, current portion   1,905,899    2,088,994 
Deferred revenue   3,070,726    3,855,459 
Convertible debt, net of discount, current portion   2,582,705    12,845,501 
Convertible debt, related party, net of discount, current portion   -    988,115 
Loans payable, current portion   928,660    
-
 
Total Current Liabilities   13,434,335    24,627,411 
Deferred rent   3,782,940    2,472,837 
Bridge note payable   1,421,096    
-
 
Accrued interest, non-current portion   17,742    
-
 
Convertible debt, non-current portion   1,000,000    
-
 
Convertible debt, related party, non-current portion   1,000,000    
-
 
Loans payable, non-current portion   663,769    
-
 
Total Liabilities   21,319,882    27,100,248 
Commitments and Contingencies   
 
    
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity          
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding   
-
    
-
 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 31,989,974 and 23,176,146 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively   3,199    2,317 
Additional paid in capital   187,206,726    161,300,916 
Accumulated deficit   (143,424,659)   (117,218,584)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   181,725    136,177 
Total Stockholders’ Equity   43,966,991    44,220,826 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  $65,286,873   $71,321,074 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1

 

 

ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(unaudited)

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2020   2019   2020   2019 
                 
Revenues:                
In-person  $696,890   $2,586,965   $3,701,139   $8,554,030 
Multiplatform content   1,264,346    1,031,383    3,186,494    3,873,709 
Interactive   3,927,066    2,423,193    9,628,009    7,187,196 
Total Revenues   5,888,302    6,041,541    16,515,642    19,614,935 
Costs and Expenses:                    
In-person (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   640,409    1,196,572    2,134,964    3,334,803 
Multiplatform content (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   928,354    786,706    1,953,561    2,907,827 
Interactive (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   1,249,799    569,478    2,982,899    1,976,012 
Online operating expenses   329,639    172,879    993,802    401,394 
Selling and marketing expenses   168,080    705,714    1,093,295    2,392,929 
General and administrative expenses   3,578,760    4,693,285    12,165,463    13,265,767 
Stock-based compensation   577,167    18,407    4,912,640    18,407 
Depreciation and amortization   1,738,020    1,716,103    5,330,317    5,133,947 
Impairment of investment in ESA   
-
    
-
    1,138,631    600,000 
Total Costs and Expenses   9,210,228    9,859,144    32,705,572    30,031,086 
Loss From Operations   (3,321,926)   (3,817,603)   (16,189,930)   (10,416,151)
Other (Expense) Income:                    
Other income   (2,973)   15,684    1,210    15,684 
Conversion inducement expense   -    
-
    (5,247,531)   
-
 
Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption   (1,733,768)   
-
    (1,733,768)   
-
 
Interest expense   (1,490,210)   (451,553)   (3,036,056)   (518,443)
Total Other Expense   (3,226,951)   (435,869)   (10,016,145)   (502,759)
Net Loss   (6,548,877)   (4,253,472)   (26,206,075)   (10,918,910)
Other comprehensive income:                    
Foreign currency translation adjustments   45,358    (21,083)   45,548    (13,366)
Total Comprehensive Loss  $(6,503,519)  $(4,274,555)  $(26,160,527)  $(10,932,276)
                     
Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share  $(0.22)  $(0.24)  $(0.99)  $(0.79)
                     
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:                    
Basic and Diluted   29,626,222    18,098,797    26,508,006    13,791,896 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2

 

 

ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

(unaudited)

 

                   Accumulated         
       Common Stock   Additional       Other       Total 
   Common Stock   Subscribed   Paid-in   Subscription   Comprehensive   Accumulated   Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Receivable   Income   Deficit   Equity 
Balance - January 1, 2020   23,176,146   $2,317    
-
   $
-
   $161,300,916   $
-
   $136,177   $(117,218,584)  $44,220,826 
Common stock issued for cash   758,725    76    
-
    
-
    4,999,924    
-
    
-
    
-
    5,000,000 
Stock-based compensation:                                             
Stock options   -    
-
    -    
-
    240,399    
-
    
-
    
-
    240,399 
Restricted stock   
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    113,436    
-
    
-
    
-
    113,436 
Subscription of common stock in connection with exercise of put option   
-
    
-
    1,018,848    102    1,999,898    (2,000,000)   
-
    
-
    
-
 
Net loss   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    (8,776,469)   (8,776,469)
Balance - March 31, 2020   23,934,871    2,393    1,018,848    102    168,654,573    (2,000,000)   136,177    (125,995,053)   40,798,192 
Cash received for subscription   1,018,848    102    (1,018,848)   (102)   
-
    2,000,000    
-
    
-
    2,000,000 
Shares issued upon conversion of debt   3,392,857    339    
-
    
-
    9,998,506    
-
    
-
    
-
    9,998,845 
Beneficial conversion feature associated with convertible debt   -    
-
    -    
-
    523,636    
-
    
-
    
-
    523,636 
Warrants issued  with convertible debt   -    
-
    -    
-
    1,205,959    
-
    
-
    
-
    1,205,959 
Stock-based compensation:                                             
Stock options   -    
-
    -    
-
    213,763    
-
    
-
    
-
    213,763 
Restricted stock   
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    117,875    
-
    
-
    
-
    117,875 
Net loss   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    (10,880,729)   (10,880,729)
Other comprehensive income   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    190    
-
    190 
Balance - June 30, 2020   28,346,576    2,834    
-
    
-
    180,714,312    
-
    136,367    (136,875,782)   43,977,731 
Shares issued for redemption of debt and accrued interest   3,161,970    316    
-
    
-
    5,419,421    
-
    
-
    
-
    5,419,737 
Shares issued in satisfaction of employee bonus obligations   217,999    22              473,978    
-
    
-
    
-
    474,000 
Disgorgement of short swing profits   -    
-
    -    
-
    21,875    
-
    
-
    
-
    21,875 
Stock-based compensation:                                             
Stock options   -    
-
    -    
-
    312,117    
-
    
-
    
-
    312,117 
Common Stock   64,286    7    -    -    128,993    -    -    -    129,000 
Restricted stock   199,143    20    
-
    
-
    136,030    
-
    
-
    
-
    136,050 
Net loss   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    (6,548,877)   (6,548,877)
Other comprehensive income   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    45,358    
-
    45,358 
Balance - September 30, 2020   31,989,974   $3,199    
-
   $
-
   $187,206,726   $
-
   $181,725   $(143,424,659)  $43,966,991 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

 

ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

(unaudited)

  

                   Accumulated         
       Common Stock   Additional       Other       Total 
   Common Stock   Subscribed   Paid-in   Subscription   Comprehensive   Accumulated   Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Receivable   Income (Loss)   Deficit   Equity 
Balance - January 1, 2019   11,602,754   $1,160    
-
   $
-
   $124,361,130   $
      -
   $138,861   $(100,479,855)  $24,021,296 
Net loss   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    (3,854,152)   (3,854,152)
Other comprehensive loss   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    (3,082)   
-
    (3,082)
Balance - March 31, 2019   11,602,754    1,160    
-
    
-
    124,361,130    
-
    135,779    (104,334,007)   20,164,062 
Net loss   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    (2,811,286)   (2,811,286)
Other comprehensive income   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    10,799    
-
    10,799 
Balance - June 30, 2019   11,602,754    1,160    
-
    
-
    124,361,130    
-
    146,578    (107,145,293)   17,363,575 
Effect of reverse merger   11,492,999    1,149                 36,395,355    
  -
    
-
    
-
    36,396,504 
Warrants issued to convertible debt holders   -    
-
    -    
-
    114,804    
-
    
-
    
-
    114,804 
Contingent consideration for convertible debt holders   -    
-
    -    
-
    152,590    
-
    
-
    
-
    152,590 
Stock-based compensation:                                             
Stock options   -    
-
    -    
-
    5,940    
-
    
-
    
-
    5,940 
Restricted stock   80,393    8    
-
    
-
    12,459    
-
    
-
    
-
    12,467 
Net loss   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    (4,253,472)   (4,253,472)
Other comprehensive loss   -    
-
    -    
-
    
-
    
-
    (21,083)   
-
    (21,083)
Balance, September 30, 2019   23,176,146   $2,317    
-
   $
-
   $161,042,278   $
-
   $125,495   $(111,398,765)  $49,771,325 

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

  

4

 

 

ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

  

   For the Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2020   2019 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities        
Net loss  $(26,206,075)  $(10,918,910)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Stock-based compensation   4,912,640    18,407 
Bad debt expense   
-
    115,726 
Conversion inducement expense   5,247,531    
-
 
Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption   1,733,768    
-
 
Amortization of debt discount   1,639,150    36,414 
Non-cash interest expense   183,373    
-
 
Depreciation and amortization   5,330,317    5,133,947 
Impairment of investment in ESA   1,138,631    600,000 
Deferred rent   220,318    175,314 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   780,655    (1,029,096)
Deposits   7,963    (79,500)
Deferred production costs   (483,616)   (2,145,999)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,803    (227,324)
Accounts payable   24,943    (642,686)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   499,972    898,157 
Accrued interest   (768,126)   469,296 
Deferred revenue   (787,936)   (154,646)
Total Adjustments   19,681,386    3,168,010 
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities   (6,524,689)   (7,750,900)
           
Cash Flows From Investing Activities          
Net cash acquired in Merger   
-
    14,941,683 
Return of Simon Investment   (3,650,000)   
-
 
Investment in TV Azteca   (1,500,000)   (3,500,000)
Lease incentive reimbursements   1,021,603    
-
 
Purchases of property and equipment   (496,019)   (2,173,200)
Investment in ESA   
-
    (1,238,631)
Purchases of intangible assets   (41,095)   (99,822)
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Investing Activities   (4,665,511)   7,930,030 
           
 Cash Flows From Financing Activities          
Proceeds from loans payable   1,592,429    
-
 
Proceeds from convertible debt, related party   
-
    1,000,000 
Proceeds from convertible debt   9,000,000    3,000,000 
Proceeds from disgorgement of short swing profit   21,875    - 
Issuance costs paid in connection with convertible debt   (766,961)   
-
 
Repayments of convertible debt   (7,000,000)   
-
 
Repayments to Former Parent   
-
    (346,804)
Proceeds from sale of common stock   7,000,000    
-
 
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities   9,847,343    3,653,196 
           
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash   25,254    1,874 
           
Net (Decrease) Increase In Cash And Restricted Cash   (1,317,603)   3,834,200 
Cash and restricted cash - Beginning of period   12,090,573    10,471,296 
Cash and restricted cash - End of period  $10,772,970   $14,305,496 
Cash and restricted cash consisted of the following:          
Cash  $5,772,970   $9,355,496 
Restricted cash   5,000,000    4,950,000 
   $10,772,970   $14,305,496 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

 

  

ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

(unaudited)

 

   For the Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2020   2019 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:        
Cash paid during the period for interest  $2,095,527   $
-
 
           
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities          
Beneficial conversion feature associated with convertible debt  $523,636   $
-
 
Contingent consideration for convertible debt holders in connection with Merger  $
-
   $152,590 
Convertible debt and related interest assumed in Merger  $
-
   $10,992,877 
Due to Former Parent satisfied by issuance of common stock in connection with Merger  $
-
   $18,179,745 
Guaranteed interest on convertible debt recorded as debt discount  $1,536,000   $
-
 
Non-cash interest on convertible debt recorded as debt discount  $1,664,000   $
-
 
Interest payable on Bridge Note converted to principal  $1,421,096   $
-
 
Original issue discount on convertible debt  $600,000   $
-
 
Shares issued upon conversion of Bridge Note  $5,000,000   $
-
 
Shares issued for redemption of debt and accrued interest  $5,236,364   $
-
 
Warrants issued with convertible debt  $1,205,959   $
-
 
Warrants granted to convertible debt holders in connection with Merger  $
-
   $114,804 
Shares issued in satisfaction of employee bonus obligation  $474,000   $
-
 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6

 

 

Note 1 – Background

 

Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. (“AESE” and formerly known as Black Ridge Acquisition Corp, or “BRAC”) was incorporated in Delaware on May 9, 2017 as a blank check company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities (a “Business Combination”).

