ITEM 1.BUSINESS
DESCRIPTION OF THE WILHELMINA BUSINESS
Overview
The primary business of Wilhelmina is fashion model management. These business operations are headquartered in New York City. The Company’s predecessor was founded in 1967 by Wilhelmina Cooper, a renowned fashion model, and became one of the oldest, best known and largest fashion model management companies in the world. Since its founding, Wilhelmina has grown to include operations located in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and London, as well as a network of licensees. Wilhelmina provides traditional, full-service fashion model and talent management services, specializing in the representation and management of models, entertainers, athletes and other talent, to various clients, including retailers, designers, advertising agencies, print and electronic media and catalog companies. The Company was incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1996.
Organization and Operating Divisions
The Company acquired the predecessor companies constituting its current primary business in 2008. The Company conducts its business through operating divisions and subsidiaries engaged in fashion model management and other complementary businesses. These business activities are focused on the following key areas:
·Fashion model and social media influencer management
·Celebrity management
·Licensing and branding associations
During the third quarter of 2020, Wilhelmina ceased representation of hair and make-up artists, to better focus on core fashion model and social media influencer talent. The Wilhelmina Studio division, which offered services relating to content creation, production, casting, and influencer programming, was closed and ceased operations during the fourth quarter of 2019.
Fashion Model and Social Media Influencer Management
Wilhelmina is focused on providing fashion modeling talent and social media influencer services to clients such as advertising agencies, branded consumer goods companies, fashion designers, Internet sites, retailers, department stores, product catalogs and magazine publications.
The fashion model/talent/influencer management industry can be divided into many subcategories, including advertising campaigns, catalog/e-commerce, runway, showroom and editorial work. Advertising work involves modeling for advertisements featuring consumer products such as cosmetics, clothing and other items to be placed in magazines and newspapers, on billboards and with other types of media. Catalog and e-commerce work involves modeling of products to be sold through promotional catalogs and Internet commerce sites. Runway work involves modeling at fashion shows, which primarily take place in Paris, Milan, London and New York City. Showroom work involves on-site modeling of products at client showrooms and other events and production “fit” work whereby a model serves as the sizing model for apparel items. Editorial work involves modeling for the cover and editorial sections of magazines and websites.
Clients pay for talent to appear in photo shoots for Internet sites, magazine features, print advertising, direct mail marketing, and product catalogs, as well as to appear in runway shows to present new designer collections, fit modeling, and on-location presentations and events. In addition, talent may also appear in film and television commercials. Wilhelmina develops and diversifies its talent portfolio through a combination of ongoing local, regional and international scouting and talent-search efforts to source new talent, as well as cooperating with other agencies that represent talent.
Within its fashion model management business, Wilhelmina has two primary sources of service revenue: (i) commissions paid by models as a percentage of their gross earnings; and (ii) service charges paid by clients in addition to booking fees, calculated as a percentage of the models’ booking fees. Wilhelmina believes that its commission rates and service charges are comparable to those of its principal competitors.
Wilhelmina’s fashion model management operations are organized into divisions called “boards,” each of which specializes by the type of models it represents. Wilhelmina’s boards are generally described in the table below.
Each major board is headed by a director who manages the agents assigned to the board. The agents of each board act both as bookers (including promoting models, negotiating fees and contracting work) and as talent scouts/managers (including providing models with career and development guidance and helping them better market themselves). Although agents individually develop professional relationships with models, models are represented by a board collectively and not by a specific agent. Wilhelmina’s organization into boards enables Wilhelmina to provide clients with services tailored to their particular needs, to allow models to benefit from agents’ specialized experience in their particular markets, and to limit Wilhelmina’s dependency on any specialty market or agent.
Most senior agents are employed pursuant to employment agreements that include noncompetition provisions such as a prohibition from working with Wilhelmina’s models and clients for a certain period of time after the end of the agent’s employment with Wilhelmina. Wilhelmina typically signs its models to three-year exclusive contracts, which it actively enforces.
The Aperture division operates in New York and Los Angeles, and offers models, social media influencers, and actors representation for commercials, film, and television.
Wilhelmina London Limited (“London”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Wilhelmina International, Inc., was acquired in January 2015. The London subsidiary establishes a footprint for the Company in Western Europe, provides a base of operations to service the Company’s European clients, and serves as a new talent development office for European models and artists.
Celebrity Management
Wilhelmina’s Celebrity division seeks to secure endorsement and spokesperson work for celebrities from the worlds of sports, music and entertainment. The Celebrity division has two primary sources of revenue: (i) commissions paid by talent as a percentage of their gross earnings; and (ii) royalties or a service charge paid by clients. Wilhelmina’s Celebrity division management works with emerging artists and established celebrity names to match them with leading fashion brands and companies.
Licensing & Branding Associations
Wilhelmina Licensing, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary that collects third-party licensing fees in connection with the licensing of the “Wilhelmina” name. Third-party licensees include several leading fashion model agencies in local markets in the U.S. and internationally. The film and television business consists of occasional television syndication royalties and production series contracts. Also, from time to time, the Company conducts model search contests and other events in an effort to expand the Wilhelmina brand and recruit talent.
Competition
The fashion model/talent management business is highly competitive. New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, as well as London, Paris, and Milan, are considered the most important markets for the fashion talent management industry. Most of the leading international firms are headquartered in New York City. Wilhelmina’s principal competitors include other large fashion model management businesses in the U.S., including IMG Models, Elite Model Management, Ford Models, Inc., DNA Model Management, NEXT Model Management, The Lions Model Management, The Society Management, Women 360 Management, and New York Model Management. However, Wilhelmina is the only publicly-owned fashion talent management company in the world.
Competition also includes foreign agencies and smaller U.S. agencies in local markets that recruit local talent and cater to local market needs. Several of the larger fashion talent firms operate offices in multiple cities and countries or have chosen to partner with local or foreign agencies.
The Company believes that its sources of revenue, mainly generated from commissions and service charges, are comparable to those of its principal competitors. Therefore, for the Company to obtain a competitive advantage, it must develop and maintain a deep pool of talent and deliver high quality service to its clients. The Company believes that through its scouting efforts, name recognition, and licensing network, it is able to recruit a deeper pool of talent relative to its competitors. These recruitment tools, coupled with the broad range of fashion boards available to the Company’s talent, enable the Company to develop talent and generate a broader range of revenues relative to its principal competitors. While a broad range of talent and boards provides a level of stability to the business, certain talent may be more inclined to work with a boutique agency that may appear to tailor more specifically to their needs.
For more than 50 years, Wilhelmina and its predecessors have created long-standing client relationships and business activities related to the fashion model management business that provide exposure to diverse markets and demographics. The Company has also developed a professional workforce with years of talent management experience.
Clients and Customers
As of December 31, 2020, Wilhelmina represented a roster of approximately 1,500 active models and talent. Wilhelmina’s active models include Karolína Kurková, Ana Maria Figuerova, Asya Rosh, Bianca Balti, Francisco Henriques, Carla Piera, Alva Clair, Bojana Krsmanovic, Cyrielle Lalande, Mitchell Slaggert, Anne de Paula, Ottawa Efoe, Rainer Andreesen, Erik Van Gils, Kate King, Parker Gregory, Malik Lindo, Malcolm Jackson, Milena Feuerer, Oumar Diouf, Marianna Dantec, Haejin Lee, Hilda Halilovic, Moon Young, Kailand Morris, Riley Harper, Isabela Grutman, Sabey Dantsira, Lauren Auerbach, Davidson Obennebo, Mikkel Jensen, Sasha Melnychuk, Armando Cabral, Lola Hedrickx, Vanessa Cruz, Tommy Hackett, Serena Marquez, Nadia Lee Cohen, Sofia Tesmenitskaya, Nayara Oliviera, Fernando Lindez, Dachuan Jin, Thais Borges, Gracie Phillips, Ludwig Wilsdorff, Claudio Montiero, and Nathan Owens.
Wilhelmina serves approximately 2,400 external clients. Wilhelmina’s customer base is highly diversified, with no one customer accounting for more than 3% of overall gross revenues. The top 100 clients of Wilhelmina together accounted for approximately 46% of overall gross revenues during 2020.
Governmental Regulations
Certain jurisdictions in which Wilhelmina operates, such as California and Florida, require that companies maintain a Talent Agency License in order to engage in the “talent agency” business. The talent agency business is generally considered the business of procuring engagements or any employment or placement of a talent, where the talent performs in his or her artistic capacity. Where required, the Wilhelmina subsidiaries operating in these jurisdictions maintain Talent Agency Licenses issued by those jurisdictions.
Trends and Opportunities
The Company expects that the combination of Wilhelmina’s main operating base in New York City, the industry’s capital, with the depth and breadth of its talent pool, client roster and its diversification across various talent management segments, together with its name recognition and geographical reach, should make Wilhelmina’s operations more resilient to industry changes and economic swings than those of many of the smaller firms operating in the industry. Similarly, in the segments where Wilhelmina competes with other leading full service agencies, Wilhelmina believes it competed successfully in 2020.