 

Allied Esports Media, Inc. (“AEM”), a Delaware corporation, was formed in November 2018 to act as a holding company for Allied Esports International Inc. (“Allied Esports”) and immediately prior to the close of the Merger (see below) to also include Noble Link Global Limited (“Noble Link”). Allied Esports, together with its subsidiaries described below, owns and operates the esports-related businesses of AESE. Noble Link (prior to the AEM Merger) and its wholly owned subsidiaries Peerless Media Limited, Club Services, Inc. and WPT Enterprises, Inc. operate the poker-related business of AESE and are collectively referred to herein as “World Poker Tour” or “WPT”. Prior to the Merger, as described below, Noble Link and Allied Esports were subsidiaries of Ourgame International Holdings Limited (the “Former Parent”).

 

On December 19, 2018, BRAC, Noble Link and AEM executed an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (as amended from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”). On August 9, 2019 (the “Closing Date”), Noble Link was merged with and into AEM, with AEM being the surviving entity, which was accounted for as a common control merger (the “AEM Merger”). Further, on August 9, 2019, a subsidiary of AESE merged with AEM pursuant to the Merger Agreement with AEM being the surviving entity (the “Merger”). The Merger was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, and AEM is deemed to be the accounting acquirer. Consequently, the assets and liabilities and the historical operations that are reflected in these condensed consolidated financial statements prior to the Merger are those of Allied Esports and WPT. The preferred stock, common stock, additional paid in capital and earnings per share amounts in these condensed consolidated financial statements for the period prior to the Merger have been restated to reflect the recapitalization in accordance with the shares issued to the Former Parent as a result of the Merger. References herein to the “Company” are to the combination of AEM and WPT during the period prior to the AEM Merger and are to AESE and its subsidiaries after the Merger.

 

Allied Esports operates directly and through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Esports Arena Las Vegas, LLC (“ESALV”) and Allied Esports Gaming GmbH. Allied Esports operates global competitive esports properties designed to connect players and fans via a network of connected arenas. ESALV operates a flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Allied Esports GmbH operates a mobile esports truck that serves as both a battleground and content generation hub and also operates a studio for recording and streaming gaming events. 

 

World Poker Tour is an internationally televised gaming and entertainment company with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile applications. WPT has been involved in the sport of poker since 2002 and created a television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments. WPT has broadcasted globally in more than 150 countries and territories and its shows are sponsored by established brands in many areas, including watches, crystal, playing cards and online social poker operators. WPT also operates ClubWPT.com, a subscription-based site that offers its members inside access to the WPT content database, as well as sweepstakes-based poker product that allows members to play for real cash and prizes in 43 states and territories across the United States Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom, with no purchase necessary. WPT also participates in strategic brand licensing, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities.

 

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Note 2 – Going Concern and Management’s Plans

 

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had cash of approximately $5.8 million (excluding approximately $5.0 million of restricted cash) and working capital of approximately $53 thousand. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred net losses of approximately $26.2 million and $10.9 million, respectively, and used cash in operations of approximately $6.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had convertible debt in the gross principal amount of $2.0 million which matures on February 23, 2022, and convertible debt in the gross principal amount of $5.7 million which is payable in 12 monthly installments through September 1, 2021, and for which certain payments can be accelerated at the option of the lender (see Note 7 – Convertible Debt and Convertible Debt, Related Party). As of September 30, 2020, the Company also has a Bridge Note outstanding in the amount of approximately $1.4 million which matures on February 23, 2022 (see Note 8 – Bridge Note Payable) and loans payable in the aggregate amount of $1.6 million, which are due in monthly installments beginning November 2020 through April 2022 (see Note 9 – Loans Payable). During the period from October 1, 2020 through November 2, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate 3,120,869 shares of its common stock in satisfaction of $2.6 million and $0.4 million of principal and interest, respectively, owed on the convertible debt.

 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) as a pandemic which continues to spread throughout the United States. As a global entertainment company that hosts numerous live events with spectators and participants in destination cities, the outbreak has caused people to avoid traveling to and attending these events. Allied Esports’ and WPT’s businesses have cancelled or postponed live events, and before the reopening of Allied Esports’ flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 25, 2020 these businesses were operating online only. The arena is currently running under a modified schedule and limited capacity (up to 65% capacity depending on the event) for daily play and weekly tournaments, and the WPT business continues to operate online only, other than a recent live event in Tokyo, Japan. The Company is continuing to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 and the related business and travel restrictions, and changes to behavior intended to reduce its spread, and the related impact on the Company’s operations, financial position and cash flows, as well as the impact on its employees. Due to the rapid development and fluidity of this situation, the magnitude and duration of the pandemic, and its impact on the Company’s future operations and liquidity is uncertain as of the date of this report. While there could ultimately be a material impact on operations and liquidity of the Company, at the time of issuance, the extent of the impact cannot be determined. 

 

The aforementioned factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the issuance date of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern and the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company’s continuation is dependent upon attaining and maintaining profitable operations and, until that time, raising additional capital as needed, but there can be no assurance that it will be able to close on sufficient financing. The Company’s ability to generate positive cash flow from operations is dependent upon generating sufficient revenues. To date, the Company’s operations have been funded by the Former Parent, as well as through the issuance of convertible debt, and with cash acquired in the Merger. The Company cannot provide any assurances that it will be able to secure additional funding, either from equity offerings or debt financings, on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. If the Company is unable to obtain the requisite amount of financing needed to fund its planned operations, including the repayment of convertible debt, it would have a material adverse effect on its business and ability to continue as a going concern, and it may have to explore the sale of, or curtail or even cease, certain operations.

 

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Note 3 – Significant Accounting Policies 

 

There are no material changes from the significant accounting policies set forth in Note 3 – Significant Accounting Policies of the Company’s accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, except for the following accounting policies and required disclosures. 

 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation 

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual consolidated financial statements. For additional information, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements of and notes thereto included in the Company’s amended annual report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 17, 2020. 

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments which are considered necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of September 30, 2020 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year ending December 31, 2020 or any other period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been derived from the accounting records of AESE, WPT and Allied Esports and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes thereto. 

 

Net Loss per Common Share 

 

Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to AESE common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the impact of common shares, if dilutive, resulting from the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants and the conversion of convertible instruments.

 

The following securities are excluded from the calculation of weighted average dilutive common shares because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

 

   September 30, 
   2020   2019 
Restricted common shares   199,143    80,393 
Options   2,430,000    400,000 
Warrants   20,091,549    18,637,003 
Convertible debt   3,609,839(1)   1,647,058 
Unit purchase options   600,000    600,000 
Contingent consideration shares   269,231    
-
 
    27,199,762    21,364,454 

 

(1)Common stock equivalents associated with convertible debt were calculated based on the fixed conversion price in effect for voluntary holder conversions; however for certain convertible notes there is a variable conversion price in effect under certain scenarios that is equal to 87% of lowest daily volume weighted average price over the prior ten days, subject to a $0.734 floor price. If the applicable convertible note principal and guaranteed interest were all converted at the floor price, the potentially dilutive shares related to convertible debt would be 15,406,956 shares. 

 

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Revenue Recognition 

 

The Company recognizes revenue primarily from the following sources: 

 

In-person revenue

 

The Company’s in-person revenue is comprised of event revenue, sponsorship revenue, merchandising revenue, and other revenue. Event revenue is generated through World Poker Tour events – TV, non-TV, and DeepStacks Entertainment, LLC and DeepStacks Poker Tour, LLC (collectively “DeepStacks”) events – held at the Company’s partner casinos as well as Allied Esports events held at the Company’s esports properties. Event revenues recognized from the rental of the Allied Esports arena and gaming trucks are recognized at a point in time when the event occurs. In-person revenue also includes revenue from ticket sales, admission fees and food and beverage sales for events held at the Company’s esports properties. Ticket revenue is recognized at the completion of the applicable event. Point of sale revenues, such as food and beverage, gaming, and merchandising revenues, are recognized when control of the related goods are transferred to the customer. 

 

The Company also generates sponsorship revenues for naming rights for, and rental of, the Company’s arena and gaming trucks. Sponsorship revenues from naming rights of the Company’s esports arena and from sponsorship arrangements are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the agreement. The Company records deferred revenue to the extent that payment has been received for services that have yet to be performed. 

 

In-person revenue was comprised of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2020   2019   2020   2019 
Event revenue  $227,247   $1,582,749   $1,839,365   $5,752,880 
Sponsorship revenue   314,924    411,903    1,305,014    1,091,718 
Food and beverage revenue   34,427    290,408    266,726    976,313 
Ticket and gaming revenue   118,996    250,955    270,247    587,727 
Merchandising revenue   678    50,950    19,065    145,273 
Other revenue   618    -    722    119 
Total in-person revenue  $696,890   $2,586,965   $3,701,139   $8,554,030 

 

Multiplatform content revenue

 

The Company’s multiplatform content revenue is comprised of distribution revenue, sponsorship revenue, music royalty revenue, online advertising revenue and content revenue. Distribution revenue is generated primarily through the distribution of content from World Poker Tour’s library. World Poker Tour provides video content to global television networks, who then have the right to air the content and place advertisements on the content during the related license period. Revenue from the distribution of video content to television networks is received pursuant to the contract payment terms and is recognized at the point in time that advertisements are aired on the WPT content. Occasionally, WPT will bundle third-party content with its own content in a distribution arrangement and will share the revenue with the third party; however, the revenues related to third party content are de minimis. The Company recognizes distribution revenue pursuant to the terms of each individual contract with the customer and records deferred revenue to the extent the Company has received a payment for services that have yet to be performed or products that have yet to be delivered. 

 

The Company also distributes video content to online channels. Both the global television networks and the online channels place ads within the WPT content and any advertising revenue earned by the global TV network or online channel is shared with WPT. The Company recognizes online advertising revenue at the point in time when the advertisements are placed in the video content.

 

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Sponsorship revenue is generated through the sponsorship of the Company’s TV content, live and online events and online streams. Online advertising revenue is generated from third-party advertisements placed on the Company’s website. Music royalty revenue is generated when the Company’s music is played in the Company’s TV series, both on TV networks and online. The Company recognizes sponsorship revenue pursuant to the terms of each individual contract when the Company satisfies the respective performance obligations, which could be recognized at a point in time or over the term of the contract. The Company records deferred revenue to the extent the Company has received a payment for services that have yet to be performed or products that have yet to be delivered. 

 

Music royalty revenue is recognized at the point in time when the music is played.

 

Multiplatform content revenue was comprised of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: 

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2020   2019   2020   2019 
Distribution revenue  $611,370   $282,508   $1,471,263   $1,069,328 
Sponsorship revenue   370,597    544,541    1,154,267    1,585,467 
Music royalty revenue   278,610    200,787    553,198    1,214,286 
Online advertising revenue   3,769    3,547    7,766    4,628 
Total multiplatform revenue  $1,264,346   $1,031,383   $3,186,494   $3,873,709 

 

Interactive revenue

 

The Company’s interactive revenue is primarily comprised of subscription revenue, licensing, social gaming, and virtual product revenue. Subscription revenue is generated through fixed rate (monthly, quarterly, and annual) subscriptions which offer the opportunity for subscribers to play unlimited poker and access benefits not available to non-subscribers. 

 

The Company recognizes subscription revenue on a straight-line basis and records deferred revenue to the extent the Company receives payments for services that have yet to be provided. Social gaming revenue arises from the sale of online tokens and other online purchases on the Company’s social gaming website and is recognized at the point the product is delivered. Virtual product revenue is generated from the licensing of the Company’s various brands to be used on the customers’ virtual product and social gaming platforms and is recognized over the term of the contractual agreement. The Company generates licensing revenue by licensing the right to use the Company’s brands on products to third parties. Licensing revenue is recognized pursuant to the terms of each individual contract with the customer and is recognized over the term of the contractual agreement. Deferred revenue is recorded to the extent the Company has received a payment for products that have yet to be delivered. 