With total advertising expenditures on major media (television, Internet, outdoor, cinema, magazines, and newspapers) of approximately $220 billion in 2020, North America is the world’s largest advertising market. For the fashion talent management industry, including Wilhelmina, advertising expenditures on television, Internet, magazines, and outdoor are of particular relevance.
Strategy
Management’s strategy is to increase value to shareholders through the following initiatives:
•increase Wilhelmina’s brand awareness among advertisers and potential talent;
•expand the women’s high end fashion board;
•expand the Aperture division’s representation in commercials, film, and television;
•expand celebrity and social media influencer representation;
•expand the Wilhelmina network through strategic geographic market development; and
•promote model search contests and events and partner on media projects (television, film, books, etc.).
The Company makes use of digital technology to effectively connect with clients and talent, utilizing video conferencing and other digital tools to best position our team to identify opportunities to grow the careers of the talent we represent and expand our business. The Company has made significant investments in technology, infrastructure, and personnel, to support our clients and talent.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 70 employees, 42 of whom were located in New York City, five of whom were located at Wilhelmina’s Miami office, 10 of whom were located at Wilhelmina’s Los Angeles office, 11 of whom were located at Wilhelmina’s London office and two of whom were located at the corporate headquarters in Dallas.
TRADEMARKS AND LICENSING
The “Wilhelmina” brand is essential to the success and competitive position of the Company. The “Wilhelmina” trademark is vital to the licensing business because licensees pay for the right to use the trademark. The Company has invested significant resources in the “Wilhelmina” brands in order to obtain the public recognition that these brands currently enjoy. Wilhelmina relies upon domestic and international trademark laws, license agreements and nondisclosure agreements to protect the “Wilhelmina” brand name used in its business. Trademarks registered in the U.S. have a duration of ten years and are generally subject to an indefinite number of renewals for a like period on continued use and appropriate application.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
Not applicable to smaller reporting company.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2.PROPERTIES
The Company’s corporate headquarters are currently located at 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1400, Dallas, Texas 75201, which are also the offices of Newcastle Capital Management, L.P. (“NCM”). NCM is the general partner of Newcastle Partners L.P. (“Newcastle”), the Company’s largest shareholder. The Company occupies a portion of NCM’s space on a month-to-month basis at $2,500 per month, pursuant to a services agreement entered into between the parties in 2006.
The following table summarizes information with respect to the material facilities of the Company for leased office space and model apartments:
The Company’s lease on its former New York City offices expired in February 2021. Due to all of the New York staff working remotely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Wilhelmina elected not to renew the lease and vacated the premises. The Company presently expects that all employees based in New York will continue to work remotely until it is deemed safe to return to an office environment. At that time, Wilhelmina expects to lease a new office space for its New York City operational headquarters. The Company believes there is sufficient office space available at favorable leasing terms to replace its former office space and to satisfy any need for future expansion.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On October 24, 2013, a putative class action lawsuit was brought against the Company by former Wilhelmina model Alex Shanklin and others, including Louisa Raske, Carina Vretman, Grecia Palomares and Michelle Griffin Trotter (the “Shanklin Litigation”), in New York State Supreme Court (New York County) by the same lead counsel who represented plaintiffs in a prior, now-dismissed action brought by Louisa Raske (the “Raske Litigation”). The claims in the Shanklin Litigation initially included breach of contract and unjust enrichment allegations arising out of matters similar to the Raske Litigation, such as the handling and reporting of funds on behalf of models and the use of model images. Other parties named as defendants in the Shanklin Litigation include other model management companies, advertising firms, and certain advertisers. On January 6, 2014, the Company moved to dismiss the Amended Complaint in the Shanklin Litigation for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted and other grounds, and other defendants also filed motions to dismiss. On August 11, 2014, the court denied the motion to dismiss as to Wilhelmina and other of the model management defendants. Separately, on March 3, 2014, the judge assigned to the Shanklin Litigation wrote the Office of the New York Attorney General bringing the case to its attention, generally describing the claims asserted therein against the model management defendants, and stating that the case “may involve matters in the public interest.” The judge’s letter also enclosed a copy of his decision in the Raske Litigation, which dismissed that case.
Plaintiffs retained substitute counsel, who filed a Second and then Third Amended Complaint. Plaintiffs’ Third Amended Complaint asserts causes of action for alleged breaches of the plaintiffs' management contracts with the defendants, conversion, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment. The Third Amended Complaint also alleges that the plaintiff models were at all relevant times employees, and not independent contractors, of the model management defendants, and that defendants violated the New York Labor Law in several respects, including, among other things, by allegedly failing to pay the models the minimum wages and overtime pay required thereunder, not maintaining accurate payroll records, and not providing plaintiffs with full explanations of how their wages and deductions therefrom were computed. The Third Amended Complaint seeks certification of the action as a class action, damages in an amount to be determined at trial, plus interest, costs, attorneys’ fees, and such other relief as the court deems proper. On October 6, 2015, Wilhelmina filed a motion to dismiss as to most of the plaintiffs’ claims. The Court entered a decision granting in part and denying in part Wilhelmina’s motion to dismiss on May 26, 2017. The Court (i) dismissed three of the five New York Labor Law causes of action, along with the conversion, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing and unjust enrichment causes of action, in their entirety, and (ii) permitted only the breach of contract causes of action, and some plaintiffs’ remaining two New York Labor Law causes of action to continue, within a limited time frame. The plaintiffs and Wilhelmina each appealed, and the decision was affirmed on May 24, 2018. On August 16, 2017, Wilhelmina timely filed its Answer to the Third Amended Complaint.
On June 6, 2016, another putative class action lawsuit was brought against the Company by former Wilhelmina model Shawn Pressley and others, including Roberta Little (the “Pressley Litigation”), in New York State Supreme Court (New York County) by the same counsel representing the plaintiffs in the Shanklin Litigation, and asserting identical, although more recent, claims as those in the Shanklin Litigation. The Amended Complaint, asserting essentially the same types of claims as in the Shanklin action, was filed on August 16, 2017. Wilhelmina filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint on September 29, 2017, which was granted in part and denied in part on May 10, 2018. Some New York Labor Law and contract claims remain in the case. Pressley has withdrawn from the case, leaving Roberta Little as the sole remaining named plaintiff in the Pressley Litigation. On July 12, 2019, the Company filed its Answer and Counterclaim against Little.
On May 1, 2019, the Plaintiffs in the Shanklin Litigation (except Raske) and the Pressley Litigation filed motions for class certification on their contract claims and the remaining New York Labor Law Claims. On July 12, 2019, Wilhelmina filed its opposition to the motions for class certification and filed a cross-motion for summary judgment against Shanklin, Vretman, Palomares, Trotter and Little, and a motion for summary judgment against Raske.
By Order Dated May 8, 2020 (the “Class Certification Order”), the Court denied class certification in the Pressley case, denied class certification with respect to the breach of contract and alleged unpaid usage claims, granted class certification as to the New York Labor Law causes of action asserted by Vretman, Palomares and Trotter, and declined to rule on Wilhelmina’s motions for summary judgment, denying them without prejudice to be re-filed at a later date. On June 12, 2020, the Plaintiffs in both the Shanklin and Pressley actions filed Notices of Appeal to the Appellate Division, First Department, from those portions of the Class Certification Order on which Wilhelmina prevailed. On June 22, 2020, Wilhelmina filed Notices of Cross-Appeal from those portions of the Class Certification order that granted class Certification and denied summary judgment. The Court has directed the parties to non-binding mediation and that process is underway.
The Company believes the claims asserted in the Shanklin Litigation and Pressley Litigation are without merit and intends to continue to vigorously defend the actions.
In addition to the legal proceedings disclosed herein, the Company is also engaged in various legal proceedings that are routine in nature and incidental to its business. None of these routine proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, are believed likely, in the Company's opinion, to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or its results of operations.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
The Company’s $0.01 par value common stock has traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “WHLM” since September 2014. Previously, the common stock was quoted in the over-the-counter market on the OTC Bulletin Board.
The following table shows the high and low sales prices of the common stock for each calendar quarter of 2019 and 2020.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information with respect to the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020:
Additional information regarding equity compensation can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Issuer Repurchases
During 2012, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program whereby the Company could repurchase up to 500,000 shares of its outstanding common stock. During 2013, the Board of Directors renewed and extended the Company’s share repurchase authority to enable it to repurchase up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock. In 2016, the Board of Directors increased by an additional 500,000 shares the number of shares of the Company’s common stock which may be repurchased under its stock repurchase program to an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares. The shares may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at prices the Company deems appropriate. The program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and may be modified or suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion. The Company did not make any purchases pursuant to the stock repurchase program during the quarter ended December 31, 2020.
Shareholders
As of March 16, 2021 there were 5,157,344 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding held by 437 holders of record.
Dividend Policy
The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock during the past two completed fiscal years. The Board of Directors of the Company expects to continue this policy for the foreseeable future in order to retain cash for the continued expansion of the Company’s business. The Company’s credit agreement with Amegy Bank contains a covenant which could limit its ability to pay dividends on the common stock.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable to smaller reporting company.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations comparing the calendar years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. This section should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto that are incorporated herein by reference and the other financial information included herein and the notes thereto.
OVERVIEW
The Company’s primary business is fashion model management and complementary business activities. The business of talent management firms, such as Wilhelmina, depends heavily on the state of the advertising industry, as demand for talent is driven by digital, mobile, print and television advertising campaigns for consumer goods, e-commerce, and retail clients. Wilhelmina believes it has strong brand recognition, which enables it to attract and retain top agents and talent to service a broad universe of clients. In order to take advantage of these opportunities and support its continued growth, the Company will need to continue to successfully allocate resources and staffing in a way that enhances its ability to respond to new opportunities. The Company continues to focus on tightly managing costs, recruiting top agents, and scouting and developing talent.
Although Wilhelmina has a large and diverse client base, it is not immune to global economic conditions, such as the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company closely monitors economic conditions, client spending, and other industry factors and continually evaluates opportunities to increase the market share of its existing boards and further expand its geographic reach. There can be no assurance as to the effects on Wilhelmina of future economic circumstances, technological developments, client spending patterns, client creditworthiness and other developments and whether, or to what extent, Wilhelmina’s efforts to respond to them will be effective.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic, which spread rapidly throughout the United States and the world. As the global impact of COVID-19 continues, Wilhelmina’s first priority has been to protect the health and safety of its employees and talent. To help mitigate the spread of the virus and in response to health advisories and governmental actions and regulations, the Company has modified its business practices and has implemented health and safety measures that are designed to protect employees and represented talent.
The Company’s revenues are heavily dependent on the level of economic activity in the United States and the United Kingdom, particularly in the fashion, advertising and publishing industries, all of which have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and may not recover as quickly as other sectors of the economy. There have been mandates from federal, state, and local authorities requiring forced closures of non-essential businesses. As a result, beginning in March 2020, the Company saw a significant reduction in customer bookings, resulting in a negative impact to revenue and earnings. During the second half of 2020, bookings increased from the preceding months, but remained significantly below pre-pandemic levels.
In addition to reduced revenue, business operations have been adversely affected by reductions in productivity, limitations on the ability of customers to make timely payments, disruptions in talents’ ability to travel to needed locations, and supply chain disruptions impeding clothing or footwear wardrobe from reaching destinations for photoshoots and other bookings. Many of the Company’s customers are large retail and fashion companies, some of which have had to close stores in the United States and internationally due to the spread of COVID-19. Some of these customers have filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and others may be unable to pay amounts already owed to the Company, resulting in increased current and future bad debt expense. These customers also may not emerge from the pandemic with the financial ability, or need, to purchase Wilhelmina’s services to the extent that they did in previous years. Some model talent have been quarantined with family far from the major cities where Wilhelmina’s offices are located, and also away from where most modeling jobs take place. Many U.S. and international airlines have decreased their flight schedules which, as economic activities resumes and clients increase booking requests, may make it difficult for talent to be available when and where they are needed. The B.1.1.7 variant of the COVID-19 virus, which is believed to spread easily and quickly, has particularly impacted the United Kingdom in recent months, resulting in renewed strict lockdowns that have impacted Wilhelmina’s London operations and are continuing into 2021. While these disruptions are currently expected to be temporary, there continues to be uncertainty around the duration.
Postponed and cancelled bookings related to the pandemic contributed significantly to reduced revenues and increased operating losses during 2020. Although some clients increased activity and bookings during the second half of 2020, rising COVID-19 infection rates in cities where Wilhelmina operates could lead to a slower economic recovery in those markets, and possible additional business closings or local mandates that could slow the recovery in operations there. Since Wilhelmina extends customary payment terms to its clients, even as bookings resume, there is likely to be a lag before significant cash collections return. In the meantime, the Company continues to have significant employee, office rent, and other expenses.
Reduced outstanding accounts receivable available as collateral under the Company’s credit agreement with Amegy Bank has limited its access to additional financing. Net losses in recent periods have also impacted compliance with the financial covenants under the Amegy Bank credit agreement, further impeding the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing. Since the pandemic began, many stock markets, including Nasdaq Capital Market where Wilhelmina’s common stock is listed, have been volatile. A further decline in the Company’s stock price would reduce its market capitalization and could require additional goodwill or intangible asset impairment writedowns.
The Company has taken the following actions to address the impact of COVID-19 and the current recessionary environment, in order to efficiently manage the business and maintain adequate liquidity and maximum flexibility:
- In April 2020, obtained approximately $2.0 million in loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”).
- Eliminated discretionary travel and entertainment expenses.
- Suspended share repurchases. The terms of the Company’s PPP loans restrict share repurchases until 12 months have passed after full repayment.
- Did not renew the leases on three New York City model apartments when the terms ended in June and August, 2020.
- Did not renew the lease on the Company’s New York City office, and required all New York based staff to work remotely.
- Suspended efforts to fill two highly compensated executive roles following the resignation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice President in early 2020.
- Negotiated discounts with various vendors and service providers.
- Effective July 1, 2020, implemented layoffs of approximately 36% of its staff, including employees at each of the Company’s five offices, and effected temporary salary reductions for the remaining staff.
If the quarantines and limitations on non-essential work are re-implemented, or persist for an extended period, the Company may need to implement additional cost savings measures.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes The COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, was passed and signed into law the last week of 2020. The many provisions of the legislation include items such as expenses associated with forgiven PPP loans, business meals deductions, individual tax rebates and unemployment benefits. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new legislation.
BREXIT
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (“UK”) withdrew from the European Union (“EU”). Effective January 1, 2021, new visa requirements and other restrictions limit the freedom of movement for British workers to travel to the EU for work, which may impact the ability of the Company’s London office to book modeling photoshoots that take place in the European Union. It may also be more difficult, in the future, for talent represented by Wilhelmina London, but based in the EU, to travel to London and other parts of the UK for photoshoots and campaign work. New immigration sponsorship or visa requirements could discourage fashion brands, and other clients, from booking as frequently in London, which has historically been an international fashion and modeling hub, and could impact the revenue of the Company’s London operations.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019
In addition to net income, the key financial indicators that the Company reviews to monitor its business are revenues, model costs, operating expenses and cash flows.
The Company analyzes revenue by reviewing the mix of revenues generated by the different boards, by geographic locations and from significant clients. Wilhelmina’s primary sources of revenue include: (i) revenues from principal relationships where the gross amount billed to the client is recorded as revenue when earned and collectability is reasonably assured; and (ii) separate service charges, paid by clients in addition to the booking fees, which are calculated as a percentage of the models’ booking fees and are recorded as revenues when earned and collectability is reasonably assured. See “Critical Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition.”
Wilhelmina provides professional services. Therefore, salary and service costs represent the largest part of the Company’s operating expenses. Salary and service costs are comprised of payroll and related costs and travel, meals and entertainment (“T&E”) to deliver the Company’s services and to enable new business development activities.
Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Operations
Service Revenues
The Company’s service revenues fluctuate in response to its clients’ willingness to spend on advertising and the Company’s ability to have the desired talent available. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a material impact on revenues, as many customers cancelled or postponed bookings while non-essential business activities were temporarily barred in the cities where Wilhelmina operates. Service revenues decreased 44.9% for the year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to cancelled bookings resulting from COVID-19, as well as the closure of the Wilhelmina Studios division in the fourth quarter of 2019 and the closure of the hair and makeup artist division in the second half of 2020.
License Fees and Other Income
License fees and other income include franchise revenues from independently owned model agencies that use the Wilhelmina trademark and various services provided by the Company. License fees decreased by 50.0% for the year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the timing of income from licensing agreements and the closure of Wilhelmina’s Dubai licensee in 2020.
Gross Profit Margin
Gross profit margins were unchanged for the year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2019.
Salaries and Service Costs
Salaries and service costs consist of payroll and related costs and T&E required to deliver the Company’s services to its clients and talent. The 34.4% decrease in salaries and service costs during the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to employee layoffs in July 2020, temporary reductions in staff salaries, the closure of the Wilhelmina Studios division during the fourth quarter of 2019, the closure of the hair and makeup artist division in the second half of 2020, open positions for two executives that resigned in January 2020, and a reduction in share-based payment expense.
Office and General Expenses
Office and general expenses consist of office and equipment rents, advertising and promotion, insurance expenses, administration and technology cost. During the year ended December 31, 2020, office and general expenses decreased 18.1% when compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to reduced rent expense, legal fees, computer expense, utilities, and other office expenses, partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense.
Amortization and Depreciation
Amortization and depreciation expense is incurred with respect to certain assets, including computer hardware, software, office equipment, furniture and certain finance lease assets. Amortization and depreciation expense increased by 4.8% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to new equipment being placed in service, which will be depreciated going forward. Fixed asset purchases (mostly related to technology and computer equipment) totaled approximately $0.2 million in 2020 and $0.4 million in 2019.
Goodwill Impairment
The Company incurred goodwill impairment of $0.8 million and $4.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, due to the Company’s impairment tests indicating that the carrying value of goodwill exceeded the estimated fair value at the end of the fourth quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020.