 

Interactive revenue was comprised of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2020   2019   2020   2019 
Subscription revenue  $2,511,958   $1,313,218   $5,599,687   $3,745,623 
Virtual product revenue   975,411    925,411    2,880,478    2,773,769 
Social gaming revenue   411,297    152,317    1,043,268    397,065 
Licensing revenue   11,188    16,872    68,461    198,481 
Other revenue   17,212    15,376    36,115    72,259 
Total interactive revenue  $3,927,066   $2,423,193   $9,628,009   $7,187,196 

 

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The following table summarizes our revenue recognized under ASC 606 in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss:

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2020   2019   2020   2019 
                 
Revenues Recognized at a Point in Time:                    
Event revenue  $227,247   $1,582,749   $1,839,365   $5,752,880 
Distribution revenue   611,370    282,508    1,471,263    1,069,328 
Social gaming revenue   411,297    152,317    1,043,268    397,065 
Food and beverage revenue   34,427    290,408    266,726    976,313 
Sponsorship revenue   23,890    123,407    69,350    408,873 
Ticket and gaming revenue   118,996    250,955    270,247    587,727 
Merchandising revenue   678    50,950    19,065    145,273 
Music royalty revenue   278,610    200,787    553,198    1,214,286 
Online advertising revenue   3,769    3,547    7,766    4,628 
Other revenue   17,830    15,376    36,837    72,378 
Total Revenues Recognized at a Point in Time   1,728,114    2,953,004    5,577,085    10,628,751 
                     
Revenues Recognized Over a Period of Time:                    
Subscription revenue   2,511,958    1,313,218    5,599,687    3,745,623 
Virtual product revenue   975,411    925,411    2,880,478    2,773,769 
Sponsorship revenue   661,631    833,037    2,389,931    2,268,312 
Licensing revenue   11,188    16,872    68,461    198,481 
Total Revenues Recognized Over a Period of Time   4,160,188    3,088,537    10,938,557    8,986,184 
Total Revenues  $5,888,302   $6,041,541   $16,515,642   $19,614,935 

 

The timing of the Company’s revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment by its customers. A receivable is recorded when revenue is recognized prior to payment and the Company has an unconditional right to payment. Alternatively, when payment precedes the provision of the related services, the Company records deferred revenue until the performance obligations are satisfied. 

 

As of September 30, 2020, there remained approximately $622,000 of contract liabilities which were included within deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, and for which performance obligations had not yet been satisfied as of September 30, 2020. The Company expects to satisfy its remaining performance obligations within the next twelve months.

 

Advertising Costs 

 

The Company expenses advertising and marketing costs as they are incurred. Marketing and advertising expense was $17,343 and $133,103 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and $59,698 and $245,259 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

 

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Foreign Currency Translation 

 

The Company’s reporting currency is the United States Dollar. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are their local currencies (United States Dollar and Euro). Euro-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into the United States Dollar using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date and revenue and expense accounts are translated using the weighted average exchange rate in effect for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are made directly to accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. Gains (losses) arising from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting currency were $5,124 and $3,868 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and $(3,651) and $(3,563) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and are recognized in operating results in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Euro to United States Dollar exchange rate was $1.1724 and $1.1215 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The Company engages in foreign currency denominated transactions with customers and suppliers, as well as between subsidiaries with different functional currencies. 

 

Reclassifications 

 

Certain prior period balances have been reclassified in order to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported results of operations or loss per share. 

 

CARES Act 

 

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The CARES Act, amongst other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. Pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC 740”), the Company recognizes the tax effects of new tax legislation upon enactment. Accordingly, the CARES Act is effective beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2020. The Company does not believe that the new tax provisions outlined in the CARES Act will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. This amendment will be effective for private companies and emerging growth companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10 “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” in July 2018 (“ASU 2018-10” and “ASU 2018-11”), and ASU No. 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842) - Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors” in December 2018 (“ASU 2018-20”). ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-20 provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows all entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to choose an additional (and optional) transition method of adoption, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. 

 

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In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The new guidance simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Under current guidance, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test requires entities to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The carrying value in excess of the implied fair value is recognized as goodwill impairment. Under the new standard, goodwill impairment is recognized based on Step 1 of the current guidance, which calculates the carrying value in excess of the reporting unit’s fair value. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). These amendments provide clarifications and corrections to certain ASC subtopics including the following: Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income – Overall (Topic 220-10), Debt - Modifications and Extinguishments (Topic 470-50), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity – Overall (Topic 480-10), Compensation - Stock Compensation - Income Taxes (Topic 718-740), Business Combinations – Income Taxes (Topic 805-740), Derivatives and Hedging – Overall (Topic 815-10), and Fair Value Measurement – Overall (Topic 820-10). The majority of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 will be effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). The amendments in ASU 2018-13 modify the disclosure requirements associated with fair value measurements based on the concepts in the Concepts Statement, including the consideration of costs and benefits. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

In February 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842) – Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date (“ASU 2020-02”) which provides clarifying guidance and minor updates to ASU No. 2016-13 – Financial Instruments – Credit Loss (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”) and related to ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2020-02 amends the effective date of ASU 2016-13, such that ASU 2016-13 and its amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures. 

 

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In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging— Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, to clarify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this update reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock by removing the cash conversion model and the beneficial conversion feature model. Limiting the accounting models will result in fewer embedded conversion features being separately recognized from the host contract. Convertible instruments that continue to be subject to separation models are (1) those with embedded conversion features that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, that meet the definition of a derivative, and that do not qualify for a scope exception from derivative accounting and (2) convertible debt instruments issued with substantial premiums for which the premiums are recorded as paid-in-capital. In addition, this ASU improves disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and earnings-per-share guidance. The ASU also revises the derivative scope exception guidance to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions driven by remote contingent events. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption will be permitted, but no earlier than for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 4 – Other Assets 

 

The Company’s other assets consist of the following:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2020   2019 
Investment in ESA  $
-
   $1,138,631 
Investment in TV Azteca   5,000,000    3,500,000 
   $5,000,000   $4,638,631 

 

As of September 30, 2020, the Company owns a 25% non-voting membership interest in Esports Arena, LLC (“ESA”) and ESA’s wholly owned subsidiary. The investment is accounted for as a cost method investment since the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of ESA. 

 

During January 2019, the Company contributed $1,238,631 to ESA, in order to fulfill the remainder of its funding commitment to ESA. The Company recognized an immediate impairment of $600,000 related to this funding. During June 2020, the Company recorded an additional impairment charge in the amount of $1,138,631, related to its investment in ESA. 

 

The Company paid $3,500,000 to TV Azteca, S.A.B. DE C.V., a Grupo Salinas company (“TV Azteca”) in August 2019, and on March 4, 2020 the Company paid an additional $1,500,000 to TV Azteca in connection with a Strategic Investment Agreement with TV Azteca in order to expand the Allied Esports brand into Mexico. See Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies, Investment Agreements for additional details.

 

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Note 5 – Deferred Production Costs 

 

Deferred production costs consist of the following:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2020   2019 
Deferred production costs  $30,231,418    28,290,200 
Less: accumulated amortization   (18,785,320)   (17,327,718)
Deferred production costs, net  $11,446,098   $10,962,482 
           
Weighted average remaining amortization period at September 30, 2020 (in years)   3.43      

 

Production costs of $724,762 and $1,457,602 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and $605,077 and $2,225,442 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, were expensed and are reflected in multiplatform content costs in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. 

 

Note 6 – Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities 

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2020   2019 
Compensation expense  $617,471   $1,348,066 
Payroll tax obligations   118,379    - 
Rent   987,572    124,969 
Interactive costs   465,813    319,833 
Event costs   138,915    186,173 
Legal and professional fees   459,591    154,799 
Production costs   131,158    55,679 
Unclaimed player prizes   471,101    342,535 
Other accrued expenses   458,398    721,693 
Other current liabilities   112,466    369,614 
Accrued leasehold improvements   -    269,110 
   $3,960,864   $3,892,471 

 

16

 

 

Note 7 – Convertible Debt and Convertible Debt, Related Party 

 

As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s convertible debt consisted of the following:

  

   September 30, 2020   December 31, 2019 
   Gross
Principal
Amount
   Debt
Discount
   Convertible
Debt,
Net of
Debt Discount
   Gross
Principal
Amount
   Debt
Discount
   Convertible
Debt,
Net of
Debt Discount
 
Convertible bridge notes  $1,000,000   $-   $1,000,000   $13,000,000   $(154,499)  $12,845,501 
Convertible bridge notes, related party   1,000,000    
-
    1,000,000    1,000,000    (11,885)   988,115 
Senior secured convertible notes   5,672,727    (3,090,022)   2,582,705    
-
    
-
    
-
 
Total  $7,672,727   $(3,090,022)  $4,582,705   $14,000,000   $(166,384)  $13,833,616 

 

Convertible Bridge Notes and Convertible Bridge Notes, Related Party 

 

Pursuant to an Amendment and Acknowledgement Agreement dated August 5, 2019, the convertible bridge notes (the “Bridge Notes”) are secured by the assets of the Company and originally matured on August 23, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”). The Bridge Notes are convertible into shares of AESE common stock at any time at a conversion price of $8.50 per share. Further, the minimum interest to be paid under each Bridge Note shall be the greater of (a) 18 months of accrued interest at 12% per annum; or (b) the sum of the actual interest accrued plus 6 months of additional interest at 12% per annum. In the event of default, the Bridge Notes shall become immediately due and payable upon the written notice of the holder.

 

If any holder elects to convert their Bridge Note into common stock, they would be entitled to receive additional shares of common stock (“Contingent Consideration Shares”) equal to the product of (i) 3,846,153 shares, multiplied by (ii) that holder’s investment amount, divided by (iii) $100,000,000, if at any time within five years after the August 9, 2019 closing date, the last exchange-reported sale price of common stock trades at or above $13.00 for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days.

 

On April 29, 2020, the Company and a holder of a $5,000,000 Bridge Note (the “Noteholder”), entered into a Secured Convertible Note Modification and Conversion Agreement (the “Amendment 1”), pursuant to which the Noteholder converted $2,000,000 of the principal amount of its $5,000,000 Bridge Note into 1,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a reduced conversion price of $1.60 per share. On May 22, 2020, the Company and the Noteholder entered into a Secured Convertible Note Modification and Conversion Agreement No. 2 (“Amendment 2”), pursuant to which the remaining principal amount of the $5,000,000 Bridge Note ($3,000,000) was converted into 2,142,857 shares of the Company’s common stock at a reduced conversion price of $1.40 per share. Further, pursuant to Amendment 1 and Amendment 2, interest on the $5,000,000 principal owed to the Noteholder prior to conversion will continue to accrue through the maturity date as if the principal amount had not been converted. Minimum accrued interest payable pursuant to Amendment 2 in the amount of $1,421,096 (the “Accrued Interest”) is payable on or before the maturity date. No Contingent Consideration Shares were issued in connection with the conversion since the requirements for issuance were not met. 

 

On June 8, 2020, the Company and the Noteholder entered into Secured Convertible Note Modification Agreement No. 3 (“Amendment 3” and together with Amendment 1 and Amendment 2, the “Amendments”). Pursuant to Amendment 3, the Accrued Interest is converted into principal under the Noteholder’s Bridge Note (the “Amended Bridge Note”). See Note 8 - Bridge Note Payable for additional details. 

 

The Company recorded a conversion inducement charge of $5,247,531 as a result of the Amendments, consisting of $4,998,845 representing the value of common stock issued upon conversion in excess of the common stock issuable under the original terms of the $5,000,000 Bridge Note, and $248,686, representing the excess of minimum interest payable pursuant to Amendment 3 over the interest payable pursuant to the original terms of the $5,000,000 Bridge Note. 

 

17

 

 

On June 8, 2020, the Company paid $8,670,431 in satisfaction of principal in the amount of $7,000,000 and interest in the amount of $1,670,431 owed in connection with other Bridge Notes. Further, on June 8, 2020, the Company and the holders (the “Extending Bridge Noteholders”) of the two remaining Bridge Notes outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 (together, the “Extended Bridge Notes”), of which principal in the amount of $1,000,000 is owed to the spouse of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Director, entered into a Secured Convertible Note Modification (Extension) Agreement with the Company (together, the “Bridge Note Extensions”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Extending Bridge Noteholders agreed to extend the maturity date of their respective Extended Bridge Note until February 23, 2022. Interest on the Extended Bridge Notes will continue to accrue at 12.0% per year and may be prepaid without penalty. The remaining provisions of the Extended Bridge Notes remain unchanged and in effect. 

 

On August 13, 2020 the Company paid in cash an aggregate of $425,096 related to interest payable on the Extended Bridge Notes, such that the balance of principal and interest outstanding under the Extended Bridge Notes as of September 30, 2020 is $2,000,000 and $24,760, respectively.

 

The Company recorded interest expense of $65,836 and $1,355,549 (including amortization of debt discount of $5,386 and $166,385), respectively, related to the Bridge Notes and the Extended Bridge Notes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, and recorded interest expense of $447,847, and $505,710 (including amortization of debt discount of $36,414 and $36,414), respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. As of September 30, 2020, all debt discount on the Convertible Bridge Notes and Extended Bridge Notes has been fully amortized. 

 

Senior Secured Convertible Notes 

 

On June 8, 2020, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) between the Company and certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), the Company issued two senior secured convertible notes (the “Senior Notes”) with an aggregate principal balance of $9,600,000 and immediately vested five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate 1,454,546 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.125 per share for net cash proceeds of $9,000,000. The Senior Notes are secured by the assets of the Company, bear interest at 8% per annum and mature on June 8, 2022, with an aggregate of $1,536,000 of interest guaranteed to be paid to the Investors. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and the Company agreed it would not take on additional debt from third parties without the Investors’ written approval, subject to certain exceptions for ordinary course trade debt. The Company also agreed to use 35% of the proceeds from future financings in excess of $3 million (or $5 million if approved by the Investors) to pay down the outstanding balance on the Loan. The Company reserves its rights under the Purchase Agreement to consummate, subject to certain exceptions, a debtor or equity offering of up to $5 million in the future. 

 

The Senior Notes and two years of interest are payable in equal monthly installments (the “Monthly Redemption Payment”), commencing on August 7, 2020. Each Monthly Redemption Payment may be paid at the Company’s option in cash, or in shares of common stock (the “Stock Settlement Option”) at a price equal to 87% of the lowest daily volume weighted average price in the 10 days prior to the scheduled payment date (the “Stock Settlement Price”), provided that (i) the Company gives thirty days written irrevocable notice prior to the Monthly Redemption Payment (the “Monthly Redemption Notice”), (ii) all amounts due have been paid timely, (iii) there are sufficient number of authorized shares available to be issued, (iv) the Investors do not possess any material non-public information at the time the Company issues the common stock, and (v) the Company’s shares have met certain minimum volume and closing price thresholds. The Stock Settlement Price cannot be lower than $0.734 per share. Monthly Redemption Payments paid in cash require the payment of a 10% premium in addition to the monthly installment. 

 

Each Investor may accelerate up to four Monthly Redemption Payments in any calendar month and may elect to have such accelerated Monthly Redemption Payments paid in shares of the Company’s common stock at the Stock Settlement Price of the contemporaneous or immediately prior Monthly Redemption Payment, instead of in cash. 

 

18

 

 

The Senior Notes are convertible at each Investor’s option, in whole or in part, and from time to time, into shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Holder Conversion Option” and together, with the Stock Settlement Option, the “ECOs”) at $3.30 per share (subject to adjustment to convert at the same price as any subsequent issuances of Company common stock at a lower issuance price, subject to certain exceptions) (the “Holder Conversion Price”); provided, however, that the parties may not affect any such conversion that would result in an Investor (together with its affiliates) owning in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the conversion (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). Each Investor, upon notice to the Company, may elect to increase or decrease its Beneficial Ownership Limitation, provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation may not exceed 9.99%. The Company determined that the ECOs contained a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) in the amount of $523,636, which was credited to additional paid in capital. 

 

Upon the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Company recorded a debt discount at issuance in the aggregate amount $6,296,555, consisting of (i) the $600,000 difference between the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes and the cash proceeds received, (ii) the relative fair value of the warrants of $1,205,959 (which were credited to additional paid in capital), (iii) two years’ guaranteed interest of $1,536,000 (credited to interest payable), (iv) the BCF of $523,636 (credited to additional paid in capital), (v) non-cash interest in the amount of $1,664,000, representing the difference between the anticipated issuance date fair value of common stock issued and the Stock Settlement Price, for Monthly Redemption Payments (credited to interest payable), and (vi) financing costs of $766,961. The debt discount is being amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the Senior Notes. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded amortization of debt discount of $1,219,323 and $1,472,766, respectively, related to the Senior Notes, and recorded an extinguishment loss of $1,733,768 and $1,733,768, respectively, in connection with the extinguishment of Senior Notes resulting from accelerated Monthly Redemption Payments. Debt discount in the amount of $3,090,021 remains to be amortized as of September 30, 2020.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company issued 3,161,970 shares of its common stock, as Monthly Redemption Payments in satisfaction of aggregate amount of $3,927,273 of principal and $628,364 interest payable owed on the Senior Notes, of which 2,472,302 shares were issued in connection with accelerated Monthly Redemption Payments in the aggregate amount of $3,543,273 (representing $3,054,546 and $488,727 of principal and interest, respectively). The Company recorded additional non-cash interest expense in the amount of $183,373 in connection with Monthly Redemption Payments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, gross principal and guaranteed interest of $5,672,727 and $907,636, respectively, remains outstanding on the Senior Notes and is payable in 12 monthly installments through September 1, 2021.

 

Note 8 – Bridge Note Payable 

 

The Bridge Note Payable consists of the Amended Bridge Note (see Note 7 – Convertible Debt and Convertible Debt, Related Party, Convertible Bridge Notes and Convertible Bridge Notes, Related Party). The Amended Bridge Note matures on February 23, 2022. Interest on the Amended Bridge Note began to accrue on August 23, 2020 at 12% per annum (increasing to 15% per annum upon an event of default as defined in the Amended Bridge Note). Principal and interest owed under the Amended Bridge Note is not convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded interest expense of $17,742 and $17,742, respectively, in connection with the Amended Bridge Note.

 

Note 9 – Loans Payable 

 

During May 2020, the Company’s subsidiaries received aggregate cash proceeds of $1,592,429 pursuant to three loans (the “PPP Loans”) provided in connection with the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the CARES Act. The PPP Loans mature two years from their dates of issuance. Of the total principal owed under the PPP Loans, $907,129 bears interest at 0.98% per annum and $685,300 bears interest at 1.00% per annum, respectively. Monthly amortized principal and interest payments are deferred for six months after the date of disbursement. While the PPP Loans currently have two-year maturities, the amended law permits the borrower to request five-year maturities from its lenders. 

 

19

 

 

Under the terms of the CARES Act, as amended by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, the Company’s subsidiaries are eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness for all or a portion of PPP Loans. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of PPP loan proceeds for certain permissible purposes as set forth in the PPP, including, but not limited to, payroll costs (as defined under the PPP) and mortgage interest, rent or utility costs (collectively, “Qualifying Expenses”), and on the maintenance of employee and compensation levels during the twenty-four week period following the funding of the PPP Loan. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the PPP Loans solely for Qualifying Expenses. However, no assurance is provided that the Company will be able to obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loans, in whole or in part. 

 

The Company recorded interest expense of $3,936 and $6,626, respectively, related to the PPP Loans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. 

 

Note 10 – Segment Data 

 

Each of the Company’s business segments offer different, but synergistic products and services, and are managed separately, by different chief operating decision makers. 

 

The Company’s business consists of three reportable segments: 

 

Poker, gaming, and entertainment, provided through WPT, including televised gaming and entertainment, land-based poker tournaments, online and mobile poker applications.

 

E-sports, provided through Allied Esports, including multiplayer video game competitions.

 

Corporate.

 

The following tables present segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

 

   For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
   For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
 
   Gaming &
Entertainment
   E-sports   Corporate(1)   TOTAL   Gaming &
Entertainment
   E-sports   Corporate(1)   TOTAL 
Revenues  $5,291,419   $596,883   $
-
   $5,888,302   $4,137,091   $1,904,450   $
-
   $6,041,541 
Income (Loss) from Operations  $663,919   $(1,945,413)  $(2,040,432)  $(3,321,926)  $(172,502)  $(2,984,047)  $(661,054)  $(3,817,603)

 

   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
 
   Gaming &
Entertainment
   E-sports   Corporate(1)   TOTAL   Gaming &
Entertainment
   E-sports   Corporate(1)   TOTAL 
Revenues  $14,240,556   $2,275,086   $
-
   $16,515,642   $14,022,841   $5,592,094   $
-
   $19,614,935 
Income (Loss) from Operations  $1,115,410   $(11,639,966)  $(5,665,374)  $(16,189,930)  $(1,069,712)  $(8,685,385)  $(661,054)  $(10,416,151)

 

   As of September 30, 2020   As of December 31, 2019 
   Gaming &
Entertainment
   E-sports   Corporate(2)   TOTAL   Gaming &
Entertainment
   E-sports   Corporate (2)   TOTAL 
Total Assets  $36,673,898   $27,470,708   $1,142,267   $65,286,873   $39,290,001   $28,852,158   $3,178,915   $71,321,074 

 

(1)Unallocated corporate operating losses result from general corporate overhead expenses not directly attributable to any one of the business segments. These expenses are reported separate from the Company’s identified segments and are included are included in total operating costs and expenses on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. 

 

(2)Unallocated corporate assets not directly attributable to any one of the business segments.

20

 

 

One customer of the Gaming and Entertainment segment accounted for 14% and 16%, respectively, of that segment’s revenues and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and accounted for 13% and 14% of total Company revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. There were no customer concentrations greater than 10% for the Gaming and Entertainment segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. 

 

One customer of the Esports segment account for 18% and 14% of that segments revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. There were no customer concentrations for the E-Sports segment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, 10% of the Gaming and Entertainment revenues were from foreign sources.

 

Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies 

 

Litigations, Claims, and Assessments 

 

The Company is involved in various disputes, claims, liens, and litigation matters arising out of the normal course of business. While the outcome of these disputes, claims, liens and litigation matters cannot be predicted with certainty, after consulting with legal counsel, management does not believe that the outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 

 

On March 23, 2020, an employee of Allied Esports filed a claim in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging various employment misconduct against Allied Esports, the Company and an officer of the Company in connection with a competition hosted by Allied Esports. The claim alleged damages in excess of $3.1 million. The parties agreed to a mediation and all claims asserted against the Company by the employee for were settled on September 10, 2020 for an amount significantly less than the original claim. The matter is now closed.

 

Operating Leases 

 

The Company’s aggregate rent expense incurred was $650,438 and $711,302 during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and was $2,113,909 and $2,079,801 during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Of the aggregate rent incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, $96,278 and $96,278, respectively, was capitalized into deferred production costs, $353,887 and $448,861, respectively, was included within in-person cost of revenues, and $200,273 and $166,163, respectively, was included within general administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company received a rent abatement in the amount of $91,667 and rent deferrals totaling $250,000 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the aggregate rent incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, $288,835 and $288,835, respectively, was capitalized into deferred production costs, $1,068,440 and $1,073,864, respectively, was included within in-person cost of revenues, and $756,634 and $717,102, respectively, was included within general administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. 

 

Investment Agreements

 

TV Azteca Agreement 

 

In June 2019, the Company entered into an exclusive ten-year strategic investment and revenue sharing agreement (the “TV Azteca Agreement”) with TV Azteca, in order to expand the Allied Esports brand into Mexico. Pursuant to the terms of the TV Azteca Agreement, as amended, TV Azteca purchased 742,692 shares of AESE common stock for $5,000,000 (the “Purchased Shares”). 

 

21

 

 

In connection with the TV Azteca Agreement, AESE will provide $7,000,000 to be used for various strategic initiatives including digital channel development, facility and flagship construction in Mexico, co-production of Spanish language content, platform localization, and marketing initiatives. The Company will be entitled to various revenues generated from the investment. As of September 30, 2020, the Company has paid $5,000,000.