Corporate Overhead
Corporate overhead expenses include director and executive officer compensation, legal, audit and professional fees, corporate office rent, and travel. Corporate overhead decreased by 14.5% for the year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to lower corporate travel costs and temporary reductions in fees to the Company’s Board of Directors.
Operating Income and Operating Margin
Operating loss of $4.0 million and negative operating margin of 9.5% for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to operating loss of $4.2 million and negative operating margin of 5.5% for the year ended December 31, 2019. The reduced operating loss but increased negative operating margin was primarily due to the combined impact of lower goodwill impairment and operating expenses, as well as decreased revenue net of model costs.
Foreign Currency Loss
The Company realized a gain of $16 thousand from foreign currency exchange during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to loss of $97 thousand from foreign currency exchange during the year ended December 31, 2019. Foreign currency gain and loss is due to fluctuations in currencies from Great Britain, Europe, and Latin America.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to accrued interest on term loans drawn during 2016 and 2018 and on finance leases. See, “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Loss before Income Taxes
Loss before income taxes decreased $0.4 million to a loss of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to a loss of $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the decrease in operating loss and foreign currency exchange expense.
Income Taxes
Generally, the Company’s combined effective tax rate is high relative to reported net income as a result of certain valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, amortization expense, foreign taxes, and corporate overhead not being deductible and income being attributable to certain states in which it operates. The Company operates in four states which have relatively high tax rates: California, New York, Illinois, and Florida. The Company had income tax of $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company reported income tax expense for 2020 despite a pre-tax loss due primarily to a $1.5 million valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance was the result of management’s assessment as of December 31, 2020 that the benefit of the Company’s deferred tax assets would not be realized primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business.
Net Income
The Company had a net loss of $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to net loss of $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the increase in income tax expense, partially offset by the decrease in operating loss.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s cash balance decreased to $5.6 million at December 31, 2020 from $7.0 million at December 31, 2019. The cash balance decreased primarily as a result of $2.0 million net cash used by operating activities and $0.2 million cash used in investing activities, partially offset by $0.6 million cash provided by financing activities, as well as $0.1 million foreign currency effect on cash flow.
Net cash used in operating activities of $2.0 million was primarily the result of net loss and decreases in amounts due to models, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and lease liabilities, partially offset by decreases in accounts receivable and right of use assets. The $0.2 million cash used in investing activities was attributable to purchases of property and equipment, including software and computer equipment. The $0.6 million of cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to receipt of $2.0 million of PPP loans, partially offset by $1.3 million principal payments on the Company’s Amegy Bank term loans, and payments on finance leases.
The Company’s primary liquidity needs are for working capital associated with performing services under its client contracts and servicing its remaining term loan. Generally, the Company incurs significant operating expenses with payment terms shorter than its average collections on billings. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the Company’s cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to reduced bookings and modeling jobs and delayed payments from customers. The Company has taken actions to address the impact of COVID-19 by reducing expenses and has the ability to implement more significant cost savings measures if the current limitations on non-essential work persist for an extended period. Based on 2021 budgeted and year-to-date cash flow information, management believes that the Company has sufficient liquidity to meet its projected operational expenses and capital expenditure requirements for the next twelve months.
Amegy Bank Credit Agreement
The Company has a credit agreement with Amegy Bank which provides a $4.0 million revolving line of credit and previously provided up to a $3.0 million term loan which could be drawn through October 24, 2016. Amounts outstanding under the term loan reduce the availability under the revolving line of credit. The revolving line of credit is also subject to a borrowing base derived from 80% of eligible accounts receivable (as defined) and the Company’s minimum net worth covenant. The revolving line of credit bears interest at prime plus 0.50% payable monthly. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a $0.2 million irrevocable standby letter of credit outstanding under the revolving line of credit and had additional borrowing capacity of $1.7 million. The revolving line of credit presently expires October 24, 2022.
On August 16, 2016, the Company drew $2.7 million of the term loan and used the proceeds to fund the purchase of shares of its common stock in a private transaction. The term loan bore interest at 4.5% per annum and was payable in monthly payments of interest only until November, 2016, followed by 47 equal monthly payments of principal and interest computed on a 60-month amortization schedule. A final $0.6 million payment of principal and interest was paid on October 28, 2020.
On July 16, 2018, the Company amended its credit agreement with Amegy Bank to provide for an additional term loan of up to $1.0 million that could be drawn by the Company through July 12, 2019, for the purpose of repurchases of its common stock. The additional term loan is evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at 5.15% per annum and was payable in monthly installments of interest only through July 12, 2019. Thereafter, the note is payable in monthly installments sufficient to fully amortize the outstanding principal balance in 60 months with the balance of principal and accrued interest due on July 12, 2023.
Amounts outstanding under the additional term loan reduce the availability under the Company’s revolving line of credit with Amegy Bank. On August 1, 2018, the Company drew $0.7 million of the additional term loan and used the proceeds to fund the purchase of 100,000 shares of its common stock in a private transaction. On December 12, 2018, the Company drew $0.3 million of the additional term loan and used the proceeds to partially fund a purchase of 50,000 shares of its common stock in a private transaction. As of December 31, 2020, a total of $0.7 million was outstanding on the term loan.
Reduced outstanding accounts receivable available as collateral under the Company’s credit agreement with Amegy Bank has limited access to additional financing. Net losses in recent periods have also impacted compliance with the financial covenants under the Amegy Bank credit agreement, further impeding the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing. On March 26, 2020, the Company entered into a Thirteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Thirteenth Amendment”) with Amegy Bank. The Thirteenth Amendment amended the minimum net worth covenant to require the Company to maintain tangible net worth (as defined therein) of $4.0 million, determined on a quarterly basis. Under the Thirteenth Amendment, Amegy Bank also waived an existing default caused by the Company’s failure to satisfy the old $20.0 million minimum net worth covenant as of December 31, 2019. On May 12, 2020, the Company entered into a Fourteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Fourteenth Amendment”) with Amegy Bank. The Fourteenth Amendment amended the line of credit to reduce the maximum borrowing capacity to $3.0 million. Under the Fourteenth Amendment, Amegy Bank also waived an existing default caused by the Company’s failure to satisfy both the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio through March 31, 2020 and minimum tangible net worth as of March 31, 2020. The Company obtained waivers from Amegy Bank of its failures to satisfy the fixed charge coverage ratio, the minimum tangible net worth, and the borrowing base for the quarters ended June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020. On November 10, 2020, the Company entered into a Fifteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Fifteenth Amendment”) with Amegy Bank. The Fifteenth Amendment waived the minimum tangible net worth covenant until December 31, 2021, after which a minimum tangible net worth of $1.5 million will be required. The Fifteenth Amendment also revised the calculation of the fixed charge coverage ratio such that it will be tested at December 31, 2020 based on the preceding six month period, tested at March 31, 2021 based on the preceding nine month period, and tested at June 30, 2021 and subsequent periods using a twelve month rolling period.
Paycheck Protection Program Loan
On April 15, 2020, Wilhelmina International, Ltd. (the “Borrower”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, executed a Business Loan Agreement and a Promissory Note each dated April 13, 2020 (collectively, the “Sub PPP Loan Documents”), with respect to a loan in the amount of $1.8 million (the “Sub PPP Loan”) from Amegy Bank. The Sub PPP Loan was obtained pursuant to the PPP. The Sub PPP Loan originally matured on April 13, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. As allowed under the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, the Sub PPP Loan was extended to mature on April 13, 2025 and is payable in 44 equal monthly payments of $43 thousand commencing in August 2021.
On April 18, 2020, the Company executed a Business Loan Agreement and a Promissory Note each dated April 17, 2020 (collectively, the “Parent PPP Loan Documents”), with respect to a loan in the amount of $128 thousand (the “Parent PPP Loan”) from Amegy Bank. The Parent PPP Loan was also obtained pursuant to the PPP. The Parent PPP Loan originally matured on April 17, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. As allowed under the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, the Parent PPP Loan was extended to mature on April 17, 2025 and is payable in 44 equal monthly payments of $3 thousand commencing in August 2021.
Both the Sub PPP Loan and the Parent PPP Loan (collectively, the “PPP Loans”) may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Both the Sub PPP Loan Documents and the Parent PPP Loan Documents contain various provisions related to the PPP, as well customary representations, warranties, covenants, events of default and other provisions. Neither of the PPP Loans is secured by either the Borrower or the Company, and both are guaranteed by the SBA. All or a portion of the PPP Loans may be forgiven by the SBA upon application by the Borrower or the Company, respectively, accompanied by documentation of expenditures in accordance with the SBA requirements under the PPP. In the event all or any portion of the PPP Loans is forgiven, the amount forgiven is applied to outstanding principal, and would be recorded as forgiveness of debt income.
As of December 31, 2020, a total of $2.0 million was outstanding on the PPP Loans.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding a $0.2 million irrevocable standby letter of credit under the Company’s revolving credit facility with Amegy Bank. The letter of credit served as security under the lease relating to the Company’s office space in New York City that expired on February 28, 2021.