 

On July 20, 2020, the Company entered into an Amendment to TV Azteca Agreement (the “Azteca Amendment). The Azteca Amendment provides that, subject to the approval of the terms of the Azteca Amendment by the Company’s Board of Directors: (i) TV Azteca waives the Company’s obligations under the Term Sheet to pay TV Azteca $1,000,000 on each of March 1, 2021 and March 1, 2022 for various strategic initiatives, and to further invest in and develop an esports platform for the Mexican market; (ii) the Company waives the 24-month lock-up that prohibits TV Azteca from selling or transferring the 763,904 shares of Company common stock TV Azteca purchased pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement (the “Purchased Shares”); (iii) TV Azteca may sell the Purchased Shares in compliance with applicable securities laws, subject to selling at a reasonable market price and subject to a daily volume cap not to exceed 25% of the Company’s total daily Nasdaq trading volume; and (iv) if TV Azteca sells all of the Purchased Shares within a three-month period following the Company’s Board of Directors approval of the Azteca Amendment, for gross proceeds of less than $1,600,000, then on March 1, 2021, the Company shall contribute additional capital to the parties’ strategic alliance pursuant to the Term Sheet in an amount equal to such shortage. 

 

Simon Agreement 

 

In June 2019, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Simon Agreement”) with Simon Equity Development, LLC (“Simon”), a shareholder of the Company, pursuant to which Allied Esports would conduct a series of mobile esports gaming tournaments and events at selected Simon shopping malls and online called the Simon Cup, in each of 2019, 2020 and 2021, and would also develop esports and gaming venues at certain Simon shopping malls in the U.S.

 

In connection with the Simon Agreement, AESE placed $4,950,000 of cash into an escrow account to be utilized for various strategic initiatives including the build-out of branded esports facilities at Simon malls, and esports event programs. On October 22, 2019, $1,300,000 was released from escrow in order to fund expenses incurred in connection with the 2019 Simon Cup. As of December 31, 2019, the balance in the escrow account was $3,650,000, which is shown as restricted cash on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. 

 

The Simon Agreement and the related Escrow Agreement, as amended, permitted Simon to request the return of any funds remaining in escrow if the parties did not agree on the 2020 spending plan by March 8, 2020. On March 18, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated in the United States, Simon notified the escrow agent that the parties had not agreed on a 2020 spending plan and requested the return of the remaining funds in the escrow account. The escrow agent returned the remaining $3,650,000 to Simon on March 26, 2020. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded $0 and $3,650,000, respectively, of stock-based compensation related to the return of cash held in escrow, which is reflected in stock-based compensation expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed indefinitely the parties’ ability to plan and budget for the 2020 and 2021 esports programming and esports venues. The parties have agreed to extend the due date under the applicable agreements from March 8, 2020 to January 31, 2021, in order to continue to develop and budget for the annual esports program and esports venues in future years once the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.

 

22

 

 

Brookfield Partnership 

 

On January 14, 2020, the Company issued 758,725 shares of its common stock to BPR Cumulus LLC, an affiliate of Brookfield Property Partners (“Brookfield”) in exchange for $5,000,000 (the “Purchase Price”) pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Brookfield Agreement”). The Purchase Price was placed into escrow and is to be used by the Company or its subsidiaries to develop integrated esports experience venues at mutually agreed upon shopping malls owned and/or operated by Brookfield or any of its affiliates (each, an “Investor Mall”), that will include a dedicated gaming space and production capabilities to attract and to activate esports and other emerging live events (each, an “Esports Venue”). To that end, half of the Purchase Price will be released from escrow to the Company upon the execution of a written lease agreement between Brookfield and the Company for the first Esports Venue, and the other half will be released to the Company upon the execution of a written lease agreement between Brookfield and the Company for the second Esports Venue. Further, pursuant to the Brookfield Agreement, the Company must create, produce, and execute three (3) esports events during each calendar year 2020, 2021 and 2022 that will include the Company’s esports truck at one or more Investor Malls at mutually agreed times. The balance held in escrow as of September 30, 2020 is $5,000,000 and is reflected in restricted cash on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

Amendments to Employment Agreements 

 

On April 24, 2020, the employment agreement between the Company and the Chief Executive Officer of WPT (the “WPT CEO”) was amended such that effective as of May 1, 2020, the WPT CEO annual salary will be reduced by 10% to approximately $377,000 for a six-month period, and thereafter his full annual salary will be restored.

 

On April 24, 2020, the employment agreement (the “CEO Agreement”) between the Company and its Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), was amended such that effective May 1, 2020, the CEO’s annual salary will be reduced by 80% to $60,000 for a six-month period. On September 30, 2020, the CEO Agreement was further amended such that effective November 1, 2020, the CEO’s annual salary will be $210,000 for a six month period, and thereafter the initial annual base salary of $300,000 set forth in the CEO Agreement will be restored.

 

Note 12 – Stockholders’ Equity 

 

Amendment to Company Charter 

 

On July 27, 2020, the Company filed an Amendment to its Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to increase the number of shares of common stock currently authorized by the Certificate by 10,000,000 shares, from 65,000,000 shares to 75,000,000 shares.

 

Put Option Agreement and Exercise 

 

On February 25, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into a Put Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Director (the “Chairman”), pursuant to which the Company has an option in its discretion, to sell shares of its common stock (the “Option Shares”) to the Chairman for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $2.0 million, at a purchase price of $1.963 per Option Share, subject to the following limitations: 

 

a)The total number of shares that may be issued under the Agreement will be limited to 19.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares on the date the Agreement is signed (the “Exchange Cap”), unless stockholder approval is obtained to issue shares in excess of the Exchange Cap;

 

b)The Company may not issue and the Chairman may not purchase Option Shares to the extent that such issuance would result in the Chairman and his affiliates beneficially owning more than 19.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock unless (i) such ownership would not be the largest ownership position in the Company, or (ii) stockholder approval is obtained for ownership in excess of 19.99%;

 

23

 

 

c)The Company may not issue, and the Chairman may not purchase any Option Shares if such issuance and purchase would be considered equity compensation under the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market unless stockholder approval is obtained for such issuance; and

 

d)Option Shares are subject to a six-month lock-up period whereby they cannot be sold or transferred.

 

On March 9, 2020, the Company provided notice to the Chairman that it had elected to exercise the Put Option to sell 1,018,848 Option Shares at a purchase price of $1.963 per share for total proceeds of $2,000,000, which was recorded as subscription receivable and common stock subscribed on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Option Shares were not deemed to be issued until the closing of the sale of the Option Shares on May 15, 2020. On September 29, 2020, the Company received proceeds of $21,875 from the Chairman, representing the disgorgement of short swing profits realized from the sale of shares.

 

Stock Options

 

A summary of the option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is presented below:

 

       Weighted   Weighted     
       Average   Average     
   Number of   Exercise   Remaining   Intrinsic 
   Options   Price   Term (Yrs)   Value 
                 
Outstanding, January 1, 2020   2,480,000   $4.34    9.86   $
        -
 
Granted   200,000    2.15           
Exercised   
-
    
-
           
Expired   
-
    
-
           
Forfeited   (250,000)   4.47           
Outstanding, September 30, 2020   2,430,000   $4.15    9.15   $
-
 
                     
Exercisable, September 30, 2020   100,000   $5.66    2.38   $
-
 

 

Options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2020 are as follows:

 

Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
            Weighted        
      Outstanding     Average     Exercisable  
Exercise     Number of     Remaining Life     Number of  
Price     Options     In Years     Options  
2.11       80,000      
-
     
-
 
$ 2.17       120,000      
-
     
-
 
$ 4.09       1,890,000      
-
     
-
 
$ 5.66       340,000       2.38       100,000  
          2,430,000               100,000  

 

Effective June 30, 2020 two of the Company’s directors (the “Resigning Members”) resigned from their positions as members of the Company’s Board of Directors. Options for the purchase of an aggregate of 20,000 shares of common stock, with a grant date value of $43,356, held by the Resigning Directors were modified such that the options will be fully vested on September 20, 2020 and will be exercisable through September 20, 2029. The Company recorded $8,386 of incremental stock-based compensation expense as a result of the option modification during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

24

 

 

On August 7, 2020, the Company’s Board approved, in connection with its general counsel’s transition to a part-time employee, the Company’s waiver of any forfeiture of non-vested options in connection with such transition and termination of employment scheduled for February 2021, such that the options for the purchase of 170,000 shares of common stock (grant date value of $266,733) held by the Company’s general counsel will continue to vest according to their original vesting schedules and will expire ninety days after November 21, 2023. The incremental value of the modified option award of $64,093, along with the unamortized portion of the original award, will be amortized through the termination date in February 2021.

 

The option grants described below were issued from the Company’s 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”).

 

On July 1, 2020, the Company issued ten-year options for the purchase of 80,000 shares of common stock, with a grant date value of $61,186, to two directors of the Company. The options are exercisable at $2.11 per share and have a 4-year vesting term, with 25% vesting on each anniversary of the date of grant.

 

On August 6, 2020, the Company issued ten-year options for the purchase of 120,000 shares of common stock, with an aggregate grant date value of $97,947 to WPT’s general counsel. The options are exercisable at $2.17 per share and have a 4-year vesting term with 25% vesting on each anniversary of the date of grant.

 

The grant date value of options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 were calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, with the following assumptions used:

 

Risk free interest rate   0.55% – 0.69%
Expected term (years)   6.25 
Expected volatility   38%
Expected dividends   0.00%

 

The expected term used for options is the estimated period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company utilizes the “simplified” method to develop an estimate of the expected term of “plain vanilla” option grants. The Company is utilizing an expected volatility figure based on a review of the historical volatilities, over a period of time, equivalent to the expected life of the instrument being valued, of similarly positioned public companies within its industry. The risk-free interest rate was determined from the implied yields from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with a remaining term consistent with the expected term of the instrument being valued.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense related to stock options issued as compensation of $312,117 and $766,279 respectively, and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded $5,940 and $5,940, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, there was $2,789,317 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the stock options that will be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 3.2 years. 

 

Common Stock and Restricted Common Stock

 

A summary of the non-vested restricted common stock activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is presented below:

 

   Number of
Restricted
Stock
   Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Non-vested balance, January 1, 2020   80,393   $5.66 
Granted   199,143    2.02 
Vested   (80,393)   5.66 
Forfeited   
-
    
-
 
Non-vested balance, September 30, 2020   199,143   $2.02 

 

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The stock grants described below were issued from the Company’s Incentive Plan.

 

On July 1, 2020, the Company issued 18,958 shares of restricted common stock with a grant date value $40,000 to two directors of the Company. The restricted common stock remains subject to transfer and forfeiture restrictions until the shares vest on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant.

 

On August 7, 2020, the Company issued 50,000 shares of its common stock and 50,000 shares of restricted common stock, with an aggregate grant date value of $218,000 to its Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). The 50,000 shares of restricted common stock have transfer and forfeiture restrictions until the shares vest in two equal installments on August 18, 2021 and August 18, 2022.

 

On August 7, 2020, the Company issued 217,999 shares of common stock with a grant date value of $474,000 to certain officers and employees of the Company, in satisfaction of bonus obligations incurred in previous years, which were included in accrued expenses as of December 31, 2019.

 

On August 7, 2020, the Company issued 94,471 shares of restricted common stock with a grant date value $205,000 to certain officers and directors. The restricted common stock remains subject to transfer and forfeiture restrictions until the shares vest on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant.

 

On September 24, 2020, the Company issued 35,714 shares of restricted common stock with a grant date value of $50,000 to its CFO. The restricted common stock remains subject to transfer and forfeiture restrictions until the shares vest in two equal installments on August 18, 2021 and August 18, 2022.

 

On September 24, 2020, the Company issued 14,286 shares of common stock to the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The common stock was immediately vested with no restrictions and had grant date value of $20,000.

 

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $265,050 and $496,334, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 respectively, and recorded stock-based compensation of $12,467, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, related to restricted stock issued as compensation. As of September 30, 2020, there was $364,487 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock that will be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.2 years.

 

Warrants

 

A summary of warrant activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is presented below:

 

   Number of
Warrants
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life in Years
   Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2020   18,637,003   $11.50    4.6   $
     -
 
Issued   1,454,546    4.13           
Exercised   
-
    
-
           
Cancelled   
-
    
-
           
Outstanding, September 30, 2020   20,091,549   $10.97    3.9   $
-
 
                     
Exercisable, September 30, 2020   20,091,549   $10.97    3.9   $
-
 

 

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Warrants outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2020 are as follows:

 

Warrants Outstanding   Warrants Exercisable 
Exercise Price   Exercisable Into  Outstanding
Number of
Warrants
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life in Years
   Exercisable
Number of
Warrants
 
$11.50   Common Stock   18,637,003   3.9    18,637,003 
$4.13   Common Stock   1,454,546   4.7    1,454,546 
         20,091,549        20,091,549 

 

On June 8, 2020, the Company issued five-year warrants to purchase 1,454,546 shares of common stock (the “Warrant Shares”) at an exercise price of $4.125 per share, in connection with the issuance of Senior Notes (see Note 7 – Convertible Debt and Convertible Debt, Related Party). The warrants could be exercised on a cashless basis if there was no effective registration statement registering the Warrant Shares at the time of exercise. The registration of the Warrant Shares became effective on July 31, 2020. 