Effect of Inflation
Inflation has not been a material factor affecting the Company’s business. General operating expenses, such as salaries, employee benefits, insurance and occupancy costs, are subject to normal inflationary pressures.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs, and expenses and related disclosures. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. In many instances, we could have reasonably used different accounting estimates, and in other instances, changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ significantly from the estimates made by our management. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our future financial statement presentation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be affected.
The following items require significant estimation or judgement. For additional information about our accounting policies, refer to “Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the audited financial statements included herewith.
Revenue Recognition
The Company has adopted the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 establishes a principle for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services.
Our revenues are derived primarily from fashion model bookings, and representation of social media influencers and actors for commercials, film, and television. Our performance obligations are primarily satisfied at a point in time when the talent has completed the contractual requirements.
A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The performance obligations for most of the Company’s core modeling bookings are satisfied on the day of the event, and the “day rate” total fee is agreed in advance when the customer books the model for a particular date. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation based on the estimated relative standalone selling price.
Model Costs
Model costs include amounts owed to talent, including taxes required to be withheld and remitted directly to taxing authorities, commissions owed to other agencies, and related costs such as those paid for photography. Costs are accrued in the period in which the event takes place consistent with when the revenue is recognized. The Company typically enters into contractual agreements with models under which the Company is obligated to pay talent upon collection of fees from the customer.
Share Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value as calculated by the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is recognized on a straight line basis as an expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The determination of the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using an option pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include the estimated volatility over the expected term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates, estimated forfeitures and expected dividends.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the United States, the United Kingdom, and numerous local jurisdictions.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses, unused tax credits, and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be used. Unused tax loss carry-forwards are reviewed at each reporting date and a valuation allowance is established if it is doubtful we will generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize the loss carry-forwards.
In determining the amount of current and deferred income tax, we take into account whether additional taxes, interest, or penalties may be due. Although we believe that we have adequately reserved for our income taxes, we can provide no assurance that the final tax outcome will not be materially different. To the extent that the final tax outcome is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are accounted for at net realizable value, do not bear interest and are short-term in nature. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability to collect on accounts receivable. Based on management’s assessment, the Company provides for estimated uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to the allowance. Balances that remain outstanding after the Company has used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. The Company generally does not require collateral.
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Testing
The Company performs impairment testing at least annually and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The Company sometimes utilizes an independent valuation specialist to assist with the determination of fair value. In accordance with ASU 2017-03, effective January 1, 2020, only a one-step quantitative impairment test is performed, whereby a goodwill impairment loss will be measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill.
Whenever events or circumstances change, entities have the option to first make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment. If impairment is deemed more likely than not, management would perform the goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the goodwill impairment test is not required. In assessing the qualitative factors, the Company assesses relevant events and circumstances that may impact the fair value and the carrying amount of the reporting unit. The identification of relevant events and circumstances and how these may impact a reporting unit’s fair value or carrying amount involve significant judgments and assumptions. The judgment and assumptions include the identification of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, Company specific events and share price trends, an assessment of whether each relevant factor will impact the impairment test positively or negatively, and the magnitude of any such impact
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable to smaller reporting company.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and the related report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm thereon are included in this report at the pages indicated.
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, with the participation of the Company’s management, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (b) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Documents Filed as Part of Report
1.Financial Statements:
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and the related report of the Company’s independent public accountants thereon have been filed under Item 8 hereof.
2.Financial Statement Schedules:
The information required by this item is not applicable.
3.Exhibits:
The exhibits listed below are filed as part of or incorporated by reference in this report.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Wilhelmina International, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-1/A, filed January 30, 2012).
3.2
Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Wilhelmina International, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K, filed July 15, 2014).
3.3
Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Wilhelmina International, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed July 12, 2017).
3.4
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Wilhelmina International, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K, filed May 24, 2011).
4.1
Form of Stock Certificate of Common Stock of Billing Concepts Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-Q, filed May 15, 1998).
10.1
Mutual Support Agreement, dated August 25, 2008, by and among Newcastle Partners, L.P., Dieter Esch, Lorex Investments AG, Brad Krassner and Krassner Family Investments Limited Partnership (incorporated by reference from Annex D to the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed December 22, 2008).
10.2
First Amendment to Mutual Support Agreement, dated October 18, 2010, by and among Newcastle Partners, L.P., Dieter Esch, Lorex Investments AG, Brad Krassner and Krassner Family Investments Limited Partnership (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed October 21, 2010).
10.3
Credit Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2011, by and between Wilhelmina International, Inc. and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed May 5, 2011).
10.4
Promissory Note, dated as of April 20, 2011, by and between Wilhelmina International, Inc. for the benefit of Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed May 5, 2011).
10.5
Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2011, by and between Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed May 5, 2011).
10.6
Guaranty, dated as of April 20, 2011, by the guarantor signatories thereto for the benefit of Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K filed May 5, 2011).
10.7
First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated January 1, 2012, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed January 19, 2012).
10.8
Amended and Restated Line of Credit Promissory Note, dated as of January 1, 2012, by Wilhelmina International, Inc. for the benefit of Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed January 19, 2012).
10.9
First Amendment to Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2012, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed January 19, 2012).
10.10
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 24, 2012, by and between Wilhelmina International, Inc. and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed October 30, 2012).
10.11
Second Amended and Restated Line of Credit Promissory Note, dated as of October 24, 2012, by Wilhelmina International, Inc. for the benefit of Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed October 30, 2012).
10.12
Second Amendment to Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of October 24, 2012, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed October 30, 2012).
10.13
Third Amendment to Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2014, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.30 to Form 10-K filed March 27, 2015).
10.14
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated November 10, 2015, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2015).
10.15
Third Amended and Restated Line of Credit Promissory Note, dated November 10, 2015, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 to Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2015).
10.16
Term Loan Promissory Note, dated November 10, 2015, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.34 to Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2015).
10.17
Third Amendment to Pledge and Security Agreement, dated November 10, 2015, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto and Amegy Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.35 to Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2015).
10.18
Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated May 13, 2016, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., Amegy Bank National Association and the guarantors signatory thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed May 17, 2016).
10.19
Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Line of Credit Note dated November 9, 2016, between Wilhelmina International, Inc. and Amegy Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q filed November 14, 2016).
10.20
Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated May 4, 2017, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto, and Amegy Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed May 8, 2017).
10.21
Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver dated August 1, 2017, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto, and Amegy Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed August 4, 2017).
10.22
Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement and Second Amendment to Line of Credit Note dated October 24, 2017, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., the guarantor signatories thereto, and Amegy Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2017).
10.23
Tenth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated July 12, 2018, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., ZB, N.A. dba Amegy Bank and the guarantors signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed July 17, 2018).
10.24
Promissory Note dated July 12, 2018, by and between Wilhelmina International, Inc. and ZB, N.A. dba Amegy Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K files July 17, 2018).
10.25
Eleventh Amendment to Credit Agreement and Third Amendment to Line of Credit Note dated October 24, 2018, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., ZB, N.A. dba Amegy Bank and the guarantors signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2018).
10.26
Twelfth Amendment to Credit Agreement and Fourth Amendment to Line of Credit Note dated October 24, 2019, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., ZB, N.A. dba Amegy Bank and the guarantors signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed November 12, 2019).
10.27
Thirteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated March 26, 2020, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., ZB, N.A. dba Amegy Bank and the guarantors signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Form 10-K filed March 30, 2020).
10.28
Fourteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement and Fourth Amendment to Line of Credit Note dated May 12, 2020, by and among Wilhelmina International, Inc., ZB, N.A. dba Amegy Bank and the guarantors signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed May 14, 2020).
ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: March 16, 2021
By:
/s/ Mark E. Schwarz
Name Mark E. Schwarz
Title:
Executive Chairman
(principal executive officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 16th day of March, 2021.
/s/ Mark E. Schwarz
Director and
Mark E. Schwarz
Executive Chairman
(principal executive officer)
/s/ James A. McCarthy
Chief Financial Officer
James A. McCarthy
(principal financial officer)
/s/ Clinton J. Coleman
Director
Clinton J. Coleman
/s/ James A. Dvorak
Director
James A. Dvorak
/s/ Horst-Dieter Esch
Director
Horst-Dieter Esch
/s/ Mark E. Pape
Director
Mark E. Pape
/s/ James C. Roddey
Director
James C. Roddey
/s/ Jeffrey R. Utz
Director
Jeffrey R. Utz
WILHELMINA INTERNATOINAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Wilhelmina International, Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wilhelmina International, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Trademarks and Trade Name Impairment Assessment - Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
As reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company’s trademarks and trade name with indefinite lives had a balance of approximately $8.5 million at December 31, 2020. As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company's trademarks and trade name are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company elected not to perform the qualitative assessment (Step 0) in connection with testing its trademarks and trade name for impairment. Instead, a quantitative assessment (Step 1) was performed using the royalty-relief method, which is based upon projected revenues and estimated royalty and discount rates. The determination of the fair value of the trademarks and trade name requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues and royalty and discount rates. As disclosed by management, changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value of the trademarks and trade name and the amount of any impairment expense recognized.
We identified the Step 1 trademarks and trade name impairment assessment as a critical audit matter, as auditing management’s judgments regarding forecasts for future revenue and royalty and discount rates involve a high degree of subjectivity and an increased extent of audit effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the critical audit matter included the following:
•We obtained an understanding of the design and implementation of internal controls over the estimates and assumptions used by management in the determination of the fair value of the trademarks and trade name including controls addressing:
oManagement’s review and approval of key assumptions and inputs, including financial projections, projected growth rates of revenues, capitalization, royalty and discount rates and peer information used in the model.
oThe completeness and accuracy of the model.
•We performed, with the assistance of an auditor employed valuation specialist, substantive procedures on management’s estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair value of the trademarks and trade name including:
oWe evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of future revenues by comparing these forecasts to historical operating results and considered whether such assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
oWe tested the mathematical accuracy of the model, as well as the completeness and accuracy of the information used in it.
oWe evaluated the appropriateness of the methodology used, as well as the capitalization, royalty and discount rate assumptions.
oWe prepared a benchmarking analysis comparing the royalty rate used in the model with third party licensing transactions and developed an independent estimate using an implied royalty rate based on a profit split method.
oWe performed sensitivity analysis of the significant assumptions (i.e. projected revenues, royalty and discount rates) to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the trademarks and trade name that would result from such changes in the assumptions.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2012.
/s/ Baker Tilly US, LLP
Plano, Texas
March 16, 2021
WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands, except share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands, except per share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Note 1. Business Activity
Overview
The primary business of Wilhelmina is fashion model management. These business operations are headquartered in New York City. The Company’s predecessor was founded in 1967 by Wilhelmina Cooper, a renowned fashion model, and became one of the oldest, best known and largest fashion model management companies in the world. Since its founding, Wilhelmina has grown to include operations located in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and London, as well as a network of licensees. Wilhelmina provides traditional, full-service fashion model and talent management services, specializing in the representation and management of models, entertainers, athletes and other talent, to various clients, including retailers, designers, advertising agencies, print and electronic media and catalog companies.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The following is a summary of significant policies used in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Wilhelmina and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Revenue Recognition
The Company has adopted the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 establishes a principle for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized.
Under the revenue standard, the Company recognizes revenues when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company recognizes revenues following the five-step model prescribed under ASU No. 2014-09: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) the Company satisfies the performance obligation.
Service Revenues
Our service revenues are derived primarily from fashion model bookings and representation of social media influencers and actors for commercials, film, and television. Revenues from services are recognized and related model costs are accrued when the customer obtains control of the Company’s product, which occurs at a point in time, typically when the talent has completed the contractual requirement. The Company expenses incremental costs of obtaining a contract as and when incurred because the expected amortization period of the asset that it would have recognized is one year or less or the amount is immaterial. Our performance obligations are primarily satisfied at a point in time when the talent has completed the contractual requirements.
A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The performance obligations for most of the Company’s core modeling bookings are satisfied on the day of the event, and the “day rate” total fee is agreed in advance, when the customer books the model for a particular date. For contracts with multiple performance obligations (which are typically all satisfied within 1 to 3 days), we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation based on the estimated relative standalone selling price.
When reporting service revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent, the Company assesses whether the Company, the model or the talent is the primary obligor. The Company evaluates the terms of its model, talent and client agreements as part of this assessment. In addition, the Company gives appropriate consideration to other key indicators such as latitude in establishing price, discretion in model or talent selection and credit risk the Company undertakes. The Company operates broadly as a modeling agency and in those relationships with models and talents where the key indicators suggest the Company acts as a principal, the Company records the gross amount billed to the client as revenue, when the revenues are earned and collectability is probable, and the related costs incurred to the model or talent as model or talent cost. In other model and talent relationships, where the Company believes the key indicators suggest the Company acts as an agent on behalf of the model or talent, the Company records revenue, when the revenues are earned and collectability is probable, net of pass-through model or talent cost.
License Fees
License fees, in connection with the licensing of the “Wilhelmina” name, are collected on a monthly or quarterly basis under the terms of Wilhelmina’s agreements with licensees. The Company recognizes revenue relating to license fees where payment is deemed to be probable, over the license period.
Contract Assets
Contract assets, which primarily relate to the Company’s right to consideration for work completed but not billed at the reporting date are included within accounts receivable and approximated $0.1 million and $2.1 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Advances to Models
Advances to models for the cost of initial portfolios and other out-of-pocket costs, which are reimbursable only from collections from the Company’s clients as a result of future work, are expensed to model costs as incurred net of such costs that are expected to be recouped.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Accounting estimates and assumptions discussed herein are those that management considers to be the most critical to an understanding of the consolidated financial statements because they inherently involve significant judgments and uncertainties. Estimates are used for, but not limited to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives for depreciation and amortization, income taxes, the assumptions used for share-based compensation, and impairments of goodwill and long-lived assets. All of these estimates reflect management’s judgment about current economic and market conditions and their effects based on information available as of the date of these consolidated financial statements. If such conditions persist longer or deteriorate further than expected, it is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates could change, which may result in future impairments of assets among other effects.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are accounted for at net realizable value, do not bear interest and are short-term in nature. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability to collect on accounts receivable. Based on management’s assessment, the Company provides for estimated uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to the allowance. At December 31, 2020, the Company had an allowance of $1.6 million, and recorded an $0.2 million bad debt charge to earnings. Balances that remain outstanding after the Company has used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. The Company generally does not require collateral.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The balance sheet items that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash balances in several different financial institutions in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and London. Balances in accounts other than “noninterest-bearing transaction accounts” are insured up to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) limits of $250 thousand per institution. At December 31, 2020, the Company had cash balances in excess of FDIC insurance coverage of approximately $2.4 million. Balances in London accounts are covered by Financial Services Compensation Scheme (“FSCS”) limits of £75 thousand or approximately $0.1 million per institution. At December 31, 2020, the Company had cash balances in excess of FSCS coverage of approximately $2.7 million. Concentrations of credit risk with accounts receivable are mitigated by the Company’s large number of clients and their dispersion across different industries and geographical areas. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the expected collectability of all accounts receivable.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization, based upon the estimated useful lives (ranging from two to seven years) of the assets or terms of the leases, are computed by use of the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized based upon the shorter of the terms of the leases or asset lives. When property and equipment are retired or sold, the cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the related accounts and gains or losses, if any, are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined that impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment is charged to operations.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The Company’s intangible assets other than goodwill consist of trademarks and trade name. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but rather to an annual assessment of impairment by applying a fair-value based test. A significant amount of judgment is required in estimating fair value and performing goodwill impairment tests.
At least annually, the Company assesses whether the carrying value of its goodwill and intangible assets exceeds their fair value and, if necessary, records an impairment loss equal to any such excess. The Company sometimes utilizes an independent valuation specialist to assist with the determination of fair value. Each interim reporting period, the Company assesses whether events or circumstances have occurred which indicate that the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an asset impairment charge will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
The process of estimating the fair value of goodwill is subjective and requires the Company to make estimates that may significantly impact the outcome of the analysis. A qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, and overall financial performance. If after performing this assessment, the Company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the Company performs the quantitative test.
Under the quantitative test, a goodwill impairment is identified by comparing the fair value to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
Due to Models
Due to models represents the liability for amounts owed to talent for jobs that have taken place, but where the model or talent fee has not yet been paid, typically due to the Company awaiting receipt of payment from the customer. The due to model liabilities are accrued in the period in which the event takes place consistent with when the revenue is recognized. The Company’s contractual agreements with models typically condition payment to talent upon the collection of fees from the customer.
Advertising
The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 approximated $11 thousand, as compared to $35 thousand of advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax base and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company continually assesses the need for a tax valuation allowance based on all available information.
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements requires a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Also, consideration should be given to de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Tax positions are subject to change in the future, as a number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which an established reserve is audited and finally resolved. Federal tax returns for tax years 2017 through 2019 remained open for examination as of December 31, 2020.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company utilizes share-based awards as a form of compensation for certain officers. The Company records compensation expense for all awards granted. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model and straight-line amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the grants.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements” (“ASC 820”), for financial assets and financial liabilities. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. ASC 820 applies to all financial instruments that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in valuation methodologies into the following three levels:
•Level 1 Inputs-Unadjusted: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2 Inputs-Observable: inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
•Level 3 Inputs-Unobservable: inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or other valuation techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”) which amends the FASB’s prior guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The ASU adds to GAAP an impairment model (known as the “current expected credit loss model”) that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. ASU 2016-13 becomes effective for the Company for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-03 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-03”) effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The ASU requires only a one-step qualitative impairment test, whereby a goodwill impairment loss will be measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. It eliminates Step 2 of the prior two-step goodwill impairment test, under which a goodwill impairment loss was measured by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-03 did not have a material impact on the results of the Company’s goodwill impairment testing procedures.