 

The Company computed the fair value of the warrants using a Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: expected volatility of 45%, risk-free rate of 0.45%, expected term of 5 years, and expected dividends of 0.00%.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

From October 1, 2020 through November 2, 2020, the Company issued 1,070,091 shares of its common stock, as Monthly Redemption Payments in the aggregate amount of $1,020,364 on the Senior Notes, and 2,050,778 shares of its common stock, as accelerated Monthly Redemption Payments in the aggregate amount of $2,024,727

 

On October 30, 2020, ESALV entered into an Assent Agreement to Labor Agreement (the “Assent Agreement”) with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Pictures Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada, and Local 720, Las Vegas, Nevada (together, the “Union”), pursuant to which ESALV agreed that the Union would be the exclusive bargaining representative for all stagehand employees, audio visual technicians, wardrobe technicians, wardrobe dressers, and working lead persons employed by ESALV and working at Allied Esports’ flagship arena at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Assent Agreement provides for carveouts from the agreement in connection with third party customers or clients (including the World Poker Tour) producing events at the arena, and in connection with certain ESALV-produced events at the arena utilizing up to a maximum of six (6) regular employees of the Allied Esports group.

 

On November 4, 2020, the Company filed with the Delaware Secretary of State an amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the total number of authorized shares of its common stock from 75,000,000 shares to 100,000,000 shares.

 

On November 5, 2020, Allied Esports entered into an amendment of its lease of event space in Las Vegas Nevada (the “Amended Las Vegas Lease”), pursuant to which (i) the monthly rent to be paid for the period from June 25 through December 31, 2020 (the “Rent Relief Period) was reduced to an amount equal to 20% of gross sales (excluding food sales) at the event space (the “Percentage Rent”), (ii) the initial term of the lease was extended for two additional months until May 31, 2023, and (iii) the option period to extend the lease was extended to between April 1, 2022 and September 30, 2022. Pursuant to the Amended Las Vegas Lease, if the aggregate Percentage Rent during the Rent Relief Period is less than $194,000, Allied Esports must pay the shortfall no later than December 31, 2021.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Cautionary Statements 

 

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2020 and for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and related disclosures as of December 31, 2019 and for the year then ended, which are included in the amended Form 10-K/A (the “Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 17, 2020. References in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to “us”, “we”, “our” and similar terms refer to the Company. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains statements that are forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risk, uncertainties and other factors. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” or “continue,” and similar expressions or variations. Actual results could differ materially because of the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report, and other factors that we may not know. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements above, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 

 

Background 

 

Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. (“AESE”), formerly known as Black Ridge Acquisition Corp, or “BRAC”) was incorporated in Delaware on May 9, 2017. Allied Esports Media, Inc. (“AEM”), a Delaware corporation, was formed in November 2018 to act as a holding company for Allied Esports International Inc. (“Allied Esports”) and Noble Link Global Limited (“Noble Link”). Allied Esports, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates the esports-related businesses of AESE. Noble Link (prior to the Merger) and its wholly owned subsidiaries Peerless Media Limited, Club Services, Inc. and WPT Enterprises, Inc. operate the poker-related business of AESE and are collectively referred to herein as “World Poker Tour” or “WPT”. On August 9, 2019, a subsidiary of AESE merged with AEM, with AEM being the surviving entity (the “Merger”). 

 

The Company 

 

Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. operates a premier public esports and entertainment company, consisting of the Allied Esports and World Poker Tour businesses. For the past 16 years of its 18-year history, WPT’s business model has successfully utilized the following three pillars in the sport of poker, which the Company believes can be utilized by Allied Esports: 

 

in-person experiences;

 

developing multiplatform content; and

 

providing interactive services.

 

The Company plans to continue operating the WPT business and to utilize its business model to execute on its growth strategy in the multibillion-dollar esports industry. Allied Esports will do this by collaborating with its strategic investors, including certain affiliates of Simon Property Group, Inc. (collectively, “Simon”), a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, BPR Cumulus, LLC (“Brookfield”) a world premier real estate company, and TV Azteca, a premier television network in Mexico, to deliver best-in-class live events, content and online products.

 

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Recent Developments 

 

COVID-19 Pandemic. The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 respiratory illness has had an adverse effect on the Company. As a global entertainment company that hosts numerous live events with spectators and participants in destination cities, such outbreak has caused people to avoid traveling to and attending our events. Allied Esports and WPT businesses have cancelled or postponed live events, and until Allied Esports’ flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada reopened on June 25, 2020 these businesses were operating online only. The arena is currently running under a modified schedule for daily play and weekly tournaments, and the WPT business continues to operate primarily online. Production of certain content has been temporarily halted. At this time, we cannot determine the extent that such outbreak may have on our operations.

 

TV Azteca Amended Agreement. On July 20, 2020, we entered into an Amendment to TV Azteca Agreement (the “Azteca Amendment). The Azteca Amendment provides that, subject to the approval of the terms of the Azteca Amendment by the Company’s Board of Directors: (i) TV Azteca waives our obligations under the Term Sheet to pay TV Azteca $1,000,000 on each of March 1, 2021 and March 1, 2022 for various strategic initiatives, and to further invest in and develop an esports platform for the Mexican market; (ii) we shall waive the 24-month lock-up that prohibits TV Azteca from selling or transferring the 763,904 shares of Company common stock TV Azteca purchased pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement (the “Purchased Shares”); (iii) TV Azteca may sell the Purchased Shares in compliance with applicable securities laws, subject to selling at a reasonable market price and subject to a daily volume cap not to exceed 25% of the our total daily Nasdaq trading volume; and (iv) if TV Azteca sells all of the Purchased Shares within a three-month period following our Board of Directors approval of the Azteca Amendment, for gross proceeds of less than $1,600,000, then on March 1, 2021, we shall contribute additional capital to the parties’ strategic alliance pursuant to the Term Sheet in an amount equal to such shortage.

 

Simon Partnership. We previously entered into a Share Purchase Agreement and an Escrow Agreement (the “Purchase Agreements”) and related services agreements with Simon Equity Development, LLC and its affiliates (collectively, “Simon”), which set forth the terms of a strategic investment by Simon to develop an annual esports program in collaboration with the Company. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreements, $5,000,000 was previously held in an escrow account to be used for development of such activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed indefinitely the parties’ ability to plan and budget for the 2020 and 2021 esports programming and esports venues. On March 26, 2020, the remaining balance in the escrow account, $3,650,000, was transferred to Simon. The parties have agreed to extend the due date from March 8, 2020 to January 31, 2021 under the applicable agreements to continue to develop and budget for the annual esports program and esports venues in future years once the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. 

 

Brookfield Partnership. On January 14, 2020, we issued 758,725 shares of its common stock to BPR Cumulus LLC, an affiliate of Brookfield Property Partners (“Brookfield”) in exchange for $5,000,000 (the “Purchase Price”) pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Price was placed into escrow and is to be used by us or our subsidiaries to develop integrated esports experience venues at mutually agreed upon shopping malls owned and/or operated by Brookfield or any of its affiliates, that will include a dedicated gaming space and production capabilities to attract and to activate esports and other emerging live events.

 

Litigation. On March 23, 2020, an employee of Allied Esports filed a claim in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging various employment misconduct against Allied Esports, the Company, and an officer of the Company in connection with a competition being hosted by Allied Esports. The claim alleged damages in excess of $3.1 million and suggested that the defendants could be subject to punitive damages. The parties agreed to a mediation and all claims asserted against us by the employee were settled on September 10, 2020 for an amount significantly less than the original claim. The matter is now closed.

 

29

 

 

CARES Act. On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) which contains tax and spending provisions intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), a program designed to aid small- and medium-sized businesses through federally guaranteed loans distributed through banks. These loans are intended to guarantee eight weeks of payroll and other costs to provide support to participating businesses and increase the ability of these businesses to retain workers. During May 2020, we received aggregate cash proceeds of $1,592,429 pursuant to three loans provided in connection with the PPP (the “PPP Loans”). While the PPP Loans currently have a two-year maturity, the amended law permits each borrower to request a five-year maturity from its lender.

 

Under the terms of the CARES Act, as amended by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, we are eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness for all or a portion of PPP Loans. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of PPP Loans proceeds for certain permissible purposes as set forth in the PPP, including, but not limited to, payroll costs (as defined under the PPP) and mortgage interest, rent or utility costs (collectively, “Qualifying Expenses”), and the maintenance of employee and compensation levels during the twenty-four week period following the funding of the PPP Loan. We intend to use the proceeds of the PPP Loan for Qualifying Expenses. However, no assurance is provided that we will be able to obtain forgiveness of any PPP Loans in whole or in part.

 

Debt Conversion. On April 29, 2020, we entered into a Secured Convertible Note Modification and Conversion Agreement (the “Amendment 1”), with a holder of a $5,000,000 Bridge Note (the “Noteholder”), pursuant to which the Noteholder converted $2,000,000 of the principal amount of its Bridge Note into 1,250,000 shares of our common stock at a reduced conversion price of $1.60 per share. On May 22, 2020, we entered into a Secured Convertible Note Modification and Conversion Agreement No. 2 (“Amendment 2”) with the Noteholder pursuant to which the remaining principal amount of the Note ($3,000,000) was converted into 2,142,857 shares of our common stock at a reduced conversion price of $1.40 per share. Further, pursuant to Amendment 2, interest on the $5,000,000 principal owed to the Noteholder prior to conversion will continue to accrue through the original maturity date of the Bridge Note, as if the principal amount had not been converted. On June 8, 2020, we entered into Secured Convertible Note Modification Agreement No. 3 (“Amendment 3” and together with Amendment 1 and Amendment 2, the “Amendments”) with the Noteholder. Pursuant to Amendment 3, the total minimum accrued interest payable pursuant to Amendment 2 in the amount of $1,421,096 was converted into principal under the Noteholder’s Bridge Note (the “Amended Bridge Note”) The Amended Bridge Note matures on February 23, 2022. Interest on the Amended Bridge Note will accrue commencing on August 23, 2020 at 12% per annum (increasing to 15% per annum upon an event of default as defined). Principal and interest owed under the Amended Bridge Note is not convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock. 

 

We recorded a conversion inducement charge of $5,247,531 as a result of the Amendments, consisting of $4,998,845 representing the value of common stock issued upon conversion in excess of the common stock issuable under the original terms of the $5,000,000 Bridge Note, and $248,686, representing the excess of minimum interest payable pursuant to Amendment 3 over the interest payable pursuant to the original terms of the $5,000,000 Bridge Note. 

 

Extension of Bridge Notes. On June 8, 2020, the Company and the holders (the “Extending Bridge Noteholders”) of two Bridge Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 (together, the “Extended Bridge Notes”), each entered into a Secured Convertible Note Modification (Extension) Agreement with the Company (together, the “Bridge Note Extensions”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Extending Bridge Noteholders agreed to extend the maturity date of their respective Extended Bridge Note until February 23, 2022. Interest on the Extended Bridge Notes will continue to accrue at 12.0% per year and may be prepaid without penalty. The remaining provisions of the Extended Bridge Notes remain unchanged and in effect. One of the Extending Bridge Noteholders is Man Sha, the spouse of Frank Ng, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and a Director. 

 

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On August 13, 2020 we paid an aggregate of $425,096 related to interest payable on the Extended Bridge Notes, such that the balance of principal and interest outstanding under the Extended Bridge Notes as of September 30, 2020 is $2,000,000 and $24,760, respectively.