In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” (“ASU 2018-19”), which clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of the credit losses standard but rather should be accounted for in accordance with the lease standard. ASU 2018-19 became effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2018-19 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”. The standard includes multiple key provisions, including removal of certain exceptions to ASC 740, Income Taxes, and simplification in several other areas such as accounting for a franchise tax that is partially based on income. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting this standard but does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-10 “Codification Improvements.” The new accounting rules improve the consistency of the Codification by including all disclosure guidance in the appropriate Disclosure Section (Section 50) that had only been included in the Other Presentation Matters Section (Section 45) of the Codification. Additionally, the new rules also clarify guidance across various topics including defined benefit plans, foreign currency transactions, and interest expense. The standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2021. The Company does not expect the adoption of the new accounting rules to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Note 3. Debt
The Company has a credit agreement with Amegy Bank which provides a $4.0 million revolving line of credit and previously provided up to a $3.0 million term loan which could be drawn through October 24, 2016. Amounts outstanding under the term loan reduce the availability under the revolving line of credit. The revolving line of credit is also subject to a borrowing base derived from 80% of eligible accounts receivable (as defined) and the Company’s minimum net worth covenant. The revolving line of credit bears interest at prime plus 0.50% payable monthly. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a $0.2 million irrevocable standby letter of credit outstanding under the revolving line of credit and had additional borrowing capacity of $1.7 million. The revolving line of credit presently expires October 24, 2022.
On August 16, 2016, the Company drew $2.7 million of the term loan and used the proceeds to fund the purchase of shares of its common stock in a private transaction. The term loan bore interest at 4.5% per annum and was payable in monthly payments of interest only until November, 2016, followed by 47 equal monthly payments of principal and interest computed on a 60-month amortization schedule. A final $0.6 million payment of principal and interest was paid on October 28, 2020.
On July 16, 2018, the Company amended its credit agreement with Amegy Bank to provide for an additional term loan of up to $1.0 million that could be drawn by the Company through July 12, 2019, for the purpose of repurchases of its common stock. The additional term loan is evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at 5.15% per annum and was payable in monthly installments of interest only through July 12, 2019. Thereafter, the note is payable in monthly installments sufficient to fully amortize the outstanding principal balance in 60 months with the balance of principal and accrued interest due on July 12, 2023.
Amounts outstanding under the additional term loan reduce the availability under the Company’s revolving line of credit with Amegy Bank. On August 1, 2018, the Company drew $0.7 million of the additional term loan and used the proceeds to fund the purchase of 100,000 shares of its common stock in a private transaction. On December 12, 2018, the Company drew $0.3 million of the additional term loan and used the proceeds to partially fund a purchase of 50,000 shares of its common stock in a private transaction. As of December 31, 2020, a total of $0.7 million was outstanding on the term loan.
Reduced outstanding accounts receivable available as collateral under the Company’s credit agreement with Amegy Bank has limited access to additional financing. Net losses in recent periods have also impacted compliance with the financial covenants under the Amegy Bank credit agreement, further impeding the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing. On March 26, 2020, the Company entered into a Thirteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Thirteenth Amendment”) with Amegy Bank. The Thirteenth Amendment amended the minimum net worth covenant to require the Company to maintain tangible net worth (as defined therein) of $4.0 million, determined on a quarterly basis. Under the Thirteenth Amendment, Amegy Bank also waived an existing default caused by the Company’s failure to satisfy the previously required $20.0 million minimum net worth covenant as of December 31, 2019. On May 12, 2020, the Company entered into a Fourteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Fourteenth Amendment”) with Amegy Bank. The Fourteenth Amendment amended the line of credit to reduce the maximum borrowing capacity to $3.0 million. Under the Fourteenth Amendment, Amegy Bank also waived an existing default caused by the Company’s failure to satisfy both the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio through March 31, 2020 and minimum tangible net worth as of March 31, 2020. The Company obtained waivers from Amegy Bank of its failures to satisfy the fixed charge coverage ratio, the minimum tangible net worth, and the borrowing base for the quarters ended June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020. On November 10, 2020, the Company entered into a Fifteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Fifteenth Amendment”) with Amegy Bank. The Fifteenth Amendment waived the minimum tangible net worth covenant until December 31, 2021, after which a minimum tangible net worth of $1.5 million will be required. The Fifteenth Amendment also revised the calculation of the fixed charge coverage ratio such that it will be tested at December 31, 2020 based on the preceding six month period, tested at March 31, 2021 based on the preceding nine month period, and tested at June 30, 2021 and subsequent periods using a twelve month rolling period.
On April 15, 2020, Wilhelmina International, Ltd. (the “Borrower”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, executed a Business Loan Agreement and a Promissory Note each dated April 13, 2020 (collectively, the “Sub PPP Loan Documents”), with respect to a loan in the amount of $1.8 million (the “Sub PPP Loan”) from Amegy Bank. The Sub PPP Loan was obtained pursuant to the PPP. The Sub PPP Loan originally matured on April 13, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. As allowed under the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, the Sub PPP Loan was extended to mature on April 13, 2025 and is payable in 44 equal monthly payments of $43 thousand commencing in August 2021.
On April 18, 2020, the Company executed a Business Loan Agreement and a Promissory Note each dated April 17, 2020 (collectively, the “Parent PPP Loan Documents”), with respect to a loan in the amount of $128 thousand (the “Parent PPP Loan”) from Amegy Bank. The Parent PPP Loan was also obtained pursuant to the PPP. The Parent PPP Loan originally matured on April 17, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. As allowed under the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, the Parent PPP Loan was extended to mature on April 17, 2025 and is payable in 44 equal monthly payments of $3 thousand commencing in August 2021.
Both the Sub PPP Loan and the Parent PPP Loan (collectively, the “PPP Loans”) may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Both the Sub PPP Loan Documents and the Parent PPP Loan Documents contain various provisions related to the PPP, as well customary representations, warranties, covenants, events of default and other provisions. Neither of the PPP Loans is secured by either the Borrower or the Company, and both are guaranteed by the SBA. All or a portion of the PPP Loans may be forgiven by the SBA upon application by the Borrower or the Company, respectively, accompanied by documentation of expenditures in accordance with the SBA requirements under the PPP. In the event all or any portion of the PPP Loans is forgiven, the amount forgiven is applied to outstanding principal, and would be recorded as income.
As of December 31, 2020, a total of $2.0 million was outstanding on the PPP Loans.
As of December 31, 2020, future maturities of long term debt were as follows (in thousands):
Note 4. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was comprised of the following (in thousands):
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, depreciation expense totaled $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Depreciation expense increased primarily due to new assets being placed into service in 2020 and 2019.
Note 5. Leases
The Company is obligated under non-cancelable lease agreements for the rental of office space and various other lease agreements for the leasing of office equipment. These operating leases expire at various dates through 2024. In addition to the minimum base rent, the office space lease agreements provide that the Company shall pay its pro-rata share of real estate taxes and operating costs as defined in the lease agreements. The Company also leases certain corporate office space from an affiliate.
During 2020, $0.1 million of lease payments were classified as amortization expense, and included within cash used in financing activities on the Company’s statement of cash flows. At December 31, 2020, the weighted-average remaining lease term was 1.4 years for operating leases and 3.5 years for finance type leases. At December 31, 2020, the weighted average discount rate was 4.1% for operating leases and 5.2% for finance type leases.
The following table presents additional information regarding the Company’s financing and operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2020, future maturities of lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
The following table summarizes future minimum payments under the current lease agreements:
Rent expense totaled approximately $1.5 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Note 6. Commitments and Contingencies
On October 24, 2013, a putative class action lawsuit was brought against the Company by former Wilhelmina model Alex Shanklin and others, including Louisa Raske, Carina Vretman, Grecia Palomares and Michelle Griffin Trotter (the “Shanklin Litigation”), in New York State Supreme Court (New York County) by the same lead counsel who represented plaintiffs in a prior, now-dismissed action brought by Louisa Raske (the “Raske Litigation”). The claims in the Shanklin Litigation initially included breach of contract and unjust enrichment allegations arising out of matters similar to the Raske Litigation, such as the handling and reporting of funds on behalf of models and the use of model images. Other parties named as defendants in the Shanklin Litigation include other model management companies, advertising firms, and certain advertisers. On January 6, 2014, the Company moved to dismiss the Amended Complaint in the Shanklin Litigation for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted and other grounds, and other defendants also filed motions to dismiss. On August 11, 2014, the court denied the motion to dismiss as to Wilhelmina and other of the model management defendants. Separately, on March 3, 2014, the judge assigned to the Shanklin Litigation wrote the Office of the New York Attorney General bringing the case to its attention, generally describing the claims asserted therein against the model management defendants, and stating that the case “may involve matters in the public interest.” The judge’s letter also enclosed a copy of his decision in the Raske Litigation, which dismissed that case.