 

Senior Secured Convertible Notes. On June 8, 2020, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) between the Company and certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), we issued two senior secured convertible notes (the “Senior Notes”) with an aggregate principal balance of $9,600,000 and immediately vested five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate 1,454,546 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.125 per share for net cash proceeds of $9,000,000. The Senior Notes bear interest at 8% per annum and mature on June 8, 2022, with an aggregate of $1,536,000 of interest guaranteed to be paid to the Investors. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and the Company agreed it would not take on additional debt from third parties without the Investors’ written approval, subject to certain exceptions for ordinary course trade debt. The Company also agreed to use 35% of the proceeds from future financings in excess of $3 million (or $5 million if approved by the Investors) to pay down the outstanding balance on the Senior Notes. The Company reserves its rights under the Purchase Agreement to consummate, subject to certain exceptions, a debtor or equity offering of up to $5 million in the future.

 

The Senior Notes and two years of interest are payable in equal monthly installments (the “Monthly Redemption Payment”), commencing on August 7, 2020. Each Monthly Redemption Payment may be paid at the Company’s option in cash, or in shares of common stock (the “Stock Settlement Option”) at a price equal to 87% of the lowest daily volume weighted average price in the 10 days prior to the scheduled payment date (the “Stock Settlement Price”), provided that (i) the Company gives thirty days written irrevocable notice (the “Monthly Redemption Notice”), (ii) all amounts due have been paid timely, (iii) there are sufficient number of authorized shares available to be issued, (iv) the Investors do not possess any material non-public information at the time the Company issues the common stock, and (v) the Company’s shares have met certain minimum volume and closing price thresholds. The Stock Settlement Price cannot be lower than $0.734 per share. Monthly Redemption Payments paid in cash require the payment of a 10% premium in addition to the monthly installment. 

 

Each Investor may accelerate up to four Monthly Redemption Payments in any calendar month and may elect to have such accelerated Monthly Redemption Payments paid in shares of the Company’s common stock at the Stock Settlement Price of the contemporaneous or immediately prior Monthly Redemption Payment, instead of in cash. 

 

The Senior Notes are convertible at each Investor’s option, in whole or in part, and from time to time, into shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Holder Conversion Option” and together, with the Stock Settlement Option, the “ECOs”) at $3.30 per share (subject to adjustment to convert at the same price as any subsequent issuances of Company common stock at a lower issuance price, subject to certain exceptions) (the “Holder Conversion Price”); provided, however, that the parties may not affect any such conversion that would result in an Investor (together with its affiliates) owning in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the conversion (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). Each Investor, upon notice to the Company, may elect to increase or decrease its Beneficial Ownership Limitation, provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation may not exceed 9.99%. 

 

Between August 7 and November 2, 2020, we issued 6,282,839 shares of our common stock, as redemption payments on the Senior Notes, of which 4,532,080 shares were issued in connection with accelerated Monthly Redemption Payments.

 

Additional Common Stock Issuance. On May 15, 2020, the Company closed on a sale of 1,018,848 shares of common stock to the Company’s Chairman of the Board, in exchange for $2,000,000 of cash proceeds, pursuant to the Company’s March 9, 2020 exercise of a February 25, 2020 put option agreement.

 

On September 29, 2020, the Company received proceeds of $21,875 from the Chairman, representing the disgorgement of short swing profits realized from the sale of shares.

 

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Results of Operations 

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared With the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

   For the       Percentage of Revenue 
   Three Months Ended       Three Months Ended 
   September 30,   Increase   September 30, 
in thousands, except for percentage of revenue data  2020   2019   (Decrease)   2020   2019 
                     
Revenues:                    
In-person  $697   $2,587   $(1,890)        12%        43%
Multiplatform content   1,264    1,032    232    21%   17%
Interactive   3,927    2,423    1,504    67%   40%
Total Revenues   5,888    6,042    (154)   100%   100%
Costs and Expenses:                         
In-person (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   640    1,197    (557)   11%   20%
Multiplatform content (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   928    787    141    16%   13%
Interactive (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   1,250    569    681    21%   9%
Online operating expenses   330    173    157    6%   3%
Selling and marketing expenses   168    706    (538)   3%   12%
General and administrative expenses   3,578    4,693    (1,115)   61%   78%
Stock-based compensation   577    18    559    10%   0%
Depreciation and amortization   1,738    1,716    22    30%   28%
Total Costs and Expenses   9,209    9,859    (650)   156%   163%
Loss From Operations   (3,321)   (3,817)   496    (56%)   (63%)
Other (Expense) Income:                         
Other income   (3)   16    19   (0%)   0%
Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption   (1,734)   -    1,734   (29%)   0%
Interest expense   (1,490)   (452)   1,038   (25%)   (7%)
Total Other Expense   (3,227)   (436)   2,791   (55%)   (7%)
Net Loss  $(6,548)  $(4,253)  $2,295   (111%)   (70%)

 

Revenues 

 

In-person revenues decreased by approximately $1.9 million, or 73%, to approximately $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in in-person revenues is primarily due to a decrease in revenue generated from in-person events, which consists of ticket, merchandising, food, and beverage revenue and sponsorship revenue, due to government mandated closures of our facilities, postponed events, and social distancing measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Multiplatform content revenues increased by approximately $0.3 million, or 22%, to approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Increase in multiplatform content revenues primarily related to an increase in distribution revenue from two major customers, partially offset by decreased music royalty revenues.

 

Interactive revenues increased by approximately $1.5 million, or 62%, to approximately $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in interactive revenues all relates to the WPT business and is primarily attributable to the increase in subscription revenue and increased online participation related to social gaming revenue due to the mandatory quarantine and stay-at-home measures imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

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Costs and expenses 

 

In-person costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased by approximately $0.6 million, or 47%, to approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in in-person costs is primarily related to the decrease in in-person revenues due to the postponement or cancellation of events and the reduced capacity and temporary closure of Allied Esports’ flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Multiplatform content costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by approximately $0.1 million, or 18%, to approximately $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Certain film production costs are deferred when incurred and are amortized in the proportion of the current year revenues to management’s estimate of ultimate revenue to be recognized from the related production. Increases in estimated ultimate revenues result in a lower amortization rate, and less amortization of capitalized costs, while decreases in estimated ultimate revenues increase the amortization rate and result in higher amortization of capitalized costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, management reduced its estimate of ultimate revenues to be earned in connection with certain productions, which resulted in an increase in amortization of capitalized costs during the period.

 

Interactive costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by approximately $0.7 million, or 120%, to approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily in connection with increased interactive revenues during the period. Beginning in June 2020, the Company introduced a new poker subscription service, resulting in higher prize pools and revenue share costs. The Company expects that margins related to the new platform will improve as it gains recognition.

 

Online operating expenses increased by approximately $0.1 million, or 91%, to approximately $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily related to increased software maintenance expenses. 

 

Selling and marketing expenses decreased by approximately $0.5 million, or 76%, to approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to the decrease in events held during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $1.1 million, or 23%, to approximately $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in general and administrative costs primarily results from decreases in accounting, legal, and consulting fees incurred in connection with the Merger during the three months ended September 30, 2019, decreases in travel, meals, and entertainment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and decreases in bonuses earned during the period. 

 

Stock-based compensation increased by approximately $0.6 million to approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $18 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2019, which represents the amortization of stock options and restricted stock which were granted during September 2019 and during the third quarter of 2020.

 

Depreciation and amortization was approximately $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

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Other income (expense) 

 

Other expense increased by approximately $2.8 million, or 640%, to approximately $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

 

Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption of approximately $1.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, resulted from the from acceleration of monthly payments on the Senior Secured notes that were issued in June 2020. There was no extinguishment loss recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2019. 

 

Interest expense increased by approximately $1.0 million, or 230%, to approximately $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to the amortization of debt discount on the Senior Notes issued in June 2020. Debt discount on the Senior Notes initially aggregated to approximately $6.3 million and is being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes.

 

Results of Operations for the Nine months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared With the Nine months Ended September 30, 2019 

 

   For the       Percentage of Revenue 
   Nine Months Ended       Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   Increase   September 30, 
in thousands, except for percentage of revenue data  2020   2019   (Decrease)   2020   2019 
                     
Revenues:                    
In-person  $3,701   $8,554   $(4,853)   22%   44%
Multiplatform content   3,187    3,874    (687)   19%   20%
Interactive   9,628    7,187    2,441    58%   37%
Total Revenues   16,516    19,615    (3,099)   100%   100%
Costs and Expenses:                         
In-person (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   2,135    3,335    (1,200)   13%   17%
Multiplatform content (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   1,954    2,908    (954)   12%   15%
Interactive (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   2,983    1,976    1,007    18%   10%
Online operating expenses   994    401    593    6%   2%
Selling and marketing expenses   1,093    2,393    (1,300)   7%   12%
General and administrative expenses   12,165    13,266    (1,101)   74%   68%
Stock-based compensation   4,913    18    4,895    30%   0%
Depreciation and amortization   5,330    5,134    196    32%   26%
Impairment of investment in ESA   1,139    600    539    7%   3%
Total Costs and Expenses   32,706    30,031    2,675    198%   153%
Loss From Operations   (16,190)   (10,416)   (5,775)   (98%)   (53%)
Other Income (Expense):                         
Other income   1    15    14   0%   0%
Conversion inducement expense   (5,247)   -    5,247   32%   0%
Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption   (1,734)   -    1,734   10%   0%
Interest expense   (3,036)   (518)   2,518   18%   (3%)
Total Other Expense   (10,016)   (503)   9,513   61%   (3%)
Net Loss  $(26,206)  $(10,919)  $15,287   (159%)   (56%)

 

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Revenues 

 

In-person revenues decreased by approximately $4.9 million, or 57% to approximately $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $8.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in in-person revenues is primarily due to a decrease in revenue generated from in-person events, which consists of ticket, merchandising, food, and beverage revenue and sponsorship revenue, due to government mandated closures of our facilities, postponed events, and social distancing measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Multiplatform content revenues decreased by approximately $0.7 million, or 18%, to approximately $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily related to decreased music royalty revenues. Music royalties are estimated each quarter and are subsequently trued up when actual royalties earned are reported to the Company. There was a $0.6 million decrease in music royalties recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as the result of true up charges recorded in each of the periods. 

 

Interactive revenues increased by approximately $2.4 million, or 34%, to approximately $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in interactive revenues all relates to the WPT business and is primarily attributable to the increase in subscription revenue and increased online participation related to social gaming revenue due to the mandatory quarantine and stay-at-home measures imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Costs and expenses 

 

In-person costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased by approximately $1.2 million, or 36%, to approximately $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in in-person costs is primarily related to the decrease in in-person revenues due to the postponement or cancellation of events and the temporary closure of, and reduced capacity at, Allied Esports’ flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Multiplatform content costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased by approximately $0.9 million, or 33%, to approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to a decrease in production costs related to television content, since production of content was temporarily stopped as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Interactive costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by approximately $1.0 million, or 51%, to approximately $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily in connection with increased interactive revenues during the period.

 

Online operating expenses increased by approximately $0.6 million, or 148%, to approximately $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily related to increased software maintenance expenses.

 

Selling and marketing expenses decreased by approximately $1.3 million, or 54%, to approximately $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to the decrease in events held during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $1.1 million, or 8%, to approximately $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $13.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in general and administrative costs primarily results from decreases in accounting, legal, and consulting fees incurred in connection with the Merger during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, decreases in travel, meals, and entertainment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and decreases in bonuses earned during the period. 

 

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Stock-based compensation increased by approximately $4.9 million to approximately $4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $18 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Of the $4.9 million of stock-based compensation recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, approximately $1.3 million related to the amortization of stock options and restricted stock, and approximately $3.7 million was recognized upon the return of cash held in escrow in connection with an escrow agreement with Simon. The $18 thousand of stock-based compensation recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 related to the amortization of stock options and restricted stock.

 

Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $0.2 million, or 4%, to approximately $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $5.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. 

 

Impairment expense of approximately $1.1 million and $0.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to our investment in Esports Arena LLC (“ESA”). 

 

 Other income (expense) 

 

Other expense increased by approximately $9.5 million to approximately $10.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from approximately $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

Extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption of approximately $1.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, resulted from the from acceleration of monthly payments on the Senior Notes during the period. There was no extinguishment loss on acceleration of debt redemption recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

Conversion inducement expense of approximately $5.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, resulted from the reduction in the conversion price and the increase in interest payable to induce conversion of certain convertible debt converted during the period. There was no conversion inducement expense recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. 

 

Interest expense was approximately $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to the amortization of debt discount on the Senior Notes issued in June 2020. Debt discount on the Senior Notes initially aggregated to approximately $6.3 million and is being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

 

The following table summarizes our total current assets, current liabilities and working capital at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively:

 

(in thousands)  September 30,
2020
   December 31,
2019
 
Current Assets  $13,487   $15,580 
Current Liabilities  $13,434   $24,627 
Working Capital (Deficit)  $53   $(9,047)

 

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash on the balance sheet and funds raised through debt or equity financing. 

 

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As of September 30, 2020, we had cash and working capital of approximately $5.8 million (excluding approximately $5.0 million of restricted cash) and $53 thousand, respectively. Current liabilities include Senior Notes in the gross principal amount of $5.7 million which is payable in 12 monthly installments through September 1, 2021, and for which certain payments can be accelerated at the option of the lender. As of September 30, 2020, the Company also has a Bridge Note outstanding in the amount of approximately $1.4 million and convertible debt in the aggregate amount of $2.0 million, which mature on February 23, 2022, and loans payable in the aggregate amount of $1.6 million outstanding under the Paycheck Protection Program as described below, which are due in monthly installments beginning in November and continuing through April 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred net losses of approximately $26.2 million and $10.9 million, respectively, and used cash in operations of approximately $6.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively. The aforementioned factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the issuance date of our condensed consolidated financial statements. During the period from October 1, 2020 and November 2, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate 3,120,869 shares of its common stock in satisfaction of $2.6 million and $0.4 million of principal and interest, owed on the Senior Notes, such that the principal owed on the Senior Notes as of November 2, 2020 is approximately $3.1 million.

 

The Company’s continuation is dependent upon attaining and maintaining profitable operations and the ability to generate positive cash flow from the various revenue sources it is pursuing. Until that time, we will need to raise additional capital to fund the operation at adequate levels to achieve our objectives. There can be no assurance that we will be able to close on sufficient financing to meet our needs. Prior to the Merger, in addition to our revenues, our operations relied heavily on investment from Ourgame by means of operational support and through the issuance of debt.

 

We continue to pursue sources of additional capital through various financing transactions or arrangements, including joint venturing of projects, debt financing or other means, including equity financing in the capital markets now available to us. However, pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with the Senior Note, the Company agreed it would not take on additional debt from third parties without the Investors’ written approval, subject to certain exceptions for ordinary course trade debt. The Company also agreed to use 35% of the proceeds from future financings in excess of $3.0 million (or $5.0 million if approved by the Investors) to pay down the outstanding balance on the Senior Notes. The Company reserves its rights under the Purchase Agreement to consummate, subject to certain exceptions, a debtor or equity offering of up to $5.0 million in the future. 

 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic which continues to spread throughout the United States. As a global entertainment company that hosts numerous live events with spectators and participants in destination cities, such outbreak has caused people to avoid traveling to and attending our events. Allied Esports and WPT businesses have cancelled or postponed live events, and until Allied Esports’ flagship gaming arena located at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada reopened on June 25, 2020 these businesses were operating online only. The arena is currently running under a modified schedule for daily play and weekly tournaments, and except for a recent WPT live event in Tokyo, the WPT business continues to operate primarily online. Production of new content has been temporarily halted. We are continuing to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 and the related business and travel restrictions and changes to behavior intended to reduce its spread, and the related impact on our operations, financial position and cash flows, as well as the impact on our employees. Due to the rapid development and fluidity of this situation, the magnitude and duration of the pandemic and its impact on our operations and liquidity is uncertain as of the date of this report. While there could ultimately be a material impact on our operations and liquidity, at the time of issuance, the impact cannot be determined.

 

Paycheck Protection Program Loans 

 

During May 2020, we received aggregate cash proceeds of $1,592,429 pursuant to three loans (the “PPP Loans”) provided in connection with the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the CARES Act. The PPP Loans mature two years from date of issuance and bear interest at a rate of 0.98% per annum. Monthly amortized principal and interest payments are deferred for nine months after the date of disbursement. While the PPP Loans currently have a two-year maturity, the amended law permits the borrower to request a five-year maturity from its lenders. 

 

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Under the terms of the CARES Act, as amended by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, we are eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness for all or a portion of PPP Loans. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of PPP Loans proceeds for certain permissible purposes as set forth in the PPP, including, but not limited to, payroll costs (as defined under the PPP) and mortgage interest, rent or utility costs (collectively, “Qualifying Expenses”), and on the maintenance of employee and compensation levels during the twenty-four week period following the funding of the PPP Loans. We intend to use the proceeds of the PPP Loans for Qualifying Expenses. However, no assurance is provided that we will be able to obtain forgiveness of any of the PPP Loans in whole or in part.

 

Cash Flows from Operating, Investing and Financing Activities

 

The table below summarizes cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands)  2020   2019 
Net cash (used in) provided by          
Operating activities  $(6,525)  $(7,751)
Investing activities  $(4,666)  $7,930 
Financing activities  $9,847   $3,653 

 

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities 

 

Net cash used in operating activities primarily represents the results of operations exclusive of non-cash expenses (including depreciation, amortization, bad debt expense, deferred rent, conversion inducement expense, extinguishment loss, impairment expense, stock-based compensation, non-cash interest and amortization of debt discount) and the impact of changes in operating assets and liabilities.

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $6.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively, representing a decrease of $1.3 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the net loss of approximately $26.2 million and $10.9 million, respectively, adjusted for approximately $20.4 million and $6.1 million, respectively, of net non-cash expenses, and approximately $0.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, of cash used to fund changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities.

 

Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Investing Activities 

 

Net cash used in investing activities primarily relates to the purchase of property and equipment and other investment activity, partially offset by lease incentive reimbursements received. 

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $4.7 million as compared to net cash provided by investing activities of approximately $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a difference of approximately $12.6 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we returned $3.7 million of cash held in escrow in connection with the Simon Agreement, invested $1.5 million with TV Azteca as part of our Strategic Investment Agreement, received $1.0 million in lease incentive reimbursements, and purchased $0.5 million of property and equipment and intangible assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we received $14.9 million of net cash acquired related to the Merger, partially offset by our $1.2 million investment in ESA, $3.5 million investment in TV Azteca, and purchase of $2.3 million of property and equipment and intangible assets.

 

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Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities primarily relates to proceeds received through equity and debt financings, partially offset by repayments of debt. 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $9.8 million as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of approximately $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a difference of approximately $6.1 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we received approximately $9.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of convertible debt, $7.0 million of proceeds from the sale of our common stock, and approximately $1.6 million of proceeds received from loans payable, partially offset by approximately $7.0 million of convertible debt repayments and $0.8 million of issuance costs paid. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we received $4.0 million of proceeds from convertible debt, partially offset by approximately $0.3 million of repayments to our former Parent. 

 

Capital Expenditures 

 

We will require additional investment to facilitate our growth plans. As a result, we plan to pivot our business goals to focus on expanding and strengthening our strategic partnerships and developing other potential avenues of business, which we are in the process of finalizing. We will provide further updates in future filings as we update our business plans.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

 

The Company does not engage in any off-balance sheet financing activities, nor does the Company have any interest in entities referred to as variable interest entities.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

 

Refer to our amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 17, 2020, for a discussion of our critical accounting policies and use of estimates, as well as Note 3 of Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a summary of changes in significant accounting policies. 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. This amendment will be effective for private companies and emerging growth companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10 “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” in July 2018 (“ASU 2018-10” and “ASU 2018-11”), and ASU No. 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842) - Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors” in December 2018 (“ASU 2018-20”). ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-20 provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows all entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to choose an additional (and optional) transition method of adoption, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. 

 

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In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The new guidance simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Under current guidance, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test requires entities to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The carrying value in excess of the implied fair value is recognized as goodwill impairment. Under the new standard, goodwill impairment is recognized based on Step 1 of the current guidance, which calculates the carrying value in excess of the reporting unit’s fair value. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). These amendments provide clarifications and corrections to certain ASC subtopics including the following: Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income – Overall (Topic 220-10), Debt - Modifications and Extinguishments (Topic 470-50), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity – Overall (Topic 480-10), Compensation - Stock Compensation - Income Taxes (Topic 718-740), Business Combinations - Income Taxes (Topic 805-740), Derivatives and Hedging – Overall (Topic 815-10), and Fair Value Measurement – Overall (Topic 820-10). The majority of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 will be effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). The amendments in ASU 2018-13 modify the disclosure requirements associated with fair value measurements based on the concepts in the Concepts Statement, including the consideration of costs and benefits. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. 

 

In February 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842) – Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date (“ASU 2020-02”) which provides clarifying guidance and minor updates to ASU No. 2016-13 – Financial Instruments – Credit Loss (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”) and related to ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2020-02 amends the effective date of ASU 2016-13, such that ASU 2016-13 and its amendments will be effective for us for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 to have material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

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In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”), to clarify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this update reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock by removing the cash conversion model and the beneficial conversion feature model. Limiting the accounting models will result in fewer embedded conversion features being separately recognized from the host contract. Convertible instruments that continue to be subject to separation models are (1) those with embedded conversion features that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, that meet the definition of a derivative, and that do not qualify for a scope exception from derivative accounting and (2) convertible debt instruments issued with substantial premiums for which the premiums are recorded as paid-in-capital. In addition, this ASU improves disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and earnings-per-share guidance. The ASU also revises the derivative scope exception guidance to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions driven by remote contingent events. The amendments in this update are effective for us in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption will be permitted, but no earlier than for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable. 

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

 

Our management, under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such terms are defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2020. Based on this evaluation our management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2020 to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports was recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. 

 

Despite not conducting a formal assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting, management identified the following material weaknesses as of December 31, 2019, which persist as of September 30, 2020: 

 

inadequate internal controls, including inadequate segregation of duties, over the preparation and review of the consolidated financial statements and untimely annual closings of the books;

 

inadequate controls and procedures as they relate to completeness of information reported by certain third parties that process transactions related to specific revenue streams; and

 

inadequate information technology general controls as it relates to user access and change management. 

 

A material weakness is a control deficiency or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a company with limited accounting resources, a significant amount of management’s time and attention has been and will be diverted from our business to ensure compliance with these regulatory requirements. 

  

Management has taken significant steps to enhance our internal control over financial reporting and plans to take additional steps to remediate the material weaknesses, including: 

 

hiring new accounting personnel;

 

transitioning oversight of financial reporting to a principal financial officer; and

 

engaging a national accounting advisory firm to assist with the documentation, evaluation, remediation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO. 

 

Our management will establish procedures to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and are committed to taking further action and implementing necessary enhancements or improvements. Management expects to complete its assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting and has a plan in place to complete the remediation of the foregoing deficiencies during 2020. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting which occurred during our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

41

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On March 23, 2020, an employee of Allied Esports filed a claim in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging various employment misconduct against Allied Esports, the Company and an officer of Allied Esports in connection with a competition being hosted by Allied Esports. The claim alleged damages in excess of $3.1 million and suggested that the defendants could be subject to punitive damages. The parties agreed to a mediation and all claims asserted against us by the employee for were settled on September 10, 2020 for an amount significantly less than the original claim. The matter is now closed.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide information required by this Item. However, our current risk factors are set forth in our amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 17, 2020. 

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None. 

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None. 

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable. 

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

On November 4, 2020, the Company filed with the Delaware Secretary of State an amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the total number of authorized shares of its common stock from 75,000,000 shares to 100,000,000 shares. A copy of the Amendment is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit   Description
3.1   Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.
31.1*   Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2*   Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1*   Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2*   Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
99.1*   Press Release
101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*   XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL*   XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*   XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*   XBRL Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*   XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

 

* Filed herewith

 

42

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  ALLIED ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
   
Dated: November 9, 2020 By: /s/ Frank Ng
   

Frank Ng, Chief Executive Officer

 
(Principal Executive Officer)

     
Dated: November 9, 2020 By: /s/ Anthony Hung
   

Anthony Hung, Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

43

 

 

 

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