Plaintiffs retained substitute counsel, who filed a Second and then Third Amended Complaint. Plaintiffs’ Third Amended Complaint asserts causes of action for alleged breaches of the plaintiffs' management contracts with the defendants, conversion, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment. The Third Amended Complaint also alleges that the plaintiff models were at all relevant times employees, and not independent contractors, of the model management defendants, and that defendants violated the New York Labor Law in several respects, including, among other things, by allegedly failing to pay the models the minimum wages and overtime pay required thereunder, not maintaining accurate payroll records, and not providing plaintiffs with full explanations of how their wages and deductions therefrom were computed. The Third Amended Complaint seeks certification of the action as a class action, damages in an amount to be determined at trial, plus interest, costs, attorneys’ fees, and such other relief as the court deems proper. On October 6, 2015, Wilhelmina filed a motion to dismiss as to most of the plaintiffs’ claims. The Court entered a decision granting in part and denying in part Wilhelmina’s motion to dismiss on May 26, 2017. The Court (i) dismissed three of the five New York Labor Law causes of action, along with the conversion, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing and unjust enrichment causes of action, in their entirety, and (ii) permitted only the breach of contract causes of action, and some plaintiffs’ remaining two New York Labor Law causes of action to continue, within a limited time frame. The plaintiffs and Wilhelmina each appealed, and the decision was affirmed on May 24, 2018. On August 16, 2017, Wilhelmina timely filed its Answer to the Third Amended Complaint.
On June 6, 2016, another putative class action lawsuit was brought against the Company by former Wilhelmina model Shawn Pressley and others, including Roberta Little (the “Pressley Litigation”), in New York State Supreme Court (New York County) by the same counsel representing the plaintiffs in the Shanklin Litigation, and asserting identical, although more recent, claims as those in the Shanklin Litigation. The Amended Complaint, asserting essentially the same types of claims as in the Shanklin action, was filed on August 16, 2017. Wilhelmina filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint on September 29, 2017, which was granted in part and denied in part on May 10, 2018. Some New York Labor Law and contract claims remain in the case. Pressley has withdrawn from the case, leaving Roberta Little as the sole remaining named plaintiff in the Pressley Litigation. On July 12, 2019, the Company filed its Answer and Counterclaim against Little.
On May 1, 2019, the Plaintiffs in the Shanklin Litigation (except Raske) and the Pressley Litigation filed motions for class certification on their contract claims and the remaining New York Labor Law Claims. On July 12, 2019, Wilhelmina filed its opposition to the motions for class certification and filed a cross-motion for summary judgment against Shanklin, Vretman, Palomares, Trotter and Little, and a motion for summary judgment against Raske.
By Order Dated May 8, 2020 (the “Class Certification Order”), the Court denied class certification in the Pressley case, denied class certification with respect to the breach of contract and alleged unpaid usage claims, granted class certification as to the New York Labor Law causes of action asserted by Vretman, Palomares and Trotter, and declined to rule on Wilhelmina’s motions for summary judgment, denying them without prejudice to be re-filed at a later date. On June 12, 2020, the Plaintiffs in both the Shanklin and Pressley actions filed Notices of Appeal to the Appellate Division, First Department, from those portions of the Class Certification Order on which Wilhelmina prevailed. On June 22, 2020, Wilhelmina filed Notices of Cross-Appeal from those portions of the Class Certification order that granted class Certification and denied summary judgment. The Court has directed the parties to non-binding mediation and that process is underway.
The Company believes the claims asserted in the Shanklin Litigation and Pressley Litigation are without merit and intends to continue to vigorously defend the actions.
In addition to the legal proceedings disclosed herein, the Company is also engaged in various legal proceedings that are routine in nature and incidental to its business. None of these routine proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, are believed likely, in the Company's opinion, to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or its results of operations.
Note 7. Income Taxes
The following table summarizes the income tax (expense) benefit for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):
The income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal and state income tax rates to the net income before income tax. The following table shows the reasons for these differences (in thousands):
The Company reported income tax expense of $0.9 million for 2020 despite a pre-tax loss. The expense was primarily due to a $1.5 million valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance was the result of management’s assessment as of December 31, 2020 that it was not more likely than not that the benefit of the Company’s deferred tax assets would be realized primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business. Income tax expense for 2020 was also impacted by foreign taxes in the United Kingdom related to the Company’s London office that are not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. In addition, the $0.8 million goodwill impairment recorded in 2020 resulted in only a $0.1 million tax benefit due to certain permanent tax differences.
The Company reported income tax expense of $0.4 million for 2019 despite a pre-tax loss due primarily to a $0.3 million valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets related to forfeited stock options. Income tax expense for 2019 was also impacted by foreign taxes in the United Kingdom related to the Company’s London office that are not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. In addition, the $4.8 million goodwill impairment recorded in 2019 resulted in only a $0.3 million tax benefit due to certain permanent tax differences.
The following table shows the tax effect of significant temporary differences, which comprise the deferred tax asset and liability (in thousands):
The presentation of net deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented as noncurrent within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. The Company recognizes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. In making this determination, all positive and negative evidence is considered, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies, future taxable income, and taxable income in prior carryback years.
At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company has $4.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of federal net operating loss carryforwards, of which $0.5 million expires in 2037 and the remainder do not expire. Additionally, the Company has $0.5 million of U.S. federal foreign tax credit carryforwards, which expire between 2023 and 2029.
The Company does not believe that it had any significant uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, nor is this expected to change within the next twelve months due to the settlement and expiration of statutes of limitation.
The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017 and introduced significant changes to U.S. income tax law. Effective in 2018, the Tax Act reduced the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% and created new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings and certain related-party payments, which are referred to as the global intangible low-taxed income tax and base erosion tax, respectively. In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions of the Tax Act. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The Company elected to treat any potential GILTI inclusions as a period cost.
Note 8. Treasury Stock
During 2012, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program whereby the Company could repurchase up to 500,000 shares of its outstanding common stock. During 2013, the Board of Directors renewed and extended the Company’s share repurchase authority to enable it to repurchase up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock. In 2016, the Board of Directors increased by an additional 500,000 shares the number of shares of the Company’s common stock, which may be repurchased under its stock repurchase program to an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares. The shares may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at prices the Company deems appropriate. The program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and may be modified or suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion.
From 2012 through December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 1,314,694 shares of common stock at an average price of approximately $4.85 per share, for a total of approximately $6.4 million in repurchases under the stock repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2020, 4,833 shares were repurchased at an average price of $4.04 per share. The repurchase of an additional 185,306 shares is presently authorized under the stock repurchase program.
Note 9. Related Parties
The Executive Chairman of the Company, Mark E. Schwarz, is also the chairman, chief executive officer and portfolio manager of Newcastle Capital Management, L.P. (“NCM”). NCM is the general partner of Newcastle Partners L.P. (“Newcastle”), which is the largest shareholder of the Company.
The Company’s corporate headquarters are located at 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1400, Dallas, Texas 75201, which are also the offices of NCM. The Company occupies a portion of NCM space on a month-to-month basis at $2,500 per month, pursuant to a services agreement entered into between the parties. Pursuant to the services agreement, the Company receives the use of NCM’s facilities and equipment and administrative services from employees of NCM. The Company incurred expenses pursuant to the services agreement totaling approximately $30 thousand for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company did not owe NCM any amounts under the services agreement as of December 31, 2020.
Note 10. Stock Options and Stock Purchase Warrants
During 2015, shareholders of the Company approved the 2015 Incentive Plan which authorized the issuance of up to an 500,000 shares of the common stock pursuant to stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other equity incentives awarded to directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees of the Company. Stock option awards under the 2015 Incentive Plan are granted at the market value of the common stock on the date of grant, have vesting periods of five years, and expire to the extent unexercised after ten years.
Under the 2015 Incentive Plan, no stock option awards were granted during 2020 or 2019. No stock options were exercised during either 2020 or 2019.
The following table shows a summary of stock option transactions under the 2015 Incentive Plan during 2020 and 2019:
Weighted average remaining contractual life was 5.83 years at December 31, 2020 and 6.61 years at December 31, 2019. The exercise price of all stock options was below the market value at both December 31, 2020 and 2019. Therefore, there is no intrinsic value at December 31, 2020 and 2019. Total unrecognized compensation expense on options outstanding as of December 31, 2020 was $8 thousand. Options to purchase 42,000 shares of common stock were exercisable as of December 31, 2020.
The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option granted on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of Wilhelmina’s and similar companies’ common stock for a period equal to the expected term. The risk-free interest rates for periods within the contractual term of the options are based on rates for U.S. Treasury Notes with maturity dates corresponding to the options’ expected lives on the dates of grant. Expected term is determined based on the option term of ten years.
Note 11. Benefit Plans
The Company has established a 401(k) Plan for eligible employees of the Company. Generally, all employees of the Company who are at least twenty-one years of age are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. The 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan, which provides that participants may make voluntary salary deferral contributions, on a pretax basis, between 1% and 100% of their compensation in the form of voluntary payroll deductions, up to a maximum amount as indexed for cost-of-living adjustments. The Company may make discretionary contributions. No discretionary contributions were made during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Note 12. Goodwill
Changes to the carrying amount of Goodwill are as follows (in thousands):
In March 2020 and December 2019, the Company determined there were triggering events, primarily caused by a sustained decrease in the Company’s stock price. The results of the goodwill impairment tests indicated that the carrying values exceeded the estimated fair values. Thus, during March 2020 and December 2019, the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.8 million and $4.8 million, respectively, related to its goodwill. Further declines in the Company’s stock price could result in additional goodwill impairment charges.